After facing heavy criticism for recent performances, Brendan Rodgers will rest a number of key players for their upcoming Europa League clash against Bordeaux.
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With Liverpool’s midfield concerns in mind, there is a very real possibility that the club are now starting to realise their error in selling Jonjo Shelvey. “I’m extremely excited to face one of Europe’s great teams”, added the former France international.
Liverpool has a tough season ahead and yet this new competition could mark the beginning of their change in form.
“I am confident we can get back to playing that way and…” It was a difficult start for him, like all the players.
The England midfielder will return to action in the Europa League against Bordeaux on Thursday night after missing the past three matches with a thigh problem.
However, having finally arrived at Liverpool, Origi got his first bow for the club in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United. But it’s about that performance level and once we see signs of that I will be much happier because we will be heading in the right direction.
Daniel Sturridge and Joe Allen remain out despite making their return to full time training over the last week, whilst Jon Flanagan’s comeback is not anticipated until around Christmas.
Back-to-back defeats have raised questions about Liverpool’s chances of mounting a title challenge, but Coutinho believes it is vital for the club to remain calm.
Rodgers has left behind first-choice central-defensive pair Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, right-back Nathaniel Clyne, midfielders Lucas Leiva and James Milner and striker Christian Benteke.
“Over the first five games now creating more goals is something we need to look at”. However, Liverpool will be without the services of Midfielder Jordan Henderson once again, after his treatment he received for a heel injury in the U.S.
Dortmund have won every game so far, including beating Austria’s Wolfsberger and Odd of Norway in Europa League qualifying and recording four wins out of four in the Bundesliga.
It means Liverpool’s line-up in France – which will be captained by Kolo Toure – is unlikely to feature any players who have scored a European goal for the club.
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“We’ll need the same type of effort as we had in Paris and try to have a bit more of the ball to put them in trouble”.
