London, March 23 (IANS): Brendan Rodgers admits Liverpool's target of Champions League qualification is a 'big challenge' after Sunday's 1-2 defeat to Manchester United in an English Premier League match, but maintains belief in his side's chances.

The loss at the Anfield stadium that saw Steven Gerrard sent off for a stamp on Ander Herrera just 38 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute, leaves Liverpool five points behind fourth-placed United.

"It's a big challenge, but when I looked at the 10 games that were remaining it was always going to be difficult to win all 10 of them," Rodgers was quoted as saying by goal.com on Monday.

"We'd hoped it wouldn't be in this game against a rival but it's still very much possible."

Since a 0-3 defeat to United in December, Rodgers' side picked up 33 points from an unbeaten 13 games to give themselves a chance of a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League next season.

He is now urging his players to repeat that feat as the season comes to a close, reports goal.com.

Rodgers continued: "It's five points the difference between us and them, we've now got to recover and use this as the same springboard as we did in the last game.

"We went on an incredible run that's at least given us the opportunity and the chance. We'll go away now and look to get a victory in our next game."