EPL: Rodgers Slams Ferguson over Gerrard Comments

Brendan Rodgers has slammed Sir Alex Ferguson over comments made by the former Manchester United manager on Liverpool and England skipper Steven Gerard.

In his autobiography, which was released earlier this week, Ferguson claims that Gerrard has not quite reached the levels of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, and does not consider the midfielder to be a "top, top player."

Rodgers, who never throws away an opportunity to praise Gerrard, believes Ferguson could not be more wrong about the Liverpool legend.

"Sir Alex might be the only one or one of the very, very few who doesn't think Gerrard is a top, top player," Rodgers said.

"I don't think it was credible, what was said. You only need to look at Steven's career to see that -- the accolades he has received throughout his life, not just from managers but from other top, top players.

"I saw a survey of the player of the year during all the years it has been operating and the player who won that survey as the best was Steven.

"That was from players and supporters and there were some prestigious names on there. He may not have won the title but that is more because of the teams he has been in. He is world class and still operates at a high level."

Of course, suggestions have been that Ferguson has deliberately made such statements to provoke Liverpool, while also keeping his relationship with the United side intact.

Ferguson admits he took the Liverpool rivalry personally during his reign as United manager, and also went on to criticise Jordan Henderson, who the Scot claimed would face problems later in his career due to his running style.

Rodgers was not amused by that observation either. "I was bitterly disappointed," the Liverpool boss said. "Sir Alex is somebody who obviously works with young players and nurtured young players so the statement made about Jordan was inappropriate.

"This is a young guy who I have worked with now for over a season and you won't get a more honest player to work with as a manager or coach.

"He is fighting for his career in the game. He comes in here every day and gives everything. In the time he has been here he has improved and improved and improved.

"There was reference to his running style, but every player is different and over their career physical and technical qualities will improve. I'm sure if they bump into each other, Sir Alex will apologise for that."