Blackburn vs. Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers' Key Quotes from Pre-Match Presser

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers used his pre-match press conference for his side's FA Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers to outline his immediate ambitions for the football club and proclaim that he still believes his team can finish in the Champions League positions.

The manager was also swift to dismiss rumours of disharmony amongst his players, refuting claims he has had to hold crisis talks with his dressing room, per Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph:

"

We have lots of meetings in term of analysing things. No different to a host of meetings. Those are the same meetings which allowed us to recover from bad start. So the last meeting was nothing—just analysing the performance and where we’re at and what the objectives are—there are seven games to go and an FA Cup quarter-final.

It is just unfortunate something else was made of it. I have a great bunch of players who work tirelessly and give me everything. We might be short in certain elements but in terms of commitment and work ethic, that’s been pretty clear since I have been here.

"

Rumours concerning Raheem Sterling's future have caused a public division between player and club, as reported by Amy Lawrence in the Observer (h/t the Guardian), but Rodgers stated that he did not hold an additional meeting with his squad about any further matters. 

Jim Boardman of the Mirror continued:

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

The coach also addressed his team's recent loss at the Emirates, as Liverpool fell to a 4-1 defeat to an impressive Arsenal, saying he still believes his team can make the top four of the league, per Bascombe:

"

After [the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal] I gave an answer that was logical but it is not a mindset or an attitude. It was purely mathematics. We would have to win our seven games. We want to win every game we play in. That’s always the objective. And now we want the second semi-final of the season.

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The Anfield team's boss seemed downbeat after his team capitulated against a strong Arsene Wenger outfit, leaving Liverpool potentially seven points off the pace in the race for the top four, which could rise to eight if Manchester City avoid defeat in their Monday night game against Crystal Palace.

Liverpool had dominated the Premier League form guide, but consecutive defeats have seen them slip to sixth in that regard.

Rodgers also spoke about his FA Cup aspirations, praising Blackburn ahead of their quarter-final replay on Wednesday, per Bascombe:

"

Winning a trophy would be a step forward for us. It is something we want to do as a group. Blackburn have some excellent players but we will go there after the weekend disappointment determined to get a result. It’s important to have that game quickly after losing.

We have not put ourselves in a good position having worked hard to get there before the Manchester United game, but if you don’t perform against top quality squads you can lose. The group is committed to winning this trophy but Blackburn will be tough for us.

"

Blackburn currently sit in 10th place in the Championship but still harbour slim ambitions of a play-off finish, as they are currently nine points behind sixth-placed Derby County.

Their recent form is mixed, and they will be the huge underdogs in Wednesday's match.

Saturday's 3-0 win at Leeds United was preceded by defeats to both Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford, but with home advantage, a shock is always a possibility.

It is interesting that Rodgers said that his team are "short in certain elements." That comment can be interpreted as the coach not being happy with the depth of his squad at present.

As with most managers, Rodgers did not criticise his team's effort levels or commitment, but they were severely lacking a competitive streak against Manchester United and Arsenal.

The cup will offer some light relief for Rodgers, but a defeat could be disastrous. The Sterling saga looks set to roll on into the summer, while David Woods, chief football writer for the Daily Star, has reported that Jordan Henderson has turned down a new contract, meaning the next few weeks could be extremely stressful for the Northern Irishman.