Brendan Rodgers sacked: Arsene Wenger, Rio Ferdinand and the reaction of the football community
We take a look at what those inside the game have been saying about Liverpool's decision to part ways with Rodgers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The sacking of Brendan Rodgers, whilst rumoured to be a possibility, still came as a shock.
From Arsene Wenger to Rio Ferdinand, here's how the football world has been reacting to the dismissal of the Liverpool manager...
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger...
"I'm always sad when that happens as I think he is a quality manager. Unfortunately the pressure is always bigger on the managers.
"He was very unlucky to not win the Premier League. He was closest certainly to winning the Premier League of all the managers that have been working for the club, but that is the way it goes now and I wish him good luck. I'm sure he will find a job again."
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher...
"Rodgers can't argue in some ways. He's been there three years, he hasn't won a trophy and they've played Champions League football once. That's not good enough for Liverpool.
"Liverpool are becoming Tottenham. They think they are a big club but the real big clubs aren't concerned about what they do. What are these owners going to do to get the club back to where it needs to be?"
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand...
"It's only Klopp & Ancelotti Liverpool can be going for....need to make a decision quickly (sic)"
London Live presenter and former player Jimmy Bullard...
"Blimey just seen the Brendan Rodgers news! Didn't see that coming!"
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer...
"No-one wants to see a manager get sacked but the bar was set when the owners sacked Kenny Dalglish for finishing eighth, getting into two cup finals and winning one of them. From there to now I don't really see much progression.
"Looking from the outside now, I don't seen an identity, I don't see who their best players are, what the plan is or what the best system is. So from that point of view I was pretty confused.
"From the beginning of this season, with his two coaches going I thought Brendan was a dead man walking. As soon as he was going to have a bad run I felt the inevitable would happen."
Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright...
"I am shocked. He was meant to be the new kid on the block but he had run out of time.
"It is unfortunate for him but I don't think Liverpool owed him that time. They gave him a lot of money to spend.
"The club are nowhere near where they want to be. A club of Liverpool's size do not need to answer to anyone."
Former Tottenham chairman and Apprentice boss Alan Sugar...
"Rodgers was over rated Suarez made him look good. Since he left LFC went down hill"
Tennis player and Liverpool fan Caroline Wozniacki...
"Brendan Rodgers gone... Who's gonna replace him? #liverpoolmanager #lfc"
Swansea manager Garry Monk, who played under Rodgers at the Liberty Stadium...
"I cannot believe it. I don't understand it. It is a very harsh decision and he did not deserve that at all.
"He is a top manager. You do not know what happens behind closed doors. I am not sure who would do a better job at Liverpool.
"He will bounce back. He was so supportive to me, giving me advice when I got the job [at Swansea]. He is a top man and a top manager."
Former striker Stan Collymore...
"The next Liverpool manager is Ancelloti on an 18 month/2 year deal or Klopp on a 3 to 4. There are no other scenarios. None."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments