LIVERPOOL -- Brendan Rodgers insists that Liverpools push towards the top of the Premier League this season is proof that they are not a two- man team. #INSERT type:image caption:Liverpool are more than just Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, manager Brendan Rodgers says. END# • Macintosh: Season a success • Kelly: Improvement needed Rodgers is adamant that his teams performances have given a lie to the idea that they are overly reliant on captain Steven Gerrard and top scorer Luis Suarez. Gerrard struck a crucial free-kick in Wednesday nights 2-1 win over Sunderland, and is now one short of equalling Kenny Dalglishs tally of 172 Liverpool goals as he prepares to face Tottenham in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday. And Suarez is the divisions leading scorer with 28 goals, despite having to wait until the end of September to make his first appearance of the season as he completed a 10-match ban for biting an opponent. Liverpool go into the weekends fixtures second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Chelsea. And their manager believes that is down to the emergence of a strong group of players, with Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan all hitting good form to help the push for a first league title since 1990. Rodgers hit back at Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, who claimed before Wednesdays match that Liverpool would be a mid-table side without the goals of Suarez. The Liverpool boss said: It was levelled at us the other night that if we didnt have Luis Suarezs goals, wed be mid-table, which is probably quite disrespectful to the other players. At various times while Ive been here, weve had Luis out and won games, weve had Steven out and weve won games, weve had Coutinho out and weve won games, weve had Sturridge out and weve won games, so what were building here is the collective. And actually, when Luis was playing, I believe the team finished eighth and seventh, so its not just about one player. Its about creating a collective spirit and quality to our game, and thats what weve done. Nonetheless, Rodgers acknowledged that Gerrards leadership skills have been a key part of Liverpools bid for glory. The captain has continued to provide goals -- scoring nine in his last 13 appearances -- despite being moved to a deeper midfield role while Lucas Leiva recovered from a knee injury sustained in January. Rodgers said: I think people wondered about his position -- would it affect him, moving back into that controlled position? Moving him back into that position hasnt stopped his goal threat. Hes a player I think, because of his incredible intelligence and ability, if you give him enough time, he can play in any position on the field. But for most of his career, hes played as an attacking player, and hes been one of the world- class players. So to get to those numbers and maybe equal someone of Kennys quality and status just shows you the true quality that the guy has. And he has a few more years to go yet. I hope hell score more goals. I think hes shown that leadership right the way through for me, from when I came in. Hes first class. You saw him the other night, making orders of the team, and telling people what he expected, which is important. Its too late if youre in the changing room, and youve conceded a goal. Hes very short, sharp and concise with his information, and his qualities are continual every day. Hes leadership in the changing room every day is first class. Hes a wonderful captain and its been a huge pleasure for me to work with him. Long may it continue. Facebook
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 21:53:59 +0000
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