Liverpool failed to open their Europa league group stage account

Liverpool failed to open their Europa league group stage account with a victory after they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bordeaux, but manager Brendan Rodgers was a pleased man since he had opted for a young starting line-up against the French team.

Liverpool’s starting line-up had an average age of just 21.7 years. They managed to take the lead through Adam Lallana before being taken aback by an equaliser from Jussie. Europa league is not seen as an important competition up until now, but winners of this trophy now get direct qualification to the Champions League.

There is enough reason for Liverpool to take this competition seriously and fans will be left surprised by Rodgers decision to go for a young starting line-up against Bordeaux. Even though this was an away match, starting the campaign in positive fashion will have given a lot of confidence to the club as a whole. This was especially important given the poor start to the season. Liverpool’s campaign went from bad to worse after the recent 3-1 thrashing at the hands of rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford during the weekend. Rodgers is coming under increasing pressure to deliver results and the club are at home to Norwich in the next league match.

"I'll always give young players an opportunity if they've got the personality. I was so proud of them.Jordan Rossiter and young Pedro gained more control as the game wore on.They were able to combine better with other players. It's invaluable experience for them and I thought they acquitted themselves very well. Sakho was immense at the back. He knows he has had to be patient and his attitude has been first class. He has trained very well, kept professional, done his extra work on his fitness and he has got his rewards for that,” said Rodgers.