Rodgers insists new signings won't threaten "fantastic environment" at Liverpool
Posted Saturday, August 23, 2014 by Talksport.co.uk
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted he will not allow any of his new signings to disrupt the "fantastic environment" at the club, as Mario Balotelli's proposed Anfield move seems to be gathering pace.
The Merseyside outfit are thought to have agreed a £16million deal for the AC Milan striker, as they look to replace Luis Suarez following his big-money move to Barcelona this summer.
Former Manchester City forward Balotelli was understood to be returning to England on Friday afternoon ahead of a medical with the Reds, though it has been reported Liverpool are seeking assurances over the 24-year-old erratic behaviour.
Rodgers, who was adamant three weeks ago that he "categorically" would not be signing Balotelli, was unwilling to refer to the player by name on Friday afternoon, but did emphasise there is an "extensive code of conduct" at Anfield for all players to follow.
"I can categorically tell you that I can't speak about it until the player is signed,” said the Reds boss.
"If we sign anyone, I will speak at length about them, but until then I can't say anything."
"I think every club will have a code of conduct for the people and professionals who work for them. We have quite an extensive code of conduct for players and staff - there is no specific one for any one individual."
"We have a fantastic environment here and a great culture, and I think it is something that was very important for us to create and build here."
"There will be nothing that will ever shake that or provoke it in any way. It is something I always protect at the club."
Rodgers said he has "complete confidence" that any player he signs for Liverpool will not be a disruptive influence and while the Northern Irishman admitted he can see why some might perceive signing Balotelli as a risk, he sees it as one worth taking.
"With every player we assess and look at, of course, character is very important and no player would come here if I felt it couldn't work," the manager added.
"If I feel someone cares enough, I will give them everything, and thankfully we have a culture here that creates talents and gives them the opportunity to blossom."
"As long as they show they care and want to learn and develop, we can give them the opportunity."
"This isn't like many clubs. Liverpool is a club that is a real strong family football club, with values and ethics that run over many years."
"I, as the manager, will fight to protect that always, so no matter what player or professional at the club, they will abide by that."
"But we understand that sometimes you have to take a risk with people. And a lot of the time, if you take that risk you can get a reward for it."
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