Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects some of his fringe players to leave before the end of the transfer window, having told everyone in his squad where they stand this season.
Despite a good opening win at Stoke, much of this week has seen some of those who were not involved in the game air their frustrations in the media, with left-backs Alberto Moreno and Jose Enrique both giving interviews to the Spanish press.
Enrique, who claimed he, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli had been “alienated” by Rodgers having been made to train separately from the main squad, seems one of the likely exits.
The future of midfielder Lucas Leiva is also in doubt as he was left out of the squad at the Britannia Stadium with reports claiming he had fallen out with the manager.
Of that quartet, the Brazil international will be the easiest to offload – Enrique, Balotelli and, to a lesser extent, Borini are reluctant to give up their significant wages – with a number of Italian clubs interested, and, while Rodgers was not definitive on names, he accepts some will want out if they view their chances as limited for this campaign.
“It is natural at this stage of the season there will be moves for sure for some players,” he said.
“What is clear is that every player is understanding of exactly where he stands in the squad.
“The spirit is strong but of course it is a difficult situation with the transfer market still being open until the end of the month.
“There is always going to be that speculation but I am sure there will be movement of some of the players that obviously want to play.”
Rodgers, who has done his business early with seven signings brought in before the Barclays Premier League kicked off, is not a fan of the transfer window extending into the season because of the unsettling nature it can have on players.
“There is obviously a sport issue but there is also a moral issue once the season starts – players are unsure where they stand and it is a very difficult time for them,” the Northern Irishman added.
“You see everything settle within the squad once the window is shut because people can then focus on their professional life and life with their families as well.”
However, while he is happy to let some players go Rodgers insists the likes of Moreno and Lazar Markovic, brought in last summer for £12million and £20million respectively, still have a part to play this campaign.
“Both players are very talented players,” he said. “Maybe for the first time in their footballing careers – especially as they are so young – they are finding themselves not being a regular.
“They know very well, with the conversations we have had, it is a long, tough season and they will be needed and when the opportunity comes you take that and keep yourself in the team.
“There is no player here that hasn’t been told that.”
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