Liverpool fans got a first glimpse of how the team will play under Rodgers in a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC.
Brendan Rodgers wants better penetration from his new Liverpool side.The 39-year-old coached his first LFC game in a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC. Especially in the first half, the Premier League side held the majority of possession but struggled in the final third.
"I think we've still got a long way to go," Rodgers said after the match. "It's very important that we dictate games, we control games, we dominate games. You've seen for large parts of the game in terms of our domination we forced Toronto back.
"It's just that wee bit of penetration that'll get better as the time goes on. Because possession's no good on its own, you've got to be able to penetrate."
Liverpool's one moment to pierce the Canadian backline came late in the second half, already down a goal. Youngster Raheem Sterling squirmed away from three defenders in the box and slinked a slow shot-cum-cross past the goalkeeper. Adam Morgan finished off the open chance.
That goal came to the delight of the 33,000 in attendance. Most of the crowd in Toronto's Rogers Centre rooted for the Reds from across the Atlantic. The ferocity and tenor of the support impressed Rodgers.
"I thought it was phenomenal. You travel this far away from Liverpool, I've got to say it was like being at home," the former Swansea City coach said. "On record I'd like to say a massive thank you for them. It's those supporters – that's why we do it. We do it for the badge and the pride and the club and a big part of that is the supporters. It was fantastic to see so many there."
Now Liverpool will look ahead to the match against AS Roma at Fenway Park on Wednesday. Among those who will receive a run-out against the Italian club will be defender Daniel Agger.
"He's obviously had four weeks off. It was just too early for him to come into the game. I didn't want to put him in that situation," Rodgers said of Agger, who participated in Euro 2012 with Denmark. "Daniel will have some involvement on Wednesday against Roma."
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