Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his players after a vital away win at Rubin Kazan on Thursday night.
The Reds moved up to second in the table ahead of the end-of-the-month Anfield clash with Bordeaux.
"The result and the first 80 minutes were really good," Klopp told reporters.
"It was not easy to play today because there was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium. It's a really good place to play football but the pitch is not in the same shape as the rest [of the stadium].
"It was not easy for the team and it was more about possession. We did really well, we had our chances and could have had more [goals]. We deserved our goal and then, as it is in life, we have to learn everything – and we have to learn to win.
"We made it 1-0 but then lost a little bit of rhythm and opened the door a little bit for Rubin Kazan. The lads fought for their lives and it was really great to see how much they wanted to win.
"We analysed the first game but it is not the biggest surprise Rubin Kazan were very well organised. We had our chances in Liverpool, but not the big ones we had tonight.
"I think we played much better tonight and that's normal because we've had four weeks together – we have more experience together.
"It would have been great if I could have brought Phil Coutinho on, but I didn't want to risk him because he had a little hamstring issue – only a little one and everyone told me he is fit. But I am not a believer in things like this and it was a heavy pitch to play on, very intensive, so I didn't want to take this risk.
"If we could have brought him on with Adam Lallana, it would have been better for our game because it was very intensive for my side. In the end, we changed some things in the game to create more chances and I am really satisfied with how we did."
