LIVERPOOL MANAGER BRENDAN Rodgers expects his position to remain under scrutiny despite Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.
The Northern Irishman went into Saturday’s game at Anfield under pressure after five matches without a win, but a Daniel Sturridge brace and James Milner’s early goal claimed maximum points.
But while Rodgers was pleased to see his side rewarded for a much-improved display, he criticised unnamed outsiders and the “hysteria” they create around the club.
“I never worry about the players, the players have been absolutely brilliant,” Rodgers said.
“This group work very hard but of course there’s a lot of hysteria and of course that continues. I’m pretty confident there’s a group of people who don’t want me here to be the manager.
“Certainly from my perspective, in all competitions we’ve lost less games than Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
“But the hysteria around ourselves is obviously interesting to note. Myself and my players stay very calm knowing we’ll get our rewards.
“I will continue to work with the players, we’ve got more players to come back and top-class players. We’re very much together as a team.
“We’re five points off the top and still with a lot of progress to make. I know entirely what it’s like having been here for three seasons – incredible club, huge expectancy and the expectancy has come from ourselves.
“I’m talking about people outside here.”
Sturridge’s first goals since returning from his long-term injury ensured Rudy Gestede’s second-half brace was in vain while Milner’s strike 66 seconds in was his first for Liverpool.
Rodgers added: “If you want to compete at the top of the league, you have to have big quality.
“Daniel Sturridge has shown over his time here he is a top talent, you miss that quality and we’ve suffered for it. I thought he was outstanding today.
“He’s probably disappointed he didn’t have a hat-trick, but his overall game and touch and finishes were outstanding.
“James is a top-class professional who has come here with a much greater responsibility and it was only a matter of time before he got his goal.”
Great great player and as tough as they come. Highly regarded in NZ . R I P
They broke the mold when they made him, as tough as a rhinos armor on the field, as gentle as a lamb off it. Way too young to die, a sad day for the entire Irish sports community, not just rugby. Condolences to his family who have obviously lost more than an Irish sporting icon. May he RIP.
Legend.R.I.P.
A hard player and a gent by all accounts. Absolute head of Eric Miller in that photo, uncanny.
r.i.p
Teak tough was Willie Duggan
God rest his soul RIP
@John McCabe: One of the true legends of the game. He will be sadly missed by all fans and all provinces.
@Trevor Johnston: Trevor wasn’t he a hard man in the true sense?
@John McCabe: Yes. I once met the great French Robert Paperemborde. He only knew four words of English. ‘Willie Duggan boom boom’
That was a tribute in its own.
Sadly Robert is also now gone from us
Hard on the field and a Gentleman off. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
On his retirement Serg Blanco was asked what player he admired most in his career, Willie Duggan of Ireland came the response, Why , he was asked, because ” he smoked more at halftime than I did “
One of the all time greats of Irish rugby. Part of a glorious backrow with O’Driscoll and Slattery. A pleasure to watch him in action.
@Aidan Kearney: Great back row
A true legend of his time rip
First man to be sent off in a five nations game. Completely different beast! RIP
Condolences to his family. A lot of great rugby players seem to pass way too young.
Sad news. His name is synonymous with the amateur game.
Self and a friend after dinner went looking for bob a job, 10/11 yrs old, knocked on his door, Full, Massive Cabbage bacon and Spuds. Spuds were boulders, we didn’t like CBS or want it. We finished it. Sweating cabbage. Don’t think we would of done it for anyone else.
Are you getting warmed up. “Fags and radiator in the car, plenty warmed up” RIP
@seanofiachra: not sure what you try to type…m8¡
@Fank Pulman: Your loss Fank, your loss! RIP Willie.
@Fank Pulman:
A feed of CBS for bob a job, Frank!
Late Willie put it up to 2 youngsters, for the craic.
Heard that one years ago about fags and car rad
Rip to an Irish Rugby Legend
Not a rugby head.,but if I recognise the name ,he had to be great. RIP.
May the great Willie Duggan rest in peace.