Skip to content

Brendan Rodgers 'disappointed' after Liverpool sacking

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledges the fans during the Capital One Cup, third round match at Anfield, Liverpool.
Image: Brendan Rodgers was sacked on Sunday after three seasons at Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers is "incredibly disappointed" to have been sacked by Liverpool and says it was "an honour and a privilege" to manage the club.

The 42-year-old was sacked on Sunday night after a run of results which saw his side win just once in nine games after two victories at the start of the season.

Rodgers, appointed in June 2012, was the first manager of the club not to win a major trophy in his first three years at the helm.

Despite that, he was the first Anfield boss to win the LMA's Manager of the Year prize in its 20-year history after he led his team to a second-place Premier League finish 17 months ago.

Ten games that cost Rodgers
Ten games that cost Rodgers

Tracing Brendan Rodgers' downfall as Liverpool manager through 10 matches of his reign...

Rodgers, speaking on the LMA's website, said: "I am, of course, incredibly disappointed to be leaving Liverpool Football Club.

"It has been both an honour and a privilege to manage one of the game's great clubs for the last three years.

"I have worked every day to represent the club to the best of my ability, to develop both individual players and a team that the club's magnificent fans can be proud of.

Also See:

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge celebrates a goal during the Barclays Premier League match v Aston Villa at Anfield
Image: Liverpool's only win in their last nine games was a 3-2 victory against Aston Villa

"There have been some very memorable moments during my time at Liverpool and I would like to thank all of the players for their hard work and commitment.

"The current squad is one in transition, but they have some real talent and are showing a strong sense of togetherness.

"I expect to see them continue to grow and develop over the coming weeks and I wish them and my successor well for the rest of the season.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch Thierry Henry's initial reaction when he hears the breaking news about Brendan Rodgers' sacking at Liverpool

"Liverpool has a magnificent football heritage and I have nothing but respect and admiration for the history, tradition and values that make the city and the club so exceptional.

"As well as my players, I would like to thank everyone connected with the club: Fenway Sports Group, the Liverpool directors, in particular Ian Ayre, my coaching staff, the staff throughout the club, the volunteers, the academy staff and its young players and of course the amazing Liverpool fans for their unwavering support, passion and dedication which has made my time at the club so special.  

Brendan Rodgers
Image: Brendan Rodgers says it was an 'honour and a privilege' to manage one of football's 'great clubs'

"Finally, I would like to give a special mention to John W. Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon.

"They gave me this great opportunity and even though we will no longer be working together I am sure our relationship and friendship will continue into the future."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch Brendan Rodgers' final post-match interview as Liverpool manager following the 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: "Brendan is without doubt one of the most talented and forward-thinking British managers in the game.

"His abilities were formally recognised in 2014 when his peers voted him LMA Manager of the Year following his brilliant work at Liverpool, which very nearly guided them to the Barclays Premier League title.

Everton celebrate Romelu Lukaku's equaliser
Image: Drawing with Liverpool in the weekend's Merseyside derby brought Rodgers' tenure at Liverpool to an end

"His time at Liverpool has demonstrated he has both the skills and personality to manage at the highest levels of the game.

"Brendan has dedicated his entire professional life to developing players and teams and I am certain that with his knowledge and passion for the game it won't be too long before he finds a new challenge."

Is Spain a fit for Rodgers?
Is Spain a fit for Rodgers?

Guillem Balague believes Brendan Rodgers' next job could be in Spain...

Around Sky