Liverpool boss Rodgers went down the Fergie route by holding up three envelopes during a team-talk — and claiming they contained the names of three players who will “let us down this year”.
By DAVID FACEY
Rodgers told his players: “When I arrived here, the first few days were analysing the group, the staff, the players.
“I think there’s three players who will let us down this year — the cause, the fight, everything. And I have written them down already.
“Now my point to you as players — and staff — is make sure you are not the one in the envelope, because you are so important.
“If we are going to achieve, to be the best we can, we need to be together. But I think there’s three, maximum, who will let us down. Make sure you’re not the one.”
That was almost a carbon copy of the stunt Manchester United chief Ferguson employed in 1993 to keep his players’ feet on the ground after they were crowned champions for the first time in 20 years.
He held up one envelope allegedly containing the names of three players he feared would let success go to their heads.
But Fergie later confessed in his autobiography the envelope was empty.
It is one thing for an established manager to use that trick to keep his players focused. But for a relative newcomer to copy it with a bunch of experienced players is a bizarre move.
Rodgers’ ploy will be shown in the latest edition of the fly-on-the-wall documentary ‘Being: Liverpool’, screened on Channel 5 tonight.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard certainly gives the impression he is not convinced by it all.
He watches his new boss stony-faced, with his chin resting on his hands.
Rodgers produced the envelopes the night before Liverpool’s opening match of the season at West Brom and it failed to produce the desired effect, as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat.
His stunt has sparked widespread speculation about who — if anyone — was named in the envelopes.
Given his error-riddled start to the season, keeper Pepe Reina might not have been surprised at being nominated.
But Rodgers has leapt to the defence of the Spanish stopper, who has been one of Liverpool’s most impressive performers over the last few seasons.
Rodgers said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Pepe. He is a keeper who has really impressed me. He is a good guy who comes in and works hard every day.
“Pepe has been here for a number of years and proved himself over a long period of time. But like all the other players here he’s trying to improve and become a better player.
“He’s obviously adapting to a new style but this is a way of working which is perfect for Pepe.
“He came through the Barcelona model so he understands this way of playing and what I’m trying to do, perfectly.
“As a team, we just need to cut out the kind of mistakes we’ve been making. If we do that then everyone will benefit.”
One Red who HAS got off to a roaring start this season is striker Luis Suarez.
But the Kop goal hero, 25, has come under increasing criticism for going to ground too easily.
And the Uruguay FA have now written to FIFA complaining about vice-president Jim Boyce’s comments in relation to their star man on Tuesday.
Boyce said: “I watched the latest Suarez incident against Stoke last weekend two or three times and, to me, it is nothing less than a form of cheating.
“It is becoming a little bit of a cancer within the game and I believe if it is clear to everyone that it’s simulation, then that person is trying to cheat and they should be severely punished.”
In response the Uruguay FA have written to FIFA chief Sepp Blatter.
Their letter, which has also been posted online, reads: “The Uruguay FA has become aware of statements made by the vice-president of FIFA, Mr Jim Boyce.
“These expressions refer to the Uruguayan player Luis Suarez, calling his conduct an act of “cheating” and that such a situation is a “cancer” for football.
“We understand that this kind of comment, coming from a person who holds the position of FIFA vice-president — with specific reference to a football player and linking their actions to a disease that is a scourge on humanity — are at odds with the principles of world football’s governing body.
“The Uruguay FA find unacceptable the comments made by this person.
“The Code of Ethics of FIFA clearly states ‘Officials should be aware of the importance of their role and the obligations and responsibilities that entails’.
“Deliberately ignoring his position and role, Mr Boyce has referred specifically to a football player, encouraging and provoking hostility towards them, especially if one takes into account the environment in which these expressions were made.”
In their letter, the Uruguay FA also listed a number of points they wish to be addressed, including calling for Boyce’s conduct to be investigated by the world governing body’s ethics committee.
Suarez, meanwhile, has been named ‘Worst diver in the Premier League’ by an online poll of Sun readers.
He claimed 62 per cent of the 23,323 votes — more than the rest of the diving candidates combined.
Second place was claimed by United’s Ashley Young with 24 per cent, with Spurs winger Gareth Bale third thanks to a 10 per cent share.
United’s Javier Hernandez came fourth with two per cent while Chelsea duo David Luiz and Oscar, plus West Ham’s Andy Carroll, got one per cent.
