Brendan Rodgers proud of Liverpool despite Europa exit

Liverpool beat Zenit 3-1 in the Europa League last night. But the win didn’t help the Reds as Zenit went through to the next round because of the away goals rule.

A Jamie Carragher mistake cost Liverpool the away goal but Rodgers doesn’t have any hard feelings towards his player. Instead, he is very proud of his team because of the fighting spirit they displayed in the match.

Hulk made full use of the mistake by Carragher to put Zenit ahead. Luis Suarez scored from two freekicks and a goal from Joe Allen gave some hope for Liverpool fans.

The Liverpool manager said: “I am very proud of the club and the players even though we lost the tie. The club and players showed why we are part of the world’s greatest football family. The atmosphere and what they put in to come back from a three-goal deficit and put in that effort was a phenomenal show.

“I thought we should have had a penalty too. The crowd and players couldn’t do more. It was a fantastic night but we probably lost the tie over in Russia. To have to score that many goals and nearly do it gives me so much pride.”

Carragher was playing his 150th and last European appearance for Liverpool and he certainly didn’t have a performance to remember. However, the manager said: “There is no blame on Carra. That is the first mistake I think I have seen him make since I arrived at the club and that includes training. I thought he was brilliant tonight in how he controlled Hulk. It was just one of those unfortunate things but I am disappointed for him because he’s a brilliant professional and he deserved to go through.”

Rodgers also commented on the ongoing Premier League. “Our season was never going to finish until the final whistle against QPR,” he said. “This group is growing all the time and the performance to dominate a team of this ilk was incredible. We just have to continue going forward as we have from the turn of the year. You can see the players’ hunger and determination to do that.”