• Premier League

Rodgers: Liverpool cannot compete in transfer market

ESPN staff
April 21, 2013
Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool are improving as a team © Getty Images
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits the club does not have the transfer war-chest to compete against the likes of Sunday's opponents Chelsea.

Liverpool welcome Chelsea in a clash that see both team's trying to finish difficult seasons on a high.

However, while Liverpool languish seventh in the Premier League table, Chelsea, 11 points higher, are battling for a top-four spot and a place in next season's Champions League.

And Rodgers believes the gap indicates the difference in money outlaid to him, Chelsea counter-part Rafael Benitez and Benitez's predecessor, Roberto Di Matteo.

"Chelsea spent a huge amount last summer to try to get back towards the top of the Premier League again, and that was on a team that had just won the Champions League," Rodgers told the Mirror.

"It is simple: I just don't have the resources to go out and do that.

"What Chelsea did demonstrates the task we face in trying to make that step forward."

But Rodgers has not been completely bounded to bargain deals and off-contract signings, securing the services of highly rated Brazilian Philippe Coutinho in January.

And combined with Rodgers insistence of bringing youth through the ranks, the Anfield boss has ensured the club is beginning to bridge the gap to the top of the table.

"I believe we will improve again next season, but we will have to do it in a different way," he said.

"We finished eighth last year and we might finish seventh this time. That might not seem like a lot, but it is one step towards where we want to be.

"There is not going to be a big instant improvement. That is the reality.

"Just look at Manchester City's story. You look where they were for years and then they had a load of money thrown at them. They moved forward quickly, but it still took another load of money to take them to the top.

"Unless you can do that, you are just going to make marginal gains, but the little steps will take you there.

"You can have the best academy in the world, but if you don't have a manager who give young players opportunities they've got no hope and no chance. We've got potential.

"There is no point me saying I think we can win the league. It doesn't stop us wanting to win the league. It doesn't stop us being the very best that we can. It is just the reality of where we are."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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