-Ly offers his opinions...
Heskey says Liverpool should stick with Rodgers.
The former Reds striker does not see any obvious replacement for the Northern Irishman and believes his style of play can prove successful despite their Champions League exit
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes the Reds should stick with manager Brendan Rodgers despite their exit from the Champions League and slow start to the Premier League season.
The Anfield club won only one match before being eliminated from Europe's elite competition by Basel on Tuesday night and sit ninth in the English top flight.
But Heskey says Rodgers should be given time to continue rebuilding the team following the departure of Luis Suarez and questions who they could bring in to replace the Northern Irishman.
"I don't think [he should be sacked]," he told Goal in a live chat. "He's been given a long-term plan to move forward.
"Last year was phenomenal jump and everyone's looking at this season being a backwards step, but he still has to get the best out of the new signings and it usually takes about a year for them to get used to the Premier League.
"I actually like the way Liverpool play - sometimes they overplay but I like his philosophy. I don't think they should get rid of him - if they do who are they going to go with [as a replacement]?
"There were calls for Alan Pardew to be sacked but now Newcastle are reaping the benefits of being patient and allowing the players to adjust to what he wants them to do."
Heskey acknowledged Liverpool's need to improve their attack with Daniel Sturridge out injured but does not think Rodgers should cut his losses on struggling striker Mario Balotelli.
"They could still do with Mario even if they do get someone else in," he added. "That would give them four centre forwards and they've still got that little bit of competition.
"I'd keep him and get another forward in anyway. He's absolutely struggled. Everyone's hoping he recaptures that form that saw him score and create goals for Manchester City on a regular basis."
The former England international urged Rodgers to make extending Steven Gerrard's expiring contract a priority despite his advancing years.
"He's a great ambassador not only for Liverpool and England but for the Premier League as well, so I'm surprised they've let his contract run down like this," he said.
"He's a great player and still a great asset, not only for what he does himself but for what he can bring out of young players as a mentor as well.
"He's had Fernando Torres, Michael Owen and Suarez previously and now he's got more static forwards in front of him he's finding it more difficult, especially from that deeper role. I don't know if they're getting the best out of him there."
Heskey says Liverpool should stick with Rodgers.
The former Reds striker does not see any obvious replacement for the Northern Irishman and believes his style of play can prove successful despite their Champions League exit
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes the Reds should stick with manager Brendan Rodgers despite their exit from the Champions League and slow start to the Premier League season.
The Anfield club won only one match before being eliminated from Europe's elite competition by Basel on Tuesday night and sit ninth in the English top flight.
But Heskey says Rodgers should be given time to continue rebuilding the team following the departure of Luis Suarez and questions who they could bring in to replace the Northern Irishman.
"I don't think [he should be sacked]," he told Goal in a live chat. "He's been given a long-term plan to move forward.
"Last year was phenomenal jump and everyone's looking at this season being a backwards step, but he still has to get the best out of the new signings and it usually takes about a year for them to get used to the Premier League.
"I actually like the way Liverpool play - sometimes they overplay but I like his philosophy. I don't think they should get rid of him - if they do who are they going to go with [as a replacement]?
"There were calls for Alan Pardew to be sacked but now Newcastle are reaping the benefits of being patient and allowing the players to adjust to what he wants them to do."
Heskey acknowledged Liverpool's need to improve their attack with Daniel Sturridge out injured but does not think Rodgers should cut his losses on struggling striker Mario Balotelli.
"They could still do with Mario even if they do get someone else in," he added. "That would give them four centre forwards and they've still got that little bit of competition.
"I'd keep him and get another forward in anyway. He's absolutely struggled. Everyone's hoping he recaptures that form that saw him score and create goals for Manchester City on a regular basis."
The former England international urged Rodgers to make extending Steven Gerrard's expiring contract a priority despite his advancing years.
"He's a great ambassador not only for Liverpool and England but for the Premier League as well, so I'm surprised they've let his contract run down like this," he said.
"He's a great player and still a great asset, not only for what he does himself but for what he can bring out of young players as a mentor as well.
"He's had Fernando Torres, Michael Owen and Suarez previously and now he's got more static forwards in front of him he's finding it more difficult, especially from that deeper role. I don't know if they're getting the best out of him there."
