Liverpool were the better side – Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers insisted Liverpool had been the better side after they were edged out by Chelsea in the Capital One Cup semi-final.

Branislav Ivanovic’s extra-time header clinched a second-leg victory for the Blues, who went through 2-1 on aggregate having needed keeper Thibaut Courtois to produce key saves during a first-half spell of Liverpool pressure.

Reds boss Rodgers said: “I think we were the better side over the two games. Performance-wise we were outstanding.

“In the first half we created enough chances to maybe get a couple of goals but their keeper made some very good saves.

“Of course it hurts, because you put so much into it. I thought we gave Chelsea a lot of problems, but it wasn’t to be.”

Rodgers also condemned Chelsea striker Diego Costa for apparent stamps on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel that were not seen by referee Michael Oliver

“It was poor by him,” Rodgers said.

“It’s disappointing when you see such a good player behave like that. There’s no need for it.”

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