Rodgers defends Balotelli

[sake]

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed the claims of dressing-room squabbles as “totally untrue” but has refused to deny Mario Balotelli has caused unrest amongst the squad.


Former Reds midfielder Paul Ince blames the Italian’s disruptive influence for ruining the team spirit at Anfield and Ince called for Rodgers to sell the misfiring striker.

Balotelli's start to life at Anfield has been poor, scoring just two goals. He came off the bench in the defeat to Manchester United after more than a month out with a groin injury. The problem may prevent him playing in the League Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Rodgers has rubbished Ince’s claims of dressing-room unrest but twice declined the opportunity to publicly back Balotelli.

"There are lots of opinions about Liverpool and Paul is someone who I respect and was a wonderful player and has managed himself so he knows the pressures of management," said Rodgers.
Bet NOW on Bournemouth v Liverpool in the Capital One Cup!

"Mario is here as a Liverpool player and as the coach and manager I need to work to maximise what I can get out of the player, but that is the same with every single player.

"While he is here at the club that is all I will concentrate on.

Profiles

Mario Balotelli

"I hear one or two bits and pieces about unrest - it is totally untrue of course. We are not happy we are not winning games.

"These are competitive players who nearly won the league last year so they won't be happy with losing.

"The actual spirit in the group is very strong and that is one of the reasons why when we get that confidence back we will go into the second half of the season and be much better.

"Our dressing room is very strong. We are very fortunate we have a captain (Steven Gerrard) who is a strong leader and that has been something which has been very important in my time here."

Liverpool have endured a torrid season so far. They have been knocked out of the Champions League and lie 11th in the league, 18 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Wednesday’s cup-tie against Bournemouth now takes on greater significance with Rodgers adamant his team can win the competition.

"We wanted to have a right go at all of the cup competitions this year and the game on Wednesday will be an opportunity for us to get into the semi-final," he added.

"It would obviously give us confidence to get through. We're in competitions to win trophies, so if we can get the victory against Bournemouth and get through, the aim for us would be to hopefully go on and win the competition.

"This is the first cup competition that you can win, so it was always a priority for me."