Liverpool “may have opportunity to speak to Jurgen Klopp in November”

German football journalist Raphael Honigstein has hinted that there may be an opportunity for Liverpool to discuss the manager’s job with Jurgen Klopp in November.

Brendan Rodgers is finding himself under increasing scrutiny this season at Liverpool after an underwhelming start, though Thursday night’s 1-1 draw at Bordeaux in the Europa League showed promise that may relieve the pressure slightly.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp, 48, was heavily linked with Rodgers’ job in the summer, but Liverpool stuck by the Northern Irishman, bringing in new coaching staff recruits and spending £77 million on players.

However, Honigstein, speaking on The Guardian‘s Football Weekly podcast, told presenter James Richardson there are whispers on the grapevine that discussions between Liverpool and Klopp may not be dead in the water just yet.

“It’s no secret by now that Liverpool have tried twice to get Klopp to take over,” he said.

“They didn’t go for him in the summer when he was clearly available, so they stuck with Brendan Rodgers.

“I believe, and I have to say this isn’t backed up by any hard facts, but there’s a sense from talking to one or two people that maybe there’s an opportunity to sit down and discuss things going forward maybe in November.

“I’m not sure if that’s directly related to what Liverpool are doing this season, or maybe it’s for next season, or maybe it’s just exploratory talks.”

Rodgers will be looking for his side to bounce back from two consecutive Premier League defeats when Liverpool host Norwich City this Sunday at 4pm.

What does Rodgers need to do to keep his job safe at Liverpool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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“Sakho the leader Liverpool have been lacking”- Newspapers react to Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool

It’s the morning after Liverpool’s Europa League draw at Bordeaux, so we take a look at the best newspaper reaction from the game.

It was a match that Brendan Rodgers really could not afford to lose, and although the performance was far from great, a share of the spoils represents a decent result for the Reds.

Adam Lallana‘s lovely solo effort gave the visitors the lead, but the hosts responded through substitute Jussie with 10 minutes remaining.

There were standout performances from captain Mamadou Sakho and youngster Jordan Rossiter, although Jordon Ibe and Divock Origi had nights to forget.

There was always a feeling that Sunday’s showdown with Norwich City at Anfield would be where Rodgers will properly be judged, and it will be fascinating to see his team selection for the game.

Here is how the morning papers reacted to the draw with Bordeaux:

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo lauded the Man of the Match display of the returning Sakho, and feels he must surely start against Norwich:

Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren may have been rested with one eye on that fixture but one of them will surely miss out after Sakho shone in his homeland.

The former Paris Saint Germain centre-back has waited patiently for his chance after being controversially overlooked in the opening month of the season.

In the absence of Jordan Henderson and James Milner, Sakho was handed the armband by Rodgers and he led by example throughout.

[…]

Sensing danger and dealing with it, Sakho looked like the kind of defensive leader Liverpool have been so sadly lacking so far this term.

ESPN‘s Steven Kelly also felt Sakho was the star man on the night:

Generally rock-solid, further emphasising the unfairness of his demotion from the first-choice team. Strong in the air, he also didn’t leap into tackles unless he knew he could win them. His short passing was controlled, but the occasional more ambitious pass went astray.

He provided much-needed experience for the younger players in his charge, especially after Toure’s injury.

The Daily Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe was not convinced by the performance, but believes if Rodgers wasn’t under so much pressure, we would be looking at the game in a different light:

In normal circumstances a point on the road in Europe is deemed satisfactory.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers understandably claimed the opening to the Europa league campaign in Bordeaux as such, despite a lament as how his side conceded a sloppy equaliser with ten minutes left. Adam Lallana’s opening goal – beautifully crafted an finished midway through the second half – deserved to be the winner.

The trouble for Rodgers is these are uncertain times at Anfield, and for all the signs of improvement he embraced there is so much damage to be repaired he is hunting for context as much as points.

Take away what’s gone on recently and you could perceive this as a tentative step in the right direction.

The Daily Mail‘s Dominic King echoed that sentiment, stating that Rodgers will be more relieved than happy:

There were no smiles or fist pumping celebrations. The reaction in the away end was muted and the manager, after exchanging a few cursory handshakes, swiftly disappeared down the tunnel.

Happiness was not the overriding emotion for Brendan Rodgers or Liverpool’s players but there was, without question, a sense of relief; this 1-1 draw will not feature anywhere on the list of the club’s best European results but at least it afforded the manager some respite.

In his match report for the Guardian, Sachin Nakrani heaped praise on Liverpool’s youngsters, with several teenagers impressing:

Lallana’s goal aside, the most striking encouragement for Liverpool was how such a young team refused to fold against fast-paced, aggressive and skilled opponents. This was a starting XI that contained three teenagers in the 19-year-old Jordon Ibe, 18-year-old Joe Gomez and another 18-year-old, Jordan Rossiter, making only his third appearance for his boyhood club.

What appeared a gamble on the part of Brendan Rodgers then looked like suicide by a manager under pressure when on 28 minutes Liverpool’s most experienced player, Kolo Touré, had to go off with a dead leg and was replaced by another 18-year-old in the Spanish midfielder Pedro Chirivella for his first appearance.

[…]

A young team dug in, scored in style and earned a point that could prove invaluable if Liverpool are to make their mark in Europe this season. For their supporters, here as well as back home, it is a case of onwards and upwards.

The Mirror‘s David Maddock was left frustrated by the performance of Lallana, despite his well-taken goal:

Of English footballers’ there are few with the class and technique of Adam Lallana. Beautifully balanced, the former Southampton skipper has a balletic beauty about him, capable of gliding away from opponents, occasionally making it look effortless.

However, too often than not, the final act never matches the approach work. In the final 25 yards, where the real top players do their business repeatedly, Lallana too often falls down.

Tonight was looking like being another of those nights for the £25million man, until a wonderful goal of such exquisite nonchalance – nutmegging a defender before caressing his shot into the far bottom corner – handed Liverpool the win.

He was also unconvinced by Divock Origi:

The Belgian forward hasn’t seen much playing time before tonight and it’s easy to see why.

While the physical and technical attributes are certainly there – he’s rangy, quick, has a trick in his locker – there’s something missing.

There was no real purpose about anything he did, no drive nor determination when he ran channels, no decisive movement to pose questions of the opposing centre-backs in behind. Too often he wanted to show for feet – which only ate up the space Lallana and Philippe Coutinho would’ve preferred to use.

Must do more. Must show more intensity, in all aspects of his play.

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Video: Brendan Rodgers encouraged by young Liverpool team’s Bordeaux display

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club's youngsters have provided great encouragement after almost getting their Europa League campaign off to the perfect start.

Video: Katherine Giessinger (YouTube)

An inexperienced side were nine minutes away from a win in Bordeaux when Jussie made it 1-1 by cancelling out Adam Lallana's expertly-taken opener.

Victory – considering the average age of the team was just 21.7 years when academy graduate Pedro Chirivella replaced the injured Kolo Toure in the first half – would have been more than justified Rodgers' gamble in leaving six regulars at home.

The Reds boss was nevertheless impressed with the likes of Jordan Rossiter and Chirivella.

"As the game wore on they combined with the other players and I thought they acquitted themselves well," he said.

"If you take those two, Jordon Ibe who is 19, Joe Gomez who is 18, there was great encouragement for the young players and supporters.

"I was so proud of them. I will always give the young players an opportunity if they have the personality."

There was also a welcome return for Lallana, who rustiness after a month's absence was dispelled in one brilliant piece of skill for the goal, nutmegging Pablo with one touch and sliding the ball inside the far post with his second.

"It was an outstanding goal. It was his touch and creativity which we have not seen so much of this season," added Rodgers.

"I was disappointed their striker got too many touches in the box but if you can't win, especially away from home in Europe, you at least get a point and we're satisfied with that."

Rodgers was also happy with the performance of Mamadou Sakho, who was one of eight changes but made captain on the night despite it being his first appearance of the season.

There have been rumours of the France international being unhappy at his lack of pitch time but the manager offered some hope to the centre-back.

"Sakho was immense at the back. He knows he has had to be patient and his attitude has been first-class," added Rodgers.

"He has trained very well, kept professional, done his extra work on his fitness and he has got his rewards for that.

"He certainly comes into the reckoning for the weekend (against Norwich)."

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Plenty of positives as Liverpool draw in Bordeaux

There were plenty of positives on show as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Bordeaux in Thursday’s Europa League opener, writes Jack Lusby.

Despite Liverpool’s first away trip of the 2015/16 Europa League resulting in a 1-1 draw against Bordeaux, Brendan Rodgers can draw many positives from his side’s performance at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

A moment of individual brilliance from Adam Lallana gave the Reds the lead, but Bordeaux substitute Jussie levelled late into the second half to clinch Willy Sagnol’s side a vital point.

Rodgers may have expected victory in the south of France, but can he still be happy with this result?

At this defining period of his Liverpool reign, Rodgers should cling to the many positives on show.

Playing For Your Place

It would be remiss to discuss this Europa League opener without addressing the standout performance among Rodgers’ ranks: Mamadou Sakho turned in a display of strength and composure on the left side of Liverpool’s three-man defence, despite this being his first outing of the season.

The Frenchman, replacing Dejan Lovren in the Reds’ back line and assuming the captaincy in the absence of Jordan Henderson and James Milner, exuded confidence.

Following the withdrawal of Kolo Toure through injury, Sakho took on the responsibility of marshalling defensive colleagues Joe Gomez and Emre Can, and went from strength to strength in a bullish display.

Showcasing his trademark aggressive, front-footed approach, Sakho broke up attacks with consistency and, crucially, looked to build from the back when in possession.

Sakho made three successful tackles, two interceptions, seven clearances and won four aerial duels, as well as completing more passes than any other player, with 68, including one chance created in the attacking sector.

It was a performance of sheer fortitude, and it was seemingly much needed, given the Frenchman’s peripheral role in the Premier League this season.

Rodgers praised the 25-year-old after the game, hinting at a possible starting place for Sunday’s home clash against Norwich City.

With Lovren and Martin Skrtel both in poor form in the Reds’ past two league clashes, Sakho may have secured his place in Rodgers’ first team for the foreseeable future.

Similarly, Alberto Moreno will have given his manager much food for thought, with an impressively balanced display as Liverpool’s left wing-back.

After being supplanted by Gomez in Rodgers’ starting lineup for the first five games of the season, Moreno has been forced to feed off scraps in his attempt to earn a regular role in the Premier League, afforded just 59 minute over four cameo appearances.

In those four games, Moreno offered Liverpool momentum in going forward and cover for the inexperienced Gomez in defence, and the Spaniard did much the same against Bordeaux.

Fielded alongside the imperious Sakho, Moreno was given more license to probe forward, and was one of Liverpool’s most effective attacking options.

Moreno made two key passes—the joint-highest of any player, alongside Philippe Coutinho—including the assist for Lallana’s opener, and his consistent support down the left flank provided Liverpool with a useful option on the counter.

As Karl Matchett outlined prior to Thursday night’s clash, however, the 23-year-old is also much improved in his defensive efforts this campaign so far.

With Liverpool pegged back for much of the second half, Moreno was diligent in tracking back to support Sakho, making four tackles—second only to Lallana (five).

Gomez has been a revelation so far this season, but his future is not at left-back, and with Moreno producing an encouragingly well-balanced display against Bordeaux, he could join Sakho in Rodgers’ reckoning on Sunday.

The pair may also be joined by a clutch of Liverpool’s youthful contingent in time, too.

The Promise of Youth

“My approach is what I did in this competition when I first came in,” Rodgers told reporters before the game, referencing his approach to the Europa League in his first season on Merseyside in 2012/13.

“We played players who were needing games and it gives me a chance to look at some younger players and back then we finished top of the group.”

While a 1-1 draw may not have been the best step towards finishing top of the group this season, Rodgers will be pleased with the performances of some his younger players in Bordeaux.

Gomez (18), Jordan Rossiter (18), Jordon Ibe (19) and Divock Origi (20) all started, while Pedro Chirivella (18) and Cameron Brannagan (19) were introduced as the game unfolded.

This injection of youthful exuberance presented a major positive for Rodgers, with Gomez, Rossiter and Chirivella particularly impressive.

Gomez was initially fielded on the left side of the back three, before switching into a central sweeper role following Toure’s injury and, despite this being the former Charlton Athletic defender’s first outing in Europe, he performed with composure and intelligence.

Only Sakho (81) made more touches of the ball than the 18-year-old (78), with Gomez keeping his head up to read the game.

The £3.5 million summer signing will be disappointed with his hand in Bordeaux’s equaliser, but Gomez did little to hurt his chances of an extended role at centre-back in the Premier League.

Furthermore, ahead of Gomez in midfield, Rossiter and Chirivella fostered an impressive balance as the game played out.

Rossiter performed with tenacity in breaking up play and fearlessness in possession, displaying an impressive passing range, while Chirivella looked to add some spark to a flagging attacking midfield.

With Rodgers’ first team under scrutiny in the Premier League, the likes of Rossiter and Chirivella can be hopeful of regular action in the coming weeks.

Big Decisions for Brendan Rodgers

Heading into this Europa League clash, Liverpool were in dreadful form.

A team lacking identity, Rodgers’ side were brushed aside by both West Ham United and Manchester United and, sitting 10th in the Premier League table, the pressure was mounting on the manager.

This performance, despite not producing the desired result, should provide supporters with encouragement.

But, crucially, Rodgers must now note these many positives and act on them.

Sakho should be a guaranteed starter against Norwich and beyond, with the intelligence, strength and finesse he showed on his return to France outweighing the performances of Lovren and Skrtel combined so far this season.

Moreno, too, should have played his way into Rodgers’ starting lineup after proving that he can perform as a functional left-back.

Joining them in defence should be Gomez, and his maturity at the heart of Liverpool’s back three against Bordeaux should prove to Rodgers that he is ready to partner Sakho at centre-back.

Both Rossiter and Chirivella could also put pressure on Lucas Leiva, in light of Henderson’s prolonged injury layoff, with the Brazilian lacking the vitality of the academy pair.

Rossiter in particular should be considered for a starting role against Norwich.

Most importantly, however, the improvement in Liverpool’s performance in the south of France can be attributed to a change in system.

The 3-4-2-1 proved a success in 2014/15, and it can be argued that—4-4-2 diamond aside—this is the formation that best suits Rodgers’ personnel.

Though three points would have been the ideal outcome from Liverpool’s Europa League opener, perhaps what will prove more important is a shift in ideals from Rodgers as a result.

The manager must take his cues from this performance and build on it in the Premier League.

• Read more: Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings

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Big decisions await Rodgers – 5 Talking Points from Bordeaux 1–1 Liverpool

There were plenty of positives for Liverpool to take from their 1-1 draw with Bordeaux in the Europa League, writes Ben Twelves.

Brendan Rodgers’ young Reds opened their Europa League campaign with a draw against Willy Sagnol’s Bordeaux in France.

The deadlock in an uneventful clash was broken with Adam Lallana handing the Reds the lead with a goal of real class after 65 minutes, before the home side equalised courtesy of Jussie Ferreira Vieira’s scrappy goal after he pounced on some hesitancy in the Reds defence.

It was a mixed night for Liverpool with some negatives and positives coming out of the encounter, and here are the talking points from the clash.

Incoming youngsters provide positives with assured performances

It was a memorable night for a number of Liverpool’s talented youngsters, with Jordan Rossiter, Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan all playing their part in the European opener.

Rossiter – in for his first start – provided a destructive but composed figure in the middle of the park alongside Emre Can, before injury to Kolo Toure saw the average age of the team drop to just 21.7 when fellow academy graduate Chirivella joined the Scouser in the middle where he also showed his quality, as Can dropped into the back three.

The duo more than held their own for the duration they formed the midfield pairing, with Chirivella impressing with some tidy and intelligent distribution alongside Rossiter, who broke up play effectively and used the ball well too, before being replaced by highly-rated Brannagan.

Liverpool’s second debutant enjoyed less time in the action but was tidy while involved – though could arguably have fingers pointed in his direction for losing his man for the equaliser –  but with Rodgers set to use the competition to blood young prospects, all three showed the manager their readiness to feature.

Adam Lallana frustrates then shows quality with superb goal

Adam Lallana was the man to provide the magic for the Reds to take the lead, but he endured another frustrating night overall in France.

The 27-year-old was non-existent before his 65^th minute strike, contributing little to the Reds attack in or out of possession, and he failed to provide any link-up play with Philippe Coutinho or Divock Origi in a completely ineffective first hour in which he wasted a real opportunity to strike at goal when released by Jordon Ibe.

But Lallana does have undoubted quality – which he doesn’t demonstrate enough – and he showed it with a goal of real class as he slotted inside the far post after nut-megging his marker to put Rodgers’ side ahead, in a game that had seen little attacking threat from the visitors – partly down to his own ineffectiveness.

The England man then came to life after the goal and was visibly more confident thereafter, linking nicely with Coutinho on occasion and providing a far more threatening option in attacking midfield but as always, he must replicate it with far more regularity.

Captain Mamadou Sakho Man-of-the-Match on return

Mamadou Sakho was one of those handed his first minutes of the season in France, and the Frenchman didn’t disappoint while wearing the captains armband.

Sakho – playing on the left of the three-man defence – turned in a solid display, defending strongly on the front foot throughout – shown as he won three tackles, two interceptions, four headers and made seven clearances.

His trademark distribution was on full show too with his passing providing the catalyst for a switch from defence to attack on more than one occasion, while also creating a chance and registering a 90% passing success rate.

The defender – who captained former club Paris Saint Germain at the age of 17 – marshalled the defensive line well, keeping a tight and well drilled unit in check, and he showed his maturity and experience at the heart of the back-line.

As assured, solid and composed as always, it was a hugely positive performance from the incoming 25-year-old, and Rodgers has a big decision to make over whether to keep him in place for Sunday’s vital clash.

Rodgers must learn from post-Real Madrid selection after promising displays

Promising performances in that fixture against Real Madrid counted for nothing as Rodgers selected his ‘first choice’ options the following game and slumped to defeat – he must not repeat the same mistakes this time round.

The displays of Toure and Lucas Leiva on that particular evening in the Bernabeu were completely ignored by the Reds boss, who stuck with the already decided make-up, and it proved costly with little changing performance or results wise with first choice options, demoralising those overlooked in the process.

Almost a year on, and a similar feat has played out – this time Rodgers must not make the same selection errors.

Sakho in particular impressed in a much-changed side, and with Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren continuing to struggle, Rodgers must think long and hard before sticking with the dodgy duo, while Alberto Moreno also impressed down the left and his natural attacking threat could be a welcome addition in a game the Reds must win on Sunday.

Rodgers has some big decisions to make over Sunday’s selection after being provided with some real positive performers, but he must learn from previous mistakes and make the right calls.

Europa League could provide enjoyable distraction

It’s a competition that firmly splits opinion throughout the fan base with regards to its importance, but the Europa League could provide Liverpool with a welcome distraction.

The chance the tournament provides for young players coming through the system at Anfield is huge, with the opportunity for first team minutes on the European stage, and the for those out of the first team picture, it also provides the chance for welcome match action, as in France.

Liverpool may not be the tournament favourites, but if momentum can be built up throughout he group with those regularly likely to feature, there is a genuine possibility of improving on the last 32 round exit that has materialised in each of the last three Europa campaigns.

It was a good point in France with an inexperienced side, and with FC Sion to come at Anfield next up, a positive result against the Swiss club would position the Reds well for the rest of the group stage.

Stats via Whoscored.com

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Bordeaux vs. Liverpool – LIVE – Follow the Reds’ Europa League opener here

Liverpool kick off their Europa League campaign with an away clash with Bordeaux on Thursday night. We’re live to bring you the latest.

Bordeaux vs. Liverpool
Thursday, 17 September 2015; 6pm BST
Matmut Atlantique
Europa League

Man United vs. Liverpool is live on on BT Sport Europe for UK viewers. Our live coverage updates automatically and is brought to you by Jack Lusby. Have your say on Twitter using @thisisanfield and @jacklusby_.

• MATCH PREVIEW: Sakho, Toure, Origi to get first action of the season against Bordeaux

Teams

Bordeaux: Carrasso; Gajic, Pablo, Pallois, Poundje; Chantome, Maurice-Belay, Khazri, Rolan; Saivet, Crivelli

Substitutes: Prior, Yambere, Guilbert, Traore, Poko, Kiese Thelin, Jussie

Liverpool: Mignolet; Gomez, Toure, Sakho; Ibe, Rossiter, Can, Moreno; Lallana, Coutinho; Origi

Substitutes: Bogdan, Firmino, Ings, Brannagan, Randall, Cleary, Chirivella

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Confirmed Liverpool team vs Bordeaux – 3 at the back returns

Brendan Rodgers has reinstated the 3-4-2-1 formation that served his side well last season.

The Reds’ Europa League opener against Bordeaux kicks off at 6pm UK time.

There are first starts of the season for defensive duo Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure, while Divock Origi makes his full debut up front and Jordan Rossiter makes his European debut in midfield.

Toure and Sakho are in a three-man defence along with youngster Joe Gomez. Sakho captains the side, not Toure as was reported last night.

Jordon Ibe and Alberto Moreno are the wing-backs, with Rossiter and Emre Can in centre-midfield.

Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho line up behind Origi in attack, as they did during last season’s use of this formation.

There are potential debutants on the bench with youngsters Connor Randall, Daniel Cleary, Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan joining sub goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, plus forwards Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino.

Click here to follow and discuss the match in our liveblog

Liverpool: Mignolet; Gomez, Toure, Sakho; Ibe, Rossiter, Emre Can, Moreno; Lallana, Coutinho; Origi.

Subs: Bogdan, Randall, Clearly, Chirivella, Brannagan, Ings, Firmino.

Bordeaux: Carrasso, Gajic, Pablo, Pallois, Poundje, Chantome, Maurice-Belay, Khazri, Rolan, Saivet, Crivelli.

Subs: Prior, Yambere, Guilbert, Traore, Poko, Kiese Thelin, Jussie.

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