Social media is increasingly becoming the medium of choice for footballers everywhere, and following his omission from the starting eleven in Liverpool’s narrow win over Stoke City on Saturday, Reds captain Steven Gerrard took to the internet to dismiss any talk of a rift developing between himself and boss Brendan Rodgers.
The 34-year old, who was introduced for the closing stages of what was the 16th anniversary of his first team debut for the Anfield outfit, was left on the bench for the first time in forever, prompting Rodgers to explain his team selection in his post-match press conference. “Steven’s at the stage of his career where he’s not going to be playing in every game,” said the Northern Irishman. “He obviously played in the last two against Crystal Palace and against Ludogorets. He put a huge amount into those games, and we have other players here who can do a job. Steven understands that.”
With contract negotiations over a new deal apparently at a stand-still and the Liverpool born and bred midfielder revealing that he could finish his career elsewhere, whispers that the two aren’t seeing eye to eye are starting to get louder — something that the veteran midfielder was quick to discount on his Instagram account.
Posting a picture of him laughing with the manager during a training session, the Reds skipper captioned it with: “Just to set the record straight talk of a fall out between us 2 is NONSENSE…have a nice Sunday #together #solid #ynwa.”
Despite snatching three points against the Potters at the weekend, Liverpool have struggled to recapture their blistering form of last year and, if results don’t start turning around soon, will struggle to qualify for the next seasons Champions League. Rodgers has come under increased scrutiny in the last few weeks with results not quite up to snuff, but for the time being anyway, he doesn’t have to worry about losing the backing of his captain.
