Liverpool FC: Brendan Rodgers has fond memories of Swansea – but the decision to leave was a no-brainer

BRENDAN RODGERS admits it was a “no brainer”. Having been offered the chance to take over at Liverpool in late May, the lure of Anfield was too great.

However, breaking his ties with Swansea City after a remarkable two years in South Wales was one of the toughest days of his career.

Tonight Rodgers comes up against the Swans for the first time since he left with a place in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup up for grabs.

The Northern Irishman is relishing the reunion with a club he still has great affection for.

“Leaving there was really difficult,” he said.

“I’d had my fingers burnt before. I’d been at Watford, a club where I was really happy and we’d been progressing really well. I went to Reading and didn’t have the best experience.

“Part of my reflection was that when I went to a club, it couldn’t be just about the club, but the right club and the right chairman.

“There are a lot of clubs in this country I couldn’t go and work for because of the philosophy I have, as that wouldn’t be the norm.

“I chose then to go to Swansea and it was the perfect fit, a hand in glove fit. I had two incredible years, we created history as a club, the players were brilliant and very receptive to the ideas, and we had success.

“Obviously I had built up a close relationship with the supporters, socially my family was happy and I knew I was in a good place.

“I was 39 years of age and hoped to be in the game for the next 25 years so I wasn’t in a hurry to leave, as I knew very few clubs would understand my way of working. That was the dilemma.”

Having taken over the Championship side in July 2010, Rodgers masterminded Swansea’s promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Last season they surpassed all expectations as they finished 11th and won universal praise for their style.

Rodgers had penned a new three-and-a-half-year contract to keep him at the club until July 2015 and was settled, but then Liverpool came knocking.

“In terms of the club it was a no brainer because it’s Liverpool Football Club, but I was going to be saying goodbye to really good people,” he added.

“I’d had a tough time personally off the field, my parents died in that period, and I had great support in that time, so there was a real emotional attachment there as well.

“But the professional challenge was too great. Of course it was disappointing to leave, but on the other hand I knew I was coming to one of the biggest clubs in the world. I was walking into a club which hopefully could be a destination for me for many, many years to come.”

Michael Laudrup replaced Rodgers and the Danish legend has enjoyed a solid start to his reign.

The Swans, who have progressed to the fourth round by defeating Barnsley and Crawley Town, are one point and a place better off than the Reds in the top flight.

“They appointed someone who was an outstanding player in his generation and someone who will be well in tune with the philosophy of the football club,” said Rodgers. “Michael will get great support from the people there. Swansea are an incredible club. A real shining light for clubs coming through.

“They have sound business principles and a chairman who is a visionary who understands the game and the philosophy and picks managers to come in and implement that and add their own slant to it.

“They also have an outstanding group of players who are very honest and work tirelessly. It will be a difficult game for us.”

Many Swansea fans were angered by Rodgers’ swoop for Joe Allen back in August after the Reds triggered a £15million release clause in his contract.

There had been a gentleman’s agreement with chairman Huw Jenkins not to make an approach for his former players for 12 months unless another club made a bid or Swansea were open to offers.

However, Rodgers insists his conscience is clear over the acquisition of the Welsh midfielder.

“The Allen deal proved how strong the relationship between Huw and myself actually was,” he said. “I was able to speak with Huw and ask him if there was a market for Joe. I said I’d like to be kept in the loop on that. He then came back to me and said there was the possibility of him being sold.

“I’ve got great admiration for Huw and our relationship is still strong. There is no problem there.

“If Joe plays I’m sure he’ll get a very good reception from the Swansea fans. He’s a kid who came through the system there and gave everything to the club.

“Okay, supporters were disappointed that he went, but he got them £15million plus gave them so much during his time there.”

Despite the emotion attached to tonight’s game, Rodgers’ main concern is guiding the Reds a step closer to Wembley.

Liverpool are seeking a third successive home win for the first time since May 2011 and the boss wants momentum to be maintained.

“It’s one where you have two hats on,” he said.

“First and foremost, professionally, we want to get through to the quarter-finals.

“We have an opportunity to play at Anfield and progress in the competition.

“But it will also be good to see people. I had some fantastic professional and personal experiences at Swansea.

“It’s a result I always look out for because I will always want them do well.

“But we want to win this game. For 90 minutes our job is to focus and concentrate. Sentiment won’t get in the way of that.”

Rodgers at Swansea

July 16, 2010 – June 1, 2012

Played: 96