Brendan Rodgers has launched an impassioned defence of his abilities , insisting there is nobody better equipped to manage Liverpool under the Fenway Sports Group model . It has been a difficult week for Rodgers , with the meek manner of last Sunday ’ s 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final ensuring his position has come under scrutiny like at no point during his three-year reign at the club . FSG , Liverpool ’ s owners , maintain Rodgers ’ job is not even up for discussion but that has not stopped Jurgen Klopp – who will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the campaign – being mentioned as a possible successor . Brendan Rodgers insists he is the man to guide Liverpool to success despite a disappointing season . The Liverpool manager is under pressure following the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Aston Villa last Sunday . But Rodgers has been boosted by the news that Jordan Henderson ( left ) has committed his future to the club . But Rodgers has not been rattled by the intensity of the criticism nor is he dwelling on the disappointment . He is concentrating on building Liverpool back up and wants the club to be 'really forceful ' when they embark on their summer recruitment drive . ‘ After the weekend there is always emotion , ’ said Rodgers , who will again be without Daniel Sturridge at West Brom and is 'unsure ' when he will return . ‘ When you lose a big game this is when you find out you are at a big club because the critics come after you . ‘ Three months ago , I was a tactical genius . Now I have lost a couple of games and it is not so good . ‘ That is something you have to deal with . When I sit down and look at it , I will hold myself up against anyone to manage this club and to fit the model of what they ( FSG ) want . I am super ambitious in terms of wanting to win and there will be no greater place to do that than here . ‘ Of course in modern football there are lots of processes that go on behind the scenes that people will never be aware of . In terms of what we are trying to do , I do not see anyone better in terms of the hand we were given . We are here to win . We do not want to be “ nearly men ” . ‘ There is no-one more ambitious . If there comes a time when that is not the case and we move on , there will be no-one who respects the owners more than me . But Christ , no , I will fight for my life . If I can get the tools here to help us , we can be really successful. ’ Henderson ( left ) is 'over the moon ' after signing new long-term contract at Anfield worth over £100,000 a week . The former Sunderland player hopes Raheem Sterling ( pictured ) will follow his lead and commit his future . Liverpool have identified a number of targets , principally PSV Eindhoven ’ s Memphis Depay but they must trump Manchester United ; Burnley striker Danny Ings and Manchester City ’ s James Milner are attractive Bosman options but the feeling is the club need to make a statement of intent . ‘ We ’ ve enough potential and players we can develop and improve , ’ said Rodgers . ‘ But it is definitely starters we need and we have to be really forceful to get ( them ) . ’ There was some good news for Rodgers after Jordan Henderson completed the formalities of signing his new five-year contract , which is heavily incentivised and worth more than £100,000 per week . Liverpool ’ s vice captain said he was 'over the moon ' to conclude the talks , which began at the start of the season and were successfully negotiated by his agent , Neil Fewings . He now hopes Raheem Sterling will follow suit and commit to Liverpool ’ s future like him , Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho . Sterling , who told BT Sport criticism of his contract talks have been going 'in one ear and out the other ' , will resume negotiations at the end of the season . ‘ Raheem is a good friend of mine and he just has to do what he thinks is best , ’ said Henderson . ‘ But , if I was giving him advice , I would say : `` This is Liverpool '' – I think this is best place for him . That decision is up to him . He is a fantastic player for us . I hope he stays here and develops with us . '
Brendan Rodgers is under pressure following FA Cup semi-final defeat . But the Liverpool boss says he will bounce back despite the criticism . Liverpool owners Reds maintain Rodgers wo n't be sacked . Jordan Henderson hopes Raheem Sterling commits his future to the Fenway Sports Group .