Downing and Carroll

Flappy Flanagan (JK) · Jul 29, 2012

These are two players who got a lot of stick last season, and Rogers has now spoken about them, heaping them with praise.

Downing was handed a starting berth in Baltimore - and Rodgers feels the winger will have a big part to play this season.

"He can play in a couple of different positions," the Northern Irishman said. "I remember seeing him against Chelsea at the end of last season after the Cup final and he was outstanding.

"He played on the right side and he can go either way. His right foot is good as well. I like my wingers to attack and be offensive, and Stewart is one of those. He can really affect things."
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I saw an article by some one ones predicting Rogers team. They predicted a front three of Downing (right), Carroll (middle), Suarez (left). Now it looks like Downing is in Rogers plans.

Meanwhile, Rodgers was quizzed about Andy Carroll by journalists at the M&T Bank Stadium.

Asked if there had been any bids for the striker, he said: "Not that I am aware of. Obviously I'll know more when we get back. There has been a lot written about Andy, but you saw today he's happy to be here and he's worked very well since he's been here.

"The reality is he's still a Liverpool player, he can fit into how I want to play, and he's happy here.

"I'm certainly not wishing to push him out of the door."
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Finally some words from Rogers that the press cant twist to rubbish.

Rogers also spoke about Sterling, Shelvey and Henderson, heaping praise on all three. I get the impression Rogers has big plans for Henderson.

The Reds played out a 0-0 stalemate with Spurs in a match contested in stifling heat at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to bring an end to a three-game trip across the pond.

Rodgers believes the tour has proved highly beneficial in helping him get Liverpool ready for the start of 2012-13 - and the boss was eager to pay homage to the fans who have backed them every step of the way in North America.

"I have been amazed - there have been people coming from Sydney and all over the world," said the manager. "I'd like to put on record a massive thank you to everyone. The three games have been like home games for us.

"I was very pleased first and foremost with today's game as the concentration and condition of the players was fantastic.

"In that heat, to keep that level of organisation and concentration at 35 degrees plus was fantastic. I have seen a real development in the team from the first game up until now.

"Both teams put on a spectacle. It's not basketball, it's not going to be high scoring, and when you have two teams who are tactically organised and have top players, they're always going to be tight games. I was particularly pleased with my team because of the chances we created, but what let us down was that final ball."

He added: "You can sit back and be comfortable or you can be uncomfortable because success hurts, and for me today the players got on comfortably. Hopefully the consequence of that will be positive results.

"I'm really satisfied with how the players have coped with the work (while on tour). It was a big demand for players to think and then pass and then think and each day that has been proved."

One of the main highlights of Liverpool's North America tour has been the involvement of the club's promising youngsters in the clashes with Toronto, Roma and Spurs.

The likes of Raheem Sterling, Jonjo Shelvey, Adam Morgan, Peter Gulacsi, Jack Robinson and Dani Pacheco are amongst a whole clutch of starlets to have caught the eye - and Rodgers has been delighted by the way they have conducted themselves over the last two weeks.

"I have been really, really pleased with them," he said. "That was one of the key things today - the development of the youngsters and how they've taken on the concept.

"If you look at Raheem Sterling over the last two weeks, he came as a young boy, 17 years old, and he only knew how to beat a defender - but if you look at today's game, he understood when to press and when to be inside. He was playing against an experienced player in Sebastien Bassong and he actually gave him a hard time.

"That's brilliant for me because it shows he's taken it on board. He's thinking about the game. If he does that, and you add that to his talent, he's going to be a very, very good player for the future.

"Jonjo Shelvey as well, there's a lot more to come from him, and I was really pleased with Jordan Henderson. This is a player who got a wee bit of stick playing for Liverpool, but he's a very talented player.

"If he stays in that corridor of the midfield three, and knows the function, then we'll see a very talented boy.

"The young players have been excellent - I've seen growth."

Rodgers opted to use the Spurs contest as a chance to give the returning Steven Gerrard, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson a run out, while Fabio Borini made his debut as a second-half substitute.

"You saw with Steven when he came on his impact on the game," continued the gaffer. "He is a genuine world-class player and has been for a number of years. He's only trained this week but you saw his qualities."

Downing was handed a starting berth in Baltimore - and Rodgers feels the winger will have a big part to play this season.

"He can play in a couple of different positions," the Northern Irishman said. "I remember seeing him against Chelsea at the end of last season after the Cup final and he was outstanding.

"He played on the right side and he can go either way. His right foot is good as well. I like my wingers to attack and be offensive, and Stewart is one of those. He can really affect things."

Liverpool began their journey back to the UK on Saturday night following the game - but they'll soon be on their travels again when they journey to Belarus to take on FC Gomel in the first leg of the Europa League qualifier on Thursday.

Rodgers, though, is not complaining.

"We won't be at the optimum level of our fitness, but we've just got to get on with it," he stated. "You can't complain. We've had two weeks of tough training and lots of double sessions, so the players will be at a good level."

Meanwhile, Rodgers was quizzed about Andy Carroll by journalists at the M&T Bank Stadium.

Asked if there had been any bids for the striker, he said: "Not that I am aware of. Obviously I'll know more when we get back. There has been a lot written about Andy, but you saw today he's happy to be here and he's worked very well since he's been here.

"The reality is he's still a Liverpool player, he can fit into how I want to play, and he's happy here.

"I'm certainly not wishing to push him out of the door."

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http://www.lfctour.com/news/rodgers-thanks-reds-fans

Master Yoda · Jul 29, 2012

Very interesting concerning Sterling and Downing. Both will play a part next year then?

moreinjuredthanowen · Jul 29, 2012

it seems to me that we should just say ok rodgers made an error in what he said on carroll, recognises it as what it is and is trying to make amends for it by talking him up.

Wonder did the "technical team" sit down and recognize it was an error and have come up with this. Do we want to sell carroll or not... the sage will continue

Flappy Flanagan (JK) · Jul 29, 2012

moreinjuredthanowen said: ↑

it seems to me that we should just say ok rodgers made an error in what he said on carroll, recognises it as what it is and is trying to make amends for it by talking him up.

Wonder did the "technical team" sit down and recognize it was an error and have come up with this. Do we want to sell carroll or not... the sage will continue
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We will just have to wait and see.

Zingy · Jul 29, 2012

Downing had a bloody dire season...next season he needs to pull off some exceptional performances to win the fans over.

citycityhull · Jul 29, 2012

I think the press over did a nothing statement by Rodgers ref Carrol, he didnt heap praise on him like he had with Suarez or Bellamy (bothof whom he had met), and was honest in saying if the right bid comes in ANY player is for sale.

I think the lack of transfer activity so far tells a big story, we knew he will play 4-3-3, My opinion is that you will see the following been the prefered and cover players/positions:
DM: Adam/Spearing
DM: Lucas/Allen ???(or Gerrard dropping back)/Spearing
AM: Gerrard/Henderson/Shelvey

Gerrard would be my cover for Lucas, Adam and Spearing are not as mobile or incisive as Gerrard/Lucas. Can see Gerrard playing a fair few games deeper this season to help speard play and "quaterback" the team. Just read another post saying that fee has been agreed for Aquilani (hence the edit!!)

Forwards
LWF - Suarez/Downing
RWF - Borini/Bellamy
CFD - Carroll/Suarez

Carroll has shownhe can work hard, defend and at times hold the ball. Surez and Borini will add the flair, pace and "magic". Big games like against top 4/5 teams will likely see Suarez up top, with downing on the flank to help protect the defence. Would like to see Liverpool go for Walcott or Sturridge to give more options up top

Zingy · Jul 29, 2012

I would hope Adam and Spearing are backup at best...not one or the other.

Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Shelvey, Allen??? I would hope to be ahead of Adam.

citycityhull · Jul 29, 2012

Zingy said: ↑

I would hope Adam and Spearing are backup at best...not one or the other.

Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Shelvey, Allen??? I would hope to be ahead of Adam.
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Forgot about the bid for Allen (Ohence edit), Allen, Lucas, Gerrard would be my choice. Incisive passing, hard working, tough tackling, perfect midfield. Would imagine Adan, Spearing and Shelvey been back up, Henderson been rotated with the prefered three.

Any chance of loaning Sterling to Hull City? Would do the lad well, and just what we need!!!!

Zingy · Jul 29, 2012

citycityhull said: ↑

Forgot about the bid for Allen (Ohence edit), Allen, Lucas, Gerrard would be my choice. Incisive passing, hard working, tough tackling, perfect midfield. Would imagine Adan, Spearing and Shelvey been back up, Henderson been rotated with the prefered three.

Any chance of loaning Sterling to Hull City? Would do the lad well, and just what we need!!!!
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Would be happy seeing him stay, but on loan he would get more game time and would be good for him.

Downing and Carroll

Flappy Flanagan (JK) Well-Known Member

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Downing and Carroll

Flappy Flanagan (JK) Well-Known Member

Master Yoda Well-Known Member

moreinjuredthanowen Mr Brightside

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Zingy #ziggywould

citycityhull Well-Known Member

Zingy #ziggywould

citycityhull Well-Known Member

Zingy #ziggywould

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