Source: Daily_Mail
Kenny Dalglish blasts 'terrible' Liverpool but backs Reds to overturn Braga deficit
Kenny Dalglish admitted Liverpool are fortunate to still be in the Europa League after a 'terrible' display in Braga. The manager saw Liverpool's 13-match unbeaten run in Europe, stretching back to last April, ended by a first half penalty from Brazilian midfielder Alan in last night's first leg.Braga 1 Liverpool 0: Read Dominic King's match report Angry: Kenny Dalglish branded Liverpool's first-half performance as 'terrible' But even though he felt his club should have received a spot-kick of their own when Joe Cole tumbled under a challenge from Braga defender Kaka, Dalglish accepted his side were not good enough.'It was a very poor first-half performance and we have no complaints about their penalty,' said Dalglish, who 'did not see' an elbow from Kaka that flattened substitute Andy Carroll. 'We picked it up a bit in the second half and looked a bit more threatening especially after Andy came on. We were probably denied a stonewall penalty. Alan's key: Braga's Brazilian Alan settled the tie from the spot'To come away just one goal behind after the first-half performance, we were very fortunate.' Cole was adamant he was fouled even though television replays showed Kaka got touch on the ball. 'I've seen the replay and it should have been given,' said the midfielder. 'That would have given us an away goal and a great result so it was a shame, but we didn't play well.' Braga 1 Liverpool 0: Alan's penalty proves a point as Reds draw a blank away from homeLiverpool and England face anxious wait over Gerrard's groin injury Simply Reds: Dalglish insists Europa League quest is all about Liverpool, not personal glory All the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Kenny Dalglish, Joe Cole, Andy Carroll Places: Liverpool, Europe