Brendan Rodgers has been officially unveiled as the new manager of Liverpool FC.
Rodgers was introduced to the media by chairman Tom Werner who said “Brendan was the only person we made an offer to” and was “our first choice”.
Werner began by thanking Kenny Dalglish, and un-named “key football advisors” in their help in their search for a replacement.
Rodgers said one of the attractions for the job was to “defend principles of this club”. He explained the long term project was a key reason for him accepting the job.
The Northern Irishman answered the question as to whether he was FSG’s number one target by saying “Once I had found out I was the number one target from the important people at Liverpool, it was quite an easy decision.”
Rodgers later said “I genuinely think Liverpool Football Club is the heartland of football folklore.”
An official statement from Liverpool FC described Rodgers as “being at the forefront of a new generation of football coaches, an excellent tactician and motivator with a progressive philosophy. After an extensive two-week process where many highly-qualified candidates were carefully considered, Liverpool’s ownership group identified Rodgers as the single outstanding candidate to implement their long-term vision.”
Rodgers told LFC:
“I’m blessed to be given this opportunity. I want to thank John Henry, Tom Werner and FSG for the opportunity to manage such a great club. I’m really excited and I can’t wait to get started on this incredible project going forward. I promise to dedicate my life to fight for this club and defend the great principles of Liverpool Football Club on and off the field.”
Managing director Ian Ayre explained that they will not be appointing a director of football “per se” but instead a team of experts to support the new manager.
Rodgers explained that he refused to work with a director of football / sporting director. The new structure will be more similar to continental football clubs and American sports teams.
Rodgers was hugely impressive in his press conference, saying he will “dedicate his life” to the football club, he showed desire, respect and intelligence throughout.
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