LIVERPOOL HAD ONLY been out of the Champions League for a few minutes before Brendan Rodgers was focusing on lifting his team in order to try and salvage their season.

It was their first participation in Europe’s top tournament since the 2009/10 season but like that year, Liverpool’s interest ended in the group stage after they could only draw 1-1 at home to Basel.

Rodgers is hopeful that if Liverpool can reignite their top four challenge, they will be better equipped to progress in Europe.

“It’s been five-odd years since we’ve been here and the players deserved the opportunity to be here,” Rodgers said to ITV.

“We now have to fight going forward to be here next season. Our performance level needs to improve over the course of the season but we are not too far off the top 4. And then we have a chance and we will be better in it next season.”

One of the game’s key moments was the red card for Liverpool substitute Lazar Markovic for this raised arm.
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Rodgers didn’t hold back when asked whether he thought the red card was warranted.

“I thought it was an awful decision,” Rodgers said.

“I though the referee was disappointing to say the least. Markovic came on and was bright, he made a difference to the team and was dynamic. He threw his arm up but if that was a sending off you are going to have two or three sending offs a game. I don’t even know if he’s seen it but I think he saw the player hold his face and lie down but there is no way that was a sending off.”

- Originally published 00.05

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