Topics: Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers, Aston Villa, FA Cup
He remembered the lost Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea. He felt sorry Gerrard won't have a fairytale ending with Liverpool.

A 2-1 win by Aston Villa over Liverpool was all that was needed to knock the Reds out of the FA Cup at Wembley on Sunday. Now Brendan Rodgers is accusing his team for a lack of attitude when it comes to big games, having also lost against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup semi-final.

It all started last year when they were unable to beat Basel at home for a chance to extend their Champions League run. A tie was not enough to give Liverpool more life in Europe's most prestigious club competition. A couple of months later, in January, Chelsea would eliminate them from another shot at winning a trophy.

Chelsea knocked Liverpool out of the Capital One CupChelsea knocked Liverpool out of the Capital One CupWhile they seemed to recover in the Premier League and look for a miracle to win the domestic competition, things recently changed. Losing against Arsenal and Manchester United has most likely ended their run for such miracle.

Despite having a considerably young squad, Rodgers does not think that is an excuse for his team's performance in big games. For him, it is just a matter to learn to play on the big stage.

"We've come close now in two competitions but failed to make the steps," Rodgers said. "There will be disappointment over the next few days but we now have to get ready for our next league game."

Liverpool tries to hold on to a top-5 finish in the EPLLiverpool tries to hold on to a top-5 finish in the EPL

Whatever the reason behind the loss against Villa was, Rodgers believes there are lessons to be learned. They can use this result to fuel their motivation for similar opportunities they may face in the future.

"We need to have the courage and bravery to play better in the big games. We looked as if the occasion and the energy got to us a wee bit. But that's what can happen sometimes."

Having not reached the final, Steven Gerrard will go to the Major League Soccer without winning a single trophy in his last season with Liverpool. Rodgers know how big it would have been to give Stevie a chance to lift some silverware in his farewell with The Reds.

"Is it a shame? Absolutely," the coach claimed. "He did everything he possibly could to help the team. I thought he was excellent today."

Gerrard's efforts were not enough for Liverpool to make it to the finalGerrard's efforts were not enough for Liverpool to make it to the final