Share

Rodgers to keep the faith

Cape Town - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to make any changes to his defence against Bournemouth after his team kept a clean sheet in their 1-0 win at Stoke City in their Premier League opener.

Liverpool's back four against Stoke featured new signings Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez in the full back positions and a much improved performance from Dejan Lovren alongside Martin Skrtel in central defence.

"Having players that are going to be able to play consistently for you is key in any team, and especially in a back five. That's vital," Rodgers said in an interview posted on the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.com).

"I thought the back four and goalkeeper were excellent last week at Stoke with their organisation as a group and a unit."

The manager was especially pleased with Lovren's performance.

"Dejan is aggressive, he's good in the air, his reading of the game was good and his passing was simple but effective," Rodgers said. "I think he's gained confidence over the pre-season and hopefully that will be maintained."

The manager also stressed the importance of a settled defence, something that Liverpool lacked last season.

"We have got excellent players here in (Mamadou) Sakho and Kolo (Toure), the central defenders, but centre-halves will tell you it's about finding that comfort with a partner and that partnership," the 42-year-old Northern Irishman said.

"I thought the two centre-halves were very good last week."

The match at Anfield kicks off at 21:00.

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% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 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