Brendan Rodgers has signed a new long-term contract as Liverpool manager after guiding the club back into the Champions League last season following a five-year absence from the European elite.
The Northern Irishman took the reins at Anfield in June 2012, replacing the legendary Kenny Dalglish, and has since overseen a remarkable transformation – which almost brought the Reds a long-awaited Premier League title.
An 11-match winning streak from February to April put Rodgers’ team in pole position to claim the championship, only for a home defeat by Chelsea and a dramatic 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace to hand control back to Manchester City, who ultimately triumphed by two points.
Nevertheless, a second-place finish surpassed all expectations for Liverpool at the outset of 2013-14, as the 41-year-old boss brought the best out of the young players at his disposal and successfully built a system around strike partners Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez to notch 101 league goals.
That form has now been rewarded by owners Fenway Sports Group, who moved quickly to agree a fresh extension with Rodgers ahead of the summer transfer window and the next phase of his squad redevelopment plans.
He told the club’s official website: “It’s a huge privilege for me to manage this club and to have been offered the opportunity to carry on with the work I have been doing over the last couple of years. It leaves me hugely honoured.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be able to continue what has been a really exciting time for the club. We’ll look to move forward again next season and over the coming seasons.”
Having been tasked with reducing the Reds’ wage bill during the past two years, Rodgers is now expected to to invest heavily this summer in an attempt to strengthen his options for another Premier League challenge and the added demands of competing in the Champions League.
To date, his expertise have most obviously been observed in yielding the maximum potential from those already under his jurisdiction; the likes of Jon Flanagan, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling have thrived under his tutelage.
The club’s principal owner, John Henry, and chairman, Tom Werner, commented in a joint statement: “We are very fortunate to have a hugely talented individual leading our football performance and in whom we place our trust to deliver the vision we share for Liverpool Football Club.
“Brendan is at the heart of what we, as an ownership group, are trying to achieve on the pitch. This season has reaffirmed everyone’s belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that.
“Players and supporters have made it clear how important Brendan is to our success and so to have him commit to us for the long term is a great boost for everyone going forward.”