I wouldn't be surprised if FSG consulted Gerrard about all of this. I really don't know, but this now smacks of someone who has knowledge of what goes on all the way through the preparation for each game, and has an opinion that is taken seriously. Ayre wouldn't know half of what goes on in the dressing room and the training pitch. I can't think of anyone other than a player who would have been in a position to nudge FSG in this direction, unless Rodgers performed an elaborate self-critique and then stabbed the rest in the back, which is highly implausible.