Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has drawn a line under the ongoing debate over whether the club did enough to keep Steven Gerrard at the club.
The Reds captain, whose move to the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer was confirmed yesterday, revealed earlier this week he would have signed a new contract had it been offered in pre-season.
Liverpool's offer of an extended deal did not arrive until November, by which time the 34-year-old was already considering his future, and that has prompted questions about the club's handling of the affair.
"There is nothing any more to add," said Rodgers.
"Everything has been said on that situation that needs to be said.
"Steven spoke very openly and honestly with his feelings on it. When you see all the interviews you will find it was dealt with.
"If you want to pick a few words out of what he said and elaborate... he is happy where it is at.
"His concentration is now on football, he has announced where he is going so you have all the information and he has done all his interviews.
"Now we really have to concentrate on the football and the team and keep the momentum going."
Rodgers admits attention now has to be paid to finding players capable of succeeding such a club icon.
"There is no doubt Steven is still a top-class player and has been that world-class talent for many years and him leaving in the summer leaves a void on and off the pitch but the club has to keep moving forward.
"We have to keep looking to bring in the best players we can.
"History shows players who have been great players here move on and it is an opportunity for other players to grab the mantle."
"History shows players who have been great players here move on and it is an opportunity for other players to grab the mantle" - Brendan Rodgers
Injured striker Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, returns to Merseyside in the next 24 hours to provide a timely boost for the second half of the season.
The England international, who has not played for the Reds since 31 August because of thigh and calf problems, has been undergoing rehabilitation in the US for the last month.
"He will be back into the country in the next 24 hours and he is into the final stages of that rehab," said Rodgers.
"A couple of years ago he came in the January window (from Chelsea) and made a great impact and has been fantastic when he has been fit here.
"He is a top-class player who has a wonderful idea of the game and wonderful qualities and if you put him into any team it makes them a better team - his pace is frightening, his touch, his movement...
"As a footballer he is at a great age and if he can sustain his fitness he has already shown in his goals here - one of the quickest players to the goals record he has here - we are hoping he can stay fit and lead the charge for us over the next few years."
Rodgers, however, would not be drawn on a date for Sturridge's return to first-team action.
"We have to take our time on this one - not just for us at Liverpool but over his career what (treatment) has gone on hasn't clearly worked as he gets a number of games and then is unfit.
"We are aiming to look after the medium and long-term here and he won't be rushed.
"Hopefully he won't be too far away."
Rodgers said has high hopes for young forward Raheem Sterling, who is expected to sign an improved new contract within the next month which will reflect his growing importance to the side.
"Raheem has burst onto the scene and been outstanding and in one of the most competitive leagues in the world he has been one of the top-performing players," he added.
"He still has a lot of years in his football education."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Rodgers calls time on Gerrard debate
Dengan url
http://olahragaenjoy.blogspot.com/2015/01/rodgers-calls-time-on-gerrard-debate.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Rodgers calls time on Gerrard debate
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Rodgers calls time on Gerrard debate
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar