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Peter Byrne

Rodgers hits back at Liverpool critics as he pleads for patience

With his team yet to hit top form, the Reds manager says his side needs time to find their best as they prepare to face Manchester United.

LIVERPOOL MANAGER Brendan Rodgers has called for his team to be given time after a slow start to thePremier League season.

The Northern Irishman’s side visit Manchester United on Saturday after winning two of their opening four league games, but their start has been unconvincing.

Rodgers said it was too early to judge his team and urged people to give them time, having seen Harry Redknapp describe his side as “bang average”.

“It was from December through [when Liverpool found form in 2014-15]. We are still only in early September,” he said.

“In the season when we nearly won the league we didn’t really play that brand of football until November or December time. So we need to give this group a bit of time.

“That’s something ill-afforded to you in modern football but I get great excitement when I see the players and see the likes of Daniel Sturridge coming back in.

“I think this team will show its worth over the course of the season, not just in these early games.”

Liverpool return to Old Trafford for the first time since their 3-0 loss to United in December last year in a defeat that sparked a 13-match unbeaten league run after the loss.

Rodgers said: “It was probably the best defeat I’ve ever had.

“Of course you never want to lose a game and especially not to a rival like Manchester United, but I saw enough that day to know that we had got our identity back again.

“There’s absolutely no question that this team can go to Old Trafford and prove they can perform at the top level. The talent and the focus is there. It’s a game they are really looking forward to.”

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