Liverpool boss defends decision to field weakened team against Real Madrid
Brendan Rodgers says 1-0 defeat at Bernabeu was an "excellent performance" after resting key players
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers defended his team selection for Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League defeat at Real Madrid, saying his side deserved more from the game after what he called “an excellent performance”.
Rodgers made a host of changes from the side that lost to Newcastle United in the Premier League at the weekend, leaving captain Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Mario Balotelli on the bench.
Karim Benzema scored the winner for Real in the 27th minute at the Bernabeu and while Liverpool barely threatened, they did at least manage to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo from netting the goal that would have equalled the Champions League scoring record of 71 held by Raul.
While the defeat leaves Liverpool in a difficult position with two group games remaining, victories at Ludogorets and at home to FC Basel should see them through to the last 16.
“We defended very, very well when we had to against a team that is the best in the world at the moment,” Rodgers said.