Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has suggested he didn't want to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay.
The exciting Dutchman confirmed a deal to join Manchester United on Thursday, despite PSV technical director Marcel Brands saying Liverpool "wanted" him, as reported by Sky Sports News HQ (via Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports).
Rodgers denied this assertion in his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday's Premier League match with champions Chelsea, as reported by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:
This reaction is likely to frustrate many Liverpool fans, who saw the club miss on potential signing of Alexis Sanchez last summer, per the Daily Mail (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express). He joined Arsenal from Barcelona, and he has since posted a terrific campaign, summarised by his place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News provided his response to Rodgers' comment on Depay:
Liverpool are four points behind Manchester United, who occupy the final Champions League spot with three matches to play. Rodgers is adamant his team will keep on fighting, per Pearce:
The Reds returned to winning ways against Queens Park Rangers, albeit in dramatic fashion when captain Steven Gerrard missed a penalty and then netted a last-gasp winner to make the score 2-1.
United's surprise defeat to West Bromwich Albion, in which striker Robin van Persie had a penalty saved, provided Liverpool with the snippet of hope needed to continue the fight. Louis van Gaal's men travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday—the team who all but ended Liverpool's title hopes last season—so Rodgers will be hoping the London club can do them a favour for once.
Chelsea are unbeaten at home in the domestic division this season and will pose an almighty threat, despite winning the league against Palace last time out. Rodgers is still expecting Jose Mourinho's men to put up a formidable fight, as tweeted by Pearce:
It's possible the match will see the return of striker Mario Balotelli, although centre-back Mamadou Sakho will remain absent:
Rodgers also provided an update on striker Daniel Sturridge, per Pearce:
Liverpool cannot afford to drop points if they're to continue placing United under pressure. A home clash with Palace and then a trip to Stoke City on the last day of the season follows the Chelsea fixture for Rodgers' side, none of which can be considered easy matches.
Although many supporters are already likely to be thinking about next season, and indeed, the lack of Depay in their lineup, Liverpool will become a far more attractive prospect if Champions League football is attained.
Tackling Chelsea a week after their title win may be a blessing in disguise, or if Mourinho's men relax into pressure-free football, it could spell the end of Liverpool's elite European hopes.
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