adminLONDON. — Brendan Rodgers has been pictured in public for the first time since his sacking by Liverpool on Sunday. He boarded a private jet at Liverpool Airport yesterday morning and flew to Malaga with his girlfriend Charlotte Hind and her daughter.
A few hours later a statement was released on behalf of him by the League Managers Association where he admitted to being “incredibly disappointed” at his dismissal.
He said: “I am, of course, incredibly disappointed to be leaving Liverpool Football Club. It has been both an honour and a privilege to manage one of the game’s great clubs for the last three years.
“I have worked every day to represent the club to the best of my ability, to develop both individual players and a team that the club’s magnificent fans can be proud of.
“There have been some very memorable moments during my time at Liverpool and I would like to thank all of the players for their hard work and commitment.
“The current squad is one in transition, but they have some real talent and are showing a strong sense of togetherness. I expect to see them continue to grow and develop over the coming weeks and I wish them and my successor well for the rest of the season.
“Liverpool has a magnificent football heritage and I have nothing but respect and admiration for the history, tradition and values that make the city and the club so exceptional.
“As well as my players, I would like to thank everyone connected with the club; Fenway Sports Group, the Liverpool Directors, in particular Ian Ayre, my coaching staff, the staff throughout the club, the volunteers, the Academy staff and its young players and of course the amazing Liverpool fans for their unwavering support, passion and dedication which has made my time at the club so special.
“Finally, I would like to give a special mention to John W. Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon. They gave me this great opportunity and even though we will no longer be working together I am sure our relationship and friendship will continue into the future.” While LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan added: “Brendan is without doubt one of the most talented and forward-thinking British managers in the game.
“His abilities were formally recognised in 2014, when his peers voted him LMA Manager of the Year following his brilliant work at Liverpool, which very nearly guided them to the Barclays Premier League title.
“His time at Liverpool has demonstrated he has both the skills and personality to manage at the highest levels of the game.
“Brendan has dedicated his entire professional life to developing players and teams, and I am certain that with his knowledge and passion for the game it won’t be too long before he finds a new challenge.”
Rodgers was dismissed by Liverpool hours after their 1-1 draw against rivals Everton at Goodison Park, ending his three-year reign at Anfield.
He was informed by a phone call from Mike Gordon, the president of Fenway Sports Group, who own Liverpool.
The decision to part ways with Rodgers (42) was taken more than a week ago.
Jurgen Klopp, the former Borussia Dortmund manager, is the overwhelming favourite to replace Rodgers, though the German would want the final say on transfer policy — a luxury not afforded to Rodgers.
The Northern Irishman had to work alongside a transfer committee, which oversaw a host of lacklustre signings with Rodgers at the helm.
Liverpool’s owners want their new man in place by the time of their next Barclays Premier League fixture against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on October 17, after the two-week international break — Mailonline.
Online Reporter