Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Monday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Daniel Sturridge optimistic despite Liverpool loss
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has revealed that he’s working hard to ensure he’s healthy, and can’t wait to get back playing after seeing his team suffer a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
The 25-year-old tweeted after the defeat: “Absolutely gutted for everyone. Woke up and watched the game and it hurts. I’m optimistic though and I hope everyone else feels the same.
“Just know I’m working hard to ensure I’m back healthy. I miss everything about the game. I can’t wait to help us be successful. #redordead”
Jamie Carragher urges Reds to pursue £20m striker
Jamie Carragher is hoping that his former club sign Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony in the January transfer window – and the former Reds’ defender believes the £20m man can help turn Liverpool around.
According to the Daily Express, Bony – the highest scorer of Premier League in 2014 – has been heavily linked with a move away from Swansea, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all showing an interest.
Carragher said on Bony: “I hope Liverpool sign him. If Liverpool sign [Mario] Balotelli for £16m, Bony is worth £20m or £25m. I wish Liverpool got him this summer and I hope they’re looking at him in the future.”
Simon Mignolet out in the cold after United snub
Liverpool’s under-fire goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has been dropped for an ‘indefinite period’ by manager Brendan Rodgers, who selected Australian Brad Jones for the defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
The former Sunderland goalkeeper was dropped after a poor run of form and he has a fight on his hands to regain his place in the side, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
When asked whether 32-year-old Jones was now his first-choice goalkeeper, Rodgers said: “Yes. I said to Simon it was for an indefinite period.”
Liverpool prepared for Europa League draw
Liverpool will discover their Europa League opponents when the draw for the tournament’s Round of 32 takes place in Switzerland from 12pm GMT today – according to report’s on the Reds’ official website.
A brief statement continues: “The Reds enter the knockout stages of the competition following their third-place Group B finish and elimination from the Champions League last Tuesday.
“Brendan Rodgers’ side could be paired with any of the 15 different teams from across the continent, for a two-legged tie that will be held on February 19 and 26 next year.”
Respected journalist backs Reds’ under-fire boss
Daily Mirror columnist Ollie Holt has backed Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, despite Sunday’s humbling loss at Old Trafford, where the crowd taunted him with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning.”
Holt said: “The Liverpool side that lost to United yesterday was not a side that capitulated tamely. It was not a side that had lost faith in its manager. It was not a team that had given up.
“It was a team lacking in confidence, a team that created seven clear chances but failed to take any of them. Rodgers has earned the right to a little tolerance. He has earned the right to be given time to turn things around.”
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