Brendan Rodgers protecting Liverpool big guns for league

By CARL MARKHAM
Published on 20/09/2012 00:33

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits he is trying to protect the club’s Barclays Premier League season by fielding a virtual reserve side in Europe.

The Reds have had their worst start to a campaign in 100 years with just two points from their opening four matches and it does not get any easier with arch-rivals Manchester United heading to Anfield on Sunday.

As a result, captain Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Jose Reina, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Joe Allen and Martin Kelly have all been left behind for tonight’s Europa League clash with Swiss side Young Boys. Rodgers also left many of his big names at home when they played Hearts at Tynecastle in the last round. It means the likes of Samed Yesil, Suso, Andre Wisdom, Conor Coady, Adam Morgan, Jack Robinson and Dani Pacheco have all been included in the Europa League squad – which has an average age of just 21 and includes seven teenagers.

“I can understand why people would perceive us as not taking it seriously but I will always do what is in the best interests of the football club,” said Rodgers. “There is no doubt the Premier League is our number one priority, I’ve made that clear from the off. If I lose some of my key players that can make it very difficult for us for the next two or three months. There were parts of the game against Arsenal (after their Europa League play-off last month) where we were a bit leggy so we have to make sure we are all firing for Sunday. No matter what the perception is I know I’ve brought a team I believe can win the game.”

Newcastle face Maritimo away in Group D and manager Alan Pardew yesterday had to spend the build-up to the match denying there is a rift between himself and striker Demba Ba. Ba admitted his displeasure at only being named among the substitutes for Monday’s 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw at Everton having responded in fine style by coming off the bench to score both his side’s goals.

The Senegal international’s agent caused consternation on Tyneside when he suggested the following day that Ba might have to consider his options if he found himself on the bench too often in the future. Pardew’s response in Madeira last night was more diplomatic than it might have been, with the initial response behind the scenes one of acute displeasure. He said: “That’s just people needing to say things they shouldn’t say, really, but it doesn’t really affect me and Demba. We have got a good relationship.”

Tottenham are the third English club in the competition and this evening entertain Lazio, who have got off to a perfect start this season, winning all five of their competitive games.