Dalglish ´delighted´ with Liverpool progress

Kenny Dalglish has reflected on the progress he made as Liverpool manager as his one-year anniversary approaches.

The Anfield boss took charge of the club for the second time in January 2011 and has expressed his pleasure in the work he and his backroom team have done in the wake of Roy Hodgson’s unsuccessful tenure.

“It’s been hectic and a bit eventful at times but I wouldn’t have changed it,” Dalglish said on Friday.

“It’s been busy, especially when the transfer windows have been open.”

“On the football side of it you can see the progression that’s been made on the pitch.”

“Just being asked to come back, that’s my highlight. I was very fortunate to be asked the question and when (owner) John Henry said he’d like me to stay on (in May), it was equally as much of a highlight.”

“I’m delighted to be here and happy with the way things are going, but at the same time I think we can do better.”

Dalglish also paid tribute to the staff who have helped him over the last 12 months.

“We’ve been delighted with the work Steve Clarke’s (the coach appointed when Dalglish arrived) put in – he’s been fantastic,” he said.

“Sammy (Lee) was here at the beginning and Kevin Keen has come in since. The support we’ve had from the people I’ve mentioned has been fantastic.”

“Damien Comolli (director of football) has put in a lot of hard work in the recruitment and selling of players.”

Liverpool face Oldham at Anfield in the FA Cup third round on Friday night and although Dalglish is expected to rest some of the first team that lost to Manchester City 3-0, he warned the club to show respect to the League One outfit.

“We’ve always said how strong the squad is and maybe it’s an opportunity for us to give the people in that squad the gratitude they deserve by giving them an opportunity to start the game,” Dalglish said.

“But that’s not to say we’re undermining or being disrespectful in any way. We’ll treat Oldham with complete respect.”

“League positions don’t matter in cup competitions or in any game. On any one day, any team can beat anyone else.”

“If you’re not prepared for it mentally and physically, you’re going to make it much more difficult for yourself.”