Super Eagles defender speaks after failing to stop Liverpool's dangerman

26.08.2018 13:58

- Leon Balogun reveals he is disappointed he could not stop Mohamed Salah

- Brighton lost by 1-0 to Liverpool in a Premier League fixture played at Anfield

- The Super Eagles defender says he has learnt from his mistakes in the match

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has said he and his teammates will learn from their mistakes following the 1-0 loss to Liverpool.

The Brighton center-back was given his first start of the season but could do not stop Mohamed Salah from scoring the winning goal of the match in the 23rd minute.

The 30-year-old gave his opinion on how he and his teammates performed in the encounter in an interview on his club's website.

“I would compare today’s game to playing against the likes of Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

“It’s a very fast game with quick attack with lots of quality – it was tough today, but that’s why the disappointment is quite big because we feel like we were very close to getting something.

“We had chances late on to get a point and we feel like we could have done today.”

Balogun who made his debut in their 3-2 win over Manchester United stated that he knew it will be a difficult game for him and his teammates.

“We knew we had to be on top of our game again this afternoon, but we also knew it would be a different challenge to Manchester United last weekend.

“Liverpool have a lot more runners, so we had to be much more aware of them today.

“As a team in defence we prepare game by game – last weekend was different today so that’s how we build up the training sessions.”

Balogun insisted that there little he could have been done to stop Salah's strike but stressed they will learn from their mistakes as they continue their fine start in the new season.

“We’re frustrated with the goal we gave away, but you have to learn from your mistakes – people have said today was a lot better than how we did here back in May last season," he said.

“Everyone can see that it was different and so we have to learn – it’s not bad to lose by one goal it’s just disappointing given the way we played.

“The manager knows the experience I have from over the last ten years – I’m quite quick and I just want to help the team as much as I can.”

The German born Nigerian defender also took to his official Twitter account to post a message which revealed his disappointment at the result.

PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone'

“Mixed feelings after what I think has been a great team performance at Anfield Road. Can’t deny a sense of disappointment. We keep our heads high and go on to the next one.”

The former Mainz defender is expected to return to action when they host new-promoted side Fulham in their next Premier League game.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had earlier reported that Liverpool continued their 100 per cent start of the new Premier League season with a 1-0 win to Brighton at Anfield.

Last season's top scorer Mohamed Salah registered his second goal of the campaign as Robarto Firmino provided the assist in the 23rd minute.

Football Transfers That Shocked The World - NAIJ.com TV