Rodgers: We have a fighting chance
Brendan Rodgers believes a special Anfield atmosphere can inspire his players to claw back a 2-0 deficit when they meet Zenit St Petersburg next week.
The Reds had chances to clinch a crucial away goal in Russia on Thursday night; however, an unstoppable effort from Hulk followed by a simple tap-in by substitute Sergei Semak sealed victory for the home side.
The result now means Liverpool must win by a three-goal-or-greater margin in exactly a week's time if they are to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League.
"The next goal in the tie is vitally important," Rodgers told his post-match press conference.
"What gives us great hope is that we created enough tonight to win the game. The atmosphere at Anfield will be fantastic - as it always is - and the fans will get behind the players.
"If we can get [the next goal], it can create momentum for us. There's no way the tie is over.
"It's obviously disappointing to have lost the game but we're more than capable of getting goals back and that is something we will fight to do next week."
Luis Suarez went close to finding the net for Liverpool on several occasions on a night when much of the action was end-to-end at the Petrovsky Stadium.
Zenit created their share of opportunities in the first-half but they clinched an opening goal, on 69 minutes, just as the visitors seemed to be settling into the game and establishing some form of foothold in the tie.
"In six to 12 months we won't be making those mistakes," said Rodgers. "This is a group that is growing and has come together. And this is part of our growing pains as a group.
"We've put in some terrific performances this season and not always got the results. We have to be more clinical and that is something that, over the coming months, will certainly take place.
"For the first five or 10 minutes their winger Danny was giving us a problem in behind the midfield. Once we organised that, I thought we looked solid and we were a threat going forward.
"Arguably, we could have been leading at half-time. It was important for us to start the second half well and that is what we did. Going into the last 20/25 minutes, I thought we could go on and win the game."
The manager opted to withdraw Raheem Sterling in order to introduce Lucas Leiva on 78 minutes with the Reds trailing at 2-0.
And when questioned afterwards about his decision to make the switch, Rodgers replied: "I was just making sure that we stayed in the tie.
"That was the important thing for us, as much as we wanted to maybe go on [and attack]. There's another game and at 2-0 you can retrieve something.
"The idea was to try and keep it at what it was, knowing that the tie is retrievable gives us a fighting chance."
Finally, the manager was keen to pay a special tribute to the warm reception both he and his players received from the people of St Petersburg during their time in Russia.
He said: "I'd read and heard a lot about Zenit St Petersburg - the club, the supporters and the city - before we arrived here as a football club.
"I can only thank the people of St Petersburg for their hospitality shown towards our football club and how we have been received here. It's been fantastic.
"There were no problems tonight at the game - it was a wonderful match and a terrific atmosphere. On behalf of Liverpool Football Club, I'd like to thank the people of St Petersburg and Russia."