Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool’s dreadful start will not derail their ambitions of ending the season in the top four.
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London - Brendan Rodgers is adamant Liverpool’s dreadful autumn form will not derail their ambitions of ending the season with a top-four place.
Such has been the dramatic reversal in Liverpool’s fortunes that Rodgers, who just six months ago was named the LMA Manager of the Year, had to field questions yesterday on how he felt having his odds slashed by bookmakers in the ‘sack race’.
This has been a testing period for Rodgers. Liverpool have not won a game since October 28 in any competition and their struggles have left the Northern Irishman pacing his kitchen in the middle of the night, trying to find solutions to their problems.
Managers can clam up in these situations but Rodgers, who will keep faith with under-fire goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for today’s Anfield clash with Stoke after holding a meeting with him at Melwood, was relaxed as he discussed the shortcomings that have left Liverpool in 12th place.
More than anything, though, he was resolute in stating his belief that his side will claw back any lost ground and fulfil the aim of Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’ s owners, and secure a place in next year’s Champions League.
For all that they have been wretched, their rivals have not pulled away. ‘I have an inherent belief that we can still make the top four - absolutely,’ said Rodgers. ‘I know what we are all capable of here. For whatever reason, it hasn’t happened for us yet, but I said to the players the other night our standards will go up after the game against Ludogorets. ‘Thankfully no matter how we have been, we are still within touching distance and that is the initial aim.
Fourth and then moving forward. If that is the aim - and we are only five points off it - then that gives me belief we have every chance of doing it.’ Rodgers recognises how unpredictable football can be and though he has the backing of FSG, a couple of positive results are required to turn down the noise others are making about his future.
‘All I can do is my best and I will continue to do my best,’ he said. One thing Rodgers has not lost through all this is his confidence. ‘I have faith in my methods and a way of working,’ said Rodgers. ‘We have been given a different deck of cards and, as a coach, I have to do what I think gets the best out of them. I have methods, a belief and a philosophy but you also have to get results. I am not a fantasist.’
Midfielder Lucas Leiva, who made an encouraging return to action in the 2-2 draw with Ludogorets, said on Friday he is eager to stay at the club despite uncertainty over his future. ‘The day that I walk into Melwood and feel OK about not playing? That is not me. I am not the type of person who just wants to collect his money,’ he said.
Daily Mail
from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://www.iol.co.za/liverpool-can-still-make-top-4-1.1788363
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