Brendan Rodgers‘ pre-Arsenal press conference took place at Melwood on Thursday afternoon, with The Reds’ boss discussing the match ahead, consistency, his aims for the season and injuries.
Rodgers was asked where they need to strengthen to become title contenders:
“To become title contenders, we’ll need to strengthen the squad and overall quality.”
Is top four imperative this season?
“It’s certainly the objective. The position we’re in this season, we’re up there, we’re fighting. We’re still ambitious, we want to finish as high as we can, but top four is a key objective.”
On Arsenal?
“Arsenal are leading the pack and we’re amongst the clubs chasing. The players and supporters have been outstanding, this is a big game.
“Sometimes I feel, the bigger the game, the better we’ve played. At the Emirates though, Arsenal were the better team.
“Every game is critical now before the end of the season. Every team will look to take points off their rivals.”
“If we win this weekend, we close the gap on the teams above us. So we need to make sure the performance is right.
“These types of games are an opportunity to make a statement of the progress we’ve made.”
On Luis Suarez‘ performances against the top teams:
“Luis Suarez has made an impact in the big games and makes a great contribution, even if he hasn’t scored in them. It’s about the team.
Can Suarez and Sturridge beat the club record (Premier League) of 42 goals between them this season (currently on 37)?
“I think they can certainly beat that. People talk about Sturridge and Suarez, but it’s about the team. They’re not a partnership – they are simply both prolific goal scorers.
“We’re looking for others to chip in more too.”
On injuries:
“Glen Johnson is making a great recovery, hopefully back next week. Same with Agger. But Sakho is out for a bit longer.”
On the performance at The Emirates earlier in the season:
“You have to give credit to Arsenal when they beat us earlier this season, but since then we’ve been very good.”
On the West Brom draw and finding consistency:
“Every game is a tough game and our point at West Brom wasn’t too bad. Disappointing not to win though.
“We make opponents get to the top of their game, so we’re confident going into every game. Now we expect to win every game.”
“When I came in, there wasn’t much confidence to consistently win. Now there is – and none more so than at Anfield.
“We’ll respect our opponents, and none more so than Arsenal, but we’ll expect to win and have the confidence to do so.
“I took the blame for the first-half against Villa. I went too aggressive, which gave us a problem.
“Against Villa, we did well to come back from two goals down. Against West Brom, we still looked like we could get a result.
“All you can do is come back into work after a poorer performance and work hard. This game is massive and could give us a big push.”
On Raheem Sterling:
“Raheem Sterling’s rise has been outstanding. He’s bright and has taken his chance this season.
“He’s very focussed on his football, he’s happy – which is important. In training he’s been unbelievable, technically he’s getting better, tactically – for a young boy – he’s got a good head on his game.”
On the opportunity for players to impress ahead of the World Cup:
“Players know now if they’re doing well for their club, they have the opportunity of being selected for their country.
“I tell the players, when they’re at Liverpool, concentrate on your club. When you’re with your country, concentrate on them.”
Liverpool v Arsenal kicks off at 12:45pm on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers‘ pre-Arsenal press conference took place at Melwood on Thursday afternoon, with The Reds’ boss discussing the match ahead, consistency, his aims for the season and injuries.
Rodgers was asked where they need to strengthen to become title contenders:
“To become title contenders, we’ll need to strengthen the squad and overall quality.”
Is top four imperative this season?
“It’s certainly the objective. The position we’re in this season, we’re up there, we’re fighting. We’re still ambitious, we want to finish as high as we can, but top four is a key objective.”
On Arsenal?
“Arsenal are leading the pack and we’re amongst the clubs chasing. The players and supporters have been outstanding, this is a big game.
“Sometimes I feel, the bigger the game, the better we’ve played. At the Emirates though, Arsenal were the better team.
“Every game is critical now before the end of the season. Every team will look to take points off their rivals.”
“If we win this weekend, we close the gap on the teams above us. So we need to make sure the performance is right.
“These types of games are an opportunity to make a statement of the progress we’ve made.”
On Luis Suarez‘ performances against the top teams:
“Luis Suarez has made an impact in the big games and makes a great contribution, even if he hasn’t scored in them. It’s about the team.
Can Suarez and Sturridge beat the club record (Premier League) of 42 goals between them this season (currently on 37)?
“I think they can certainly beat that. People talk about Sturridge and Suarez, but it’s about the team. They’re not a partnership – they are simply both prolific goal scorers.
“We’re looking for others to chip in more too.”
On injuries:
“Glen Johnson is making a great recovery, hopefully back next week. Same with Agger. But Sakho is out for a bit longer.”
On the performance at The Emirates earlier in the season:
“You have to give credit to Arsenal when they beat us earlier this season, but since then we’ve been very good.”
On the West Brom draw and finding consistency:
“Every game is a tough game and our point at West Brom wasn’t too bad. Disappointing not to win though.
“We make opponents get to the top of their game, so we’re confident going into every game. Now we expect to win every game.”
“When I came in, there wasn’t much confidence to consistently win. Now there is – and none more so than at Anfield.
“We’ll respect our opponents, and none more so than Arsenal, but we’ll expect to win and have the confidence to do so.
“I took the blame for the first-half against Villa. I went too aggressive, which gave us a problem.
“Against Villa, we did well to come back from two goals down. Against West Brom, we still looked like we could get a result.
“All you can do is come back into work after a poorer performance and work hard. This game is massive and could give us a big push.”
On Raheem Sterling:
“Raheem Sterling’s rise has been outstanding. He’s bright and has taken his chance this season.
“He’s very focussed on his football, he’s happy – which is important. In training he’s been unbelievable, technically he’s getting better, tactically – for a young boy – he’s got a good head on his game.”
On the opportunity for players to impress ahead of the World Cup:
“Players know now if they’re doing well for their club, they have the opportunity of being selected for their country.
“I tell the players, when they’re at Liverpool, concentrate on your club. When you’re with your country, concentrate on them.”
Liverpool v Arsenal kicks off at 12:45pm on Saturday.
Liverpool’s defensive injury troubles are finally easing, with the news that Daniel Agger and Mamadou Sakho are nearing a return – although neither will be available for the visit of Arsenal.
The Reds host top of the table Arsenal at Anfield in the early kick-off on Saturday but will have a makeshift back four once again consisting of Jon Flanagan, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, manager Brendan Rodgers explained, “Daniel and Mamadou are not far off but I’m not expecting to have either of them back for the weekend.”
“They are not back full training yet. Daniel will be back at some stage next week so he’s progressing really well. But Sakho is still a bit away from coming back training.”
Both of the left-sided centre-backs have been missing for the last month, Sakho since the Chelsea defeat over Christmas and Agger since the Oldham FA Cup tie, meaning Toure has been tasked with moving to the left of the defence.
Having either of the sidelined pair back will allow Liverpool to have more solidity and balance at the back, with a natural left-sided centre-back who is left-footed vastly improving the back four.
Rodgers is further boosted by the return to light training of right-back Glen Johnson and should return later this month. Johnson’s return would allow Rodgers to move Flanagan back across to left-back.
Meanwhile, no return date has been given on Jose Enrique’s injury – he’s been sidelined with a knee injury since November.
At least one of Agger and Sakho should be back for the FA Cup tie at Arsenal.
Liverpool’s defensive injury troubles are finally easing, with the news that Daniel Agger and Mamadou Sakho are nearing a return – although neither will be available for the visit of Arsenal.
The Reds host top of the table Arsenal at Anfield in the early kick-off on Saturday but will have a makeshift back four once again consisting of Jon Flanagan, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, manager Brendan Rodgers explained, “Daniel and Mamadou are not far off but I’m not expecting to have either of them back for the weekend.”
“They are not back full training yet. Daniel will be back at some stage next week so he’s progressing really well. But Sakho is still a bit away from coming back training.”
Both of the left-sided centre-backs have been missing for the last month, Sakho since the Chelsea defeat over Christmas and Agger since the Oldham FA Cup tie, meaning Toure has been tasked with moving to the left of the defence.
Having either of the sidelined pair back will allow Liverpool to have more solidity and balance at the back, with a natural left-sided centre-back who is left-footed vastly improving the back four.
Rodgers is further boosted by the return to light training of right-back Glen Johnson and should return later this month. Johnson’s return would allow Rodgers to move Flanagan back across to left-back.
Meanwhile, no return date has been given on Jose Enrique’s injury – he’s been sidelined with a knee injury since November.
At least one of Agger and Sakho should be back for the FA Cup tie at Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he has no regrets about their failed attempt to sign Liverpool striker Luis Suarez over the summer and confirmed he will not make a fresh bid to land him in the future.
The Londoners made a bid of £40m and one pound for the Uruguayan last August but that was rejected by Liverpool and he could line up against Wenger's side when the teams meet at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.
"You sometimes have regrets when players who played for you score goals or do well somewhere else," said Wenger.
"But he was never our player, it is a situation that didn't come off and that is it."
Asked if Arsenal might revisit the deal again at a future date, Wenger added: "At the moment no, no."
A positive result on Merseyside would further boost Arsenal's chances of winning the title for the first time since 2004 and Wenger believes they can go there in confident mood.
Jack Wilshere looks set to return after missing the last two games with an ankle injury he picked up in the FA Cup win over Coventry, while Kieran Gibbs could also be involved.
But Wenger is focused on a consistent run from now until the end of the season and insisted they deserve to be in the title hunt.
"In the Premiership now, every point is vital. But we enjoy that and we have fought very hard until now to be in that position. So let's just enjoy it and give it our best," said Wenger.
"I am convinced that, especially mentally, we are prepared and we have shown that throughout the season when we have had difficulties.
"Physically we are prepared but it depends how many injuries you have as you need to rotate."
Wenger is convinced Chelsea are still heavily involved in the title race, despite manager Jose Mourinho's protestations to the contrary.
Their 1-0 win at Manchester City on Monday ended the perfect home run of Manuel Pellegrini's side and Wenger insists he was justified in insisting there are no unbeatable teams in the top-flight this season.
"They are in there. You can move out (of the top positions) if you don't want but I think they are in there, of course," added Wenger.
"I told you that one month ago and you didn't believe me. There is no invincible team because there are so many quality teams in the Premier League.
"It is just how close you are to your best every time that decides the outcomes of the games."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he has no regrets about their failed attempt to sign Liverpool striker Luis Suarez over the summer and confirmed he will not make a fresh bid to land him in the future.
The Londoners made a bid of £40m and one pound for the Uruguayan last August but that was rejected by Liverpool and he could line up against Wenger's side when the teams meet at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.
"You sometimes have regrets when players who played for you score goals or do well somewhere else," said Wenger.
"But he was never our player, it is a situation that didn't come off and that is it."
Asked if Arsenal might revisit the deal again at a future date, Wenger added: "At the moment no, no."
A positive result on Merseyside would further boost Arsenal's chances of winning the title for the first time since 2004 and Wenger believes they can go there in confident mood.
Jack Wilshere looks set to return after missing the last two games with an ankle injury he picked up in the FA Cup win over Coventry, while Kieran Gibbs could also be involved.
But Wenger is focused on a consistent run from now until the end of the season and insisted they deserve to be in the title hunt.
"In the Premiership now, every point is vital. But we enjoy that and we have fought very hard until now to be in that position. So let's just enjoy it and give it our best," said Wenger.
"I am convinced that, especially mentally, we are prepared and we have shown that throughout the season when we have had difficulties.
"Physically we are prepared but it depends how many injuries you have as you need to rotate."
Wenger is convinced Chelsea are still heavily involved in the title race, despite manager Jose Mourinho's protestations to the contrary.
Their 1-0 win at Manchester City on Monday ended the perfect home run of Manuel Pellegrini's side and Wenger insists he was justified in insisting there are no unbeatable teams in the top-flight this season.
"They are in there. You can move out (of the top positions) if you don't want but I think they are in there, of course," added Wenger.
"I told you that one month ago and you didn't believe me. There is no invincible team because there are so many quality teams in the Premier League.
"It is just how close you are to your best every time that decides the outcomes of the games."
Jack Lusby explains why Liverpool can cope without the signing of Yevhen Konoplyanka, but does ponder whether the real failure was not signing elsewhere.
The aftermath of the January transfer window for Liverpool represented a significant opportunity spurned, with the club failing to sign a single player despite very public advances on several targets.
Managing Director Ian Ayre took the brunt of the criticism during the fallout: the considerably-browed Englishman was perhaps made the scapegoat for the misgivings of the club’s transfer process in general.
Apparent attempts to low-ball Swiss club FC Basel during the negotiations to sign now-Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah, along with a bizarre focus on strengthening the squad’s attacking options despite pressing defensive issues abound, serves to underline a questionable window for the club.
With tensions mounting, the club’s failure to sign Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka was the object of great frustration for many fans, and many may be somewhat relieved amid reports of a continued pursuit of the Ukrainian.
However, does not signing the winger, now or in the future, constitute a transfer disaster?
The Future of Luis Alberto
One of many in-house solutions to supplement Liverpool’s already proficient attack comes in the form of 21-year-old Spaniard Luis Alberto.
Since signing for the club in the summer for a considerable fee believed to be around £7m, Alberto hasn’t been offered the chances his valuation should perhaps demand.
All nine of his league appearances to date have come from the subs bench, with his longest stint lasting 28 minutes.
It can be argued that Brendan Rodgers has yet to ascertain where to most appropriately deploy Alberto, as his enduring qualities remain an enigma.
His assured ability on the ball, with a pass success rate of 85% so far according to Squawka, and reasonable physical frame could see the Spaniard vying with Joe Allen or Steven Gerrard for a deeper midfield role.
However, as Alberto is seemingly comfortable with the ball within attacking positions, with a skilful touch as evidenced by several neat flicks produced during the FA Cup win against Oldham in January, it seems most likely that he is suited in the Coutinho-role of attacking midfield.
In fact, according to Squawka, Alberto has created a chance every 48 minutes so far in the Premier League; elsewhere, the more established Coutinho has a similar rate of a chance every 44 minutes.
Naturally these figures are somewhat skewed by huge differences in game time, but they are nevertheless telling of the ability of Alberto.
In the absence of Konoplyanka, perhaps Rodgers should look towards the underused Alberto to provide competition for Coutinho in the left side of midfield.
Total Recall
Another option to provide for the failure to sign Konoplyanka would be to look at Liverpool players on spells further afield.
Several players have impressed so far on loan moves away from Anfield this season, two examples being Fabio Borini and Suso.
The subject of recalling loan players came to the fore during the latter stages of the transfer window following the announcement of a long-term injury to right-back Glen Johnson.
Many called for Derby’s impressive loanee Andre Wisdom to compensate for this loss, whilst left-back Jack Robinson was sighted at Melwood leading to rumours of talks to bring the temporary Blackpool charge back early.
Whilst unlikely at this juncture, legally or in the thoughts of Rodgers, Borini and Suso could be considered as figurative replacements for Konoplyanka.
20-year-old Suso is, by all accounts, impressing on his maiden loan spell at Almeria in his Spanish homeland, whilst Italian striker Borini continues to spurn Liverpool’s league rivals with his goals for Sunderland.
The initial reasoning for the loaning-out of both of these players was likely a problem with acclimatisation, along with the typical throes of youth, and what is to say that this wouldn’t happen with Konoplyanka?
The “success” rate of Ukrainian players in the Premier League is worryingly low, with ex-Liverpool misfit Andriy Voronin one example from many.
Whilst inconclusive, this may suggest that a move for Konoplyanka would be short-sighted.
Therefore rather than continue the increasingly characteristic Rodgers trend of buy, disappoint, exile, it may be more advantageous to look at those already tied to the club – be it this season with a recall, or the next.
Shuffling the Pack
As mentioned earlier, the signing of an attacking player this January would have constituted somewhat of a misguided decision.
It is widely regarded, dictated both by form and by current injuries, that positions in the midfield and defence are much more in need of reinforcing: no more pressing than at left-back, right-back, and defensive midfield.
In truth, whilst signing Konoplyanka would have significantly boosted the depth of the squad, it would likely have bent the nose of at least one current starter out of shape.
The imperious form of Raheem Sterling, the vitality of Coutinho, and the iconic status of Steven Gerrard more or less secure their positions.
Elsewhere, the continued growth of Jordan Henderson and the mature presence of Joe Allen in the midfield offer further options to a full-strength midfield.
The natural option for the cull would be defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva, whose persistent injury issues and diminished form suggest a place on the bench at best in the future.
However, the signing of Konoplyanka would not solve this problem position.
In the seemingly unlikely event of a wholly-fit squad, Rodgers has the luxury of a competitive group without the presence of Konoplyanka.
The absence of the Ukranian can be catered for from within; the transfer disaster for the foreseeable future would be the failure to strengthen elsewhere.
Jack Lusby explains why Liverpool can cope without the signing of Yevhen Konoplyanka, but does ponder whether the real failure was not signing elsewhere.
The aftermath of the January transfer window for Liverpool represented a significant opportunity spurned, with the club failing to sign a single player despite very public advances on several targets.
Managing Director Ian Ayre took the brunt of the criticism during the fallout: the considerably-browed Englishman was perhaps made the scapegoat for the misgivings of the club’s transfer process in general.
Apparent attempts to low-ball Swiss club FC Basel during the negotiations to sign now-Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah, along with a bizarre focus on strengthening the squad’s attacking options despite pressing defensive issues abound, serves to underline a questionable window for the club.
With tensions mounting, the club’s failure to sign Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka was the object of great frustration for many fans, and many may be somewhat relieved amid reports of a continued pursuit of the Ukrainian.
However, does not signing the winger, now or in the future, constitute a transfer disaster?
The Future of Luis Alberto
One of many in-house solutions to supplement Liverpool’s already proficient attack comes in the form of 21-year-old Spaniard Luis Alberto.
Since signing for the club in the summer for a considerable fee believed to be around £7m, Alberto hasn’t been offered the chances his valuation should perhaps demand.
All nine of his league appearances to date have come from the subs bench, with his longest stint lasting 28 minutes.
It can be argued that Brendan Rodgers has yet to ascertain where to most appropriately deploy Alberto, as his enduring qualities remain an enigma.
His assured ability on the ball, with a pass success rate of 85% so far according to Squawka, and reasonable physical frame could see the Spaniard vying with Joe Allen or Steven Gerrard for a deeper midfield role.
However, as Alberto is seemingly comfortable with the ball within attacking positions, with a skilful touch as evidenced by several neat flicks produced during the FA Cup win against Oldham in January, it seems most likely that he is suited in the Coutinho-role of attacking midfield.
In fact, according to Squawka, Alberto has created a chance every 48 minutes so far in the Premier League; elsewhere, the more established Coutinho has a similar rate of a chance every 44 minutes.
Naturally these figures are somewhat skewed by huge differences in game time, but they are nevertheless telling of the ability of Alberto.
In the absence of Konoplyanka, perhaps Rodgers should look towards the underused Alberto to provide competition for Coutinho in the left side of midfield.
Total Recall
Another option to provide for the failure to sign Konoplyanka would be to look at Liverpool players on spells further afield.
Several players have impressed so far on loan moves away from Anfield this season, two examples being Fabio Borini and Suso.
The subject of recalling loan players came to the fore during the latter stages of the transfer window following the announcement of a long-term injury to right-back Glen Johnson.
Many called for Derby’s impressive loanee Andre Wisdom to compensate for this loss, whilst left-back Jack Robinson was sighted at Melwood leading to rumours of talks to bring the temporary Blackpool charge back early.
Whilst unlikely at this juncture, legally or in the thoughts of Rodgers, Borini and Suso could be considered as figurative replacements for Konoplyanka.
20-year-old Suso is, by all accounts, impressing on his maiden loan spell at Almeria in his Spanish homeland, whilst Italian striker Borini continues to spurn Liverpool’s league rivals with his goals for Sunderland.
The initial reasoning for the loaning-out of both of these players was likely a problem with acclimatisation, along with the typical throes of youth, and what is to say that this wouldn’t happen with Konoplyanka?
The “success” rate of Ukrainian players in the Premier League is worryingly low, with ex-Liverpool misfit Andriy Voronin one example from many.
Whilst inconclusive, this may suggest that a move for Konoplyanka would be short-sighted.
Therefore rather than continue the increasingly characteristic Rodgers trend of buy, disappoint, exile, it may be more advantageous to look at those already tied to the club – be it this season with a recall, or the next.
Shuffling the Pack
As mentioned earlier, the signing of an attacking player this January would have constituted somewhat of a misguided decision.
It is widely regarded, dictated both by form and by current injuries, that positions in the midfield and defence are much more in need of reinforcing: no more pressing than at left-back, right-back, and defensive midfield.
In truth, whilst signing Konoplyanka would have significantly boosted the depth of the squad, it would likely have bent the nose of at least one current starter out of shape.
The imperious form of Raheem Sterling, the vitality of Coutinho, and the iconic status of Steven Gerrard more or less secure their positions.
Elsewhere, the continued growth of Jordan Henderson and the mature presence of Joe Allen in the midfield offer further options to a full-strength midfield.
The natural option for the cull would be defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva, whose persistent injury issues and diminished form suggest a place on the bench at best in the future.
However, the signing of Konoplyanka would not solve this problem position.
In the seemingly unlikely event of a wholly-fit squad, Rodgers has the luxury of a competitive group without the presence of Konoplyanka.
The absence of the Ukranian can be catered for from within; the transfer disaster for the foreseeable future would be the failure to strengthen elsewhere.
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