Premier League: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Reading sacking was making of him

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes losing his job as Reading boss five years ago has helped him deal with the current difficult situation he faces.

Rodgers left the Madejski Stadium on December 16 but went on to enjoy a successful spell in charge at Swansea, a factor which helped earn his chance with the Reds.

Liverpool were in the title race for much of last season but have struggled this time round and lie 11th in the Premier League table.

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Their 1-1 draw with Basel meant they missed out on qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League and will instead compete in the Europa League when the tournament resumes in February.

But despite the problems faced by Liverpool, Rodgers remains in buoyant mood as he prepares for crucial Sky Live games away to Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday and at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

"It is totally different. I never forget the day - it was Wednesday, December 16 - and it was a difficult period of course," Rodgers said of being sacked by Reading.

"It was probably the making of me as a manager. It is not until you experience it that you can analyse and reflect on things you can be better at.

"That was the way it worked out. I was able to do a decent job at Swansea and up to this year I would hope people would think I had done a decent job here.

"As a manager you will always have tough periods but I have great confidence in how staff and players work.

"We just need a little bit of luck and a break and I think we will get that. When we get some consistent results we can push on."

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Rodgers has been keen to stress his side face faced a tough task after Luis Suarez left to join Barcelona, while England international Daniel Sturridge has been beset by injury problems.

But despite those mitigating factors, Rodgers insists he expects to be in the spotlight at such a high-profile club.

"When you are manager at Liverpool, one of the great clubs of the world, there is always going to be pressure," he added.

"Expectancy on us this year is based on how we worked last season. We recognise the challenges of this season. We know what we had last season and this year that dynamic has totally changed.

"We know the challenges and the pressures that are on you could be unrivalled but we are relaxed and focused and even more driven to restore confidence to the team. We are looking to fight to improve that."

See how Liverpool fare in their next two matches. The Capital One Cup game with Bournemouth is live on Sky Sports 1HD from 7pm on Wednesday, with the visit of Arsenal coming up on Super Sunday from 3:30pm on the same channel.