Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has declared that he remains the best man for the job despite disappointing recent results, in comments published by several British newspapers.
Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by Basel in mid-week and are currently 15 points below leaders Chelsea in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester United.
Defeat at Old Trafford would further compromise Liverpool’s hopes of securing a top-four finish and qualifying for next season’s Champions League, but Rodgers is confident that he will turn things around.
“I think the message from me is clear: I don’t think there would be anyone better to do the job here,” said the Northern Irishman, whose side narrowly lost out to Manchester City in last season’s title race.
“Seven months ago we nearly won the title unexpectedly. I had time to work with players and we took them beyond where the club has been in a long time.
“This has been a difficult start with new players, less coaching time, young players. We are virtually starting again.”
He added: “Criticism comes with the territory when you don’t win games. Football is very short-term. The same people who are criticising me now were maybe saying I couldn’t do anything wrong six or seven months ago.
“That is the way football works. You have to accept that as a manager and fight even harder to bring success. This period has ensured I will do that for sure.”