Brendan Rodgers talks ahead of his first meeting with Swansea since leaving the Liberty at the end of last season
“In my time at Swansea, personally I don’t think I’ve ever been through a more difficult period in all my life,” Rodgers explained to Wales on Sunday, the 39-year-old losing his father to cancer last year.
“Yet, professionally, I probably had arguably the most successful period of my life.
“But that only came because of the support I got from the people of Swansea.
“I was – and always have been – touched by their support. Since I left I’ve had a number of letters from Swansea fans and there was one which was really poignant.
“I missed a press conference one day and no-one ever knew why.
“I travelled to see a young lady called Amanda who was a headteacher.
“She had been diagnosed with cancer, she was told she was all right but then she was readmitted with only a few months to live.
“It was the day to meet the press, but life was more important so I went to see her. She was in the last few weeks of her life.
“She was a mad Swansea supporter, but, ironically, her family were big Liverpool supporters.
“When I spent the afternoon with her, she went away and wanted to give me something for when she passed away.
“So when I arrived at Liverpool the family said this was something that she wanted to give me. It will always stay closely with me.
“It reminds me that my relationship with the people, players and supporters will never change.
“Football is football. That is the real world.
“I was happy at Swansea, I really was,” said Rodgers. “It’s a club that is really going to go on and grow and grow into a really established Premier League club.
“I knew what the journey was there. I was more than happy to be part of that and help that to grow.
“But this is Liverpool. You walk into the building here and there is the European Cup for the five titles here.
“They haven’t won the league for 23 years. It’s a frustration, but that was part of coming here to try and help and test myself as a manager.
“Even with all that it was a really emotional time. I remember with Huw, my wife… the pull was incredible.
“The professional challenge was why I came. If it was about people and honesty and those type of things, I’d still be at Swansea.
“But this challenge is so great. It was still a big decision; I spoke to a number of people but one of the best bits of advice came from the chairman.
“Huw was incredible in the process, he saw it from professional point of view, but also as a friend.
“I respect the Swansea City supporters, no matter what their response is,” said Rodgers when asked what he thinks may greet him from the Anfield Road End on Wednesday.
“It’s never easy when anyone leaves. I hope over time that the work I did during that period will be respected and looked upon.
“I understand if there is any ill-feeling towards me. But I only left to come to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“I had four chances to leave whilst I was there, but I was always very happy in my life.
“It took an opportunity from an iconic club to come for me to go.
“And the Swans now have a terrific manager who will add his own slant to the philosophy.
“Swansea’s philosophy is in place, we’re only at formation here,” he said. “Where we are at and where we want to be is two different places.
“But I love the challenge and I love the responsibility.
“And, whatever happens after this experience, I will be a better manager for having gone through everything here.”
Which hints at why he felt, for all the attachment, Liverpool could not be said ‘no’ to.
“Look at Owen Coyle. A couple of years ago he was touted as being the next Liverpool manager. He’s now out of work,” he added.
“I’ve spoken to managers and we’ve all seen it. It’s why loyalty is with supporters.
“It’s their club and they love it. I will go into a club and give it everything.
“I felt I did that at Swansea, an incredible place, and, whatever reaction I do get, hopefully over time people will see my piece of work and history.”