Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss says squad playing for futures

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says everyone at Anfield is "playing for his future" as he admitted striker Mario Balotelli is "struggling".

The Reds slumped to defeat at Hull on Tuesday, a third loss in five league games, and the Italy forward left the field with a foot injury on 65 minutes.

Balotelli was heckled by home fans as he made just 22 touches in the match.

"I think it's clear over the course of the season, not just in this game, that he's struggling," said Rodgers, 42.

"I spoke to the players at the end and I told them that we have an obligation to fight right to the end of the season," he added.

"It's fair to say every single player here is playing for his future."

Rodgers, who rested captain Steven Gerrard, defended Balotelli, stating his £16m summer signing is "doing his best" but conceded his team struggled to threaten at the KC Stadium.

The Reds have failed to qualify for the Champions League following each season they have finished runners-up in the Premier League - and sitting seven points adrift of fourth place with four games left, that pattern looks likely to continue.

"We wanted to be in that top four but it was always going to be difficult for us with the way our season mapped itself out," said Rodgers. "But we are looking to get momentum to take us through to next season.

"The players put great energy into the game and they worked very hard but their struggles tonight were the same as they have been for a great part of the season in terms of creativity and scoring goals."