Under-fire Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has stressed that he has the "hunger" needed to overcome the "frenzy" surrounding his future at Anfield.
Rodgers relieved some pressure on himself with Saturday's 3-2 win over Aston Villa for what was the Reds' first Premier League win in five games, but speculation continues to mount that ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp is being lined up to replace him.
Daniel Sturridge, who has endured an injury-ravaged last 12 months, struck twice in the victory over Villa, and the Northern Irishman is convinced that a "great season" remains on the cards.
"There has been a frenzy, there is no doubt about that, to get me out of here," he is quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo. "Whether that's a Liverpool hysteria or a big club hysteria, I am not so sure. The scrutiny here is obviously greater, for me, than at any club. It is a huge club and as a manager you know that and deal with it.
"I am fine. You know what comes from leadership and being a manager. I've never got too carried away when we've won, and not too disappointed when we've lost. I have a hunger to succeed here. I know last season and this there have been a lot of things going against us, but we've always managed to stick together and improve together.
"The players and staff are very much together, fighting to be better and to live up to the expectations we create ourselves that is to be the best. With players returning we can have a great season. With me there is no drama, I only worry about the team."
Rodgers's side sit eighth in the table, two points adrift of the top four.
Shane Callaghan
