As the Premier League returns to the fore this weekend after the international break Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will hoping his side can kickstart a season that has seen him court unwarranted criticism so early into his reign as manager. Expectations have certainly been raised by the arrival of Rodgers and his 'tiki-taka' priniciples with the Northern Irishman's influence on the Merseyside clubs style of play evident in their opening fixtures of the new term. One issue that still burns is where captain Steven Gerrard fits into the new philosophy. The Reds skipper is renowned for his wide range of passing but Rodgers belief in patient ball retention doesn't fit Gerrard's credo and at times he has appeared restricted in the midfield. The signings of Joe Allen and Nuri Sahin are both indicative of the new ideology and Gerrard currently sticks out like a sore thumb often being unable to resist the temptation to pump a long-ball up towards Luis Suarez which has often caused the breakdown of attacks. Whether Rodgers can school the 32-year-old in his beliefs remains to be seen but as the old sayin goes "you can't teach an old dog new tricks".
This week on FFC what will Rodgers have learnt about his squad and managing the Reds in his short time at Anfield and which German ace is he closely monitoring?
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Best of FFC
Joe Allen: Overrated or Undervalued?
Why FSG need to step up to the plate here
A genuine cause for concern at Liverpool?
What are the ‘key things’ Brendan Rodgers will have learnt by now?
Has he leapfrogged him at Anfield Already?
Liverpool keeping tabs on German ace
Brendan Rodgers insists transfer signing was never on the cards
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Best of WEB
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Should Sterling Just Be Allowed To Shine? - Live 4 Liverpool
'I'm worried' - John Barnes reveals his fears for 'fantastic' LFC star's future… - Liverpool Kop
Jonjo Shelvey: Coming of Age - This is Anfield
I'm in charge! Rodgers dismisses FSG's big transfer idea. Good news? - Liverpool Kop
A Tactical Glossary – Some Terms for the Modern Age - The Tomkins Times
Time For Gerrard To Choose - Live 4 Liverpool
Liverpool – The Truth at last - This is Anfield
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Quote of the Week
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"I've never had a problem with Pepe. He's been brilliant for me. He's a key member of the squad here. Absolutely first class, he's been. He understands what it is I'm trying to do. He understands the philosophy and he's a really, really good guy. Off the field, he's important for the group, he's a big voice in the changing room, and I've had no feelings at all that he's ever wanted to leave. I've never felt anything like that whatsoever. I've good communication with him. I speak regularly with Pepe. He's one of the senior players." Brendan Rodgers dismisses speculation Pepe Reina could leave Liverpool
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