Brendan Rodgers urges Steven Gerrard contract talks as Liverpool can't cope without him

Posted Monday, November 03, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

Brendan Rodgers wants Liverpool to hand Steven Gerrard a new contract because the team cannot cope without him.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC: Steven Gerrard's Liverpool future is uncertain with his contract expiring at the end of the season

The Reds boss has rubbished talk that the former England captain, 35 at the end of the season when his current deal expires, will be rewarded out of sentiment.

Rodgers, whose out-of-sorts side fly out to Spain today ahead of tomorrow's daunting Champions League clash with Real Madrid, has seen Liverpool struggle to fill the void left by Luis Suarez.

And he's adamant Gerrard has what it takes to be a vital component of the team beyond this season.

Insisting his skipper will earn a new contract for footballing reasons alone, he said: "It is certainly not sentimental."

"As the manager of this club, you can't afford to do that."

"I just think that his contribution in the two and a half years that I've been here has been absolutely outstanding."

"Both on and off the field, as a leader and as a captain."

"And I want to ensure that on this second curve we're on in terms of development of this group, he is very much part of that."

"He will be 35 but he is still fresh and looks after himself very well."

"Technically, he is a big player for us and the perfect example for others to learn from."

Rodgers admits Liverpool face the European champions struggling for form but added: "The wee bit of adversity you go through makes you stronger when you come out the other end."

"We have to refocus and hope that results return for us."