Brendan Rodgers: Why I did NOT start Steven Gerrard against Swansea

LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers insisted he did not start Steven Gerrard against Swansea because he wanted to 'pay respect to the team' and stick to a winning formula.

Steven Gerrard - Player Profile

The Reds enjoyed a 1-0 victory thanks to a strike from Jordan Henderson.

Gerrard, who has been out for the past month nursing a hamstring injury, came off the bench in the 64th minute to replace Alberto Moreno.

And Rodgers maintained he picked the team based on past results.

"You have to pay respect to the team," Rodgers said.

"The team has been playing very well and getting results and collectively over the last three months we've been in great form.

Liverpool, LFC, Reds, Rodgers, GerrardGETTY

Steven Gerrard (right) in action against Swansea

We were able to penetrate when Steven came on and he offered that calmness and control

Brendan Rodgers

"You've also got to pay attention that he (Gerrard) has been out for considerable period of time as well, but you see how important he is when he came on.

"We were able to penetrate when Steven came on and he offered that calmness and control.

"We switched to a diamond with Steven at the bottom and he was very important to that."

Liverpool's victory was their fifth in a row in the league and they sit just two points behind bitter rivals Manchester United in fifth spot.

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