Saturday, 25th October, 2014



Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed a "big effort" from his team and a "great response" from his men against Hull City today.

The Reds went into the Premier League match at Anfield on the back of a 3-0 home defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.




They played out a frustrating 0-0 draw with Hull, with Rodgers feeling his side were unlucky not to win after dominating possession and shots on goal.

 


"I thought it was a great response for us from the game in midweek", he explained to a press conference.

relatedNewsStory

"We were maybe a bit slow in the first half but in the second half we were outstanding – the energy and effort we put into the game, and we created chances.

"It was a game that we should have had three points from. We had enough chances; I'm frustrated that we didn't win the game, but performance-wise I'm happy with our reaction to the midweek game."

And Rodgers believes all Liverpool were missing against the Tigers was the final touch which would have seen the ball hit the back of the net, with striker Mario Balotelli missing two golden opportunities, Dejan Lovren having an effort cleared off the line and Steven Gerrard flashing a shot past the post.

Rodgers said on Balotelli: "Goalscorers will tell you they get their energy and confidence from the ball hitting the back of the net. It's just not quite happening for him in terms of that, but all I ask is that they do their best.

"You saw today's reaction, he worked very hard and he was just unlucky we didn't get the goal. He'll be disappointed he hasn't scored. But it was a big effort by the team physically – we just couldn't find the final touch."

 


Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.