Brendan Rodgers has told the Liverpool squad to step up in the absence of club
captain Steven Gerrard after the insipid Reds played out a frustrating 0-0 draw with
Sunderland on Saturday.
With their must-win Champions League
clash against Basel up next at Anfield, followed by a trip to
face old foes Manchester United,
Rodgers again decided to rest Gerrard who was dropped to the bench.
The former England skipper was
eventually introduced with 23 minutes left but could not inspire his side to
victory, and Rodgers admits it should not always be up to Liverpool’s ‘Captain
Fantastic’ to lift the side.
"We can't always rely on
Stevie,” said the Reds boss.
“His talent is world-class but that
contribution has to come around the team.
"It can't be up to him every
single game to be the catalyst.
"It is very hard to replace
that quality but going forward that is something of course we will need.
"He was excellent when he came
on and of course he plays on Tuesday.
"He still has that talent, he
has world-class ability and it is me looking to manage that.
"We have a big month. Until the
new year there are big games and the management of Steven is fine, there is no
problem with that."
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