Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says defensive work has paid off
Friday 28 August 2015 12:22, UK
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits he has focused his attentions on improving the club’s defence but insists it will not affect their attacking intent.
The Reds struggled for consistency at the back last season, conceding three goals at home to Crystal Palace and shipping six at Stoke on the final day of the campaign.
That has led to Rodgers focusing his attentions on his defensive unit during pre-season, having decided not to employ a specialised defence coach, and his efforts have paid off with the Reds having kept three successive clean sheets so far.
"We've put in extra work and focus on that," he said.
"We are doing extra sessions on every aspect of our defending in terms of in-game static and moving positions and our set-pieces.
"We are putting in an awful lot of work into that organisation, it is one of the things I picked up on from last season.
"We brought in a lot of players thinking they could maybe settle into it quickly but the learning aspect from that was that I needed to do more on that (defensive) front this season.
"That is something we have done. The coaches have been outstanding just making sure the players are clear in terms of their roles and responsibility both with and without the ball."
Liverpool have only scored two goals so far this campaign and Rodgers was keen to stress a stronger defensive set-up would not prevent Liverpool continuing to play free-flowing football.
The coaches have been outstanding just making sure the players are clear in terms of their roles and responsibility.
"If you look at how I have always worked the pressing element and defensive organisation is crucial to that," he added.
"People always associate us with the football and fluency but that does not come unless you have possession of the ball.
"In different games we will set up slightly differently, like we did at Arsenal, where the plan was to dominate the space in the game.
"It doesn't compromise the style at all. I am happy with the evolution of the team this early but there is a lot more to come from it and it bodes well for this season."
Striker Daniel Sturridge returned to training this week to offer Rodgers a welcome boost, having spent four months in the USA recovering from a hip operation.
The England international could be back in the squad by early September but Rodgers refused to say exactly when he is expecting him to return.
"There is no timeline on Daniel," said Rodgers.
"He has obviously been away working in America and has come back and now it is just about him working hard to get back in to somewhere near the level of the group.
"He looks well and really excited to be back among his team-mates, so we will just have to take that week on week."
