KOP News # 1715

Rodgers searching for winning formula after Liverpool's abject start to campaign

By Sportsmail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 18:20 GMT, 10 October 2012 | UPDATED: 18:20 GMT, 10 October 2012

Brendan Rodgers will use the international break in hope of discovering the winning formula to Liverpool's so-so start to the season.

The Anfield club, who drew 0-0 with Stoke on Sunday, have taken just six points from their opening seven Barclays Premier League games this term to leave them a distant 14th in the table.

But while most of the Liverpool squad are away on duty for their respective countries, Rodgers is already preparing for the club's next game with Reading on October 20.

In charge: Rodgers is already preparing for Liverpool's Premier League clash with Reading

'It is frustrating, especially if you have drawn a game but played well, you want to get back onto the field and get into a match situation,' said Rodgers.

'But as I've said before, it also gives us a chance to work closer with the players that are left here - and me a chance to have a look at some of the younger players.

'I've been really impressed by the young players here at the football club and this gives me a chance to get an overview of them at close hand.

'It's been a busy period for us with a lot of games and work, so it will give the players and staff a chance to recuperate - then we'll really look forward to going once again once everyone is back from international duty.

Crocked: But Enrique is closing in on a first-team return

'Off the field, we've been speaking with our scouting team and analytical team in terms of looking at how Reading play and work, so there is a lot of work going on off the field in our preparation for the game.'

Meanwhile, Rodgers has been handed a boost with the news that defender Jose Enrique is closing in on a first-team return.

The Liverpool boss said: 'He hasn't been [available for selection] in the last couple of weeks. It's unfortunate - he's got a pain in his knee that he was struggling with. We've been trying to treat it conservatively.

'Hopefully within the next week to 10 days he'll be back out on the training field and hopefully there will be no reaction.

'He's a terrific player, Jose, and has got great qualities. We hope we can get him back sooner rather than later.'