Reds end pre-season on a roll

Following on from their convincing victory over FC Gomel several days ago, Liverpool ended their pre-season campaign in hugely positive fashion following a 3-1 win over Bayern Leverkusen. Moreover, Brendan Rodgers appears to have been given a huge headache following the victory, after Andy Carroll put in a fantastic performance to carry the club to victory.

While Carroll did not make the starting eleven, he came on as a substitute in the second half and added to Liverpool’s two goal margin. The former Newcastle striker smashed a 20-yard effort home to improve the team’s lead and maybe even improve his own chances of a career on Merseyside. Raheem Sterling and Lucas Leiva had already got on the score sheet for Rodgers’ men, while Leverkusen pulled a goal back thanks to Sidney Sam later in the game.

Even though Rodgers has seemingly been unconvinced over Carroll’s ability at this level since his appointment, even he could hide his delight following the goal. Speaking to the press after the game, the manager said, “It was a terrific goal from Big Andy. It was a clever move and a lovely piece of play from Charlie Adam, who would have been expecting a pass back, to set Andy in. The big guy has had stick that he cannot play this way but he let it go through his legs well and he tucked it away nicely. I thought the players were excellent and showed great determination. We will arrive next week with a clean bill of health.”

As well as the Reds concluding their pre-season campaign in comfortable fashion, the game also provided an opportunity for supporters to pay tribute to one of the club’s biggest legends. Former defender Sami Hyypia is actually the manager of Leverkusen and he unsurprisingly received an incredible reception from the Anfield faithful.