Brendan Rodgers Talks Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool 'Hysteria' After Villa Win

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers took a shot at the fans and critics questioning his position after the 3-2 win over Aston Villa, calling it a “hysteria” before claiming he and his players are unaffected, via Andy Kelly of the Liverpool Echo:

As reported by Glenn Moore of the Independent, Rodgers' job is seemingly under threat after a mediocre start to the season, with fans and pundits alike questioning whether the Northern Irishman is still the right man for the job.

A big win was needed on Saturday, and thanks to two goals from Daniel Sturridge and James Milner's first for the Reds, Liverpool got the three points against Aston Villa. James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo thought Rodgers must have breathed a huge sigh of relief:

Afterward, Rodgers claimed the fans had been “fantastic,” suggesting those calling for his resignation are a minority:

He doubled-down on that sentiment, referring to the critics as “a group of people” before stating his case to stay on, per BBC Merseyside Sport:

Rudy Gestede nearly spoiled the party for Rodgers with a brace of his own, and the Reds manager likely didn't enjoy the final 20 minutes of the match, as he was forced to watch as Aston Villa threatened to equalise.

The win does mean Liverpool now sit in seventh place, just five points off league-leaders Manchester United.

Sturridge was the big hero, scoring twice, and per Rodgers, it doesn't take a genius to figure out the Reds will perform up to standards if the England international plays like that, via Kelly:

Rodgers' decision to go on the offensive seems a bit odd considering the Reds barely scraped by Aston Villa at Anfield, a match they should always win. It's just Liverpool's second win of the Premier League campaign, and with the Merseyside derby against Everton on the horizon, now doesn't seem like the right time to lash out.

The pressure is unlikely to lessen by much following this win, and next week's match will be far more important for Rodgers' future.

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