Brendan Rodgers believes a lack of support from England’s football authorities, more domestic cup ties and the intensity of the Premier League are to blame for the declining fortunes of English teams in Europe.
The prospect of the Premier League losing its fourth Champions League qualifying place has increased after its representatives’ dismal start to this season’s competition. In total, Premier League teams have lost five of six Champions League group games so far following Arsenal’s home defeat to Olympiakos and Chelsea’s reverse in Porto on Tuesday.
Liverpool failed to qualify from the Champions League group stage last season and Rodgers cited Chelsea’s conquerors this week as evidence of the contrasting approach of football associations.
Porto’s league game at Moreirense was moved to last Friday to increase preparation time for Chelsea’s visit, and the Portuguese team have until Sunday’s home game with Belenenses to recover. José Mourinho’s players, by contrast, travelled to Newcastle last Saturday and host Southampton this Saturday.
Rodgers said: “You see Porto last night. Porto played on Friday, they had dispensation to move their game, so that keeps them fresh. I also think the big teams abroad can sometimes win games at 70% and conserve their energy and be fresh. There is no game in the Premier League where you can do that.
“Chelsea will come back and have a tough game at Southampton this weekend. There is no easy game in the Premier League. The physicality and the intensity of the games is like no other league.”
The Liverpool manager believes the Premier League and Football Association could both be more accommodating towards English teams in European competition.
“I think they could do more to support the teams in Europe,” he added. “It happens with the other federations and in other countries. They help. That doesn’t happen in this country. As I said, the physicality of this league and the demand on players is like no other.
“In other countries, some of the big teams can change five, six, seven players and still win the game and field a real strong team for the next game. They have got a domestic competition less too. We have two cup competitions in this country, the others have one. It all adds up to it being difficult for the Premier League teams.
“But it is something that we have to cope with and we respect that challenge. It means you have to monitor your players and get the best out of the ones who are available.”
Rodgers will ring the changes for Liverpool’s Europa League tie at home to Sion on Thursday with Sunday’s visit to Everton in mind. Jordan Rossiter, who impressed in the 1-1 draw at Bordeaux, is expected to start against the struggling Swiss club.
