Brendan Rodgers has paid respect to Kenny Dalglish in his first day in charge of Liverpool.
The Irishman cut an impressive figure at today’s media conference and made a point of paying his respect to his predecessor.
Axing Dalglish was a brave decision for the Liverpool board to make with the former Celt an icon at the club that many supporters struggle to criticise.
The presence of Dalglish cast a shadow over Roy Hodgson during his brief period at Anfield.
Rodgers has ruled out having a director of football in the background but made sure that he paid his respects to the legend that he is taking over from.
“I will never replace Kenny Dalglish, that is the reality,” the former Swansea boss admitted. “I have so much respect for him. This is a guy who was voted the best player in the history of the club, a legend of a manager here and a fantastic man.
“There is not a race for me. It’s a race I am sure I would lose. I can only be Brendan Rodgers and do the very best I can for the football club.
“What I want to do, is prove my worth, honesty and commitment to Liverpool. History judges you as the manager, that is the reality. I hope my history here will allow me to walk beside many of the great managers.”
Rodgers appointment has been given a qualified approval by many former Liverpool players but has generally been welcomed by supporters.
For the third season running there will be no Champions League football at Anfield with the new man in charge realistic about where the club currently stands.
“We might not be ready for the title now but the process begins today,” Rodgers added.
“This is long-term and that’s the appeal to me,” added former Watford and Reading boss Rodgers.
“The history of the club and the frustrations was also an attraction. It has been 20-odd years since they won the title.
“This is a club that, if you have success, you are here for years. That’s the aim arriving here. Of course that is about results and the progress of the team.
“I am very proud. I feel I have been blessed with the opportunity to manage the club.”
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