Rodgers on Suarez, transfers and more
Brendan Rodgers has given an insight into the latest on Luis Suarez and the decision to have the Uruguayan train alone.
The boss was speaking at a press conference in Ireland alongside Celtic counterpart Neil Lennon to preview Saturday's @dublindecider against the SPL side - which you can watch live on LFCTV Online from 4pm BST.
Most of the questions directed at Rodgers were once again about Suarez.
Asked for an update on the mindset of the 26-year-old and how long he could train alone, the Northern Irishman said: "Obviously Luis is training on his own at the moment and he understands totally where we're coming from.
"We're in no great rush, to be honest. I needed to make a decision in terms of the wellbeing of the group. The training through pre-season has been absolutely magnificent. The mentality of the players. I just couldn't afford to break that.
"But when the time comes, we'll come in and speak and once he's ready to train how he's always done we'll put him back in the group.
"It's been a difficult period for him but it's my job to protect the group and the football club. Once he's back in line with the spirit that everyone knows of him, and the commitment, then he'll rejoin the group.
"It's obviously been a difficult few days for him but he knows where we stand as a football club."
Liverpool's principal owner, John W Henry, insisted last night that the No.7 would not be sold to either Arsenal - who have lodged two official bids - or a team from outside England before the end of the transfer window.
Rodgers added: "We're quite calm. The club is in control of the situation.
"The ownership have been brilliant. They've been quite adamant and clear and have supported our intention of wanting to keep him.
"Luis has got three years left of his contract and he's a player we don't want to sell. He's a player who's valued very highly around the world and someone who we made a conscious effort last season to build the team around - and he had a fantastic season.
"We've got no inclination to sell and we've been strong on that point, and we'll continue to be. And especially to a team that is a rival to us.
"We don't feel like we're fighting a losing battle. He's a contracted player for Liverpool and I'm fairly confident he'll remain that.
"Luis, since I've known him, has fought for his life for Liverpool. There will come a point where he'll recognise the club is not going to sell and, from what I know about him, once that time comes and he has his head around it, then the minute he goes onto the training field and the pitch, he gives nothing less than 100 per cent.
"That's why it's difficult in this moment, because that's not the point where he is at. That commitment that I've seen every day and the Liverpool supporters have seen is not quite there yet, but I've got every confidence that once he's fit and available then he'll be giving everything.
"This guy's a world-class striker. His passion and love for football - he's at his happiest when he's on the training field and playing games. I have absolutely no question that once he's back and available for games, you'll see a similar impact [to last season]."
Away from Suarez, Rodgers was asked if there was any truth in rumours regarding incoming players.
"There's nothing in terms of players to add," he said. "We obviously signed players early on and we hope we can do some more before the window closes but there's nothing imminent."
The story of the day from a club perspective was the decision to appoint Daniel Agger as vice-captain.
Rodgers was quizzed on this and how the Dane compared with his predecessor, Jamie Carragher.
"It was fairly easy. We've got some terrific characters in the team and in the squad, but I was particularly looking at him in the off season. He's been at the club a number of years, he's an international captain in his own right and he's very well respected among the supporters.
"Ultimately he's very well respected among his players, his peers. Losing someone like Jamie Carragher, it was important that I took my time on the decision.
"They are totally different characters but he [Agger] is very proud to be at Liverpool. I've found him, from our first conversations, true to his word. We've had a number of offers for him since I've been at the club and his commitment is unswerving towards Liverpool.
"That gave me great faith, and when I spoke to him he was honoured to be offered the vice-captain's job."
Rodgers has brought a 22-man squad to Dublin for the final friendly of the pre-season, with Daniel Sturridge included for the first time after an ankle injury.
"He's had a good few weeks with the medical and sports science teams and he's rejoined the group in the last week or so," said Rodgers. "He looks very good and very strong.
"He's not up to starting a game yet but he'll have some involvement in the game tomorrow. That's great news because I believe he'll be one of the top strikers in the Barclays Premier League this year."
For more information about our clash versus Celtic, follow @dublindecider. To find out what else is going on in Dublin while Liverpool are over in Ireland, visit www.thegatheringireland.com.