Liverpool’s Coutinho calls for calm ahead of Bordeaux clash

Bordeaux coach Willy Sagnol, whose side have had a similar start to Liverpool in their opening five matches, is taking nothing for granted despite Liverpool’s weakened squad.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has rested a host of star names ahead of Sunday’s home league clash with Norwich City but Lallana insists the Europa League is being treated seriously by the Reds.

Rodgers’ European wrap sheet is not a something the 42-year old would be proud of. And as teams across the continent-especially Spanish ones-have shown, a deep, well-managed club absolutely can compete both domestically and in Europa League.

Liverpool slumped to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at the weekend, which has taken the gloss off the Merseyside club’s campaign start.

“That’s something that we’ll really focus on, creating a way which allows the players and talents that we have to express themselves”. Resting several players which could include James Milner and Christian Benteke. Now that Sterling and Suarez have gone and Sturridge is injured, they have been replaced with players without the same electricity who come to the ball.

Liverpool are looking to offer Mamadou Sakho a new contract.

McManaman has criticised the view that the Europa League causes more hassle than it’s worth due to the extra games and, at times, lengthy travelling. You have to make people feel they are playing in positions they are happy to play in and Liverpool haven’t got that right now.

The Bordeaux match will also give Brendan Rodgers a chance to rethink his formation and tactic selection. “We know it’s going to be hard but we’ve got the players here to definitely believe we can get through”.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said this week that Borussia Dortmund “belong” in the Champions League but Thomas Tuchel’s side are in the Europa League this season. Liverpool, of all clubs, can’t complain about lacking resources to field a team capable of fighting on multiple fronts.

Anfield is hungry for silverware and European success.

If Liverpool’s unravelling as a domestic force has been rapid, then their fall from grace in Europe represents a slow demise already underway before Rodgers came to Anfield.

We don’t see things getting much better any time soon, either…