Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling Set to Be Rested in Real Madrid Clash
Brendan Rodgers is considering whether to rest Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling during Liverpool's Champions League trip to face Real Madrid.
The Reds boss, who hasn't seen his side score in three consecutive matches, is ready to prioritise Saturday's Premier League clash with Chelsea over a seemingly unwinnable tie at the Bernabeu. That's the view of the Mirror's David Maddock, who believes Rodgers will take "a massive gamble" by leaving his skipper and most potent attacking threat out.
Rodgers doesn't believe such decisions would be risky and is looking to utilise the power of his squad, as noted in Maddock's report:
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"I don’t see it as a gamble. This week and these games against the likes of Real Madrid I see as a great opportunity for the squad - you put them out there and you put your trust in them to perform.
In Steven’s case, if he is playing on Saturday I have to look at what is the priority for him and us. If he played against Newcastle and didn’t play tomorrow night you could say that was the priority.
"
Maddock wrote that "it seems Rodgers is also considering resting the likes of Raheem Sterling, and placing his trust in struggling newcomers like Lazar Markovic and Mario Balotelli."
Football pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft offered his thoughts on the situation:
Rodgers admitted he prioritises the domestic division over Liverpool's European stint. Many would expect any Liverpool side to struggle against Madrid—who have won their last 11 matches in a row—so it could be beneficial to offer a damage limitation approach in the Spanish capital before trying to beat Chelsea at the weekend.
The corresponding fixture provided one of last season's pivotal moments. Gerrard's slip in possession famously handed Demba Ba the chance to nick the ball and put the visitors 1-0 up, a goal which would eventually see Liverpool miss out on the title. Gerrard will be itching to make amends in front of the Kop.
He was Liverpool's best player during the recent defeat to Newcastle but was largely anonymous during the previous tie with Madrid. Los Blancos dictated through the middle with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos keeping possession ahead of Gerrard's position. Play bypassed the Englishman, who was left isolated and out of the match.
Hugo Cerezo of Marca also believes Sterling will sit out. He suggested Rodgers won't make "too much of an effort" to capture three points and that Liverpool will be hoping the match "never comes."
After such a long battle to return to the Champions League—the side last frequented Europe's elite competition in 2009—supporters will undoubtedly be disappointed if anything but Liverpool's best side takes to the Spanish pitch. Liverpool need a point to boost their chances of finishing second in the group and will have to rely on the last two fixtures against Ludogorets and Basel if they are to make it through.
Should Rodgers' team finish with one win in four matches after the Madrid contest, things are likely to become extremely difficult. It isn't in Liverpool's nature to throw in the towel, but one has to wonder what has happened to the fast-paced, cut-and-thrust side who blew so many opponents away with their fearless attitude last season.
Luis Suarez's departure cannot be held solely responsible for the squad's growing caution and sudden lack of ambition.
Rodgers made it clear he wanted to sign "starters" during the summer but those he has brought in are yet to shine (Markovic has 191 mins of Premier League football this season, Emre Can 186, per WhoScored.com). Throwing such players into a match Liverpool are unlikely to win just emphasises how Rodgers doesn't have the squad he had hoped and needs to keep his main XI fresh.
The manager's tactics will be key during Tuesday's tie. His side started brightly during the previous encounter with Madrid and pressed avidly during the early stages. This suddenly stopped, however, allowing the European champions to dominate for the remaining 70 minutes.
Rodgers' team need greater positional awareness—the likes of Jordan Henderson and Balotelli cannot go wandering—and must up the intensity over 90 minutes. A failure to do this will have many betting on a higher scoreline than the 3-0 inflicted in October.
Football writer Janusz Michallik told B/R UK's Ryan Bailey how Liverpool will solve the current problem with Balotelli, who has scored just two goals since joining the club:
Liverpool would be laying down their main weapons prior to kick-off if Gerrard and Sterling fail to start.
The underdog tag was used to galvanise the side last season. But now deep into the Champions League group stage, everything Liverpool craved is on the verge of crumbling. Should a weakened team lose to Madrid and then a full side fail to beat Chelsea, major questions will be asked of Rodgers' future.
