Jason McAteer believes that his old club Liverpool must stick by Brendan Rodgers amid reports that Rafael Benitez is open to a return to Anfield.
The current Kop chief has come under intense pressure on the back of difficult start to the season and a host of underwhelming summer buys.
With Luis Suarez sold during the last window, Rodgers oversaw a £100m mega spend, but performances on the pitch – Liverpool sit in 11th spot – after 11 games have been below par.
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Even though he guided the Merseysiders to second place last term the Northern Irishman’s position is rumoured to be under scrutiny, which has prompted rumours of a stunning comeback for Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard coached the club to Champions League glory in 2005, and has recently hinted that he would consider a switch back to the North West of England.
But McAteer is adamant that his old side must be patient with Rodgers:
“Rafa has spoken many times on the record of his love for Liverpool and I’m sure if he got the opportunity he would come back and manage the club, but you can’t disregard Brendan after a poor start to the season,” he told talkSPORT.
“The fans are talking about maybe changing Brendan but I think, on the whole, Liverpool are happy with Brendan Rodgers. I think he will be given time. I certainly don’t think he will be sacked this season.
“People are judging his signings at the minute. They haven’t gone down too well, but he has got a lot of talent in that squad and it is going to take time to integrate them and for the players to believe in his philosophy. We have lost [Daniel] Sturridge though injury and Luis Suarez in the summer so it is a big thing to start again. Liverpool have taken a couple of steps backwards but I have big hopes for Brendan Rodgers and I’m sure he will do really, really well in the next few games and we will be talking about Brendan being the manager we talked about last season.”
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