Arsene Wenger says Liverpool’s decision to sack Brendan Rodgers is “hard to understand”, with the Northern Irishman already replaced by Jurgen Klopp.

Rodgers was dismissed last Sunday immediately after the Merseyside derby draw, which left Liverpool in 10th place in the Premier League table following an inconsistent start to the season.

The Reds unveiled Klopp as Rodgers’ successor on Friday morning after the former Borussia Dortmund coach agreed a three-year contract at Anfield.

But Wenger still finds it difficult to fathom why Rodgers was shown the door so early in the season.

The Arsenal boss told beIN Sports: “Let’s not forget Liverpool has not won the championship since 1990. They won 18 championships and since 90 they have not won the championship.

“They came the closest to winning it two years ago and now I don’t know why really, the rational reasons why they have made that decision so quickly. It’s difficult for me to understand.

“I’m surprised because first of all for me it’s very sad.”

Wenger bemoaned the added pressure managers find themselves under to get off to a good start to the Premier League season.

He said: “I think when you lose your job in life, it’s difficult and on top of that after eight games it’s very, very difficult because if you start well and you have a bad moment during the season, people forgive you.

“But if you start wrong straight away you are questioned and that’s what happened to Brendan Rodgers.”