Brendan Rodgers admits 'broken' Liverpool are struggling without Luis Suarez but can bounce back against Everton

Brendan Rodgers has admitted Liverpool’s play has been left ‘a little broken’ by the significant overhaul of their squad this summer.

The Liverpool manager, who believes victory in Saturday’s Merseyside derby will belatedly launch a season that has failed to get started, made nine new signings during the last transfer window, as well as selling Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

Such a significant transition in personnel has seen Liverpool lose three of their first five Premier League matches, with their performances being characterised by poor defending, and Rodgers is aware of how standards have dropped from last season’s dazzling brand.