Brendan Rodgers has defended his character and hit back at the “narrative” that he is feeling the heat of Leicester City’s poor form. Rodgers said that report was not in keeping with his character, and that despite the club’s form, he remains calm and patient.
Brendan Rodgers said: “That’s unfortunately the narrative people want to take. I’m not the type. I have always tried and hopefully been generous with my time, but I’ve never stormed out of anything. I’ve never done that. It’s just unfortunate that there’s a narrative there. Because we’re not doing so well there needs to be substance to that. We all know the manager is under pressure but I’ve always tried to stay calm and stay composed in the situation, even though it is a difficult one. It doesn’t mean I don’t care, I’m as passionate as anyone. I think I have showed that in my time here. But when you’re in a difficult period and a rocky moment it’s even more so you keep that calmness and stay patient and inspire the players. Whatever you say when you’re towards the bottom of the league, it will never be right. That is the nature. When you are winning everything seems great, when you are losing you talk rubbish.”
But while Rodgers says he remains calm, that should not be equated to a lack of passion, he believes. And he says there are plenty of world-class players who will give evidence for that.
Brendan Rodgers added: “I haven’t got to where I’ve got to being a shrinking violet. I’ve no background in the game, I’ve got to where I’ve got to because I have intensity and a character to fight. That is what I will always do. I don’t ever feel the need to smash cups about to show that intensity. I’ve worked with world-class players who will tell you the same. I’ve never had a problem with top players. It is the way of the world: you lose and you’ll be under criticism. I know that so the only thing you can do is look to win.”
