Thursday, 20th March, 2014
Brendan Rodgers admits he is delighted with praise from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who has called for the club's owners to extend the Northern Irishman's contract.
The former Swansea manager took over at Liverpool in 2012 and penned a three-year deal, meaning this summer he will have just a further 12 months left to run.
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Gerrard feels that Rodgers should be rewarded for his good work at Anfield, which currently has Liverpool sitting second in the Premier League.
And Rodgers is pleased to hear that, especially given Gerrard's status at the club.
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"It gives me happiness that the captain, who has been an iconic figure at this football club for so many years and worked with so many great managers, and with that status, will say those words", Rodgers told a press conference.
However, the Liverpool boss does not want thoughts over his contractual situation to cloud the club's run-in, while stressing that Gerrard's words do show he has earned the respect of the players.
"But there will be no individual in this part of the season that the focus is on", he said.
"As a manager you're aiming to earn the respect of the players. You don't need to be liked.
"What I've seen again in the build-up of the players is no different. Working tirelessly to improve and we take that into the game on Saturday [at Cardiff]."
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