Rush proud of LFC Legends' efforts
Ian Rush has spoken of his pride at managing Liverpool FC Legends during their first official match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
A Reds side featuring the likes of Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler, Luis Garcia and Michael Owen gave a fantastic account of themselves against Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos and Co, though they were edged out 4-2 by the Spanish giants.
After the game, Rush expressed delight at the way his side went about their job in front of a packed crowd in Madrid.
"The crowd were fantastic and at the end of the day, the way we played, we were absolutely fantastic in the first half," Rush told Liverpoolfc.com.
"To go 2-0 up - and it should have been 3-0 with a good shout for a penalty - we were doing well, but that's when you know you are playing Real Madrid when they came back.
"I don't know if the first one they got was a penalty or not but it put them back in the game then.
"I made changes at half-time because everyone wants to play as the lads have given up their free time to come and play here.
"In the second half we got a little bit tired, they got another penalty and an offside goal, so what can you say?
"The lads did really well and it was great to see them perform well for the club, for such a good cause so let's hope there's more to come."
The club's all-time record goalscorer delighted the Liverpool supporters in the crowd when he brought himself on as a late substitute to make a first ever appearance at the famous stadium.
"Now I can finally say I have played at the Bernabeu," added Rush.
"It was the first time I have played and managed there, but the lads gave their all.
"You are there to entertain so it's disappointing, because we came to win, but when you look at some of the players Real Madrid had out it's not a bad performance, and we're looking forward to the return game at Anfield.
"That's what it's all about, raising money for the community and the Real Madrid Foundation. It was great to see the amount of supporters who came, but they only came because of the players who were out on the pitch from both Real Madrid and Liverpool.
"From my point of view it was great to get on the pitch and a great privilege to manage the club but the lads did really well, they give up their free time to do this, it was for a great cause and let's hope there's more to come."