According to reports from The Independent this afternoon, Brendan Rodgers has spoken for the first time after being sacked by Liverpool yesterday afternoon.
The Northern Irishman took the Anfield helm in summer 2012 and claimed the LMA Manager of the Year award two seasons later, after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title.
But Liverpool have struggled since both on the pitch and in the transfer market, finishing last season in 6th place and falling all the way down to 10th after a 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday despite an overall spend of £291.5million in the last three years.
It is believed the decision to sack Rodgers was made some time ago and irrespective of the result in the Merseyside derby. It has also emerged that Liverpool’s owners, the Fenway Sports Group, relieved the 42 year-old of his duties over the phone.
Rodgers has now jetted off for a short break in Spain but not before releasing an official statement.
As quoted by The Independent, he told the LMA’s website; “I am, of course, incredibly disappointed to be leaving Liverpool Football Club. It has been both an honour and a privilege to manage one of the game’s great clubs for the last three years.
“I have worked every day to represent the club to the best of my ability, to develop both individual players and a team that the club’s magnificent fans can be proud of. There have been some very memorable moments during my time at Liverpool and I would like to thank all of the players for their hard work and commitment. The current squad is one in transition, but they have some real talent and are showing a strong sense of togetherness. I expect to see them continue to grow and develop over the coming weeks and I wish them and my successor well for the rest of the season.
“Liverpool has a magnificent football heritage and I have nothing but respect and admiration for the history, tradition and values that make the city and the club so exceptional. As well as my players, I would like to thank everyone connected with the club; Fenway Sports Group, the Liverpool Directors, in particular Ian Ayre, my coaching staff, the staff throughout the club, the volunteers, the Academy staff and its young players and of course the amazing Liverpool fans for their unwavering support, passion and dedication which has made my time at the club so special.
“Finally, I would like to give a special mention to John W. Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon. They gave me this great opportunity and even though we will no longer be working together I am sure our relationship and friendship will continue into the future.”
It’s believed former Chelsea managers Roberto Di Matteo and Carlo Ancelotti are both in the running for the Liverpool hot seat but the front-runner remains Jurgen Klopp, who claimed back-to-back Bundesliga titles and reached a Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund before resigning at the end of last season.
Was sacking Brendan Rodgers the right decision? Comment below!
Also in the news:
La Liga side offer Liverpool target January escape from Man United hell
Expiring in 2016: FIVE bosman-bound stars Liverpool should target
Arsenal and Liverpool set for January tug-of-war over €45m Serie A star
Secret meeting inspired win over Man United, claims Arsenal star
[ad_pod id=’video’ align=’center’]