Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has predicted a difficult season for Brendan Rodgers should he be confirmed as the Reds' next manager.
The Swansea City manager is expected to be unveiled as Kenny Dalglish's successor within the next 24 hours, following reports that he has agreed a three-year contract with the Anfield outfit.
Fowler, who scored 128 goals for the Reds during two spells at the club, praised Rodgers for his achievements at Swansea, but warned that Liverpool may be a greater challenge.
He told Paddypower.com: "For what Brendan Rodgers has achieved at Swansea, he deserves huge respect.
"He's worked under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea so he knows the score and he's worked with top players. It'd be a massive step up for Rodgers to manage Liverpool, if he gets the job, as expected now. The new manager will need to bring in new players again to take Liverpool from a top-eight club to a top-four club.
"That's going to be really difficult. It's a massive challenge because the top four are going to bring in new players too and that gulf increases again. I have to say it, right now the 2012-13 season looks like it's going to be another difficult one for Liverpool fans."
Liverpool will pay Swansea a compensation package of around £5m for the remaining three seasons for which Rodgers was contracted.
Mark Langshaw
