Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers reveals he is a big fan of Coronation Street with visit to studios

Reds manager is on the receiving end of some friendly ribbing from Manchester United fans during his visit to see the set of ITV soap opera with his daughter

Enemy territory: Brendan Rodgers was teased for his Liverpool links during a visit to the set of Coronation Street with his daughter Photo: GETTY IMAGES

 

Football managers are always on the lookout for innovative ways to broaden their understanding of the game, but Brendan Rodgers may well be the first to draw inspiration from Coronation Street.

The Liverpool manager recently visited the Corrie set at Granada Studios in Manchester, although his attempts to learn lessons from the soap opera’s long-running success were regularly interrupted by loud blasts of ‘Glory, Glory Man United’ from workers on the show keen to remind him he was on enemy territory.

Rodgers, a fan of the programme, joined his daughter Mischa, an A-level drama student who wanted insight into the soap, on her visit to the set, but admitted he was also looking to pick up some tips himself. “This is a programme that has been successful over 50-odd years,” Rodgers said. “For me I always take a bit away from it in terms of relating it to my own job. To see how something so successful is put together through effort and hard work.

“You look at the production staff, the cameramen, the actors, actresses and the extras. Everything that is there to make it work, the co-ordination behind it. It’s the team behind the team. And that was part of it that was interesting. We’ll see in May how good our own soap opera here is.”

Rodgers admitted he had taken some stick from some of the crew. “Obviously Sue Johnston, who stars in the show, is a big Liverpool supporter and we’ve met before. She invited us up. But a few of the musical guys on my walk around blasted ‘Glory Glory Man United’ which was entertaining.

"We went up there and had a brilliant day seeing the Rovers Return pub, watching some of the filming. Although I’m not going to let everyone know what happens in it.”

Rodgers also took time to praise Jordan Henderson, who has been one of his own leading men this season. Henderson has played every minute in the Premier League for Liverpool this season and is expected to be in the side for Sunday’s match against Hull City at the KC Stadium.
The Liverpool manager reckons England manager Roy Hodgson should definitely select 23-year-old Henderson for his squad for this summer's World Cup finals in Brazil because of his adaptability and dependability.

“You see a different player now, a mature player. His ability to play different positions will help him with England because he understands the game more. I like players who are determined, have a will and desire. Jordan has never waned on that. As a manager there are many facets to make up a winning team but you cannot forget player availability. It’s no good having good players if they are not available, and he is always available.”