ex-Liverpool star believes the Reds’ boss is under pressure
Former Liverpool winger Patrick Berger has insisted that Brendan Rodgers could face the sack, IF Liverpool suffer a poor start to the 2015/15 Premier League campaign.
The Reds finished fifth last season, just one year after Rodgers almost guided them to the Premier League title. However, Rodgers has mainly been criticised for his overpriced signings.
After selling Luis Suarez, the Northern Irishman spent the £75 million on players such as Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren, Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert; amongst others who have been a disappointment at Anfield.
Rodgers’ recent captures, including Danny Ings and Adam Bogdan, have also been questioned and Berger admits the Liverpool gaffer can’t afford to start poorly. Especially with Jurgen Klopp currently out of a job.
‘He has to deliver’
When speaking to the Daily Star, Berger said: “He has to deliver this season and right from the start. If they find themselves behind the top teams right from the beginning then it is going to be tough for him to stay.”
He also added: “The pressure is there on Rodgers because over the period he has been there he has spent a lot of money and he hasn’t won anything.”
‘Last season was a disappointment’
“Liverpool have given him the time. Three years is a long time, and he hasn’t won anything,” acknowledged Berger.
The former Czech Republic heaped further pressure on Rodgers when he said: “Even though they were so close to winning the league, they didn’t win it. Okay, it was a great season but no trophies. Last season, no trophies either.
Last season was a big disappointment, not just result wise, but also the way they played.”
The Merseyside club don’t have an easy start to the next Premier League term either, facing Stoke City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City in their first seven away games.
Kieran Makin
