Boss: This one is more than football

The country's two most successful clubs lock horns once more this weekend at Anfield, with both sides having kicked off their Barclays Premier League campaigns without defeat to date.

Having been appointed Liverpool manager in the summer of 2012, Rodgers has experienced two matches against the Red Devils - but the Northern Irishman is already acutely aware of the fixture's importance.

Asked by reporters on Friday if this match remains the biggest in English football, he said: "I certainly think that everyone looks at it as that.

"Liverpool v Manchester United is a massive game. It's more than a football game, it's a story of two cities and you're representing the people of your city and the history of that city.

"It's more than a football match. But it's important that you retain that calmness and belief on the field, to get the result - because, ultimately, that's what it's about.

"There's a different feeling to this one. This is a rivalry that is passionate, fierce and competitive - which is what you want. But there's also respect between the two clubs as well.

"There's an intense rivalry there. I've experienced both games now as Liverpool manager - United and the Everton game. There's something a wee bit more intense in this rivalry.

"It's not just the football clubs - it's the cities that you're representing. It's a game that we were unfortunate not to get something from last year; we lost the game but we're very confident going into this game.

"It's a game which should be very close. We're at home and we'll look to take the initiative in the game."

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Rodgers and his players suffered a pair of 2-1 defeats at the hands of United during 2012-13, although the boss pointed to an encouraging succession of performances against the top clubs.

The 40-year-old continued: "It has been well documented that we didn't get enough wins in the games against the opponents above us last year - but we didn't lose many either.

"It's just those small percentages this season. We drew home and away with Chelsea, we drew home and away with Manchester City. We beat Tottenham at home; Arsenal, we drew away when we were winning.

"There are small margins for us to improve on and we have shown that we can do that. It's still going to be an immensely tough game and a difficult game, but we're ready for that.

"I feel that the team is much better and much more ready for the challenges this year. There's no bigger challenge than playing the champions but we'll relish it.

"If you look at our numbers since we last played Manchester United in January, that's the improvement where we've really kicked on. The big thing for us was consistency.

"From when we played them in January, we've played 18 Premier League games each - they have won 11, we have won 10; we have drawn six games and they have drawn five; we have both lost two games.

"So over the course of that period from January they have two points more than us. Obviously they became champions. For us, it's a case of continuing with that consistency. If we can do that, I think we can compete with anyone.

"We know it's a really difficult challenge but we've shown enough in the last number of months, the second half of last season and the beginning of this season, that we can sustain a challenge. That's something we're very determined to do."

David Moyes will bring a United team to Anfield for the first time this weekend, having failed to record a victory over Liverpool at the ground during his time in charge of neighbours Everton.

"Going in after Sir Alex is obviously a huge ask for any manager," said Rodgers.

"David did a terrific job at Everton and has earned the right to go in there and do it the way he wants to do it. David has got a group of winners there and players that have been there for a long time.

"He knows it's a massive job, like coming into a club like Liverpool, but you embrace that because of the nature of the clubs and to bring the success that the clubs have been used to."

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Before the action starts on Sunday, a minute's applause will be held and a special mosaic displayed on the Kop to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bill Shankly on Monday, September 2.

Rodgers said: "The legacy that he's left behind here is something that's with us to this very day. The club that Liverpool is renowned for worldwide was really started by him.

"I never met the man but in my time here I've got to speak to many of the old players that worked with him. The legend lives on here very strongly. He created what is now known as one of the biggest families in the world.

"His ethics and values have been retained at this club and renowned as the 'Liverpool Way'. He was a remarkable man; he came in and picked the club off its knees when it was in the Second Division and stayed for 15 years.

"Liverpool played the game at that time with a charisma that we're trying to get back to the team, and what many of the old Kopites have been used to at this football club."

With just three days remaining in the summer transfer window, the boss was also quizzed by journalists gathered at Melwood on any potential further additions to his playing squad.

"As managers we've got to give the same answers to you," he said. "There's nothing to report until we have a player signed and in the building.

"There are so many players linked with the football club that if you answered every single one, you would be here all day and all night. You're better to say nothing until the player is in the building, and until that point it's only ever speculation."

Rodgers was also asked about the current condition of Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez, who has three matches left to serve on his 10-game suspension.

He added: "He has been working very hard in training and he played a game behind closed doors.

"The focus is purely on getting him up to match fitness by the time he is available, but really concentrating on the players that are available."