Heskey: Rodgers sacking is strange

Emile Heskey says Liverpool's decision to sack Brendan Rodgers was "strange" and believes Jurgen Klopp must aim for the top six if he is appointed at Anfield.

The Reds parted ways with Rodgers following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park after a poor start to the season which sees the club sat in 10th place in the Premier League.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp is the firm favourite to be named his replacement, but Heskey admits he was surprised by the lack of patience afforded to Rodgers to turn things around.

Speaking at the Leaders in Sport Business summit, he said: "I found it strange at first because they gave him so much time to build but then didn't give him time for it to come to fruition. 

"But three years without a trophy at Liverpool is a no-no."

Heskey - who spent four years as a Liverpool player between 2000 and 2004 - also outlined the task facing Klopp as he prepares to take charge.

"Everybody has good things to say about Klopp so it would be interesting to see how he does at Liverpool. "I think once you finish second people think you need to push on from there but that was a real achievement.

"The target is top four. They finished second but I don't think they were quite there. They lost their best player [Luis Suarez].

"The team looked to him as a big brother. Nine times out of 10 he was the one who would dig them out of trouble. You are looking at someone building a squad that's top six. I don't think they are quite top four."