FC Gomel v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool opened up their Europa campaign with a 1-0 win against FC Gomel in Belarus tonight. It was also Brendan Rodger’s first official game at the helm.

To mark the occasion of Jamie Carragher’s 700^th appearance, the defender was given the captain’s armband. A few players were missing from the squad, including Luis Suarez, Sebastian Coates and Craig Bellamy, due to the Olympics.

Unfortunately for Joe Cole, the returning Red was taken off 25 minutes into the first half with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by youngster Raheem Sterling.

Just before halftime, Brad Jones had to make a desperate save from a tight angle on an attack from Gomel’s Aleksandr Alumona, who outran Skrtel toards the goal.

In the start of the second half, Glen Johnson was replaced by Martin Kelly. 

Fabio Borini found his first chance.  Defender Jose Enrique picks out the Italian, but Borini’s angle is too tight and the ball goes right to Gomel’s keeper.

Steven Gerrard gave a free-kick that nearly made it in thanks to the head of a Gomel player but it went inches wide of the post.

In the 64^th minute, Gomel nearly went one up. Sergey Krozeka’s strike hit the post fiercely, only to have it bounce back. Dmitri Platonov took his chance on the rebound from six yards out but it went flying past the goal. 

Rodgers then made the substitution of Lucas for Jordan Henderson. It was welcomed sight for many after missing the Brazilian for most of last season.

Stewart Downing saved the evening in the 67^th minute with an amazing strike 25 yards out past defenders and the goalkeeper straight into the back of the net. 

Another chance for Gomel came from Alumona again, but it went past the post, summing up their night.

Gomel seemed to have tapered off of their aggressiveness they exhibited in the first half. They fell back and Liverpool too became more defensive in the final minutes in an effort to keep them ahead on the night.

And it worked. Though the Reds still seemed to be in pre-season mode and are still learning the new tactics of Rodgers, they will go into the second leg at Anfield ahead.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed as LFC manager

A press conference was held this morning at Anfield to confirm and unveil Brendan Rodgers as the new manager of Liverpool Football Club.


Chairman Tom Werner started the presser giving his gratitude on behalf of the club to Kenny Dalglish, but said that “supporters will embrace Brendan’s style of football” and that he is “enormously intelligent.”

Werner continued to sing his praises by stating Brendan has travelled Europe to study best techniques and has used them to great effect. He was the only one to be given an offer out of the selection process. He was stated as being the first choice and right choice.

Brendan seemed confident in his new title and was grateful for it.

“I feel very blessed for the opportunity,” he said.

Brendan continued to talk about what attracted him to Liverpool.

He made clear: “If I left Swansea City, it would be for a top club.

“That was the attraction: the history of the club. Also the frustrations. We may not be ready for the title now but the process begins today.”

He talked about the current footballers, saying that they are eager to learn and want to improve and that is where he comes in.

When asked about if he will be bringing new players in, especially from Swansea, Brendan said it is something not clear yet.

“There is big quality in the group,” He stated. “I look forward with working with some of the greats. Where players will come from will remain to be seen.”

Brendan will be quick to impress many already with his leadership already shining through, especially when he talked about the player selection process. He said he did not want to work alongside any one person, but rather a recruiting group.

He clearly wants to make his impact at the club with players and supporters alike.

He told the world: “I am very proud and very honoured to be the manager of Liverpool Football Club.

"I promise to dedicate my life to fight for this club and defend the great principles of Liverpool Football Club on and off the field."