Revealed: Who Brendan Rodgers thinks is trying to force him out of Liverpool job

Brendan Rodgers called out a 'group' for wanting him out at Anfield

BRENDAN RODGERS stopped the rot at the weekend with a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa, easing pressure on his job.

 

However, following the game the Reds boss hit out at the 'hysteria' surrounding his Anfield future, casting the blame on 'a group' who want him out.

News News Blog Sport takes a look at who the Northern Irishman was calling out.

 

Former players and pundits

Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness have both been outspoken in recent weeks, heavily criticising the manager's tactical approach to games.

Following the toothless 3-1 defeat to Manchester United, neither man held back as they voiced their concerns on Sky Sports.

"I said before the game it must be two up front with a diamond formation but he still played 4-3-3,” Carragher said.

 

Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness have both been critical of Brendan Rodgers

“I don’t understand what the point was in playing Danny Ings in that wide position. I don’t understand this obsession with playing 4-3-3.”

Souness added: “It was square pegs in round holes. It just didn’t work. Liverpool had players who didn’t look like they were enjoying their football.”

And BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has also been giving Rodgers both barrels of late, claiming he is 'in danger'.

 

Mark Lawrenson claimed the pressure was mounting on Brendan Rodgers

“I don’t like managers getting the sack because I think it is a really difficult job but he’s not won for six games - apart from on penalties against a League Two side,” he said.

“I don’t think Rodgers can afford to lose any of his next three games. It’s a massive 10 days for him. Absolutely massive.”

Talking about the midweek performance against Carlisle in the Capital One Cup, he said: “Liverpool played like a collection of people who’d just met each other in the car park before the game."

 

 

The Press

The written press have been accused of being highly critical of Rodgers in the last week with BBC commentator John Motson stating there was an 'agenda'.

“Every time I read an article about Liverpool, there’s somebody digging away at him,” he said.

However, coverage focussing on the Liverpool boss has merely looked to voice concerns of the fans who have grown restless over a side they feel has lost direction.

And the Northern Irishman held a separate breakout for Monday's newspapers following the win over Aston Villa, suggesting his outburst is perhaps not directed at the media.

   

Liverpool fans have voiced their concerns over the way the club is heading

Supporters

The harshest criticism has come from the Anfield fans in recent weeks, taking to social media to badger owner John W Henry into making change.

Inside the ground Rodgers has faced boos and derision from the terraces, notably in the games against Norwich and Carlisle United.

However, the manager issued a plea on Friday for fans to get behind the team who were suffering from a lack of confidence and Anfield did just that over the weekend.