Video courtesy of nhlsarok
While Liverpool kept their Champions League dreams alive with a 2-2 draw in Bulgaria midweek, their hopes of securing a spot in Europe’s most prestigious cup competition next season looks to be in serious doubt as they go into this weekends meeting with Stoke City in the wrong half of the table. The Reds will need to arrest a serious slide in form to turn this campaign around, but the boss remains confident his side will be able re-discover a winning formula.
“No matter how we have been we are still within touching distance of the initial aim, which was fourth and then moving forward. If we are only five points off that aim then that gives me the belief that we have every chance of doing it” explained Brendan Rodgers in his pre-match press conference. “I’m not saying it is going to be easy. We obviously have to pick up form but what I saw from the group against Ludogorets the other night gave me encouragement that we are going to move forward.”
How, exactly, they’re going to do that remains up for debate, and despite the miraculous run the Northern Irishman engineered last season, he’s increasingly looking out of ideas as his team struggles to find anything remotely resembling confidence.
“I will fight for my life to be here for as long as I can. You never like seeing or hearing things like you are the bookies’ favourite to get the sack when six months ago I was manager of the year but that is modern football. All I can do is my best and I will continue to do my best” he added. “While I do that I can relax knowing that whenever that time comes from the owners, whether it is in one month or 10 years, I will walk out of here knowing I have given my absolute all to give the club what it wants. I am happy with that.”
