Rodgers optimistic on new deal

Rodgers optimistic on new deal

Published Jan. 19, 2012 1:15 p.m. ET

Any new arrangement is likely to be the Northern Irishman's first long-term Liberty Stadium deal since he arrived at Swansea.

Rodgers steered the Swans into English soccer's top-flight last year, and a stunning 3-2 victory over Arsenal five days ago saw them climb to 10th place.

He spoke with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins on Wednesday, and the signs are promising that Rodgers - one of the most coveted young managers in British football - will continue next season and beyond.

"It should be fairly straightforward," Rodgers said on Thursday.

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"There are obviously items I need to ensure around the contract, and likewise the football club, but I don't foresee any difficulty and I am sure in the near future we can get the solution.

"When I came here, I said I would do a one-year rolling contract, for people to judge me and see how I perform, and then we will go from there.

"The most important item in all of this is to make sure that both myself and the club keep moving forward. What I want to do is show my commitment in trying to build for the future.

"I have a brilliant relationship with the chairman. We both respect our jobs and speak very openly. He knows how much I enjoy it here.

"We talked about an array of items, and I was really pleased when I left the meeting.

"It is something that if we can make that commitment both ways, and it suits, then we will hopefully get it resolved, hopefully before the end of the month.

"The basis of the contract is there, and hopefully we can put pen to paper very soon."

Swansea head to the Stadium of Light on Saturday for an appointment with Martin O'Neill's Sunderland, and Rodgers has no doubt that his players will respond in the right way after claiming such a high-profile scalp as Arsenal's.

"It was a brilliant result for us and performance, and three great points that we really appreciated," he added.

"But the players weren't jumping about all over the changing room because they had beaten Arsenal. They were relaxed and ready for the next challenge.

"It was nice for the players to get the recognition (in the media). They have been absolutely outstanding this season.

"I know I have got a number of players who could play at that (international) level. Whether they get chosen or not is another factor.

"They play a game here that suits international level, so I would have no hesitation about any of these players who are deemed possibilities being good enough to play at that level.

"We are looking to keep this great momentum going. You want to win after winning, and that is the aim and the focus."

Loan signing Josh McEachran could make his debut at Sunderland after arriving from Chelsea until the end of this season, and Rodgers is enthused by his latest squad addition.

"Josh will fit in very easily here," he said. It's important players fit in terms of talent and personality, and he fits both.

"He's a wonderful technician with the ball, with great vision. He is an immense talent, which he will demonstrate over the next number of years.

"He is a good kid with a good career in front of him, and I think the supporters will really enjoy watching him. His talent is all there to see, it's pure natural ability.

"We know it is going to be a difficult game and a tough challenge at Sunderland.

"We are very new to this level, both as players and a manager, but our belief has grown all the time and we will go there with a real strong mentality to get a good result.

"Martin is someone I have an immense amount of respect for. He was a real flag-bearer for Northern Ireland people as a player and a manager.

"He has been around a long time. He understands the game at every level, and in particular the top level. He's a great man."

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