‘Rodgers to do it his way’
The two Ulstermen will go head to head at the Stadium of Light this evening, three days after Rodgers’ problems at Anfield were put into perspective by an independent report into the deaths of 96 of the club’s supporters at Hillsborough in 1989.
It is certain to be an emotional occasion on Wearside, but once the whistle blows, the only concentration for the men on the field will be the three Barclays Premier League points at stake.
Rodgers’ men currently sit in 18th place in the table having taken just one point from their three games to date, albeit from reigning champions Manchester City, and with their new manager coming under pressure in some quarters with the Andy Carroll debacle still a topic for debate.
But O’Neill said: “Brendan obviously has his style, which he brought to Swansea — I say brought to Swansea, it might have been there in the first place, but he certainly enhanced it.
“If I say so, their start to the season under [Michael] Laudrup now is maybe a continuation of that work.
“People can tinker with it whatever way they want, but it’s worked very well.
“On the back of that, he has gone to Liverpool and obviously wants to stamp his authority — or his mark, rather than authority, perhaps — on Liverpool Football Club. Obviously, that’s what you want to do as a manager.
“But I don’t think he’s going into it with eyes closed. He would have had a number of meetings there with the owners of the football club. He must have agreed to the way in which they want to work.’’
Sunderland Winger Adam Johnson is battling to be fit for today’s game after returning early from England duty with a thigh problem, but fellow midfielder David Meyler will hope for an opportunity after confirming his return from two serious knee injuries by making his first start for the Republic of Ireland against Oman in midweek.
O’Neill said: “David has had a really tough time with injury. Of course, I have only known him as he is making his way back from it.
“He might have seen how Fraizer Campbell has fought back from the injuries, but I am delighted for David.
“He is an exceptional lad, he is, honestly. You would be very happy with him around about the place.”
For his part, Rodgers is confident teenager Raheem Sterling can handle his meteoric rise and believes it sets an example to the club’s other youngsters.
The 17-year-old received a surprise call-up for England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine earlier this week after a number of good performances for his club.
Rodgers had voiced his concerns previously about over-exposing the youngster but believes Sterling can cope with the additional focus.
“I got the call from Roy [Hodgson] and he explained the reasons for it,” said the Reds boss. “He feels he is one for the future and it was an opportunity for Raheem to get a sense of what he can achieve in the next few years.”
In addition to the bonus Sterling’s on-field performances have brought so far Rodgers has noticed a knock-on effect elsewhere as other young players are now looking to emulate his progress.
Their claims are likely to be enhanced by the failure to bring in a replacement forward once Andy Carroll was sent on loan to West Ham which leaves Rodgers with gaps to fill — and as he has virtually ruled out signing a free agent as cover.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
