Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers bullish ahead of Merseyside derby

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is remaining upbeat ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby with Everton despite another disappointing result in Europe.

A 1-1 draw at home to Swiss side Sion in the Europa League has put the spotlight firmly back on the Reds boss, who made seven changes for the match. 
    
Rodgers is expected to switch back to his first choice line-up - which will include forward Daniel Sturridge fresh from his brace against Aston Villa last weekend - and insists Goodison Park holds no fear.

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"We go into the game against Everton and we will focus on our performance. The players will look forward to it," Rodgers said.

"I haven't lost a derby yet (won one, drawn five) and they are always good games.

"We are point behind Everton - I know the media and written press will build the game up but we will stay calm.

"I am immensely enjoying the job, it is a great challenge and it is a rebuilding."

Rodgers defended his decision to make significant changes for the clash with Sion, as he did a fortnight ago when they drew their opening Europa League Group B clash in Bordeaux.

"For this game, there were a number of players we needed to be careful with like Daniel (Sturridge) that were coming back from injuries," Rodgers added.

"There is no doubt we want to qualify and get through to the knockout stages but we are picking teams to get a result.

"Away in Bordeaux a lot of young players played but we are still going up in games.

"The story of the game was obvious; we started well, got in front, gave away a poor goal and then created chances and should have maybe won a lot more comfortable but unfortunately ended up drawing and a bit frustrated.

Stay tuned to Sky Sports News for Brendan Rodgers' pre-match press conference from 10am.