Football: Rodgers pins faith on other players in Europa League game against Bordeaux

Liverpool FC manager Brendan Rodgers speaks during a press conference on Sept 16, 2015. PHOTO: EPA

(REUTERS) - Liverpool have lost their way and are trying to rediscover their identity, manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted.

They have slumped to back-to-back Premier League losses against West Ham United and Manchester United. The Northern Irishman, who has been criticised by sections of the fans and media, is troubled by the manner of the defeats.

"You can lose games but it is how you lose them and the last couple of games are not how you want to lose," the 42-year-old told reporters ahead of a Europa League clash against Ligue 1 side Bordeaux.

"I think it is good I have an identity as a coach and a way of working that is clear.

"I am confident we can get back to playing that way and ... I along with the staff are working very hard to reinforce the principles of how we have worked here," he added.

The criticism of Rodgers intensified after Liverpool's limp 3-1 defeat by United at the weekend.

"When you look at the opening five games ... we haven't been at that level of intensity. That's something that I've really taken away from the performance at the weekend. We created some chances in the second half but this is a team that is very much about being on the front foot," he told the club's website.

Rodgers has rung the changes for the Bordeaux game, leaving Christian Benteke, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, James Milner, Lucas Leiva and Nathaniel Clyne at home.

"My approach is what I did in this competition when I first came in. We played players that needed games and it's my chance to look at some young players as well.

"Back then, we finished top of the group and qualified, and that's the objective," he said, while denying that he was under increased pressure.

"It (the pressure) is the same as it ever has been. It's part and parcel of being the manager at such a great club," he said.

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