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Rodgers: Swans job easier than Reds

Brendan Rodgers believes he has had to change the culture at Liverpool © Getty Images

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Brendan Rodgers believes it was easier for him to take over at Swansea than at Liverpool because of the foundations Roberto Martinez laid for him at the Liberty Stadium.

The former Swans managers meet on Saturday when Rodgers' Liverpool travel to face Martinez's Wigan, with the Northern Irishman praising his predecessor's legacy.

But he admits it was tougher at Liverpool because he had to start from scratch after replacing Kenny Dalglish in the summer.

"There was great work here with Kenny and Steve [Clarke, Dalglish's assistant]," Rodgers said. "But I am a different coach and a different tactician and a different man to them. I came here and looked to put my template in place which of course was going to take a bit longer because when I went to Swansea there was a foundation there."

Martinez managed Swansea from 2007 to 2009, winning promotion from League One in his first full season in charge, and, after Paulo Sousa spent a year at the helm, Rodgers took over in 2010, taking Swansea into the Premier League in his debut campaign.

Rodgers said it helped that Swansea had passing principles in place, thanks to Martinez.

"He did a terrific job there at Swansea for the couple of years he was there, it made my job easier going in," he said. "I could then work on other aspects."

Rodgers sees similarities in the way Martinez's teams play and his own beliefs.

"There are principles that are the same," the Liverpool boss said. "We both like to have teams that can control and dominate the game with the ball. I look at my own methods and how I work and I always want to play offensive and attacking football but always with a tactical discipline.

"I like to play high-intensity attacking football. But ultimately it is about winning. And [for] Roberto and I, whatever style or methods you play, you have to get results and that is what you will be judged on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.