Liverpool manager Rodgers puts faith in purist principles

BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom (AFP) - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant his playing philosophy can help the Reds close the gap to the top four as he prepares for his first Premier League match in charge at West Brom on Saturday.

Rodgers was hired after establishing Swansea in the Premier League with an impressive debut season and Liverpool's American owners expect him to deliver the eye-catching play that earned so many plaudits for the Welsh club last term.

While Liverpool won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final last season, Kenny Dalglish was still sacked in May after finishing a woeful eighth in the league.

So far, the only additions Rodgers has managed have been the captures of Roma's Italy striker Fabio Borini, Swansea's Wales midfielder Joe Allen and Morocco winger Oussama Assaidi from Dutch club Heerenveen.