Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has blasted his side after their 2-1 FA Cup loss to Aston Villa on Sunday, according to reports from Sky Sports.

The Reds looked to be heading towards the final when Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring in the 30^th minute, but Cristian Benteke equalized shortly after, before Fabian Delph sealed the win for Villa with a second half strike.

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And Rodgers believes his side lacks the mentality to win big games, and that they need to avoid succumbing to the pressure during the occasion.

"We need now to have the courage and bravery to play better in the big games, because we didn't play well enough today," he said.

"We weren't quite on it. We looked as if maybe the occasion and the energy got to us a bit today, but that's what can happen with young players.

"We have come up short in a few games and it is something we certainly need to improve. We are a team that is growing, but all these experiences will hopefully help.

"We're obviously bitterly disappointed but more with the performance. You can always lose a game but you need to play well and give yourself an opportunity.

"We had some chances but I thought they were better than us today to be honest."

The loss will come as the biggest blow for Steven Gerrard, who was hoping to end his Liverpool career by winning the FA Cup ahead of his summer move to MLS club LA Galaxy.

However, Rodgers still lavished praise on the Kop captain, who he believes had a good game.

"Is it a shame? Absolutely," Rodgers added.

"I think he was doing everything he possibly could today to help the team.

"I thought he was excellent, collectively we did not perform well enough."

Villa will be facing Arsenal, who beat Reading 2-1 after extra time, in the final at Wembley on May 30^th.

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