Brendan Rodgers on Real Madrid: I knew what I was doing

Posted by

Brendan Rodgers on Real Madrid: we will still qualify…

Brendan Rodgers has defended his decision to make seven changes to his Liverpool team for the 1-0 Champions League defeat against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Liverpool lost their third successive European game to leave them needing back-to-back wins from their final two fixtures to secure qualification from the group stage.

But Rodgers, who is quoted by the Daily Mail, was full of praise for his team: “Real Madrid have been scoring threes and fours – to keep it (1-0) shows the quality of our performance.

“We had the courage to play. We’re very proud of the team and showed wonderful composure to play in such a wonderful arena.”

Rodgers’ decision to drop seven first-teamers for the Group B clash shocked many but the 41-year-old insisted their was a plan, telling reporters: “I knew what I was doing to get the result and we nearly got that. I’m disappointed with result but performance-wise the players did well and the young players are adapting.”

Needing to win their final two group matches, Rodgers responded swiftly when asked if Liverpool had a chance of progressing.

“Every chance,” the Northern Irishman said. “That’s what we looked at; we felt we needed to win at Ludogorets away and then it comes to the last game at home to Basel. We’ve got some important games before that but it’s in our hands.”

More Stories Brendan Rodgers Real Madrid