Liverpool’s Champions League exit: what does it mean for the club?

The draw with Basel that has relegated Liverpool to the Europa League has both short- and long-term ramifications at Anfield

• I’m no diver, says Basel player accused over Markovic red

• We got what we deserved, says Brendan Rodgers

• Liverpool 1-1 Basel: five talking points

The feedback was clear and correct after Liverpool’s miserable defeat at Crystal Palace on 23 November: Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owners, retained absolute faith in the man named LMA Manager of the Year only six months previously, he was their appointment for the long-term and Rodgers’ position was not up for discussion. The team has since gone five games without defeat but that tentative step forward offers no consolation the day after elimination from the group stage of the Champions League. Rather than confirm Rodgers’ optimistic claim that he has witnessed Champions League quality from Liverpool’s players this season, the Basel performance raised more questions over their pedigree. And the manager’s ability to inspire the appropriate reaction for a must-win game on the biggest stage.

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source Sport | The Guardian http://ift.tt/1GjGuRe