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28 March 2024

Rodgers driving Liverpool's biggest loss: Gerrard, Sterling... and Suarez

Luis Suarez of Liverpool celebrates scoring the equaliser during the Barclays Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on November 11, 2012 in London, England. (GETTY)

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By Staff

Brendan Rodgers has warned Liverpool owners that unless they are willing to make a "massive investment" quickly they could end up losing their top players.

Encouraged by Liverpool's showing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where they earned a 1-1 draw, Rodgers was bold to say a seventh place finish would be "fantastic".

“We finished eighth last year,” said Rodgers. “If we can improve on that, it’ll be fantastic for us. That’s the reality of where Liverpool are I’m afraid. I knew it would be a difficult year given the expectancy in Liverpool. But our young players will get better and better."

It was lone ranger Luis Suarez who got them out jail again when he headed an equaliser 17 minutes from time to cancel out John Terry's 20th-minute opener.

Rodgers, back at the club where he worked under Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luis Felipe Scolari, was pleased with his team's performance.

"We were a wee bit tentative in the first half and we couldn't quite press it as we like to. When we changed the formation we got more on to the front foot.

"There was great character from all the players. I know more than anyone how difficult it is to come here and get a result. So it's great point for us.

"It's a difficult place to come. They are fantastic players, European champions and it's great club so I'm delighted for our young players.

"There's great character and resilience and survival instincts in the squad but if we can get one or two in January that can turn those draws into wins that would be great."

However, the bottom line is Liverpool remain in 13th place, 15 points behind Manchester United and further than ever from ending their 22-year wait for another league title.

Suarez's goal could not ease the growing concerns of a manager whose team is currently on course to finish a staggering 55 points behind the eventual champions.

“The reality is we’re a long way off in the league,” said Rodgers. “I’m not going to say the word ‘challenging’. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see the squad. These guys are giving me everything. Look at Chelsea, with Eden Hazard and their investment.

“If you’re not going to have a massive investment to make it happen quickly, you have to develop it. That’s where we’re at. Those players don’t come cheap, and there are not too many available in January either."

Rodgers admitted that the squad would need investment in January to add the “one or two” players to help turn so many draws – six in 11 Premier League games this season – into wins.

“We need materials. If we can get one or two in January, we’ll turn draws into wins. The owners have given me great support since I’ve been here.”

The Kop fans have remained faithful and showed tremendous patience despite their lean spell.

“They’re very educated, Liverpool supporters. It can’t be easy for them. Most of us know Liverpool and its great history, but we can’t keep looking in the rear view mirror and looking back. The supporters are being very lenient with myself and the team, and I’m sure they’ll be frustrated sometimes, but their support has been incredible,” said.

But it may not be the same with players like Raheem Sterling who wants to negotiate a new contract when he turns 18 next month, Suarez and even skipper Steven Gerrard, if Liverpool fail to finish inside the top 10.