The Liverpool boss was inevitably quizzed over his future during Thursday afternoon’s press conference, with one brave – or foolish – journalist even bringing up the potential availability of Jurgen Klopp.
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Brendan Rodgers is perhaps under more pressure than ever following last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa in our FA Cup semi-final. That result, coupled with the losses against Manchester United and Arsenal, have led to a small minority of fans baying for blood.
However, the boss was his normal determined self today, declaring that he remains the best man for the job. In quotes taken by the Daily Mirror, he said: “I don’t think there’s anyone better, that’s the reality of it.
“Three months ago I was a tactical genius and performing to a good level. We lost a couple of games, some important ones, and now you’re not so good. But that’s football, people speculate.
“That’s why I don’t get carried away when we win and not too disappointed when we lose. I have a strong relationship with the owners.
“They understood this was going to be a process, not a group of ready made players used to winning. I din’t take over a 10 year machine which was used to winning.”
Klopp, a potential managerial target for a whole host of teams, revealed last week that he’ll be leaving Dortmund at the end of the season (via The Telegraph), starting a ‘scrum for his services’, so says the report…
He was naturally linked to the Liverpool position by the classically sensationalist press, adding yet more pressure at the feet of Rodgers, who responded to questions about his rival by saying: “At a club like Liverpool you will have many names – in my time alone a lot have been mentioned.
“It’s part of being at a huge club which is respected worldwide. We’ve had former managers linked in the past and will continue throughout my time because it’s such a great job and great club.
“There was obviously a lot of money spent last summer with players coming in. Take the emotion out of last weekend and we probably over achieved last year and that same team had a world class striker in it and someone on fire in Daniel Sturridge.
“That team wasn’t deemed good enough for the top four and yet nearly won the title.
“We lost those players, brought in others to strengthen and improve the squad. We’re in the top five and reached two semis and in some ways have over achieved from last year.
“Obviously the ambition is to be greater than that and that of course means bringing in players in the summer. Last year was an opportunity and next will be an even greater one to kick on.”