Tom Werner paid tribute to the progress Liverpool has made under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers and insisted, “We’re very excited about the club’s future.”
After an impressive start to 2013-14, the Reds headed into the current international break in second place in the Barclays Premier League, only behind leader Arsenal on goals scored.
Werner admits he’s been impressed by what he’s witnessed, not just this season but since Rodgers was appointed to the Anfield helm in June 2012.
“I think Brendan has made remarkable progress,” the club’s chairman said in an interview with the Daily Mirror. “He’s a great strategist and has shown strong leadership. When we hired him, we were confident we were getting one of the brightest managerial talents in the game and he is proving his worth.
“He’s dedicated to improving the club as a whole and shares our vision of developing a club that is built for sustained success.
“He has shown a willingness to use young players and at the same time, demonstrated the ability to get the best out of our established stars.
“Brendan is respected by the players. They feel he is a good strategist and a good leader and his philosophy has been embraced by everyone.
“We are all moving in the same direction, and Brendan is very much the leader.
“We’re pleased with the progress we’re seeing on the pitch, but our goal is to create sustainable, long-term success at Liverpool and to consistently compete for silverware, so we’re not getting carried away with a few good months.
“The club is definitely moving in the right direction under Brendan and as owners we’re very optimistic and excited about the future.”
The return of Luis Suarez has bolstered Liverpool’s attacking thrust, with the Uruguayan combining with Daniel Sturridge to devastating effect in recent weeks.
“The team has played brilliantly at times,” Werner added. “It is not unfair to say that Suarez and Daniel Sturridge are as powerful a striking force as any in the league. They both scored brilliant goals [against Crystal Palace] and I am excited about the future but I don’t want to be accused of wearing rose-colored spectacles.”
Werner was present when Liverpool beat Manchester United 1-0 earlier this season courtesy of an early Sturridge effort.
It’s an afternoon that will live long in the memory of the chairman.
“There is nothing like a goal scored at Anfield,” he said. “You almost feel like the whole place is levitating. To have been there when we beat Man U this season, it was one of the great afternoons of my life.”
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
