Brendan Rodgers insists he remains the right man to lead Liverpool, despite their poor form so far this season.
The Reds came agonisingly close to ending their long wait for the league title last term, eventually finishing second behind champions Manchester City by just two points. It has been a different story this time round, though, as without the sold Luis Suarez and the injured Daniel Sturridge, they have struggled to find anything like their best form at home or abroad.
A disappointing 1-1 draw with FC Basle saw them eliminated from the UEFA Champions League at the group stage on Tuesday night, and they are currently six points adrift of fourth place. This has naturally led to speculation surrounding the future of manager Rodgers, but the former Swansea City boss continues to maintain that he is the right man for the job.
“I think the message from me is clear: I don’t think there would be anyone better to do the job here,” he said. “Seven months ago we nearly won the title unexpectedly, I had time to work with players and we took them beyond where the club has been in a long time. This has been a difficult start with new players, less coaching time, young players; we are virtually starting again.
“I don’t think there is anybody better equipped to deal with that having been here for the last two and a half years and experienced what this club is about and seeing what we get from the players at our best. Criticism comes with the territory when you don’t win games. You have to accept that as a manager and fight even harder to bring success. This period has ensured I will do that for sure.”
Liverpool face another tricky assignment on Sunday afternoon when they make the short trip to Manchester to take on fierce rivals United. Louis van Gaal’s side are yet to find their best form, but have won their last five matches without hitting top gear. Should they record another success this weekend, they will move 10 points clear of the Merseyside club with 16 games played.
Is Rodgers still the right man for Liverpool, or is he already running out of time? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
