Liverpool 'needed a little bit of surgery' says frustrated Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has urged his Liverpool players to ‘man up’ (Reuters)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists there is no rift with the club's owners but admits a lot has been learned from this summer's transfer window.

Criticism has been levelled at Fenway Sports Group following the failure to bring in a replacement after striker Andy Carroll was loaned to West Ham.

Rodgers admitted he would not have let the England international leave had he not been confident he could bring in a replacement but a deal for Fulham's Clint Dempsey fell through because FSG would not pay what they considered an inflated price.

That led to suggestions the manager had been undermined by the owners but he stressed he understood the situation when he took over in June.

"I've had long conversations with the owners," he said.

"I've got to say they have been very honest and very up front right from the off.

"I came here first and foremost because of the owners. I felt a genuine honesty in their approach to it and in how they wanted to go forward with the football club."

Rodgers, speaking at a forum with representatives of Liverpool fan sites and blogs, added: "Of course the window didn't quite go to plan but going forward a great deal of learning has taken place.

"Every manager always wants more players but the reality of where the club is at there needed to be a little bit of surgery done on the squad.

"Some of the wages here were absolutely astronomical in terms of value and worth. That needed to be looked at.

"I knew there would be a wee bit of pain in the short term but hopefully for the longer-term gain.

"We finished up where we were at and now we have got to move forward as a football club and really have the one-club mentality."

Rodgers admits he is likely to have to buy in January, although he knows it will be tough to bring in the right players at the right price.

But in the intervening period he will have to draw on the resources he has - even if it means dipping into the reserve squad.

With so many players away on international duty the Northern Irishman has taken the opportunity to involve some of the club's promising youngsters in training sessions.

"I've tried to get around the youth team players, the reserve team players, and look at the level we have," he told liverpoolfc.com.

"First and foremost it's a chance for me to see the players working and see their improvements and try to help and guide them.

"They are trying to make steps up towards the first team and this gives them an opportunity to learn, and not just from the coaches.

"They come up here and train with Jamie Carragher, a guy who is in his 18th year as a professional.

"It is great for young players at 18 or 19 to see a guy who has been doing this work nearly as long as they've been alive and showing the same enthusiasm and commitment to want to learn and improve."

PA