Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has staged a strong defence of club captain Steven Gerrard.
The veteran midfielder has shown some disappointing form this season, but the Reds boss says that fans need to see his performances from a different perspective.
"The player that's maybe going to be scoring 15 goals a season and making 13 or 14 assists a season, he's not that type of player anymore. I think it's hugely unfair that he gets judged upon that level," said the under-pressure manager.
Liverpool need to put their poor recent form aside when they travel to Ludogorets in the Champions League.
The Reds have to win in Bulgaria, and they must also hope that Real Madrid beat Basel in tonight's other Group B contest in order to maintain any hope of reaching the last-16.
Another team under pressure ahead of tonight's European action is Arsenal.
The Gunners know that a win at home to Borussia Dortmund tonight will definitely be enough to send them through to the last-16.
A draw would secure Dortmund's place as Group D winners, while Arsene Wenger's side would remain in second.
Arsenal are going into the game under pressure after their disappointing defeat to Manchester United over the weekend.
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