411 FOOTBALL

Wenger Looks at the Big Picture, Makes a move for Wonderkid...

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<br /><br />Arsenal has had a bid for Polish 17 year-old youngster, Krystian Bielik, rejected by Legia Warsaw. The bid was believed to have been £1.6 million.<br /><br />Arsene Wenger has been tracking Bielik for quite some time now and this isn’t the first time Arsenal have been linked with him.<br /><br />Bielik stands at 6 feet 2 inches and can play central defense and defensive midfield. Both are positions of need although at his young age, its unlikely that Bielik would fill those two voids immediately.<br /> <br /><br />Legia Warsaw only recently purchased Beilik last year but they have shown willingness too sell and are believed to be holding out for £2.5 million, with Roma apparently showing interest as well.<span style="color: #373737; font-family: Droid Sans, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><img src="http://cache1.asset-cache.net/gc/455543550.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7Qa4HEx7CKRa2HNXyRO%2bte8XN6ewPYutxW1WJUiLoYtlTRyCMbFQGQeSYYV9MFSi63c%2fmfZogviYvZpJQK%2fz2wx4%3d" /></span></span></div>
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Wenger, for his part, seems intent on bringing Bielik to the club, having already brought Bielik to Arsenal during the Christmas period for a tour of the club’s facilities. Warsaw gave Arsenal permission to do this and rejected a €1.5 million bid at the time.<br /><br />Beilik is definitely one for the future and would be a good signing. Yes, this is a stereotypical Wenger signing in the sense that Arsenal have immediate needs so he goes out and signs a teenager.<br /><br />But at the same time, Arsenal seem to be lacking in youngsters at both center back and defensive mid, who have potential to break into the first team. Bielik could be that player that Arsenal so often rely on to break through to the first team and make an impact.

Wenger Looks at the Big Picture, Makes a move for Wonderkid...

Arsenal has had a bid for Polish 17 year-old youngster, Krystian Bielik, rejected by Legia Warsaw. The bid was believed to have been ...

AGREED – Arsenal Seal Deal for Star Midfielder

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<br /><br />Arsenal men’s team needs more quality players in the squad but for now the Ladies have secured a long term significant deal.<br /><br />Gunners have <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150105/jordan-nobbs-agrees-new-long-term-deal">agreed</a> a new long term deal with star midfielder Jordan Nobbs.<br /><br />The 22 year old England international is a goalscoring midfielder who has netted 20 goals in 46 league games for the Gunners.<br /><br />With her long term deal secured, Arsenal ladies surely be stronger with her peak years ahead.<br /><br />Manager Pedro Martinez expressed his sheer delight after sealing the deal and praised Jordan for her character and talent. <span style="text-align: center;">Jordan herself is excited and claimed:  </span></div>
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AGREED – Arsenal Seal Deal for Star Midfielder

Arsenal men’s team needs more quality players in the squad but for now the Ladies have secured a long term significant deal. Gunners ha...

Liverpool youngster Jack Dunn hoping to impress on Cheltenham loan..

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<br /><br />Liverpool loanee Jack Dunn believes he will take big steps forward with Cheltenham Town after making a scoring debut for the League Two side.<br /><br />The striker who has learned from Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Luis Suarez will hopefully take his experience with the Reds into the lower leagues and help fire Cheltenham into the play offs.<br /><br />Dunn, who is an England youth international having played at U-17, U-18 and U-19 level is hoping that playing in the men’s game now will benefit him in the long run with his loan deal expiring at the end of the season. The 19 year-old is highly thought of at Melwood training ground where Brendan Rodgers eyes the talent in his squad and Dunn is now hoping to reproduce the same display when putting a Robins shirt on this weekend.<br /><br />“I couldn’t have thought of anything better to start the new year to get a goal and a win,” <a href="http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Dunn-happy-step-Cheltenham/story-25810685-detail/story.html">Dunn said.</a><br /><br />“To come from Liverpool to get a new challenge in the Football League playing against men is great. It’s what I need for the next stage of my development.<br /><br />“I’ve been playing Under-21 football for a few years and I’m only going to gain experience from being here. Getting as many games as I can is only going to benefit me going back to Liverpool.<br /><br />“There is a lot more experience and know how in the defenders in this league and that will take some getting used to.”<br /><br />Dunn is hoping that his loan spell can see him earn a place on the pre-season tour next year where youth players are normally given a chance. And he admits that from learning and watching the likes of Reds legends Owen and Fowler, he couldn’t be in a better position starting this year.<br /><br />He added: “I’ve been lucky enough to watch Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and Luis Suarez play for Liverpool and I like to take a bit from each of those players and put it into my game. “Robbie comes down and trains with us, he’s spoken to me a lot during that time and you can’t really learn from someone better than that.”

Liverpool youngster Jack Dunn hoping to impress on Cheltenham loan..

Liverpool loanee Jack Dunn believes he will take big steps forward with Cheltenham Town after making a scoring debut for the League Two ...

Manchester United to Finally Sign €44.5m Superstar

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<br /><br />Arsenal’s defensive concerns are huge and they may have to deal with a massive blow as they might lose out to Manchester United as far as signing top defender is concerned.<br /><br />The Red Devils have been after one of the best defenders in the world Mats Hummels since last summer.<br /><br />Now, it looks highly likely that Manchester United will finally sign the German international after submitting a <a href="http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/418780/Manchester-United-make-bid-for-Mats-Hummels">bid</a> for the World Cup winner.<br /><br />As per the above given link, the bid is believed to be around a mammoth €44.5m. Dortmund should not really reject that huge an offer knowing that sooner rather than later, he will leave.<br /><br />However, not to forget, Hummels is their captain and might want to help the team out of relegation battle and strive for CL glory and then think about moving in summer.<br /><br />We shall see how the saga unfolds but Hummels surely is the man to solve United’s defensive concerns with his leadership and the fans will be over the moon if United can secure his signature. Hummels has himself expressed his desire to join Manchester United and that makes the Red Devils all the more favorites to land him.<br /><br />Dortmund are set to lose more key players with United also interested in Gundogan and Marco Reus heavily linked away from the German club as well.<br /><br />Klopp will have a massive headache if his captain opts to leave in this transfer window. Meanwhile, Arsenal will have to look elsewhere to solve their defensive dilemma.

Manchester United to Finally Sign €44.5m Superstar

Arsenal’s defensive concerns are huge and they may have to deal with a massive blow as they might lose out to Manchester United as far a...

Napoli seal deals for Strinic and Gabbiadini...

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Napoli have completed the signings of Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini and Dnipro defender Ivan Strinic.<br />
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Gabbiadini, 23, passed a medical at the weekend and put pen to paper on a contract with the Naples club on Monday. <br />
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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis hinted last month that a deal was on the cards and the Italy international has now sealed his switch from the Serie A rivals. <br />
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Gabbiadini has scored seven goals in 13 Serie A matches this season, including four in his last four games in all competitions.<br />
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Strinic, 27, confirmed last month that he was set to move to Naples and the left-back's deal was also announced on Monday.<br />
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The Croatia international has spent four years with Ukrainian side Dnipro and could be in contention to face Cesena on Tuesday.<br />
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Gabbiadini, who was greeted by up to 1,000 fans at Naples airport on Sunday, could make his Napoli bow against champions Juventus on Saturday as he is suspended.

Napoli seal deals for Strinic and Gabbiadini...

Napoli have completed the signings of Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini and Dnipro defender Ivan Strinic. Gabbiadini, 23, passed a m...

Steven Gerrard quits: Relive five Of The Liverpool Skipper’s Greatest Moments For Reds..

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<br /><br />Manchester United piledriver (March 2001)<br /><br />Gerrard has scored nine goals against Manchester United in his career, continuing to haunt them as recently as March when his two penalties helped Liverpool to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford. But the pick of his goals against United was surely the long-range effort that beat Fabien Barthez at Anfield in March 2001. The win completed the first double that Liverpool had achieved over their great rivals in 22 years with Gerrard’s opener setting them on their way to a 2-0 victory. There was a memorable celebration too as the midfielder dived towards to the corner flag and it was to go on to be a successful year for the club as they won no fewer than five trophies in that calendar year.<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Antenna, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="Gerrard celebrating after the UEFA Champions League final triumph in 2005." src="http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2015/01/02/1227173/100475-3fa9f178-9266-11e4-a068-35e4e5c4fad4.jpg" /></span></span></div>
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<br /><br />Olympiakos beauty (December 2004)<br /><br />With Liverpool seemingly set for a group-stage exit from the Champions League at the hands of Rivaldo’s Olympiakos in December 2004, Neil Mellor’s late goal put Liverpool within a solitary strike of progressing to the knockout stages. Enter Gerrard with a sweetly-struck shot from distance that sent the Kop into wild celebrations. It was a wonderful Anfield moment in itself but one that will go into folklore given the significance of what was to come as Liverpool went on to become champions of Europe for a fifth time later that season.<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Antenna, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="Gerrard and Jamie Carragher celebrating after the Champions League final in 2005" src="http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2015/01/02/1227173/099468-cae23de8-9263-11e4-a068-35e4e5c4fad4.jpg" /></span></span></div>
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<br /><br />Miracle of Istanbul (May 2005)<br /><br />The performance with which he will forever be associated, Gerrard’s greatest moment in a Liverpool shirt is also arguably the most famous night in the club’s history. With the Reds 3-0 down to the mighty AC Milan at half time, Gerrard helped orchestrate a comeback for the ages – reducing the deficit with a header before winning a penalty that led to Xabi Alonso levelling things up. Gerrard went on to lift the trophy – describing it as the “best feeling ever” – following a remarkable shootout to complete a miraculous night under the lights in Istanbul.<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Antenna, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="Gerrard shoots and scores his sides third goal during the FA Cup Final in 2006." src="http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2015/01/02/1227173/099994-df10fe0a-9266-11e4-a068-35e4e5c4fad4.jpg" /></span></span></div>
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<br /><br />FA Cup hero (May 2006)<br /><br />Twelve months on from one famous 3-3, there was another to enjoy as Gerrard added another chapter to his own legend with a sensational solo performance to drag Liverpool over the line in the FA Cup final against West Ham in Cardiff. The Hammers were 2-0 up when Gerrard set up Djibril Cisse before equalising himself only for Alan Pardew’s side to take the lead once more. West Ham were seconds away from a sensational win when a tiring Gerrard fired home from long range to beat Shaka Hislop. Liverpool’s hero later netted his penalty in the shootout as the Reds won the trophy in typically dramatic circumstances.<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Antenna, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="Gerrard celebrating after the UEFA Champions League final triumph in 2005." src="http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2015/01/02/1227173/100475-3fa9f178-9266-11e4-a068-35e4e5c4fad4.jpg" /></span></span></div>
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<br /><br />Derby day hat-trick (March 2012)<br /><br />On the tenth anniversary of David Moyes’ time in charge of Everton, it was Anfield’s hero who stole the show. Gerrard went into the game having not scored in seven games for club and country, but Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish had him fired up for the Merseyside derby and the captain scored all the goals in a 3-0 home win. The first was a smart finish to lift the ball over goalkeeper Tim Howard, the second was thumped in to the delight of the Kop and a hat-trick goal was found in the dying moments to cap a virtuoso performance.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Steven Gerrard quits: Relive five Of The Liverpool Skipper’s Greatest Moments For Reds..

FOLLOWING confirmation Steven Gerrard will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, it’s a time to reflect on his remarkable career at Anf...

Steven Gerrard quits: Liverpool Announces He’s leaving Anfield At End Of 2014-15 Season..

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<br /><br />IT’S official. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will leave his beloved boyhood club at the end of the current Premier League season.<br /><br />The Reds are the only club the 34-year-old has ever played for, starting out in the youth team in 1987 before going on to play for the senior side for 17 seasons, 11 of captain, making 695 apperances and scoring 180 goals.<br /><br />“This has been the toughest decision of my life and one which both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time,” Gerrard said in a statement.<br /><br />“I am making the announcement now so that the manager and the team are not distracted by stories or speculation about my future</div>
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<br /><br />“Liverpool Football Club has been such a huge part of all our lives for so long and saying goodbye is going to be difficult, but I feel it’s something that’s in the best interests of all involved, including my family and the club itself.”<br /><br />Gerrard was rumoured to be joining Major League Soccer in the US, but refused to speculate exactly where he will end up next. He could only confirm it will probably not be a club in the EPL.<br /><br />“I’m going to carry on playing and although I can’t confirm at this stage where that will be, I can say it will be somewhere that means I won’t be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool - that is something I could never contemplate,” Gerrard said.<br /><br />“My decision is completely based on my wish to experience something different in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over.”<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Antenna, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="Gerrard in May 2005 celebrating after a 3-2 victory over AC Milan in the final of the 200" src="http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2015/01/02/1227173/070984-f3d26fd6-9261-11e4-a068-35e4e5c4fad4.jpg" /></span></span></div>
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<br /><br />Gerrard’s impressive resume of achievements has one massive omission - an elusive EPL title. Liverpool came agonisingly close last season, but in the crucial final games, the Reds were unable to finish the job.<br /><br />“I can’t thank Brendan [Rodgers], the owners and everyone at the club enough for how they’ve handled this and I am leaving on great terms. Also, I would like to thank my teammates and all the staff for their help and continued support,” Gerrard said.<br /><br />“It is a very special place to be part of. It is my sincere hope and wish that one day I can return to serve Liverpool again, in whatever capacity best helps the club.<br /><br />“One point that is important to make is that from now until the last kick of the last game of the season, I will be as fully committed to the team as I ever have been and giving everything I have to help Liverpool win games.”<br /><br />He will play 18 more EPL games for the Reds before the end of the season.<br /><br />“My final message is for the people who make Liverpool Football Club the greatest in the world - the supporters,” Gerrard said.<br /><br />“It has been a privilege to represent you, as a player and as captain. I have cherished every second of it and it is my sincere wish to finish this season and my Liverpool career on a high.”

Steven Gerrard quits: Liverpool Announces He’s leaving Anfield At End Of 2014-15 Season..

IT’S official. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will leave his beloved boyhood club at the end of the current Premier ...

Lukas Podolski In Milan To Sign With Inter After Unhappy Arsenal Stint..

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GERMAN World Cup winner Lukas Podolski arrived in Milan today where he was poised to sign a loan deal with Inter after being frozen out by Arsenal.</div>
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The 29-year-old has become increasingly frustrated at his lack of playing time with the English Premier League side.</div>
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Podolski was pictured on the Inter website brandishing a blue and black club scarf on his arrival in the Italian city.</div>
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His move to Italy comes despite Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Tuesday describing Inter’s interest as “a joke”.</div>
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Podolski, who moved to Arsenal from Cologne in 2012, is due to undergo a medical on Saturday and could make his debut against champions Juventus on Tuesday.</div>
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He has scored 31 goals for the Gunners but has yet to start a Premier League match this season.</div>
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Reports on the morning of Thursday’s game at Southampton, which Arsenal lost 2-0, claimed Podolski had stormed out of training session in frustration at being repeatedly omitted from Wenger’s starting line-up.</div>
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The Germany international took to social media to deny a bust-up and Wenger insisted Podolski was absent from his squad because of a groin injury.</div>
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But Wenger did admit the player could be allowed to leave for Inter if the Serie A club improved on their first offer for the player.</div>
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“Look, the first proposal (from Inter) was farcical. After they come back a bit more serious then we will see what happens,” Wenger said.</div>
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Asked if a move was inevitable, he added: “Inevitable in a transfer is very difficult to say but we’ll see what happens.” <span style="color: #262626; font-family: Antenna, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5;">   </span></div>
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Lukas Podolski In Milan To Sign With Inter After Unhappy Arsenal Stint..

GERMAN World Cup winner Lukas Podolski arrived in Milan today where he was poised to sign a loan deal with Inter after being fro...

Mourinho Tells Owner Of Chelsea To Sign £19m German Star

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<img alt="Jose Mourinho Chelsea" height="250" src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Jose-Mourinho-Chelsea.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6056003570557px; text-align: start;">Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has requested Roman Abramovich brings in Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus.</span><br />
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Mourinho wants Blues owner Abramovich to see off other prospective suitors in the chase for the 25 year old German international, who is apparently available for €25m (£19m) and seems likely to leave his Westfalenstadion side after their shocking start to the Bundesliga season.<br />
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Man City and Real Madrid are also keen on the attacker but Mourinho hopes his west London side wins the race for the former Borussia Monchengladbach man.<br />
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Reus has proven a big success at Dortmund, betting 47 goals in 99 apperances, but with Jurgen Klopp’s side sat in the relegation zone it’s entirely plausible that he could leave this month.<br />
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Mourinho may see Reus as a superior option to Willian as part of his three man creative attack behind Diego Costa, with Oscar and Eden Hazard regulars in the other spots.

Mourinho Tells Owner Of Chelsea To Sign £19m German Star

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has requested Roman Abramovich brings in Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus. Mourinho wants Blues owner Ab...

Liverpool May Not Buy Any Players In This January Transfer Window

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<img alt="Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers prior to the Barclays Premier League match at Selhurst Park." src="http://i1.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article8169626.ece/alternates/s615/JS51510752.jpg" /></div>
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Calls have been made for Brendan Rodgers to strengthen his squad but it is unlikely too much money will be spent.<br />
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers does not expect to be particularly active in the transfer window and will put his faith in the raft of signings he made in the summer.<br />
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Despite concerns over form at either ends of the pitch the Reds boss is unlikely, to be looking to rectify either when the market reopens today.<br />
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Rodgers will have striker Daniel Sturridge fit again by the middle of this month and fellow forward Mario Balotelli will almost certainly see out the season despite his disappointing performances – having not scored a Premier League goal since his £16million move from AC Milan – meaning he will be on the bench for most of the second half of the season.<br />
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When asked about what business he may do in the coming weeks, Rodgers said: “My first look is always within and I still think we have players who can do that.<br />
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“There won’t be a lot of activity, if any, in January.<br />
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“I don’t think it is a good time to spend. Last year we never brought anyone in.<br />
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“The beauty of our owners is they will always back what it is we want to do and if there was something there we felt would improve us for the short-term and longer term we would do that, but I am happy with how the group is progressing.<br />
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“We brought in a lot of players (in the summer) who we felt could develop and they are starting to adapt.<br />
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“My job is to coach and manage the players here and maximise that talent.<br />
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“Years ago players were given time to come into a club and settle and now they are getting judged after one or two days.<br />
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“It is so difficult. It is not going to be one or two months (to adapt) and we have also brought in young players. I can understand that but it is never that easy for supporters and other people to understand.<br />
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“We brought them here because they are very good players, we feel they can contribute now and for the future, and you can see with the work, settling in period and coaching we will see progress being made over the next couple of years.<br />
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“Unless it was something that would significantly improve us then I don’t want to stockpile players.”<br />
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Monday’s victory over Swansea was the first time Liverpool had scored four in a match since March, but none of the goals were scored by a player who could be classed as a genuine forward.<br />
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It is an area where the team has struggled this season in the absence of Sturridge, who has not featured since August 31 and is still undergoing rehabilitation in the United States, but Rodgers believes the return of the England international will make a difference.<br />
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“Sturridge is coming back into the country early January to finalise his rehab and the middle to end (of the month) he will be available to play,” added Rodgers.<br />
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The Reds boss also denied the position of Balotelli, facing a long spell on the bench, had become untenable.<br />
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“I don’t see that. The team functions in a certain way, and we need a certain profile of player to make it work but he is still a player who has a contribution to make,” he said.<br />
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“He is working hard because he wants to be the best he can be and whether he starts a game or from the bench we will look for a contribution from him.”<br />
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Despite a number of false dawns the win over Swansea, securing back-to-back league victories for only the third time this season, has been seen as a potential turning point.<br />
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As Liverpool head into the new year – a period 12 months ago when results went into overdrive as they mounted an unlikely title challenge – Rodgers is looking for another upturn.<br />
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“It has been another year of progress,” he said ahead of the visit of struggling Leicester.<br />
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“I know since the start of the season it hasn’t been as good as we want but over the course of 2014 we have made significant strides forward.<br />
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“If you look at the points over the course of this year, only Manchester City and Chelsea are above us on 88 (Liverpool recorded 76).<br />
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The Reds boss added: “Despite the start to this season we have made good progress and I have been pleased, but we have work to do.”

Liverpool May Not Buy Any Players In This January Transfer Window

Calls have been made for Brendan Rodgers to strengthen his squad but it is unlikely too much money will be spent. Liverpool manager ...

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