Paul Parker: “Who is going to trust Rodgers” next season?

Former Manchester United full-back Paul Parker has blasted Brendan Rodgers for watching on as members of his back-room staff were sacked this week, as reported by Eurosport.

In a detailed criticism of the Northern Irish boss, Parker hit out at Rodgers for what he perceived to be a lack of accountability for Liverpool’s poor season last term.

Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh – two of Rodgers’ back-room staff – were relieved of their duties this week by the club’s owners while the 42-year-old held on to his job. And Parker, who made over 100 appearances for Liverpool’s arch-rivals, believes that Rodgers should have bore the brunt of the club’s dismal 2014/2015 campaign.

“Who is going to trust Rodgers when he allowed two of his staff to take the blame for last season’s failings?” questioned Parker.

“Rodgers has lost a lot of respect for the way those two were fired. They were made scapegoats. If your back-room staff that got you employed then get sacked, then you have to go with them. He makes the decisions; he should have fallen on his sword.

“That will play on players and agents’ minds. Can they trust him? This will impact on the calibre of player they can attract.”

Having scored 101 goals during the 2013/2014 season, as Liverpool went desperately close to securing their first title success since 1990, the major flaw in Rodgers’ side last term was their lack of goal threat.

The sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona last summer was always going to have a heavy impact on the Merseyside club, but Rodgers will be hugely disappointed with the fact that his side scored 49 fewer goals last season than they managed the campaign before, conceding 48.

Symptomatic of Liverpool’s lack of goal threat was that Steven Gerrard was the side’s top scorer in the league with nine goals.

The departing captain will be sorely missed at Anfield next season for his leadership and influence, but Rodgers will know he must also sign a prolific striker if he wishes to break back into the top four next term.