STEWART DOWNING has blasted back at Brendan Rodgers for questioning his desire to become a Liverpool star.
Kop boss Rodgers challenged Downing to show ‘fight’ and ‘commitment to the cause’ as the Reds continued their lacklustre start to the season.
But angry Downing reckons his remarks should have been made in private.
He said: “I was upset and you’ll have to ask the manager what he meant with that quote. I always try my best.
“Bravery is a lot of things. If you want tackling and running around bustling, that’s not my game. But bravery is also taking the ball when you’re losing and creating things. That’s what I try to do.
“I’m disappointed. Yet if that’s how the manager sees it, there’s not a lot I can do about it.
“I just have to keep working hard and do what he tells me to do. I have to perform on the field and get my head down.
“I would have preferred if it was private but that’s the way it is.
“We’ve had a few conversations and the only thing for me is to keep working hard and take my chance when I get it.”
The England winger, 28, cost £20million from Aston Villa last summer and was a regular under ex-boss Kenny Dalglish.
But he has made only one Premier League start this term.
Rodgers has wasted no time in stamping his mark since arriving from Swansea, with Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Alberto Aquilani and Maxi Rodriguez all moved on.
The Sun
