11 January 2014

BRENDAN RODGERS: Victor Moses Not Leaving Liverpool Now


Liverpool’s manager said he was surprised to read in several newspapers of Chelsea’s alleged concern that Moses has not been playing enough.

The 23-year-old winger moved from Stamford Bridge to Anfield on a season’s loan in September, but has made just one Premier League start since the end of October.

Moses did start last Sunday’s 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Oldham, but was replaced at half-time.

Reports suggested that Chelsea were so unhappy about this that they were prepared to block any attempt by Rodgers to sign left-back Ryan Bertrand in January, either on loan or permanently.


But the Liverpool manager, who worked as manager first of Chelsea’s youth team and then the reserves during Jose Mourinho’s previous spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, insists there is no rift.

Rodgers said he maintained a close working relationship with Chelsea’s assistant first-team coach Eddie Newton, whose responsibility it is to monitor the progress of the players Mourinho sends out on loan.

“I was surprised to see the reports,” Rodgers said. “That was surprising, considering I’ve got regular dialogue with Chelsea.

“I know Eddie Newton. Eddie goes out and assesses the loan players. I saw Eddie only last weekend, before the game [against Oldham]. I’ve got contact with him. We speak openly about his development.

“In fairness to Victor, he got taken off during the weekend’s game, but his reaction has been outstanding. We’ve spoken clearly about the demands and expectation at a big club, and what’s needed. And his talent hasn’t gone away.

“He’s still very much a part of the squad here. He’s very happy here. Of course, every player wants to play more, but he’s obviously learning, as he’s done at Chelsea, the demands of being at a big club.

“I’m very happy he’s here, and I’m sure he’ll have a big contribution to make over the second half of the season.”

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