Rodgers on Gerrard contract latest

The Reds boss confirmed discussions are ongoing between the Reds and the captain's representatives about extending his Anfield career, but believes the 34-year-old has fully earned the right to take his time on the decision.

Rodgers told reporters at Melwood: "Firstly, in terms of where it is at with the club, the latest is that with Steven, his representatives and the club, he has been offered a contract here.

"At this moment in time, that's where it's at. I think Steven, for everything he's done here in the period of time he's been here - 16 years - is a man that deserves the utmost respect and should be given that time to consider it.

"It's a big move, not just in his life in terms of committing where his next contract is going to be, and he needs to be given that time and respect to look at that.

"There's certainly one thing it won't be - and there are probably many things Steven will have to think about in a decision like this - but it certainly won't be money. I've spoken to him enough times and at length, and that won't be the case. Between now and the end of the season, he deserves that opportunity to have a think of where it's at.

"One thing is clear, I love working with Steven Gerrard. He's arguably the best player to have played in the Premier League. I have enjoyed every single minute of working with him here and I hope that continues, but I need to give him the opportunity to think for as long as it takes in order to decide what he wants to do next.

"I saw some things yesterday which were unfortunate in terms of a rift between he and I, but if there are two words that would describe our relationship they'd be 'honest' and 'respect'.

"He's been an outstanding player over his time, and in my time here - two-and-a-half years - he's been absolutely brilliant. He's at the stage of his career where it's not so much the number of games he plays now, it's about the level of the game - and that's something I'll always work with him and we'll look at."

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Gerrard was named on the substitutes' bench for Saturday's 1-0 victory over Stoke City at Anfield, before entering the action as a 75^th minute substitute.

Rodgers admits he'll continue to work with the No.8 to ensure he's able to perform at peak level.

"No matter how good a player has been, once they're coming towards those final years of their career, then of course as a manager, you're having to taper that in where you think you can get the best out of the player," he explained.

"Everyone knows Steven's history here at the football club - and what a player he's been and still is. I see the talent every day and I just need to manage that and put it into the games where I think it can be the most effective.

"He's still a wonderful player. I'm sitting here talking about a player that has still got world-class talent, but of course, when you get that little bit older and maybe physically it's not quite the same, you have to manage that. That's just purely the case of where we're at.

"I think Steven, in terms of what he's done here, deserves that amount of respect and when he plays, he gets the chance to play and focus on playing.

"Of course, every player wants to play in every single game, but his focus has always been about the team and for Liverpool. That's something that he and I speak about and will continue to do so."

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Meanwhile, reporters at Melwood quizzed Rodgers for an update on the future of Glen Johnson, whose late goal secured the three points for Liverpool against Stoke.

He replied: "For Glen, there were discussions between the club and his representatives towards the end of last season and in the summer - and that's something that is between them, really. How far down the line that is at this moment in time, I'm not so sure.

"I had a conversation with Glen only the other week and said irrespective of where it is at, it's in the best interests of him just to keep his focus, his concentration and keep working well. In fairness to him, there haven't been too many times in my time here when he hasn't played, apart from injury, and he's been first class.

"His goal at the weekend probably typified that - his commitment to the team and the cause in terms of what we're doing.

"He showed great courage to get in and get his goal. It's something that'll be between the club and his representatives."