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Liverpool keeping Martin Skrtel

11 May 2013 - 07:27

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has no plans to sell Martin Skrtel this summer, despite the defender only starting one game in the league since January's defeat to Manchester United.

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Various clubs have all expressed an interest in Skrtel, with Arsenal arguably the biggest side to have been linked with his signature.<br />

With Jamie Carragher set to retire at the end of the season, manager Rodgers is keen to keep Skrtel at the club.<br />

&ldquo;It has been difficult for him and I&rsquo;ve acknowledged and recognised that,&rdquo; Rodgers said.<br />

&ldquo;The great professional he is means his focus has been outstanding and he&rsquo;s trained very, very hard everyday and has been there when he&rsquo;s been required.<br />

&ldquo;We made the change a few months back and I think Jamie Carragher has arguably been one of the best defenders in the league and Daniel Agger has been fresh and played very well.<br />

&ldquo;It has been unfortunate for Martin but he has been a loyal member of the squad and is still very much part of my plans here.<br />

&ldquo;He&rsquo;s happy here, he&rsquo;s not in any rush to leave but players want to play.&nbsp; I haven&rsquo;t had any concerns with Martin at all, his attitude has been first class.<br />

&ldquo;It is important they know where they stand and he knows where they stand.&nbsp;<br />

&ldquo;He is very much a part of what we are trying to do here.&nbsp;<br />

&ldquo;We are trying to build up a group with a winning mentality and he&rsquo;s got a winning mentality.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s just unfortunate he lost his place.<br />

&ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t so much through his form, it was just I felt we needed more of an organiser and a leader.&rdquo;

Written by Kemal Patel