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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers provided a fitness update on his squad at his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Stoke City on Saturday, with Mario Balotelli again ruled out.
Rodgers explained that it would be the same squad as against Ludogorets, meaning no Balotelli or Mamadaou Sakho – who returned to training earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the boss was asked about the performance in Bulgaria and the form of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
On Ludogorets:
We were bitterly disappointed to draw against Ludogorets. But we went with an objective to put it down to the last game – and we did.
We’re hoping our season really began the other night, but that will only count for something if we do something against Basel.
We’ve been dealt a different hand this season. We just need to focus on the now, not dwell on the bad results. We get to go again.
We were competitive the other night, worked well, and now we want to take this into the Premier League against Stoke.
We need the mental characteristics of the team to come out now, concentrate on the football and our performance level for results.
On Mignolet:
Simon Mignolet is fine, we’ve had a good chat today. We paid a lot for him, and he’s saved before. We all need to be better collectively.
Criticism is part of the sport – all you can do is focus on being the best you can be in the next game. That’s something he’s done.
When you’re a club like Liverpool, the focus on you is magnified because we’re one of the world’s leading clubs.
Simon is strong enough to deal with criticism. You have to at this level of football. It won’t always go your way, so you fight harder.
On Stoke:
Every game at this level is very difficult. Stoke have gone away and had two good results against Man City and Tottenham.
Stoke will be coming here to get a result. We just want to return to the home form we improved after I came here.
On criticism in press from former players (specifically Bruce Grobbelaar):
I read very little of what is said or not. Everyone has an opinion, players, supporters. Some are paid to be critical.
But you don’t forget the support that you get. I’m grateful for ex-players here for their support — Kenny, Fowler, Rush.
McManaman too — these legends see the difficult moments we’re in. I focus on them, they’re the real supporters of the club.
I’ll take criticism on board, but I’m more focussed on my own job and improving what we need to succeed.
Liverpool vs Stoke is a 3pm kick-off at Anfield on Saturday.
.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers provided a fitness update on his squad at his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Stoke City on Saturday, with Mario Balotelli again ruled out.
Rodgers explained that it would be the same squad as against Ludogorets, meaning no Balotelli or Mamadaou Sakho – who returned to training earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the boss was asked about the performance in Bulgaria and the form of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
On Ludogorets:
We were bitterly disappointed to draw against Ludogorets. But we went with an objective to put it down to the last game – and we did.
We’re hoping our season really began the other night, but that will only count for something if we do something against Basel.
We’ve been dealt a different hand this season. We just need to focus on the now, not dwell on the bad results. We get to go again.
We were competitive the other night, worked well, and now we want to take this into the Premier League against Stoke.
We need the mental characteristics of the team to come out now, concentrate on the football and our performance level for results.
On Mignolet:
Simon Mignolet is fine, we’ve had a good chat today. We paid a lot for him, and he’s saved before. We all need to be better collectively.
Criticism is part of the sport – all you can do is focus on being the best you can be in the next game. That’s something he’s done.
When you’re a club like Liverpool, the focus on you is magnified because we’re one of the world’s leading clubs.
Simon is strong enough to deal with criticism. You have to at this level of football. It won’t always go your way, so you fight harder.
On Stoke:
Every game at this level is very difficult. Stoke have gone away and had two good results against Man City and Tottenham.
Stoke will be coming here to get a result. We just want to return to the home form we improved after I came here.
On criticism in press from former players (specifically Bruce Grobbelaar):
I read very little of what is said or not. Everyone has an opinion, players, supporters. Some are paid to be critical.
But you don’t forget the support that you get. I’m grateful for ex-players here for their support — Kenny, Fowler, Rush.
McManaman too — these legends see the difficult moments we’re in. I focus on them, they’re the real supporters of the club.
I’ll take criticism on board, but I’m more focussed on my own job and improving what we need to succeed.
Liverpool vs Stoke is a 3pm kick-off at Anfield on Saturday.
.
We are sorry the page you requested cannot be found at the moment.
If you use a bookmark to enter this site, please go to our home page, find the appropriate page and update your bookmark accordingly.
This may only be a temporary problem, so you can try hitting your browser's refresh button, however if the problem persists please get in touch by emailing us.
Thank you for using TEAMtalk!
We are sorry the page you requested cannot be found at the moment.
If you use a bookmark to enter this site, please go to our home page, find the appropriate page and update your bookmark accordingly.
This may only be a temporary problem, so you can try hitting your browser's refresh button, however if the problem persists please get in touch by emailing us.
Thank you for using TEAMtalk!
Mark Holmes faces The Farm frontman and Liverpool fan Peter Hooton in this week's prediction challenge, with both men backing the Reds to win.
This season, our man Mark will take on someone from the world of music or celebrity every Friday to predict the outcome of the 10 Premier League games that weekend.
Every correct result is worth one point, while every correct scoreline is worth three points. We will keep a tally throughout the season to see how Mark fares against all of our guests.
After a 13-3 win in week 12, Mark now has 88 points for the season, 25 more than the guests' 63.
Mark: The win over Dortmund in a week will have helped, but Arsene Wenger needs a run of good results in the Premier League to stop the fans from really turning. This should be the first step. 0-2
Peter: Both teams have lost their last two Premier League matches but I think Arsenal will just be too strong for West Brom, who've only won one of their last six home games. 1-2
Mark: Burnley defended magnificently at Stoke last weekend and also have a striker who can score goals in Danny Ings. Villa lack that threat in attack but have played pretty well in their last three games and can get a point. 0-0
Peter: Burnley are in a run of form, winning their last two matches. but Villa need something from this game. 2-2
Mark: Stoke seem to do exactly what you expect them to this season, winning at Manchester City and Tottenham but losing at home to Aston Villa, Leicester and Burnley. As a Potters fan myself, I hope the theme continues this weekend! 2-0
Peter: We are desperate for a win, and hopefully the exertions in Sofia won't have damaged our prospects. I would like to see Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini up front to see if they can form some sort of understanding. 2-1
Mark: They aren't quite 'back' yet, but United's win at Arsenal last weekend will give everyone huge confidence that they are on the right track again. Steve Bruce, meanwhile, could find himself in trouble if results don't improve soon. 3-0
Peter: United's home form is pretty good and they will be confident after their win against Arsenal so I can only see a home victory. 2-0
Mark: QPR are gradually improving, but Leicester seem to be going the other way and could well finish the weekend bottom of the Premier League. 2-0
Peter: QPR's home form has been reasonably good whereas Leicester have struggled away from home so it's a home win for me. 2-1
Mark: Palace were fantastic against Liverpool last weekend but, remarkable as it may sound, this is a much, much tougher game. 2-0
Peter: Swansea are a decent side at home, winning four of their last six home games, whereas Palace tend to struggle on the road. 3-1
Mark: Newcastle are going for a seventh straight win and might well fancy their chances of getting it with a few key players possibly out for West Ham. The Irons are strong at home, though, and can nick this. 2-1
Peter: I never thought I would be saying this but Newcastle are the form team at the moment. However, West Ham are strong at home so a draw is more than likely. 2-2
Mark: Don't ask me why, but something in my gut tells me Chelsea could slip up here. It certainly won't be easy for them but, to avoid looking daft, I'll go with the form book. 1-2
Peter: Chelsea seem to be unstoppable at the moment and I think they will just be too strong for the Black Cats. 0-2
Mark: This is a real opportunity for Southampton to prove they can last the distance this season. Win this and they will have to be taken seriously as top-four contenders. Unfortunately for them, City simply can't afford to lose - and won't. 0-2
Peter: Southampton's home form has been tremendous recently - they've won five of their last six home games - but I think City will put an end to that run especially with the firepower of Sergio Aguero. 1-2
Mark: This, for me, is the hardest game to predict of the weekend. Both teams played in Europe on Thursday, and there isn't too much between them in terms of quality, but the fact that Spurs' Europa League game was at home sees me leaning towards them. 1-0
Peter: Everton's away form has been good recently, and Spurs are struggling at home, but with Everton having travelled to Germany for the Europa I think Spurs might get a draw.2-2
How did you come to support your club and what are your favourite memories from your time as a fan?
My grandad and dad were both born in the shadow of Anfield and were both staunch Liverpool fans. My earliest memory as a child was going to the ground for reserve games with my grandad. My dad has been a season ticket holder since the 1960s and still goes but only if its 3pm on a Saturday.
I've got so many memories over the years but I would say the best 'experience' was beating Roma in their own stadium to win the European Cup in 1984. As far as the city of Rome was concerned they had already won it and we were the 'sacrificial lambs'- they even had flags all around the city with Roma Campioni 1984 on them, so to win there was unbelievable.
Who have been your biggest heroes during your time supporting the club?
I loved John Barnes; he was quite simply unplayable around 1988/89. I never thought we would witness Brazilian skills at Anfield but Barnes delivered on that score.
Many fans put Dalglish down as the best ever Liverpool player but I tend to go for Barnes; he used to simply walk/ghost past defenders and did things with the ball that we had only seen on Brazilian documentaries.
What do you make of the current team? What are your hopes for the season?
It's been a very disappointing season after the rollercoaster of last season but we just need to grind out a few results. I think it was a mistake to buy so many players with 'potential' but that is the strategy of the American owners, i.e. to buy young 'potential' on lower wages.
It would have been better to go for three proven Premier League players. The buys may or may not come good but I don't think you can buy via a 'transfer committee'; it should really rest with the manager not accountants!
Everyone has a soft spot for another team. Who's yours and why?
It's probably Hibs at the moment because my mate John Doolan is their first-team coach. He was at Wigan last year and it's no surprise that when he left their form suffered.
What's going on for you at the moment?
We've played a few festivals during the summer time over the past few years and have recently helped re-record All Together Now with the Peace Collective and 60 Under-12s from the Premier League Academies and the Bundesliga (two from each club) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1914 Christmas Truce.
So many artists got involved to raise awareness and funds for the British Red Cross and the Thorncliffe Trust. It's an eclectic mix including Suggs from Madness, Mick Jones from The Clash, David Gray, Gabrielle, Amelle from The Sugarbabes, Clean Bandit, Gorgon City, Julian Lennon, The Proclaimers, Alexandra Burke, Holly Johnson, Englebert Humperdinck, John Power, Jon McClure from Reverend and The Makers, Shara Nelson from Massive Attack, I Am Kloot, Garry Christian, Jona Lewie, Leo Sayer, Jah Wobble, Jermaine Jackman from the Voice, Jane McDonald, Paul Potts...the list goes on!
Text GET PEACE to 84222 to buy the single and help @PeaceForXmas up the charts at Christmas. You will receive the track on 15/12/2014.
This season Mark has been most overly optimistic about Arsenal, who have claimed some 12 points less than he has predicted, but has seriously underestimated the abilities of Southampton, who have won nine points more than he has predicted.
Attempt to predict the scores of this weekend's games yourself in the comments section below - and be sure to tell Mark next Friday if you better his score.
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Mark Holmes faces The Farm frontman and Liverpool fan Peter Hooton in this week's prediction challenge, with both men backing the Reds to win.
This season, our man Mark will take on someone from the world of music or celebrity every Friday to predict the outcome of the 10 Premier League games that weekend.
Every correct result is worth one point, while every correct scoreline is worth three points. We will keep a tally throughout the season to see how Mark fares against all of our guests.
After a 13-3 win in week 12, Mark now has 88 points for the season, 25 more than the guests' 63.
Mark: The win over Dortmund in a week will have helped, but Arsene Wenger needs a run of good results in the Premier League to stop the fans from really turning. This should be the first step. 0-2
Peter: Both teams have lost their last two Premier League matches but I think Arsenal will just be too strong for West Brom, who've only won one of their last six home games. 1-2
Mark: Burnley defended magnificently at Stoke last weekend and also have a striker who can score goals in Danny Ings. Villa lack that threat in attack but have played pretty well in their last three games and can get a point. 0-0
Peter: Burnley are in a run of form, winning their last two matches. but Villa need something from this game. 2-2
Mark: Stoke seem to do exactly what you expect them to this season, winning at Manchester City and Tottenham but losing at home to Aston Villa, Leicester and Burnley. As a Potters fan myself, I hope the theme continues this weekend! 2-0
Peter: We are desperate for a win, and hopefully the exertions in Sofia won't have damaged our prospects. I would like to see Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini up front to see if they can form some sort of understanding. 2-1
Mark: They aren't quite 'back' yet, but United's win at Arsenal last weekend will give everyone huge confidence that they are on the right track again. Steve Bruce, meanwhile, could find himself in trouble if results don't improve soon. 3-0
Peter: United's home form is pretty good and they will be confident after their win against Arsenal so I can only see a home victory. 2-0
Mark: QPR are gradually improving, but Leicester seem to be going the other way and could well finish the weekend bottom of the Premier League. 2-0
Peter: QPR's home form has been reasonably good whereas Leicester have struggled away from home so it's a home win for me. 2-1
Mark: Palace were fantastic against Liverpool last weekend but, remarkable as it may sound, this is a much, much tougher game. 2-0
Peter: Swansea are a decent side at home, winning four of their last six home games, whereas Palace tend to struggle on the road. 3-1
Mark: Newcastle are going for a seventh straight win and might well fancy their chances of getting it with a few key players possibly out for West Ham. The Irons are strong at home, though, and can nick this. 2-1
Peter: I never thought I would be saying this but Newcastle are the form team at the moment. However, West Ham are strong at home so a draw is more than likely. 2-2
Mark: Don't ask me why, but something in my gut tells me Chelsea could slip up here. It certainly won't be easy for them but, to avoid looking daft, I'll go with the form book. 1-2
Peter: Chelsea seem to be unstoppable at the moment and I think they will just be too strong for the Black Cats. 0-2
Mark: This is a real opportunity for Southampton to prove they can last the distance this season. Win this and they will have to be taken seriously as top-four contenders. Unfortunately for them, City simply can't afford to lose - and won't. 0-2
Peter: Southampton's home form has been tremendous recently - they've won five of their last six home games - but I think City will put an end to that run especially with the firepower of Sergio Aguero. 1-2
Mark: This, for me, is the hardest game to predict of the weekend. Both teams played in Europe on Thursday, and there isn't too much between them in terms of quality, but the fact that Spurs' Europa League game was at home sees me leaning towards them. 1-0
Peter: Everton's away form has been good recently, and Spurs are struggling at home, but with Everton having travelled to Germany for the Europa I think Spurs might get a draw.2-2
How did you come to support your club and what are your favourite memories from your time as a fan?
My grandad and dad were both born in the shadow of Anfield and were both staunch Liverpool fans. My earliest memory as a child was going to the ground for reserve games with my grandad. My dad has been a season ticket holder since the 1960s and still goes but only if its 3pm on a Saturday.
I've got so many memories over the years but I would say the best 'experience' was beating Roma in their own stadium to win the European Cup in 1984. As far as the city of Rome was concerned they had already won it and we were the 'sacrificial lambs'- they even had flags all around the city with Roma Campioni 1984 on them, so to win there was unbelievable.
Who have been your biggest heroes during your time supporting the club?
I loved John Barnes; he was quite simply unplayable around 1988/89. I never thought we would witness Brazilian skills at Anfield but Barnes delivered on that score.
Many fans put Dalglish down as the best ever Liverpool player but I tend to go for Barnes; he used to simply walk/ghost past defenders and did things with the ball that we had only seen on Brazilian documentaries.
What do you make of the current team? What are your hopes for the season?
It's been a very disappointing season after the rollercoaster of last season but we just need to grind out a few results. I think it was a mistake to buy so many players with 'potential' but that is the strategy of the American owners, i.e. to buy young 'potential' on lower wages.
It would have been better to go for three proven Premier League players. The buys may or may not come good but I don't think you can buy via a 'transfer committee'; it should really rest with the manager not accountants!
Everyone has a soft spot for another team. Who's yours and why?
It's probably Hibs at the moment because my mate John Doolan is their first-team coach. He was at Wigan last year and it's no surprise that when he left their form suffered.
What's going on for you at the moment?
We've played a few festivals during the summer time over the past few years and have recently helped re-record All Together Now with the Peace Collective and 60 Under-12s from the Premier League Academies and the Bundesliga (two from each club) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1914 Christmas Truce.
So many artists got involved to raise awareness and funds for the British Red Cross and the Thorncliffe Trust. It's an eclectic mix including Suggs from Madness, Mick Jones from The Clash, David Gray, Gabrielle, Amelle from The Sugarbabes, Clean Bandit, Gorgon City, Julian Lennon, The Proclaimers, Alexandra Burke, Holly Johnson, Englebert Humperdinck, John Power, Jon McClure from Reverend and The Makers, Shara Nelson from Massive Attack, I Am Kloot, Garry Christian, Jona Lewie, Leo Sayer, Jah Wobble, Jermaine Jackman from the Voice, Jane McDonald, Paul Potts...the list goes on!
Text GET PEACE to 84222 to buy the single and help @PeaceForXmas up the charts at Christmas. You will receive the track on 15/12/2014.
This season Mark has been most overly optimistic about Arsenal, who have claimed some 12 points less than he has predicted, but has seriously underestimated the abilities of Southampton, who have won nine points more than he has predicted.
Attempt to predict the scores of this weekend's games yourself in the comments section below - and be sure to tell Mark next Friday if you better his score.
Bookmark with del.icio.us Post to Facebook Post to Bebo Re-tweet on Twitter Save to iGoogle Save to My Yahoo! Submit to reddit Share on StumpleUpon Print Article Email Article
A Sky Sports Digital Media property
Accessibility Privacy and Cookies Notice Terms & Conditions Contact Us Links
Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has given a resounding vote of confidence to under-fire manager Brendan Rodgers, likening the Northern Irishman to Arsene Wenger and insisting the club have to stick by him.
The Ivory Coast international won the Premier League, two FA Cups and finished runner-up in the Champions League in seven years under the Frenchman Wenger Arsenal.
He sees similarities between his current and former boss and believes the 41-year will have a similar impact at Anfield given the time to work through his current difficult spell.
Owners Fenway Sports Group remain supportive of the man they appointed in the summer of 2012 and who took the club to second place in the league last season despite a disappointing start to the campaign.
They are currently 14th in the league, five points off the top four but only four from the relegation places, and have a must-win final group match at home to Basle to retain their interest in the Champions League, in the club's first season back in five years.
Toure believes the owners have to continue to show that faith to get long-term rewards.
"Last season was unbelievable. This season has been more tough. We need to stick with him because he's one of the best managers in the Premier League," said the defender.
"He's right up there. He's young as a manager. This is the first time he has managed in the Champions League. He is learning. The Champions League is tough.
"You need time as a manager. I think he has done a great job for this club and we like him.
"He works so hard and gives 100 per cent. That's why I am sure we will get out of this spell we're in.
"I do see Wenger in him because he's so intelligent. He knows how to speak to players and how to get the best out of them.
"He will prove that because we will come out of this hard time.
"Just look at what he's done during a short time here.
"When he arrived Liverpool were doing badly. He came in and brought the club a long way up.
"Maintaining it is more difficult than first coming up there. This season is a learning process but he will get there.
"At the end of the day he's a fair guy who is working hard and gives 100 per cent every day.
"Like Arsene, he's always there at training trying to improve things. His style of play is also similar. He always wants us to pass the ball and keep playing which is very important."
Toure was restored to the starting line-up for the 2-2 draw with Ludogorets in Bulgaria which kept the club's Champions League hopes alive.
It was his second successive start in the competition, having faced Real Madrid in the Bernabeu, but he has not managed to keep his place for the Premier League.
The 33-year-old knew his chances would be limited once Dejan Lovren arrived in the summer from Southampton for B£20million and, while the Croatia international has not enjoyed the best of starts, he has retained the faith of Rodgers.
Toure accepts the job he has to do for the team and dismisses the idea continually chopping and changing the defence leads to instability which will only contribute to Liverpool's weaknesses at the back.
"For me, the most important thing is the team. When you have a lot of games rotation is bound to happen," he added.
"When the defence concedes of course there are arguments. We are professionals, we know each other and we know what the manager wants.
"But it's not just about the defence, we need to be better as a team. Last season we were good as a team.
"It's not about me, it's about everybody. Getting results is most important thing. Whenever the manager calls me I will be ready.
"I am here to help with my experience in whatever way I can.
I am here for the tough times and I am here for the good times.
"I try to help all the players in any way I can. This time is difficult for everybody. The most important thing is that we stick together as a group and fight for this manager because I think he's a great manager."
PA
.
Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has given a resounding vote of confidence to under-fire manager Brendan Rodgers, likening the Northern Irishman to Arsene Wenger and insisting the club have to stick by him.
The Ivory Coast international won the Premier League, two FA Cups and finished runner-up in the Champions League in seven years under the Frenchman Wenger Arsenal.
He sees similarities between his current and former boss and believes the 41-year will have a similar impact at Anfield given the time to work through his current difficult spell.
Owners Fenway Sports Group remain supportive of the man they appointed in the summer of 2012 and who took the club to second place in the league last season despite a disappointing start to the campaign.
They are currently 14th in the league, five points off the top four but only four from the relegation places, and have a must-win final group match at home to Basle to retain their interest in the Champions League, in the club's first season back in five years.
Toure believes the owners have to continue to show that faith to get long-term rewards.
"Last season was unbelievable. This season has been more tough. We need to stick with him because he's one of the best managers in the Premier League," said the defender.
"He's right up there. He's young as a manager. This is the first time he has managed in the Champions League. He is learning. The Champions League is tough.
"You need time as a manager. I think he has done a great job for this club and we like him.
"He works so hard and gives 100 per cent. That's why I am sure we will get out of this spell we're in.
"I do see Wenger in him because he's so intelligent. He knows how to speak to players and how to get the best out of them.
"He will prove that because we will come out of this hard time.
"Just look at what he's done during a short time here.
"When he arrived Liverpool were doing badly. He came in and brought the club a long way up.
"Maintaining it is more difficult than first coming up there. This season is a learning process but he will get there.
"At the end of the day he's a fair guy who is working hard and gives 100 per cent every day.
"Like Arsene, he's always there at training trying to improve things. His style of play is also similar. He always wants us to pass the ball and keep playing which is very important."
Toure was restored to the starting line-up for the 2-2 draw with Ludogorets in Bulgaria which kept the club's Champions League hopes alive.
It was his second successive start in the competition, having faced Real Madrid in the Bernabeu, but he has not managed to keep his place for the Premier League.
The 33-year-old knew his chances would be limited once Dejan Lovren arrived in the summer from Southampton for B£20million and, while the Croatia international has not enjoyed the best of starts, he has retained the faith of Rodgers.
Toure accepts the job he has to do for the team and dismisses the idea continually chopping and changing the defence leads to instability which will only contribute to Liverpool's weaknesses at the back.
"For me, the most important thing is the team. When you have a lot of games rotation is bound to happen," he added.
"When the defence concedes of course there are arguments. We are professionals, we know each other and we know what the manager wants.
"But it's not just about the defence, we need to be better as a team. Last season we were good as a team.
"It's not about me, it's about everybody. Getting results is most important thing. Whenever the manager calls me I will be ready.
"I am here to help with my experience in whatever way I can.
I am here for the tough times and I am here for the good times.
"I try to help all the players in any way I can. This time is difficult for everybody. The most important thing is that we stick together as a group and fight for this manager because I think he's a great manager."
PA
.
Liverpool players Raheem Sterling, Simon Mignolet, Emre Can and Fabio Borini last week met with a group of teenage Liverpool fans as part of the Kicks Programme from Warrior Football and the LFC Foundation.
During the question and answer session, Sterling was asked what his favourite Liverpool goal so far was:
“The one against Man City at Anfield because at that point we were still in the title race and it was a very important goal.”
Meanwhile, Borini was asked for the best player he’d played against:
“I have played with a lot of good players on international duty like Totti and Pirlo. Stevie G and Drogba [at Chelsea]. The chance to play with all of them was special.”
Mignolet was asked for his best save:
“Difficult question. Making saves that help the team is the best feeling. When you know that you’ve made a save that has given the team three points or a victory. It does not happen often that you can affect the game as a goalkeeper but when it does like a penalty save, the one on my debut against Stoke for example in the last minute and we won the game, they’re my favourite and most important.”
Can on his first goal for the club:
And finally, Borini on what he’d be if he wasn’t a footballer:
“Interior Designer.”
Warrior Football donated £50,000 worth of kit to the Liverpool FC Foundation to distribute to community charities locally and overseas. The Foundation’s programmes encourage people of all ages, ethnic groups and disabilities to take part in team sports as a fun and healthy platform to develop life skills such as confidence building, motivation, and teamwork.
.
Liverpool players Raheem Sterling, Simon Mignolet, Emre Can and Fabio Borini last week met with a group of teenage Liverpool fans as part of the Kicks Programme from Warrior Football and the LFC Foundation.
During the question and answer session, Sterling was asked what his favourite Liverpool goal so far was:
“The one against Man City at Anfield because at that point we were still in the title race and it was a very important goal.”
Meanwhile, Borini was asked for the best player he’d played against:
“I have played with a lot of good players on international duty like Totti and Pirlo. Stevie G and Drogba [at Chelsea]. The chance to play with all of them was special.”
Mignolet was asked for his best save:
“Difficult question. Making saves that help the team is the best feeling. When you know that you’ve made a save that has given the team three points or a victory. It does not happen often that you can affect the game as a goalkeeper but when it does like a penalty save, the one on my debut against Stoke for example in the last minute and we won the game, they’re my favourite and most important.”
Can on his first goal for the club:
And finally, Borini on what he’d be if he wasn’t a footballer:
“Interior Designer.”
Warrior Football donated £50,000 worth of kit to the Liverpool FC Foundation to distribute to community charities locally and overseas. The Foundation’s programmes encourage people of all ages, ethnic groups and disabilities to take part in team sports as a fun and healthy platform to develop life skills such as confidence building, motivation, and teamwork.
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Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen believes the scrappy 2-2 Champions League draw against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets can be an unlikely platform on which to rebuild their season.
The point kept alive the Reds’ hopes of making the knockout stages of the competition, which now goes down to a must-win match at home to Basle in a fortnight, but the result may be just as significant in helping get their domestic campaign back on track.
Manager Brendan Rodgers told the players they had to start afresh in Bulgaria after a morale-sapping four-match losing streak and despite conceding an 88th-minute equaliser, having turned things around from conceding a third-minute opener, Allen insists there are positives to be taken from the match.
“There’s an element of frustration because we were ahead in the game until so late on,” said the Wales international.
“It was disappointing to concede a goal like that but the bigger picture is that our Champions League dream is still alive and still in our hands and that is a big bonus for us.
“There were improvements all round. The commitment was there for everyone to see.
“I thought we had more composure than we have had at times and certainly more self-belief and it is a step in the right direction. The only disappointment is that we didn’t get all three points.
“The start (to the game) almost summed up how it’s been going for us recently but the biggest test for us was (showing) that resolve to come back.
Allen, whose side face Stoke on Saturday, added: “The manager mentioned that it was almost like a fresh start and we see it that way as players.
“It’s up to us to turn it around and it is now back to Premier League action at the weekend and we are looking forward to giving everything to get three points.”
Players and managers have come in for increasing criticism as Liverpool lurched from one poor performance to another and Allen admits you have to find a way to deal with the negativity which accompanies a run of bad results.
“As a professional footballer you are always dealing with that pressure and expectation but you have to learn to deal with it,” he said.
“I feel better at dealing with it. It’s not been an ideal start to the season, I think that is obvious, but the biggest thing is I have confidence in myself and the whole squad that we have the ability and the quality to turn it around.
“It is something you learn with experience. Every single player at this club has had highs and lows in their career but it is how you deal with it and I think the biggest positive of this club is that everyone is capable of doing that.
“Last night was a positive step in the right direction and long that may continue.”
On criticism of Rodgers he said: “Brendan is handling it fine. He wouldn’t be Liverpool manager if he couldn’t handle it. He has the backing of all the players and he knows that.”
Allen believes having home advantage in their now season-defining final group match will be of huge benefit in two weeks’ time.
“If you are serious about doing well in this competition, when we got the fixtures at the start we would have targeted the Basle game as one where we needed to get three points and that hasn’t changed,” he said.
“We all believe we can do it. We’re at Anfield and we’ll be calling on all our supporters to get behind us and make it a seriously tough night for Basle.
“It’s still in our hands and that’s a big bonus for us. The outcome hasn’t changed at all so that was a positive.”
One plus to come from the Ludogorets match was a second goal in as many matches for Rickie Lambert, who took over from injured striker Mario Balotelli at the weekend and has fully justified his place.
The £4million summer signing from Southampton has scored as many goals (two) in five starts this season than £16million arrival Balotelli has in 11.
“There has been a lot of talk about our lack of goals,” added Allen. “We obviously lost a world-class goalscorer (in Luis Suarez) so for Rickie to come in and get two in two is all you can ask for.
“It has been great for him and I am sure that will really kick his self-belief on and he will keep that goalscoring run going.”
PA
.
Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen believes the scrappy 2-2 Champions League draw against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets can be an unlikely platform on which to rebuild their season.
The point kept alive the Reds’ hopes of making the knockout stages of the competition, which now goes down to a must-win match at home to Basle in a fortnight, but the result may be just as significant in helping get their domestic campaign back on track.
Manager Brendan Rodgers told the players they had to start afresh in Bulgaria after a morale-sapping four-match losing streak and despite conceding an 88th-minute equaliser, having turned things around from conceding a third-minute opener, Allen insists there are positives to be taken from the match.
“There’s an element of frustration because we were ahead in the game until so late on,” said the Wales international.
“It was disappointing to concede a goal like that but the bigger picture is that our Champions League dream is still alive and still in our hands and that is a big bonus for us.
“There were improvements all round. The commitment was there for everyone to see.
“I thought we had more composure than we have had at times and certainly more self-belief and it is a step in the right direction. The only disappointment is that we didn’t get all three points.
“The start (to the game) almost summed up how it’s been going for us recently but the biggest test for us was (showing) that resolve to come back.
Allen, whose side face Stoke on Saturday, added: “The manager mentioned that it was almost like a fresh start and we see it that way as players.
“It’s up to us to turn it around and it is now back to Premier League action at the weekend and we are looking forward to giving everything to get three points.”
Players and managers have come in for increasing criticism as Liverpool lurched from one poor performance to another and Allen admits you have to find a way to deal with the negativity which accompanies a run of bad results.
“As a professional footballer you are always dealing with that pressure and expectation but you have to learn to deal with it,” he said.
“I feel better at dealing with it. It’s not been an ideal start to the season, I think that is obvious, but the biggest thing is I have confidence in myself and the whole squad that we have the ability and the quality to turn it around.
“It is something you learn with experience. Every single player at this club has had highs and lows in their career but it is how you deal with it and I think the biggest positive of this club is that everyone is capable of doing that.
“Last night was a positive step in the right direction and long that may continue.”
On criticism of Rodgers he said: “Brendan is handling it fine. He wouldn’t be Liverpool manager if he couldn’t handle it. He has the backing of all the players and he knows that.”
Allen believes having home advantage in their now season-defining final group match will be of huge benefit in two weeks’ time.
“If you are serious about doing well in this competition, when we got the fixtures at the start we would have targeted the Basle game as one where we needed to get three points and that hasn’t changed,” he said.
“We all believe we can do it. We’re at Anfield and we’ll be calling on all our supporters to get behind us and make it a seriously tough night for Basle.
“It’s still in our hands and that’s a big bonus for us. The outcome hasn’t changed at all so that was a positive.”
One plus to come from the Ludogorets match was a second goal in as many matches for Rickie Lambert, who took over from injured striker Mario Balotelli at the weekend and has fully justified his place.
The £4million summer signing from Southampton has scored as many goals (two) in five starts this season than £16million arrival Balotelli has in 11.
“There has been a lot of talk about our lack of goals,” added Allen. “We obviously lost a world-class goalscorer (in Luis Suarez) so for Rickie to come in and get two in two is all you can ask for.
“It has been great for him and I am sure that will really kick his self-belief on and he will keep that goalscoring run going.”
PA
.
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