Saturday, June 30, 2012

Carragher Relishing Rodgers Era

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admits he is looking forward to experiencing life under new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers is settling into the Anfield job after his move from Swansea City at the start of the month.

The 39-year-old arrives on Merseyside with a glowing reputation after guiding the newly promoted Swans to an 11th place finish last season, impressing many with their attractive brand of possession football.

Carragher revealed he still has sympathy for former boss Kenny Dalglish, who was sacked in May after the club could only finish 8th, but admits he sees the arrival of Rodgers as an "exciting project".

"We all look at how Swansea played last year - they were a breath of fresh air for the Premier League and I think that's probably one of the reasons why Brendan Rodgers has got the job," said the 34-year-old.

"He has a lot of experience coaching-wise - he's worked with Jose Mourinho. So we're all looking forward to it.

"Obviously we're disappointed for Kenny [Dalglish] and the staff because I got on well with them but we have to move forward and get right behind the manager."

Meanwhile, Carragher has sung the praises of Kop team-mate and England captain Steven Gerrard, who he believes was his country's best player at Euro 2012.

Gerrard was appointed full-time skipper by new England boss Roy Hodgson on the eve of the tournament and played a key role in the Three Lions' run to the quarter-finals, setting up three goals in the group stages.

"Steven Gerrard was England's best player by a long way. There's no debate about that," added Carragher.

"He's created a lot of goals and been an authoritative figure in the middle of the pitch.

"He's been the captain and I'm certain he'll carry on as captain until we get to Brazil."

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