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As a budding coach, Brendan Rodgers was forced to wade through a sea of negativity steadfastly clutching his football beliefs.

But the Northern Irishman is convinced his philosophy has only been strengthened by proving the doubters wrong.

And now his Liverpool players are benefiting as a result.

“When I was coming through, there were plenty of people who were very negative towards it who said we couldn’t work this way in this country,” says Rodgers.

“But if you believe in it enough, you continue to push the boundaries and continue to get your players to believe in it.

“Then ultimately your staff, your behaviours and your players will hopefully cement those philosophies and you get successful.”

Having guided Swansea City to promotion, consolidated their Premier League position and then transformed Liverpool into title contenders, there is significant vindication for Rodgers.

And the Reds boss admits such evidence has been necessary.

“The players have to feel confident especially if you take them in a way they haven’t played before,” he says. “They have to see success in it.

“That success comes from the confidence with which the manager portrays it.

“It’s easy when things are going well, but it’s important to reinforce the beliefs when you have lost or one of your players has given away the ball and the team has lost because of it.

“That’s when ideas get truly tested.”

Rodgers is one of a new breed of British managers and coaches to have come through during the past decade.

Only 13 of the 92 English clubs have a manager from outside the British Isles and Ireland, although nine of those are in the Premier League.

That said, the turnover in the managerial hot seat has never been higher: Rodgers, despite being in charge at Anfield for 21 months, is the fourth longest-serving manager in the top flight.

“The mentality is changing,” he says. “Now we have a different breed and a different generation and it is filled with really hungry coaches who are very keen to learn and travel and broaden their experiences.

“I liken it to the British players. When I was growing up, guys like Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle weren’t really recognised until they went abroad for their footballing talents.

“It was probably the same for the coaches. Now I think that is starting to change, and English coaches are now starting to get the opportunities.

“There’s no question there is an abundance of coaching talent in this country. They are creative and have the boldness and bravery to get our technical players to play.”

Rodgers, however, believes the biggest change must come in the attitude of British coaches looking to further their careers.

“In my experience of working with people at the elite level and in other businesses, it doesn’t happen by accident,” he says. “It’s hard work.

“It’s sacrificing so much and putting the energy and commitment into being the best you can be and having that thirst to learn.

“And obviously when you get the opportunity, you have to take it.

“You have to keep believing that the opportunity will come.

“For some British coaches or managers, they will maybe find an excuse or a barrier that will stop them.”

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