This is South Wales
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Rodgers relishing chance to put brakes on high-flying Rangers BRENDAN Rodgers has spelt out a desire to follow in the footsteps of Neil Warnock as Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers arrive at the Liberty.
The controversial Warnock has made a spectacular start to the new season at Rangers, who are the only team still unbeaten in the Football League in 2010-11.
The former Sheffield United boss is known for dividing opinions — he got under the skin of Paulo Sousa last term — but Rodgers insists he is a big fan.
"I love him — I think he is great," Rodgers says.
"I always have a laugh with him and I have a great respect for him.
"I have respect for every manager we come up against, but it is particularly the case with Neil, because he is into his 60s and he has got 1,000 games as a manager under his belt.
"It is a big ambition of mine to get that far as well, but you don't end up with that many games unless you are successful."
Warnock, 61, boasts a managerial CV to be proud of, having enjoyed success with Scarborough, Notts County, Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace, as well as the Blades, his home city club.
Famed for fall-outs, Warnock has had high-profile disagreements with opposition players, management and plenty of referees over the years.
Sousa complained about the physical approach of Warnock's teams last season, and claimed Palace deserved to be relegated because of their financial problems.
The latter suggestion prompted Warnock to pin an article containing Sousa's quotes on the dressing room door as Swansea won at Palace last February.
But Rodgers points out: "Whatever people say about him, his players always want to work for him, and that's what makes tonight a tough game."
It is not just Rangers' work-rate which has helped them to the top of the league.
The West Londoners also have financial clout, meaning Warnock could turn Adel Taarabt's loan from Tottenham into a permanent deal over the summer.
The mercurial Moroccan is one of the most gifted players — if not the best of all — outside the top flight, and is Rangers' talisman.
But there is talent throughout Warnock's team, with Championship know- how all over the place.
"They have obviously got a strong mentality and very good players," admits Rodgers.
"You look through their team and they have Paddy Kenny who has experience.
"(Kaspars) Gorkss has been around at this level for a number of years and Clint Hill at left-back is an experienced customer.
"Kyle Walker is a terrific young player I have seen develop over the past few years.
"(Mikele) Leigertwood and (Shaun) Derry have good experience.
"Their catalyst is Taarabt, who has great quality and has been an outstanding performer for them.
"(Heidar) Helguson is another one with experience and (Jamie) Mackie also knows the Championship well," he adds.
"Hogan Ephraim is a young lad who has done well for them, and then they have a very strong bench.
"To have someone like Tommy Smith among the substitutes tells you about the investment they have put in.
"I know him very well from my time at Watford, when he was one of the most effective players in the Championship alongside Kevin Doyle."
Rangers are the top scorers in the division, with 12 goals already in five away games to date.
But Rodgers is quick to point out that Warnock's side are not the only ones who have made a promising start to this campaign.
"They are obviously going to have a good go at it this season, but it's still very early and we have had a great start as well," he stresses.
"When we play at our stadium, in front of our supporters, and we are on top form like we are at the moment, it makes for a really good game."
Swansea's bid to become the first side to beat QPR in the league this season has not been helped by the loss of Mark Gower, who is waiting for the results of a scan on his hamstring problem.
The converted holding midfielder looks like being out for a couple of weeks at least, meaning David Cotterill could return to the starting line-up this evening.
Joe Allen is another option having recovered from a hamstring injury, but Kemy Agustien's debut will not come just yet as he is still building his fitness after a knee problem.
"Kemy looks superb in training, but we're probably looking at a reserve game next week for him," Rodgers says.
Agustien's former Dutch Under-21 colleague Marvin Emnes is fit and available after signing on a month's loan from Middlesbrough yesterday.
And Rodgers believes a player who cost Boro £3.2 million only a couple of years ago will be an asset.
"I felt looking at the group that when Scott (Sinclair) doesn't play, we needed that pace and someone who can go at people.
"Marvin isn't in the picture at Middlesbrough, but having seen him play and spoken to one or two contacts in Holland, I think he is someone we can do something with.
"He'll give us another attacking option, and I think he is another player who will excite the supporters.
"He went to Boro as a young lad, and that can be difficult for someone of that age with the lifestyle change and the fact that he was going into the best league in the world.
"But he is the type who will suit a certain style, and I think he will suit the way we play. As a Dutchman, he will be used to 4-3-3, so the transition will be no problem."
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