Share

Liverpool start the rebuild

LIVERPOOL — Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers braced supporters for a close-season rebuilding process after long-serving captain Steven Gerrard played his final home game for the club.

Gerrard (34) said he was devastated after Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace and must now prepare for his last Liverpool appearance at Stoke City.

With Luis Suarez’s boots still to be filled following his move to Barcelona last year, Rodgers knows there is a pressing need to bolster his squad.

Asked if it would be possible to replace Gerrard with one player, Rodgers told his post-match press conference: “I don’t think there is that. He is a player and a person who is irreplaceable for the club. What he’s given over his time here and the standards he’s set are second to none.

“We’ll go forward at the end of the season and we’ll have to plot a way to improve in the summer. That’s our challenge.”

Having pushed Manchester City all the way in last season’s title race, Liverpool have slipped back in 2014-15 and are yet to secure even the consolation of a Europa League place after missing out on a Champions League berth.

But asked if he felt optimistic about the future, Rodgers replied: “We have to [be].

“In my time here, we’ve lost a couple of players with 700-odd games for the club in Jamie Carragher (737) and Steven Gerrard (709).

“Those two guys have been monumental players for the club, so losing both of those is a big blow. Throw in a world-class player like Luis Suarez, and of course it’s difficult.

“This year has been very difficult for us in many aspects. But the players have given everything they possibly can and hopefully in the summer we can add that quality that the group clearly needs and take the opportunity next year.”

Should Liverpool falter again next season, they should not necessarily expect Gerrard to appear on a white charger.

There is a feeling that Gerrard could return to Anfield on loan, following the examples of David Beckham and Thierry Henry during their stints in Major League Soccer, but he told the BBC that he would only consider returning in an “emergency situation”. — AFP

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE