Liverpool’s pre-season tour came to an underwhelming end this afternoon, as a Jordan Ibe scorcher earned the Reds a 1-1 draw in Kuala Lumpur.
Afterwards, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about the game, the team and new signing Christian Benteke.
Rodgers discussed how Benteke will complement his side’s style, and how the record of the forward speaks for itself when it comes to scoring at the top level:
“There’s a number of qualities that he has and he will only improve in his time at the club. I think first and foremost his goals, if you look at his goals record since the time that he’s been in the Premier League he’s up there with the best in terms of numbers. He’s a big guy but he’s got the attributes that I like in terms of pace and movement and he gets goals, he gets all types of goals.”
Speaking about the side that was the only team to not lose to Liverpool, Rodgers had glowing praise for the work-rate of the Malaysian XI that was put out today:
“I thought they did very well. They proved it’s a difficult game on the surface. They scored a good goal, disappointment from our perspective, but they worked very, very hard as you’d expect. They gave us a good exercise at this part of our pre-season.”
When asked whether there was any Malaysian player who caught his eye, the manager was very coy, however he had some kind words for the fans both in Kuala Lumpur and from the rest of the tour, saying:
“Each country we go to, we’re always overwhelmed by the support and the kindness we receive. We have had a wonderful stay and the city has been great to us. Tonight, all the support and the occasion was fantastic. On behalf of everyone travelling back to the UK we thank you and we look forward to coming back one day.”
The performance today was one that will firmly be in the camp of ‘improving fitness’ with both the heat and the surface playing a part in producing a forgettable game of football.
The manager continued: “I’ve been pleased with the tour overall. I think tonight was very humid and the conditions were difficult for us but I think the players handled it well. Coming towards the end of a long two weeks, where we’ve put in a lot of work, I’m satisfied in terms of where we’re at.”
Jordan Henderson, the new Liverpool captain, played today, and Rodgers expressed his delight at the way the player has applied himself on the pitch, and also in the dressing room and off the camera whilst on tour:
“He’s taken on board the responsibilities and is doing it very, very well. He is a young player that has taken on the mantra of the captaincy and of course it’s a huge responsibility. I think he has settled into the role really well and his leadership is about looking after the team and coming back to me. We communicate very well and so far it’s been really good.”
The general performances from Jordon Ibe has helped him put his name forward for a starting position in the team, says Rodgers, and the goal will be something that has delighted fans and coaches alike at Liverpool.
The Ulsterman said of the young winger: “He’s been outstanding since he’s been out here and he’s staken a real claim to start the season in the team. [It was a] wonderful goal, I thought he was a threat all night with his pace, his quality and it was wonderful finish cutting inside and a great strike. He was very good and like I say he has been working very hard.”
Liverpool’s next friendly is with HJK Helsinki next Saturday, August 1, which is followed by a secondary friendly for fringe players against Swindon the following day.
The squad then have a week of training before the season opener away at Stoke City on Sunday, August 9.
