ReactionJarell Quansah on Union SG defeat: We can learn from it as a team
Jarell Quansah admitted to feeling mixed emotions after scoring his first Liverpool goal in the 2-1 Europa League defeat by Union SG on Thursday night.
The 20-year-old's superb 40th-minute strike eventually proved in vain as the Reds suffered just their third loss of the season in Brussels, with goals from Mohammed Amoura and Cameron Puertas giving the Belgian side victory.
But reflecting on the game to Liverpoolfc.com afterwards, Quansah was more concerned with what he and his young teammates could learn from the result.
He said: "You probably didn't see a celebration, did you? You never know nowadays with what can get given.
"Probably because we had just conceded a goal, I wasn't too happy myself, so it was more [a case of] we've got one back and a consolation for the goal we conceded.
"Because it's my job not to concede, I'll look back on that and pick it apart."
With qualification for the Europa League last 16 already assured, Jürgen Klopp opted to name the youngest starting XI in the Reds' European history, one with an average age of just 22 years and 156 days.
And while the game ultimately ended in defeat, Quansah believes the experience will prove valuable going forwards.
"It was a youthful side, but we came into the game expecting to win and wanting to win," he said.
"We don't go into any game not wanting that, so I think it didn't go the way we wanted to but [there were] a lot of key learning moments for myself and for the team."
He added: "The crowd was loud tonight, we expected that, but obviously for the young lads who have not experienced that it's invaluable.
"I can say that for myself as I've played in big stadiums and in big games and you really get a sense of these important games so moving forward that's always good to have in the bag."
Quansah was making his 12th appearance of the season for Liverpool in all competitions, having begun to establish himself as part of the senior squad this term.
And with Joel Matip sidelined due to a long-term injury, there may be further opportunities for the Academy graduate to feature more in the coming weeks and months.
"I guess at the start of the season when I stayed here and didn't go out on loan I thought 'I want to play in these games'," Quansah added.
"Obviously it's a shame what happened to Joel and my condolences go with him, but my idea was to try to get over him... and try to be a starter in the Premier League.
"I'm just trying and hopefully more [opportunities] will come. I'm just trying to really push on and be the best centre-back I can be."
Liverpool are back in Premier League action this weekend, with Manchester United the visitors to Anfield on Sunday - a game Quansah says he can’t wait for.
"It's box office TV, especially at Anfield," he said. "We've got the new [Anfield Road] stand open so it just puts even more emphasis on the game.
"To be involved would be a great experience and just to feel what the game is really all about because I've only watched it on TV and in the crowd, so if I'm a part of that I'll really get a sense of what it really means to the Liverpool fans, and to get a win would be unbelievable!"