Rodgers on Gomel and Cole injury
Brendan Rodgers spoke of his immense pride at winning his first game in charge of the Reds following a 1-0 victory in Gomel.
It was the manager's first competitive game at the helm and a fantastic Stewart Downing strike ensured Liverpool take a vital lead into next Thursday's second leg at Anfield.
"I'm pleased and it was an excellent test for us," Rodgers told his post-match press conference.
"Gomel are well into their season so for us it was a great game for our fitness, but it was also competitive.
"It was very important to get off to a good start and when you win any game it's always important. I was delighted for the players.
"It was really special for me as it was the first competitive game. It wouldn't have mattered where the game was, whether it was in Belarus or Brazil, it's an honour for me to manage the club and I'm very proud to lead the players and be their manager.
"Hopefully this can be the start of many more wins and positive games for us."
Rodgers admitted his players had to work hard for their victory.
He added: "It was difficult and Gomel's tactical idea for the game was to sit back, close the spaces and play on the counter attack. You have to be patient. My message to the players at half-time was continue to be patient and the spaces will start to open up as Gomel tire.
"After an hour we changed the structure of our midfield so we could play Stevie ahead of the two controlling midfielders.
"As the game wore on we started to get more space and our quality began to show through."
The boss was also asked about Downing's display after he netted the all-important winner.
He added: "I was delighted for Stewart Downing. It was a wonderful strike and that's why we put him on that side so he could come in and shoot."
Rodgers also gave an update regarding the fitness of Joe Cole and Glen Johnson, who both left the field.
"Glen was only scheduled to play 45 minutes anyway so he was taken off as planned," added the manager.
"Joe just felt his hamstring a little bit. I don't think it is totally pulled and it was just a little bit of tightness so we had to take him off. It disrupted our plans a little bit but it was better to have him come off rather than risk injury."
Meanwhile, Rodgers revealed that Daniel Agger's absence from the travelling party was fitness related.
"The plan was always for Daniel to stay behind," he said. "Everyone knows his history of injuries. He came back to pre-season training after everyone else and is still not up to speed.
"He is fit, but I have to make sure he is up to speed before he plays, because everyone knows his history with injuries."
Back to matters on the pitch, one local journalist asked Rodgers how long it would take him to implement his philosophies on the squad.
He said: "How you play the game is based on the players you have. At this moment in time our squad isn't complete and we still have work to do.
"It won't happen overnight and it's going to take time. What I was really pleased with tonight, which is a vital ingredient for success, is desire and commitment. For a lot of the players it was their first 90 minutes so when you have that you have something to build from.
"We have a lot of improvement to make but I am excited in the future we will make those improvements."
Rodgers also reserved special praise for the people of Belarus who gave the squad a tremendous welcome during their stay in Gomel.
He added: "I want also to say a big thank-you to the people of Gomel and Belarus. We were given a fantastic welcome and the hospitality has been great. On behalf of myself, the players and Liverpool FC I want to say a big thank-you.
"I thought their crowd was fantastic and the atmosphere was excellent. It was just like in England where the passion for football is amazing."
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