Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he is very proud of his teams performances against Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday night despite their Europa League exit.
The Reds trailed 2-0 from the first leg in Russia and after going behind through a goal from Hulk they had to score four times to progress in the competition, yet they only managed three.
A double by Luis Suarez and a Joe Allen strike gave the hosts half an hour to get that crucial fourth, but it was all to no avail as a 3-1 victory was not enough to prevent Liverpool from going out on away goals.
"I thought we were incredible," Rodgers said. "Obviously we were two down from the first leg and to concede again, at 3-0 you might have thought the tie was over and done with.
"But we showed real character and quality tonight to get three goals, and we totally dominated the game, controlled the game and should have had a penalty.
"So we're bitterly disappointed and we lost the battle , but in terms of the war going forward we very much look forward to that. Overall we were fantastic.
"I don't think the players could have done any more, the crowd certainly couldn't have done any more. It was one of those nights. It was a fantastic night but unfortunately we probably lost the tie over there.
"At this level, to have to score that many goals and nearly do it gave me great pride."
Rodgers also refused to criticize Jamie Carragher after his mistake led to the Zenit opener, he said, “There is no blame. It is probably the first mistake I have seen him make since I came to the football club, and that includes every game in training.
"I thought he was brilliant, how he controlled Hulk, who is a real threat with his strength and power. It is one of those unfortunate things.
"I am disappointed for Carra. He is a brilliant professional and deserved to go into the next round and play again, but unfortunately it is not to be."
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