Brendan Rodgers has agreed a three-year deal to become Liverpool’s next manager, according to a report by BBC Sport.
The Swansea City manager met with Fenway Sports Group on Wednesday afternoon, according to Sky Sports. This is the second time that Liverpool has attempted to speak with him about becoming manager. On the first approach, Rodgers turned down the opportunity because he didn’t want to be one of a dozen going into a “beauty parade.” Now, after discussions with Roberto Martinez and evaluating the chances of Andre Villas-Boas, Fenway Sports Group decided to go back to Rodgers.
The Northern Irishman has been a revelation in the Premier League after taking Swansea City to 11th place — just five points behind Liverpool, who had far greater resources at their disposal. Prior to Swansea, Rodgers was manager of Chelsea’s reserve team where he worked closely with Jose Mourinho. Rodgers also managed Watford and Reading before joining Swansea in 2010.
As a Swansea City supporter, the news is discouraging since Rodgers has been such an instrumental part of the Swansea City side. However, even as much as it pains me to say it, we as Swansea City supporters knew that Rodgers was eventually going to leave. And even after the speculation in the press during the past two weeks with the Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Brom jobs being open, I knew it was going to be a very long summer, and difficult to hold on to the Swansea manager.
Even on the day when Kenny Dalglish was sacked, and all of the press speculation was focused on Roberto Martinez becoming the new Liverpool manager, I think I was one of the first to put Brendan Rodgers name out there as the potential manager to replace Dalglish.
If you’re a Liverpool supporter, count yourself as a very lucky club today to be able to get such a brilliant manager. Rodgers still has a lot to learn, but I have no doubt that he’ll be a success at Liverpool by turning the club into the one that many Brits were proud of in the late 70’s and early 80’s by playing the best football in Europe — the incredible passing style that won hearts and minds.
For Swansea, it’s back to the drawing board. I wouldn’t mind taking Roberto Martinez back to South Wales as manager, but hopefully the Swans will look abroad to find someone who has the same belief in the way that Martinez and Rodgers teams plays their football. As long as they can find the right appointment, I’m not concerned that Swansea will suffer by the loss of Rodgers. He’s built an incredible team, but the system is in place to carry on forward.
Congratulations Liverpool fans. You’ve won today.
