Rodgers: It's not going to be easy
Brendan Rodgers admitted that he faced an almost impossible task to replace Jamie Carragher after the 35-year-old played his final game for Liverpool on Sunday.
The man who made the No.23 jersey famous wore it for the 737th and last time as the Reds defeated Queens Park Rangers by a single goal in front of a crowd who willed Carragher throughout to play for one more year.
Afterwards Rodgers was asked how he would go about replacing a player who, with 20 minutes of his farewell game remaining, sprinted 40 yards to regain possession.
He said: "I don't think there are many about like that, I've got to be honest.
"What he's got at this football club is unique. You have to find different ways. All great players, their time comes to an end.
"We've seen it here through the years. You look at Ian Rush when he went away and they brought in John Barnes and Peter Beardsley - and they brought something else.
"We need to find a good one now to come in and support the group - and it certainly won't be easy."
Rodgers replaced Carragher with minutes remaining, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd.
"I knew I was going to do it," said the boss. "Traditionally they come off at the end and I was frightened in case I forgot!
"He's an incredible player and a real gentleman. You saw his performance today - his ambition was to go out at the top and he's going out as a top, top performer.
"We've spoken a lot during the season but I knew from his vibe that his mind was made up last year. His love and professionalism saw him through his contract and he's been absolutely first class.
"He's played 16 Premier League games since he came back into the team and we've only lost one. He's been an absolutely colossal player and at 35 he's still fit and strong.
"It's with great sadness that he has to move on but we now have to."
Carragher almost ended his Premier League career in the same way he started it - with a goal.
Sadly his 30-yard effort smashed against the post.
"That was some strike," said Rodgers. "He's a player who, because of his leadership qualities and his warrior spirit, a lot of his technical qualities get overlooked.
"Everyone talks about his blocking but he can pass. His weight of pass into the correct foot, his cushioned headers, his touch.
"You talk about British centre-halves not being able to play football but here's someone who's a world-class player who can defend and play.
"It would have been a lovely touch for that to go in."
As one player waved goodbye to the supporters for the final time, another made his first appearance for the club - 17-year-old Jordon Ibe.
"I thought he did very well," said Rodgers. "It's not easy playing at Anfield, his first game here for the first team. As the game went on he became better and better.
"I said before the game I'd give him 60-65 minutes. He's got real potential and you can see he's a footballer. He linked up very well with young Coutinho and made some good passes and got some shots off.
"For all the young players, hopefully they'll see from this season that there's hope for them here - that they'll get an opportunity."
The game was settled by a smashing effort from distance by Philippe Coutinho.
"He's adapted very well and connects our team from the midfield to front very well," added Rodgers. "I think supporters enjoy watching him for his brilliance."