LIVERPOOL FC defender Martin Skrtel has aired his frustrations at being benched by Brendan Rodgers in recent weeks.
Skrtel has been a near ever-present for the Liverpool first team over the last few seasons, winning player of the season last year, but has recently found himself back on the bench as Jamie Carragher has become first choice partner to Daniel Agger.
Speaking to Denik Sport, Skrtel feels hard done by.
“It all happened after our match with Manchester United in the middle of January. Before that match we had won twice 3-0 in the league – at QPR and at home we beat Sunderland,” he said.
“In Manchester we lost 2-1 but I think that particularly in the second half we played very well. Moreover, a lot of sources gave me a good rating. But he [Rodgers] told me we had lost the organisation of play in the defensive line and that this would be the reason why I would not play in the following matches.
“I don’t know which fixtures he spoke about because we had kept a clean sheet twice in a row and won both matches. Also, we did not disappoint in the game against United.
“He [Rodgers] selects the line-up and picks the players who will be on the pitch. At the moment I’m not among the first 11. It makes me sad but the coach has decided this and I have to respect it.
“I have to wait, what else can I do?”
Asked whether he had spoken with Rodgers’ regarding losing his place, he said, “Yes, we have but it is not ideal. He told me something on this, gave me some explanation, but it’s hard to tell if it was the true reason he gave me.
“I don’t think it was and think there is something else behind it.
“Anyway, I’m not the type of player who would be chasing the coach and be in his office all the time, asking for explanations why I’m not playing. I have never done this, I’m not doing it now and I never will be. If the coach wants to tell me something, he will summon me.”
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Despite being unhappy, Skrtel is eager to return to fitness following a thigh injury and fight for his place, but he isn’t expecting to walk back into the team.
“When I was healthy, I was training with the team, giving 100 per cent and doing all I could to prove to the coach that I belonged in the starting XI. I was waiting for a chance, one then came in St Petersburg, but then I was not playing again. However, now I’m injured and we’ll see what happens when I’m back fit.
“It’s hard to tell, but I would say it wouldn’t [change]. The coach has his ideas about the line-up and the question is if I would be in it if I was fit. I would say it’s likelier I wouldn’t. The most important thing for me is to recover as soon as possible and resume training.”
Having signed a new contract in August 2012, the Slovakian player of the year is not planning to leave Liverpool any time soon, despite reported interest from Russia.
“It would be useless to think about a transfer during the season even if it is true that you can move to Russia till the end of February.
“I have come across such views that it would not be correct to consider leaving a club where you have been on the bench in four or five fixtures. On the other hand, it is hard to put up with.
“I have had various thoughts but certainly I’m not going to make any hot-blooded decision. If the coach should lose interest in keeping me in his team, then we would have to handle it with my agent.
“For the present it is valid that I am at Liverpool where I have a long-term contract and I am not thinking about leaving.
“I would not like to make any unnecessary conflicts because the thing that is above all is success for Liverpool as a club and I will support them even if I’m on the bench or in the stands.”
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Skrtel is top class – was fantastic last season and will be fantastic again . Rodgers can’t organize the defence and is using skrtel as a scapegoat . It’s his silly system that us making our excellent defenders look average.
Hopefully new manager will sort it out before skrtel and agger are sold
Agree with Paul on the system chosen by Brenden is what failed our defense more than poor performances.
Skrtel had a great year last season but this year had some mistakes. Even Agger, Carra, and Reina has looked poor due to mistakes that makes you think tactics has more to do with the increase of mistakes. The Plan B is what Brenden seems to lack which could fix things. Playing a high line only works against some opponents while others just park the bus and counter attack and beat us.
With our present squad the pressing game also has drawbacks as our centre backs and Lucas don’t have the pace to deal with counterattacks if the opposition have passed their way past the midfielders.