In the run-up to Monday’s match against his former club Swansea, Liverpool Brendan Rodgers spoke tot he press on squad fitness ahead of the fixture, facing former player, now Swans manager Gary Monk, as well as Raheem Sterling’s contract situation.
On the rash of players recovering from injuries, Rodgers revealed, “Steven [Gerrard] is back training now.”
“Martin Skrtel – all the procedures in terms of his integration into the group is fine. But he should be fine.”
“Jose Enrique has been in and out and we will monitor him. We will gradually introduce Jon Flanagan. Great news he’s back.”
“Joe Allen is fit.”
Rodgers also discussed the team’s current form and their fight for a top of the table place. “Our training sessions now don’t need to be as long as the players have a good level of fitness. More explosive work now.”
“It’s going to be very tight. We’ve joined the race in past 3 months. We need to give everything. We are re-energised and refreshed. We feel we can push on in terms of our level of performance.”
“If you look at our record last year away from home it was very good. You have to have character to win away from home. The space opens up a lot more and we have great counter attack speed and players who are gifted technically.”
Switching to the topic of Swansea, the Reds gaffer explained, ”We respect it will be tough at Swansea. Swansea are a very good side. Been in top 10 all season.”
Then he spoke emphatically about his Swansea counterpart, “Garry [Monk] has done a great job. I had a wonderful time there. Garry has dealt with the job very well. He will go on to become an outstanding manager. He’s got the knowledge, know-how and capabilities in man-management. He’s got the package to do it at the elite of Europe.”
“Swansea will beat that tally [last season’s 47 points]. That will be great for Garry and great for the club. it shows they’re progressing.”
When asked about the Raheem Sterling contract situation that has continued to drag on longer than expected, Rodgers said, “Nothing new to report on Sterling deal. I’m relaxed about it. He still has a couple of years to run. He loves being here.”
“He is not going anywhere in a hurry. He has still got this season and another couple of years to go on his contract.”
“I think it is quite obvious when you look at Raheem’s situation anyone with Raheem’s best interests would see Liverpool as the best option for his career. Raheem said himself recently that this is the best club for a young player to develop.”
“I just speak to Raheem about his football. The rest is down to the club and his representatives. I’m quite relaxed on it.”
The press conference ended with questions related to Chelsea’s high profile, on-pitch meltdown during their midweek bounce from the Champions league. Rodgers avoided any direct answer or criticism: “I always try to win with best sporting behaviour you can have. I call it respect. There is a line I’d never want my team to cross.”
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