New era without Suarez starts with defeat as Rodgers' second-string side fall to Brondby after last minute winner

Liverpool's opening friendly of the summer ended in defeat in Denmark on the day their relationship with Luis Suarez officially ended.
As Barcelona spoke about signing Suarez for the first time since releasing a statement last Friday that they had agreed a £75million fee for him, Brendan Rodgers was overseeing a workout in Brondby for a squad that was high on enthusiasm but low on experience.
Rodgers’ were beaten 2-1 by a last minute goal in the Brondby Stadion, a result that was joyously received by locals – “we’ve never lost to Liverpool!” they sang at the final whistle – but it is not a result Rodgers will read anything in to.

Homecoming: Daniel Agger captained Liverpool on his return to his first club

Swede dreams are made of this: Youngster Kristoffer Peterson celebrates his equaliser

Denied: Reds levelled shortly after half-time but couldn't hold out for a result

Boy from Brazill: Philippe Coutinho (C) glides past players at the Brondby Stadium

None of his four new signings featured nor did any of the Liverpool players who have been on duty at the World Cup; this was simply an exercise to give a number of the younger members of his squad a run-out alongside established players such as Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Lucas Leiva.
Pre-season matches used to be sedate affairs played out in relaxed atmospheres but the way football has changed was never more apparent than the greeting that was reserved for the two teams as they made their way onto the pitch.
With the Van Halen hit ‘Jump’ blasting through the speakers, the Brondby Stadium was full to capacity and awash with a sea of yellow and blue shirts at one end and red and white ones at the other; this was a scene you would expect for a European game, not a glorified training session.
Given the following they enjoy in Scandinavia, Liverpool were always guaranteed to receive a warm ovation and special acclaim was reserved for Daniel Agger, who moved to Anfield from Brondby in January 2006. He remains an icon in these parts.

First blood: Christian Norgaard opened the scoring for the hosts on 23minutes

Yellow peril: Brondby players celebrate with Christian Norgaard after the opening goal

Best foot forward: Jaoa Teixeira of Liverpool (R) competes with Frederik Holst of Brondby IF

Guess his back: Fabio Borini returned to the side after spending last season on loan at Sunderland

Agger, fittingly, captained Liverpool in the first half and he almost gave the home supporters what they wanted in the 28th minute but, after exchanging passes with Philippe Coutinho following a surging run from his own half, his shot was saved by Brondby goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.
Liverpool were behind at that point, trailing to a goal from Christian Norgaard. The midfielder had seized upon a mistake by Liverpool substitute Kevin Stewart, making his debut after joining from Tottenham, to sweep a drive past Brad Jones from 22 yards.
Rodgers’ side finished the first period strongest and Hradecky impressed with how he kept Liverpool at bay, making a smart double stop from Brad Smith and Philippe Coutinho on 31 minutes before denying Lucas and taking a chance of Fabio Borini’s toe in stoppage time.

Tat's the way to do it: Captain for the day Daniel Agger applauds the Danish hosts