Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has remained positive in the face of criticism after his side lost 1-0 to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Rodgers made eight changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Newcastle United on the weekend for the Champions League clash in Spain which prompted negative words from ex-Reds star Gary Lineker.
Lineker said of Rodgers' decision to start the likes of Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson on the bench that it was a situation 'not befitting of a club of Liverpool's stature'.
However, Rodgers responded quickly after an impressive showing resulted in a narrow loss to the reigning European champions.
"I think the performance says the words," said Rodgers in response to Lineker's criticism.
"Gary is a figure who I respect and was a top player in his day but he's never been a manager so he has never truly understands what it is like in terms of picking players.
"I respect his opinion but I think the words were played out by my team.
"The performance was far from throwing the white towel in.
"Right to the very end my players put in a performance befitting of the wonderful club this is. That would be my answer."
Rodgers started with the likes of Emre Can, Lucas, Joe Allen, Lazar Markovic and Fabio Borini in the Group B defeat which came courtesy of Karim Benzema's close range finish in the 27th minute.
