Reds not out of their Europa League contest with Russian champions, claims manager.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that the Reds are still capable of advancing to the last 16 in the Europa League, despite the club’s 2-0 loss at Zenit St Petersburg in the first leg of their round-of-32 tie on Thursday.
Check in to Liverpool vs Zenit
The Merseysiders were overcome yet again by two late goals in Russia, however, Rodgers believes that his side can overturn that deficit in the return leg at Anfield on Thursday.
“There is no way the tie is over – we are more than capable of getting the goals back,” said Rodgers in his post-match press conference.
“What gives us hope is that we created enough to win the game.
“He [Luis Suarez] could have had a hat-trick by half-time. It wasn’t his night but he’s been brilliant for us all season.”
Meanwhile, Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti also warned his side that the contest was far from over, saying: “During the first half we had a number of opportunities – as well as our opponents – and in the second half we managed to convert those opportunities into goals.
“The tie is far from over. We’re going to Anfield. It’s the place where the hosts’ fans become monsters, the players become really up for the fight.”
COMMENTS