Brendan Rodgers has hit back at recent criticism of Steven Gerrard as he insisted the captain remains a vital part of his Liverpool FC side on merit. The 34-year-old Reds skipper has come under fire during the clubs miserable run of four straight defeats ahead of Wednesday nights Champions League clash with Ludogorets in Sofia. However, Rodgers says hes unconcerned about Gerrards form and dismissed suggestions that there is any sentiment attached to picking the talismanic midfielder. “For me its simple, I judge Steven on merit,” Rodgers said. “The spotlight he has been under has been incredible. “People expect Steven to be the type of player he was 10 or 12 years ago but sadly thats not the case. “Steven has been slowly adapting to a position I felt would really benefit the team - the playmaking role behind. “That player who scored 15 a season and made 13 or 14 assists, hes not that type of player anymore. Its hugely unfair he gets judged on that level. “Hes a wonderful player, I can safely say hes the best player Ive ever worked with – his mentality, commitment and loyalty hes shown the football club has been incredible. “Ive shown in my time here as manager that I dont deal in sentiment. There is nothing sentimental about me picking Steven. “I judge him on what I see on the training field. I see the influence he has with the other players. “Of course hes coming to the latter part of his career but he still has a big contribution to make for me. “He can play three games a week but not to the level he would like or I would like so its up to me to manage that. “Its fairly easy to manage because hes such a top class professional player. He accepts whats best for Liverpool. He knows that every decision is in the best interests of the club.” Rodgers revealed he hadnt spoken to the owners in the wake of Sundays 3-1 reverse to Crystal Palace. The manager says his time has been spent trying to get confidence back into his players as Liverpool seek the victory they need to boost their hopes of progress in the Champions League. “I havent spoken to the owners but Ive had a few messages. They have always been supportive of me and thats a big reason I came to the club,” he said. “My focus is on getting Liverpool to win games. I know thats what will make them the most happy. “When you dont have so much coaching time its mostly psychological what you are trying to achieve. “I never dwell too much on the past, for us its about the present. “You get confidence into players by talking with them and ensuring the environment at the training ground is still a happy place to be. Mentally, you can affect the players in a positive way. “Im trying to get the team back up to level of confidence which will allow us to perform. “Losing can be the making of you, as a player and as a manager. Its about how you respond and learn from that and ultimately move on. “In my job as one of the pillars of the football club, no matter how disappointed you are the players looking at you for that response and ability to motivate. “I never dwell too much on past mistakes, I look forward. Its a critical role to get us out of this slump were in. “Sometimes just one game, one moment, can change a season for you. We have to believe that can happen. “We havent been anywhere near our level of late but we can never give up. “We will keep fighting and working in the belief that the honesty and commitment of the group will get us the results.” Ludogorets, who are second in the Bulgarian top flight, were unfortunate to lose at Anfield on matchday one and are level on three points with Liverpool in Group B. “We have great respect for Ludogorets,” Rodgers said. “They have surprised a lot of people in the group. They maybe havent got the points they would have liked but theyve shown with their performances they are technically a very good side. “We arrive here with big motivation. We have some outstanding players and will do everything we possibly can to get a result.”
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 21:00:01 +0000
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