Premier League
Crystal Palace
Nov 23, 2014 1.30pm
3
1
HT : 1 1
FT
Liverpool
  • Dwight Gayle 17' goal
  • Joe Ledley 78' goal
  • Mile Jedinak 81' goal
  • Brede Hangeland 84' yellowcard
  • goal Rickie Lambert 2'
  • yellowcard Martin Skrtel 53'
  • yellowcard Javier Manquillo 61'

Live Coverage: Brendan Rodgers's weekly Liverpool press conference

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Brendan Rodgers's weekly Liverpool press conference
© Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he is expecting a tough contest when his Liverpool side take on Crystal Palace this weekend.

The Reds have lost their last three outings in all competitions, and sit 11th in the Premier League table.

The team will be without injured striker Daniel Sturridge, while Mario Balotelli will need a late fitness test.

Read what else the manager discussed below:

2.31pmWell that's all from Rodgers this afternoon, so join us again on Sunday afternoon to find out if Liverpool can turn around their fortunes. We'll have live coverage from an hour before kickoff as well as team news, reaction and player ratings. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon, goodbye.

2.28pmDespite the injuries and recent results, Rodgers is trying to see the positive, insisting that his players are learning: "I'm not dogmatic. We've played various systems in my time here. We will always explore different options. That's my job as manager. The adverse moments provide you with the opportunity to go and fight even harder. We can't complain."

2.26pmThe manager tells reporters that he is getting as much as he can out of his squad: "A key feature for us has been the spirit we've built up over the past couple of years here. It is my responsibility as manager to get results. The players are giving me everything."

2.24pmSince their last meeting, Palace have changed managers, with Neil Warnock taking the helm after Tony Pulis quit in August. However, Rodgers is still expecting a tricky tie: "It will be equally as tough against Palace. Warnock is a wonderful manager with big experience, but we'll look to start off an exciting run with a win."

2.22pmFocusing on Sunday's match and last season's result at Selhurst Park, Rodgers insists: "That wasn't the game that cost us. Maybe the excitement to claw back the goal difference overtook us. The damage was always done in the Chelsea game. That was the one that changed it for us, but on reflection I was extremely proud."

2.20pmSticking with the strikers, Rodgers adds that Mario Balotelli will need a fitness test ahead of the Palace trip, and that Rickie Lambert is likely to "feature heavily" in the coming weeks.

2.19pmRodgers is asked about the rest of his strikers and their lack of goals. The manager replies: "I have great trust in the players. I would be more concerned if they were moping around or didn't care."

2.17pmIn better news for the Reds, Rodgers confirms that vice-captain Jordan Henderson should be fit for the match, despite picking up a knock while on international duty.

2.15pmSturridge's injury has led to speculation that the club could recall Divock Origi from his loan at Lille. However, the manager says: "Origi is a young player we signed last summer was on agreement he had to stay at Lille. That was one of main reasons we were able to sign him. As far as I'm concerned that's still case with Origi."

2.13pmAs expected, Sturridge is the first subject up for discussion this afternoon. The manager says: "Daniel has just been extremely unfortunate. He's a player who doesn't want to be out for this period of time with the quality he has. I spoke to Daniel at length and he's as down as I've seen anyone. We need to go away and find answers so he can perform consistently."

2.10pmRodgers is ready to face the reporters at Melwood, so let's see what the Liverpool boss has to say...

2.08pmWhile we wait for the manager, here's another shot from the team's training session earlier today:

2.05pmLiverpool will be in Champions League action against Ludogorets Razgrad during the week. It's the start of a busy spell for the team, as they then face Stoke, Leicester and Sunderland in the Premier League in eight days.

2.02pmWith Sturridge out injured, and with Luis Suarez leaving in the summer, Liverpool have struggled for goals this season, scoring just 14 goals. League leaders Chelsea have netted twice as many.

1.59pmLast season's trip to Selhurst Park all but ended Liverpool's title hopes, as they slipped to a 3-3 draw in the capital, throwing away a three-goal lead in the final 12 minutes.

1.56pm

1.53pmThe club have been dealt a further injury blow this week following news that striker Daniel Sturridge has suffered yet another set back in his recovery from injury. Before the international break, it had been expected that the forward would be ready for this match.

1.50pmThe team have struggled in recent weeks, losing their last three outings in all competitions. As well as league losses to Newcastle and Chelsea, the team suffered a defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

1.47pmGood afternoon! Brendan Rodgers is due to speak to the media in around 15 minutes as he prepares for his side's trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday.
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