In Belgium, Cameron Puertas’ goal late in the first half defeated the Reds, who had already secured first position in Group E and a spot in the Round of 16 ahead of matchday six.
After Mohamed Amoura’s opening goal, Jarell Quansah scored the team’s first goal to tie the score at Anderlecht Stadium, but Puertas’ header sealed the victory.
Regarding the outcome and Liverpool’s showing…
We all seemed to be watching the same game, therefore in our opinion, Union deserved to win. Although I’ve since heard that the first goal might have been offside, no one can definitively sаy for sure. That will be evident, but so what? I think the adjustments we made, the quantity of changes we made, were too much for rhythm because they are well-positioned, at the top of the league, and they played a better side. We had to get better at the game. That continued to happen in the second half, and that we finally gave it a proper game, makes me very delighted. Before that, they turned the ball over to us, and to be honest, it was incredibly difficult to win the balls on the cоunterattack.
On a pitch that was incredibly challenging, it was fairly intense. A few players experienced cramps for Union, which was indicative of how bad it was and how severe it was. Therefore, it would have been good to have won this point and we could have ultimately scored the equalizer. It was beneficial for rhythm for some people and a very significant event for others. I witnessed some excellent performances, and as a club, it is obviously unfair to sаy that they are currently winning the Belgian league and that we should come here and bring our children—that’s a really challenging situation. However, I believe we gave it a shot, and I’m cool with that. We recuperate, return home, and go again because no one was harmed and no one is injured.
About putting Ibrahima Konate in the lead…
All we wаnted to do was spread the intensity. If we got the chance to play Joe Gomez 90 or Ibou 90, who would I prefer? 45 and 45, the same in midfield, was my decision. Regardless of the outcome of the game, these adjustments were prearranged. All we did was try it out. It was obvious that Jarell would play through if he was able to. That was the underlying idea.
Regarding his assessment of Conor Bradley’s performance and if he might provide a “true solution” at right-back…
He truly is, he truly is. Conor is a really good player, in my opinion. He is a true fighter with an amazing mentality. Additionally, the first half was extremely difficult for everyone; we were all battling and losing balls at the wrong times. After a game like this, I would never sаy to a player, “Well, he’s obviously not good enough,” or something like. Since I work with them every day in training, I am aware of their talent, and this evening is a significant occasion. Without these kinds of games, where you have to bаttle, figҺt through, and survive—and Conor, in particular, did—I don’t think any career ever got started. We managed to get into the game, and we experienced both great and really excellent times as well as other times when he realized he still needed to grow and learn. He’s still quite young. But development includes it.Regarding Quansah’s first goal for the team…
It was crucial. I think it’s common knowledge that he didn’t have a terrible game against Crystal Palace, but it’s not cool if you end up involved in a bizarre penalty like that. And I’m overjoyed that he was able to score this goal today and see the bright side of the metal. I found that the boys truly gave it their best shot, and that’s what I enjoyed best about them all. The most crucial thing is that we avoid thinking, “Well, it’s challenging, but they are a really good team and do what they do every week.” We need to figure out how to adjust to one another. And Jarell in particular, that was excellent on both sides, first with Ibou and then Joe in the second half. They had to defend large areas throughout the counterattacks, and I felt like they accomplished that. I’m very thrilled for him.