Rodgers stunned by Mackay situation
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has sprung to the defence of Cardiff counterpart Malky Mackay, accusing the Welsh club's owner Vincent Tan of "knowing nothing about football".
The Bluebirds visit Anfield on Saturday after a week in which there has been a public fall out between Mackay and Tan over transfers, leading to more speculation over the manager's future.
Their first season in the Barclays Premier League has seen further off-field strife with the sacking of head of recruitment Iain Moody, who was replaced by someone with no football background and a friend of Tan's son.
Rodgers finds it unbelievable that the situation has been allowed to develop as it has.
"I find it incredible all the talk about Malky, who I know well from working with him at Watford," said the former Swansea boss.
"I find it astonishing what he has had to go through.
"This is a guy who walked into Cardiff after they had lost in the play-off semi-finals and they waited two weeks to sack the manager Dave Jones on the day we (Swansea) were in the final - which I found strange.
"Malky walked into the club with 10 players that summer and he totally transformed the mentality of the club.
"He took them to the Carling Cup final, to a play-off place and just lost out and the following season took them to the championship and promotion.
"He has had great results this season and is going to go on and be a great manager at a big club and I find it absolutely astonishing there is talk about him leaving there.
"I worked with Iain Moody at Watford, one of the most authentic people you could ever meet.
"My only conclusion is you have a business guy operating the club who knows absolutely nothing about football.
"He has obviously been a successful businessman - congratulations but football is like no other business.
"When I see what Malky has had to put up with, to see him being questioned I find it remarkable.
"Especially when supporters there look up to him and respect him for what he's done."
Luis Suarez will lead the attack after signing a new long-term contract.
Rodgers may well stick with the same side which demolished Tottenham last weekend.
With no new injury concerns the Reds could name an unchanged line-up, especially as options in midfield are limited with captain Steven Gerrard still out with a hamstring injury.
Striker Daniel Sturridge (ankle) and left-back Jose Enrique (knee) are still sidelined until the new year.
Despite the turmoil Mackay has made the journey to Liverpool with his Cardiff squad.
Mackay had been due to face the media this morning ahead of the game at Anfield, but instead it was his assistant David Kerslake who spoke at a press conference which lasted barely five minutes.
At least Cardiff have no new injury concernsl.
Craig Bellamy could yet return from a hamstring injury while Craig Noone is set to feature against his boyhood club after an impressive display against West Brom last weekend.
Andreas Cornelius is pushing for a first start in the Premier League but is likely to again have to settle for a place on the bench behind Fraizer Campbell.
Source: PA
