LIVERPOOL MANAGER BRENDAN Rodgers says he could rest captain Steven Gerrard for this evening’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Rodgers says the Premier League is his number one priority this season, ahead of European competition, and will consider sidelining his skipper to keep him fresh for Saturday’s game against Chelsea at Anfield.
Gerrard’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign and he has recently been linked with a move to Manchester City, and Rodgers insists he would not be taking a risk by keeping him on the bench in Madrid.
“I don’t see it as a gamble,” he told reporters.
“This week and these games against the likes of Real Madrid, I see as a great opportunity for the squad – you put them out there and you put your trust in them to perform.
“In Steven’s case, if he is playing on Saturday I have to look at what is the priority for him and us. If he played against Newcastle and didn’t play tomorrow night you could say that was the priority.
“Him and I have spoken about that. Three big games, Newcastle, Madrid and then Chelsea. I need to look at a number of players to look at the games we want them to play in.
“But I have also got to look at [the fact] we brought in other players. And there is responsibility. But there is no doubt that our priorities are the Premier League and the Champions League, and always in that order.”
– Goal.com
