Bordeaux vs Liverpool preview - Brendan Rodgers insists he's not under pressure despite Liverpool struggles

Posted Thursday, September 17, 2015 by PA

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he is not under any greater pressure despite recent results but accepts he needs to find a way of re-implementing the principles which made his teams tick.

It is the manner of defeats - insipid performances against West Ham and Manchester United - not just the results which have brought increased criticism of the Northern Irishman.

Asked about the level of pressure, he said: "Same as it has ever been and probably what I've had for the last year or so.

"I don't think it has increased at all. It is the pressure which comes with managing a great club.

"It says everything that you lose a couple of games and that pressure comes, but I've always embraced and enjoyed that.

"Nothing has changed in that way. I just need to concentrate on getting the team right.

"Pressure is something which is part and parcel of being manager of this club."

Former professionals criticised, in particular, the performance at Old Trafford, which fell well below the standards expected in a match against their north-west rivals.

Many observers have remarked the current team is a pale imitation of a Rodgers' team at their best, dominating possession and having a snappy passing game.

The team are struggling for goals and creativity and look a world away from the scintillating best they produced when almost winning the league two seasons ago.

"You can lose games but it is how you lose them and the last couple of games are not how you want to lose," Rodgers said ahead of their Europa League opener in Bordeaux.

"I think it is good I have an identity as a coach and a way of working that is clear and I can see where any one making that comment would come from.

"I am confident we can get back to playing that way and it is something I along with the staff are working very hard to reinforce the principles of how we have worked here."

Rodgers has left behind first-choice central-defensive pair Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, right-back Nathaniel Clyne, midfielders Lucas Leiva and James Milner and striker Christian Benteke.

The Reds face a Bordeaux side that have picked up six points from five matches so far in Ligue 1, but they do come into this fixture on a high after securing a late draw at Paris St Germain at the weekend.