Werner backs Liverpool to have a ‘great season’ under Rodgers

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner is backing the Reds to have a “great season” under new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers, 39, replaced Kenny Dalglish at the Anfield helm after Liverpool ended the season with a whimper, managing just two wins at home in their last eight games and losing to Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group decided it was time for a change and opted to bring in Rodgers after the former Chelsea coach guided Swansea City to a respectable 11th place in their first season in the Premier League.

“He’s been great and very personable,” said Werner of Rodgers. “I think that everybody who talks to him feels his enthusiasm and his intelligence and I’m really looking forward to a great season next year.

“It’s very exciting that Liverpool is here for the North American tour. We’re playing in Toronto this weekend and then Boston and Baltimore.

“It’s a great opportunity for the fans in North America to see this squad and I’m excited to see the training here today because we’re so pleased that Brendan Rodgers is our coach and that he’s implementing the philosophy that he discussed with us. It’s also great to see all these young faces.”

The Reds chairman is also pleased with the acquisition of Roma’s Fabio Borini – and Werner, whose FSG company also owns the Boston Red Sox, is happy with the strength of the squad ahead of the new campaign.

“I think when the squad shows up and we have Borini, [Luis] Suarez and [Stewart] Downing, [Glen] Johnson and Lucas Leiva back and [Steven] Gerrard – we’ve got a very strong squad and I’m looking forward to the results,” he added.

Liverpool kick-off their pre-season with a friendly against Toronto on Saturday before facing Roma at the Fenway Stadium next Wednesday.