Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has rubbished reports he has fallen out with manager Brendan Rodgers.
The 34-year-old midfielder was dropped to the bench for his side’s 1-0 win over Stoke on Saturday, the 16th anniversary of his debut for the club.
But Rodgers played down his decision to name Gerrard among the substitutes and explained that the former England player could no longer expect to play every game.
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Gerrard, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was also keen to play down reports of a rift with his manager.
"Just to set the record straight media talk of a fall out between us 2 is NONSENSE ..have a nice Sunday," he wrote on Instagram, accompanying a picture of him and Rodgers in training.
Gerrard made a late appearance in a more attacking role as Liverpool went in search of the opening goal, having largely dominated the match without finding a breakthrough.
Rodgers preferred Lucas Leiva in the anchor midfield position that Gerrard occupied and this switch seemed to pay off with a much needed clean sheet, while his skipper received a well earned rest after recent exertions.
Gerrard's role has come under scrutiny from fans and pundits this season as teams sought to nullify his influence and curb his ability to pull strings from a deeper position.
