Brendan Rodgers speaks out over sack claims and Danny Ings gives verdict on derby draw

Brendan Rodgers (right) was pleased with a point at Goodison as Danny Ings bagged Liverpool's goal

BRENDAN RODGERS says he is not under pressure at Liverpool after overseeing his side's 1-1 draw at Everton today.

 

There have been calls in recent weeks for the Reds board to sack their manager after a string of disappointing results.

But a draw in the Merseyside derby - which saw Danny Ings open the scoring for the visitors before Romelu Lukaku bagged a leveller - appears to have bought the boss more time.

"There's no pressure for me," he said.

 

"My worry is for the team and you have seen a response of how they feel.

"This is a team which has lost four of the real catalysts and there is a constant rebuilding going on here, whether that's me in charge or someone else."

Discussing the game, Rodgers said: "I thought that we were the better team in first half, a real threat and we deservedly took lead.

Danny Ings (left) scored the opener for Liverpool

"I'm disappointed with the goal as it was a mistake.

"In the second half, we knew we would come under pressure and the game became counter-attacking for us. I'm proud of the players.

"The motivation of the players was very high to come here. We know we are improving with each game.

"We can still be better with our passing. In the second half, we didn't keep the ball well enough when we won it back.

Romelu Lukaku scored Everton's equaliser just before half time

"It is a very good point. It is a difficult place to come.

"We looked like we were getting better in our attack and defensively we were more cohesive."

The draw moves Liverpool into 10th place in the Premier League.

 

And goalscorer Ings, who was called up to the England squad in midweek, expressed his delight at bagging the opener.

"I thought it was end to end and exciting for the fans," he said.

"It was great to get goal in the derby. Unfortunately we couldn't get the three points.

"I love every goal I score but today was special game and I'm only a little man.

"It's definitely a decent point. We created a lot of chances, especially in the first half.

"The defence was magnificent and in the second half it was more of an end-to-end game.

"All that outside noise we ignore. The dressing room has stuck together and we fought from start to finish."

 

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was all praise for his defence after they stifled their opposition.

"Phil Jagielka, in my opinion, has been the best centre-half in the Premier League for the last 12 months and his relationship with the young Ramiro Funes Mori was outstanding.

"Tylas Browning and Brendan Galloway and our whole back four were outstanding, martialled by keeper Tim Howard. The senior players led very well."