The Reds fell to a disappointing 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Upton Park, with a young, experimental team beaten by Angelo Ogbonna's last-gasp extra-time header
Liverpool defender Tiago Ilori has defended manager Jurgen Klopp's decision to ring the changes for their FA Cup fourth-round replay against West Ham, despite their 2-1 defeat.
The Reds boss made 10 changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Sunderland at the weekend, with the likes of Brad Smith, Pedro Chirivella and Kevin Stewart all named in the starting XI.
Angelo Ogbonna's header in the last minute of extra-time consigned the visitors to a disheartening defeat at Upton Park, but Ilori has defended his manager and has praised the performance of his team-mates.
"Age is just a number, players get experience by playing," the 22-year-old told the club's official website. "I think everyone worked hard, it didn't matter their age.
"I played alongside Lucas and he didn't look at me and think, 'he's not as experienced' and I didn't look at him and think, 'he's the most experienced player'.
"We all play together, we train together every day and we are a team. I had a few chances to play, which is great.
"We just wanted the result and we thought we deserved it because we worked so hard. We didn't get the result we think we deserved and the one we fought for, but that's football."
Liverpool return to action with a Premier League clash with Aston Villa, where Ilori spent a loan spell this season without playing, on Sunday.
- Goal