Liverpool will dig up the Anfield pitch at the request of manager Brendan Rodgers because he believes it undermines his team’s passing game.
Rodgers has been unhappy with the playing surface at the club’s stadium since he took over in 2012, and now there will be a major renovation over the summer.
The Liverpool manager wants an improved standard to match the pitches at the club’s training ground at Melwood.
“We will be getting a new pitch next summer to help the speed of our game,” explained Rodgers.
“It is an old pitch that has not been upgraded for some years and it can be a disadvantage for us. It is difficult to play one-touch football on it.
“It is nothing to do with the ground staff at the club or at Melwood, who are outstanding, it is just because the pitch is old. We will do the best on it until the end of the season.”
Rodgers expressed is unhappiness after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, but the alteration has been planned for some time. It is impossible to lay a new surface mid-season because it is a lengthy operation.
The Merseysiders travel to Burnley on Boxing Day, with Brad Jones likely to retain his place at the expense of Simon Mignolet.
Rodgers says Mignolet will become a better goalkeeper having gone through the difficult experience of being dropped.
“Simon’s response has been fantastic,” said Rodgers.
“Some might think coming out of the team has a negative effect but he has been outstanding in training and we are analysing his work where he can improve. That time out of the team can help. I have seen an improvement in him and he will be a better keeper for it. We have seen that has been the case with goalkeepers in the past and I am confident that will be the case with Simon.
“I will make my mind up when to bring him back into the side at the right time. I just want to give a chance to reflect and focus on his game. Players need that at times and at the moment he is working hard. It was a difficult time for the team when I made the change but I have not lost belief in him.”
Liverpool will go to Turf Moor without the injured Glen Johnson, Dejan Lovren and Joe Allen, but Mario Balotelli is available again after suspension.
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