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Friday, 28 August 2015

Christian Benteke: Proving to be a threat in the air for Liverpool

Christian Benteke: Proving to be a threat in the air for Liverpool

Christian Benteke's aerial presence, Chelsea's open defence and Stoke's lack of grit are among the statistical trends of the season so far.

It's incredibly early days in the 2015/16 Premier League campaign but there have already been some noticeable trends that have shifted from seasons gone by.

WhoScored.com highlight five statistical changes from the opening weeks of the season...


The Benteke effect
When Liverpool signed Christian Benteke, many suggested that it would be a terrible fit, and in the Reds' system from last season they might have been right.

The idea that Rodgers might adapt his style of play was written off by some, but the Ulsterman deserves credit for the successful integration of the Belgian so far.

Despite the fact that Liverpool have still attempted fewer crosses than any other team this season - and the third-fewest long balls - Benteke has proven to be an effective outlet, even if he should have more than one goal to his name so far.

Against Arsenal he won 16 aerial duels, with no player managing more in a single game over the last two seasons. That took his individual tally to a league high of 34 - 11 more than any other player.

In turn Liverpool have gone from winning the second-fewest aerial duels per game last season (15), to the most so far this time around (24.3), which has relieved pressure on the back four now that possession is only really being surrendered further upfield.


Chelsea all at sea
They may have picked up their first win of the season last weekend but Chelsea were again far from convincing defensively.

That they have played for long periods with 10 men has had an impact, but the fact that two players have already been sent off for denying clear goalscoring opportunities only emphasises the Blues' struggles. Said red cards have both come courtesy of defence-splitting passes against a back four that seemed impossible to split last season.

Jose Mourinho's side have conceded 24 shots on target already this season, which is the highest tally in the league and one ahead of a Sunderland side whose backline have been slaughtered thus far.

John Terry and Gary Cahill's places in the side no longer look assured, and of all players to start all three league games for their club this season, only Lee Cattermole has a lower WhoScored.com rating than the Chelsea captain (5.95).

The protection from Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic has been a concern, and Palace, Everton and Arsenal are not easy opponents to rectify their problems against in the next three matches.


Trigger-happy Swansea
Though Swansea were largely lauded for their approach to top-flight football following promotion in 2011, many felt that their passing football was, at times, lacking purpose.

It's something that Garry Monk has looked to change having replaced Michael Laudrup in 2013, and he certainly seems to be striking a balance this time around. Jefferson Montero is in inspired form, Andre Ayew is already proving to be the excellent addition many predicted and Jonjo Shelvey is shining in an influential role in midfield, earning the highest WhoScored rating for the Welsh outfit (7.81).

With Shelvey pulling the strings and able to call on the pace and quality of the wide men in the side, Swansea are causing teams all sorts of problems. It may come as a surprise that only three teams had fewer shots last season than the Swans, with an average of 11.2 per game now up to 18.7 thus far.

That's enough to rank second to league leaders City this time around, though they are ahead of Pellegrini's men, and the rest for that matter, when it comes to shots on target after three rounds of fixtures (25).


Southampton losing patience
Two seasons ago Southampton, under Mauricio Pochettino, were renowned for their possession-based approach and high press. Saints averaged more possession than any other team in the top flight in 2013/14, with 58.4%.

Following his predecessor's departure for Spurs, Ronald Koeman was rightly lauded for sticking with the principles that had made the south coast side a success under the Argentine, though subtle changes were made.

Last season Southampton's possession had dropped to 53%, the eighth-highest average in the league, and there has been a further decline this time around. Koeman's side are looking to play on the counter more often and have held just 48.4% of possession thus far this season, despite facing modest opponents.

Forced to adapt following the departures of key players ahead of the Dutchman's appointment - and indeed during his reign - a shift in approach certainly seems apparent.


Poor little Stoke
Previously under Tony Pulis, Stoke were considered the bullies of the Premier League. Enter the land of the giants at the Britannia Stadium at your peril.

Since Mark Hughes took the helm, however, drastic changes have been made to impressive effect, and the Potters can no longer be labelled the brutes that they once were, having perhaps been a little harshly tarred with that brush in the past.

Indeed, this season only Everton have conceded fewer fouls to date than Stoke (25), with almost half the tally of Crystal Palace, who head the table with 46. Moreover, no side have been fouled more times than Hughes' men after three matches (45), who can for now play the victim card up against the top-flight's bigger boys.

Martin Laurence

All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, where you can find more stats, including live in-game data and unique player and team ratings. You can follow all the scores, statistics, live player and team ratings with their new free-to-download app.



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Liverpool, Chelsea and Stoke stat changes

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Christian Benteke: Proving to be a threat in the air for Liverpool

Christian Benteke: Proving to be a threat in the air for Liverpool

Christian Benteke's aerial presence, Chelsea's open defence and Stoke's lack of grit are among the statistical trends of the season so far.

It's incredibly early days in the 2015/16 Premier League campaign but there have already been some noticeable trends that have shifted from seasons gone by.

WhoScored.com highlight five statistical changes from the opening weeks of the season...


The Benteke effect
When Liverpool signed Christian Benteke, many suggested that it would be a terrible fit, and in the Reds' system from last season they might have been right.

The idea that Rodgers might adapt his style of play was written off by some, but the Ulsterman deserves credit for the successful integration of the Belgian so far.

Despite the fact that Liverpool have still attempted fewer crosses than any other team this season - and the third-fewest long balls - Benteke has proven to be an effective outlet, even if he should have more than one goal to his name so far.

Against Arsenal he won 16 aerial duels, with no player managing more in a single game over the last two seasons. That took his individual tally to a league high of 34 - 11 more than any other player.

In turn Liverpool have gone from winning the second-fewest aerial duels per game last season (15), to the most so far this time around (24.3), which has relieved pressure on the back four now that possession is only really being surrendered further upfield.


Chelsea all at sea
They may have picked up their first win of the season last weekend but Chelsea were again far from convincing defensively.

That they have played for long periods with 10 men has had an impact, but the fact that two players have already been sent off for denying clear goalscoring opportunities only emphasises the Blues' struggles. Said red cards have both come courtesy of defence-splitting passes against a back four that seemed impossible to split last season.

Jose Mourinho's side have conceded 24 shots on target already this season, which is the highest tally in the league and one ahead of a Sunderland side whose backline have been slaughtered thus far.

John Terry and Gary Cahill's places in the side no longer look assured, and of all players to start all three league games for their club this season, only Lee Cattermole has a lower WhoScored.com rating than the Chelsea captain (5.95).

The protection from Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic has been a concern, and Palace, Everton and Arsenal are not easy opponents to rectify their problems against in the next three matches.


Trigger-happy Swansea
Though Swansea were largely lauded for their approach to top-flight football following promotion in 2011, many felt that their passing football was, at times, lacking purpose.

It's something that Garry Monk has looked to change having replaced Michael Laudrup in 2013, and he certainly seems to be striking a balance this time around. Jefferson Montero is in inspired form, Andre Ayew is already proving to be the excellent addition many predicted and Jonjo Shelvey is shining in an influential role in midfield, earning the highest WhoScored rating for the Welsh outfit (7.81).

With Shelvey pulling the strings and able to call on the pace and quality of the wide men in the side, Swansea are causing teams all sorts of problems. It may come as a surprise that only three teams had fewer shots last season than the Swans, with an average of 11.2 per game now up to 18.7 thus far.

That's enough to rank second to league leaders City this time around, though they are ahead of Pellegrini's men, and the rest for that matter, when it comes to shots on target after three rounds of fixtures (25).


Southampton losing patience
Two seasons ago Southampton, under Mauricio Pochettino, were renowned for their possession-based approach and high press. Saints averaged more possession than any other team in the top flight in 2013/14, with 58.4%.

Following his predecessor's departure for Spurs, Ronald Koeman was rightly lauded for sticking with the principles that had made the south coast side a success under the Argentine, though subtle changes were made.

Last season Southampton's possession had dropped to 53%, the eighth-highest average in the league, and there has been a further decline this time around. Koeman's side are looking to play on the counter more often and have held just 48.4% of possession thus far this season, despite facing modest opponents.

Forced to adapt following the departures of key players ahead of the Dutchman's appointment - and indeed during his reign - a shift in approach certainly seems apparent.


Poor little Stoke
Previously under Tony Pulis, Stoke were considered the bullies of the Premier League. Enter the land of the giants at the Britannia Stadium at your peril.

Since Mark Hughes took the helm, however, drastic changes have been made to impressive effect, and the Potters can no longer be labelled the brutes that they once were, having perhaps been a little harshly tarred with that brush in the past.

Indeed, this season only Everton have conceded fewer fouls to date than Stoke (25), with almost half the tally of Crystal Palace, who head the table with 46. Moreover, no side have been fouled more times than Hughes' men after three matches (45), who can for now play the victim card up against the top-flight's bigger boys.

Martin Laurence

All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, where you can find more stats, including live in-game data and unique player and team ratings. You can follow all the scores, statistics, live player and team ratings with their new free-to-download app.



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Gianni Infantino, UEFA General Secretary, and Giorgio Marchetti, at the Europa League draw

Gianni Infantino, UEFA General Secretary, and Giorgio Marchetti, at the Europa League draw

Liverpool, Tottenham and Celtic have all been given tough draws in the group stage of this season's Europa League.

Liverpool will face a long trip to Rubin Kazan - the Russian city is 500 miles east of Moscow - with French side Bordeaux and Sion of Switzerland the other teams in their group.

Tottenham have a particularly tough draw. They face Belgian side Anderlecht, last season's Champions League quarter-finalists Monaco, and Qarabag of Azerbaijan - who ran Celtic close in the Champions League qualifying rounds earlier this season.

Celtic, Scotland's last representatives in Europe this season, also have a tricky task to advance. They take on Ajax Amsterdam, Robin van Persie's Fenerbahce and Molde of Norway.

GROUP A:
Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Celtic (Scotland)
Fenerbahce (Turkey)
Molde (Norway)

GROUP B:
Rubin Kazan (Russia)
Liverpool (England)
Bordeaux (France)
Sion (Switzerland)

GROUP C:
Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
PAOK Salonika (Greece)
Krasnodar (Russia)
Qabala (Azerbaijan)

GROUP D:
Napoli (Italy)
Club Brugge (Belgium)
Legia Warsaw (Poland)
Midtjylland (Denmark)

GROUP E:
Villarreal (Spain)
Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic)
Rapid Vienna (Austria)
Dinamo Minsk (Belarus)

GROUP F:
Olympique Marseille (France)
Braga (Portugal)
Liberec (Czech Republic)
Groningen (Netherlands)

GROUP G:
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (Ukraine)
Lazio (Italy)
St Etienne (France)
Rosenborg (Norway)

GROUP H:
Sporting Lisbon (Portugal)
Besiktas (Turkey)
Lokomotiv Moscow (Russia)
Skenderbeu (Albania)

GROUP I:
Basel (Switzerland)
Fiorentina (Italy)
Lech Poznan (Poland)
Belenenses (Portugal)

GROUP J:
Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Anderlecht (Belgium)
Monaco (France)
Qarabag (Azerbaijan)

GROUP K:
Schalke 04 (Germany)
APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus)
Sparta Prague (Czech Republic)
Asteras (Greece)

GROUP L:
Athletic Bilbao (Spain)
AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
Augsburg (Germany)
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)





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Liverpool and Spurs learn Europa League opponents

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Gianni Infantino, UEFA General Secretary, and Giorgio Marchetti, at the Europa League draw

Gianni Infantino, UEFA General Secretary, and Giorgio Marchetti, at the Europa League draw

Liverpool, Tottenham and Celtic have all been given tough draws in the group stage of this season's Europa League.

Liverpool will face a long trip to Rubin Kazan - the Russian city is 500 miles east of Moscow - with French side Bordeaux and Sion of Switzerland the other teams in their group.

Tottenham have a particularly tough draw. They face Belgian side Anderlecht, last season's Champions League quarter-finalists Monaco, and Qarabag of Azerbaijan - who ran Celtic close in the Champions League qualifying rounds earlier this season.

Celtic, Scotland's last representatives in Europe this season, also have a tricky task to advance. They take on Ajax Amsterdam, Robin van Persie's Fenerbahce and Molde of Norway.

GROUP A:
Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Celtic (Scotland)
Fenerbahce (Turkey)
Molde (Norway)

GROUP B:
Rubin Kazan (Russia)
Liverpool (England)
Bordeaux (France)
Sion (Switzerland)

GROUP C:
Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
PAOK Salonika (Greece)
Krasnodar (Russia)
Qabala (Azerbaijan)

GROUP D:
Napoli (Italy)
Club Brugge (Belgium)
Legia Warsaw (Poland)
Midtjylland (Denmark)

GROUP E:
Villarreal (Spain)
Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic)
Rapid Vienna (Austria)
Dinamo Minsk (Belarus)

GROUP F:
Olympique Marseille (France)
Braga (Portugal)
Liberec (Czech Republic)
Groningen (Netherlands)

GROUP G:
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (Ukraine)
Lazio (Italy)
St Etienne (France)
Rosenborg (Norway)

GROUP H:
Sporting Lisbon (Portugal)
Besiktas (Turkey)
Lokomotiv Moscow (Russia)
Skenderbeu (Albania)

GROUP I:
Basel (Switzerland)
Fiorentina (Italy)
Lech Poznan (Poland)
Belenenses (Portugal)

GROUP J:
Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Anderlecht (Belgium)
Monaco (France)
Qarabag (Azerbaijan)

GROUP K:
Schalke 04 (Germany)
APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus)
Sparta Prague (Czech Republic)
Asteras (Greece)

GROUP L:
Athletic Bilbao (Spain)
AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
Augsburg (Germany)
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)





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Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss revealed extra defensive work

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss revealed extra defensive work

Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool have put in "an awful lot of work" into defensive organisation in a bid to address their problems from last season.

Liverpool conceded 48 goals in the Premier League last season, including six at Stoke on the final day - the third highest of any club to finish in the top half.

That has led to Rodgers focusing his attentions on his defensive unit during pre-season, having decided not to employ a specialised defence coach, and his efforts have paid off with the Reds keeping three successive clean sheets so far.

"We've put in extra work and focus on that," he said.

"We are doing extra sessions on every aspect of our defending in terms of in-game static and moving positions and our set-pieces.

"We are putting in an awful lot of work into that organisation, it is one of the things I picked up on from last season.

"We brought in a lot of players thinking they could maybe settle into it quickly but the learning aspect from that was that I needed to do more on that (defensive) front this season.

"That is something we have done. The coaches have been outstanding just making sure the players are clear in terms of their roles and responsibility both with and without the ball."

Liverpool have only scored two goals so far this campaign but Rodgers was keen to stress a stronger defensive set-up would not prevent Liverpool continuing to play free-flowing football.

"If you look at how I have always worked the pressing element and defensive organisation is crucial to that," he added.

"People always associate us with the football and fluency but that does not come unless you have possession of the ball.

"In different games we will set up slightly differently, like we did at Arsenal, where the plan was to dominate the space in the game.

"It doesn't compromise the style at all. I am happy with the evolution of the team this early but there is a lot more to come from it and it bodes well for this season."

Striker Daniel Sturridge returned to training this week to offer Rodgers a welcome boost, having spent four months in the USA recovering from a hip operation.

The England international could be back in the squad by early September but Rodgers refused to say exactly when he is expecting him to return.

"There is no timeline on Daniel," said Rodgers.

"He has obviously been away working in America and has come back and now it is just about him working hard to get back in to somewhere near the level of the group.

"He looks well and really excited to be back among his team-mates, so we will just have to take that week on week."





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Brendan Rodgers reveals extra defensive work for Liverpool

Unknown   at  20:09  No comments

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss revealed extra defensive work

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss revealed extra defensive work

Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool have put in "an awful lot of work" into defensive organisation in a bid to address their problems from last season.

Liverpool conceded 48 goals in the Premier League last season, including six at Stoke on the final day - the third highest of any club to finish in the top half.

That has led to Rodgers focusing his attentions on his defensive unit during pre-season, having decided not to employ a specialised defence coach, and his efforts have paid off with the Reds keeping three successive clean sheets so far.

"We've put in extra work and focus on that," he said.

"We are doing extra sessions on every aspect of our defending in terms of in-game static and moving positions and our set-pieces.

"We are putting in an awful lot of work into that organisation, it is one of the things I picked up on from last season.

"We brought in a lot of players thinking they could maybe settle into it quickly but the learning aspect from that was that I needed to do more on that (defensive) front this season.

"That is something we have done. The coaches have been outstanding just making sure the players are clear in terms of their roles and responsibility both with and without the ball."

Liverpool have only scored two goals so far this campaign but Rodgers was keen to stress a stronger defensive set-up would not prevent Liverpool continuing to play free-flowing football.

"If you look at how I have always worked the pressing element and defensive organisation is crucial to that," he added.

"People always associate us with the football and fluency but that does not come unless you have possession of the ball.

"In different games we will set up slightly differently, like we did at Arsenal, where the plan was to dominate the space in the game.

"It doesn't compromise the style at all. I am happy with the evolution of the team this early but there is a lot more to come from it and it bodes well for this season."

Striker Daniel Sturridge returned to training this week to offer Rodgers a welcome boost, having spent four months in the USA recovering from a hip operation.

The England international could be back in the squad by early September but Rodgers refused to say exactly when he is expecting him to return.

"There is no timeline on Daniel," said Rodgers.

"He has obviously been away working in America and has come back and now it is just about him working hard to get back in to somewhere near the level of the group.

"He looks well and really excited to be back among his team-mates, so we will just have to take that week on week."





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Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana: Could both miss out for Liverpool

Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana: Could both miss out for Liverpool

Liverpool host West Ham on Saturday bidding to extend a record 42-game unbeaten run against the Hammers in the top flight at Anfield.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could miss out again with a foot injury, while Adam Lallana (thigh), Jon Flanagan and Joe Allen will definitely miss the game.

West Ham should have Diafra Sakho available, but Adrian and Carl Jenkinson are suspended, while strike trio Enner Valencia, Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll remain on the sidelines.

Opta stats

West Ham have won none of their last 42 league visits to Anfield, losing 31.

In top-flight history, the Hammers' 42-game winless away streak at Liverpool is only lower than Stoke's 52-game winless run at Liverpool (which is also current).

The Londoners have scored just seven goals in their last 30 league visits to Anfield, failing to find the net on 24 occasions.

Liverpool have won nine and lost two of their last 14 Premier League games at Anfield, with only one team (Sunderland) keeping a clean sheet in that run.

West Ham had won none of their 12 previous Premier League away games before beating Arsenal on the opening day.

The Hammers had scored just five goals in that 12-match run and failed to net in the last four before netting two against the Gunners.

Christian Benteke has been involved in the most aerial challenges in the Premier League this season (51), closely followed by the Hammers' Diafra Sakho (46).

Cheikhou Kouyaté has scored (2) or assisted (1) a goal in all three Premier League appearances for West Ham so far this season.

West Ham have scored with 31.6% of their shots so far this season (six from 19 shots), a league-high.

West Ham have been given five red cards in their nine competitive games this season, compared to three in 43 games in 2014-15.

Predictions

Join our TEAMtalk v Fans league on SportLobster to make your prediction for this game and the other nine in the Premier League this weekend.



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Liverpool v West Ham team news & stats

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Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana: Could both miss out for Liverpool

Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana: Could both miss out for Liverpool

Liverpool host West Ham on Saturday bidding to extend a record 42-game unbeaten run against the Hammers in the top flight at Anfield.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could miss out again with a foot injury, while Adam Lallana (thigh), Jon Flanagan and Joe Allen will definitely miss the game.

West Ham should have Diafra Sakho available, but Adrian and Carl Jenkinson are suspended, while strike trio Enner Valencia, Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll remain on the sidelines.

Opta stats

West Ham have won none of their last 42 league visits to Anfield, losing 31.

In top-flight history, the Hammers' 42-game winless away streak at Liverpool is only lower than Stoke's 52-game winless run at Liverpool (which is also current).

The Londoners have scored just seven goals in their last 30 league visits to Anfield, failing to find the net on 24 occasions.

Liverpool have won nine and lost two of their last 14 Premier League games at Anfield, with only one team (Sunderland) keeping a clean sheet in that run.

West Ham had won none of their 12 previous Premier League away games before beating Arsenal on the opening day.

The Hammers had scored just five goals in that 12-match run and failed to net in the last four before netting two against the Gunners.

Christian Benteke has been involved in the most aerial challenges in the Premier League this season (51), closely followed by the Hammers' Diafra Sakho (46).

Cheikhou Kouyaté has scored (2) or assisted (1) a goal in all three Premier League appearances for West Ham so far this season.

West Ham have scored with 31.6% of their shots so far this season (six from 19 shots), a league-high.

West Ham have been given five red cards in their nine competitive games this season, compared to three in 43 games in 2014-15.

Predictions

Join our TEAMtalk v Fans league on SportLobster to make your prediction for this game and the other nine in the Premier League this weekend.



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Mario Balotelli: Frustrated by Liverpool tactics

Mario Balotelli: Frustrated by Liverpool tactics

Brendan Rodgers chose to not directly respond to Mario Balotelli's comments about his formation not suiting the Italian striker last season.

The 25-year-old returned to his home country this week after signing a season-long loan deal with AC Milan.

Balotelli told the media in Italy: "I must accept my faults but the formation chosen by Rodgers was not suited to my characteristics.

"At the beginning I missed several easy chances, then I had fewer chances to score, a bit of bad luck, injuries. A mess of things."

But speaking at Friday's press conference, Liverpool manager Rodgers responded by saying: "I've always said I won't be speaking on any transfers, in or out.

"But it's a good move for Mario. It suits both parties. He gets a season of playing football back in his homeland."

Balotelli joined Liverpool in a £16m deal in the summer of 2014, replacing Luis Suarez, but netted just four times in 28 appearances, with just a single goal coming in the Premier League.

The striker also said of his time on Merseyside: "I never complained, I accepted the decisions of the manager and I always behaved like a professional.

"Over the last year there was never a problem with my private life. I may have put pictures from restaurants on Instagram but that does not mean I did not train, even though I was not playing."

Brendan Rodgers also added that the "hunger has returned" to the Liverpool side, who have been putting in extra practice on the training pitch in order to remedy a previously problematic defence.

"The hunger has returned back into the team," he told reporters. "That freshness and ability to play with no fear. New players are here with new ambition.

"There's been a lot of work done on the training ground and in analysing in this room to change the mentality.

"We are doing extra sessions on every aspect of our defending. We are putting in an awful lot of work."





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Brendan Rodgers believes Mario Balotelli has made a "good move" to AC Milan

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Mario Balotelli: Frustrated by Liverpool tactics

Mario Balotelli: Frustrated by Liverpool tactics

Brendan Rodgers chose to not directly respond to Mario Balotelli's comments about his formation not suiting the Italian striker last season.

The 25-year-old returned to his home country this week after signing a season-long loan deal with AC Milan.

Balotelli told the media in Italy: "I must accept my faults but the formation chosen by Rodgers was not suited to my characteristics.

"At the beginning I missed several easy chances, then I had fewer chances to score, a bit of bad luck, injuries. A mess of things."

But speaking at Friday's press conference, Liverpool manager Rodgers responded by saying: "I've always said I won't be speaking on any transfers, in or out.

"But it's a good move for Mario. It suits both parties. He gets a season of playing football back in his homeland."

Balotelli joined Liverpool in a £16m deal in the summer of 2014, replacing Luis Suarez, but netted just four times in 28 appearances, with just a single goal coming in the Premier League.

The striker also said of his time on Merseyside: "I never complained, I accepted the decisions of the manager and I always behaved like a professional.

"Over the last year there was never a problem with my private life. I may have put pictures from restaurants on Instagram but that does not mean I did not train, even though I was not playing."

Brendan Rodgers also added that the "hunger has returned" to the Liverpool side, who have been putting in extra practice on the training pitch in order to remedy a previously problematic defence.

"The hunger has returned back into the team," he told reporters. "That freshness and ability to play with no fear. New players are here with new ambition.

"There's been a lot of work done on the training ground and in analysing in this room to change the mentality.

"We are doing extra sessions on every aspect of our defending. We are putting in an awful lot of work."





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Lazar Markovic: Has struggled to make an impact for Liverpool

Lazar Markovic: Has struggled to make an impact for Liverpool

Fenerbache are reported to be in talks over the possible signing of Liverpool's Lazar Markovic on a season-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old Serbia forward only joined Liverpool from Benfica last summer in a deal worth around £25million, but the Reds are already preparing to offload him, according to Sky Sports.

He was part of a huge spending spree by manager Brendan Rodgers after the club qualified for the Champions League - a splurge that reached over £110million and included nine new signings.

But Markovic struggled to make an impact, making just 11 starts in the Premier League and scoring just three goals in all competitions last season.

He has not featured at all for Liverpool this term and is said to be close to agreeing to a move to Turkish Super Liga side Fenerbahce, who have qualified for the Europa League.

Markovic, who has 20 caps for Serbia, began his career at Partizan Belgrade as a youth player and moved to Benfica in 2013, where he scored five times in 19 appearances in the Portugese Primeira.





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Liverpool's Lazar Markovic 'in talks over loan move to Fenerbahce'

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Lazar Markovic: Has struggled to make an impact for Liverpool

Lazar Markovic: Has struggled to make an impact for Liverpool

Fenerbache are reported to be in talks over the possible signing of Liverpool's Lazar Markovic on a season-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old Serbia forward only joined Liverpool from Benfica last summer in a deal worth around £25million, but the Reds are already preparing to offload him, according to Sky Sports.

He was part of a huge spending spree by manager Brendan Rodgers after the club qualified for the Champions League - a splurge that reached over £110million and included nine new signings.

But Markovic struggled to make an impact, making just 11 starts in the Premier League and scoring just three goals in all competitions last season.

He has not featured at all for Liverpool this term and is said to be close to agreeing to a move to Turkish Super Liga side Fenerbahce, who have qualified for the Europa League.

Markovic, who has 20 caps for Serbia, began his career at Partizan Belgrade as a youth player and moved to Benfica in 2013, where he scored five times in 19 appearances in the Portugese Primeira.





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