EUROPA: Rodgers Rests Key Players ahead Bordeaux Clash

The losses have left the Merseysiders winless in their last three and the team looks devoid of any attacking verve, while still struggling with the defensive frailties that plagued them last season.

But Lallana, who has been building his fitness and is back available to Brendan Rodgers’ for their clash with Bordeaux on Thursday, is raring to get back on track after another spell on the sidelines. It is not the same Liverpool from 10 years ago.

The young midfielder, who started his career in the youth ranks at Anfield, is well acquainted with the history that his side boasts in European tournaments.

The criticism of Rodgers intensified after Liverpool’s limp 3-1 defeat by Manchester United at the weekend, a game in which the Merseyside club sat back and allowed their archrivals to dominate possession, and the manager said the result was an eye-opener and one he would learn from. It is the pressure which comes with managing a great club.

“So any way we can get into it I’m sure we’re going to try because that’s where we want to be next year.” .

Whether the Europa League appeals to Rogers at the moment is unclear, although it is apparent with the changes in the side that the Reds’ performances in the Premier League over the next fortnight are of utmost importance, if not only for the managers survival. Resting several players which could include James Milner and Christian Benteke.

An area in particular Rodgers needs to improve upon is Liverpool’s defensive line after his side conceded six goals in two matches.

Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure are set to deputise for first-choice centre-back pairing Lovren and Skrtel at the Mamut Stadium tomorrow night while Danny Ings and Divock Origi will likely stake a claim in the absence of Benteke and Daniel Sturridge. That having been said, however, he ought to make his mind fast if he is willing to regain Liverpool’s top seven position in the Premier League. The Belgian has shown his keen ability to score goals and could be a refreshing addition to a goalscoring dry spell.

It was another replacement who would complete the scoring – Jussie feeding Crivelli and continuing his run to lash home the loose ball after Can and Gomez had failed to clear the ball. The skill and composure involved in his goal shouldn’t gloss over the fact that the Liverpool fans are demanding more from the England worldwide .

Dnipro lost 3-2 to Sevilla in last season’s final of the competition. It would be through former Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana that Brendan Rodgers’ side would take the lead in the second half with a quarter of the game to be played.

For Rodgers, the Europa League should be a priority this season.