Rodgers eager to steer title course

02 June 2012 08:17

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits the club are not yet ready to challenge for championships - but will waste no time in trying to change that.

The 39-year-old was officially appointed on Friday and immediately stressed that his work would begin without delay. He admitted part of what lured him to Anfield was the attraction of being the man to end their long wait for a title, which was last lifted by his predecessor Kenny Dalglish during his first spell in charge in 1990.

"It's the frustration. It has been over 20 years since they won the title," said the Northern Irishman. "The realism is we might not be ready for the title but the process begins now."

He continued: "It's a new cycle and that is something that we will work towards in the years to come. We hope over time it improves. I have come here hoping Liverpool will be a destination.

"This is a club that if you can have success and improve the team then hopefully you can be here for many years."

Captain Steven Gerrard welcomed Rodgers' appointment and is eager to start working with him as soon as the European Championships are over.

"I spoke to Brendan on Thursday night for quite some time," said the Reds captain. I'm very excited and looking forward to working with him.

"Before I spoke to him I'd heard great things, from the Chelsea boys and a few others who have worked with him. I've done a bit of homework and everyone speaks really well of him.

"He never went into detail about his visions for the club. I'm sure he will in the future. It was basically just a meet and greet kind of phone call.

"He's excited and looking forward to working with all the players. I feel exactly the same. I can go on record and guarantee he was first choice."

Source: PA