Brendan Rodgers

[Tee]

It's been crystal clear from his very first press conference that Rodgers would have the final say on all transfers given the way he interrupted Ayre to categorically state that the continental structure FSG had envisaged would not be put in place, but some people seem slightly forgetful and are prone to believe daft rumours about the owners saddling the manager with players he doesn't want.

It's always been my belief that the Manager has the final say - given by that initial press conference and subsequent interviews, and will be until he says something to the contrary, so there is no subtext here to provide justification for 'blaming' the Manager - it's always been there. This latest quote is merely a more recent affirmation of the policy that has been in place since he was appointed, and it's easier to refer to than saying: "check out the initial press conference and subsequent interviews for the actual transfer policy chain of command".

Yep, remember that bitch slapping Ayre took at the BR unveiling.

[Lee]

So Assaidi was a Rodgers signing then.

[Neil Young]

It's been crystal clear from his very first press conference that Rodgers would have the final say on all transfers given the way he interrupted Ayre to categorically state that the continental structure FSG had envisaged would not be put in place, but some people seem slightly forgetful and are prone to believe daft rumours about the owners saddling the manager with players he doesn't want.

It's always been my belief that the Manager has the final say - given by that initial press conference and subsequent interviews, and will be until he says something to the contrary, so there is no subtext here to provide justification for 'blaming' the Manager - it's always been there. This latest quote is merely a more recent affirmation of the policy that has been in place since he was appointed, and it's easier to refer to than saying: "check out the initial press conference and subsequent interviews for the actual transfer policy chain of command".

It's also always been my belief too.

But I haven't lined up evidence to support it and then framed it with specific reference to "a less than stellar signing".

[Shackanory]

These "pointless" friendlies will yield far more cash than winning the EL next season.

Oh, I'm sorry. I must apologise for preferring to be challenging for silverware over making money on the other side of the ****ing planet.

[Norbs]

It's their money, not ours

[MrMichael]

As someone who spends a lot of time in Thailand I can assure you that these games are not at all considered to be pointless. I imagine the same is true for fans in Australia (and Indonesia too I'm sure). We have an absolutely gigantic fan base in Thailand and this visit gives the dedicated fans here a very rare chance to see Liverpool in the flesh.

I actually agree with the principle of trying to get into Europe on merit rather than through the daft fair play idea

I've been going to games since 1965 and in those days our global empire expanded about as far as Llandudno. The fact that we have such a huge fan base around the world and, while giving pleasure to countless fans thousands of miles away, playing in these countries can only reinforce our global standing - a position the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Man City, Everton can only dream of. Playing the likes of a second-rate team from Estonia in a third-rate competition in early July seems like madness to me.

We're only a couple of decent buys from having a pretty good side, so let's hope for a good summer and more steady improvement next season with hopefully European qualification on footballing merit

Absolutely

[Sarb]

Football has moved on though. These lucrative friendlies are pretty important in a time where the top clubs are generating huge revenues and we are being left behind. I'm no fan of the Europa League. It's a piss poor alternative to the UEFA Cup. The league stages are laughable, only becomes watchable in the knockout stages.

LFC have a huge fanbase all over the world. Part of the reason we are in the mess we are in is because we failed to tap into that fanbase and exploit the revenues (unlike Man Utd). The people moaning about Rodgers not wanting the EL through fair play are the same ones who slated him for starting first teamers in it.

Give me the money spinning friendlies in pre-season over that two-bob cup (which we would have to start at the beginning of July) any day of the week. As a club we need to wisen up and start generating the revenues from our worldwide fanbase

[Alex]

***Arn*** Rodgers MUST be blamed for not being a strong enough manager and not quitting when he could not sign Dempsey. He is simply weak, he is a lame duck ***Arn***

[Assassin]

Oh, I'm sorry. I must apologise for preferring to be challenging for silverware over making money on the other side of the ****ing planet.

It would be better for you to apologise for your short sightedness. A year out of the EL will give us chance to focus on the first achievable target of getting back into the CL

[frank the tank]

i would like to be in the Europa League..... thursday nights, few scoops and tickets for £20 or whatever as opposed to £50......

However, i genuinely believe that if we are in the Europa next season, then we will struggle to get into the champions league the season after. Considering the depth of our squad, we will possibly benefit from have a year off european football and can give the league our proper focus next season.....

[Redspin]

Do you run a business there?

No - took early retirement 6 years ago so work is no more than an unpleasant distant memory. It's just that the latest Mrs Redspin is a Thai lady so I spend at least half my time here and I spend more time here with each passing year. Can't decide whether to live here full time or not though. Too much to miss back home - family ties, decent beer, weather that you can go outside in without simultaneously frying and sweating non-stop etc

[frank the tank]

No - took early retirement 6 years ago so work is no more than an unpleasant distant memory. It's just that the latest Mrs Redspin is a Thai lady so I spend at least half my time here and I spend more time here with each passing year. Can't decide whether to live here full time or not though. Too much to miss back home - family ties, decent beer, weather that you can go outside in without simultaneously frying and sweating non-stop etc

high-5!!

[Yozza]

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/rodgers-we-won-t-be-looking-at-table

Rodgers: We won't be looking at table

3rd May 2013 - Latest News

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool will place no added significance on trying to overhaul Everton in the Barclays Premier League table as the sides prepare to meet in the 220th Merseyside derby at Anfield on Sunday.


With three games remaining heading into the weekend, the sixth-placed Blues sit five points and one position ahead of the Reds in the table.

A first win in front of the Kop in 14 years for David Moyes's side would ensure they finished the campaign above Liverpool - but Rodgers claims his side won't be thinking about the permutations the outcome of the clash will have on the final league standings come kick off.

Asked by journalists at Melwood about the importance of finishing above Everton this season, Rodgers replied: "It's very important to finish as high as we possibly can. Traditionally, over many years Liverpool have been the top team here in the city, there's no question about that.

"Last year Everton finished above ourselves, but for us this year it's really about finishing as high as we possibly can.

"We've got three games left and want to win every one - and we want to win the next game, which is the most important one.

"It'll be tough because they're a good side and David has done a brilliant job there with the group. They've had another very good season but we're coming into the game with real confidence.

"Our performance last week [at Newcastle] was outstanding and the team is full of confidence at the moment, both in our attacking and in our defending - but we understand it'll be a tough match."

With Everton having enjoyed a fine season under Moyes, reporters were eager to know whether Rodgers viewed Sunday's showdown as a test of Liverpool's credentials against sides above them in the table.

The Reds boss responded: "I don't see it as that - I think every game is a test for us.

"Our idea going forward is that we're going to be in a position next year where we can challenge consistently at the top level.



Rodgers' derby preview
"We had a difficult start [this season] - we didn't win a game until the end of September. But in terms of where the club has come and how it has grown over the months, I'll pay great respect to the players and the staff, who have worked very, very hard.

"For us [the Everton game] is not a benchmark at all - it's another game for us to show we have the qualities to compete.

"We've just got to maintain the standards that we've set in the second half of the season and, in particular, last week's performance.

"There was everything there, in terms of our defensive performance and our intensity. There was real quality in our offensive game, so for us the idea is to maintain that standard.

"We know it's going to be a very difficult game but whether we win 5-0, 6-0 or 1-0, the objective will be to win."

Everton are without a win at Anfield since September 1999, while Liverpool are unbeaten in the last five meetings in all competitions.

Rodgers, though, is paying no attention to such statistics.

"I never read too much into that sort of stuff," he said. "When we went to Wigan this year, the team hadn't won there for a number of years but we played very well and won the game.

"We're at home and we expect to win our games at home. We know it's going to be a very tough game. Everton are well organised and they are a good side, but we'll be ready for the weekend."

For Rodgers, it will be his first taste of a Merseyside derby from the home dugout. His only other experience of the fixture came in October's pulsating 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

It's an Anfield occasion he's relishing.

"I am really, really looking forward to feeling the atmosphere at Anfield," he stated. "At Goodison Park it was brilliant; our supporters were really loud and supported the team, and the Everton supporters gave their team great backing.

"I am really looking forward to it and asking our crowd to be at the top of their game, and they are at Anfield which is brilliant.

"They've given us great backing this season and we're really looking forward to the game. As I said, we go into it with big confidence.

"As a manager, every game is important - derby games in particular - but the concentration has to be controlled and we're looking to get three points."

Meanwhile, Rodgers was quizzed by journalists about newspaper reports which suggested Liverpool could turn down a place in next season's Europa League if they were offered a route into the competition via the Fair Play League.

He said: "I think I was asked the question last week and [my reply] was obviously meant as a joke, but it gets reportedly differently. We want to be in European football however it comes, but obviously we'd prefer to go down the football route.

"As a football club you have to [accept the offer]. I don't think it's something you can turn down if you get an opportunity to go into European football.

"The journey we had this year in the Europa League, all the players thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great exercise for us. We were bitterly disappointed to go out. If we got the chance to do it again, for sure we would."

Elsewhere, the manager was also asked for his thoughts on the prospect of Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho returning to manage in the Barclays Premier League at some point in the future.

Rodgers worked under the Portuguese coach during their time together at Chelsea.

He joked: "It'd be good. It'd be good for you guys - it'll make your job easier! You won't have to make it up then; you'll just write what he says!

"If he does come back here, I'm sure he will add something to our game. He had a wonderful time here in England and I know that he loves the country, loves the league and loves the passion. He will be a great addition if he decides to come back."


So much for opting out of Europe....

[TheElephantMan]

Meanwhile, Rodgers was quizzed by journalists about newspaper reports which suggested Liverpool could turn down a place in next season's Europa League if they were offered a route into the competition via the Fair Play League.

He said: "I think I was asked the question last week and [my reply] was obviously meant as a joke, but it gets reportedly differently. We want to be in European football however it comes, but obviously we'd prefer to go down the football route.

"As a football club you have to [accept the offer]. I don't think it's something you can turn down if you get an opportunity to go into European football.

"The journey we had this year in the Europa League, all the players thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great exercise for us. We were bitterly disappointed to go out. If we got the chance to do it again, for sure we would."

I like the Europa Cup. As a non-season ticket holder I attend three or four league games per season, but the cup games are generally much easier to get tickets for. I know a few supporters who aren't arsed about the early rounds and just want the credits so they can attend the latter stages of the competition. I'm quite happy going to the other games, it's a great opportunity for fans who aren't season ticket holders to see a few games. The atmosphere suffers for it, but for me personally I just appreciate going to those extra games.

I like they way Rodgers is always trying to win games, at times under Rafa he'd happily settle for a point and it was frustrating. We are playing some good attacking football now and we're much less sloppy at the back.

[Phoenix07]

Delighted that Rodgers has come out with the Europa League comments. I really wondered why on earth we'd refuse it, and it concerned me that some of our fanbase tried to justify it (across the web).