Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool players leave Anfield in fine spirits despite disappointing draw with Rubin Kazan in Europa League

• Liverpool disappoint in Jurgen Klopp's first home game in charge
• Klopp's side went behind, and then failed to win against 10 men
• German manager says playing against 10 is 'one of the biggest challenges'
• Liverpool boss says his team were 98 percent okay against Rubin Kazan

By Matt Morlidge for MailOnline

Published: 04:00 EST, 23 October 2015 | Updated: 05:59 EST, 23 October 2015

Jurgen Klopp may not have enjoyed a dream debut at Anfield but he was still thrilled with the reception - and he seemed to be in fine spirits when leaving the ground on Thursday night.

The Reds drew 1-1 at home to 10-man Rubin Kazan in the Europa League, as Klopp was welcomed by the Kop for the first time since taking over.

Klopp admitted he was 'not quite satisfied' with his Anfield bow but was pictured laughing while chatting away with a security guard as he made his way home, catching up with wife Ulla Sandrock and a young fan donning a Liverpool scarf.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp leaves Anfield on Thursday night after the 1-1 draw with Rubin Kazan

The German coach's wife Ulla Sandrock was pictured with some young Reds fans donning Liverpool scarves

Goalscorer Emre Can (left) waves to fans as he departs the ground as Philippe Coutinho (right) is also pictured

Joe Allen was hooked by the former Dortmund coach at half-time during the game, but even the Welsh midfielder managed a smile when departing Anfield.

Philippe Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho, Nathaniel Clyne, Christian Benteke and goalscorer Emre Can were also pictured after the game.

Can rescued a point for Liverpool after Rubin Cazan captain Olez Kuzmin had been sent off. The Russians led through a Marko Devic strike.

Klopp insists Liverpool can still progress in the competition but was concerned about the way his new side played during a game which leaves their hopes of reaching the knockout stage delicately balanced.

Liverpool have drawn all three games in Group B so far. They occupy second place behind FC Sion but now have trips to Russia and Switzerland and can ill-afford to drop any more points but Klopp is not concerned

Joe Allen was hooked at half-time but still managed a smile and was signing scarves after the game

Mamadou Sakho leaves Anfield with his wife Mazda Magui following the Europa League draw on Thursday night

Jurgen Klopp reacts as his side miss a chance against a side struggling in the Russian league

'It was a very interesting game, a big challenge because of the quality of Rubin,' said Klopp. 'They were really good and made a first goal.

'That is one of the biggest challenges in football. You need to restart in the game but we did it well and our goal before that they got the red card.

'Sometimes it is a big advantage against 10 men, most of the time they stop playing football and defend in a compact block.

'We had our moments and hit the post through Christian Benteke. At the end, no goal.

'So I would say 98 per cent okay, not perfect, the other two percent, that is the problem of this game. Sion win their game and they are away in the group. 

'We can come back in Kazan. That is the next challenge. It is not a master-class but not the worst day in my life.

Klopp tries to inspire his team to victory, but had to admit he was 'not quite satisfied' with the performance

Liverpool fell behind to a Marko Devic goal after 15 minutes, and failed to come back to win against 10 men

Rubin Kazan captain Oleg Kuzmin was sent off before half time, but Liverpool struggled to create chances

Klopp added: 'When you come for the first time in a new house, normally you have a present. I am not quite satisfied with my present tonight but it was only the first time and I will come again.'

Despite not being entirely happy with the result he knows his side will improve.

'The team is not full of self-confidence and maybe they got a little bit lost,' he said.

'But we came back. Against 10 it's unthinkable sometimes. They had no counters, they stayed deep and we had to find solutions and we couldn't.

'We had lots of shots on goal, 35 I think, but only nine for the goalie.' 

Christian Benteke, who volleyed over the bar and hit the post, holds his head after another missed chance

Comments (148)

Share what you think

• Newest
• Oldest
• Best rated
• Worst rated

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

Enter your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Submit Comment Clear

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now