“My only gripe is that it seems the focus has not been on what’s gone on and what we’ve been missing, but more about getting me out of the club”. We have lost two games, which is equal to Tottenham and Manchester United.
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Having nearly guided Liverpool to a first Premier League title since 1990 just 16 months ago, Rodgers’ position has gradually weakened as the departures of Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling, along with the injury problems to Daniel Sturridge, have destroyed the team’s attacking prowess.
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The England striker, who played for an hour in last weekend’s home draw against Norwich City, scored two superb goals for the Reds to help them record a 3-2 win over Aston Villa and ease the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers.
“There is a group of people that don’t want me here”, the Northern Irishman said after the Villa win.
Brendan Rodgers believes there is an agenda against him as he claimed the “hysteria” around Liverpool has been caused by people trying to get him dismissed.
“Obviously the hysteria around ourselves is interesting to note for me and the players”.
“He played a massive part in that, so if he stays fit and others come into the reckoning we can piece together an exciting team again“.
“With patience he has shown he’s a top-class manager and with the players we have, we can get to where we want to be”, he said.
“I know last season and this, there have been a lot of things going against us, but we’ve always managed to stick together”.
Sturridge’s return offers Rodgers hope, but the Merseyside derby will offer a greater clue as to whether Liverpool have rediscovered their form. Daniel has shown in his time he is a real top talent.
“When you miss that type of quality…you can suffer for it. He is probably disappointed he didn’t have a hat-trick but his overall game and touch and two finishes were outstanding”. He came on at half-time and brought the crowd to life and lifted the players around him, too. His appearances are likely to be limited to the League Cup but, with little to do against Carlisle, he knows there will be few chances to impress.
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“We wanted to win for the manager”, said Lucas Leiva after the 3-2 win over Aston Villa.
