Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was left annoyed by the question of final use of club captain Steven Gerrard at his pre-Manchester United press conference.
Gerrard has been out for about a month and only returned against Swansea last weekend. In his absence, Liverpool did very well and didn’t lose a single game in the league. However, Brendan Rodgers insisted that the 34 year old still had a very key role to play for his side and in or out, he is continuously influencing the squad.
“I think it has been really unfair on the boy. This is a guy who has been a and still is a a wonderful player,” said Rodgers.
“When he was out injured we had people trying to sensationalise a story as to whether he would get in the team or not but Steven was unfit.
“People were trying to write him off when he was not even back fit.
“Maybe some are trying to make a negative story on him, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
“He is now available but I can tell you now a and it may not be the story you want a but he is a guy committed to the team and the football club first and foremost.
“People are trying to see the team is doing better when he doesn’t play but the team was winning when he was playing games.
“Even when he doesn’t start he came off the bench the other night and put in a great performance which added a calmness and stability to the team and that is what he will continue to do.”
He also spoke about the former England captain being a well wisher of the club and that he will support Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen (who could be picked ahead of him for the Manchester United clash).
“He is like any other player, of course he’d like to play, but his support for guys like Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen, that are in the team has been fantastic and his support to me as a captain has been incredible.
“He works his socks off and Steven Gerrard, playing or not playing, has unbelievable application and professionalism to his football life and is a wonderful ambassador for this club and a great role model for the players.”
