HAVING bemoaned how dry the surface was at the Gelora Bung Karno National Stadium, Brendan Rodgers’ prayers were swiftly answered.
They don’t do drizzle in the Far East and Jakarta was struck by a storm of biblical proportions last night which left the drains overflowing and the roads flooded.
However, such was the temperature, which stood at 25 degrees with 90% humidity, that within an hour of the downpour stopping, any evidence on the streets of the heavens opening had disappeared.
Rodgers put his players through their paces at the stadium for the first time yesterday and watching on from the sidelines proved to be an education.
‘Disguised running’ is the Rodgers way in pre-season with the footballs coming straight out after a warm-up taken by head of fitness and conditioning Ryland Morgans.
Frenetic small sided matches are the order of the day before an 11-aside game played on half the size of a normal pitch to ensure that space was at a premium. Jay Spearing and Jack Robinson were the unfortunate two to sit it out.
With Raheem Sterling flying down the right and Jordon Ibe shining on the left, the green bibs always had the edge. The highlight was provided by Ibe whose stunning 20-yard thunderbolt into the top corner gave Simon Mignolet absolutely no chance.
