Rodgers grounded after Swans romp

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he will not get carried away by a 5-0 thrashing of a lacklustre Swansea side at Anfield.

Last Updated: 18/02/13 at 08:10 Post Comment   

Brendan Rodgers: 'We'll not get too carried away'

Brendan Rodgers: 'We'll not get too carried away'

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The victory, which made it 17 goals scored and just two conceded in five home matches which have brought 12 points, moved the Reds back up to seventh in the Barclays Premier League table but still nine points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham having played one match more.

However, Rodgers, conscious that his positive outlook is often used as a negative against him, admits there is plenty of work still to do in the remaining 11 matches.

"I am an optimist, you have to be, but we'll not get too carried away," he said.

"I've likened us to a marathon runner just getting ready for the finish line, ready to make our move, and then we trip ourselves up.

"That is something we have to change going forward for the remainder of the season and finish as strong as we can."

The slip-ups came earlier in the week as having lost 2-0 to West Brom, ending a run of three successive Anfield victories, they also lost by the same scoreline to Zenit St Petersburg in the Europa League.

But with Swansea manager Michael Laudrup doing his predecessor a favour by naming an understrength side as he looks to Sunday's Capital One Cup final Liverpool were able to take advantage.

Steven Gerrard opened the scoring with a first-half penalty, making up for the spot-kick he failed with against the Baggies with the game still goalless, before a brilliant burst just after half-time secured the result.

Within 16 seconds of the restart £8.5million January signing Philippe Coutinho, on his full debut, made it 2-0 and within 10 minutes Jose Enrique and Luis Suarez had doubled that advantage.

It was only left to Daniel Sturridge, generously handed the duties by Gerrard, to convert Liverpool's second penalty of the afternoon and Swansea were dispatched with consummate ease.

"It was an important three points," said Rodgers.

"We've had a bumpy road in terms of games Monday and Thursday but the Premier League is very important for us and we knew we had to show focus and determination.

"I don't think you can take anything away from the Liverpool players but it (the final) was something Swansea were thinking about."

Like a marathon runner? I've ran a few marathons myself, Liverpool remind me of the time(s) I got lazy and didn't train properly, then struggled to make it the whole distance, having to walk for sections, if that's what he meant then spot on.
- solskjaer99

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

League Two play-off final: Phil Parkinson hails his Bradford players

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson hailed his players after they beat Northampton 3-0 at Wembley to earn promotion.

Transfer news: Nahki Wells vows to stay with Bradford after play-off final joy

Nahki Wells has vowed to stay with Bradford after helping them secure promotion with victory over Northampton.

League Two play-off final: Bradford beat Northampton 3-0 at Wembley

Bradford City beat Northampton Town 3-0 in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved