Before our match against a Malaysian XI on Friday, Brendan Rodgers, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Ian Ayre answered questions to a packed press conference.
Immediately, the manager was asked about Christian Benteke’s supposedly imminent arrival – but he refused to be drawn on speculation – and backhanded it.
Rodgers on Benteke: “There’s no update on that.”
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 22, 2015
James Pearce from the Liverpool Echo was live tweeting the blog, choosing Rodgers’ best quotes to include. The manager was then asked about Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool future – but again – was non-responsive.
Rodgers on @FinallyMario : “Mario is obviously not on this tour but he’s working hard and training hard at Melwood to get back fit.” — James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 22, 2015
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As expected, the reporters continued to badger the boss about potential incomings and outgoings – and in blunt tones – Rodgers assured them he’d only discuss those currently on tour.
Rodgers: “I’m only interested in talking about players that I currently have here. Not about players coming in, or going out.”
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 22, 2015
Rodgers: “I’m very happy with players we have brought in.We had to bring in quality & players with ambition and I believe we have done that” — James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 22, 2015
Jordan Henderson was also quizzed about his awarded captaincy, and mentioned the pride the armband gives him.
Henderson: “Learning from such a leader as Steven Gerrard and such a role model has helped me a lot to lead this football club.” #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 22, 2015
James Milner similarly praised his new club, and what it means to him to pull on the red shirt.
Milner: “Liverpool is a club that expects to win and that’s the kind of pressure you want to play under as a player.” — James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 22, 2015
There were no very real interesting quotes all in all, with the PR trained players answering questions as they’ve been taught – while Rodgers was in bullish mood – which we actually pretty enjoyed.