BR: Evolution tough, but important for us
Brendan Rodgers has described the process of evolution at Liverpool as a challenging, yet crucial period to undertake.
The Liverpool manager will wave farewell to club icon Steven Gerrard in the summer, having watched the adroit Luis Suarez leave at the end of the last season and defensive stalwart Jamie Carragher announce his retirement in the prior campaign.
Long-time servants Daniel Agger, Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina have also moved on during the Northern Irishman's tenure, an eventuality he accepted when he walked through the doors at Melwood.
"Coming in here, I was fully aware that I'd be in charge of part of the evolution of this group, especially over the first two to three years," Rodgers said in his press conference ahead of the trip to Sunderland.
"I knew it'd be a period where some of the great names of the football club were going to move on. It's hard as a manager because you're losing players that have been outstanding here and it's obviously difficult. It's important that you continue to move forward as a club.
"You have to strategically have a plan in place to look to do everything you possibly can to replace that quality and that's ultimately what it comes down to. Over the years there has been sheer quality at Liverpool and we have to look to continue with that. We've also got to respect the young players coming through from the Academy and give them the chance to go on and become a star."
The 41-year-old is aware Gerrard's departure at the end of the season will leave a vacuum at Liverpool, given the 25 years of stellar service he has provided to the club. Rodgers understands it is as important to keep the side advancing as it is to appreciate the archive of the skipper's brilliance.
"There's no doubt Steven is a world-class player, he has been for many, many years," he said. "Him going in the summer will leave a void - of course it does, not just on the pitch but very much off it as well.
"The club has to keep moving forward, we have to keep looking to bring the best players to this wonderful football entity.
"History shows that there have been great players here who have moved on and it becomes an opportunity for the club and the remaining players to really grab the mantle. They can make their presence here as a footballer really felt."