Rodgers under pressure to lift shattered Reds
Published on: Tuesday, November 25, 2014
LONDON: Brendan Rodgers admits he must restore Liverpool's shattered morale quickly after a dismal 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace raised questions about his job security.Rodgers' team hit a new low in an already troubled campaign at rain-lashed Selhurst Park on Sunday as they crashed to a third successive loss in the Premier League.Rickie Lambert had given Liverpool the perfect start with his first goal for the club in the second minute, but the Reds surrendered their advantage in lacklustre fashion with Dwight Gayle equalising before late goals from Joe Ledley and Mile Jedinak gave Palace their first win since September.
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The last time Liverpool faced Palace in May – a 3-3 draw that virtually ended their title challenge – they were in the midst of a fine season which ended with them finishing just two points behind champions Manchester City.But after this latest setback, they trudged away from south London trailing leaders Chelsea by 18 points and sit closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.With Liverpool's season teetering on the brink of a full-blown crisis, Reds manager Rodgers acknowledged he will start to hear more criticism and calls for his sacking unless he can reverse the downward spiral immediately."I'm not arrogant enough to think I will be in the job through anything. Any manager will tell you they have to win games," Rodgers said.
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"I have a great communication line with the owners. We've been honest with each other."But ultimately you have to get results. They have to see development on the field and, barring this period, I think our development has been good and very fast.
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"I can only do my best and fight even harder and take responsibility. Any pressure now comes on to me. It's my responsibility as a manager to pick the best team that I think can win the game."The hangover from their unsuccessful title bid, combined with the departure of star striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona and the injury problems suffered by England forward Daniel Sturridge, have left Liverpool a shadow of the team that played in such vibrant style last season.Rodgers' new signings have so far struggled to adapt to his system and the Liverpool boss conceded his players are short of confidence and unity at present."We were nowhere near the levels we would expect. You saw a team with no confidence," Rodgers said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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