Brendan Rodgers blasts Martin O'Neill sacking

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has slammed Sunderland for their dismissal of Martin O'Neill at the weekend.

The Black Cats lost 1-0 to Premier League leaders Manchester United on Saturday which has left them just one point above the relegation zone, having failed to register a win since January 16.

The North East outfit have since appointed Paolo Di Canio as their new boss, but Rodgers believes that the sacking of O'Neill was uncalled for.

"I was very surprised," said Rodgers. "Whenever someone of the status of Martin O'Neill loses his job, then we all have to be on the back foot.

"This is a guy who has been in the game for many years, has many years experience, went into Sunderland and picked them up off their knees. Okay, they are going through a difficult time, but he is still a top-class manager.

"I think some clubs need to be careful. They need to understand where they are at. They won't always be on the front foot going forward. There are some times when the club just has to be stable and guys like Martin O'Neill losing his job, it's a sad day."

Sunderland take on Chelsea in their next match.