Pre-Match Press Conference: Rodgers Plays Down Balotelli Exclusion and January Transfer Plans

Video courtesy of LiverpoolFC Maldives

There will be almost as much focus — maybe even more — on the transfer window opening up as there will be on Liverpool’s meeting with Leicester City later today at Anfield. As rumours continue to swirl about the Reds plans for January, there were understandably a number of questions posed to boss Brendan Rodgers during his pre-match press conference and there was little surprise in the room when the future of Mario Balotelli became a hot topic.

“I don’t see that. The team functions in a certain way and we need a certain profile of player to make it work”, said the Northern Irishman when asked if the struggling striker, who has played a vastly reduced role as of late, was in an Andy Carroll type situation where he just didn’t fit the team’s style of play. “But Mario is a player who still has a contribution to make for us. He is working hard in training and he wants to be the best player he can be.”

Whether the bosses words are genuine or not, only time will tell, but even though Daniel Sturridge is set to return later in the month the rumour mill has been running on full throttle with a host of names linked with a move to Merseyside. Although Rodgers has refused to rule out bringing in any new faces, he was quick to play down expectations, reminding the press that they didn’t end up making a single signing this time last year.

“My first look is always within. We have seen how we have adapted the team and the structure of the team in order to make that work. I still think we’ve got players that can do that for us” replied the manager when the subject of new signings came up. “There won’t be a lot of transfer activity from us – if any – over the course of the January period. My job is to coach and manage the players that are currently here and work hard at maximising the talent that they have. That’s what we’ll look to do.”