Soccer

Brendan Rodgers: English sides need support for Europe

Liverpool manager calls on authorities to make allowances for teams playing in continental competitions

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers during a press conference at Melwood, Liverpool, ahead of his side’s Europa League game against FC Sion. Photograph: PA.

Wed Sep 30 2015 - 23:05

Europa League Group B

Liverpool v FC Sion

Anfield, 8.05pm

BT Sport Europe and Setanta

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Brendan Rodgers believes a lack of support from England's soccer authorities, more domestic cup ties and the intensity of the Premier League are to blame for the declining fortunes of English teams in Europe.

The prospect of the Premier League losing its fourth Champions League qualifying place has increased after its representatives' dismal start to this season's competition. In total, Premier League teams have lost five of six Champions League group games so far following Arsenal's home defeat to Olympiakos and Chelsea's reverse in Porto on Tuesday.

Liverpool failed to qualify from the Champions League group stage last season and Rodgers cited Chelsea’s conquerors this week as evidence of the contrasting approach of football associations.

Preparation time

Porto’s league game at Moreirense was moved to last Friday to increase preparation time for Chelsea’s visit, and the Portuguese team have until Sunday’s home game with Belenenses to recover. José Mourinho’s players, by contrast, travelled to Newcastle last Saturday and host Southampton this Saturday.

Rodgers said: “You see Porto last night. Porto played on Friday, they had dispensation to move their game, so that keeps them fresh. I also think the big teams abroad can sometimes win games at 70 per cent and conserve their energy and be fresh. There is no game in the Premier League where you can do that.

"Chelsea will come back and have a tough game at Southampton this weekend. There is no easy game in the Premier League."

The Liverpool manager believes the Premier League and FA could both be more accommodating towards English teams in European competition.

Rodgers will ring the changes for Liverpool’s Europa League tie at home to Sion tonight with Sunday’s visit to Everton in mind.

Jordan Rossiter, who impressed in the 1-1 draw at Bordeaux, is expected to start against the struggling Swiss club. Guardian Service

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