The Daily Mail and BBC journalist Ben Smith have published information on how Liverpool parted company with Brendan Rodgers yesterday.
Both agree that the decision to fire the Northern Irishman had already been made by FSG last week, and regardless of the Merseyside derby result, Rodgers would have lost his job yesterday evening.
#LFC owners made decision to sack Brendan Rodgers BEFORE Merseyside derby. Even victory at Goodison would not have spared him
— Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) October 4, 2015
In Dominic King’s report, he claims that Rodgers was informed of the news via telephone by Mike Gordon, the FSG chief with the most say in football matters at the club. Gordon and Rodgers apparently hold phone conversations following every game, but on Sunday, the manager was informed that his services were no longer needed. Following the telephone call, chief executive Ian Ayre went to visit the sacked boss – who accepted the firing with typical dignity.
I am told Brendan Rodgers took the decision in a very dignified way. Was visited at his home by #LFC chief exec Ian Ayre — Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) October 4, 2015
No quotes have emerged from Rodgers yet, who will be licking how wounds this morning after three and a bit seasons in charge of Liverpool.
He should be remembered for his wonderful 2013/14 campaign in which a Luis Suarez inspired side almost won the title, and he should be similarly congratulated for giving his all to the Liverpool cause, even when results haven’t gone his way.
It looks like Jurgen Klopp will be offered the job this week (via BBC Sport), with the owners hoping a new manager will be in place before the end of the international break.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool have contacted both Ancelotti & Klopp [Sky Sports], but German will fly in for talks this week [BBC Sport]
‘Thank you Brendan Rodgers’ – Liverpool fans pour on Twitter to salute departed boss