As reigning European champions Bayern Munich dismantled Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, both the Liverpool boss and skipper were in attendance on a scouting mission.

The German side, now coached by Pep Guardiola, served notice of their intention to retain the Champions League crown - which the Reds lifted in 2005 - with a handsome 3-1 victory over City.

Brendan Rodgers was joined by Steven Gerrard and a number of his players to watch the action up close, and the Northern Irishman returned to Merseyside with a healthy amount of inspiration.

"Steven Gerrard was at the game with me, and one or two other players as well," Rodgers revealed.

"For anyone in football, if you have a love for the game, it's interesting watching two top teams come together.

"That was as good as it gets; you would do well to see another performance like that one anywhere in Europe. You have to learn from that.

"You look at that level and, for me, it's important because Liverpool want to return to that level. You have to keep one eye on the future and if you look at that you see the quality required.

"There's an awful lot of work to do, but watching that game was a real motivation. That's where every coach, every manager and every player wants to operate.

"You want to compete at that level and be judged at that level. Obviously this club was doing that for a lot of years."