Boss: Scouts have started working

Rodgers' January transfer activity paid rich dividends with both Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge making instant and impressive impacts since arriving at Anfield.

Although the boss insisted that no bids have been launched for new recruits as yet, the Northern Irishman has confidence that the ongoing behind-the-scenes work can bear fruit in the off-season.

"The scouts are doing a terrific job in their diligence and their work," Rodgers said at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

"They're leaving no stone unturned in terms of the work they are carrying out in order to get us the players we need to improve.

"That process started just after the window - once we got the staff in we needed, they got to work straight away and we saw the benefits of that over the course of January. Hopefully we can have a similar window, a real positive one, in the summer.

"It's a different club - there's a lot more cohesion within all departments of the club. There was a big change going on across the board here last season in terms of managerial changes, coaching changes, administration and recruitment.

"There was a lot going on - lots of players going out, some coming in. The word stability is key for us now - it really sets us up for the summer to hopefully have a good window.

"We really have to make sure we're getting the right types of players in and if we can do that, I believe that we can kick on again. As a start point, it's much better.

"There are no bids in for anyone yet. There's a lot of work going on off the field, our staff and people at the club are doing a brilliant job in identifying the types of profile that we want to bring in.

"There'll be a natural transition in the summer because we need to improve our depth. The squad was very shallow throughout the season and we know we need to improve that. That will happen.

"Like any club, you want to do your business as early as you possibly can. We'll look to reinforce over the summer months - come the beginning of the season, we would hope we have a squad ready to challenge."

"For the supporters, considering the history of this club and what they've had to celebrate over many years, this will have been a disappointing season for them in terms of trophies. Come the summer, we'll be in a much better place to put in a sustainable challenge at the top of the table."
Brendan Rodgers

As his maiden season with the Reds draws to a conclusion and his anniversary of being appointed the manager nears, Rodgers was quizzed about the growth of the team during the last 12 months.

"Ultimately we want to be challenging for trophies and being consistent at the top of the league," the 40-year-old added.

"This season was always going to be the season for building our base in order to achieve those objectives. As the season has gone on, we've become better.

"We've looked to change the culture and mentality within the group and our results have demonstrated that. The players have given their all - we've become better and I expect us to continue to get better.

"This has been great learning for me this season. I've been in football a long time and I came here because of the challenge - to get Liverpool back into the top four of this great league. It was the reason I came - the history of this great club.

"I knew it was a big ask but it's not really until you come in that you understand the total task. I wouldn't change it for anything, the support I have been given by the players has been top-class.

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"My staff have been brilliant, both on the field and off the field. For the supporters, considering the history of this club and what they've had to celebrate over many years, this will have been a disappointing season for them in terms of trophies.

"But there has also been delight along the way and they'll have seen progress. Come the summer, we'll be in a much better place to put in a sustainable challenge at the top of the table."