Rodgers said Monday that
controversial striker Mario Balotelli
had caused him no problems during
his time at Anfield.
The Reds signed the Italy forward from AC Milan
last month and the former Manchester City player,
whose first spell in England was marked by a
bizarre series of off-field incidents, scored his first
goal for his new club in last week's 2-1 Champions
League victory over Ludogorets.
Then on Sunday, not for the first time in his career,
Balotelli was the victim of racial abuse after reacting
to Manchester United' shock defeat by Leicester
with a tweet saying: "Man Utd...LOL".
Police have since confirmed they are investigating
the matter and, as a result, Rodgers steered clear of
the topic when speaking to reporters ahead of
Tuesday's League Cup tie at home to
Middlesbrough.
But, speaking about Balotelli, Rodgers said: "Every
player is different and individual, and I have really
enjoyed working with him so far.
"He is a good guy, he wants to do well for the club
and he has shown me that he cares enough about
the club (for me) to devote that time to him.
"For me, he is not complicated – he is a football
player who wants to do well in his life and his
career, and if he continues to give everything and
work tirelessly for the cause, then there will always
be an opportunity here for him."
Liverpool, last season's runners-up, have made an
indifferent start to the season having seen 2013/14
top-scorer Luis Suarez leave for Barcelona.
Sunday's 3-1 defeat by West Ham was Liverpool's
third loss in five Premier League games so far this
season.
However, Rodgers said: "There is a natural
transition in the group, and where there is that
transition, there are little bumps along the way.
"Mario is one of a number of players we brought in
and for them all, no matter how good their quality, it
is going to take a wee bit of time to gel with the
players that were already here."
This term five-time European champions Liverpool
are back in the Champions League but Rodgers
insisted the Merseysiders could cope with the extra
fixtures.
"We can be much better. We're still looking to find
our performance level. But it's something I have no
doubt (about).
"It's a combination of continual hard work on the
training field –working even harder – and looking to
really ensure we retain that confidence.
"We haven't defended well enough as a team.
We've conceded eight goals, the majority of which
could have been avoided.
"The weight of the jersey here is heavy for most
players. That takes time. Once you adapt to playing
for Liverpool, then of course you become that little
bit more clear in your thinking.
"It hasn't been a great start by any means, but I
have worked with the team enough and I know the
players and how they do respond. That honesty in
the group and how hard they want to work, it gives
me great hope."
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