Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has warned any out-of-favour players not to disrupt the harmony in the squad.
Reds chief wants squad to stick together
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has warned any out-of-favour players not to disrupt the harmony in the squad.
Dalglish left big-money signings Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson, and vice-captain Jamie Carragher on the bench for last weekend's win at Chelsea.
The Reds chief has shown price tags or reputation will not influence his team selection and, ahead of this weekend's clash with league leaders Manchester City, he has made it clear he will buy replacements if any unhappy players upset the spirit in the camp.
"At the end of the day it is hard for those who don't play," said Dalglish. "It is hard to keep them motivated and keep them going. That is understandable. If they come in with really good attitudes and not with petty lips when they are left out, it is helpful to everyone.
"For them to have come in with positive attitudes has shown their determination. It hasn't done anyone any harm. If they are not committed to playing, it is not going to be my problem, it is going to be their problem because we will go and get people who are determined to play.
"It's not pleasant but it is understandable that there is disappointment if you are not playing every game. But it is a long season and everyone is going to be given their chance."
No influence
Liverpool beat City 3-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, a game which saw Carroll score his first two goals for the club, but Dalglish insists that will have no bearing on his plans for this weekend's encounter.
"You take into account what is happening now," added Dalglish. "Just because he scored twice last season doesn't mean he's going to score this time.
"We will all start afresh, Andy included. For the record I thought Andy's best two performances were against Stoke and West Brom."
