Rodgers: We didn't get going quickly

Switzerland and St. Jakob-Park was the setting for the Reds' second European fixture of the campaign - and the aim was a win to follow up the victory over Ludogorets Razgrad on the opening matchday.

That was not the case, however, as a strike by Marco Streller on 52 minutes proved the decisive contribution of an encounter that lacked rhythm and precision from either team.

Steven Gerrard spoke honestly about his disappointment with the level of performance from the travellers immediately after the final whistle, and the captain's sentiments were quickly echoed by the manager.

"I have replicated that in the changing room," Rodgers reflected at his post-match press conference. "The goal we conceded was far too soft - and it's not the first one.

"It was a very disappointing goal to concede after all the work, all the talking and all the training ground work that we do on them.

"We never got going in the first 25 minutes; we gave it away too easily and didn't have the passing combinations. Then we grew into the game and were probably the better side. We started to distribute the ball better and create some chances.

"We started the second half well and went close on a couple of occasions. Then we conceded a soft goal and it's difficult away from home.

"This is a club that has had a great record against English teams. But tonight was an opportunity for us to at the very least get a point from the game."

In the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge, summer signing Mario Balotelli again spearheaded the attack, with his closest effort at registering on the scoresheet a powerful free-kick blast from fully 35 yards.

"I think he worked hard. It's obviously his job to create and score goals, and he's working," began the boss, asked for an assessment of the Italian's display.

"He went close with a free-kick where he had a great shot. He knows his job is to create and score goals, and he's working hard to get into the areas. That's what we're asking of him."

Next up in the Champions League for the Reds is the giant prospect of back-to-back meetings with holders Real Madrid, initially at Anfield before a journey to the Santiago Bernabeu in Spain.

Rodgers insisted that Liverpool's target of progression to the tournament's knockout stages will not be altered by the result in Basel and explained why mentality will be lifted for the huge double-header.

He concluded: "It was always going to be a group that would probably go right to the end - certainly for the second position.

"We're under no illusion that the next couple of games are tough games. But our objective is still to qualify, get through and into the knockout stages. That's still the focus for us.

"It was a disappointing result for us tonight, but our next game will be a great occasion for us at Anfield. We're really looking forward to that now because in this competition in particular your home games are very important.

"No matter who it is, we will go into the game with a positive mindset. Hopefully at the end of the group stage, we'll qualify - because that's our aim."