Brendan Rodgers has responded to claims made by his former player, Mario Balotelli that he is his “worst ever coach. The Nice forward who joined Liverpool in 2014 and left in 2016 after scoring just one goal was asked by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport to name his worst coach of his career. He described his relationship with Rodgers as ‘a disaster’ & ‘the biggest disappointment’ of any coach he has worked under. The Irish football coach has however affirmed that his statement isn’t far from the truth.
The Celtic manager told talkSPORT, “He was probably absolutely spot on. I just couldn’t really connect with Mario. He was one that came in very late in the window. It was a gamble taken from a club perspective. It was one where, he’s a big talent, he’ll come in and develop, he’s got all the tools.
“In all fairness, I just find it very difficult to connect with Mario. On the field, he tried his best. But yeah, it certainly wasn’t something that worked out as everyone would like. If you sit with him in the office, the guy’s a good fella, a good guy. If he could ever match that intensity with his talent, then he’d be one of the best players in the world.
“On the field, it was something that never worked out. That season was difficult for us. But now I hope he’s got a club, that might be a final chance over in France. But hopefully it can work out for him.”
Liverpool fire Brendan Rogers
Brendan Rogers has been relieved of his duties as Liverpool manager. The 42-year-old who joined Anfield in 2012, will leave his post with immediate effect. Below us a joint Fenway Sports Group statement from principal owner John W Henry, chairman Tom Werner and president Mike Gordon.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment. All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game.
//
//
“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.
“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.
“The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”