Liverpool confirm shock Brendan Rodgers exit

Liverpool have today confirmed the shock exit of manager Brendan Rodgers from the club only 1 and a half months before the start of the new 2014/15 season. The reason for the exit is still unclear however it is thought to be down to personal reasons.

Assistant manager Colin Pascoe will take temporary charge of the club, who will now aim to appoint a new manager before their kick of the premier league campaign against Southampton on the 17th of August.

In today’s interview with Sky Sports, Liverpool joint owner John Henry refused to comment of any specific manager targets however did say they aimed to make an appointment in the new few days. The current Sky bet favourite for the job is former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez who is 4/1 on to be appointed.

Liverpool in contract talks with 'unknown' manager

Liverpool transfer director Ian Ayre today confirmed to the Liverpool echo that the club are in advanced talks to appoint a new 'unknown' manager. There are no current indications to who this manager is however it is believed he is currently unemployed, therefore ruling out the favourite for the job Rafa Benitez.

Liverpool hope the complete the deal for the new manager in the next few days after Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers recently left the club by mutual consent.

More to follow.

Liverpool appoint former player Alan Hansen as new manager

Former Liverpool player Alan Hansen has been named Liverpool's new manager after signing a three-year contract on Thursday.

Hansen oversaw the first day of pre-season training and was due to meet key men Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.

"This is the biggest job in club football and I'm honoured to be taking on Britain's most successful football club," Hansen told the club's website.

The 59 year old succeeds Brendan Rodgers, who left Liverpool by mutual consent at the start of June due to personal reasons.

Club captain Gerrard believes Hansen extensive experience playing in Europe and the English first division make him the "right man for Liverpool".
"I think it's been worth the wait and I'm sure he's just keen now to get on with it and start to quickly put in place his plans for the new season," said the 30-year-old.

One of Hansen's first priorities is securing the future of Raheem Sterling who has been linked with a big money move away from Anfield.

Sky Sports exclusive interview: Alan Hansen

Shortly before facing the world's media at Anfield today, Alan Hansen gave his first interview as the new Liverpool manager exclusively to Sky Sports.

How do you feel to be the new manager of this famous football club?

As you can imagine, I am very proud and feel very blessed to be appointed today. It's obviously a club with an incredible tradition and history and I'm very, very proud and honoured to be appointed manager.

How would you describe your own football philosophy?

The philosophy is very much based on the attacking side of the game. People ask me that question and I always say it's about being offensive and creative, but also with tactical discipline. That's the principles of this club. This is a club that's based on fast, attacking, offensive football. But I'll repeat - it's very important to have tactical discipline within that. Your philosophy and your principles will always be governed by the players. There is a fantastic squad here, some terrific players, but there is no doubt I'll need to make maybe two, three or four additions to try and get that flow - and it will take time to put that in place.

Do you need time to build that philosophy here?

You do. There is no doubt about that. I'm very much a realist. It's certainly going to be a few years in relation to where the team is at now. It will need some investment and it will need time for me to work. But of course we're in the business of winning and winning games is important. But it's a philosophy and a style that's very much in the DNA of me and the club and hopefully we can roll that out over the years to come.

How excited are you about some of the players you will be working with here?

I'm really looking forward to it. I spoke to Steven Gerrard last night. That was fantastic, I had a nice chat with him. I have always worked well with people. To me, it's doesn't matter whether they're big stars or not, the club's success is the most important and every player I work with will have to be a part of the team. There are some wonderful talents. If you look at the likes of Steven Gerrard who has been a wonderful player for this football club; Simon Mignolet, who's a top, world-class goalkeeper, and many other talents within the group. I always have a close relationship with players. I speak very openly and honestly with them so they know where they stand. I like to educate players. You train dogs, I like to educate players both on and off the field.

Early days, of course, but have you identified transfer targets?

Again, it's important to assess the group, but having watched Liverpool I've certainly got an idea what could improve., that's for sure.

And have you spoken to the owners about a transfer budget?

Yes. There is money to spend. We haven't got the wheelbarrow overflowing. It's not falling out over the edges but there is money to spend. There are some terrific players here and big talents and I want to help improve them as players and as people. There will be some additions to improve and improve our way of playing as well.

Finally, what would your message to Liverpool supporters be?

I'd just like to say, I'm honoured and blessed to be your manager. All I can promise is I'll fight for my life for the club. I will leave no stone unturned in my quest - and that quest will be relentless - to try and get Liverpool back on the map again as a successful football club.

really good start man! good to see Hansen back at the club, and hopefully he can bring back the glory days to Anfield!

its good but its not quite mark Lawrenson's story

Liverpool complete £12.25m Sven Bender transfer

Liverpool have completed the £12.25m signing of Dortmund's German international midfielder Sven Bender.

Bender, 25, was at Anfield on Thursday finalising his deal after passing a medical.

He becomes Alan Hansen's first signing after his recent appointment as Liverpool manager.

"I feel incredible. Everyone knows the history of this club, it's a massive club, and I'm delighted to have joined," Bender told the club's website.
"The passion that people here have for football is something I share and I want to be part of that.
"I'm looking forward to being part of some great years ahead for Liverpool."

Hansen believes Bender will play a key role in helping him impose his style of play on the Liverpool team.

"I'm absolutely delighted that Sven has made the decision to come with us on this journey," Hansen said.
"Sven is a player whose profile will fit perfectly with the ideas of this group. His ability to control and dominate the ball is an important ingredient in our attempt to gain success on the field.
"Sven has had a fantastic education at Borrusia Dortmund and will now begin the next chapter in his exciting career."

Liverpool complete double Barcelona swoop

Liverpool have completed the double signing of Munir El Haddadi and Sergi Roberto, both on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season.

Sergi Roberto, 22, who has 14 U21 Spain caps, will cost Liverpool around 80k per month and 50% of the player's wages.

Munir El Haddadi, 18, who has once represented the Spain senior team, will cost Liverpool around 67 k per month and also 50% of the players wages.

Sergi Roberto told the club's website: "I came here because the project at Liverpool interests me. I'm really looking forward to playing my first game."

Liverpool are also in negotiations to sign youth player Bilal Ould-Chikh from FC Twente and the deal is on course to be completed in the next few days.

Liverpool confirm trio Anfield departure

Liverpool have today confirmed the sales of 3 first team defenders; Glen Johnson, Jose Enrique and Kolo Toure.

Glen Johnson, who only had a year left on his contract, has joined premiership rivals Tottenham Hotspur for a £4.2M fee. Leaving injured John Flannagan as Liverpool's only regonised right back in in the senior team.

Jose Enrique and Kolo Toure have also moved to premiership outfits; Newcastle and West Ham respectively. Jose Enrique for a £5.5M fee and Kolo Toure for a 500k fee.

Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson made a combined 268 appearances for Liverpool and the club said "Everybody at Liverpool thanks Johnson and Enrique for their contribution and wishes them the best for the future."

Liverpool have also completed the 875k signing of youth player Bilal Ould-Chikh from FC Twente. The Dutch born winger will join championship side Derby on loan until the end of the season.

Liverpool pre season overview

Liverpool enjoyed a successful pre season including 4 wins, 1 draw and 0 loses. England International striker Daniel Sturridge and new signing Munir were amongst the players who impressed.



Liverpool's first game and first win in pre season came against MLS opposition Chivas USA. Daniel Sturridge was the star of match scoring a 76 minute hatrick.



Liverpool's only draw of pre season came in their 2nd game on tour of the USA against Real Salt Lake. It was a disappointing game all round for the reds with many star players performing below par.



Liverpool's final game on tour of the USA came against another MLS outfit in Chicago. It was a pleasing performance for the reds with new signing Munir scoring his first non competitive goal in a 3-1 win. Other scorers were French defender Mamadou Sakho and young English winger Raheem Sterling.



Liverpool returned to England after finishing their USA tour to play against league 1's Swindon Town. Daniel Sturridge notched his 4th goal of pre season in a somewhat less than convincing 3-2 win. Brazilian Phillipe Countinho was also on the score sheet along with Martin Skrtel.



Liverpool final game of pre season came against Merseyside non league opposition in Greenfield. The reds were able to secure a dominate 8-0 win with Daniel Sturridge again performing well scoring 4 goals. New loan signing Sergi Roberto also managed to get on the score sheet along with Barcelona team mate Munir and attackers Raheem Sterling and Fabio Borini.

Steady first month for Hansen

New manager Alan Hansen enjoyed a steady first competitive month in charge of Liverpool including 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss.

Liverpool's first game of the competitive season was against recently overhauled Southampton in the barcalys premier league. Hansen's team selection struck some by surprise fielding Serbian Lazar Markovic at an somewhat incompetent right wing back position and leaving club captain Steven Gerrard on the substitutes bench. However all seemed to go to plan with Liverpool winning the game comfortably by 4 goals to 0. Pre season star Daniel Sturridge continued his impressive form by scoring 2 goals along with vice captain Jordan Henderson also scoring 2. However the one downside for Liverpool was young German U21 international Emre Can picking up a leg injury after coming of the substitutes bench for the last 15 minutes of the game.



Liverpool's second game of their premier league campaign came at somewhat more of a challenge than their first. Last season's title rivals Manchester City were able to hold them to a 2-2 draw at the Ethihad despite a second half comeback from the reds. On form striker Daniel Sturridge was able to notch another goal along with fellow England team mate and winger Raheem Sterling.



Liverpool's final game of August resulted in Alan Hansen's first defeat as Liverpool manager. Tottenaham Hotspur were able to secure a 3-2 premier league win over the reds thanks to 3 first half goals from Andros Townsend, Nacer Chadli and Harry Kane. However it wasn't all bad for Hansen and Liverpool as lethal attacking pair Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling were both able to grab another goal to add to their growing premier league tallies.



The first 3 games of Alan Hansen's managerial campaign leave Liverpool sitting 7th in the premier league going into September and leave Daniel Sturridge top in the goal scoring charts.