No panic in Liverpool team meeting

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and Bolo Zenden have both attempted to play down the significance of a team meeting last Sunday to discuss the side’s poor form ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Bordeaux.

The Dutch midfielder confirmed the meeting had taken place in the wake of the 1-1 draw with Blackburn which left Liverpool eight points behind the Premiership leaders Manchester United.

Zenden, who could start in France because of Steven Gerrard’s absence with a hamstring injury, said: “We had a team meeting on Sunday, just a chat, it was no big deal.

“It is always good to communicate. We have done it before this season and it is something we will probably do again.

“It is not something new to me in my career, communicating is not something that is unusual.”

Liverpool have had such meetings before this season but Benitez said: “The meeting was to remind them of our objectives this season, where we are going.

“It was just a reminder to make sure we just keep going with what we are doing. We have had these meetings before.

“But I must say that I am happy with the work-rate and the commitment of the players.”