A defiant Brenden Rodgers hit back after being slammed for his team selection against Madrid.
The Liverpool manager was criticised for fielding a side that was unbefitting of Liverpool by Gary Lineker, who even suggested the Irishman had thrown in the towel.
Liverpool were without Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Dejan Lovren. The team still performed with courage and almost produced a result at the Bernebau.
Rodgers, who heard the fans singing his name at the end, said: “I think the performance is my answer. Gary is a figure I respect, been a top player, but never been a manager so does not know what you’re up against with planning and training.
“My words were played out by team, far from throwing in the white towel. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in every one of his last 11 games so my players put in a performance that did befit this club with the quality and spirit.
“This is what happens, I’m not worried at all – as the coach and manager you are open to criticism whether it is deserved or not – I do not worry what people think or say, I worry about my players. This was my idea. The supporters backed us brilliantly.
“I go with my gut feeling and that was that the performance on Saturday was not as good as what we wanted. We have seven games in 21 days and because we cannot train so much we have to develop in the games. I did not see this as the big showpiece game where we have to play the big names.”
And Rodgers suggested he picked the team because he felt it was the best chance of winning after such a disappointing display at Newcastle by the more experienced players at the weeked.
“Tonight gives me food for thought. It was not players rested as such, we played a team to get the result and we nearly did get the result.
“We have not been consistent enough to have guaranteed starters. I had to change the team after the performance against Newcastle. I have to show trust as a coach and a manager and now we have to be focused on Chelsea and pick a team to win that game. “
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