LIVERPOOL HAVE BACKED manager Brendan Rodgers to continue the Reds’ revival by handing him a new long-term contract.

Rodgers led Liverpool to the brink of a first league title in 24 years before narrowly missing out, but they still exceeded expectations by comfortably qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in five seasons.

His new contract is expected to run until 2018, the Guardian reports.

“I am both humbled and privileged to be offered the chance to extend my stay at this great club,” Rodgers said in a statement.

“I am very happy to build on the foundations we have built over the last two years and now we move onto the next phase which I believe will be as exciting, challenging and rewarding.”

Owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner praised Rodgers as “a hugely talented individual… in whom we place our trust to deliver the vision we share for Liverpool Football Club.”

Brendan is at the heart of what we, as an ownership group, are trying to achieve on the pitch. This season has reaffirmed everyone’s belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that.

“Players and supporters have made it clear how important Brendan is to our success and so to have him commit to us for the long term is a great boost for everyone going forward.”

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