Brendan Rodgers remains upbeat despite Liverpool's 2-0 defeat in Russia

Brendan Rodgers: We can still go through

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has not given up hope of reaching the last 16 of the Europa League after seeing his side lose their first leg clash against Zenit St Petersburg in Russia 2-0.

Second-half goals from Hulk and Sergei Semak sealed the defeat, leaving the Reds with an uphill task at Anfield next week.

Rodgers said: "If we can be solid defensively as a group, we know we can create the chances to score.

"The next goal is vital for us, if we get the next goal it opens up the tie.

"We're very disappointed to have lost the game. After that opening spell, when they had too much space, I thought it was a near-on perfect away performance.

"If we can be solid defensively as a group, we know we can create the chances to score."
Brendan Rodgers

"We had chances to score and should have been in front, and we were defensively solid.

"So to concede the two goals in the last 20 minutes, especially the second one, was disappointing.

"Luis Suarez could have had a hat-trick by half-time but it just wasn't his night but he's been brilliant for us all season."