Liverpool manager discusses trio’s future

Brendan Rodgers talks up Aquilani, Carroll, and Bellamy

By Zain Alvi | 10th July 2012

Brendan Rodgers has commented on the unresolved futures of midfielder Alberto Aquilani and forwards Andy Carroll and Craig Bellamy, insisting that all three continue to remain in his Liverpool plans for next season.

While Rodgers has not categorically confirmed that any of the aforementioned players are guaranteed to be with the Reds when the season kicks off in August, he has emphasized his commitment to giving them all an opportunity to remain at Merseyside.

“I had a good chat with Alberto the other day. He’s a good guy. It obviously hasn’t really worked out for him as of yet, but he’s a player who’s got the quality in terms of technical and tactical ability to play,” Rodgers said about Aquilani.

Regarding Carroll, who has been linked with AC Milan in a loan deal similar to that of Aquilani last season, the manager added: “He’s a good player, Andy, so he’ll always be linked whether he’s here or not. I’ve spoken to Andy on his holidays. He knows exactly where he stands. I’ve had the chance to speak to a lot of the players.

“He is a very good young player and, like I said, he will be linked with clubs because he is such a good player. I haven’t had anything (enquiries) from them (AC Milan) at all.”

Bellamy, whose return to the club last season came as a bit of a surprise, is also attracting interest around the league but Rodgers is not ruling out a stay for the veteran Welshman either.

The former Swansea boss stated: “I had a good meeting with Craig, last Monday, and was just getting the feel for where he was at. I’ve known Craig for a little while and we had a good open conversation.

“He’s 33 later this week and so he knows he’s pushing on in age a little bit, but he’s fine. He looks after himself well. I’ll speak with him over the course of the summer and we’ll take it from there.”

Asserting that pre-season performances could prove to be decisive, the manager went on to conclude: “But what’s going to be important for every player is that they have the steel and mindset to play. It will be very important and that’s something I’ll find out over the course of pre-season about all the players.”