Author Topic: Decent BR Interview  (Read 9734 times)


Offline Funky_Gibbons

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #1 on: November 1, 2013, 10:37:45 am »
Nice interview. He continues to say all the right things.
"And there are red and white scarves of Liverpool, and red and white bobble hats of Liverpool, and red and white rosettes of Liverpool, and nothing else. And the sun shines now."

Offline God's Left Peg

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #2 on: November 1, 2013, 10:58:32 am »
Wow. Great interview. Who wouldn't want to work for someone like him?
"The socialism I believe in is everybody working for the same goal and everybody having a share in the rewards. That's how I see football, that's how I see life."

Offline Kelvinlfc

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #3 on: November 1, 2013, 11:25:24 am »
I liked that it gave an insight into a day in the life of a football manager, daily meetings with coaching staff to discuss issues that need to be addressed. Also his confidence in his backroom staff seemed incredible!

If somebody could copy and past the interview so not everybody has to click the link for some reason my browser messes it all up with HTML coding

Offline DeLeiva

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #4 on: November 1, 2013, 11:34:36 am »
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1832537-brendan-rodgers-exclusive-inside-liverpool-fc-with-bleacher-report-uk

Quote
Brendan Rodgers Exclusive: Inside Liverpool FC with Bleacher Report UK

Bleacher Report UK has teamed up with Liverpool FC and Warrior to take you inside one of the world's most storied and successful football clubs.

Each day this week we'll be bringing you exclusive insight from a member of Liverpool's staff.

Friday's interview subject—the culmination of our series—is Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.


Bleacher Report: Can you walk us through your typical day on the training ground?

Brendan Rodgers: That’s a difficult one to start off with, because in football there is very rarely a "typical day"—there are always issues and challenges that arise from nowhere, and as manager you have to be ready to deal with them.

There is routine, in as much as a schedule that is followed and carefully planned. I've always been one to arrive early for work; preparation is a big part of how I work and I like to be in my office going through plans for the upcoming training sessions or meetings I have.

I have a senior staff meeting every day, with key personnel who interface with the players—coaches, the medical staff, our analyst department. This is a useful exercise as it means we are all across what is happening and they are aware of my expectations.

 
More often than not training will start at Melwood at 10.30am. I am present and engaged in every session, so I will always be on the training ground with them. The afternoon tends to be dominated by meetings with coaching staff and analysts and we focus on our next game—what our plans are, any issues we expect to face etc.

Beyond that, it will depend if there is a game on somewhere that I will watch—be it in person or matches I've asked to be recorded. This includes scouting our upcoming opponents and potential transfer targets. My days tend to be packed, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy my work and it is a privilege to do what I do.

 

B/R: How much influence do you have on the make-up of Liverpool training sessions? Do they follow a regular pattern during the season, or are you always reacting to things you see in matches and preparing for the game ahead?

BR: I dictate entirely how the team is prepared and I am a hands-on coach; I love to be out there with the players taking the sessions. I’m blessed to be supported by some brilliant staff, who are all experts in their field and dedicated to what they do.

As I've mentioned previously, I meet regularly with my staff to ensure they are aware of what I want but also to make sure they have the chance to influence the process and use all of their knowledge to help prepare the group.

 
We do have a pattern here in terms of the training schedule, which is designed specifically to produce elite performance. It is all about getting the players to their maximum for match days. I have a four-day build-up training-wise to matches and that encompasses recovery as well as tactical work and making sure they are in good physical shape.

In terms of reacting to things we see as the season unfolds, as a staff we are constantly analysing performance and identifying areas where we can improve. That work is also done on the training field.

 

B/R: How important is the analysis of statistics in the decisions you make as a manager?

BR: It’s a big part of the modern game and it’s important as a modern manager to embrace areas that can help your team and players improve. However, statistics and numbers are no good unless you have good people to analyse and then interpret their meaning and importance.

Even more important than that is then having the staff that can take the data and ensure it’s presented in a way that improves individuals and teams. I have tremendous professionals in that area supporting me and the team, and we do use them at the appropriate time as part of our preparation.

 

 
B/R: When it comes to selecting your starting XI, who are the people at Liverpool you consult first and how do you inform your players?

BR: My senior staff members are integral to all the decision-making and it’s the reason the quality of people you have around you as a manager is so vital. There are various factors that influence that process; fitness, form and the tactical approach to your opponent are all areas I review on a daily basis.

Of course, as manager, the selection of the team is very much one of the biggest responsibilities I personally take, but I come to that decision thanks to advice and support of the people around me.

 

B/R: How has the role of Liverpool manager changed since the days of Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly?

BR: I think football management has obviously changed and evolved in terms of practices and methods, but I would say the values we strive to hold are the same as great men like Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. Particularly at a club like Liverpool, where our core values are so important to us, it’s vital for the man sat in my chair to embrace what the place stands for.

I have looked to do that by bringing back former players, who have this club running through their veins and care about its future as well as its past.

But when you break it down, I face the same challenges that Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley did: carrying the expectations of a worldwide institution and its incredible supporters who want Liverpool to be among the elite at home and in Europe.

 

 
B/R: Is dealing with stress an issue for you? How do you relieve the natural worry that must come with making big decisions? Do you have an escape mechanism?

BR: I don’t see the job as stressful, I really don’t. Of course, there is pressure and expectation, but I wouldn't necessarily equate that with stress. There are hard-working people in Liverpool and up and down the country who encounter real stress, by worrying about how to pay the bills and feed and clothe their children.

That’s stress and I don’t think it’s fair to tally what they go through with the problems of being a football manager.

What I do is a privilege and I enjoy my work. The reason I worked so hard all my life to get into a position such as this is because I want to be making big decisions and managing at the very highest level.

Of course, there are times when you have to switch off, but that’s part and parcel of managing yourself and I've never really found that a problem.

 

B/R: What are the qualities you're most looking for in an aspiring professional—both as a footballer and a personality?

BR: I think my history as a coach shows I like players who are gifted technically and have courage when it comes to being in possession of a football. That is a key quality for me; can you be brave on the pitch, not in terms of 50/50 tackles, but having the ball and looking to play in areas others wouldn't?

I would say you can’t divorce the two—ability and personality. It all comes as part of the package.

A player's character is a crucial factor I look into before committing to signing them. They also need to show a willingness to learn, regardless of age and experience; that’s very important to me.


B/R: How would you to like Liverpool fans to remember you when you eventually hand over to another manager at the club?
BR: That’s a very difficult question to answer, as I think someone’s legacy is best judged by other people, rather than yourself. I suppose, in general terms, I hope when my time as Liverpool manager is over, I’m remembered as someone who improved the team and left the club in a better position than I inherited it.

I hope they enjoy the style of football the team plays and recognise we approach games to win them but win them in a way that entertains and makes them proud as Liverpool supporters.

But I suppose most importantly is that people recognise I did my best every day I was here to make Liverpool the best it possibly can be, while upholding the football values that this great club was built on. I am blessed and privileged to lead this club and I will cherish that for every second and minute I’m here.

Offline Iloveyoumamadou

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #5 on: November 1, 2013, 12:14:49 pm »
Good article. The related interviews with the club physio and nutritionist are also interesting reads.

Offline TheGOAT

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #6 on: November 1, 2013, 12:17:08 pm »
Bloody hell, a proper interview for once instead of the usual "xxx will be tough opponents wont they?" "xxx is a key player for them isn't he?" "But you're in good form aren't you?"

Thanks for posting!

Offline Zeb

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #7 on: November 1, 2013, 12:31:34 pm »
Quote
There are hard-working people in Liverpool and up and down the country who encounter real stress, by worrying about how to pay the bills and feed and clothe their children.

That’s stress and I don’t think it’s fair to tally what they go through with the problems of being a football manager.

He's growing into those shoes.
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And your money will have bought you nothing."

Offline mabbympb

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #8 on: November 1, 2013, 12:34:55 pm »
He is a good man Brendan, i hope he gets the success he deserves.

Offline gatcliffe

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #9 on: November 1, 2013, 12:40:44 pm »
He is a good man Brendan, i hope he gets the success he deserves.
He will with us very very soon
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Offline robertobaggio37

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #10 on: November 1, 2013, 12:52:01 pm »
He's the man. I have no doubts about that. We're lucky to have him, long may it continue Brendan! :scarf
The biggest problem anywhere in the world is that people's perceptions of reality are filtered through the screening mesh of what they want, and do not want, to be true.

Offline IanZG

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #11 on: November 1, 2013, 01:23:00 pm »
Great interview, the journalist asked some interesting questions, a bit different to what I'm used to, which is always nice.

Brendan again seemed like an extremely nice person, some answers were unexpected, but really positive. It does seem like we're going in the right direction, doesn't it? The chemistry in the team is good, the players and staff seem to work well with Brendan, the press likes him, the owners seem to have faith in him, we finally have a bit of stability in terms of managment and ownership and the progress is showing, regardless of how the weekend's fixtures turn out... My favorite quote from the interview:

Quote
But I suppose most importantly is that people recognise I did my best every day I was here to make Liverpool the best it possibly can be, while upholding the football values that this great club was built on. I am blessed and privileged to lead this club and I will cherish that for every second and minute I’m here.

Offline DeLeiva

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #12 on: November 1, 2013, 01:31:56 pm »
I think it's important that we have a manager that like some of his more successful predecessors can inspire his players.
BR might not be able to do that with his CV but with his ability to communicate and man manage it would seem
hard for them not to buy into it.

I don't know about everyone else, but having a strong, articulate manager that can communicate with you
the goals of your team in business or sport is vitally important to get the best out of  me and the other individuals in your team.

People that don't get it like to brush it off as "Brent Like." But it's so much more than that.

Top Man is our manager.

Offline youll never walk alone it

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #13 on: November 1, 2013, 01:33:36 pm »
yep it took me far to long i guess to get over rafa being pushed out,  but  BR gets all my  focus now has done for a while.
Im drunk  but i havent had  a drink!  bob paisley after rome 77                The times i had here wernt all great, we only  finished 2nd one  season....the great  bob paisley

when shanks was asked  how he relaxed,  he said  he looks at the league table and checks where everton are...

Offline my usenme changed?

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #14 on: November 1, 2013, 01:41:27 pm »
BR has rarely set a foot wrong since he has taken over in regards to interviews. He's clearly a very knowledgeable man, but most importantly, he cares about the welfare of the club. Excellent interview, thanks for posting.
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Offline Les Willis

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #15 on: November 1, 2013, 01:50:55 pm »
Brendan is just a very decent human being and top bloke. Nice article.

Offline Always_A_Red

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #16 on: November 1, 2013, 02:06:49 pm »
He'll win the league in the next 3 years. Quote me on that.
We’ll still finish in top four - and they won’t. You can quote me on this in May.

Offline whtwht

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #17 on: November 1, 2013, 02:34:02 pm »
He'll win the league in the next 3 years. Quote me on that.

Cheers i have done
He'll win the league in the next 3 years. Quote me on that.
Quote me on this, but come next season he'll be great for us. Just needs to remove the walking headless chicken next to him

Online justsean

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #18 on: November 1, 2013, 02:38:11 pm »
He'll win the league in the next 3 years. Quote me on that.

Love the optimism pal, genuinely.

We'll be cominnnnnnn

Offline LFCobsessive

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #19 on: November 1, 2013, 02:51:34 pm »
Thank you Kelvinlfc, for bringing this interview to my attention. I've been dying to know more about the cogs behind the machine. Brenden Rodgers has impressed me so far in how composed/calm he is and his rapport with the players looks to be ideal (from what I can gather), however this interview is the most comprehensive in terms of what actually goes on and it makes me respect his ethos even more.
 
'Fire in your belly comes from pride and passion in wearing the red shirt. We don't need to motivate players because each of them is responsible for the performance of the team as a whole. The status of Liverpool's players keeps them motivated.'
Bill Shankly.

Offline Upinsmoke

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #20 on: November 1, 2013, 03:02:08 pm »
For me the guy is just a polite and intelligent bloke. I mean when you strip away his coaching/management ability.

He gets hated on for being a nice guy.

Offline StrikingMidfield

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #21 on: November 1, 2013, 03:56:02 pm »
He's certainly the exact type of person that I want running our club. I think that he'll be bringing this club glory soon.
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Offline s_andrews89

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #22 on: November 1, 2013, 04:03:11 pm »
He's certainly the exact type of person that I want running our club. I think that he'll be bringing this club glory soon.

Totally agree. Certainly seems to want to be a 'Liverpool Manager' and not a 'Manager of Liverpool' if you get my drift?!

Anybody else just want to share pint or 3 chatting with him?

Offline peachybum

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #23 on: November 1, 2013, 04:17:27 pm »
For me the guy is just a polite and intelligent bloke. I mean when you strip away his coaching/management ability.

He gets hated on for being a nice guy.


I think that's the same for all nice, polite managers in this country. Being nice is associated with being weak. I maybe wrong but i think lots of supporters want their managers to treat everyone not associated with their club with contempt.
I wanna be like Jurgen Klopp

Offline beardsleyismessimk1

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Re: Decent BR Interview
« Reply #24 on: November 1, 2013, 10:05:13 pm »
Love the optimism pal, genuinely.

We'll be cominnnnnnn


For once, in a long time, this season is not over, so I would not think too far ahead when the relative present looks so promising. Better than any of us could have hoped or wished for.

Tomorrow is going to be fun, like someone said earlier, it is so much nicer when there is something riding on the game. Something to play and fight for.
The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.