Wednesday 8 April 2015

We haven’t been worked out!’ Rodgers defends Liverpool system despite slump in


‘We haven’t been worked out!’ Rodgers defends Liverpool system despite slump in form

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes his side’s slump in form is down to individual player failings rather than rivals cracking their system.

The Reds were one of the most in-form teams in Europe and looked on course for a Champions League qualification spot a few weeks ago, after a switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation in December helped produce a 13-match unbeaten Premier League run.
But their top four hopes now hang by a thread, with the Merseysiders currently seven points adrift in fifth place following back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal.

Liverpool lacked their celebrated attacking flow in those two vital top of the table clashes, with many suggesting managers Louis van Gaal and Arsene Wenger had won the tactical battle in respective 2-1 and 4-1 victories.
But Rodgers disagrees, insisting that a drop-off in results is more to do with their own performances than those of their opponents.
"I don't think it's about being worked out. We didn't start well [against Arsenal], and it doesn't matter what system you are playing if that happens," said the Northern Irish boss.
"In the last four games that we've played we haven't created as much, and that's more on ourselves.

"Of course you give opponents credit but every team will go into a game to defend well and work hard against you.
"Probably the Blackburn game [an FA Cup sixth round tie] when we drew 0-0 and the games following that we haven't created as much.
"That's something that we want to reinforce - the creativity for chances and hopefully taking those chances.
"It's a difficult system to play against, but it's one of a number of systems we've played here and played very well.
"It's my job to always look to find the solutions, that's what I've tried to do in the games when we didn't look like scoring, finding a way to win."

Blackburn, who host Liverpool in their FA Cup quarter-final replay on Wednesday, will take heart from the Merseysiders' mini-slump at a crucial time of the season.
For Rodgers and Liverpool though the cup now represents the only chance to save their season and that should guarantee a reaction at Ewood Park.

"It's important to have a game quickly when you lose," added Rodgers.
"The group is very committed to winning this trophy but in order to do that you have to qualify and we know Blackburn will be a difficult game for us.
"A trophy this season will mark another step forward for us. Getting to a final and winning a trophy is what we want. In terms of the FA Cup that was always an objective.
"We'll go [to Blackburn] really focused and determined - we can't wait to play again after the weekend's disappointment."


No comments:

Post a Comment