Champions League: Brendan Rodgers focused on delivering Liverpool victory
Wednesday 26 November 2014 11:55, UK
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers remains fully focused on Wednesday’s Champions League match against Ludogorets despite the increasing speculation over his future.
The Reds will be hoping to end a four-match losing run by claiming a crucial victory in their penultimate Group B fixture.
They have also lost their last three games in Europe and Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace has left them well off the pace in the Premier League, but Rodgers insists he still has the full backing of Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owners.
I always believe losing can be the making of you as a player and a manager in terms of how you learn from it and move on from it.
"I haven't spoken to anyone (at FSG) as of yet. I've had a few messages but they have always been supportive of me," said Rodgers.
"My focus is on getting Liverpool to win games and I know that is what will make them most happy.
"I always believe losing can be the making of you as a player and a manager in terms of how you learn from it and move on from it.
"When you don't have so much coaching time on the field it is mostly psychological what you want to achieve.
"You never dwell too much on the past - anyone can make mistakes - but for us it is about being in the present and focusing on the next game.
Live UEFA Champions League
"If we dwell too much on the weekend there is no way we could go out and play.
"It is about getting confidence into players, talking with players, ensuring the environment at the training ground is still a happy place to be.
"My job as the leader of the team and the club is vital. We will always experience disappointment but no matter how you feel you are one of the pillars of the football club.
"The players are looking to you for that response and ability to motivate and that is very important in my role."
Captain Steven Gerrard has been criticised for his performances this season, but Rodgers insists the 34-year-old should not be written off and says he has no intention of releasing him from his defensive role.
"I judge Steven on merit. I think the spotlight he has been under is incredible. Everything for us is based around being a team," said Rodgers.
I don't deal so much in (being) sentimental. There is nothing sentimental in me picking Steven Gerrard.
"If people are expecting Steven Gerrard to be the type of player he was 10 years ago that is sadly not the case.
"He has slowly been adapting to a position I felt he could benefit the team but a player who was scoring 15 goals a season and making 13 or 14 assists.....he is not that type of player (any more).
"It is hugely unfair he is judged at that level. He is a wonderful player and I can quite safely say he is the best player I have worked with in terms of footballing mentality and the loyalty he has shown to this club is without question.
"I don't deal so much in (being) sentimental. There is nothing sentimental in me picking Steven Gerrard.
"He is coming towards the latter part of his career but he still has a valuable contribution to make.
"He can play three games in a week but he won't be able to play it to the level he would like or I would like and it is my job to manage that."
Watch Ludogorets v Liverpool live on Sky Sports 5 at 7.45pm on Wednesday.
