Issa Diop on Ipswich's Character Against Liverpool

Issa Diop insists Ipswich will take belief – not scars – from their bruising start against Liverpool after conceding twice inside 10 minutes at Portman Road.

The defender watched his side fall 2-0 behind almost before they had settled, but he refused to paint the night as a write-off, stressing the character shown in the response.

"It's even harder when it's again Liverpool and a top side like that," Diop told BBC Radio Suffolk, reflecting on the early blows. The visitors struck twice through Alexander Isak, yet Ipswich did not crumble and forced their way back into the contest, carving out chances and disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm.

The damage, though, had already been done.

For Diop, the key was how Ipswich reacted once the second goal went in.

"The good thing is the response after conceding the second goal was good," he said. "We stuck together, we reacted well. We could have done better in different ways. You can always do better when you concede goals so we can work on it this week and we will be ready to face Crystal Palace [at Selhurst Park on Saturday]."

There was no attempt to gloss over the defensive lapses that allowed Liverpool to seize control so quickly. Diop was clear: standards must rise. But he also underlined the unity in the dressing room and the belief in the work being done on the training ground.

"We have a good group with good coaching staff so I'm very happy here," he added.

Liverpool left with the points. Ipswich left with a reminder of the level required – and a defender convinced his team are equipped to find it before they walk out at Selhurst Park.