The Reds were unable to win at Anfield in their League Cup semi-final encounter but the Blues’ obligation to come out of their shells at Stamford Bridge comforts the manager

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers feels that his side are well set for the second leg of their League Cup semi-final despite only drawing 1-1 at home against Chelsea.

The Blues took the lead at Anfield through Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty before Raheem Sterling broke through their disciplined back line to score a fine solo equaliser after the break.

The Reds could not win in front of their own fans but Rodgers believes that Chelsea’s obligation to play more expansively in the return leg at Stamford Bridge could play into his team’s hands.

“Delighted with the performance, disappointed with the result,” he told Sky Sports after the match.

“We showed wonderful character. We went behind to what was the only shot on target they had, the penalty. Some of our play – the aggression, the defending, how we continued to take the game to them – it was very, very impressive.

“[It was a] wonderful performance and it sets up the second leg perfectly for us because they’re at home and they’ve probably got to open up a wee bit more. But my players, they were absolutely superb. I think it’s still all to play for.

“I thought it was a great game. A cup competition, two big teams, really fighting to get an advantage… but I was really pleased with our performance because that shows, again, the improvements that we are making and the creation of our chances was very impressive. Hopefully, in the second leg, if we can put a few of those away, we’ll be in a better position in terms of the result.”

Sterling’s goal came in his second match back after a brief January holiday permitted him by Rodgers and the manager says that he is feeling the benefit of time away from the pressure of the top-flight spotlight.

“Well, this is about the boy’s life and his career,” the manager noted. “Plenty of people will probably comment on it but I’m only worried about what we do for the kid. He’s a very young talent but you saw tonight that he’s fresh.

“[It wasn’t] physical rest as much as mental rest for a young player who’s had so much thrown on him so sometimes, as a manager, you’re looking at each individual player and for him, he’s come back refreshed and is ready for a big second part of the season.”

Eden Hazard had given the Blues the lead by winning and then burying a first-half penalty but the England international’s brilliant burst through the defence levelled matters

Liverpool and Chelsea could not be separated as they drew 1-1 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Anfield.

The Blues took the lead somewhat against the run of play when, after a great run by Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard won a penalty off a clumsy Emre Can challenge and buried the opener from the spot.

But Raheem Sterling levelled in fine style midway through the second half when he turned and drove through a group of Chelsea defenders before firing in low from just inside the area.

More to follow…

The Liverpool captain is expected to be subjected to more abuse when the Blues visit Anfield for Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg but his manager is unconcerned

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident Steven Gerrard can handle any taunts that may come his way when Chelsea visit Anfield on Tuesday.

Gerrard has been repeatedly mocked by Chelsea fans after a costly slip that led to Demba Ba opening the scoring when the two sides met in April, with Liverpool subsequently suffering a 2-0 defeat and finishing behind Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.

Ahead of this week’s League Cup semi-final between the two sides, which will see Liverpool host the first leg, Jose Mourinho spoke of his admiration for Gerrard and suggested Chelsea’s fans should end their taunting of the former England captain.

Rodgers acknowledged Mourinho’s respect for a player the Portuguese tried to sign in his first spell as Chelsea boss, but believes Gerrard will not be fazed should he come in for further criticism.

“I think Jose is probably talking out of respect for a player that is one of the best that this league has ever seen,” said Rodgers.

“I think sometimes the players get a wee bit of stick, maybe once or twice, but this was ongoing.

“I reiterate that Steven was a big part of the reason that we challenged for the title. It wasn’t because of his slip that we lost it. He was a big part of why we nearly won it.

“But he’s a strong character and knows how to cope with that, and has dealt with it all his career. He will have no problem dealing with it.”