Reds legends praise new boss
Former Liverpool players have lined up to pay tribute to the new Reds manager Brendan Rodgers after his appointment was officially announced on Friday.
The Ulsterman has drawn widespread praise for his footballing philosophy and here are a selection of opinions from a group of men who know plenty about playing football the Liverpool Way.
"For what Brendan Rodgers has achieved at Swansea, he deserves huge respect. He's worked under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea so he knows the score and he's worked with top players. It will be a massive step-up for Rodgers to manage Liverpool."
Robbie Fowler
"Congratulations to Brendan and Good Luck to everyone at LFC."
Kenny Dalglish
"He's done a fantastic job and exceeded all expectations. He's most probably one of the managers of the season because of the football that Swansea play. It's no surprise Swansea have done so well because they've always played great football. Brendan has just taken them to the next level. They've exceeded many people's expectations."
Ian Rush
"When I joined Liverpool, it was all about pass and move. You would pass all the time, keep possession, and try not to give the ball away. It was all you were told to do and far too often over the past 10 years or so, Liverpool have given the ball away far too cheaply. I think Swansea City and Brendan Rodgers were a breath of fresh air last year and if he can bring that to Liverpool and win a lot of games and bring what we all want - top European football to the table, he'll be a King around the place. You've got to start somewhere; he is a young manager and he's very, very gifted. Hopefully this is the right time and the right place for the man."
John Aldridge
"As far as I am concerned Brendan Rodgers is an outstanding young manager. I think he plays in a very modern and comprehensive way and you can see what he has done at Swansea. I always say that when you have a philosophy on football, you need the players who can instil that."
John Barnes
"Brendan Rodgers' philosophy on football is a good one, he always wants to see his sides play football and that's how Liverpool fans want their team to play."
David Fairclough
"He wants his teams to pass in all areas. He has used a system that has worked in Spain, especially for Barcelona - principally the two centre halves split, the full backs push on and the holding midfielder steps in and plays from there. Everyone is encouraged to get on the ball, take risks, pass it, keep it. Liverpool will be playing the tiki-taka style. This squad should be excited about working with Brendan because he won't waste a training session, where he will be working with the ball and teaching them how to break down other teams.
Jamie Redknapp
"Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool. Could be a good bit of business. Looking forward to next seasons Premier League already!"
Michael Owen
"When he was in the running for the job, one of the candidates, I was speaking to the Chelsea boys and some of the players that have experienced working with him as well. They all spoke really highly of him. They said he's a good coach, a good guy, very honest and he supports his players very well. That's all you ask for as a player, we're really looking forward to it. I'm excited. I'm really looking forward to working with Brendan. We shared a phone call last night and I'm really looking forward to meeting him in person and getting started working with him."
Steven Gerrard
"I saw Swansea in the play-offs last year and I saw them play against Liverpool this year and I've been very impressed with them. They play fantastic football, they really do. You look around now and it's amazing how many young managers there are in the game. That seems to be the thing now. It's a stressful game in the managers' position, so maybe the younger you are, the better! His job will be to get Liverpool up there and the aim is to win the Premier League. You ask any Liverpool fan - that's the number one aim."
Ian Callaghan
"He has got a great pedigree. He has been in the game for nigh on 20 years and he's learnt a lot from the likes of Mourinho, Van Gaal and one or two other quality coaches as well. He is the best choice for the job. He is a quality choice, there is no doubt about it. I think he understands what the club is all about and what the fans mean to the club as well. That is very, very important. I think the players will relish working with a guy who knows the game inside out."
Alan Kennedy