The France defender’s representatives held talks with chief executive Ian Ayre today in a meeting planned before Sakho returned to Liverpool’s line-up in the Europa League stalemate with Bordeaux.
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There have been rumours of the France worldwide being unhappy at his lack of pitch time but the manager offered some hope to the centre-back.
Liverpool rejected loan bids from Roma and Bayer Leverkusen in the transfer window as they were keen to keep the defender they paid £18m for two years ago.
The 18-year-old, who scored within 10 minutes of making his bow for the club in the League Cup last season, put in a composed performance in his first European outing which saw the Reds draw 1-1 in Bordeaux.
Liverpool will get back to Premier League action when they take on Norwich at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. That’s why I say I try to be ready when the team need me.
“I am confident we can get back to playing that way and …” His comments about Sakho could hint towards a switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation, or it could hint towards one of the current two first-teamers being dropped.
But Bordeaux substitute Jussie struck with nine minutes remaining to deny Liverpool victory in their opening Group B game.
Martin Škrtel and Dejan Lovren are simply inferior defensive options yet continue to enjoy the confidence from Brendan Rodgers that Sakho, for whatever unknown reason, fails to inspire.
‘He has trained very well, kept professional, done his extra work on his fitness and he has got his rewards for that.
Norwich beat Bournemouth last week to move level with Liverpool on seven points in the table and Neil admits his side have nothing to fear this weekend.
“We played very well and took a positive point away from home“.
“As the game wore on they combined with the other players and I thought they acquitted themselves well”, he said.
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“The senior players were outstanding helping the younger players and we will look for more of that in the coming weeks”.
