Reds won’t need many changes - Rodgers

Getty Images

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers does not think he will have to make major changes in order for his new side to start getting full value for their performances.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers does not think he will have to make major changes in order for his new side to start getting full value for their performances.

The Reds dominated numerous matches last season, particularly at home, but just six wins and nine draws at Anfield contributed to an eighth-place finish which cost Kenny Dalglish his job.

Ulsterman Rodgers admits his predecessor probably deserved to get a greater return of points from those games and believes the foundations which the Scot left means with a tweak and a slight change of emphasis he can recover that lost ground.

“If you look at Liverpool's record last season, Kenny was very unlucky because there were so many games they dominated but just failed to hit the back of the net,” he said.

“Defensively they were reasonably strong so it is a case of improving on what has been happening over the last couple of years and giving the players confidence to go and win games.”

The 39-year-old manager is relishing the start of the new season in his first high-profile role and admits he is lifted by the thought of going into work every day.

“It is very much inspiring. This is a real footballing institution,” he added.

“I walk in every day to the training ground here and you've got the European Cup, a little bust of Bill Shankly, and as I sit in my office I've got a great photograph of some of the great players and managers of the past.

“For me, I embrace that because it is very inspirational and in no way intimidating.

“I'm just looking forward to playing a part in hopefully changing the history of the club - but that is for the longer term.”

In the short term Rodgers is confident he can fend off any interest in Luis Suarez.

“I've had a brilliant chat with Luis,” said Rodgers.

“He's really looking forward to being here and we are obviously hoping that we can get him on to another new contract.”– Belfast Telegraph