Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has taken a swipe at the media for being over-critical of crucial errors.

Rodgers has no intention of discouraging his players, particularly his defenders, from passing.

"I don't think you can argue with the defence, I thought we looked really solid," said the Reds boss.

"Up until the goal we were fine, we had total control of the game and didn't look troubled whatsoever.

"Will I ever ask a player when he is maybe 20 yards in space to never accept the ball - never. That is how we play and hopefully it is an exciting way to play.

"Sometimes it will hurt us but it wasn't so much the playing out from the back, it was more the decision-making.

"These players, especially defenders, have the courage to play.

"You (the media) will be the same guys at World Cups talking about British players not being able to play football and you wonder why.

"Of course sometimes you have to go longer in your build-up but it is not forced upon them, it is just decision-making."