Football
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Brendan Rodgers downplays Henderson-Costa tunnel row

LIVERPOOL -- Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has refused to be drawn on a tunnel row between Jordan Henderson and Diego Costa -- but has praised his vice-captain for "protecting his team."

Reds midfielder Henderson and Chelsea striker Costa clashed in the tunnel after Tuesday's Capital One Cup semifinal first leg at Anfield, according to multiple reports.

Henderson and Costa had to be separated by a member of Liverpool's coaching staff as the players headed to the dressing rooms following the 1-1 draw, reports said.

No punches are said to have been thrown by either player, but reports said they pushed each other and argued. Rodgers did not deny the incident had taken place, but said that it had not added extra spice to next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "Not at all. It was an outstanding game between two teams at the top level. We were very, very good. It was a competitive game. It'll be make for a great second leg."

Asked if he thought the rivalry between the two teams had spilled over, he said: "No."

Rodgers, though, was full of compliments for Henderson's recent performances, saying that he has matured since almost leaving Anfield for Fulham in 2012. The England international struggled in his first season after former boss Kenny Dalglish signed him from Sunderland in 2011.

But having established himself in the side, Henderson showed sufficient leadership qualities for Rodgers to make him vice-captain last September, following defender Daniel Agger's move to Brondby.

Rodgers said: "Jordan was a player who was searching for his status here when I came in. It was a difficult first season for him. But Kenny knew he was a good person and a strong character, and that has continued in the 2 1/2 years I've been here.

"You can see his leadership skills on and off the field. He'll protect his team and his colleagues. He's a wonderful ambassador for the club.

"I felt that by giving him the vice-captaincy, he could carry that mantle if Steven Gerrard wasn't playing. He does it with great pride and honour. As a footballer, he's still improving and developing."

Gerrard will leave Liverpool at the end of the season to join MLS side LA Galaxy, but Rodgers has yet to confirm that Henderson will then take on the captain's role.

He said: "It's not automatic. He was given the vice-captaincy role. It doesn't mean that person will go on and become captain.

"But certainly at the moment, if Steven doesn't play, or if there are any duties he has to carry out for the club, he does them in great fashion.

"When he's in the team, and you see him in the tunnel, he's got great presence and good status. The supporters respond to him as well."

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