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Mark Holmes says Brendan Rodgers abandoned his philosophy against Stoke - and calls for referee re-education after the Sergio Aguero booking.
Beware of newspaper narrative
Responding to what he felt was a rather blinkered review by Garry Monk of Swansea's draw against Crystal Palace, Guardian journalist Joe Lovejoy wrote that 'the media's modern obsession with quotes is dumbing down football coverage and often giving the public a distorted view of events.'
Lovejoy added that Monk's claim that Swansea had controlled the game was 'patently untrue' but that 'Monk, like all managers, knew his view would be given more space, or air time, than most reporters' words to the contrary.'
It is an excellent point. Such is the size of the beast that is the football media, there can be effectively four separate reports of a single game produced by one publication: the minute-by-minute report, the on-the-whistle report, the report that appears in the Sunday newspaper, and then the one which appears in the Monday version.
It is the minute-by-minute report which generally provides the truest reflection of a game, with each subsequent report adding more narrative, that dangerous thing in journalism that can badly distort the truth.
By the Monday version, significant moments in games have been completely cut from the copy. Even by Sunday the actual event itself is rarely the story, but by Monday the report is almost entirely driven by whichever manager or player's post-match quotes were the most interesting.
Lovejoy did not take Monk's bait, instead leading his Monday report on the reaction of Neil Warnock and Crystal Palace's improvement, but plenty would have done. The Mail on Sunday, for example, led on two 'contentious' refereeing decisions that went against the Swans.
What, exactly, is this moan about, you ask? Well, it is a reminder to all supporters that the best way to judge a game of football is to watch it yourself. The next best may be to follow it minute-by-minute (although even those reports can be affected by preconceptions), but remember that the writer of almost every match report you read has sought to focus on the club, player, manager or angle that is of the most interest to most people.
By Monday at least, facts are of secondary importance.
Rodgers puts points above philosophy
Without wanting this column to become a weekly update on all-things Liverpool, the above point does lead nicely to one about the reporting of the Reds' win over Stoke City on Saturday.
It was the opening and closing lines of Andrew Longmore's report in The Sunday Times that particularly caught the eye.
'If this is Liverpool's pragmatic new look, then the fans will take it every week,' Longmore began.
After a fair assessment of the game itself, Longmore closed with a statement which surely contradicted his opening: 'Liverpool fans can forget about style for the moment'.
Rightly or wrongly, do the club's supporters not expect a certain sort of style from the team? Is Brendan Rodgers' whole philosophy not based around "being offensively being creative as opposed to stopping"?
Against Stoke, that philosophy went out of the window as Simon Mignolet took to booting the ball up the pitch - 23 of his 28 passes went long - towards Rickie Lambert, who won more aerial duels on the pitch than any player.
Liverpool even won more than Stoke in total, had less possession and could quite easily have lost the game had the visitors scored from one of their three clear-cut chances, Mignolet diving at the feet of Mame Biram Diouf on the first occasion, the post denying Bojan from the second, and Raheem Sterling blocking the third, again from Diouf, on the line.
A much-needed win it may have been, but would fans really accept it every week? Unlikely.
However, although neither the performance nor the result was convincing, perhaps Rodgers deserves some praise for adopting a direct approach in the game - if you can forgive the hypocrisy of it all, of course.
"You have to deal with what you've got," Rodgers said after the game. "You've got a goalkeeper who is struggling with the ball at his feet to play out, so you can't expose him.
"Even though it was probably not how he wants to work, and hopefully in time he will get to a point where he is comfortable again playing, it was just important to win. That's what we are paid to do.
"The flowing football will come but first we've got to get our confidence back into the team."
Philosophy is one of the most annoyingly over-used terms in the game at the moment, but there is surely no better philosophy than a winning one. Rodgers has made himself a figure of fun with his glowing assessments of performances criticised by everyone else, and it is hard to shake the feeling he has been hamstrung, certainly this season without Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, of feeling he has to stick rigidly to one way of playing.
It is doubtful Liverpool fans would accept a season of scrappy, uninspiring 1-0 wins, and is is absolutely certain that Rodgers' men will have to improve on what they produced against Stoke if they are to stand any chance of reaching the top four again.
However, it is equally as sure that Rodgers' willingness to favour points over philosophy will help the Reds in their quest.
Evans used as media pawn
There has been much said about Ched Evans' desire to return to football, that won't be added to in this column, but it is somewhat unsettling that both Tranmere and now Oldham have felt it necessary to publicly announce they will not be signing the former Sheffield United forward.
Do these clubs take the time to deny every erroneous transfer rumour or have they simply taken an opportunity to get themselves some national media coverage intended to paint them in a positive light?
Whatever your thoughts on Evans' bid to get a contract, it seems slightly low of any club to attempt to use his situation to their advantage.
Referees need educating
Having banged the drum about diving for several years, I try to avoid the topic in this column these days.
However, the booking handed to Sergio Aguero for simulation in Manchester City's win at Southampton on Sunday only reiterated my long-held belief that referees need re-educating as to what is and isn't an impediment.
Mike Jones, the worst referee in the Premier League, obviously felt that Aguero had dived over Jose Fonte's tackle - and to an extent, he did, but only to avoid possible injury.
Not every piece of contact equates to a foul but, equally, not making contact does not necessarily mean a foul has not been committed.
Fonte slid in with his studs showing and got nowhere near the ball. Aguero took evasive action to avoid the tackle as best as he could but the fact he was not clattered does not alter the fact that Fonte committed a foul.
Yes, it is difficult to make a decision in a split second, but there are simply too many referees that don't seem to understand what is going on in front of them.
Mark Holmes says Brendan Rodgers abandoned his philosophy against Stoke - and calls for referee re-education after the Sergio Aguero booking.
Beware of newspaper narrative
Responding to what he felt was a rather blinkered review by Garry Monk of Swansea's draw against Crystal Palace, Guardian journalist Joe Lovejoy wrote that 'the media's modern obsession with quotes is dumbing down football coverage and often giving the public a distorted view of events.'
Lovejoy added that Monk's claim that Swansea had controlled the game was 'patently untrue' but that 'Monk, like all managers, knew his view would be given more space, or air time, than most reporters' words to the contrary.'
It is an excellent point. Such is the size of the beast that is the football media, there can be effectively four separate reports of a single game produced by one publication: the minute-by-minute report, the on-the-whistle report, the report that appears in the Sunday newspaper, and then the one which appears in the Monday version.
It is the minute-by-minute report which generally provides the truest reflection of a game, with each subsequent report adding more narrative, that dangerous thing in journalism that can badly distort the truth.
By the Monday version, significant moments in games have been completely cut from the copy. Even by Sunday the actual event itself is rarely the story, but by Monday the report is almost entirely driven by whichever manager or player's post-match quotes were the most interesting.
Lovejoy did not take Monk's bait, instead leading his Monday report on the reaction of Neil Warnock and Crystal Palace's improvement, but plenty would have done. The Mail on Sunday, for example, led on two 'contentious' refereeing decisions that went against the Swans.
What, exactly, is this moan about, you ask? Well, it is a reminder to all supporters that the best way to judge a game of football is to watch it yourself. The next best may be to follow it minute-by-minute (although even those reports can be affected by preconceptions), but remember that the writer of almost every match report you read has sought to focus on the club, player, manager or angle that is of the most interest to most people.
By Monday at least, facts are of secondary importance.
Rodgers puts points above philosophy
Without wanting this column to become a weekly update on all-things Liverpool, the above point does lead nicely to one about the reporting of the Reds' win over Stoke City on Saturday.
It was the opening and closing lines of Andrew Longmore's report in The Sunday Times that particularly caught the eye.
'If this is Liverpool's pragmatic new look, then the fans will take it every week,' Longmore began.
After a fair assessment of the game itself, Longmore closed with a statement which surely contradicted his opening: 'Liverpool fans can forget about style for the moment'.
Rightly or wrongly, do the club's supporters not expect a certain sort of style from the team? Is Brendan Rodgers' whole philosophy not based around "being offensively being creative as opposed to stopping"?
Against Stoke, that philosophy went out of the window as Simon Mignolet took to booting the ball up the pitch - 23 of his 28 passes went long - towards Rickie Lambert, who won more aerial duels on the pitch than any player.
Liverpool even won more than Stoke in total, had less possession and could quite easily have lost the game had the visitors scored from one of their three clear-cut chances, Mignolet diving at the feet of Mame Biram Diouf on the first occasion, the post denying Bojan from the second, and Raheem Sterling blocking the third, again from Diouf, on the line.
A much-needed win it may have been, but would fans really accept it every week? Unlikely.
However, although neither the performance nor the result was convincing, perhaps Rodgers deserves some praise for adopting a direct approach in the game - if you can forgive the hypocrisy of it all, of course.
"You have to deal with what you've got," Rodgers said after the game. "You've got a goalkeeper who is struggling with the ball at his feet to play out, so you can't expose him.
"Even though it was probably not how he wants to work, and hopefully in time he will get to a point where he is comfortable again playing, it was just important to win. That's what we are paid to do.
"The flowing football will come but first we've got to get our confidence back into the team."
Philosophy is one of the most annoyingly over-used terms in the game at the moment, but there is surely no better philosophy than a winning one. Rodgers has made himself a figure of fun with his glowing assessments of performances criticised by everyone else, and it is hard to shake the feeling he has been hamstrung, certainly this season without Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, of feeling he has to stick rigidly to one way of playing.
It is doubtful Liverpool fans would accept a season of scrappy, uninspiring 1-0 wins, and is is absolutely certain that Rodgers' men will have to improve on what they produced against Stoke if they are to stand any chance of reaching the top four again.
However, it is equally as sure that Rodgers' willingness to favour points over philosophy will help the Reds in their quest.
Evans used as media pawn
There has been much said about Ched Evans' desire to return to football, that won't be added to in this column, but it is somewhat unsettling that both Tranmere and now Oldham have felt it necessary to publicly announce they will not be signing the former Sheffield United forward.
Do these clubs take the time to deny every erroneous transfer rumour or have they simply taken an opportunity to get themselves some national media coverage intended to paint them in a positive light?
Whatever your thoughts on Evans' bid to get a contract, it seems slightly low of any club to attempt to use his situation to their advantage.
Referees need educating
Having banged the drum about diving for several years, I try to avoid the topic in this column these days.
However, the booking handed to Sergio Aguero for simulation in Manchester City's win at Southampton on Sunday only reiterated my long-held belief that referees need re-educating as to what is and isn't an impediment.
Mike Jones, the worst referee in the Premier League, obviously felt that Aguero had dived over Jose Fonte's tackle - and to an extent, he did, but only to avoid possible injury.
Not every piece of contact equates to a foul but, equally, not making contact does not necessarily mean a foul has not been committed.
Fonte slid in with his studs showing and got nowhere near the ball. Aguero took evasive action to avoid the tackle as best as he could but the fact he was not clattered does not alter the fact that Fonte committed a foul.
Yes, it is difficult to make a decision in a split second, but there are simply too many referees that don't seem to understand what is going on in front of them.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists long-serving captain Steven Gerrard has earned the right to take his time considering the club’s new contract offer.
The midfielder’s current deal expires next summer, by which time he will be 35, and although an offer of an extension has been made it has yet to be agreed by the player.
Rodgers stressed Gerrard, who joined the club’s academy as an eight-year-old, should be given as long as he wants to make his decision and said ‘150 per cent’ there was no difference of opinion between the pair over his future.
“The latest is he has been offered a contract here and at this moment in time that is where it is at,” said the Reds boss.
“In what he has done in his 16 years here (in the first team) he is a man who deserves the utmost respect and time to consider that.
“It is a big move not just in his life but in terms of committing where his next contract is going to be.
“There are probably many things Steven would have to think about in a decision like this but it certainly won’t be money.
“I have spoken to him often enough and at length and that won’t be the case. Between now and the end of the season he deserves that opportunity to have a think of where it is at but one thing is clear, I love working with Steven Gerrard.
“But I need to give him the opportunity to take as long as it takes in order for him to decide what he wants to do next.
“I saw some things yesterday which were unfortunate about a rift between he and I but if there were two words I would use to describe our relationship it would be ‘honesty’ and ‘respect’.”
PA
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists long-serving captain Steven Gerrard has earned the right to take his time considering the club’s new contract offer.
The midfielder’s current deal expires next summer, by which time he will be 35, and although an offer of an extension has been made it has yet to be agreed by the player.
Rodgers stressed Gerrard, who joined the club’s academy as an eight-year-old, should be given as long as he wants to make his decision and said ‘150 per cent’ there was no difference of opinion between the pair over his future.
“The latest is he has been offered a contract here and at this moment in time that is where it is at,” said the Reds boss.
“In what he has done in his 16 years here (in the first team) he is a man who deserves the utmost respect and time to consider that.
“It is a big move not just in his life but in terms of committing where his next contract is going to be.
“There are probably many things Steven would have to think about in a decision like this but it certainly won’t be money.
“I have spoken to him often enough and at length and that won’t be the case. Between now and the end of the season he deserves that opportunity to have a think of where it is at but one thing is clear, I love working with Steven Gerrard.
“But I need to give him the opportunity to take as long as it takes in order for him to decide what he wants to do next.
“I saw some things yesterday which were unfortunate about a rift between he and I but if there were two words I would use to describe our relationship it would be ‘honesty’ and ‘respect’.”
PA
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Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Steven Gerrard has been offered a new contract by Liverpool.
The former England midfielder's current deal expires at the end of the season and he would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club from January should he decide to end his time at Anfield.
Gerrard started Saturday's 1-0 win over Stoke on the bench - a game which marked 16 years to the day since his debut for the club.
More to follow...
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Steven Gerrard has been offered a new contract by Liverpool.
The former England midfielder's current deal expires at the end of the season and he would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club from January should he decide to end his time at Anfield.
Gerrard started Saturday's 1-0 win over Stoke on the bench - a game which marked 16 years to the day since his debut for the club.
More to follow...
Liverpool’s attacking midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira disappointingly found himself left out of the Brighton squad by manager Sami Hyppia for their 2-1 home loss against Fulham on Saturday afternoon – a feat which could have implications on the 21-year-old’s future on the south coast.
It was a result that dropped Albion to the relegation zone in the Championship and the Portuguese playmaker watched on helplessly as he was excluded from the match-day squad. This wasn’t through injury as one would expect however, but instead was down to circumstance of the Seagulls’ overloaded group.
As Hyppia struggles in his first job in English football and his team languishing in the Championship relegation zone, his attempts to transform his side’s fortunes has seen him delve into the loan market on six separate occasion; with Darren Bent, who scored on his debut, being the latest to join from Aston Villa last week until January.
The problem therefore arrives as no more than five loaned players can feature in the match-day 18, and with Brighton boasting six borrowed names, one has to miss out, who this time was the Portugal under-21 international.
It was the Premier League forward’s inclusion that saw Teixeira make way and with the possibility of seeing his game time restricted further, there could be a chance of the Liverpool youngster’s loan move coming to a premature end – something that happened previously when Teixeira was at Brentford at the beginning of last season.
He played only two games for the London club and was a month into a four month youth-loan before returning to Merseyside on that occasion, and it will be interesting to see how the current situation develops.
One thing for sure is that the scenario of a lack of game time and football development certainly doesn’t benefit the talented prospect or Liverpool in the slightest, meaning he could return to Anfield earlier than expected for a second time.
Teixeira has featured 15 times for Brighton this season, but after an impressive start – scoring twice in his first three appearances – he’s found himself as an unused sub in their two games before defeat to Fulham on Saturday.
.
Liverpool’s attacking midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira disappointingly found himself left out of the Brighton squad by manager Sami Hyppia for their 2-1 home loss against Fulham on Saturday afternoon – a feat which could have implications on the 21-year-old’s future on the south coast.
It was a result that dropped Albion to the relegation zone in the Championship and the Portuguese playmaker watched on helplessly as he was excluded from the match-day squad. This wasn’t through injury as one would expect however, but instead was down to circumstance of the Seagulls’ overloaded group.
As Hyppia struggles in his first job in English football and his team languishing in the Championship relegation zone, his attempts to transform his side’s fortunes has seen him delve into the loan market on six separate occasion; with Darren Bent, who scored on his debut, being the latest to join from Aston Villa last week until January.
The problem therefore arrives as no more than five loaned players can feature in the match-day 18, and with Brighton boasting six borrowed names, one has to miss out, who this time was the Portugal under-21 international.
It was the Premier League forward’s inclusion that saw Teixeira make way and with the possibility of seeing his game time restricted further, there could be a chance of the Liverpool youngster’s loan move coming to a premature end – something that happened previously when Teixeira was at Brentford at the beginning of last season.
He played only two games for the London club and was a month into a four month youth-loan before returning to Merseyside on that occasion, and it will be interesting to see how the current situation develops.
One thing for sure is that the scenario of a lack of game time and football development certainly doesn’t benefit the talented prospect or Liverpool in the slightest, meaning he could return to Anfield earlier than expected for a second time.
Teixeira has featured 15 times for Brighton this season, but after an impressive start – scoring twice in his first three appearances – he’s found himself as an unused sub in their two games before defeat to Fulham on Saturday.
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We round up how Liverpool’s multitude of loaned out players have got on with their respective clubs this weekend.
Belgium striker Origi was left out of the Lille squad for their crunch Europa League tie against Russian side Krasnodar on Thursday night by manager Rene Girard – a move which took many by surprise leading to increased speculation over a premature move to Anfield – as he opted to start with Nolan Roux and Michael Frey in attack.
The striker returned to the starting XI on Sunday afternoon however, for Lille’s defeat against Tiago Ilori’s Bordeaux – a fifth straight away loss in Ligue 1. Origi started in a two man attack alongside Roux, and played 81 minutes of the game before being replaced as Girard attempted to spark a late comeback on a frustrating afternoon.
Highly rated teenager Ibe started for Derby in their 2-0 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon – a game in which the Liverpool loanee produced a rare quiet performance for his table topping side.
The former Wycombe man began the match on the left side of a three man attack for Steve McClaren’s side, but struggled to make any impact in a tough game before being replaced as part of a triple substitution in the 66th minute as Rams’ boss McClaren sought to change the game with his side trailing.
Wisdom continued his impressive run of games for loan side West Brom as he once more claimed the right-back slot in their narrow 1-0 home loss against Arsenal in Saturday’s early kick-off, but he didn’t produce the strongest performance of his career.
Beginning at the right side of the Baggies defence, Arsenal took the lead on the hour mark when Santi Cazorla proved too tricky for the Liverpool loaned man – dribbling past him and crossing for Danny Welbeck to head home – before he made the standard switch to the left in the second half, when Christian Gamboa entered the action replacing left back Sebastian Pocognoli with 15 minutes left to play.
Spanish front man Aspas received just his third start of the season for Sevilla in all competitions on Thursday night, as he played 60 minutes in their disappointing 2-0 defeat against Feyenoord in the Europa League.
The Reds loanee played just behind former rumoured Liverpool transfer target Kevin Gameiro and enjoyed a largely unproductive night – failing to register a single shot on goal – before being substituted as Unai Emrey made changes to his side on the hour mark with his side trailing 1-0.
After starting in midweek, Aspas dropped back to the bench on Sunday afternoon however, as his loan side ran out convincing winners recording an impressive 5-1 victory over Granada.
Tiago Ilori
After a prolonged spell on the sidelines with injury Liverpool’s Portuguese loan centre back made a return to the match-day squad on Sunday afternoon in Bordeaux’s 1-0 win over Origi’s Lille but he was an unused substitute on his return.
Uruguyan central defender Coates was named amongst the Sunderland substitutes for the second game running in their goalless draw against Chelsea in the Saturday evening game, but he remained on the bench for the duration.
Spanish midfielder Alberto was an unused substitute for Javi Gracia’s Malaga in their 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday evening.
Moroccan winger Assaidi was unable to feature for Stoke in their 1-0 defeat at Anfield on Saturday due to being ineligible to play against his parent club.
Under-21 defender Paez was an unused substitute for Bologna in their 2-0 Serie B victory over Bari on Sunday morning.
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We round up how Liverpool’s multitude of loaned out players have got on with their respective clubs this weekend.
Belgium striker Origi was left out of the Lille squad for their crunch Europa League tie against Russian side Krasnodar on Thursday night by manager Rene Girard – a move which took many by surprise leading to increased speculation over a premature move to Anfield – as he opted to start with Nolan Roux and Michael Frey in attack.
The striker returned to the starting XI on Sunday afternoon however, for Lille’s defeat against Tiago Ilori’s Bordeaux – a fifth straight away loss in Ligue 1. Origi started in a two man attack alongside Roux, and played 81 minutes of the game before being replaced as Girard attempted to spark a late comeback on a frustrating afternoon.
Highly rated teenager Ibe started for Derby in their 2-0 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon – a game in which the Liverpool loanee produced a rare quiet performance for his table topping side.
The former Wycombe man began the match on the left side of a three man attack for Steve McClaren’s side, but struggled to make any impact in a tough game before being replaced as part of a triple substitution in the 66th minute as Rams’ boss McClaren sought to change the game with his side trailing.
Wisdom continued his impressive run of games for loan side West Brom as he once more claimed the right-back slot in their narrow 1-0 home loss against Arsenal in Saturday’s early kick-off, but he didn’t produce the strongest performance of his career.
Beginning at the right side of the Baggies defence, Arsenal took the lead on the hour mark when Santi Cazorla proved too tricky for the Liverpool loaned man – dribbling past him and crossing for Danny Welbeck to head home – before he made the standard switch to the left in the second half, when Christian Gamboa entered the action replacing left back Sebastian Pocognoli with 15 minutes left to play.
Spanish front man Aspas received just his third start of the season for Sevilla in all competitions on Thursday night, as he played 60 minutes in their disappointing 2-0 defeat against Feyenoord in the Europa League.
The Reds loanee played just behind former rumoured Liverpool transfer target Kevin Gameiro and enjoyed a largely unproductive night – failing to register a single shot on goal – before being substituted as Unai Emrey made changes to his side on the hour mark with his side trailing 1-0.
After starting in midweek, Aspas dropped back to the bench on Sunday afternoon however, as his loan side ran out convincing winners recording an impressive 5-1 victory over Granada.
Tiago Ilori
After a prolonged spell on the sidelines with injury Liverpool’s Portuguese loan centre back made a return to the match-day squad on Sunday afternoon in Bordeaux’s 1-0 win over Origi’s Lille but he was an unused substitute on his return.
Uruguyan central defender Coates was named amongst the Sunderland substitutes for the second game running in their goalless draw against Chelsea in the Saturday evening game, but he remained on the bench for the duration.
Spanish midfielder Alberto was an unused substitute for Javi Gracia’s Malaga in their 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday evening.
Moroccan winger Assaidi was unable to feature for Stoke in their 1-0 defeat at Anfield on Saturday due to being ineligible to play against his parent club.
Under-21 defender Paez was an unused substitute for Bologna in their 2-0 Serie B victory over Bari on Sunday morning.
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Defender Glen Johnson appears resigned to leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after insisting he will not "go crawling" to the club for a new contract.
Talks to extend his current deal, which expires in the summer, ground to a halt in the close season when the two parties reached an impasse over terms.
It is understood the Reds wanted Johnson, who turned 30 in August, to sign a reduced-terms contract to reflect his age but he is unwilling to accept that.
"I have enjoyed the majority of the six years; I've had some good times and some bad times, but if I haven't got a contract then I can't stay," said the England defender.
"Of course it plays on your mind but that is when you have to be professional and try to do a job for your team, and I respect my team-mates and I want to put in a performance for them.
"I want to play for a club that wants me – I am not going to go crawling to anybody. The club know where I am and they know the situation.
"There were minor talks at the end of last season but nothing I could accept or reject."
Asked whether he was surprised Liverpool had not made more effort to extend his contract, Johnson added: "I have not really thought of it like that.
"All I can do is try to keep doing my job every weekend and whatever will unfold will unfold."
As he enters the last six months of his contract the right-back is entitled to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs, but is remaining focused on his immediate future.
"It is not my business to talk to other clubs at the moment," he said.
"I want to play my football, keep winning for Liverpool and I want to respect my contract, and that is what I am willing to do."
Johnson's first goal since December 2012, stooping to convert a low header after Rickie Lambert's header had come back off the crossbar, gave his side a 1-0 victory over Stoke.
Having ended a three-match losing run in the league the defender believes a top-four finish is still very much within their grasp.
"You enjoy winning games, scoring goals and being involved in assists – they are the great parts of football so on a personal level I am very happy," he added.
"Nothing has changed from last year. The backroom staff, the playing staff are fighting for the same cause and the objective is still the same, but in football you go through some sticky patches.
"The quality is not in doubt, it is about confidence and trying to put a run of performances together."
PA
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Defender Glen Johnson appears resigned to leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after insisting he will not "go crawling" to the club for a new contract.
Talks to extend his current deal, which expires in the summer, ground to a halt in the close season when the two parties reached an impasse over terms.
It is understood the Reds wanted Johnson, who turned 30 in August, to sign a reduced-terms contract to reflect his age but he is unwilling to accept that.
"I have enjoyed the majority of the six years; I've had some good times and some bad times, but if I haven't got a contract then I can't stay," said the England defender.
"Of course it plays on your mind but that is when you have to be professional and try to do a job for your team, and I respect my team-mates and I want to put in a performance for them.
"I want to play for a club that wants me – I am not going to go crawling to anybody. The club know where I am and they know the situation.
"There were minor talks at the end of last season but nothing I could accept or reject."
Asked whether he was surprised Liverpool had not made more effort to extend his contract, Johnson added: "I have not really thought of it like that.
"All I can do is try to keep doing my job every weekend and whatever will unfold will unfold."
As he enters the last six months of his contract the right-back is entitled to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs, but is remaining focused on his immediate future.
"It is not my business to talk to other clubs at the moment," he said.
"I want to play my football, keep winning for Liverpool and I want to respect my contract, and that is what I am willing to do."
Johnson's first goal since December 2012, stooping to convert a low header after Rickie Lambert's header had come back off the crossbar, gave his side a 1-0 victory over Stoke.
Having ended a three-match losing run in the league the defender believes a top-four finish is still very much within their grasp.
"You enjoy winning games, scoring goals and being involved in assists – they are the great parts of football so on a personal level I am very happy," he added.
"Nothing has changed from last year. The backroom staff, the playing staff are fighting for the same cause and the objective is still the same, but in football you go through some sticky patches.
"The quality is not in doubt, it is about confidence and trying to put a run of performances together."
PA
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Playing a bit-part role for Liverpool in their win over Stoke City on Saturday, Jack Lusby believes this is the way forward for Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard responds to Stoke fans’ taunts. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)After Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City at Anfield on Saturday, the focus was once more on captain Steven Gerrard, who has been one of the club’s most debated players this season.
The 34-year-old denied rumours on Sunday that he and Brendan Rodgers have fallen out. “Just to set the record straight media talk of a fall out between us two is NONSENSE…have a nice Sunday,” he wrote on Instagram.
These claims came after Gerrard was left on the bench for Saturday’s Premier League encounter, with Philippe Coutinho taking the No. 10 role the captain assumed in midweek against Ludogorets Razgrad.
Coutinho joined Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson in supporting lone striker Rickie Lambert.
The Telegraph continue to underline that Gerrard’s “role in the team has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks with his position in front of the back four cited as one of the reasons Liverpool’s defence has been so shaky.”
Far from misusing the midfielder, however, Rodgers’ utilising of Gerrard against Stoke was exactly how his captain should be used as he ages in a Liverpool shirt.
Defensive Midfield and Age
In a particularly challenging piece for his Daily Mail column this week, Jamie Carragher outlined how he feels Gerrard should be used as he approached the end of his Liverpool career.
Carragher opens with the claim that “if Liverpool were playing in a major final now, Steven would be one of the first names I’d put down on the teamsheet. My reasons would have nothing do with sentiment.”
That notion of sentiment has been a crippling criticism with Rodgers’ selection recently.
Lambert makes a fine example, having recently attested that “criticism of Steven I find shocking to be honest after what he’s done for the club.”
This is particularly tender given the position that Gerrard has been playing for Liverpool for a season now, as a defensive midfielder.
Carragher accurately outlines that “Steven is not a great protector of a defence. He’s there to start attacks from deep rather than shield a defence as Dietmar Hamann or Javier Mascharano did for me.”
The Sky Sports pundit continues: “Liverpool need to sign a top defensive midfielder in the near future and it should not be that… he is still being looked to provide the inspiration.”
This shaky Reds defence needs a shield, and when Gerrard has struggled, so have the likes of Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel.
Clearly, Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea is the ultimate highlight of this — however, this is an anomaly, a mistake that any player could make.
More alarming has been how sides such as Aston Villa and West Ham have targeted Gerrard in this role, with Gabby Agbonlahor and Stewart Downing overrunning the midfielder with a man-marking tactic.
The performances of Lucas and Allen respectively in the holding role at Stoke suggest that Gerrard should perhaps find his future elsewhere on the pitch.
The No. 10 Role
This is an interesting renege, given how Gerrard’s switch to the regista role was supposedly one that would prolong the midfielder’s career in a way which benefited the longevity of Ryan Giggs, and currently Andrea Pirlo and Xabi Alonso.
But Gerrard being introduced as a bit-part No. 10 against Stoke perhaps outlined a return to his old role on a less-regular basis.
The 34-year-old was at his best when played behind Fernando Torres under Rafa Benitez, and undoubtedly knows how to perform in this role when his body allows him.
However, this should not come at the expense of players such as Sterling and Coutinho, who are both most effective in the No. 10 role and, undoubtedly now, more crucial to Liverpool’s style of play; Sterling showed this when he moved inside at Anfield on Saturday.
This is where the notion of the cameo comes in for Gerrard.
Carragher pointed towards the endurance of Frank Lampard at Manchester City this season, with the midfielder scoring two goals and making one assist in seven league appearances so far this season—just two of those being a starting role.
“Do not doubt Steven’s ability to go on making contributions, but do not underestimate that he needs help. Take what is happening with Frank Lampard at Manchester City. He is surrounded by top players, is being used sensibly and his reputation continues to be enhanced.”
These top players for the Reds can be Sterling, Coutinho, Henderson, Adam Lallana and even Mario Balotelli, who the captain effectively dovetailed with in the win over West Bromwich Albion in October.
Although Lampard is two years Gerrard’s senior, Rodgers should be following the former Chelsea man’s example—against Stoke we saw a glimpse of this.
Vs. Stoke
Gerrard’s introduction against Stoke didn’t necessarily prompt Liverpool’s best football — that came with a great interchange involving Allen, Sterling and Coutinho — but it did herald the biggest headlines.
At 16 years to the day that Gerrard made his Liverpool debut from the substitutes’ bench, in a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in 1998.
Rodgers claimed that “I wasn’t aware it was 16 years until I walked into the dressing room and saw the programme.”
This is a significant gesture towards an unsentimental approach that the manager must take as Gerrard ages.
In justifying his utilising Gerrard from the bench, Rodgers continued “Steven is in a part of his career when he is not going to play every minute of every game.”
The manager, importantly, declared “we have other players here who can come in and do a job and Steven understands that…I need to look at each game. We have good players that are fresh.”
Gerrard offered energy and impetus in his 15-minute cameo at Anfield on Saturday, and his introduction understandably lifted both the Liverpool crowd and his teammates.
This, as Carragher says, can be potent option for Rodgers:
“Can you imagine the reaction inside Anfield with 30 minutes of a tight game remaining and seeing No 8 getting stripped for action? With space to exploit and energy to change the game, he could be a lethal weapon.”
Johnson’s winner displayed a grit and determination that has long hallmarked the captain’s career.
Steven Gerrard can still be an important player for Liverpool but Brendan Rodgers must continue to be realistic in managing the midfielder and favour a bit-part role when required.
On his performance against Stoke City, is this how Steven Gerrard should now play for Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below.
.
Playing a bit-part role for Liverpool in their win over Stoke City on Saturday, Jack Lusby believes this is the way forward for Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard responds to Stoke fans’ taunts. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)After Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City at Anfield on Saturday, the focus was once more on captain Steven Gerrard, who has been one of the club’s most debated players this season.
The 34-year-old denied rumours on Sunday that he and Brendan Rodgers have fallen out. “Just to set the record straight media talk of a fall out between us two is NONSENSE…have a nice Sunday,” he wrote on Instagram.
These claims came after Gerrard was left on the bench for Saturday’s Premier League encounter, with Philippe Coutinho taking the No. 10 role the captain assumed in midweek against Ludogorets Razgrad.
Coutinho joined Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson in supporting lone striker Rickie Lambert.
The Telegraph continue to underline that Gerrard’s “role in the team has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks with his position in front of the back four cited as one of the reasons Liverpool’s defence has been so shaky.”
Far from misusing the midfielder, however, Rodgers’ utilising of Gerrard against Stoke was exactly how his captain should be used as he ages in a Liverpool shirt.
Defensive Midfield and Age
In a particularly challenging piece for his Daily Mail column this week, Jamie Carragher outlined how he feels Gerrard should be used as he approached the end of his Liverpool career.
Carragher opens with the claim that “if Liverpool were playing in a major final now, Steven would be one of the first names I’d put down on the teamsheet. My reasons would have nothing do with sentiment.”
That notion of sentiment has been a crippling criticism with Rodgers’ selection recently.
Lambert makes a fine example, having recently attested that “criticism of Steven I find shocking to be honest after what he’s done for the club.”
This is particularly tender given the position that Gerrard has been playing for Liverpool for a season now, as a defensive midfielder.
Carragher accurately outlines that “Steven is not a great protector of a defence. He’s there to start attacks from deep rather than shield a defence as Dietmar Hamann or Javier Mascharano did for me.”
The Sky Sports pundit continues: “Liverpool need to sign a top defensive midfielder in the near future and it should not be that… he is still being looked to provide the inspiration.”
This shaky Reds defence needs a shield, and when Gerrard has struggled, so have the likes of Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel.
Clearly, Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea is the ultimate highlight of this — however, this is an anomaly, a mistake that any player could make.
More alarming has been how sides such as Aston Villa and West Ham have targeted Gerrard in this role, with Gabby Agbonlahor and Stewart Downing overrunning the midfielder with a man-marking tactic.
The performances of Lucas and Allen respectively in the holding role at Stoke suggest that Gerrard should perhaps find his future elsewhere on the pitch.
The No. 10 Role
This is an interesting renege, given how Gerrard’s switch to the regista role was supposedly one that would prolong the midfielder’s career in a way which benefited the longevity of Ryan Giggs, and currently Andrea Pirlo and Xabi Alonso.
But Gerrard being introduced as a bit-part No. 10 against Stoke perhaps outlined a return to his old role on a less-regular basis.
The 34-year-old was at his best when played behind Fernando Torres under Rafa Benitez, and undoubtedly knows how to perform in this role when his body allows him.
However, this should not come at the expense of players such as Sterling and Coutinho, who are both most effective in the No. 10 role and, undoubtedly now, more crucial to Liverpool’s style of play; Sterling showed this when he moved inside at Anfield on Saturday.
This is where the notion of the cameo comes in for Gerrard.
Carragher pointed towards the endurance of Frank Lampard at Manchester City this season, with the midfielder scoring two goals and making one assist in seven league appearances so far this season—just two of those being a starting role.
“Do not doubt Steven’s ability to go on making contributions, but do not underestimate that he needs help. Take what is happening with Frank Lampard at Manchester City. He is surrounded by top players, is being used sensibly and his reputation continues to be enhanced.”
These top players for the Reds can be Sterling, Coutinho, Henderson, Adam Lallana and even Mario Balotelli, who the captain effectively dovetailed with in the win over West Bromwich Albion in October.
Although Lampard is two years Gerrard’s senior, Rodgers should be following the former Chelsea man’s example—against Stoke we saw a glimpse of this.
Vs. Stoke
Gerrard’s introduction against Stoke didn’t necessarily prompt Liverpool’s best football — that came with a great interchange involving Allen, Sterling and Coutinho — but it did herald the biggest headlines.
At 16 years to the day that Gerrard made his Liverpool debut from the substitutes’ bench, in a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in 1998.
Rodgers claimed that “I wasn’t aware it was 16 years until I walked into the dressing room and saw the programme.”
This is a significant gesture towards an unsentimental approach that the manager must take as Gerrard ages.
In justifying his utilising Gerrard from the bench, Rodgers continued “Steven is in a part of his career when he is not going to play every minute of every game.”
The manager, importantly, declared “we have other players here who can come in and do a job and Steven understands that…I need to look at each game. We have good players that are fresh.”
Gerrard offered energy and impetus in his 15-minute cameo at Anfield on Saturday, and his introduction understandably lifted both the Liverpool crowd and his teammates.
This, as Carragher says, can be potent option for Rodgers:
“Can you imagine the reaction inside Anfield with 30 minutes of a tight game remaining and seeing No 8 getting stripped for action? With space to exploit and energy to change the game, he could be a lethal weapon.”
Johnson’s winner displayed a grit and determination that has long hallmarked the captain’s career.
Steven Gerrard can still be an important player for Liverpool but Brendan Rodgers must continue to be realistic in managing the midfielder and favour a bit-part role when required.
On his performance against Stoke City, is this how Steven Gerrard should now play for Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below.
.
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