Brendan Rodgers axed: What the Liverpool manager said just minutes before getting sacked

Rodgers' final act was to oversee a 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby with Everton

Brendan Rodgers (GETTY IMAGES)

Brendan Rodgers was fired by Liverpool in the aftermath of the Merseyside derby with Everton, which ended 1-1.

However, the Northern Irishman was allowed to speak to the media before being delivered the news, with his post-match comments seeming to suggest he had little idea what was just around the corner.

"There are two points: the first is I don't feel any pressure, I can honestly say that," he said.

"There is pressure to sell newspapers and make stories and I understand and respect that. My job is to worry about the team, that is the only pressure I will feel.

"People will want to put pressure on for different reasons. I don't feel it, I don't want it but anything externally, there is no drama.

"I have never felt anything other than secure. That is not being complacent. I was brought here to do a job, I signed a new deal (in May 2014) and the owners know it takes time."

Rodgers clearly expected owners Fenway Sport Group would give him more time to blend the array of players he has brought into the club over the past couple of years. It has been a time of much change at the club, with long-time captain Steven Gerrard departing and the club being forced to sell Luis Suarez and then Raheem Sterling.

It had been reported that the club had told Rodgers he must deliver a top four finish, a position that is currently three points out of touch, but Rodgers denied he had been set that target when speaking on Sunday prior to his sacking.

"In all my time it has been an internal ambition but it has never been said by the club," he added.

"We did that against the odds a couple of years ago (almost winning the title with a Suarez-inspired side). We lost quality and will have to rebuild.

"I have never been asked or told to deliver that (a top-four finish) by anyone at the club since I came in.

"If we are to replicate what we did two years ago we will have to build something. That will take time. That is frustrating for supporters but there are new players to come in.

"It will take time, whether that is me or someone else. While it is me, I will continue to devote every ounce to the club."

Liverpool now turn their attention to finding that someone else.