Brendan Rodgers ready to ’embrace the challenge’ of reviving Liverpool’s season

“No, no, no, no. No chance – no”, he said. Myself and my players stay very calm knowing we’ll get our rewards.

“We have created that expectancy”. But I am realistic.

The 45-year-old Dutchman has been linked with the Anfield hotseat in the past and revealed a year ago the Merseysiders approached him before handing the job to Rodgers. I would love it to be here.

“Whether I am here for one day or more or one month or whatever I will always have respect for the people here, the owners and Ian Ayre”. He knows how he wants to work. I don’t lose confidence in that. This is an incredible football club.

“Scott Sinclair is another I know well and I’m delighted to see him resurrect his career”.

Liverpool host Aston Villa on Saturday, and then Swiss club FC Sion in the Europa League next Thursday before a Premier League trip to Everton three days later.

Jurgen Klopp’s shadow appears to loom large over Rodgers after reports the German would be prepared to cut short his sabbatical for the right Premier League job. “You need to be at your best every day when you come into a club of this stature, and thrive on that positive fear”.

“I have regular contact with the owners and the relationship has always been strong”, Rodgers said at his press conference on Friday.

“Whilst I’m here, I’ll always do the best I can”.

“Yes, he has a say, I’m sure he has an influence with certain players, but I’m sure there are other times where he’s told, “no you can’t have him”.

Liverpool goalkeeper Adam Bogdan admits the players are well aware of the growing discontent among fans but insists they are doing all they can to turn things around. I don’t shy away from the fact you need to get results and be performing well.

Liverpool haven’t been helped by an unfortunate string of injuries.

Despite the summer arrivals of Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino, it hasn’t all been plain sailing at Anfield this season. The striker was rested in midweek but is set to return to the squad to face Villa tomorrow.

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has leapt to the defence of Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers, claiming the under-fire Ulsterman could have been Real Madrid boss but for fine margins.

“After that season, they finished second“.