Brendan Rodgers has revealed there is “no quick fix” for his struggling Liverpool side, insisting the team must work to lift themselves back into contention for trophies again.

The Anfield club are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League after collecting just 10 points from nine games, and were knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Rodgers’ former side Swansea on Wednesday night.

However, the Northern Irishman insists he was prepared for the tough challenges that lay ahead before he took on the position with Liverpool, suggesting hard work is what is needed to turn things around.

“I have always known there is no quick fix here. That’s why I knew there would be some of that pain along the way,” he told reporters.

Rodgers has blooded young players in the first team such as Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom, who have acquitted themselves well in recent weeks.

And he believes this may have to be the way forward for Liverpool due to the financial restrictions imposed by club owners Fenway Sports Group after they handed Rodgers’ predecessor Kenny Dalglish more than £100 million to improve the squad.

“If you can’t buy big, you get in the best players you can work with and help them improve. That is the stage we are at,” said Rodgers.

He also revealed that one of the most rewarding aspects of his job was being approached by players such as Steven Gerrard seeking his expertise and knowledge on how to improve themselves.

He added: “I’ve got the England captain coming in at 32 years of age, asking about how he can improve his game and be better. That’s great to me, that’s what fulfilment is in the job.”