Rafa wants reaction

The boss is demanding a massive improvement from his players for tomorrow's Europa League game in Lille after Monday's woeful half-arsed display against Wigan.

"We are looking for a reaction. We know sometimes it's not easy when you have a game so soon - but it can be very positive. Hopefully we'll have the reaction and show on the pitch we are a strong side," he said.

"Outside the pitch we have to keep focused and on the pitch we have to show we're ready to win and show we have the desire.

"We were talking about this today. The players know we weren't doing well and we have to improve.

"We have showed character and been strong in defence (in recent months) but we didn't show these things in the first half at Wigan.

"Everyone knows it was a bad performance and we missed an opportunity. They know - they realise they didn't play well. And that's the positive thing - they know and so hopefully they can improve for the next game.

"Sometimes you have these games but the problem we have is that we don't have too much room for mistakes, so we have to perform now."