Reds boss not overly concerned about losing talisman.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that the club has a bright future despite crashing out of Europe this week and the departure of Steven Gerrard draws ever nearer, The Sun reports.
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Rodgers highlighted the high standard of young players forcing their way into the first team at the moment as the cause for his optimism – something that could be tested this weekend as they take on title contenders Manchester City.
With Steven Gerrard missing there is a belief that the side aren’t functioning the way they should, but this week’s penalty defeat to Besiktas is the club’s only loss in Gerrard’s absence as they picked up wins over the Turkish giants in the first leg as well as Crystal Palace, Southampton.
Gerrard’s move to MLS big guns LA Galaxy is fast approaching, but the manager doesn’t feel the side are as reliant on him now as they once were.
“Steven is still a big influence in big games. But by the same token, you have to prepare the team going forward.
“It is clear, if you look around the squad, there are a lot of young exciting talents. Stevie’s still a wonderful player but we have a lot of young talented players who want to step up to the mark.”