BR: We showed character
Brendan Rodgers praised the character his young Liverpool side showed in securing a late 5-3 victory over Young Boys in their Europa League group-stage opener on Thursday night.
Substitute Jonjo Shelvey struck twice in the final 15 minutes to earn the Reds three points from a match in which they had previously led twice and trailed in the second half.
Afterwards, the boss emphasised the challenge the Swiss side provided and the reaction of his team to that task.
"I've got to give credit to the players, I thought they were absolutely magnificent. We had a very, very young side," said Rodgers.
"I think everyone saw Tottenham come here a couple of years ago in the Champions League and what a difficult game they had.
"I thought the boys were brilliant. It was a really tough game for us. The biggest thing we showed tonight, alongside our quality, was our character.
"We've got a lot of young players within the group but to come from behind away from home in a European game makes me really proud. We ran out very good winners of the game and it was a fantastic game to be involved in."
The Northern Irishman was keen to credit the team as a whole but did pinpoint youngsters Andre Wisdom, who scored on his debut for the club, and Suso as impressive performers.
"I thought all the young players that came in were absolutely fantastic, the likes of Andre getting his first game," Rodgers continued. "You can see he's quick, he's strong and he's good in the opponent's box, scored a terrific goal.
"I thought young Suso was outstanding as well, a real talent and the type of player I like. He's exciting and once he adds goals to his game he's going to be outstanding.
"I thought Jamie Carragher led from the back with his experience, but the whole team was magnificent and the tactical discipline of the game was very good.
"We're disappointed with the goals, they were poor goals from our point. But to score five in a game like this was really special."
Much had been made of the youthful squad Rodgers selected for the tie in Switzerland, but the 39-year-old preferred to focus on the 'trust' he has in the budding prospects.
"I don't see it as courageous or brave, I just trust in my players," explained Rodgers. "They are still coming to grips with how I want to play, we've got a long way to go. The most important characteristic is our fight.
"From all the senior players to the younger players, we're very much one club, and they have seized the opportunity today, and the young players did in particular.
"So perfect result, good performance, we'll reflect and learn from that also, which is important. It's great to get three points from the first game."