Rodgers realistic about Liverpool
Brendan Rodgers warned that Liverpool “can’t keep looking in the rear view mirror” after admitting they were nowhere near challenging at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
The Reds made it six league games without defeat yesterday when they came from behind to draw 1-1 at Chelsea.
But it was not enough to lift them out of 13th place and they ended the weekend 15 points behind Manchester United after just 11 games.
Twelve points is a paltry return for supporters raised on a diet of European Cups, many of whom spent yesterday’s game taunting current holders Chelsea with the chant: “We’ve won it five times.”
They have nevertheless shown patience with Rodgers’ revolution and the new Anfield boss said: “They’re very educated, Liverpool supporters. It can’t be easy for them.
“Most of us in this room know Liverpool and its great history, but we can’t keep looking in the rear view mirror and looking back.
“If you’re not going to have a massive investment to make it happen quickly, you have to develop it. That’s where we’re at.
“The supporters are being very lenient with myself and the team, and I’m sure they’ll be frustrated sometimes, but their support has been incredible.”
He added: “The reality is we’re a long way off in the league.
“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see the squad… These guys are giving me everything.
“We finished eighth last year. If we can improve on that, it’ll be fantastic for us.
“That’s the reality of where Liverpool are I’m afraid. But our young players will get better and better.
“We need one or two more players. That’s our sixth draw, and a lot of those games we’ve come back into after going behind.
“But we need materials. If we can get one or two in January, we’ll turn draws into wins.
“Those players don’t come cheap, and they’re not too many available in January either.
“But the owners have given be great support since I’ve been here.
“I knew it would be a difficult year given the expectancy in Liverpool.”
One man having no problem living up to expectations is Luis Suarez, who equalised yesterday with his 11th goal of the season and almost snatched a dramatic winner.
“It’s a difficult place to come, the European champions, so I’m delighted for our young players,” said Rodgers, who also handed Jamie Carragher the first league start of his reign.
“Our seniors are doing incredibly for me.
“Liverpool have had a massive group of seniors over the years, but Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson are having to dig a bit deeper now.”
