Tuesday 9 February 2016 09:55, UK
Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he has turned down five opportunities to return to management since leaving Anfield, including offers from Premier League clubs.
Rodgers was sacked by Liverpool in October 2015 after a run of one win from nine games, bringing to an end his three-year stint in charge.
The former Swansea City boss was linked with a return to the Liberty Stadium in December after Garry Monk was sacked, and Rodgers confirmed he held discussions with chairman Huw Jenkins about the vacancy.
"I have had five opportunities since I left Liverpool to get back into work, all at clubs I really respect," Rodgers told beIN Sports. "But I just felt I wanted to take some time out. It is very intense when you are in the game.
"I spoke to Huw Jenkins, the chairman and people I know well, but I made it clear and I was pretty open. Swansea is a wonderful club and there were also a couple of other Premier League clubs I could have gone back to.
"But I wasn't going to be available to come into a club before the summer. I enjoy the scrutiny and life of being at the leading edge of the game, but the opportunity that presented itself when I left Liverpool gave me the chance to go away for the first time in five years.
"I can sit and reflect on how I work and can improve and I hope my next club will benefit from that. I had the same situation when I left Reading in December [2009].
"I had a bit of time out and my next club, Swansea, benefited from that and it went well, as it did at Liverpool for a period. So I hope this will be the same and then I will look to get back somewhere by pre-season."
Rodgers hopes to be back in work this summer, although not necessarily in England.
"I am open. It is where I feel I can go in and make a difference: a job that will excite me," he added.
"It doesn't have to necessarily be at a top club. It can be at home or abroad. It is just about finding the right opportunity, one that will excite me to go in and somewhere I can help make better."
