Brendan Rodgers: Divock Origi Focused On Improving Goal-Scoring Record

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Thursday’s Europa League tie with FC Sion at Anfield will present a chance for him to utilize the depth of the Liverpool squad.

Just as in Bordeaux a fortnight ago, the manager admits he’ll hand opportunities to players who haven’t figured into much so far this season, as well as some of the Reds’ younger players.

“Our approach to this game is how it’s been in the competition — this is an opportunity for young players and an opportunity for players on the fringe of the team that aren’t getting so many games,” Rodgers said during his pregame press conference at Melwood. “But it’s also going to require players that have been playing. Ultimately for us the aim is to win the game.

One man likely to get another opportunity is Divock Origi.

The 20-year-old started the 1-1 draw with Bordeaux in France earlier this month, one of three first-team appearances he moved to Anfield in the summer following his season-long loan with Lille.

Rodgers feels Origi still is settling into life at his new club, but insists the striker is working hard to hone his talents.

“It just takes time to adapt,” the boss said. “He’s a young player who has excellent qualities.

“The real focus on Divock is goals in games; that is what he’ll be judged on. He obviously hasn’t played so much, but he understands where he is at — coming in to such a big club, he knows he’ll be competing for places.

“For us, it’s about nurturing that talent along and for him, he’s really looking to improve that goal-scoring record. That will hopefully come in time.

“He’s a humble guy. He knows where he stands and that he’s here to develop. It’s a big step coming to such a prestigious club.

“He knows he is going to get opportunities working hard every day in training. He has settled in very well.”

Rodgers moved to dismiss any notion Origi could be loaned out to garner further senior experience.

“No, not at this stage,” the manager responded to the suggestion. “He had his loan period last year out at Lille and this year was really about him coming into the club, adapting this season and we’ll review where he’s at at the end of the season.”