Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson deflected sharp questions about the absence of midfielder Javier Mascherano inManchester City’s 3-0 victory over the Reds on Monday.
A bid from Barcelona for the Argentine midfielder had been rejected by Liverpool, whereupon Mascherano opted not to play. Hodgsonsaid he was staying out of the discussions about a possible transfer.
“Javier Mascherano is not in the right frame of mind to play the game because his head has obviously been turned bythe offer from Barcelona,” said Hodgson.