I prayed Rodgers would be new Liverpool manager, admits Cole

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UPDATED:

11:34 GMT, 16 July 2012

Joe Cole has backed Brendan Rodgers to bring the glory days back to Liverpool, predicting the former Swansea manager will be a success at Anfield.

Cole was shipped out on loan to Lille last season after falling out of favour under Kenny Dalglish.

But the former Chelsea and West Ham ace is hoping to re-ignite his career at Anfield and hopes Rodgers, who he worked with during his time at Stamford Bridge, will give him the chance to build on a largely successful season-long loan in France.

No ordinary Joe: Cole reckons Rodgers can lead Liverpool back to former glories

'When I was hearing about Liverpool looking at certain managers, I was praying it was going to be Brendan – not just because he's not an unknown for me and I know his philosophy on football, but I think for the club the owners have made the right choice,' said Cole.

Welcome to Anfield: The former Swansea boss has taken the managerial reigns at Liverpool

'He has just impressed everyone so much since he's been here.

'It's been a breath of fresh air. 'A new manager always brings a lift, but the gaffer has come in and really impressed everyone.'

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Cole added: 'What you get from him is honesty – he's made that perfectly clear – and you're going to know where you stand.

'Tactically, he's very astute. You look at what he did not just at Swansea, but also when he was at Watford. He's been a success, he's young and hungry.

'I think a lot of clubs are steering towards that in English football now. He's going to be a success at Liverpool and if we all stick together and pull round, we can do some great things at this club.

'I know him from my Chelsea days when he was there and I can't see anything other than positive things.'