Brendan Rogers Hits Out At Tan

By Chris Wathan
Former Swansea City boss Rodgers has launched a scathing attack on the Bluebirds owner as Cardiff City plunge themselves into crisis
Brendan Rodgers has his say on Maackay's future
Brendan Rodgers has claimed the crisis gripping Cardiff City suggests Vincent Tan knows nothing about football after hitting out at the “astonishing” events that could see Malky Mackay leave the Bluebirds.

And the Liverpool boss insisted he fears for the future of the City side if ongoing issues between Mackay and Tan end with the Scot's exit.

Rodgers was speaking ahead of the Bluebirds' Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday and was clear in his support of Mackay who served as the Northern Irishman's assistant during their days together at Watford.

Former Swansea City chief Rodgers remained close to the Scot when both managed on either side of the South Wales divide and admitted he has been stunned at suggestions Mackay could be forced out of the club.

Relations between Mackay – who led the club to the Premier League after a 51-year absence from top-flight football – and controversial backer Tan have been strained for weeks, but reached a new low this week when the manager was publicly chastised for comments over transfers.

And Rodgers did not hold back when he said: “I find it incredible the talk about Malky. I worked in South Wales and I find it astonishing what he has been through.

“Malky walked into a club that had given him 10 players to start with and he is someone who totally transformed them. He took them to the Carling Cup final and took them to the Championship (title) so I find it astonishing.

“My only conclusion is that you have a business guy who knows nothing about football.

“When I see from the outside what he has been through, to see him being questioned, is just remarkable.

“I would fear for them (if he moved on). I know how he works, I know the hours he puts in. There is no question Cardiff have a great manager who has set them on the right pathway.”

Gallery: The turbulent reign of Vincent Tan



 

Rodgers, though, says the uncertainty around Mackay's future will not make his high-flying Liverpool side's task any easier when Cardiff head to Anfield.

Liverpool are currently second and in huge confidence after last weekend's 5-0 demolition of Tottenham at White Hart Lane, the early kick-off giving the Merseysiders the chance to go top of the Premier League even if only for a few hours.

But Rodgers said: “It is going to be a difficult game for us because Malky will be focused on the job. We are good friends but for 90 minutes on Saturday are friendship will cease - we will both want three points.”

Well said by brenda,

brenda is just s**t stiring ahead of the clash. party politics so forget it

Forget what?

davewebber65 wrote:brenda is just s**t stiring ahead of the clash. party politics so forget it

Sh*t stirring by praising the manager? That's a new one..

I've always liked Brendan, he's a superb manager and I think Mackay worked under him at Watford - good on him.

Nice bloke is Brendan

Yeah, not sure this is as genuine as it seems.

SteWells wrote:Yeah, not sure this is as genuine as it seems.

What makes you think that ste?

Pre-match mind games? Keeping the story in the media etc

Yeah, it's just going to irritate Tan. Just let it die down, and trust them to sort it out on their own, or for someone at the club (Borley?) to be a peacemaker.