Liverpool owners will back Brendan Rodgers this summer, says Rob Jones
Former Liverpool defender Rob Jones believes the Reds must strengthen their squad to keep pace with their rivals
Rob Jones expects the Liverpool owners to back Brendan Rodgers in the summer transfer window as the Reds gear up for Champions League football next season.
Liverpool have performed above expectations this term after securing their place in the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition with three games to spare.
The Premier League leaders surrendered control of the title race to rivals Manchester City after a demoralising 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Anfield last weekend.
I don’t think the owners will mind spending that money because they know it will be spent well
Rob Jones
Former Reds defender Jones felt Rodgers lacked options from the bench on Sunday, highlighting that the Liverpool boss must strengthen to be able to compete on two fronts next season.
“It has been a great season. Brendan has done an absolutely great job with the team to get them where they are,” Jones told The Sport Review.
“But there was no-one realistically that Brendan could bring off the bench. There was [Daniel] Sturridge carrying an injury but who else was there on the bench that you could bring on?
“With the size of Chelsea or Manchester City’s squad, you’re taking a top centre-forward off and bringing another top one on.”
Jones continued: “The owners have been great but they have to back him this summer. He needs to bring in some good buys.
“If you’re going to play Champions League and push for the Premier League, you’ve got to have a strong bench. Otherwise we could fall behind.
“Because Brendan has done so well this year, I don’t think the owners will mind spending that money because they know it will be spent well.”
PFA player of the year Luis Suarez has been one of the driving forces behind Liverpool’s title challenge after scoring 30 Premier League goals this season.
And Jones, who won the League Cup with Liverpool in 1995, joked that he would be happy if Suarez could replicate his current form next term, although he is sure the 27-year-old will be targeting an improvement.
“He went straight into the team after that ban and he was really sharp and buzzing,” Jones added.
“He has gone from strength to strength. He isn’t getting involved with players as much anymore. He has just done exceptionally well.
“I’d be happy if he could just do the same next year. Suarez will be looking to improve if he can.”
Rob Jones was widely regarded as one of England’s finest full-backs before his career was cut short due to injury. Check out the Liverpool legend’s story at www.robjonesbook.co.uk
