The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Rodgers signs new deal and targets league
MANAGER Brendan Rodgers is targeting re-establishing Liverpool as one of Europe’s leading clubs after committing his long-term future to Anfield.
The Northern Irishman has signed the new deal, believed to take him through to 2018, which has been on the table since earlier in the season when the progress made under him began to transform into a title challenge.
While the Reds ultimately came up just short in the battle with Manchester City, a return to the Champions League is an important milestone and Rodgers believes it can provide the base for something even bigger.
“We’ll now move into the next phase. We’re into the Champions League. Our dream and goal is to win the Barclays Premier League, that’s what we want to do,” said the 41-year-old.
“We’ve shown this season that we can compete for that. With some new additions in the summer, we believe that we can fight again.
“The objective for me was to try to get Liverpool established again as one of the leading clubs in European and domestic football and we’re on course for that.
“We’ll look to move forward again next season and over the coming seasons.”
Rodgers had one year remaining on his current deal, with the option for a 12-month extension, but developments this season guaranteed him new and improved terms.
Talk of the new contract began three months ago but Rodgers put any negotiations on hold, knowing full well the offer was there and he would accept it, in order to concentrate on the title run-in.
“It was very important for me (to wait until the season had f inished),” he told liverpoolfc.com.
“We were talking through the season but my focus was really on the team and the supporters.
“It’s a huge privilege for me to manage this club and to have been offered the opportunity to carry on with the work I have been doing over the last couple of years.
“It leaves me hugely honoured. I’m absolutely delighted to be able to continue what has been a really exciting time for the club.”
In a joint statement, principal owner John Henry and chairmanTom Werner said: “We are very fortunate to have a hugely-talented individual leading our football performance and in whom we place our trust to deliver the vision we share for Liverpool FC.
“Brendan is at the heart of what we, as an ownership group, are trying to achieve on the pitch.
“This season has reaffirmed everyone’s belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that.”
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