Liverpool vs. QPR: Key Brendan Rodgers Comments from Pregame Press Conference

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers refused to detail his feelings toward the club's transfer committee during Friday's press conference ahead of the upcoming Premier League fixture with Queens Park Rangers.

Although Rodgers is said to have the final say on signing players, the Fenway Sports Group has installed a group including chief executive Ian Ayre, head of analysis Michael Edwards and head of recruitment Dave Fallows to do much of the work, reported by Tom Sheen of The Independent.

As such, Rodgers isn't in complete control over which players pass through the Anfield doors. He failed to provide an inspiring answer when quizzed over the committee on Friday, per David Maddock of the Mirror: "I knew 100 percent the model here," said Rodgers. "We have a real good team of people here. We have to look at it and see how we can improve our squad again."

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Maddock provided his view of Rodgers' comments:

"

Three statements from a manager who REALLY doesn't want to go down the line of transfer committees and whether he should have total control of signings. 

You suspect however, that is a manager not talking from a position of strength.

"

Liverpool need to secure three points against QPR if they are to maintain their slim hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League. Rodgers' side have picked up just four points in five matches, losing to Manchester United, Arsenal and Hull City, not to mention the draw with West Bromwich Albion.

Rodgers admits successive failings may have affected his team, reported by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

He isn't giving up on catching fourth-placed United, who are currently seven points ahead with four games remaining, noted by Pearce:

Jon Super/Associated Press

Rodgers confirmed Lucas Leiva will return, but Mamadou Sakho and Mario Balotelli will miss the visit of Chris Ramsey's men:

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Striker Daniel Sturridge remains a doubt for the rest of the season after travelling abroad to receive help for his hip injury, per Tony Barrett of The Times:

Liverpool's official Twitter account confirmed sad news for right-back Jon Flanagan:

This fixture could hold major consequences at both ends of the table, with relegation-threatened QPR needing a quick burst of points to escape the drop. Ramsey's side are one place off the bottom of the table and four points away from safety after failing to win any of their last three matches.

Liverpool know a failure to win will all but confirm United's passage into the Champions League.

While Rodgers is likely to be considering a plethora of summer signings already, questions remain over just how much input he has into securing potential stars.