Saturday’s biggest stories for the Reds.
Mario Balotelli still needs to fight for his Liverpool place says Brendan Rodgers
The Italian was at the centre of controversy once again on Thursday after taking the ball from captain for the night Jordan Henderson and taking a penalty against Besiktas in the Europa League himself.
Balotelli scored the spot-kick and earned a 1-0 win for his side, but Rodgers was not impressed with the 24-year-old’s overall performance and says the striker still needs to prove himself.
“He needs to improve on that facet of his game to play in his position, rather than standing on the side of the football field. He has contributed by scoring the goal but that is what he is paid to do. He needs to keep that efficiency in his game and show that he can affect the team whether he is asked to play from the bench or from the start,” the Northern Irishman was quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
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Former Red Jamie Redknapp thinks Balotelli’s Anfield career could be over
Ex-Reds star Redknapp thinks the Italy international’s actions on Thursday could prove to have a more serious effect on his career under Rodgers though and thinks the forward may well be sold.
Despite the fact the manager has tried to play down the incident it was clear there was an issue between Balotelli, Henderson and Daniel Sturridge.
“I don’t see long-term he will be at Anfield, I really don’t. I am sure Brendan Rodgers is thinking he is more hassle than he is worth because he hasn’t produced the quality you would like and when you look at other players around him they don’t seem to enjoy his company on the field,” Redknapp told talkSPORT.
Return of Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren will not sidetrack Southampton says Ronald Koeman
For the first time since a summer transfer to Anfield last year the trio will return to St Mary’s on Sunday as their new side takes on he Saints in the Premier League.
Of the three Lallana is the only one who can be considered a success this season, but Koeman does not want to focus on the return of the former idols.
“I don’t talk about players who are coming back to the club where they played last season, because then I can talk every week about a player who comes back to Southampton,” the Dutchman was quoted by the Daily Express.
Joe Allen not surprised by Jordon Ibe’s success
To outsiders it may seem like Ibe has been an overnight success since being thrown into first team action by Rodgers, but team-mate Allen says the players have known about the teenager’s quality for some time.
The 19-year-old caught many eyes with his impressive performance against Everton in the Merseyside derby and looks set to be a hit at the club.
“From the first time I saw him I always knew Jordon had the raw talent to go as far as he wants in the game,” Allen told the official website.
Miralem Pjanic has no intention of leaving AS Roma
The Reds have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the midfielder as Pjanic has pledged his commitment to Roma.
Rodgers is on the lookout for a long-term replacement for captain Steven Gerrard, who is leaving the club at the end of the season for LA Galaxy and viewed the Bosnia & Herzegovina international as the ideal option.
“It’s not time to talk about a transfer, but there has been no contact [with Liverpool]. I am only focused on Roma,” Pjanic was quoted by the Mirror.