Rodgers’ sacking in depth: Why now? Was it the right call? Who are the contenders for Anfield job?

After the news that Liverpool have sacked manager Brendan Rodgers, Kevin Coulson analyses the timing of his dismissal, who might be the club’s next manager and if it was the right decision…

 

What’s happened?

Liverpool have terminated Rodgers’ contract with immediate effect after their stuttering start to the season. It happened just a short time after the Northern Irishman had taken charge of his team for the Mersey derby, which finished 1-1.

Intriguingly, the club’s statement read: “The process to appoint a new manager is underway.”

Which might help answer the question…

Why now?

It seems like odd timing. A 1-1 draw is not a bad result for Liverpool. The game was at Goodison Park and Everton have had a decent start to the season. Liverpool have been inconsistent but they are in 10th position and only three points off fourth place.

They have not been the free-scoring side of two seasons ago but, following defeats against West Ham and Manchester United, the Anfield club have proven more difficult to beat over the past few weeks and, with the return of Daniel Sturridge, might have been on the cusp of turning it round.

If there was going to be a time to sack Rodgers, the 3-0 defeat by West Ham or 3-1 loss to United seemed like a more natural juncture. Unless that is, the club have already got someone lined up to replace him. So…

Who will be the next Anfield boss?

Jurgen Klopp. Odds: 3/1.

The obvious choice. The 48-year-old has not worked since he left Borussia Dortmund, the team he led to the Bundesliga title twice ahead of Bayern Munich. Klopp likes to play fast, attack-minded football, which would appease the long-suffering Liverpool fans.

Carlo Ancelotti. Odds 5/2

Another man currently unemployed – though unlikely to counting his pennies outside the job centre – the formerReal Madrid manager has an outstanding CV. He masterminded the Spanish giants’ 10th European Cup success and also has experience in the Premier League - where he won the title - with Chelsea.

Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti holds the trophy after defeating Atletico Madrid in their Champions League final soccer match at Luz stadium in Lisbon, May 24, 2014. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach (PORTUGAL - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) - Reuters

Frank de Boer. Odds: 8/1.

A world-class player in his time and has won the Dutch league with Ajax in all but one of his seasons in charge. Excellent at nurturing youngsters through into the first team and promotes a passing game. No Premier League experience though.

Other leading contenders

Walter Mazzarri (Inter manager): 16/1.

Sean O’Driscoll (Rodgers' assistant):18/1.

Ronald Koeman (Southampton boss): 20/1.

Ronald Koeman applauds the Southampton fans after the 6-1 win over Aston Villa - Reuters

The outsiders

Kenny Dalglish: 66/1

David Moyes: 100/1

Was it the right decision?

Rodgers can’t say he wasn’t given time and money to turn things around after Liverpool’s superb season in 2013/14. He has rebuilt the squad twice after the departures of Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling over the past 15 months and has spent £216 million since he took over at Liverpool.

However, it does seem premature to sack him now having backed him in the transfer window. Any manager needs time to get the squad to gel after bringing in so many new faces - just ask Louis van Gaal.

Having said that, if Liverpool have secured one of the top managers in the world already, with a proven record, it is less of a risk and Rodgers’ early departure gives the new man enough time to stage a realistic tilt at the top four, at the very least.