Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno admitted his side had been "rolled over" by Sevilla during the second half as the La Liga outfit "deservedly" won 3-1 in Wednesday night's Europa League final.
Jurgen Klopp's side looked well set for victory at half-time as they led through Daniel Sturridge's fine goal, having also had two decent penalty claims turned down.
But just 17 seconds after the break, Sevilla had equalised through Kevin Gameiro, with ex-Sevilla player Moreno at fault in the build-up.
Liverpool's resistance then disintegrated as two Coke strikes saw the Andalusians ease to a third successive Europa League trophy, adding to their UEFA Cup wins in 2006 and 2007.
Speaking in the St Jakob Park mixed zone to Sevilla's radio station, as reported by Estadio Deportivo, Moreno said Liverpool had been on top in the first 45 minutes, but by the end Sevilla were the better team and had deserved to win.
"Congratulations to Sevilla," Moreno said. "We played a good Europa League. We've had a good season, but have not been able to lift a trophy.
"We were better in the first half, and had more chances. It's true that they rolled over us in the second half. They came out flying, and scored three times in 20 minutes. They were the better team. They deserved to win the trophy. We must just lift our heads and think of next season."
Seville-born Moreno, who joined Liverpool in a £12 million move in the summer of 2014, was harshly criticised for his performance by many Reds pundits and ex-players including Jamie Carragher who were disappointed as their side misses out European football next season.
The 23-year-old said that facing former teammates and seeing supporters of his boyhood club in the stands had been odd.
"It is very strange," he said. "It was a weird sensation as I spent 10 years there, and now in two years I am playing against them, against teammates and fans who you have supported all your life. It is strange."