Liverpool Defender Kolo Toure: I See Arsene Wenger in Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure claims Brendan Rodgers' managerial style is similar to that of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

The 33-year-old was a part of the Gunners' Invincibles squad in 2004 and has spent seven years at the north London club, before making a switch to Manchester City in 2009. He was later released from the Etihad and joined Liverpool last summer on a free transfer.

Toure admitted that he sees Wenger in Rodgers due to the Northern Irishman's intelligence and ability to get the best out of his players.

"I do see Wenger in him because he's so intelligent. He knows how to speak to players and how to get the best out of them. He will prove that because we will come out of this hard time," Toure explained.

"Like Arsene, he's always there at training trying to improve things. His style of play is also similar. He always wants us to pass the ball and keep playing which is very important."

So far this season, Liverpool have struggled in the league as they sit 12<sup>th in the league table with 14 points after 12 games. The former Swansea man was subjected to criticism and Rodgers is also aware that his job at Anfield is not safe if the poor run continues.

Toure believes Rodgers is the right man at Liverpool and is confident that his manager will end Reds' recent slump.

"We need to stick with him because he's one of the best managers in the Premier League. In terms of the managers I've worked with, he's right up there," the former Arsenal defender said.

"He's young as a manager and this is the first time he has managed in the Champions League. The Champions League is tough. We've seen that with teams like Man City. You have to learn about it."

"He is learning. At the end of the day he's a fair guy who is working hard and gives 100% every day. That's why I am sure we will get out of this spell we're in."

"Just look at what he's done during a short time here. When he arrived Liverpool were doing badly, he came in and brought the club a long way up. Maintaining it is more difficult than first getting up there. This season is a learning process but he will get there," Toure concluded.