Gerrard dimisses talk of Rodgers' rift

LONDON, Nov 30, 2014 (AFP) - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted suggestions he has had a falling out with manager Brendan Rodgers are "nonsense".

Saturday saw the 34-year-old midfielder dropped to the bench for Liverpool's 1-0 Premier League win over Stoke at Anfield -- a match that took place on the 16th anniversary of Gerrard's debut for the club.

However, Rodgers was adamant there was nothing more in his decision to put Gerrard among the substitutes than his belief it was now unrealistic to expect the former England captain to play every game.

Meanwhile Gerrard, who is out of contract at the end of the season, rubbished reports of a rift with Rodgers by posting a photo of himself and the manger in training on Instagram, together with the message: "Just to set the record straight media talk of a fall out between us 2 is NONSENSE ..have a nice Sunday."

Gerrard came on late against Stoke, with Rodgers deploying Lucas Leiva in the anchor midfield position he usually occupies.

Rodgers's decision appeared to be vindicated by both a much-needed win and a clean sheet into the bargain.

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