Rodgers is now a real rival, Reds

BRENDAN RODGERS accepts he was a “baby” when he was appointed Liverpool manager at just 39 back in 2012.

But it says everything about his coaching ability that he went so close to ending the club’s search for a maiden Premier League title.

His successor Jurgen Klopp looks destined to end that wait, especially after this resounding victory at the King Power last night.

Rodgers’ near-miss raised expectations and made him a victim of his own success – he was sacked by the Mersey men in October 2015.

But, if he didn’t get the credit he deserved in Scotland with Celtic, then the 46-year-old (with Klopp, above) has rebuilt his reputation as a coach to admire at Leicester.

He has raised standards and belief since arriving in February and inspired a revival that saw the Foxes finish ninth in the Premier League last term. Now they sit second and a place in next season’s Champions League is well within reach.

Another title to emulate that unforgettable triumph in 2016 is unlikely, especially after this mauling. But many Leicester fans will tell you their current side is even more talented than those titlewinning legends.

The Northern Irishman prides himself as a hands-on coach and an excellent communicator who improves players on the training ground.

He is also a canny tactician and made changes at halftime last night that jolted Leicester from their first-half slumbers.

OK, by the end they were well beaten by the Reds, who have virtually sewn up the title now.

But you can tell there is a lot more to come from Leicester under Rodgers.

Somehow you sense, with another six months under his belt, Rodgers might just give Liverpool a lot more to think about next season.