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Liverpool 'set up perfectly' for second leg despite Chelsea draw, says Rodgers

The Anfield chief has still never beaten his old side Chelsea.

LIVERPOOL MANAGER Brendan Rodgers feels that his side are well set for the second leg of their League Cup semi-final despite only drawing 1-1 at home against Chelsea.

The Blues took the lead at Anfield through Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty before Raheem Sterling broke through their disciplined back line to score a fine solo equaliser after the break.

The Reds could not win in front of their own fans but Rodgers believes that Chelsea’s obligation to play more expansively in the return leg at Stamford Bridge could play into his team’s hands.

“Delighted with the performance, disappointed with the result,” he told Sky Sports after the match.

“We showed wonderful character. We went behind to what was the only shot on target they had, the penalty. Some of our play – the aggression, the defending, how we continued to take the game to them – it was very, very impressive.

“[It was a] wonderful performance and it sets up the second leg perfectly for us because they’re at home and they’ve probably got to open up a wee bit more. But my players, they were absolutely superb. I think it’s still all to play for.

“I thought it was a great game. A cup competition, two big teams, really fighting to get an advantage… but I was really pleased with our performance because that shows, again, the improvements that we are making and the creation of our chances was very impressive. Hopefully, in the second leg, if we can put a few of those away, we’ll be in a better position in terms of the result.”

Sterling’s goal came in his second match back after a brief January holiday permitted him by Rodgers and the manager says that he is feeling the benefit of time away from the pressure of the top-flight spotlight.

“Well, this is about the boy’s life and his career,” the manager noted. “Plenty of people will probably comment on it but I’m only worried about what we do for the kid. He’s a very young talent but you saw tonight that he’s fresh.

“[It wasn't] physical rest as much as mental rest for a young player who’s had so much thrown on him so sometimes, as a manager, you’re looking at each individual player and for him, he’s come back refreshed and is ready for a big second part of the season.”

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14 Comments
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    Mute Ger Punch
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    Jan 28th 2015, 8:43 AM

    So he won’t comment on Costa regarding two stamps but has an opinion on every decision that went against him. A dose of wengeritis me thinks.

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    Mute Eoin Hurley
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    Jan 28th 2015, 8:43 AM

    Funny, when etoo kicked Suarez in the box last year he was adamant that wasn’t a penalty. So what’s he yapping about this time?

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    Mute Laura Walsh
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    Jan 28th 2015, 11:34 AM

    Etoo also made a horrendous challenge on a Liverpool player in the first two mins of that game last year also if my memory serves me correctly. Howard Webb bottled that game, as per usual.

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Jan 28th 2015, 1:03 PM

    Oscar almost crippled Lucas in that game too, he got a yellow and he was remorseful, but still, these things show how lucky Chelsea have been. They should have the worst disciplinary record in the league.

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    Mute Johnny Bravo
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    Jan 28th 2015, 9:32 AM

    Costa is probably facing a ban , so Maureen won’t comment on it cause he doesn’t want to implicate him even more then what he is already

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Jan 28th 2015, 12:34 PM

    Johhny, when has Maureen ever talked about it when it is about his players? But, if against his team, he is willing to destroy the reputation of a ref, or like he did with Suarez, call them terrible things to the game…… Suarez was/is an immature player, prone to very stupid things, but he loves football 100%, has the skills to back it up. Costa plays for Chelsea, so it is ok.

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    Mute Hoof Hearted
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    Jan 28th 2015, 10:14 AM

    “Great campaign. We know how much that pundit loves Chelsea and particularly loves me. When you are there and you are paid and you are very well paid – much more than some managers that have to put their ass, every 90 minutes, every weekend on the bench.

    “These guys, they have a very good seat, very good money, no pressure. They are always right. They never lose, they always win, but they have to be fair and they have to be honest. I don’t know his name, because when I see him I switch off the television.”

    Classic Mourinho !

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