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Time for Rodgers to deliver results

Is Brendan Rodgers a waster? Hold on, I know that sounds incredibly harsh, but hear me out.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could be misusing Raheem Sterling (left) by using him on the right wing. Photo: Reuters

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could be misusing Raheem Sterling (left) by using him on the right wing. Photo: Reuters

Is Brendan Rodgers a waster? Hold on, I know that sounds incredibly harsh, but hear me out.

I cannot be alone in wondering if the Liverpool boss threw the £75 million (S$153 million) from the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona down the drain on too many average players, can I? For the enormous cash spent, more was certainly expected in return.

Is there also foundation to the theory he’s misusing Raheem Sterling’s immeasurable talents by playing him on the right wing, even as a wingback on occasion? Given how sensational the teenager has looked in a central floating role, there are definitely grounds for a debate.

It sounds obvious now, but is the manager also wasting valuable time and energy on the unpredictable and enigmatic Mario Balotelli? In short, yes. No matter how gifted he is, the Italian cannot be relied upon consistently enough to deliver what the team needs.

Fans also seem split on whether Rodgers purposely squandered an exciting, albeit outside, chance of writing his name into Liverpool folklore against Real Madrid in mid-week.

Personally, I am stunned he sacrificed the game. Yes, tonight’s match is important, but to send a second string out at the Santiago Bernabeu was sacrilege for a club of Liverpool’s proud stature. The stand-ins may have played okay, but they did not have a prayer of winning.

Spluttering and uninspired, Liverpool are frittering away all the good work and momentum they built up so impressively last season.

So maybe, just maybe, the opening line of this piece was not such a silly question after all.

It is imperative that Rodgers’ side do not waste the chance to beat Chelsea this evening (Singapore time). It is a season kick-starter waiting to happen.

With those star turns rested in Madrid — specifically with this contest in mind — the Reds simply have to produce a performance to be proud of, against a Chelsea team who have dipped themselves in recent games. If Liverpool do not, 40,000 burning red eyes will be cast in the direction of their under-pressure head coach.

Tactically, I am fascinated to see how both managers approach it. Back in April, Jose Mourinho “parked two buses”, said an angry Rodgers, whose team could not break down an impregnable blue wall despite boasting 75 per cent of possession.

The Chelsea boss, unshaven and ill, outwitted him badly.

Mourinho’s understrength Blues XI delivered the most stubborn counterattacking victory of the entire campaign, coping easily with everything the desperate title-chasers threw at them.

This time, the Reds must have a Plan B.

Liverpool should play Chelsea at their own game by willingly conceding possession and inviting them to have a go. Yes, it is a risk against a side containing the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Oscar and Eden Hazard, but it may also be the only way to find space at the other end against Mourinho’s compact and organised unit.

Team selection will also be intriguing. Based on how well they did in the Champions League, Kolo Toure and Lucas Leiva will be disappointed if they do not start at Anfield. And if the Ivorian centre-back can replicate the maturity of his display when containing Cristiano Ronaldo, he will have few problems doing the same to Diego Costa.

Based on their current form, Chelsea should not be beaten by Liverpool. But something is telling me not to rule out an unexpected Reds revenge. Rodgers has staked an awful lot on this match and can ill afford to waste the opportunity.

The pressure is on.

Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of English football. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for publications around the world. Follow him on Twitter @adrianjclarke.

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