Rodgers: Why my staff are critical

The manager believes the support of his coaching staff has been invaluable as the Reds have surged to the top of the Barclays Premier League table.

"I get wonderful support from my assistants," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

"My staff here are absolutely critical to what we've done. I couldn't do it on my own and they are a key part of the success here."

Rodgers appointed Pascoe as his assistant manager when the pair joined Liverpool from Swansea City in June 2012.

The Welsh coach was already at the Swans when Rodgers arrived as boss in 2010 and the duo quickly formed a strong bond.

Rodgers said: "When I went into Swansea, I went in on my own.

"I felt that I probably diluted myself too much during my short time in charge at Reading.

"I needed to get back to taking the sessions and doing the work, but obviously you need capable assistants to work with you.

"I felt going to Swansea I needed people who shared the vision and the ideas.

"Colin had worked there under a few managers from Kenny Jackett to Roberto Martinez and Paulo Sousa. He had a clear identity with the Swansea ideas.

"I did my homework on him and found that he was a loyal, honest man. He was an attacking coach who was keen to work in this way. He understood the philosophy.

"I had no doubts about bringing Colin to Liverpool. He's a wonderful co-ordinator between the players and myself.

"I work closely with players. I talk and communicate with them a lot and Colin offers great support on that front. They respect him."

Upon being appointed at the Liverpool helm, Rodgers also moved to elevate Marsh from his role as U18s coach at the Academy to first-team duties at Melwood.

He added: "It's very important for me that I have people from this city around me who understand exactly it means to play and work for Liverpool Football Club.

"Mike is a Liverpool boy who has a close affinity with the club. He is developing as a coach all the time and developing his communication with top players."

Rodgers concluded: "What we have here behind the players is a professional team of people working in every facet of the game.

"Technically, tactically, medically and in terms of sports science, we're working with a clear methodology and a clear vision of how we work on the field and how they can recuperate players off it.

"Key for my work at any club I've worked at is the mental skills aspect of a player. It's something that can get frowned upon in some places but it's very important to me.

"If you take care of the technical, tactical and physical elements then the mental skills perspective of a footballer is equally as important.

"Behind the team we have a really professional group of people. Everyone is working with a clear vision to be the very best."