Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool are ready to land a major psychological blow in the race for a Champions League spot by beating Manchester United at Anfield tomorrow. Victory over their rivals would enable the Reds to leapfrog Louis van Gaala s men and move into the top four for the first time since August.
“There would be a big psychological boost from winning the game,” Rodgers said.
“Therea s still a long way to go. There are still big games to play. But I think from being so far behind and in a short of period then clawing it back and possibly going above United will psychologically help the players.”
“It would allow us to have two weeks to analyse the developments and go again against Arsenal. Whatever way it goes on Sunday, I dona t think it makes it clear where you finish. It is still very close and very tight.”
“I think for us it will just keep a remarkable run of games going against our rivals where wea ve won. We had big pressure games against Tottenham, Southampton and Manchester City and won them so we know we can cope with the pressure. We just need to focus on our performance. Wea re playing with confidence and will look to continue our momentum.”
The Reds boss has confirmed that Sterling and his agent Aidy Ward have put contract talks on hold until the end of the season. But Rodgers believes the 20-year-old, whose current deal runs until 2017, knows his career will be best served by staying at Anfield.”Ia ve had a good conversation with him and our communication is always open,” he said.
“I believe he knows this is the best place for him. He is loving his football here at Liverpool. It can never be easy, a young player who has done great, maybe lots of speculation and now with social media and everything around about whether you play well or dona t play well, because they read it.”
Sterlinga s form has dipped recently and the goals have dried up but Rodgers is unconcerned.”That can happen if he has a 10-year contract,a he said.”He is still a young player, you forget he is only 20. He is going to have moments like that. I thought second half (against Swansea) he was excellent.”
“He was probably in line with the team on Monday night. We were just a fraction off our intensity in the first half, second half he was dynamic. Ia ve got no concerns about the boy, he just needs to stay focused on his football.”
Rodgers admits the influence of Emre Can has been key with the composed young German midfielder starring in a defensive role.”I always like to have a midfield player who can play at the back and thata s one of the big reasons why we signed Emre Can,a he said.
“You look at us against Swansea, from the 64th minute through to the 87th minute, we actually only had two defenders on the field. Some teams play with a back four and two holding midfielders a six defensive players. We had two (Sakho and Skrtel) and didna t concede a goal.”
“Our ability to press the ball is vital, whatever system we play. But in a three, Emre dropping back in there, who is so comfortable on the ball and can defend, reads the game and is so strong, that gives us great balance.”
“It also gives others the opportunity to go and press the game and be really aggressive. We are virtually pressing and attacking with five or six, and negating the counter-attack by having the back three and at least one controlling midfield player.”
“It is a risky game. But Ia ve taken risks all my life to get to where I have got to.”
Probable Line-up (3-4-2-1): Mignolet(Gk); Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Markovic, Henderson, Allen, Moreno; Lallana, Coutinho; Sterling
