Liverpool

Phil Neville backs Brendan Rodgers to lead Liverpool resurgence

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 24 November 2014

Under-fire Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers deserves more time in which to turn things around at Anfield, according to former Everton defender Phil Neville.

Phil Neville has backed under-fire Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and believes that he is the right man to lead the Reds.

The Merseysiders slumped to their sixth Premier League defeat of the season in Sunday's 3-1 reverse at Crystal Palace - a loss that leaves them 12th in the table.

Luis Suarez - now with Barcelona - fired Rodgers's side to the brink of a league title last season, and Neville says that the Northern Irishman deserves time to turn things around.

"There were unrealistic targets set for Liverpool this season, especially with Luis Suarez leaving the club," the ex-Everton and Manchester United defender told BBC Sport.

"Without him [Suarez] last season they would have finished seventh at the end of the day. And now without him they are around about where they have been for the four seasons prior to last when they were second.

"Liverpool have consistently finished in the Europa League positions and when I look at their squad now that's where I think they'll finish. I still think he is the right man for the job though and should be given more time, but understandably at the moment he is under pressure."

Speculation has mounted that Liverpool's hierarchy have identified Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp as a possible replacement for the 41-year-old.