“It was definitely a blot on their copybook and one thing they may need to tackle”. This will be an interesting test for Stoke against a new look Liverpool.
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The jaw-dropping manner of Liverpool’s loss, coupled with Steven Gerrard’s departure, meant Stoke’s feat of finishing ninth with a best ever Premier League points tally was pushed down the list of events to emerge that afternoon. Christian Benteke, James Milner, Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne impressed in flashes but their manager is confident there is more to come from his new charges.
“I felt we should have had a penalty when Afellay had a shot and Clyne basically saved it with both his arms – he could have got out of the way but made a definite movement to stop it going goalbound”.
“This club had a great experience the last time we were in Europe”. In every aspect of high-class football we were lacking.
Rodgers agreed with the suggestion he and his players “owe the fans a result” after the 6-1 thrashing and admits, with at least a fourth-placed finish the aim this season, they are under pressure to deliver – although he stressed that has always been the case since his appointment three years ago. He was one of the standout players on Liverpool’s pre-season tour and should get the nod over Alberto Moreno.
Liverpool predicted line up for Stoke City game.
Stoke have lost the services of Nzonzi, who had a fantastic season last time.
Brendan Rodgers insists that facing Stoke City for the opening game is the “perfect fixture” for Liverpool’s start.
Hughes said: “We are hopeful we can do something but until we see players standing in front of the training ground with a shirt in their arms then you never know”.
“We were looking at it (substituting Coutinho) because he’s only come back into the fold a lot later than the others”, the Northern Irishman admitted on Sky Sports 1.
“I’ve heard their players talk about how they want to make sure that it doesn’t happen again“.
“But on a serious note, it’s a good fixture for us to start off with. He’s played at this level since he was 16 years of age and has played for some fantastic clubs”, said Rodgers.
“I’ve explained the reasons why – technically I wanted to take the team in a different direction”.
On leaving Liverpool, Johnson added: “I had a very good time there and enjoyed the majority of it. But I turned down a new contract at the end of the day, so it ended exactly how I would like”.
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Throw in a backup keeper that may actually be useful as a backup keeper and the arrival of Origi after a season long loan and Liverpool have done remarkably well to go into this upcoming season with a squad that looks remarkably well suited to not only the Premier League, but also the various Cup Competitions. For me, he can play in any type of game.
