Rodgers: Liverpool want to win Europa League

Brendan Rodgers is entranced by his first taste of European football... and he will pick a team to ensure it doesn't end just yet.

Liverpool need to win here in north-western Italy to ensure they qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

And first-year Reds manager Rodgers insisted he will go all out for victory because he is loving his debut season testing his abilities against continental opposition.

With Rodgers, there is none of the whinging about the demands of the competition we hear from some managers.

Rather, he will pick the likes of Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel, Pepe Reina and Joe Allen in Thursday night's group-phase finale as he seeks revenge on a Udinese side who surprisingly won 3-2 at Anfield in the reverse fixture.

"This has been my first opportunity to work in Europe as a manager. I, along with my staff and players, have enjoyed every minute of it - it has been a wonderful experience, and we all want to qualify," he explained.

"I am not crying that we have got games on a Thursday and a Sunday. I think it has been brilliant."

Starting in pre-qualifying in early August, Liverpool's journey has already taken them to Belarus, Scotland, Switzerland and Russia.

"I have really enjoyed travelling and seeing our supporters come with us," added Rodgers. "If we can get through, it would be brilliant.

"I would be bitterly disappointed if we don't get through.

"I have understood where are priorities are, but this is a club that is steeped in the tradition of Europe.

"The Europa League is a great tournament.

"Everyone wants to be in the Champions League, but if you asked the Liverpool players and supporters back in 2001, when they won the UEFA Cup, 'did you enjoy it?', well, of course they did.

"So we are in this to try to win the trophy."

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Source: DailyMirror