Swansea City boss Garry Monk has leapt to the defence of under-fire Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, describing the criticism as "ridiculous".
The Reds sit 12th in the Premier League table in what has proven their worst start to a league season for 22 years, with Rodgers claiming that he is "favourite" to be the next manager sacked.
Their woes are made all the more remarkable by the fact that Rodgers led Liverpool to within two points of a first league title in 24 years last season.
Monk says that the 41-year-old is a victim of the cut-throat nature of modern-day management, but backs him to lead a resurgence on Merseyside.
"Brendan's a great manager and he's done so well there," Monk told Sky Sports News. "He nearly won the league last season and within six months people are questioning his ability to manage Liverpool, which is just ridiculous.
"But this is the way of the world. Unfortunately, in this profession at this level, it's a hunt. People would rather see that than people doing well because it's better news but, in terms of Brendan, I can't think of a person who'd do a better job at that place.
"Liverpool will pick up and you'll see them rise up towards the top of the league come the end of the season."
Rodgers's side host Stoke City at Anfield tomorrow.
