Axed Rodgers claims he would have dug Foxes out of hole

Brendan Rodgers insists he would have been able to save Leicester from the drop had he been given the chance. 

Rodgers, 50, left the club by mutual consent on Sunday in the wake of a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace the previous day. 

His departure ended a four-year reign at the King Power Stadium but the former Liverpool boss has made it clear he had unfinished business. 

In a statement released via the LMA, Rodgers said: “I am obviously disappointed to depart so close to the end of the season and had every confidence we would have delivered the results needed to preserve the club’s Premier League status. 

“I would like to wish everybody at the club the very best of luck as they seek to continue to deliver on this objective. 

“There’s a strong infrastructure and environment in place that puts the club on a strong footing to move forward — a world-class training facility, a passionate and unswerving fan base, a group of great players full of ability and special owners.”

Rodgers is already eyeing the possibility of returning to the dugout and made a point of highlighting his FA Cup success in 2021. 

He added: “I’m now looking forward to having a chance to reflect and recharge and get ready for the next opportunity. 

“I would like to thank the chairman Mr Srivaddhanaprabha and the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Leicester and make history with this great club over the past four years. 

“We forged a special relationship and I’ll always have the utmost respect and affection for them. 

“The players, my staff and I gave it our all every day and I’ll always be proud of what we were able to achieve.

“Winning against Chelsea at Wembley in 2021 to deliver a first FA Cup for the club and supporters, together with securing European qualification in consecutive seasons, are moments I will never forget.”

First-team coaches Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell have been placed in temporary charge ahead of tonight’s home game with Aston Villa.