Hard Graft Key for Rodgers

New Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers, will demand hard work when the pre-season begins, and urge his players to play their football in the right way.

The 39-year-old was confirmed as Kenny Dalglish’s replacement last week, after impressing with Swansea City in their first season in the top flight since 1983.

Rodgers guided the Swans to promotion in 2011, before leading them to an 11th-place finish, last term. His side were widely applauded for their attractive style of football.

Liverpool moved to secure the services of Rodgers following the departure of Dalglish, and have entrusted the Northern Irishman with bringing the good times back to the club.

Rodgers admitted Liverpool’s illustrious history and footballing principles attracted him to Anfield. Fans will no doubt be hoping that Rodgers can coax the kind of football scores that the club achieved in 2001/2, when they finished second in the league, out of the Reds.

“For me (the attraction) is to defend the principles of this great club – which are about offensive, creative football with tactical discipline – and to retain the values of the club”, said Rodgers.

“The tradition of this football club is about players playing the game in a stylish, relentless way with consistency at the very top.”

The key to his success at Swansea was hard work, and Rodgers expects the Liverpool players to buy into his philosophy.

“I have conditions to work in. I create a framework and the players come in and adhere to it. I hear people talking about working hard, but for me it is an obligation – it’s not a choice”, added Rodgers.

Rodgers has already begun assessing his squad, and will work hard to bring quality players to the club. However, he has called for patience among the club’s supporters.

“What we need to do is improve the team and the quality of the team and, hopefully, over the next couple of years, we will be ready to challenge and ready to compete”, said Rodgers.

Rodgers appointment has done little for Liverpool’s chances of winning the title, next season, according to the Premier League odds on Bet365.