Liverpool eases pressure on Rodgers with 3-2 win over Villa

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claimed there are external forces at work with an agenda against him, but he refused to say who he thought was behind it or why.

“The game plan was to keep that crowd quiet, make them get edgy and hopefully put some pressure on these Liverpool players”, he said. “I’m talking about people outside of here”.

The 29-year-old told LiverpoolFC.com: “It’s been a frustrating few games before now and I maybe could have been on the scoresheet [before] but I’m delighted to do that”.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has borne the brunt of the scrutiny with his future at the club being called into question but the players, too, have had to shoulder their fair of blame for some insipid displays.

Rodgers knows all about the expectations and pressures of being Liverpool boss with this his fourth season in charge, and he said that being at such an “incredible club” with a “big expectancy” – it is only natural. Today is about the players. The Birmingham-based club have now collected four points from seven games, with only a solitary win, and things couldn’t have been any worse for the ex-Spurs manager.

He added: “I think it is pretty clear”.

“I have a hunger to succeed here. With me there is no drama”. His finishes were exceptional.

“I’m the manager I have to take responsibility”, he said. “The club decided it was the best way to go forward and I am very privileged to have the chance to work with them but it comes with its ups and downs”.

“It’s not about proving people wrong”, Rodgers continued.

‘There are very short memories in football. “I know that and everyone can see that now”.

It was the first time the Reds scored three goals in one game since a 3-2 win over Tottenham last February. It all got masked because Luis Suarez was on the team with Sturridge right beside him and underwent a “the best defense is a great offense” mentality and were focused on outscoring their opponents no matter the score.

Daniel Sturridge returned to the Liverpool goal trail against Aston Villa with a brilliant brace, serving a reminder as to exactly what the Reds have missed in his long injury absence. “The players worked tirelessly and apart from conceding two goals, that was the only downside today”, Rodgers said.

“It’s not the same job as it was 10 or 12 years ago”. “You have got to grow and cope with the demands of playing here”.