Tuesday 6 October 2015 18:16, UK
Liverpool central defender Mamadou Sakho has revealed his frustration with former boss Brendan Rodgers after being left out of the team earlier this season.
The 25-year-old Frenchman was omitted by Rodgers, who was sacked on Sunday, for the opening five matches of the campaign, leaving him kicking his heels on the Anfield sidelines.
Sakho was, however, recalled for the Europa League game at Bordeaux on September 17, when he captained the side, and has featured in four matches since then.
And, after being linked with loan moves to Roma and Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, he signed a long-term extension to his contract on September 18.
Reflecting on his absence from the team under Rodgers, he told French newspaper L'Equipe: "Let's say that during the short period when I was not playing, I was like a little caged lion who had not been fed for a while. And when you open the door, he charges."
Sakho, who is now back in the France squad as well, also revealed he is in regular contact with former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.
He said: "Steven is an example. Also, he often sends me small text messages like after my first match of the season at Bordeaux, in the Europa League, with the captain's armband.
"He texted me to congratulate me. Continue to fight like that, I'm proud of you. It's always nice to receive such a message from a great player."
