Brendan Rodgers insists he will not blow the Luis Suarez windfall - and will only make strategic signings for Liverpool.
Rodgers had already brought in Rickie Lambert, Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Emre Can before star striker Suarez departed for Barcelona for £75million.
Loic Remy, Dejan Lovren, Ryan Bertrand and Divock Origi are also being linked with the club but Rodgers insists he will not splash the cash for the sake of it, rather a player must fit into the purpose of the team and have the right character.
He told the Daily Express: “You only spend the money if the players are there. The money is there if the right players are available.
“What we can’t do is spend for the sake of it. The players we’ve brought in were players we wanted anyway.
“It was well documented our squad last year was too thin so we needed to bring in players to get that level and depth up.
“Our signings are strategic. They are not just names. They all fit into the purpose of the team but, of course, we want them to make a contribution.
“If that means we do not spend all the money or the net spend is the same, then so be it.
“The character is important. It is not just about the player, but the right type of person.”
Rodgers insisted that he did not pay over the odds for England international Lallana, a £23.6million capture from Southampton.
“For British players across the board, there is always that premium and the value is always pushed up,” he told the Daily Mail.
“We paid what we thought he was worth and would not go higher.”
Brendan Rodgers insists he will not blow the Luis Suarez windfall - and will only make strategic signings for Liverpool.
Rodgers had already brought in Rickie Lambert, Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Emre Can before star striker Suarez departed for Barcelona for £75million.
Loic Remy, Dejan Lovren, Ryan Bertrand and Divock Origi are also being linked with the club but Rodgers insists he will not splash the cash for the sake of it, rather a player must fit into the purpose of the team and have the right character.
He told the Daily Express: “You only spend the money if the players are there. The money is there if the right players are available.
“What we can’t do is spend for the sake of it. The players we’ve brought in were players we wanted anyway.
“It was well documented our squad last year was too thin so we needed to bring in players to get that level and depth up.
“Our signings are strategic. They are not just names. They all fit into the purpose of the team but, of course, we want them to make a contribution.
“If that means we do not spend all the money or the net spend is the same, then so be it.
“The character is important. It is not just about the player, but the right type of person.”
Rodgers insisted that he did not pay over the odds for England international Lallana, a £23.6million capture from Southampton.
“For British players across the board, there is always that premium and the value is always pushed up,” he told the Daily Mail.
“We paid what we thought he was worth and would not go higher.”
A late Marco Borriello goal gave Roma a 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool at Boston's Fenway Park on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, steered the ball home from a 90th-minute corner through the legs of Jack Robinson, despite the close attentions of Daniel Agger.
Sunderland transfer target Fabio Borini was named in the Reds' starting line-up alongside Rickie Lambert, but the Italian was forced off with a shoulder injury in the 12th minute.
However, speaking after the match, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers played down the severity of the knock.
"He's only bruised it," said Rodgers. "He won't train now for the remainder of the trip here, but it's only going to be a few days before he's back training and playing again."
In front of a sold-out crowd, Philippe Coutinho was the stand-out player on show for Liverpool, against a Roma team that included former England left-back Ashley Cole.
After Coutinho had sent a 20th-minute free-kick just wide, Francesco Totti stabbed a good chance wide for the Giallorossi after being set up by Cole.
Lambert had several chances, and forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski after the break.
Coutinho had another shot blocked from the edge of the area and Brad Jones made a one-handed stop to deny Antonio Sanabria before Borriello settled the affair late on.
Meanwhile, Liverpool owner John W Henry spoke about life after Luis Suarez for the Reds following the sale of the Uruguay striker to Barcelona.
"It was time for Luis and time for the club to make a break," said Henry. "He brought so much to the club but we brought a lot to Luis.
"I think you will still see a very explosive Liverpool offense."
Liverpool's next friendly assignment is against Olympiakos in Chicago on Sunday, a game in which Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are expected to make their Reds debuts.
A late Marco Borriello goal gave Roma a 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool at Boston's Fenway Park on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, steered the ball home from a 90th-minute corner through the legs of Jack Robinson, despite the close attentions of Daniel Agger.
Sunderland transfer target Fabio Borini was named in the Reds' starting line-up alongside Rickie Lambert, but the Italian was forced off with a shoulder injury in the 12th minute.
However, speaking after the match, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers played down the severity of the knock.
"He's only bruised it," said Rodgers. "He won't train now for the remainder of the trip here, but it's only going to be a few days before he's back training and playing again."
In front of a sold-out crowd, Philippe Coutinho was the stand-out player on show for Liverpool, against a Roma team that included former England left-back Ashley Cole.
After Coutinho had sent a 20th-minute free-kick just wide, Francesco Totti stabbed a good chance wide for the Giallorossi after being set up by Cole.
Lambert had several chances, and forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski after the break.
Coutinho had another shot blocked from the edge of the area and Brad Jones made a one-handed stop to deny Antonio Sanabria before Borriello settled the affair late on.
Meanwhile, Liverpool owner John W Henry spoke about life after Luis Suarez for the Reds following the sale of the Uruguay striker to Barcelona.
"It was time for Luis and time for the club to make a break," said Henry. "He brought so much to the club but we brought a lot to Luis.
"I think you will still see a very explosive Liverpool offense."
Liverpool's next friendly assignment is against Olympiakos in Chicago on Sunday, a game in which Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are expected to make their Reds debuts.
A late Marco Borriello goal gave Roma a 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool at Boston's Fenway Park on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, steered the ball home from a 90th-minute corner through the legs of Jack Robinson, despite the close attentions of Daniel Agger.
Sunderland transfer target Fabio Borini was named in the Reds' starting line-up alongside Rickie Lambert, but the Italian was forced off with a shoulder injury in the 12th minute.
However, speaking after the match, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers played down the severity of the knock.
"He's only bruised it," said Rodgers. "He won't train now for the remainder of the trip here, but it's only going to be a few days before he's back training and playing again."
In front of a sold-out crowd, Philippe Coutinho was the stand-out player on show for Liverpool, against a Roma team that included former England left-back Ashley Cole.
After Coutinho had sent a 20th-minute free-kick just wide, Francesco Totti stabbed a good chance wide for the Giallorossi after being set up by Cole.
Lambert had several chances, and forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski after the break.
Coutinho had another shot blocked from the edge of the area and Brad Jones made a one-handed stop to deny Antonio Sanabria before Borriello settled the affair late on.
Meanwhile, Liverpool owner John W Henry spoke about life after Luis Suarez for the Reds following the sale of the Uruguay striker to Barcelona.
"It was time for Luis and time for the club to make a break," said Henry. "He brought so much to the club but we brought a lot to Luis.
"I think you will still see a very explosive Liverpool offense."
Liverpool's next friendly assignment is against Olympiakos in Chicago on Sunday, a game in which Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are expected to make their Reds debuts.
A late Marco Borriello goal gave Roma a 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool at Boston's Fenway Park on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, steered the ball home from a 90th-minute corner through the legs of Jack Robinson, despite the close attentions of Daniel Agger.
Sunderland transfer target Fabio Borini was named in the Reds' starting line-up alongside Rickie Lambert, but the Italian was forced off with a shoulder injury in the 12th minute.
However, speaking after the match, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers played down the severity of the knock.
"He's only bruised it," said Rodgers. "He won't train now for the remainder of the trip here, but it's only going to be a few days before he's back training and playing again."
In front of a sold-out crowd, Philippe Coutinho was the stand-out player on show for Liverpool, against a Roma team that included former England left-back Ashley Cole.
After Coutinho had sent a 20th-minute free-kick just wide, Francesco Totti stabbed a good chance wide for the Giallorossi after being set up by Cole.
Lambert had several chances, and forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski after the break.
Coutinho had another shot blocked from the edge of the area and Brad Jones made a one-handed stop to deny Antonio Sanabria before Borriello settled the affair late on.
Meanwhile, Liverpool owner John W Henry spoke about life after Luis Suarez for the Reds following the sale of the Uruguay striker to Barcelona.
"It was time for Luis and time for the club to make a break," said Henry. "He brought so much to the club but we brought a lot to Luis.
"I think you will still see a very explosive Liverpool offense."
Liverpool's next friendly assignment is against Olympiakos in Chicago on Sunday, a game in which Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are expected to make their Reds debuts.
A late Marco Borriello goal gave Roma a 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool at Boston's Fenway Park on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, steered the ball home from a 90th-minute corner through the legs of Jack Robinson, despite the close attentions of Daniel Agger.
Sunderland transfer target Fabio Borini was named in the Reds' starting line-up alongside Rickie Lambert, but the Italian was forced off with a shoulder injury in the 12th minute.
However, speaking after the match, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers played down the severity of the knock.
"He's only bruised it," said Rodgers. "He won't train now for the remainder of the trip here, but it's only going to be a few days before he's back training and playing again."
In front of a sold-out crowd, Philippe Coutinho was the stand-out player on show for Liverpool, against a Roma team that included former England left-back Ashley Cole.
After Coutinho had sent a 20th-minute free-kick just wide, Francesco Totti stabbed a good chance wide for the Giallorossi after being set up by Cole.
Lambert had several chances, and forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski after the break.
Coutinho had another shot blocked from the edge of the area and Brad Jones made a one-handed stop to deny Antonio Sanabria before Borriello settled the affair late on.
Meanwhile, Liverpool owner John W Henry spoke about life after Luis Suarez for the Reds following the sale of the Uruguay striker to Barcelona.
"It was time for Luis and time for the club to make a break," said Henry. "He brought so much to the club but we brought a lot to Luis.
"I think you will still see a very explosive Liverpool offense."
Liverpool's next friendly assignment is against Olympiakos in Chicago on Sunday, a game in which Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are expected to make their Reds debuts.
A late Marco Borriello goal gave Roma a 1-0 friendly win over Liverpool at Boston's Fenway Park on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, steered the ball home from a 90th-minute corner through the legs of Jack Robinson, despite the close attentions of Daniel Agger.
Sunderland transfer target Fabio Borini was named in the Reds' starting line-up alongside Rickie Lambert, but the Italian was forced off with a shoulder injury in the 12th minute.
However, speaking after the match, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers played down the severity of the knock.
"He's only bruised it," said Rodgers. "He won't train now for the remainder of the trip here, but it's only going to be a few days before he's back training and playing again."
In front of a sold-out crowd, Philippe Coutinho was the stand-out player on show for Liverpool, against a Roma team that included former England left-back Ashley Cole.
After Coutinho had sent a 20th-minute free-kick just wide, Francesco Totti stabbed a good chance wide for the Giallorossi after being set up by Cole.
Lambert had several chances, and forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski after the break.
Coutinho had another shot blocked from the edge of the area and Brad Jones made a one-handed stop to deny Antonio Sanabria before Borriello settled the affair late on.
Meanwhile, Liverpool owner John W Henry spoke about life after Luis Suarez for the Reds following the sale of the Uruguay striker to Barcelona.
"It was time for Luis and time for the club to make a break," said Henry. "He brought so much to the club but we brought a lot to Luis.
"I think you will still see a very explosive Liverpool offense."
Liverpool's next friendly assignment is against Olympiakos in Chicago on Sunday, a game in which Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are expected to make their Reds debuts.
Daniel Agger‘s last-minute own goal gifted Roma victory in Liverpool’s first game of their USA tour, in a game that Brendan Rodgers‘ side shaded on the whole.
Liverpool 0-1 Roma/ Friendly / Fenway Park, Boston / Thursday, 24th July 2014
Goals: Agger OG (89)
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers handed Jose Enrique his first start since Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last October, with the 28-year-old left-back continuing his recovery from long-term injury.
Sebastian Coates was given a rare starting berth alongside captain Martin Skrtel, while Jordan Ibe started again following an impressive performance against Preston last Saturday.
There was no place in the squad for new signings Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana, however.
Liverpool got off to a solid start against a strong Roma team, enjoying the better of possession in front of an expectant American crowd at Fenway Park.
Fabio Borini, potentially Sunderland-bound, left the field just 10 minutes into the game after injuring his shoulder. He was replaced by Emre Can.
In truth it was a very forgettable opening 45 minutes, with neither side managing a single shot on target and both seemingly struggling with the trajectory of their passing.
Italian legend Francesco Totti went closest, kneeing the ball wide following good work from new signing Ashley Cole. Ibe looked a threat for Liverpool, while Coates was an assured presence at centre-back.
The two sides went in at half-time all square.
Rodgers made just one change at the interval, with Jack Robinson replacing Enrique at left-back.
Philippe Coutinho twice tried his luck a couple of minutes into the second-half, but saw both attempts sail wide, while Rickie Lambert failed to connect properly with a close-range effort after a fine cross by Martin Kelly.
Liverpool were stepping it up, and Can’s pace and power made him an increasingly influential figure in midfield. Lambert’s stinging left foot drive in the 57th minute tested Roma goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, while another Coutinho effort was blocked following good work by substitute Kristoffer Peterson.
The final 20 minutes of the game drifted somewhat, with Roma’s many substitutions at the midway point of the half doing nothing to help the flow of the game.
Brad Jones made a fine save to deny Antonio Sanabria late on, but just as it looked as though the game was heading for an inevitable draw, Daniel Agger diverted the ball agonisingly past Jones from a Roma corner to gift the Italian side victory.
The performance was adequate, if a little lacking in intensity, and Rodgers will want to see an improvement ahead of Sunday’s clash with Olympiakos.
Man of the Match: Lucas Leiva
Tactical Overview
The Reds were deployed in a 4-3-3 formation at the start of proceedings, rather than the 4-4-2 diamond Rodgers is occasionally fond of, with Coutinho at the top a midfield three, and Ibe and Borini start either side of Lambert.
Borini’s injury caused the Northern Irishman to push Coutinho out to the right, with Can slotting into the centre of midfield and Joe Allen playing a more advanced role.
Can, in particular, showed exactly what he will add to the Liverpool midfield, with speed, strength and mobility in abundance.
Liverpool: Jones, Kelly, Skrtel, Coates (Agger 60), Enrique (Robinson 46), Lucas, Allen (Henderson 77), Coutinho (Phillips 85), Borini (Can 12), Lambert (Peterson 60), Ibe (Suso 77)
Subs not used: Ward, Coady.
Roma starting XI: Skorupski, Somma, Benatia, Castan, Cole, Florenzi, Keita, Nainggolan, Iturbe, Totti, Ljajic
Daniel Agger‘s last-minute own goal gifted Roma victory in Liverpool’s first game of their USA tour, in a game that Brendan Rodgers‘ side shaded on the whole.
Liverpool 0-1 Roma/ Friendly / Fenway Park, Boston / Thursday, 24th July 2014
Goals: Agger OG (89)
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers handed Jose Enrique his first start since Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last October, with the 28-year-old left-back continuing his recovery from long-term injury.
Sebastian Coates was given a rare starting berth alongside captain Martin Skrtel, while Jordan Ibe started again following an impressive performance against Preston last Saturday.
There was no place in the squad for new signings Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana, however.
Liverpool got off to a solid start against a strong Roma team, enjoying the better of possession in front of an expectant American crowd at Fenway Park.
Fabio Borini, potentially Sunderland-bound, left the field just 10 minutes into the game after injuring his shoulder. He was replaced by Emre Can.
In truth it was a very forgettable opening 45 minutes, with neither side managing a single shot on target and both seemingly struggling with the trajectory of their passing.
Italian legend Francesco Totti went closest, kneeing the ball wide following good work from new signing Ashley Cole. Ibe looked a threat for Liverpool, while Coates was an assured presence at centre-back.
The two sides went in at half-time all square.
Rodgers made just one change at the interval, with Jack Robinson replacing Enrique at left-back.
Philippe Coutinho twice tried his luck a couple of minutes into the second-half, but saw both attempts sail wide, while Rickie Lambert failed to connect properly with a close-range effort after a fine cross by Martin Kelly.
Liverpool were stepping it up, and Can’s pace and power made him an increasingly influential figure in midfield. Lambert’s stinging left foot drive in the 57th minute tested Roma goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, while another Coutinho effort was blocked following good work by substitute Kristoffer Peterson.
The final 20 minutes of the game drifted somewhat, with Roma’s many substitutions at the midway point of the half doing nothing to help the flow of the game.
Brad Jones made a fine save to deny Antonio Sanabria late on, but just as it looked as though the game was heading for an inevitable draw, Daniel Agger diverted the ball agonisingly past Jones from a Roma corner to gift the Italian side victory.
The performance was adequate, if a little lacking in intensity, and Rodgers will want to see an improvement ahead of Sunday’s clash with Olympiakos.
Man of the Match: Lucas Leiva
Tactical Overview
The Reds were deployed in a 4-3-3 formation at the start of proceedings, rather than the 4-4-2 diamond Rodgers is occasionally fond of, with Coutinho at the top a midfield three, and Ibe and Borini start either side of Lambert.
Borini’s injury caused the Northern Irishman to push Coutinho out to the right, with Can slotting into the centre of midfield and Joe Allen playing a more advanced role.
Can, in particular, showed exactly what he will add to the Liverpool midfield, with speed, strength and mobility in abundance.
Liverpool: Jones, Kelly, Skrtel, Coates (Agger 60), Enrique (Robinson 46), Lucas, Allen (Henderson 77), Coutinho (Phillips 85), Borini (Can 12), Lambert (Peterson 60), Ibe (Suso 77)
Subs not used: Ward, Coady.
Roma starting XI: Skorupski, Somma, Benatia, Castan, Cole, Florenzi, Keita, Nainggolan, Iturbe, Totti, Ljajic
Liverpool play Italian side Roma in their third pre-season friendly, the first of their US tour, on Wednesday evening in Boston.
Martin Skrtel captains the side, starting alongside Sebastian Coates in defence. Jose Enrique makes his first start on his return from injury. Emre Can is named among the subs.
Those players who only began pre-season training on Monday aren’t involved – aside from marathon man Jordan Henderson who is named on the bench – which means Adam Lallana’s first appearance in a Liverpool shirt will be in Chicago on Sunday against Olympiakos.
Rickie Lambert starts up front alongside Jordon Ibe and Fabio Borini.
Kick off is at 00.30am (UK) – live on BT Sport. Local time is 7.30pm (EST) kick off – live on NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra in USA.
Liverpool: Jones, Kelly, Skrtel, Coates, Enrique, Lucas, Allen, Coutinho, Borini, Lambert, Ibe.
Subs: Ward, Agger, Henderson, Can, Suso, Coady, Phillips, Robinson, Peterson.
Liverpool play Italian side Roma in their third pre-season friendly, the first of their US tour, on Wednesday evening in Boston.
Martin Skrtel captains the side, starting alongside Sebastian Coates in defence. Jose Enrique makes his first start on his return from injury. Emre Can is named among the subs.
Those players who only began pre-season training on Monday aren’t involved – aside from marathon man Jordan Henderson who is named on the bench – which means Adam Lallana’s first appearance in a Liverpool shirt will be in Chicago on Sunday against Olympiakos.
Rickie Lambert starts up front alongside Jordon Ibe and Fabio Borini.
Kick off is at 00.30am (UK) – live on BT Sport. Local time is 7.30pm (EST) kick off – live on NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra in USA.
Liverpool: Jones, Kelly, Skrtel, Coates, Enrique, Lucas, Allen, Coutinho, Borini, Lambert, Ibe.
Subs: Ward, Agger, Henderson, Can, Suso, Coady, Phillips, Robinson, Peterson.
Croatian defender Dejan Lovren will be a Liverpool player by the weekend, according to Sky Sports reporter Jim White.
White tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that he had heard “on good authority” that Lovren would be a Liverpool player “by the weekend”:
Just heard on good authority that Dejan Lovren will be a #LFC player by the weekend.
— Jim White (@JimWhite) July 23, 2014
Reports earlier this week had suggested that a deal had finally been agreed with Southampton for the 25-year-old, believed to be worth £20 million.
With Loic Remy having already flown to Boston to undergo his medical ahead of a £8 million move from QPR, Lovren looks like also taking the trip across the Atlantic to join his new team mates.
That means that both players could be unveiled before The Reds’ second tour match against Olympiakos in Chicago on Sunday.
Lovren will become the third player Liverpool have signed from Southampton this summer, following Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana north.
Brendan Rodgers side play AS Roma at Fenway Park on Wednesday evening in Boston (00.30am UK).
Croatian defender Dejan Lovren will be a Liverpool player by the weekend, according to Sky Sports reporter Jim White.
White tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that he had heard “on good authority” that Lovren would be a Liverpool player “by the weekend”:
Just heard on good authority that Dejan Lovren will be a #LFC player by the weekend.
— Jim White (@JimWhite) July 23, 2014
Reports earlier this week had suggested that a deal had finally been agreed with Southampton for the 25-year-old, believed to be worth £20 million.
With Loic Remy having already flown to Boston to undergo his medical ahead of a £8 million move from QPR, Lovren looks like also taking the trip across the Atlantic to join his new team mates.
That means that both players could be unveiled before The Reds’ second tour match against Olympiakos in Chicago on Sunday.
Lovren will become the third player Liverpool have signed from Southampton this summer, following Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana north.
Brendan Rodgers side play AS Roma at Fenway Park on Wednesday evening in Boston (00.30am UK).
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