Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has urged his “world-class” players to defy the odds when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday.The Reds welcome host the European Cup-holders to Merseyside on the back of a mixed start to their English Premier League campaign.Liverpool have so far struggled in both domestic and continental competition this term, having played in thrilling fashion to finish runners-up in the Premier League last season.Rodgers has publicly admitted Liverpool have “stalled” since striker Luis Suarez, who scored 31 goals last term, left to join Real’s fellow Spanish giants Barcelona for a reported £75 million ($125 million, 95 million euros) in July.Liverpool laboured to a 2-1 home win over Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad in their opening Champions League fixture and lost 1-0 away to Swiss side Basel in their second Group B clash. Continue..
However, Rodgers said Tuesday his players would relish the chance to face Real Madrid on their own turf despite the stuttering start they have made to the season.“Of course we are looking forward to facing Real Madrid, but also I have some world-class players,” Rodgers told a news conference.“This group lift themselves for the big games,” the Northern Irishman added.“We haven’t got to the levels of last season for whatever reason but I’m confident, with the great competitors we have, the team will rise to the standards set by playing Real Madrid.“For me coming into the competition we knew our home games would be important.“What people haven’t seen is that while we’ve been building a style of football it’s been underpinned by character and spirit.“We’re going to need that. If we can do that at home here, it’s another step to qualifying out of the group.”
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