Reds manager Brendan Rodgers admitted to being disappointed at only drawing 0-0 with Stoke City yesterday but praised the effort of his players…
Liverpool remain winless in the Premier League at Anfield this season after a stalemate against Stoke City made it a miserly two points from four home games played.
A largely forgettable encounter saw the hosts dominate possession and create the clearest chances but fail to break the deadlock against a resolute Potters side.
Despite not being able to build on last weekend’s 5-2 thumping of Norwich City, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers commended the commitment shown by his players.
“We’re disappointed we didn’t win the game. The attitude and application of the players was terrific and we stood up to the real physicality of the game, which was a big plus,” said the 39-year-old during his post-match press conference.
“If you can play against Stoke physically, especially with so many young players in the team and technicians, then you know you’re going to be alright in your other games.
“I thought as the game wore on we got into good spaces and moments in good areas of the field, but just our final touch or decision at the end of it didn’t quite allow us to score.
“We’re disappointed not to win, but there were a lot of real positives from the game – and it was our first [league] clean sheet of the season, which was important.”
Positives may soon become harder to find for many supporters in attendance however with the club’s poor home form now stretching back well into last season.
In fact Liverpool have only seven wins in the whole calendar year of 2012 and five of those were in cup competitions against the likes of FC Gomel and Oldham Athletic.
Asked by reporters what the key was to turning Liverpool’s fortunes around at Anfield, Rodgers replied: “It’s just time, unfortunately.
“I think there is a real bright future here. It is more or less the same players I inherited and I’ve brought in one or two who have done really well. It’s just going to take that wee bit of time.
“What is fantastic for me and incredible going forward is the real positive reaction from the crowd. They’re showing they are really behind what we’re trying to do. Other clubs wouldn’t get that support.
“The only way is by working hard and getting results on the field. The supporters are absolutely incredible.”
The result continues the Reds’ worse start to a Premier League season ever and leaves them languishing in 14th place with a total of six points from seven games played.
Rodgers was also asked if he would consider any tactical tweaks after his side persevered with his preferred short passing style even as time and ideas ran out.
“In my career, I’ve won a number of games, especially against big teams, by continuing to play and waiting for those moments at the end of the game,” replied the former Swansea City, Reading and Watford chief.
“I don’t really do the desperation one where it becomes a war in the last 10 minutes of the game by taking it longer.
“We work with what we’ve got, look to find different ways and solutions to score, and then when January comes we’ll see if we can re-visit that.”
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