Brendan Rodgers: managerial career – in pictures

Brendan Rodgers joined Chelsea as the coach of their reserve team in 2004 under José Mourinho's instruction. Mourinho's impact on the Northern Irishman was profound. Rodgers went on to work with Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari before taking up his first managerial post Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Having been snubbed by Leicester, he took the reins at Watford – albeit only for seven months – where he guided them to mid-table in the Championship Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Archive/Press Association Ima

In the summer of 2009, he joined Reading – the club at which his playing career had ended through knee injury at the age of just 20. After a sound start, Rodgers's tenure was ill-fated and he left by mutual consent halfway through his first season Photograph: Jed Leicester/Getty Images

Success soon arrived, however, as Rodgers guided Swansea, his next club, into the Championship play-offs at the first attempt. In the semi-finals they disposed of Nottingham Forest ... Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

And then, in the final, they defeated Rodgers's old club Reading 4-2 Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Life in the Premier League seemed a doddle for Swansea; their fluid style of play attracted many admirers and they finished a comfortable 11th, only five points below Liverpool, whom they defeated twice. Such results evidently caught the eye of the Reds' heirachy ... Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

When Kenny Dalglish was dismissed as Liverpool manager in May 2012, Rodgers became one of the favourites to replace him, as was Wigan boss Roberto Martínez. Rodgers initially declined the chance of an interview, but when Liverpool pursued their interest in the Northern Irishman he eventually accepted an offer to take charge at Anfield Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images