Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he is "disappointed" to see his side exit the Europa League following last night's penalty shootout defeat against Besiktas.
The Reds held a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg in Turkey, although Tolgay Arslan's strike 20 minutes from time levelled things up in the round-of-32 tie at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
Having missed several big chances in the first half, Liverpool were made to pay when Besiktas staged a late rally before going on to win on pens to advance through to the next round.
"We are disappointed to go out in the manner we did," Rodgers is quoted as saying by The Guardian. "I thought we created lots of opportunities in the first half to make it really difficult for them, we defended very well, limited them to very few chances, but we were punished for the one where we were too deep.
"We sat off just a fraction and they scored. I am proud of the team, it was a fantastic atmosphere. We are disappointed having put so much into the game. I think up until they scored we were quite comfortable in the game. We were away from home and the objective was to keep a clean sheet."
Liverpool are now left to focus on their domestic campaign, with a Premier League meeting against champions Manchester City to come on Sunday afternoon.
Daniel Lewis
