Liverpool vs. Norwich City: Brendan Rodgers' Key Comments from Pre-Match Presser
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers spoke out about his much-criticised formation on Friday. The Northern Irishman also provided updates on the fitness of Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson and discussed whether Mamadou Sakho would be starting for the first time in the Premier League this season against Norwich City.
Rodgers was addressing the media at his weekly press conference ahead of the Reds’ clash with the Canaries on Sunday, just a day after the club’s 1-1 draw in the UEFA Europa League against Bordeaux. And the Northern Irishman had to answer questions on whether he felt playing two strikers was the best way for this side to alleviate their attacking issues.
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Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo detailed Rodgers’ response, in which he defended his decision to play forwards in wide areas and spoke about the team’s lack of a clinical edge:
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was one high-profile figure to criticise Rodgers in the wake of the club’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United, claiming the Reds manager has an “obsession” with the 4-3-3 formation, as noted by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo.
The Reds have only scored three Premier League goals this season in five matches so far, with Christian Benteke not firing on all cylinders yet after his big-money summer transfer from Aston Villa. But encouragingly for the Anfield faithful, it seems Sturridge isn't too far off from returning, according to his manager:
A dynamic dimension next to Benteke could certainly bring a lot more out of the towering Belgian. Rodgers explained exactly why Sturridge is so important to the way this team sets up and scores goals:
Another player who has been missing for the past four games is new club captain Jordan Henderson. The midfielder hobbled off in the Week 2 fixture against Bournemouth, and the Reds have missed his commanding influence in the middle of the park in losses to West Ham United and the Red Devils.
Rodgers revealed he would give the skipper every possible chance of making it back in time for the clash with the Canaries:
The Reds manager also spoke about his defensive options, particularly Sakho after his storming performance at the base of the team against Bordeaux on Thursday.
Despite being a favourite with the Liverpool supporters and the poor recent form of both Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, the Frenchman has yet to start a Premier League game this season. Rodgers gave little away about whether Sakho would feature, though, insisting it's encouraging to have options in this position:
It’s a big game for Liverpool on the back of two successive defeats in the Premier League. The supporters inside Anfield will be a little anxious after a 3-0 loss to the Hammers in their last outing on home soil, and it’s important the Reds set a positive early tone. Otherwise, Norwich have shown they’re well capable of snatching a result.
Anything other than a win would see Rodgers come under big pressure too. The Northern Irishman commented on how tough a game this would be at the weekend and why he’s not worried about external scrutiny:
Rodgers always emits the aura of a composed coach in these media briefings, but he’ll be well aware that after another summer of major spending, this team needs to start putting results together soon. Another tepid display against the Canaries and there’s no doubt knives will be out for him again the following week.
Still, a win can quickly change the atmosphere around a football club. With players like Philippe Coutinho, Sturridge and Henderson likely to come back into the side, there’s no denying the squad will be enriched in terms of quality in the long-term. But Rodgers must turn things around sharpish if he’s to be the man that’s going to oversee that process.
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