Don’t write off Gerrard yet, says Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers accepts captain Steven Gerrard is no longer the driving force he was but insists it is wrong to write him off entirely.

And despite Gerrard’s former team-mate Jamie Carragher suggesting it was time for the 34-year-old to be released from the defensive role which he believes he is unsuitable for, Rodgers has no intention of doing so.

Gerrard’s performances have drawn much criticism this season but the Liverpool boss defended himself against accusations he has continued to select the ex-England midfielder on reputation alone.

“I judge Steven on merit. I think the spotlight he has been under is incredible. Everything for us is based around being a team,” said Rodgers.

“If people are expecting Steven to be the type of player he was 10 years ago that is sadly not the case. He has slowly been adapting to a position I felt he could benefit the team but a player who was scoring 15 goals a season and making 13 or 14 assists... he is not that type of player (any more).

“It is hugely unfair he is judged at that level. He is a wonderful player and I can safely say he is the best player I’ve worked with in terms of footballing mentality and the loyalty he has shown to this club is without question.

“I don’t deal so much in (being) sentimental. There is nothing sentimental in me picking Steven.

“He is coming towards the latter part of his career but he still has a valuable contribution to make.

“He can play three games in a week but he won’t be able to play it to the level he would like or I would like and it is my job to manage that.”

That last comment suggests Rodgers is prepared to rest his captain against Ludogorets in Sofia tonight, which would be a second successive Champions League benching for the midfielder, having come on for the final 20 minutes against Real Madrid.

In Bulgaria the Liverpool boss is trying to arrest a four-match losing streak which has put his own position under scrutiny, with his side well off the pace domestically and in danger of not making the knockout stages in their first time back in the Champions League for five years.

For the time being Rodgers has the backing of owners Fenway Sports Group, but if things go awry in Bulgaria and Basle happen to get a result at home to already-qualified Real Madrid, Liverpool could be out with a match still to play and then the pressure will really increase.

Steven Gerrard: Subjected to unfair criticism, according to his boss.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone (at FSG) as of yet. I’ve had a few messages but they have always been supportive of me,” Rodgers added.

“My focus is on getting Liverpool to win games and I know that is what will make them most happy.

“I always believe losing can be the making of you as a player and a manager in terms of how you learn from it and move on from it.

“When you don’t have so much coaching time on the field it is mostly psychological what you want to achieve.

“You never dwell too much on the past — anyone can make mistakes — but for us it is about being in the present and focusing on the next game.

“My job as the leader of the team and the club is vital. We will always experience disappointment but no matter how you feel you are one of the pillars of the football club.

“The players are looking to you for that response and ability to motivate and that is very important in my role.”

For his part, Ludogorets coach Georgi Dermendzhiev believes he has spotted physical and mental weakness in all Liverpool’s matches this season.

It has been claimed Rodgers’ side is lacking in leaders and was too easily bullied out of games.

Dermendzhiev doesn’t disagree with that assessment.

“I kind of agree with that opinion. It looks that way in every Liverpool game this season — and I have watched every one.

“Liverpool have very high quality players and the only problems they have are in the minds of the players.

“I also know they have very good players and even if they are not in the right mindset they can still turn it around very easy.

“It is only a matter of time before they start to play good football again.

“This game is one every player looks forward to against the big teams. We do respect them but we don’t fear them.”