Liverpool boss praises star for adapting to defensive tactical switch

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised defender Martin Skrtel for adapting to how he has the team playing after a rocky start under the Northern Irishman, reports the Daily Express.

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The 42-year-old has pointed to a moment six months in to his reign when the centre-back sat down in his office and went through his strengths and weaknesses. Since then the Slovakian has gone on to become an important part of the team, and will come back from suspension to take part in their FA Cup semi final with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Rodgers said: “”He’s been outstanding this season,” Rodgers said. “Whether we’ve played in a back-four or a back-three. In the last couple of years he’s really come to the fore in terms of the team. It’s great to have him back. The first six months when I came in here were difficult for him.”

He continued: “He was having to adapt to a new way of working and playing. He didn’t moan, he didn’t complain. He sat in the office and looked through his strengths and the areas that he needed to improve on and he took that on to the training field and worked his way back in (the team).

“Since that moment, he’s stayed in the team and been outstanding so he’s a real strong character.”

The Reds are still in with a chance of getting in to the Premier League top four after a poor run of form from Manchester City. They are four points off the Citizens, but if they continue a run of four defeats in their last six top flight games. One of these defeats was a 2-1 loss at Anfield back at the beginning of March.

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