Jose: Boss has Spanish mentality
Jose Enrique today attributed his excellent current form to the 'Spanish' influence of Brendan Rodgers.
The 26-year-old has started Liverpool's last five Barclays Premier League matches, during which time he has scored his first goal for the club and excelled in a left-wing position.
Enrique believes working with Rodgers has had a positive impact on his game and is relishing working under the Northern Irishman.
"In England, he is the best manager I have had in terms of tactics and everything else," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"Tactically, he is very Spanish. He reminds me of when I had [Manuel] Pellegrini at Villarreal.
"He really likes Spanish players, those who give him 100 per cent every game. He has a mentality like a Spanish manager and I really like that.
"It doesn't matter how well you have played in the past, it is what you are doing at the minute that counts. Every day you have to prove yourself. If you don't play well, you are on the bench."
Enrique's start to the 2012-13 season was hampered by a niggling knee injury.
However, now fully fit, the No.3 feels he's operating at top form and is optimistic he can continue at that level.
"Football has different moments," reflected Enrique. "Now I feel as if I am playing well and I hope I can continue like this.
"You don't live off what you have done before in football, you live in the now and I am trying to do my best. The most important thing is to help the team as much as possible.
"Last season, until December, I really played well but I don't know why my form dropped after that.
"I had some problems with my knee at the start of this season. All you want to do is play but I was frustrated.
"Then, one day, the pain had just gone and now I am happy because I am playing.
"I believe in myself and I always have done, no matter what team I have played for.
"I want to be here for a long time. This is the biggest club I have ever played for. The fans are amazing and I am really happy in the city."
Rodgers has opted to utilise Enrique on the left of a three-pronged attack recently, to great effect.
Though a left-back by trade, he's happy to operate where ever the manager sees fit.
Enrique said: "It's the manager's decision. My position is left-back. I am more comfortable there.
"If he plays Glen [Johnson] or Stewart [Downing] there, that is his decision. I have to respect that. I really enjoy attacking so playing further forward isn't a problem. I am happy there and playing alongside Luis [Suarez] is really easy. With his movement, he is a really clever player."