ReactionAlexis Mac Allister: We know we didn't play well and we want to improve

The Reds were beaten 3-2 in France on Thursday night as their hitherto perfect record in the Europa League group stage came to an end.

Having trailed 2-0 and 3-1, Diogo Jota’s 89th-minute finish set up a chance to snatch a point – and Jarell Quansah’s stoppage-time goal was ruled out after a VAR review penalised Mac Allister for a handball.

Liverpool nevertheless remain in control of their own destiny in Group E and now set about bouncing back when Brentford visit Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

Read Mac Allister’s post-match reaction with Liverpoolfc.com below…

On the late drama that saw Quansah’s potential equaliser disallowed…

The last 10 minutes we could have scored a couple of goals. The last situation, it’s a weird one because the referee said goal and then 10 seconds later he changed the decision. I don’t know exactly how the rule is but it first hit my chest so it’s weird. But it’s not an excuse, we didn’t play well, as we know, and it’s a fair result.

On why the team couldn’t hit the high levels they have shown so far this season…

Well, I don’t know exactly and we will have to analyse that, but we were not good enough defensively. We missed so many challenges and that cannot happen when we play with the high line. It is what it is, we will try to improve and go again on Sunday because we have a very important game.

On being in control of the group with two matches left to play…

We know we are in a good position, we are first and we will do our best in the next games to qualify as soon as possible. Tonight was a tough one and we want to improve.

On the good news confirmed pre-match regarding Luis Diaz’s father…

Amazing news for him. We are so happy. It’s a moment that he has been waiting for a couple of weeks. He found out before the game started so he was so happy and we are so happy for him because he went through a really bad situation, but he’s a very mature guy and he dealt with it very well.

On Diaz’s character and that being epitomised by his goal at Luton Town last weekend…

Definitely. That shows how strong he is, how mature he is. He’s got his family behind him and he is here with us. I’m very glad for him, he is an amazing guy. I’m very close to him. I’m so happy because it’s good news not just for him but for everyone.