Liverpool host Chelsea on Saturday as the Reds return to Premier League action with the big talking point over what XI Brendan Rodgers should select for the clash. Ben Twelves takes a look at the options available to the bold Liverpool manager.
All eyes will once again be on Brendan Rodgers and his team selection on Saturday as Liverpool host top of the table Chelsea at Anfield, with the Reds manager’s chosen XI sure to be scrutinised even more closely than in midweek.
Rodgers sparked outrage within the football media for a team selected “in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club” in Tuesday’s defeat in Madrid, which saw the Reds boss heavily criticised as a result, but with the way he then watched his inexperienced XI play, it proved to be a productive night.
Opportunities were handed to fringe players of the Liverpool squad, with most taking the chance afforded to them with both hands, and as a result, there’s now a more competitive edge to the group with a number of underperforming players under pressure from those given the chance in midweek.
Rodgers, as a result of a promising display from an inexperienced XI, now has a huge selection headache ahead of the game – with those he rested by no means certainties to come straight back into the team, as the Reds boss alluded to himself post-match in Madrid.
Regardless of starting XI debates, the pressure is on for the Northern Irishman to guide his side to a positive result and after those previously cast aside fired a loud reminder to the Reds boss that they’re still around, the selection for Saturday could be even more interesting.
The Team
The whole Liverpool squad travelled to the Spanish capital as Rodgers revealed, but those injured who went along for the experience and to support are all still missing, meaning the Liverpool manager is again without Mamadou Sakho, Jon Flanagan, Jose Enrique, Suso and of course, Daniel Sturridge.
Such was the improved level of performance from those who did play in midweek, Rodgers now faces a huge decision over whether to reinstate those rested – Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli – or reintroduce just a few of the rested assets to assist the impressive performers from Tuesday.
Amongst those who shone on the night was Kolo Toure – whose presence and leadership in the back four was levels above anything we’ve seen yet from Dejan Lovren – and midfield stalwarts Lucas Leiva and Emre Can battled superbly and helped the usually dysfunctional defence immeasurably with a disciplined display.
Fabio Borini worked selflessly all night with his inclusion over Balotelli certainly to have been a move based on work rate and desire, but his tired legs could mean his fellow-countryman does come back into the side.
Liverpool Lineup
Liverpool will need some fresh legs for the visit of the league leaders and that would be the only reason Lovren or Johnson should come back into the team, otherwise the smoother functioning back four from Tuesday should remain completely unchanged.
The biggest debate comes over whether Gerrard should re-enter the team after a much more controlled midfield display from his replacement Lucas, and Can too, helped command the Reds midfield with better control, and both could well stay in the side.
However Joe Allen struggled on the night, uncharacteristically conceding possession a number of times, and as a result of his tiredness a space should open up in midfield, for the energetic Jordan Henderson – making a three of Lucas, Can and Henderson.
In attack, Lazar Markovic showed glimpses of his quality and an improved performance as a result, but he didn’t quite do enough to keep his shirt for the weekend, and with Adam Lallana playing 90 minutes as well as Fabio Borini, three potential spaces open up in the Reds forward line.
Those who should be trusted to fill them are Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling – who both came on as second half substitutes in Spain – and if Borini isn’t sharp enough to keep his place after a long night chasing the ball, Balotelli should take over up front.
Options
The introduction of some of those rested, combined with rewarding those who battled means Liverpool should therefore line up like this on Saturday:
Alternatively, this could be an option for the Liverpool manager:
However, the Liverpool boss rested a number of first choice players for a reason and I’d expect the team to look something more like this come Saturday kick-off time:
Saturday’s encounter will be a big challenge for Liverpool against the strongest team in the country currently and it’s not the sort of fixture wanted after a tough away trip in the Champions League.
But off the back of an improved display in Madrid and with a new-found freshness about the Liverpool squad, there’s a cause for optimism that the Reds can grab what would be a significant morale boosting victory.
.
Liverpool host Chelsea on Saturday as the Reds return to Premier League action with the big talking point over what XI Brendan Rodgers should select for the clash. Ben Twelves takes a look at the options available to the bold Liverpool manager.
All eyes will once again be on Brendan Rodgers and his team selection on Saturday as Liverpool host top of the table Chelsea at Anfield, with the Reds manager’s chosen XI sure to be scrutinised even more closely than in midweek.
Rodgers sparked outrage within the football media for a team selected “in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club” in Tuesday’s defeat in Madrid, which saw the Reds boss heavily criticised as a result, but with the way he then watched his inexperienced XI play, it proved to be a productive night.
Opportunities were handed to fringe players of the Liverpool squad, with most taking the chance afforded to them with both hands, and as a result, there’s now a more competitive edge to the group with a number of underperforming players under pressure from those given the chance in midweek.
Rodgers, as a result of a promising display from an inexperienced XI, now has a huge selection headache ahead of the game – with those he rested by no means certainties to come straight back into the team, as the Reds boss alluded to himself post-match in Madrid.
Regardless of starting XI debates, the pressure is on for the Northern Irishman to guide his side to a positive result and after those previously cast aside fired a loud reminder to the Reds boss that they’re still around, the selection for Saturday could be even more interesting.
The Team
The whole Liverpool squad travelled to the Spanish capital as Rodgers revealed, but those injured who went along for the experience and to support are all still missing, meaning the Liverpool manager is again without Mamadou Sakho, Jon Flanagan, Jose Enrique, Suso and of course, Daniel Sturridge.
Such was the improved level of performance from those who did play in midweek, Rodgers now faces a huge decision over whether to reinstate those rested – Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli – or reintroduce just a few of the rested assets to assist the impressive performers from Tuesday.
Amongst those who shone on the night was Kolo Toure – whose presence and leadership in the back four was levels above anything we’ve seen yet from Dejan Lovren – and midfield stalwarts Lucas Leiva and Emre Can battled superbly and helped the usually dysfunctional defence immeasurably with a disciplined display.
Fabio Borini worked selflessly all night with his inclusion over Balotelli certainly to have been a move based on work rate and desire, but his tired legs could mean his fellow-countryman does come back into the side.
Liverpool Lineup
Liverpool will need some fresh legs for the visit of the league leaders and that would be the only reason Lovren or Johnson should come back into the team, otherwise the smoother functioning back four from Tuesday should remain completely unchanged.
The biggest debate comes over whether Gerrard should re-enter the team after a much more controlled midfield display from his replacement Lucas, and Can too, helped command the Reds midfield with better control, and both could well stay in the side.
However Joe Allen struggled on the night, uncharacteristically conceding possession a number of times, and as a result of his tiredness a space should open up in midfield, for the energetic Jordan Henderson – making a three of Lucas, Can and Henderson.
In attack, Lazar Markovic showed glimpses of his quality and an improved performance as a result, but he didn’t quite do enough to keep his shirt for the weekend, and with Adam Lallana playing 90 minutes as well as Fabio Borini, three potential spaces open up in the Reds forward line.
Those who should be trusted to fill them are Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling – who both came on as second half substitutes in Spain – and if Borini isn’t sharp enough to keep his place after a long night chasing the ball, Balotelli should take over up front.
Options
The introduction of some of those rested, combined with rewarding those who battled means Liverpool should therefore line up like this on Saturday:
Alternatively, this could be an option for the Liverpool manager:
However, the Liverpool boss rested a number of first choice players for a reason and I’d expect the team to look something more like this come Saturday kick-off time:
Saturday’s encounter will be a big challenge for Liverpool against the strongest team in the country currently and it’s not the sort of fixture wanted after a tough away trip in the Champions League.
But off the back of an improved display in Madrid and with a new-found freshness about the Liverpool squad, there’s a cause for optimism that the Reds can grab what would be a significant morale boosting victory.
.
It’s four years to the day since a Liverpool side managed by Roy Hodgson defeated then-champions Chelsea at Anfield. Henry Jackson looks back at the game, and how the Reds were performing at the time.
Pre-Match Form
Roy Hodgson had arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2010, but had already lost the fanbase by this point, having been knocked out of the League Cup by Northampton Town, suffered defeat at home to Premier League newcomers Blackpool and Hodgson having declared himself happy with the performance in a 2-0 defeat in the Merseyside derby.
The now England manager had signed numerous players clearly not up to Liverpool’s standards, including Paul Konchesky, Christian Poulsen and Joe Cole. He attempted to sign Carlton Cole too.
The Reds were in 15th place in the Premier League table going into the clash with Carlo Ancelotti’s league leaders, winning just three of their opening 10 league games.
Fernando Torres had been a shadow of the player who had terrorised the best defences in Europe between 2007 and 2009, with injuries and form both taking their toll on the Spaniard. He rolled back the years against the Blues, however.
The Match
Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea
Sunday 7th November 2010
Goals: Torres 11 & 44
Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Lucas, Gerrard, Meireles, Maxi, Kuyt, Torres.
Subs not used: Hansen, Wilson, Spearing, Poulsen, Shelvey, Jovanovic, N’Gog.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 70), Alex, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Zhirkov, Malouda, Kalou, Anelka.
Subs not used: Turnbull, Ferreira, McEeachran, Drogba, Sturridge, Kakuta.
Having nicked a 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers in their previous league game – a win Hodgson called a “famous victory” – thanks to Maxi Rodriguez’s late winner, Hodgson knew victory over Chelsea could prove to be another momentum boost in their stuttering campaign. It’s fair to say not many fancied them to pick up all three points though.
There were two changes for Liverpool, with Martin Kelly and Dirk Kuyt replacing Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Cole, respectively. Kuyt’s return from injury was a big boost, in particular. Chelsea, meanwhile, were without Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien.
Kuyt and Torres linked up brilliantly for the opening goal of the game, with the Spaniard racing onto a clever pass from the Dutchman, before finishing clinically past Petr Cech at the Anfield Road end.
The visitors barely threatened throughout the first-half, and Liverpool were deservedly 2-0 up a minute before half-time. Raul Meireles found Torres out wide, and ‘El Nino’ cut inside and bent a stunning effort into the far corner. It was the Torres of old.
Although the Blues dominated much of the second-half, creating numerous chances, Hodgson’s men held on for a priceless win over the champions. Although some felt it may the start of a resurgence by the Reds, they were wrong.
What Happened Next?
Liverpool’s form continued to be extremely inconsistent following that victory, with just three victories in their next nine Premier League games. A 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Anfield in December was a particular low point, and it was obvious that Hodgson’s time at Anfield was coming to an end.
The final straw came following a tepid 3-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in January 2011, and he was sacked a few days later. It has to go down as one of the worst spells in charge by a Liverpool manager. Kenny Dalglish replaced him in the Anfield hot seat, amid much joy from Liverpool supporters.
Within a few weeks of the legendary Scot’s return, Torres chose to join Chelsea for £50m, in a move that makes Torres unpopular with Liverpool fans to this day. His destruction of his new employers would prove to be the last thing of note he did in a Reds shirt.
Dalglish made a big difference to the general mood and atmosphere at the club, and having been in the relegation zone at one point under Hodgson, he guided them to a respectable sixth place Premier League finish.
It may have been a season to forget, but the Torres inspired win over Chelsea was one of the most memorable days of the season.
Let us know your memories from that day back in 2010 in the comments section.
.
It’s four years to the day since a Liverpool side managed by Roy Hodgson defeated then-champions Chelsea at Anfield. Henry Jackson looks back at the game, and how the Reds were performing at the time.
Pre-Match Form
Roy Hodgson had arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2010, but had already lost the fanbase by this point, having been knocked out of the League Cup by Northampton Town, suffered defeat at home to Premier League newcomers Blackpool and Hodgson having declared himself happy with the performance in a 2-0 defeat in the Merseyside derby.
The now England manager had signed numerous players clearly not up to Liverpool’s standards, including Paul Konchesky, Christian Poulsen and Joe Cole. He attempted to sign Carlton Cole too.
The Reds were in 15th place in the Premier League table going into the clash with Carlo Ancelotti’s league leaders, winning just three of their opening 10 league games.
Fernando Torres had been a shadow of the player who had terrorised the best defences in Europe between 2007 and 2009, with injuries and form both taking their toll on the Spaniard. He rolled back the years against the Blues, however.
The Match
Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea
Sunday 7th November 2010
Goals: Torres 11 & 44
Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Lucas, Gerrard, Meireles, Maxi, Kuyt, Torres.
Subs not used: Hansen, Wilson, Spearing, Poulsen, Shelvey, Jovanovic, N’Gog.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 70), Alex, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Zhirkov, Malouda, Kalou, Anelka.
Subs not used: Turnbull, Ferreira, McEeachran, Drogba, Sturridge, Kakuta.
Having nicked a 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers in their previous league game – a win Hodgson called a “famous victory” – thanks to Maxi Rodriguez’s late winner, Hodgson knew victory over Chelsea could prove to be another momentum boost in their stuttering campaign. It’s fair to say not many fancied them to pick up all three points though.
There were two changes for Liverpool, with Martin Kelly and Dirk Kuyt replacing Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Cole, respectively. Kuyt’s return from injury was a big boost, in particular. Chelsea, meanwhile, were without Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien.
Kuyt and Torres linked up brilliantly for the opening goal of the game, with the Spaniard racing onto a clever pass from the Dutchman, before finishing clinically past Petr Cech at the Anfield Road end.
The visitors barely threatened throughout the first-half, and Liverpool were deservedly 2-0 up a minute before half-time. Raul Meireles found Torres out wide, and ‘El Nino’ cut inside and bent a stunning effort into the far corner. It was the Torres of old.
Although the Blues dominated much of the second-half, creating numerous chances, Hodgson’s men held on for a priceless win over the champions. Although some felt it may the start of a resurgence by the Reds, they were wrong.
What Happened Next?
Liverpool’s form continued to be extremely inconsistent following that victory, with just three victories in their next nine Premier League games. A 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Anfield in December was a particular low point, and it was obvious that Hodgson’s time at Anfield was coming to an end.
The final straw came following a tepid 3-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in January 2011, and he was sacked a few days later. It has to go down as one of the worst spells in charge by a Liverpool manager. Kenny Dalglish replaced him in the Anfield hot seat, amid much joy from Liverpool supporters.
Within a few weeks of the legendary Scot’s return, Torres chose to join Chelsea for £50m, in a move that makes Torres unpopular with Liverpool fans to this day. His destruction of his new employers would prove to be the last thing of note he did in a Reds shirt.
Dalglish made a big difference to the general mood and atmosphere at the club, and having been in the relegation zone at one point under Hodgson, he guided them to a respectable sixth place Premier League finish.
It may have been a season to forget, but the Torres inspired win over Chelsea was one of the most memorable days of the season.
Let us know your memories from that day back in 2010 in the comments section.
.
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Liverpool FanZoner Rich Garnett looks ahead to Saturday's clash with Chelsea and wants the same defensive solidity shown at Real Madrid.
Even in times of adversity, there's never a dull moment at Liverpool Football Club.
Picking the bones out of the Reds' miserable defeat at St James' Park last Saturday looked like a thankless task so Brendan Rodgers' decision to dump half of the starting 11 for the trip to the European Champions can be considered a godsend for the common football writer.
Rodgers came in for some considerable flack for not fielding his 'first eleven' in the Bernabeu on Tuesday night but with seven defeats in their first 16 matches of the season one could be forgiven for assuming such a thing does not actually exist yet.
Of course, the method behind the madness cannot be truly measured until Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday lunch time when Rodgers will either emerge as a strategic genius or just a maker of bad calls.
One thing that most certainly can't be denied is that the Liverpool team who lost 1-0 in Madrid this week fared considerably better than the one which lost 3-0 to the same opposition at Anfield.
'Rodgers ressies' might not have offered much punch up front, but defensively they were as tight as any Liverpool performance this season, none more so than the outstanding Kolo Toure.
There is little doubt that Rodgers always intended to recall Dejan Lovren for the match against Chelsea but Toure has now given the Anfield boss a serious selection dilemma and if he wants to send the right message to his underperforming stars then he must surely now hand the Ivorian a starting birth on Saturday.
The performance in Madrid was one of aggression, solidity and collaborative effort. Where has that performance level been?
Losing Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge is a massive void to fill up front but the Reds can do themselves a huge favour by shoring up the defensive holes that have blighted the current campaign whilst a sustainable solution up top is established.
Whether that includes retaining Steve Gerrard in a defensive midfield role is another matter for fierce debate.
With younger legs around him in the team that can arguably cover more ground to protect the back four, Gerrard - like everyone else - must show his value to the place he occupies.
He is still good value for a place in the side, but it is difficult to argue with the notion that his most worthy contribution remains in the attacking half of the pitch.
Liverpool need no reminders of their last Premier League encounter with Chelsea (though there will be plenty) so there will be no shortage of incentive for the broken of hearts of last season to get one over their unbeaten visitors on Saturday lunchtime.
In a way it would be fitting if Anfield marked the end of Jose Mourinho's undefeated start to the season, but it will take a team effort on par with that encouraging performance in Madrid to make that ideology a reality.
The Liverpool starting eleven is anyone's guess, but it makes for some fascinating debate that could just work in the manager's favour.
By Liverpool FanZoner Richard Garnett. Follow him on Twitter here, and don't forget you can follow @FanZone too!
Liverpool FanZoner Rich Garnett looks ahead to Saturday's clash with Chelsea and wants the same defensive solidity shown at Real Madrid.
Even in times of adversity, there's never a dull moment at Liverpool Football Club.
Picking the bones out of the Reds' miserable defeat at St James' Park last Saturday looked like a thankless task so Brendan Rodgers' decision to dump half of the starting 11 for the trip to the European Champions can be considered a godsend for the common football writer.
Rodgers came in for some considerable flack for not fielding his 'first eleven' in the Bernabeu on Tuesday night but with seven defeats in their first 16 matches of the season one could be forgiven for assuming such a thing does not actually exist yet.
Of course, the method behind the madness cannot be truly measured until Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday lunch time when Rodgers will either emerge as a strategic genius or just a maker of bad calls.
One thing that most certainly can't be denied is that the Liverpool team who lost 1-0 in Madrid this week fared considerably better than the one which lost 3-0 to the same opposition at Anfield.
'Rodgers ressies' might not have offered much punch up front, but defensively they were as tight as any Liverpool performance this season, none more so than the outstanding Kolo Toure.
There is little doubt that Rodgers always intended to recall Dejan Lovren for the match against Chelsea but Toure has now given the Anfield boss a serious selection dilemma and if he wants to send the right message to his underperforming stars then he must surely now hand the Ivorian a starting birth on Saturday.
The performance in Madrid was one of aggression, solidity and collaborative effort. Where has that performance level been?
Losing Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge is a massive void to fill up front but the Reds can do themselves a huge favour by shoring up the defensive holes that have blighted the current campaign whilst a sustainable solution up top is established.
Whether that includes retaining Steve Gerrard in a defensive midfield role is another matter for fierce debate.
With younger legs around him in the team that can arguably cover more ground to protect the back four, Gerrard - like everyone else - must show his value to the place he occupies.
He is still good value for a place in the side, but it is difficult to argue with the notion that his most worthy contribution remains in the attacking half of the pitch.
Liverpool need no reminders of their last Premier League encounter with Chelsea (though there will be plenty) so there will be no shortage of incentive for the broken of hearts of last season to get one over their unbeaten visitors on Saturday lunchtime.
In a way it would be fitting if Anfield marked the end of Jose Mourinho's undefeated start to the season, but it will take a team effort on par with that encouraging performance in Madrid to make that ideology a reality.
The Liverpool starting eleven is anyone's guess, but it makes for some fascinating debate that could just work in the manager's favour.
By Liverpool FanZoner Richard Garnett. Follow him on Twitter here, and don't forget you can follow @FanZone too!
Watch Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers in his pre-Chelsea press conference, answering questions on team selection and Steven Gerrard‘s mistake vs Chelsea last season.
Rodgers explained:
“I think it was probably more for you guys (the media). It was just an unfortunate thing for me [Gerrard slipping for Demba Ba's goal].
“It shows you the character of Steven. He has demonstrated that through his career.
“He has had hard moments in his career and he always responds magnificently – there was no blame.
“He was instrumental in our run last year and how well we played and he is a big character and bounces back from that.”
.
Watch Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers in his pre-Chelsea press conference, answering questions on team selection and Steven Gerrard‘s mistake vs Chelsea last season.
Rodgers explained:
“I think it was probably more for you guys (the media). It was just an unfortunate thing for me [Gerrard slipping for Demba Ba's goal].
“It shows you the character of Steven. He has demonstrated that through his career.
“He has had hard moments in his career and he always responds magnificently – there was no blame.
“He was instrumental in our run last year and how well we played and he is a big character and bounces back from that.”
.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says it is an insult to the team he fielded at Real Madrid on Tuesday to describe it as some kind of reserve side.
Rodgers has been criticised for leaving seven first-team regulars out of his starting XI for the glamorous Champions League tie at the home of the defending champions.
However, Liverpool acquitted themselves well in a hard-fought 1-0 loss and Rodgers thinks the focus should be on the quality of the performance rather than his team selection.
"I know there has been a bit of criticism for the selection but I think it is a disservice to the team that played," he said on Thursday.
"The idea was to make sure we stayed in the game for 60-65 minutes and then open up the game with the quality of Steven Gerrard’s passing, Raheem Sterling's speed, and Phil Coutinho's creativity, but we couldn't get a goal.
"I don't look so much into it because any criticism that comes is part of what you take as a manager, but I didn't think it was fair to call Kolo Toure, Lucas Leiva or Adam Lallana a reserve player.
"Those boys put in a great performance and they deserved more praise, as opposed to the criticism which came.
"It doesn't affect me any way as I don't listen to it, good or bad. I don't have to justify it, the players justified it the other night.
“I think for all of them it was a great opportunity and that is what I look to do here, try and pick the team that can win the game
“Kolo (Toure), for example, was outstanding on the night, and it is a great mark of his professionalism that he could come in and play as well as he did on the evening.
“He has played in a number of the cup competitions and done very well.”
Rodgers also pointed out that the media and fans are not necessarily aware of all the factors he has to take into account when picking his side.
"Managers up and down the country are dealing in the reality of being a manager,” he said.
“It is not fantasy football, it is not on sentiment or on a computer. When we are picking teams we are dealing with the reality of players and their physical condition and tactics going into the game.
“It was probably hard for you guys. You are probably not privy to some of the information that I have in relation to the team.
“You probably would not have known that Steven (Gerrard) had a scan on his hamstring on the Monday before we travelled out.
“But it was always in the plan (for Gerrard to be rested), with where he was at in terms of his games.
“But those players who did play certainly did not do themselves any harm. I thought they performed very, very well against a top class side.”
Liverpool’s England forward Daniel Sturridge has been absent since 31 August after a thigh injury suffered on international duty was compounded by a calf problem he picked up in training and Rodgers says there is no probable date set for his return just yet.
"Daniel is out on the field today with the rehab team,” said Rodgers. “He was moving very well but he is probably a bit of time away I think.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says it is an insult to the team he fielded at Real Madrid on Tuesday to describe it as some kind of reserve side.
Rodgers has been criticised for leaving seven first-team regulars out of his starting XI for the glamorous Champions League tie at the home of the defending champions.
However, Liverpool acquitted themselves well in a hard-fought 1-0 loss and Rodgers thinks the focus should be on the quality of the performance rather than his team selection.
"I know there has been a bit of criticism for the selection but I think it is a disservice to the team that played," he said on Thursday.
"The idea was to make sure we stayed in the game for 60-65 minutes and then open up the game with the quality of Steven Gerrard’s passing, Raheem Sterling's speed, and Phil Coutinho's creativity, but we couldn't get a goal.
"I don't look so much into it because any criticism that comes is part of what you take as a manager, but I didn't think it was fair to call Kolo Toure, Lucas Leiva or Adam Lallana a reserve player.
"Those boys put in a great performance and they deserved more praise, as opposed to the criticism which came.
"It doesn't affect me any way as I don't listen to it, good or bad. I don't have to justify it, the players justified it the other night.
“I think for all of them it was a great opportunity and that is what I look to do here, try and pick the team that can win the game
“Kolo (Toure), for example, was outstanding on the night, and it is a great mark of his professionalism that he could come in and play as well as he did on the evening.
“He has played in a number of the cup competitions and done very well.”
Rodgers also pointed out that the media and fans are not necessarily aware of all the factors he has to take into account when picking his side.
"Managers up and down the country are dealing in the reality of being a manager,” he said.
“It is not fantasy football, it is not on sentiment or on a computer. When we are picking teams we are dealing with the reality of players and their physical condition and tactics going into the game.
“It was probably hard for you guys. You are probably not privy to some of the information that I have in relation to the team.
“You probably would not have known that Steven (Gerrard) had a scan on his hamstring on the Monday before we travelled out.
“But it was always in the plan (for Gerrard to be rested), with where he was at in terms of his games.
“But those players who did play certainly did not do themselves any harm. I thought they performed very, very well against a top class side.”
Liverpool’s England forward Daniel Sturridge has been absent since 31 August after a thigh injury suffered on international duty was compounded by a calf problem he picked up in training and Rodgers says there is no probable date set for his return just yet.
"Daniel is out on the field today with the rehab team,” said Rodgers. “He was moving very well but he is probably a bit of time away I think.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says it is an insult to the team he fielded at Real Madrid on Tuesday to describe it as some kind of reserve side.
Rodgers has been criticised for leaving seven first-team regulars out of his starting XI for the glamorous Champions League tie at the home of the defending champions.
However, Liverpool acquitted themselves well in a hard-fought 1-0 loss and Rodgers thinks the focus should be on the quality of the performance rather than his team selection.
"I know there has been a bit of criticism for the selection but I think it is a disservice to the team that played," he said on Thursday.
"The idea was to make sure we stayed in the game for 60-65 minutes and then open up the game with the quality of Steven Gerrard’s passing, Raheem Sterling's speed, and Phil Coutinho's creativity, but we couldn't get a goal.
"I don't look so much into it because any criticism that comes is part of what you take as a manager, but I didn't think it was fair to call Kolo Toure, Lucas Leiva or Adam Lallana a reserve player.
"Those boys put in a great performance and they deserved more praise, as opposed to the criticism which came.
"It doesn't affect me any way as I don't listen to it, good or bad. I don't have to justify it, the players justified it the other night.
“I think for all of them it was a great opportunity and that is what I look to do here, try and pick the team that can win the game
“Kolo (Toure), for example, was outstanding on the night, and it is a great mark of his professionalism that he could come in and play as well as he did on the evening.
“He has played in a number of the cup competitions and done very well.”
Rodgers also pointed out that the media and fans are not necessarily aware of all the factors he has to take into account when picking his side.
"Managers up and down the country are dealing in the reality of being a manager,” he said.
“It is not fantasy football, it is not on sentiment or on a computer. When we are picking teams we are dealing with the reality of players and their physical condition and tactics going into the game.
“It was probably hard for you guys. You are probably not privy to some of the information that I have in relation to the team.
“You probably would not have known that Steven (Gerrard) had a scan on his hamstring on the Monday before we travelled out.
“But it was always in the plan (for Gerrard to be rested), with where he was at in terms of his games.
“But those players who did play certainly did not do themselves any harm. I thought they performed very, very well against a top class side.”
Liverpool’s England forward Daniel Sturridge has been absent since 31 August after a thigh injury suffered on international duty was compounded by a calf problem he picked up in training and Rodgers says there is no probable date set for his return just yet.
"Daniel is out on the field today with the rehab team,” said Rodgers. “He was moving very well but he is probably a bit of time away I think.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says it is an insult to the team he fielded at Real Madrid on Tuesday to describe it as some kind of reserve side.
Rodgers has been criticised for leaving seven first-team regulars out of his starting XI for the glamorous Champions League tie at the home of the defending champions.
However, Liverpool acquitted themselves well in a hard-fought 1-0 loss and Rodgers thinks the focus should be on the quality of the performance rather than his team selection.
"I know there has been a bit of criticism for the selection but I think it is a disservice to the team that played," he said on Thursday.
"The idea was to make sure we stayed in the game for 60-65 minutes and then open up the game with the quality of Steven Gerrard’s passing, Raheem Sterling's speed, and Phil Coutinho's creativity, but we couldn't get a goal.
"I don't look so much into it because any criticism that comes is part of what you take as a manager, but I didn't think it was fair to call Kolo Toure, Lucas Leiva or Adam Lallana a reserve player.
"Those boys put in a great performance and they deserved more praise, as opposed to the criticism which came.
"It doesn't affect me any way as I don't listen to it, good or bad. I don't have to justify it, the players justified it the other night.
“I think for all of them it was a great opportunity and that is what I look to do here, try and pick the team that can win the game
“Kolo (Toure), for example, was outstanding on the night, and it is a great mark of his professionalism that he could come in and play as well as he did on the evening.
“He has played in a number of the cup competitions and done very well.”
Rodgers also pointed out that the media and fans are not necessarily aware of all the factors he has to take into account when picking his side.
"Managers up and down the country are dealing in the reality of being a manager,” he said.
“It is not fantasy football, it is not on sentiment or on a computer. When we are picking teams we are dealing with the reality of players and their physical condition and tactics going into the game.
“It was probably hard for you guys. You are probably not privy to some of the information that I have in relation to the team.
“You probably would not have known that Steven (Gerrard) had a scan on his hamstring on the Monday before we travelled out.
“But it was always in the plan (for Gerrard to be rested), with where he was at in terms of his games.
“But those players who did play certainly did not do themselves any harm. I thought they performed very, very well against a top class side.”
Liverpool’s England forward Daniel Sturridge has been absent since 31 August after a thigh injury suffered on international duty was compounded by a calf problem he picked up in training and Rodgers says there is no probable date set for his return just yet.
"Daniel is out on the field today with the rehab team,” said Rodgers. “He was moving very well but he is probably a bit of time away I think.”
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