Rodgers hails Liverpool desire

Stewart Downing's second-half strike ensured Rodgers' first competitive match in charge ended in victory, and the Ulsterman was happy with what he saw at the Central Stadion in Belarus.

"It will take time until Liverpool start playing the way Swansea did last season (tactically)," he said. "Actually the way you play depends on the players you have.

"As for today I saw two things which were very important for me, I saw desire and commitment. I am very grateful to my players for a good game.

"Obviously it was a serious test of the players' fitness and I am really happy with the result.

"This was my first competitive game in charge of Liverpool and for me it didn't really matter whether the game was played in Belarus or Brazil as I am really honoured to manage this side."

However his first match at the helm did not go all Liverpool's way. The host, which is halfway through its domestic campaign, dominated the majority of the game and were it not for poor finishing would have emerged victorious.

Rodgers continued: "This game was a great test for us at this point of the season. Today we saw that Gomel is a very good club which is already into the season.

"Their tactical idea was to defend and counter-attack so it was difficult for us to find the open spaces in the first half but at half-time I told my players to be patient and that the chances would come.

"After the first 45 minutes I also changed the structure of the midfield and Steven Gerrard started to play a bit lower than the other two central midfielders.

"I am glad that Stewart scored the goal as we put him on that side to come in and shoot. It was a great shot."

On the other flank, Joe Cole, who spent last season on loan at Lille, lasted just 23 minutes before picking what looked like a hamstring injury.

Glen Johnson was also replaced a minute into the second half, but Rodgers was quick to downplay any injury fears.

"The substitution of Glen was planned and as for Joe the injury is not serious and more of a precaution," the 39-year-old added.

Gomel boss Oleg Kubarev felt the result did not reflect the game.

"I hope that we gave our city and our fans a great day," he said. "It is a pity that we lost. The team played well and at least deserved a draw.

"We are very upset but we can prepare for the next game even better and we are going there to give a fight."