Ayre: Martinez is a great guy
Ian Ayre today praised the professionalism of Wigan boss Roberto Martinez - while reiterating that Brendan Rodgers was the only manager to be offered the job at Anfield.
The Reds unveiled the Northern Irishman as their new boss last week after an extensive process which included talking to Martinez.
But despite claims to the contrary from Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, Liverpool's managing director insists Rodgers proved to be the man they wanted to succeed Kenny Dalglish.
"Our aim from the outset was to conduct a proper, thorough, search, and do it in the proper manner," said Ayre.
"From our point of view, we did all the right things. We approached the clubs we needed to approach, and conducted ourselves properly at all times.
"It is disappointing, then, that Dave Whelan felt the need to run the kind of sideshow he conducted via Sky Sports News and various other media outlets.
"It is important to understand that we ran a proper search to find a new manager, and that part of that involved us speaking to a number of candidates.
"We make no secret of the fact we spoke with Roberto Martinez, but that is all we did. He is a great guy, and I can't speak highly enough of his professionalism and conduct.
"But for his chairman to make suggestions like he has, and suggestions that just aren't true, well it is disappointing to say the least. We can say with absolute certainty that the only person who was made any offer by Liverpool Football Club is Brendan Rodgers."