text: Brendan Rodgers has launched an impassioned defence of his abilities, insisting there is nobody better equipped to manage Liverpool under the Fenway Sports Group model. It has been a difficult week for Rodgers, with the meek manner of last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final ensuring his position has come under scrutiny like at no point during his three-year reign at the club. FSG, Liverpool’s owners, maintain Rodgers’ job is not even up for discussion but that has not stopped Jurgen Klopp – who will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the campaign – being mentioned as a possible successor. Brendan Rodgers insists he is the man to guide Liverpool to success despite a disappointing season . The Liverpool manager is under pressure following the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Aston Villa last Sunday . But Rodgers has been boosted by the news that Jordan Henderson (left) has committed his future to the club . But Rodgers has not been rattled by the intensity of the criticism nor is he dwelling on the disappointment. He is concentrating on building Liverpool back up and wants the club to be 'really forceful' when they embark on their summer recruitment drive. ‘After the weekend there is always emotion,’ said Rodgers, who will again be without Daniel Sturridge at West Brom and is 'unsure' when he will return. ‘When you lose a big game this is when you find out you are at a big club because the critics come after you. ‘Three months ago, I was a tactical genius. Now I have lost a couple of games and it is not so good. ‘That is something you have to deal with. When I sit down and look at it, I will hold myself up against anyone to manage this club and to fit the model of what they (FSG) want. I am super ambitious in terms of wanting to win and there will be no greater place to do that than here. ‘Of course in modern football there are lots of processes that go on behind the scenes that people will never be aware of. In terms of what we are trying to do, I do not see anyone better in terms of the hand we were given. We are here to win. We do not want to be “nearly men”. ‘There is no-one more ambitious. If there comes a time when that is not the case and we move on, there will be no-one who respects the owners more than me. But Christ, no, I will fight for my life. If I can get the tools here to help us, we can be really successful.’ Henderson (left) is 'over the moon' after signing new long-term contract at Anfield worth over £100,000 a week . The former Sunderland player hopes Raheem Sterling (pictured) will follow his lead and commit his future . Liverpool have identified a number of targets, principally PSV Eindhoven’s Memphis Depay but they must trump Manchester United; Burnley striker Danny Ings and Manchester City’s James Milner are attractive Bosman options but the feeling is the club need to make a statement of intent. ‘We’ve enough potential and players we can develop and improve,’ said Rodgers. ‘But it is definitely starters we need and we have to be really forceful to get (them).’ There was some good news for Rodgers after Jordan Henderson completed the formalities of signing his new five-year contract, which is heavily incentivised and worth more than £100,000 per week. Liverpool’s vice captain said he was 'over the moon' to conclude the talks, which began at the start of the season and were successfully negotiated by his agent, Neil Fewings. He now hopes Raheem Sterling will follow suit and commit to Liverpool’s future like him, Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. Sterling, who told BT Sport criticism of his contract talks have been going 'in one ear and out the other', will resume negotiations at the end of the season. ‘Raheem is a good friend of mine and he just has to do what he thinks is best,’ said Henderson. ‘But, if I was giving him advice, I would say: "This is Liverpool" – I think this is best place for him. That decision is up to him. He is a fantastic player for us. I hope he stays here and develops with us.'
target: Brendan Rodgers is under pressure following FA Cup semi-final defeat .
  But the Liverpool boss says he will bounce back despite the criticism .
  Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group maintain Rodgers won't be sacked .
  Jordan Henderson hopes Raheem Sterling commits his future to the Reds .