Girona's boss Michel conceded that Liverpool deserved their win on Tuesday night, praising the Reds as 'the best team in the Champions League'. Mohamed Salah's penalty, awarded after Donny van de Beek fouled Luis Diaz, was the difference in a tight contest.
Despite an impressive display from Girona, with Alisson Becker called into action to prevent them scoring, Michel acknowledged his side's missed chances in the 1-0 loss. "I think we played well, against the best team in the Champions League," he reflected.
"Beyond the result, I think the fans should be proud of the players. Today they were able to adjust their defense against an opponent with great players. The data is what it is, and there is nothing more.
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"Today we had chances to score, but we couldn't. In the first half we played well. Taking the ball away from Liverpool is very complicated. We had the possibility of making transitions with the ball and generating scoring chances. I am very happy for that. If we are able to score a goal, every match changes.
"Every game is different. Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world and we thought the ball would be more for them. We managed to make Van Dijk not have a clear reference. We also found the free man and that gave us the opportunity to run."
"I learn a lot from these games. Now I look at what we could have done better. In the preview I already said that many low blocks cost us a lot. I enjoyed the game and the fans a lot."
"But in the end, the result does not determine my mood. I am happy with the players' performance, I am very proud of them, but also thoughtful. I've learned that I'm far from being a Champions League coach. Liverpool is a mirror for us.
"It shows that the team has worked well, and we like the recognition from others. We competed well today, but we have to continue improving."
Meanwhile, of the penalty decision, Michel said: "He takes his boot off and I thought he would call a foul. He steps on it a little on the sideline, and we're in this VAR reality."
"I don't like these situations very much, but when I saw him take his boot off, I understood the decision."