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Brendan Rodgers: 'I will continue to devote every ounce' to Liverpool

Phil Noble / Reuters

Following Sunday's 1-1 draw at local rival Everton, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he feels "secure" in his role at Anfield.

He also insists a top-four finish has never been demanded of him from the club's owner, the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), despite the huge transfer outlay since he took over in 2012.

"I have never been asked or told to deliver that by anyone at the club since I came in," he said postmatch.

The FSG, who also owns MLB franchise the Boston Red Sox, has a reputation of exercising patience with non-playing staff.

"I have never felt anything other than secure," Rodgers said. "That is not being complacent. I was brought here to do a job, I signed a new deal and the owners know it takes time."

Liverpool narrowly finished as runner-up in 2014 while playing a devastating brand of pacey, counter-attacking football spearheaded by Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling, and Daniel Sturridge. Only the latter remains a Reds player.

"If we are to replicate what we did two years ago, we will have to build something," the manager said. "That will take time. That is frustrating for supporters but there are new players to come in. That will take time, whether that is me or someone else.

"While it is me, I will continue to devote every ounce to the club. People will want to put pressure on for different reasons. I don't feel it, I don't want it but anything externally, there is no drama. My job is to worry about the team. That is the only pressure I will feel."

Rodgers believes his players made a good account of themselves Sunday and could take something from the Merseyside derby after a strong opening period.

"I am very proud of the team and disappointed at the same time," he said. "We were clearly the better team in the first half, we had a couple of opportunities and then went in front, deserved our lead, and could have been one or two more in front."

After the international break, Liverpool faces a tough trip to Tottenham Hotspur and would love a repeat of its 3-0 win at White Hart Lane last term.

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