Brendan Rodgers’ time at Liverpool included a whole host of memorable moments. From Steven Gerrard’s slip to Luis Suarez’s nibble of Branislav Ivanovic, the northern Irishmen had it all – apart from the silverware, that is. Let’s take a look back at the starting XI Rodgers fielded in his final game.
As games in the Premier League go, it doesn’t get much bigger than the Merseyside derby. Liverpool had managed just 11 points from their first seven league games in the 2015/16 season and rumours of Rodgers departing the club had surfaced long before this game started.
Liverpool took the lead on 41 minutes through Danny Ings with a poacher’s finish. However, a defensive error from Emre Can saw Romelu Lukaku level for the home side just on the stroke of half-time. The second-half failed to produce any more goals and neither set of fans could take the city’s bragging rights.
It’s fair to say that around five or six of Rodgers’ final XI would be certain to start for Klopp’s side at the start of the season. Thus, one would be mistaken if they were to suggest that Jurgen Klopp had not improved Liverpool’s squad since his arrival.
1.Simon Mignolet
The big Belgian has certainly improved since the Rodgers era. Will he be No.1 this season? Image source: Twitter
2.Nathaniel Clyne
It was the right-back's first Merseyside derby. He has developed into quite the player for Klopp's side. Image source: Twitter
3.Martin Skrtel
After over 250 appearances for the Reds, the Slovak moved to Fenerbahce. Image source: Twitter
4.Mamadou Sakho
Rodgers' sacking was the turning point for Sakho. Out of favour under Klopp and likely to leave Anfield soon. Image source: Twitter
5.Alberto Moreno
Consistently inconsistent. The left-back has, so far, failed to live up to his price-tag. Image source: Twitter
6.Emre Can
Rapid improvement under Klopp. Ten times the player he was back in 2015. Image source: Twitter
7.Lucas Leiva
Recently departed the club after a 10-year spell. A reliable asset for Rodgers. Image source: Twitter
8.James Milner
One of the best free transfers? Mr Versatile. Image source: Twitter
9.Philippe Coutinho
Lived in the shadow of Suarez, Sterling and Sturridge during Rodgers' era. Thriving now. Image source: Twitter
10.Daniel Sturridge
Boy, how Klopp would love this cheeky striker to recreate his days under Rodgers. Image source: Twitter
11.Danny Ings
Liverpool's goalscorer on that day. Riddled with injury ever since. Fingers crossed for Danny. Image source: Twitter
Indeed, unforeseen circumstances such as injuries have stopped players such as Sturridge and Ings from progressing in a Liverpool shirt. The English duo provided a dangerous attack on that day in 2015 but have both faced issues in returning to full fitness. A cruciate ligament rupture has seen Ings miss 85 games for the Reds but a return to the pitch could be coming soon with pre-season training going well.
True, Rodgers came much closer to winning the league with Liverpool in 2013/14 than Klopp did last season. But, with notable departures at the club during his reign, a draw in the Merseyside derby proved to be the final straw for the Liverpool hierarchy who swiftly appointed Klopp.
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