Liverpool Transfer News: Brendan Rodgers Comments on Mamadou Sakho Rumours

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said he wants to retain defender Mamadou Sakho at Anfield and will bring the player back into his side for the Europa League game against Bordeaux.

The France international has been dropped by his country and is yet to appear for the Reds this term, but Rodgers was clear when addressing the player's future on Wednesday, per FourFourTwo:

"

Mama is a player we want to keep. It was a difficult start for him, like all the players. 

We won the first few games so it was difficult for him to get in the team, but after the international break he was always going to be needed. He will start [against Bordeaux] and we want to extend his contract. 

It was my approach to this competition when we first came in, it’s a chance to play players who need games.

"

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

The 25-year-old joined the Merseyside club in 2013 but has fallen out of favour in recent times. Last year, the defender played 16 times for Liverpool in the Premier League, per WhoScored.com, and he could see himself reintroduced to the fold after horror performances by the Reds defence against Manchester United and West Ham United. 

Sakho's lack of playing time has led to his omission from the national team squad, with manager Didier Deschamps speaking candidly about the player's issues at Liverpool, as reported by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo: "He is an important player who finds himself in a difficult position. Playing international matches when you have not played for your club for a month is difficult. I hope his situation improves.”

Romain Perrocheau/Getty Images

Sakho will surely heed Deschamps words and will expect more game time under Rodgers if he is to continue for Liverpool. However, the Reds coach's words in his press conference about retaining him will allay any fears he might have.

Football writer and Liverpool supporter Dave O'Connell was angered at Deschamps assertions regarding Sakho's standing at Anfield:

Liverpool's defence looked settled in their opening league games, with clean sheets against Stoke City, Bournemouth and Arsenal in their first three matches.

However, the walls came tumbling down at home to West Ham, who grabbed a shock 3-0 win at Anfield. That was followed by a humbling loss to Manchester United, who didn't need to be in top gear to score three times against their bitter rivals, leaving Rodgers scratching his head at what to do next.

NICOLAS TUCAT/Getty Images

Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren have been entrusted as a pair to look after Liverpool's central defence, and this is where Sakho's chances will now lie. Skrtel and Lovren both have qualities that are obvious, but there is an issue with the way they work in partnership. 

Sakho has excellent European pedigree and can force his way into the back four, especially as Rodgers tries to find a tactic that stops the goals flying in the back of the net. 

A strong performance on his home soil against Bordeaux will lead to the dropping of one of the aforementioned central defenders, giving Sakho the route he needs to become a success once again.