Liverpool defender Kolo Toure: Steven Gerrard is 'sad' but will cope with FA Cup setback

Liverpool centre-back Kolo Toure has admitted Steven Gerrard is feeling down following the club's disappointing FA Cup elimination at the hand of Aston Villa on Sunday 19 April but claims the captain has enough experience to deal with the situation.

Having announced his departure to MLS side LA Galaxy at the end of the season, Gerrard had the chance to put an end to his Anfield career in a sensational form by lifting the club's eighth FA Cup, with the Wembley final on 30 May coinciding with the 35<sup>th birthday of the Reds captain.

But Aston Villa ruined Gerrard's dream after beating manager Brendan Rodgers' side 2-1 at Wembley to go through the final, where they will face current holders Arsenal.

Even though Philippe Coutinho gave Liverpool the lead in the first-half, Aston Villa came from behind to win the tie thanks to the goals of Christian Benteke and captain Fabian Delph.

Gerrard had a chance to level the game later in the second-half but his header was cleared off the line.

And Toure, who watched the game from the bench, says the team are especially sorry to the supporters and the "sad" captain.

"He is fine. Of course he is sad, like all the dressing room, but he has been in this game for a long time and he knows how to deal with these situations," Toure said.

"You feel bad. It is always difficult when you lose a semi-final like that. Collectively we were not very good. Villa really fought and gave everything to win the game.

"Of course, we wanted to do very well for the last game of Stevie for the club but at the end of the day, we wanted to do it for the fans because this club deserves to have a trophy."