Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers reserved words of praise for Mario Balotelli's hard-working performance against FC Basle, Wednesday.
The maverick Italian striker seemed to spend much of the game on the ground asking for free kicks, during a rather frustrating match for the Reds.
But Rodgers has refused to criticise his newly signed attacker, but hailed his impressive display against the Swiss.
"He went close with a free kick where he had a great shot. He knows his job is to create and score goals, and he's working hard to get into the areas. That's what we're asking of him," Rodgers told reporters after his side's 1-0 Champions League defeat against the Swiss champions.
"I think he worked hard. It's obviously his job to create and score goals, and he's working...
"It was a disappointing result for us tonight, but our next game will be a great occasion for us at Anfield," he added, referring to their home clash against Real Madrid.
"We're really looking forward to that now because in this competition, in particular, your home games are very important."