Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has spoken out against criticisms of his team selection for his club’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
Prior to the match Liverpool fans were up in arms regarding Rodgers’ selection, with many baffled by his decision to use fringe players against the La Liga giants. However, even though they predictably lost to Madrid, Liverpool put on an admirable showing and only conceded one goal, despite many believing that they were going to be completely overwhelmed by their opponents.
Speaking to Sky Sports following the game, Rodgers defended his choice of team, saying: “We knew we had a real tough game tonight, but I didn’t rest players for Saturday. I picked what I thought could maybe – on the back on Saturday’s game against Newcastle – get the result for us tonight, and I think the performance showed that.
“We showed great courage. The players that came into the team were excellent and we were unfortunate not to get a result against a team that is the leading team in the world at the moment.
“I had every confidence that the players we chose tonight would do well and I don’t think any other players I could have put in tonight could have put in the performance we put in.”
While Liverpool fought tooth and nail to stay in the game, the loss still means that they need to beat both Ludogorets on November 26th and Basel on December 9th to make it past the group stages of the Champions League. For now, though, Rodgers has a huge game against Chelsea on Saturday (November 8th) to focus on.
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