The Northern Irishman has been criticised for failing to fix the Merseysiders’ problems at both ends of the field but is adamant he will be able to put things right

Brendan Rodgers insists he remains the right man to lead Liverpool forward despite their indifferent form this season.

In the absence of last season’s 52-goal strikeforce of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, the Merseysiders lie ninth in the Premier League after 15 games – six points off fourth-placed West Ham – and endured the ignominy of being knocked out of the Champions League by Basel on Tuesday.

Rodgers has been criticised for failing to rebuild a functioning attack and fix Liverpool’s persistent defensive problems, but the Northern Irishman is still backing himself to put things right at Anfield.

“I think the message from me is clear: I don’t think there would be anyone better to do the job here,” he told reporters.

“Seven months ago we nearly won the title unexpectedly, I had time to work with players and we took them beyond where the club has been in a long time.

“This has been a difficult start with new players, less coaching time, young players; we are virtually starting again.

“I don’t think there is anybody better equipped to deal with that having been here for the last two and a half years and experienced what this club is about and seeing what we get from the players whenever we are at our best.

“Criticism comes with the territory when you don’t win games. Football is very short term. The same people who are criticising me now were maybe saying I couldn’t do anything wrong six or seven months ago. That is the way football works.

“You have to accept that as a manager and fight even harder to bring success. This period has ensured I will do that for sure.”