A once-again makeshift Liverpool side were beaten yesterday when, for the second weekend in a row, a mistake by centre-back Danny Ayala allowed the opponents to capitalise, Borussia striker Karim Matmour scoring the only goal on eight minutes.

“I thought it was quite an even game,” said Hodgson. “Unfortunately, as in the game against Kaiserslautern we gave away a very cheap goal.

“Borussia, like Kaiserslautern, didn’t actually have to score a goal against us because we actually gave them one.

“But after that the game was even and there were not many clearcut chances for either team.”

With Torres and Kuyt absent and David Ngog rested, young Finnish forward Lauri Dalla Valle led the line for Liverpool.

And Hodgson said: “I thought the passing of both teams in midfield and defence was good and I was impressed with the strength of the two Borussia centre-backs, they were extremely strong in the air.

“But with the type of players I have at my disposal at the moment that I can use as forwards, it’s too big an ask to ask Academy players to perform against the likes of Dante and Brouwers because they don’t have the strength or experience to do that yet.”

The game, which was played to commemorate Borussia’s 110th anniversary, attracted a crowd of 51,515.

And Hodgson added: “It’s incredible to have a friendly match in front of 50,000 people. It’s a credit to Borussia that they can have that many people at a friendly game and I hope they enjoyed watching it.

“I thought the game was played in a very good spirit. Borussia are going to be a good team this season.

“It was a bit embarrassing to come and play such a big match with such a young, inexperienced team. But if Borussia were satisfied with the game, then I was.”