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Rodgers dismisses Roy comparisons, coy on signings

Brendan Rodgers insists he has a lot more work to do with his squad © Getty Images

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he has no concerns about his future, despite comparisons being made between him and former Reds boss Roy Hodgson.

The Merseyside club's defeat against Stoke City on Boxing Day left Rodgers having claimed 25 points from his opening 19 league games in charge - exactly the same record Hodgson had engineered before he was dismissed by club owners Fenway Sports Group at the start of 2011.

Despite the statistical similarity, Rodgers is keen to stress the differences in the squad - noting that he has the backing of both FSG and the supporters, while warning that it could take a while for him to turn things around completely at Anfield.

"I have been brought in here to do a job and the owners have been brilliant with me," Rodgers said. "I don't think about them [the comparisons] to be honest, it is not something I am overly worried about.

"The backing I've had from supporters has been incredible considering and that is the most important group really.

"They recognise what is going on, they understand like I would understand the frustration.

"Any comparisons I don't really focus on and it is difficult to compare the two groups because there is a lot of youthfulness in this group but yet still a lot of growth left in the team.

"There is a lot of progressing to do because we're 10th in the table and this is a club which wants to be at the very top but the only way you can do that is by reconstruction of the work and building the squad.

"That is what is going to take a bit of time. I always say it's like a good meal - I'm not a great cook but a good meal takes a wee bit of time but also to offer a good meal you need good ingredients.

"That is something we will do over time and hopefully put a nice meal on the table for supporters."

In a bid to create that "nice meal", Rodgers is expected to be active in the January transfer window - with bids for Jack Butland, Daniel Sturridge and Tom Ince all strongly tipped.

While refusing to comment on individual players, Rodgers acknowledged that the club hopes to make a few moves soon after the window opens.

"We have enquired about some players and hope to be able to do something in January," said the Liverpool manager. "There are a lot of names being mentioned, but we should be able to make some additions and make them pretty early.

"But the main review will take place in the summer, and it is clear we need that bit of experience up at the top end of the field.

"The best and most important period will be between now and the end of the season, when we can look at what needs to be done, in terms of progressing the club further, and then go again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.