Harry Kewell was left frustrated by a lack of punch in the final third as Reds bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the first-round stage for the fourth successive season.
Jordan Roberts goal was cancelled out by Ivan Toney and Lee Evans either side of half-time as Reds lost 2-1 to League One high-fliers Wigan at the DW Stadium on Saturday.
“It was always going to be a difficult ask against a side near the top of League One and playing good football,” he said.
“But I felt we did enough to get something out of the game.
“On seven or eight occasions, we’re on the edge of the box in good positions and don’t shoot. At the other end, they were a bit more clinical than us.
“I was a bit disappointed that we were only level at the break and then, just before they score their second, we create a great chance through Enzio’s header and you have to take those.
“We’re disappointed overall because we deserved a bit more but there was a lot about our performance which pleased me.”
HK confirmed that Josh Yorwerth was left out of the squad after missing a midweek training session and not informing him.
“That’s the punishment for not abiding by the rules and the professionalism we have in our dressing room,” he added.
Pictured: Goalsocrer Jordan Roberts tussles with Dan Burn, the Wigan defender (Photo: James Boardman)
