Rodgers grateful to patient owners ahead of visit of Young Boys

Brendan Rodgers feels the backing from owners Fenway Sports Group helped him get through a difficult start to his career as Liverpool manager.

"If you believe in a manager and give him time, what has been proven in this country is that can lead to success," he said.

"I think those early months were always going to be difficult; you are trying to instil and implement ideas initially without a great deal of success.

"Myself, players and staff, we were very much focused on our job and there has been no change in ourselves, only improvement."

Rodgers plans to make some changes for the Europa League visit of Young Boys tonight but with qualification a possibility he will retain some strength. Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez could feature for some part, but midfielder Lucas Leiva is still not over a thigh injury which has sidelined him since August.