Jordan Henderson admits Liverpool have to learn lessons from their Champions League disappointment against Sevilla to avoid problems further down the line.
After conceding in the fifth minute, Jurgen Klopp‘s side bounced back to lead 2-1 with goals from Roberto Firmino, who also missed a penalty, and Mohamed Salah, only for a lapse in concentration to allow the visitors to equalise 18 minutes from time.
“We’re disappointed with the result in the end. We think we’ve done enough to win the game,” said Henderson.
“The performance level was good, we’ve reacted well from the weekend and then, of course, we’ve gone a goal down.
“There are a lot of good things but we’re disappointed, especially with the second goal we’ve conceded.
“It was quick throw-in the second goal and it’s very disappointing because we keep going on about that.
“To concede from that situation it’s very disappointing and we need to learn because in the Champions League you’ll get punished.”
Dejan Lovren was at fault for the first, falling over as he tried to clear a low cross to allow Wissam Ben Yedder a simple close-range goal, but the second was a result of the defence as a unit switching off.
Lovren’s centre-back partner Joel Matip accepts everyone has to improve in that area as it has cost them already this season, notably in their opening game of the campaign when they conceded a last-minute equaliser to Watford.
“It’s hard to say [what the problem is]. Every player acts for the defence. The two goals don’t look too good. We have to do it better next time,” he said.
Goalkeeper Loris Karius, preferred for the Champions League ahead of regular No. 1 Simon Mignolet, did not have a genuine save to make as Sevilla scored with their only two shots on target.
It seems likely the German will be given a run in the competition, with his Belgian counterpart set to remain in goal for the Premier League, and he is hoping to make up for lost time having missed his chance to establish himself last season in his first campaign in England.
“It is an interesting situation with three good goalkeepers,” said Karius, including third-choice Danny Ward into the equation.
“That is only good for the club. We try to do our best in training and in games—I am happy I got to play and I hope I get more games.
“I had a little setback in pre-season with an injury that took me out for a week or so, but I try to train well, stay focused and that’s all you can do.
“It’s up to the manager any way, you don’t decide yourself as a player. All you can do is concentrate on your work and that’s what I’ve done.”
On the plus side, Liverpool’s attacking play was as exciting as ever with the pace of Sadio Mane and Salah giving Sevilla plenty of problems.
The return of Philippe Coutinho, who one month ago submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force a move to Barcelona, who came off the bench for his first appearance of the season, was another bonus.
He was warmly welcomed by the Anfield crowd and despite looking ring-rusty his team-mates are hopeful he will be up to speed soon.
“Massive, brilliant—I think you heard the crowd when he came on,” said Henderson on the Brazil international’s return.
“He’s been brilliant in training so hopefully he can have a big impact now he’s back.”
Karius believes, however, Liverpool do not need to be as dependent on Coutinho as maybe they once were.
“He is a really important player for us. He can make a difference in a second so it is really good to have him back,” he said.
“We have Ox now and Studge is fit so we have a lot of options up front so I’m not worried about us scoring goals, I just think we have to stay focused in defence.”
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