Boss Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media on Saturday ahead of today’s match against Newcastle United. While he reflected on the win against Blackburn and talked about Newcastle, he also talked briefly about the teams above Liverpool in the table, as well as Jordan Ibe’s return to fitness and Philippe Coutinho.
Most notably, he defected any question about Raheem Sterling’s involvement in the kit launch, attitude, or contract negotiations, shutting down that line of inquiry with an emphatic, “Listen, I am here to talk about football.”
On Blackburn
“The performance and the result the other night puts us on track again. Hopefully, from that result we can build the momentum to the end of the season. It was an excellent performance and a good result.”
“I thought defensively as a collective we were very good. We had gone 6 games away from home without conceding a goal. We wanted to return to that mentality in that game. We feel we can create a enough opportunities.”
On Newcastle United
“They have a number of players injured. Probably got the most passionate man involved in John [Carver] in terms of Newcastle United. It runs right through him Newcastle, but he’s also an excellent coach and looks like he wants to step into management and will do everything he can to get the role there. He’ll want to get them back on track again. But for us being home now for the first time in a few weeks, we’ll look to keep our performance level up and look to get the win.”
“Every game is tough. Especially when you come off the back of a disappointing performance, you’re always very keen and motivated to play well in your next game.”
“For us, it doesn’t matter what time we play any team. Liverpool is always a huge challenge for any club and it’s always a big game for every club.”
On a Potential Top Four Spot
“The teams that are in there in there now have the advantage and you are looking at them slipping up and you building the momentum to the end of the season. But my sole intention is looking at Newcastle and getting three points.”
On Ibe’s Return
“Young Jordan Ibe will come back in. And I have got to to say he’s looked absolutely sensational in training. He’s obviously been out for a while but he’s been a couple of weeks on the field doing his preparation work and he’s joined in the training and absolutely outstanding he’s looked. He’s got real natural fitness. So, he’ll come in the squad Monday night.”
On Coutinho
“He’s a young player that has come into the country and adapted incredibly well to the style of football in the Premier League. People looked at him initially and thought he was a bit slight. But he is very strong in his mind. He has incredible technique. He’s up there with the world’s best in terms of technique. And I think with him it’s a bit of the consistency.”
“And still his best years are way ahead of him. He is such a humble boy. He wants to train and loves his football everyday. His performance level has been outstanding.”
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