Liverpool FC face Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday night and will be looking to end their two game run of consecutive league losses in the game.
With a gap of seven points separating them and fourth placed Manchester City, a top-4 finish looks almost certainly out of reach. However, ending the season on a strong note and continuing to fight for the fourth place will certainly build a sort of stepping ground for next season.
Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League ended after their consecutive losses to Manchester United and Arsenal. Morale was extremely low in the Reds camp but victory over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup quarter-final replay would definitely give them some confidence. It was a narrow victory where Philippe Coutinho scored another fine goal, but Brendan Rodgers believes the result can put their season back on track.
He said, a The performance and the result the other night puts us back on track again. Hopefully from that result we can build the momentum through until end of season.
a Defensively as a collective we were very good. Wea d gone six games away from home and not conceded a goal. We wanted to return to that mentality in that game. We feel we can create enough opportunities.”
Rodgers also especially praised Dejan Lovren, the summer signing who has thus far been deemed a flop after his underwhelming performances in the beginning of the season.
a I thought Dejan Lovren was outstanding on the evening, Glen Johnson came in and did a great job having not played for a little bit. Simon made a couple of great saves when he had to and as a team we pressed the ball really and nullified most of their threats. It was important for us to defend well,” added Rodgers
a It was an excellent performance and a good result in a tough tie. Wea ll just take each game at a time now and really focus on the Newcastle game.”
Chelsea’s John Terry voted for Philippe Coutinho as his Premier League Player of the Year and Brendan Rodgers was asked by reporters in his pre-match conference on his views on the news.
“He is a young player that has come into the country and adapted incredibly well to the style of football in the Premier League,” the manager said.
“People looked at him initially and maybe thought he was a bit slight. But he is very strong in his mind, has incredible technique – he is up there with the world’s best in terms of technique – and with him it’s about the consistency. Still, his best years are way ahead of him. He’s such a humble boy, wants to train and loves his football every day.
“John is probably looking at his performance level. It’s been outstanding in the time since he’s been here and he’s only going to get better, which is the pleasing thing for Liverpool.”