Brendan Rodgers reacts to rumours linking klopp to Liverpool as hissuccessor

The Northern Irishman isn't surprised at rumours linking the Borussia Dortmund coach with his job but is convinced he will succeed at Anfield
Brendan Rodgers says he is the right manager to take Liverpool forward following reports Jurgen Klopp could take over at Anfield.


The Borussia Dortmund coach will leave his current post at the end of the season and has subsequently been strongly linked with the Anfield hotseat after the Reds were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

The result was the culmination of an underwhelming campaign after last season's challenge for the Premier League title and has seen Rodgers become the first Liverpool boss since the 1950s not to win a trophy in his first three years at the club.

But the Northern Irishman is adamant he still has the backing of the Reds' American owners, Fenway Sports Group, and says speculation linking Klopp with a move to Merseyside is inevitable.

"I don't think there's anyone better [to manage Liverpool]," Rodgers told reporters. "Three months ago I was a tactical genius so I never get too carried away. I have a strong relationship with the owners.

"When you are at a club like Liverpool, there will be lots of names mentioned. It goes with being at a big club."

Liverpool's signings last summer have been heavily criticised this season, with the seven new first-team recruits struggling to fill the void left by Luis Suarez, who joined Barcelona in August.

However, the club - and their much-maligned transfer committee - are already pressing ahead with plans for another big spending summer.

"Our ambition is to be better and plan forward and that means bringing in players in the summer. Plans to do that are well under way," added Rodgers.

"There's no need to clarify. There's a group of people who will identify and recruit players just like at most clubs."

As well as looking to secure new arrivals, Liverpool are also working to tie down their current stars, with Rodgers hopeful that Raheem Sterling will join Jordan Henderson in committing his future to the club.

"The likes of Jordan and Raheem are very important players," he remarked. "The club is working very hard behind scenes to sign them up."

On the injury front, Adam Lallana is back in contention to face West Brom and Jon Flanagan has returned to training but Mamadou Sakho, Lucas Leiva and Daniel Sturridge all remain sidelined.