Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 8y

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool owners have never demanded top-four finish

LIVERPOOL -- Brendan Rodgers insisted he still feels "secure" in his job as Liverpool manager and claimed he has never been told to deliver a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Rodgers is adamant he does not feel under pressure at Anfield and said owners Fenway Sports Group understand that rebuilding Liverpool is a long-term job and that no replacement would be able to bring success quickly.

A 1-1 draw with Everton means Liverpool have only won one of their last nine games and, after finishing sixth last season, are not currently on course to return to the Champions League.

But Rodgers said in a news conference: "I have never been asked or told to deliver that by anyone at the club since I came in."

He insisted he is unconcerned by speculation about his position, adding: "I have never felt anything other than secure. That is not being complacent. I was brought here to do a job, I signed a new deal and the owners know it takes time."

Rodgers steered Liverpool to second place in 2014 but they have made substantial changes to the squad since then.

And the Northern Irishman argued: "If we are to replicate what we did two years ago, we will have to build something. That will take time. That is frustrating for supporters but there are new players to come in. That will take time, whether that is me or someone else.

"While it is me, I will continue to devote every ounce to the club. People will want to put pressure on for different reasons. I don't feel it, I don't want it but anything externally, there is no drama. My job is to worry about the team. That is the only pressure I will feel."

Rodgers felt Liverpool were unlucky at Goodison Park as Emre Can's attempted clearance bounced off Martin Skrtel for Romelu Lukaku to level.

"I am very proud of the team and disappointed at the same time," he said. "We were clearly the better team in the first half, we had a couple of opportunities and then went in front, deserved our lead, and could have been one or two more in front

"We conceded a disappointing goal, a bit of luck went against us. Emre Can makes good contact and nine times out of 10 it goes out for a throw but it hits Martin Skrtel and falls for Lukaku to finish well."

Everton boss Roberto Martinez said Lucas Leiva should have been sent off during the game, and Rodgers confirmed he substituted the Brazilian because he feared he would be dismissed.

"I didn't want to finish the game with 10 men," Rodgers said.

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