It’s finally happened, Brendan is gone. Brendan Rodgers Legacy won’t be decided just yet. It is likely that he will be best remembered for an entertaining charge towards a premiership title only to come up short in the home straight. The merits and demerits of his sacking will be much debated over the short term. Much of this debate will centre on whether he gets credit for nearly winning a title or the blame for missing the opportunity.
Gerard, Suarez, Ballotelli..?
If his replacement comes in quickly one would have to have some sympathy. It will confirm that attempts to replace him have been ongoing. People recognise the underhand nature of these dealing and will find them distasteful. This is not in keeping with the old Liverpool tradition of showing a degree of Loyalty to their managers.
Brendan has done something many would have found difficult. He instigated the post Gerard era and in doing so has helped Liverpool make an essential transition. In order for the progression of the club this was essential. Gerrard cut a tormented figure following his slip against city and the time was right. In time this contribution will be appreciated by many football analysts. Liverpool can now kick on and begin a new era making Rodgers a figure who will have enabled a necessary transition.
Rodgers comes from a line of managers who have come off the production line at Swansea with enhanced reputations. Some would argue that these reputations are undeserved. Swansea have long had good structures and a good way of playing. This is credited by many with the Martinez years though it may have deeper roots.
Rodgers will feel hard done by if he is replaced by a journeyman. He may not have brought the glory days back to Liverpool but for a brief time they came close. Many of the players have qualities but haven’t had the time needed to bed in. If those who made the decision don’t bring in someone of gravitas who has already achieved much in the game Rodgers sacking may seem harsh.
Ultimately he lost the confidence of his employers. This was an erosion that took place over time. It was in large part due to his erratic attempts to replace Suarez and some terrible defensive displays. If Ballotelli wasn’t the final nail he didn’t help.
Brendan Rodgers Legacy will doubtless depend on the success of his successor and how many of Brendan’s players go on to have good Liverpool careers. It will also depend how much success Rodgers enjoys in the post Liverpool chapter of his career. In the final synopsis Rodgers Liverpool epitaph will read “nearly don’t cut it at the top”.
