Liverpool is working on its own unique style of football according to manager Brendan Rodgers, who described his return to former club Swansea City as “emotional.”
The Reds secured a point from a goalless draw at the Liberty Stadium, where the Northern Irishman spent two fruitful years of his career — the springboard to becoming boss at Anfield.
Despite neither side registering on the score-sheet, the lunchtime kick-off was an entertaining encounter and one which Rodgers believes continued the evolution of his project.
“It was an emotional return because I saw so many people who shared great moments of my life in the couple of years I was here,” the 39-year-old revealed at his post-match press conference.
“It’s a fantastic place to come back to and I was really looking forward to it, seeing the people and the great support they have here. I’ll always remember my time here with good memories.”
Rodgers guided the Welsh club from the Championship to 11th place in the Barclays Premier League and, some friendly jokes aside, the home support showed respect to their former manager.
“I thought they were very respectful, and I thank them for that,” the Reds’ boss added. “You are always going to have a bit of good banter along the way but it was brilliant to see the people before the game.”
Given the attractive style of play which Swansea have become renowned for in England’s top flight, suggestions have been made that Rodgers will attempt to translate that philosophy to Liverpool.
The manager has a particular vision for the Reds, however, and explained that his plan is coming together with each passing game.
“Swansea play the Swansea way of playing. It’s not that we want to play the Swansea way — Liverpool have played [good] football for many years,” Rodgers continued.
“We’re just looking at a different way of working, and the players have been terrific in their response. As each game goes by, the method in our game is improving.”
Also returning to the Liberty Stadium on Sunday was Joe Allen, the midfielder who excelled under Rodgers in Wales and followed his manager to Anfield during the summer.
“I thought he did very well,” Rodgers concluded. “He was playing more as the controller. I thought he played well today. His body work was good, he received the ball well and played the ball forward at the right times.
“Joe has been terrific since he came in. The last few weeks obviously there have been things going on and becoming a father and no sleep, but across the board he’s been brilliant.”
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
