Phil Thompson: Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers doesn’t get enough praise
Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson believes Brendan Rodgers doesn't get enough credit for his impact at Anfield
Brendan Rodgers doesn’t get enough credit for his impact at Liverpool, according to Phil Thompson.
The 41-year-old Northern Irishman has masterminded Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge this season after taking charge from club legend Kenny Dalglish in May 2012.
We’ve got to have a manager who can go out there and change things – and that’s what Brnedan Rodgers has done
Phil Thompson
The Reds are currently a point behind leaders Chelsea ahead of their clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
“Where Liverpool are at the moment is beyond are wildest dreams. To temper it, Champions League football would be so welcomed,” Thompson told Sky Sports News.
“If we finished fourth [I’d be disappointed]. But we’re still against two top teams that have spent a massive amount of money.
“We have a chance – chance is the word.”
He added: “We’ve got to go out there and play as a team. We’ve got to have a manager who can go out there and change things – and that’s what Brnedan Rodgers has done.
“I don’t think we have given Brendan Rodgers enough praise here. He has brought on players. He has made players who looked like they were heading out the door better.”
However, Thompson did concede Liverpool were nervous in the closing stages of their narrow 2-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
“Edgy towards the end without a doubt,” Thompson added. “Particularly John O’Shea’s chance at the end. A few years ago, maybe that would have gone in.
“Everybody is starting to realise and there was a fantastic moment before the game when a lot of fan got together prior to the game to welcome the coach into the Shankly Gates.
“There with flags, banners, scarves. It was a fantastic moment.”
