After a disappointing start of the domestic campaign, Liverpool started their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bordeaux at Stade Bordeaux-Atlantique. While the fans will not be happy with the result, the manager Brendan Rodgers is content with a draw because of the young players taking part in the game.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club’s youngsters have provided great encouragement after almost getting their Europa League campaign off to the perfect start.
Liverpool fielded a surprisingly young and inexperienced side with players like Jordan Rossiter, Pedro Chirivella, Cameron Brannagan, Divock Origi. Chirivella and Brannagan made their senior debuts in the game while Rossiter made his European debut. The Northern Irishman, in charge of Liverpool left out some big names of the squad like Milner, Skrtel, Lovren, Lucas, Clyne, Benteke and he is happy that the young side was only nine minutes from bagging a win.
considering the average age of the team was just 21.7 years when academy graduate Pedro Chirivella replaced the injured Kolo Toure in the first half – would have been more than justified Rodgers’ gamble in leaving six regulars at home.
The Reds boss was nevertheless impressed with the likes of Jordan Rossiter and Chirivella.
“As the game wore on they combined with the other players and I thought they acquitted themselves well,” he said.
“If you take those two, Jordon Ibe who is 19, Joe Gomez who is 18, there was great encouragement for the young players and supporters.”
“I was so proud of them. I will always give the young players an opportunity if they have the personality.”
There was also a welcome return for Lallana, who rustiness after a month’s absence was dispelled in one brilliant piece of skill for the goal, nutmegging Pablo with one touch and sliding the ball inside the far post with his second.
“It was an outstanding goal. It was his touch and creativity which we have not seen so much of this season,” added Rodgers.
“I was disappointed their striker got too many touches in the box but if you can’t win, especially away from home in Europe, you at least get a point and we’re satisfied with that.”
Rodgers was also happy with the performance of Mamadou Sakho, who was one of eight changes but made captain on the night despite it being his first appearance of the season.
There have been rumours of the France international being unhappy at his lack of pitch time but the manager offered some hope to the centre-back.
“Sakho was immense at the back. He knows he has had to be patient and his attitude has been first-class,” added Rodgers.
“He has trained very well, kept professional, done his extra work on his fitness and he has got his rewards for that.”
“He certainly comes into the reckoning for the weekend (against Norwich).”