Monthly Archives: July 2013

Rodgers targeting players to strengthen the Liverpool first team

The Reds acted quickly in the transfer window to bring in four players already, but their manager insists they are still busy identifying potential new signings

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club’s transfer business so far has served to strengthen the squad, but is hoping to add more players that can slot into the starting line-up.

The Reds have already brought in Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure since the transfer window opened, but missed out to Borussia Dortmund on rumoured target Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Rodgers insists there is still plenty of work going on in order to identify targets, telling the club’s official website: “Our recruitment team are doing a great job behind the scenes in compiling lists of players that we can afford and might be available for us.

“What we’ve done in the early part of the summer is to improve the squad. That’s something I feel we’ve done with the players we’ve brought in.

“Now what’s important over the next three to five weeks is improving the team. That’s something the club is working very hard at.

“I’m sure by the time the end of August comes we’ll be ready and we’ll have a terrific squad ready to challenge.”

The Reds begin their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Preston North End on Saturday, and Rodgers is looking forward to getting a look at his new signings in action.

“There’s every chance. All of the players are working here,” he said. “If they are all well and fit then they will travel for the game on Saturday.

“Simon Mignolet will play, of course; Aspas, Luis Alberto and Kolo Toure – they will all get a run-out.”

Liverpool new-boy Mignolet expects to play

The keeper played every minute of Sunderland’s campaign last year but faces a fight with Pepe Reina for the Anfield club’s No.1 jersey

Simon Mignolet has warned Pepe Reina that he has not joined Liverpool to sit on the bench, and expects to be played this season.

The 25-year-old moved to Anfield from Sunderland for a reported £9 million fee in June and has signed a long-term deal with Brendan Rodgers’ side after playing every minute of Sunderland’s Premier League campaign last term.

Mignolet will now compete for the No.1 shirt with Spaniard Reina, who has missed just 20 league games for Liverpool in eight seasons with the club and affirmed his determination to become first choice.

“I’m not here to be sitting and resting. I’m here to come and progress, and play,” he said.

“The only thing I can do is train hard, show the manager that I’m ready for it and in the games when I get my chance I have to be there and be ready.

“Competition is something I have had at every single club.

“It’s a challenge that can make you better and stronger and I will just try and do my best.”

Mignolet has 13 Belgium caps to his name and impressed last season, despite Sunderland’s battle against relegation, keeping 11 clean sheets in 38 appearances.

Suarez can win more trophies with Liverpool than Arsenal, insists Kolo Toure

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