/ 5 October 2015

Liverpool sacks manager Rodgers

Liverpool Sacks Manager Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was sacked on Sunday despite preserving his unbeaten record in seven Merseyside derbies against Everton with a 1-1 away draw in the Premier League.

Within a couple of hours of the Northern Irishman claiming after the stalemate at Goodison Park that, “I hope to be here for a bit longer yet”, the club announced his dismissal.

“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch,” the club said in a statement. 

“Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it. The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.” 

The club have won only three of their opening league games, against Stoke City, Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and count a 3-0 thrashing at home by West Ham United among their early results.

Liverpool also needed a penalty shootout to overcome fourth-tier Carlisle United in the League Cup at Anfield after being held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield after extra time. 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: “I am always sad when this happens.

“He is a top quality manager and came close to winning the Premiership. Unfortunately, the pressure is always on the manager, but that is the way it goes now but I am sure he will find another job.”

Swansea City manager Garry Monk, who played under Rodgers when Swansea were promoted to the Premier League: “I can’t believe it. A very harsh decision, that’s a big surprise to me. I’m a bit in shock when I got told that.”

Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness: “I’m stunned. They gave him another tranche of money to go again and so soon into the season they’re parting company. I find that amazing.”

Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher: “He needed to make a good start to the season because he was maybe fortunate in terms of staying on at the end of last season.” – AFP