Thommo's post-match press conference

Phil, your thoughts on tonight's game.

The good run had to end sooner but Barcelona were up for the game. They had an exceptional team but it was a high quality game of Champions League football! Barcelona played some great stuff and kept the ball very well, but it's a learning process for our lads. Our players played very well indeed.

Phil, you had some good chances when the scores were 1-0 and 1-1.

Games always seem to change on incidents. Just before they equalised five minutes before half time, Emile missed a great opportunity. Then at 1-1 I thought for the first 15 or 20 minutes of the second half we did well. Michael missed what he called a 'sitter'. Then Barcelona went up the other end and scored a very good goal.

Would you agree your team was outclassed?

What we've seen is Barcelona are an exceptional team, one of the favourites for this tournament. They are stronger than last season and it's a credit to our fans who applauded them off the pitch at the end. Every Liverpool player played their part in a fantastic game and did themselves proud.

Did you feel two of Barcelona's goals were off-side?

Phil Thompson: Their third goal was very disappointing. I think it was the substitute linesman but these things happen. Some go for you, some don't. We are disappointed but we've been in a great game. Barcelona are one of the favourites for the Champions League.

Have you spoken to Gerard Houllier?

I've spoken to the boss and had a long chat and said sorry mate for losing. He said the lads have done well and to keep their chin up. He said it's not about one game and he was proud of the lads and felt the team had done very well. The other result with Galatasary and Roma drawing is good for us.

Do you feel your players can learn from a game like that?

Playing in that game without a doubt our players can learn from that! We were playing against high quality footballers and with all due respect toour lads they do keep the ball better than us. We have reached a very high peak and we are getting better, and we will get better.