Rodgers: We can be ‘real force’

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes his team can be a “real force” if they address their defensive problems, with the Antrim man’s sights still firmly set on a top-four Premier League finish.

Rodgers was left lamenting his players’ concentration levels and accused them of laziness after their 3-2 Europa League defeat by Udinese at Anfield on Thursday night, in which the hosts took a deserved first-half lead only to concede three goals in 26 minutes after the break.

It was the latest setback in a mixed start to the season for the Reds which had just appeared to be gathering some momentum with three wins from the previous four games in all competitions.