Brendan Rodgers suggests the Liverpool side he selected on Tuesday night vindicated his decision.
Rodgers started the Champions League clash with Real Madrid with Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterlin, Jordan Henderson, Mario Balotelli and Philippe Coutinho all on the bench which brought about plenty of criticism.
However, Rodgers believes the performance of those who went up against the reigning European champions in the 1-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu was full of merit which suggests to him that he got the selection process right.
"I know there has been a bit of criticism for the selection but I think it is a disservice to the team that played," said the Anfield boss.
"The idea was to make sure we stayed in the game for 60-65 minutes and then open up the game with the quality of Steven Gerrard's passing, Raheem Sterling's speed, and Phil Coutinho's creativity, but we couldn't get a goal.
"I don't look so much into it because any criticism that comes is part of what you take as a manager, but I didn't think it was fair to call Kolo Toure, Lucas Leiva or Adam Lallana a reserve player.
"Those boys put in a great performance and they deserved more praise, as opposed to the criticism which came.
"It doesn't affect me any way as I don't listen to it, good or bad. I don't have to justify it, the players justified it the other night."
