BR: We know what a trophy would mean
Brendan Rodgers admits it would be an honour to add his name to the long list of trophy-winning managers at Liverpool – but is adamant no-one within the camp is allowing themselves to dream about what might be in this season's FA Cup.
The Reds take on Aston Villa in the semi-final at Wembley on Sunday aiming to set up a May showpiece with either Arsenal or Reading.
Given the Midlanders' recent resurgence under the tutelage of new boss Tim Sherwood, and their unbeaten record at Anfield since 2010, Rodgers and his charges will be paying no mind to the favourites tag that has been placed upon them ahead of the clash.
Speaking at Melwood during his pre-match press conference, the manager was asked by reporters how he feels about the prospect of being just two games away from securing a piece of silverware.
Rodgers responded: "It's a very long list of managers here that have been very successful in different eras and different times.
"Hopefully, I'll be judged on my time here - however long that is - on that we've worked well and a part of that will be having won trophies.
"It's one game at a time and we have to get over a very difficult game against Aston Villa before we can even think of that.
"The players are in good form and a good moment now. We'll look forward to the game."
Sunday won't be the first occasion Rodgers has managed a team at Wembley - he was in charge of Swansea City as they defeated Reading 4-2 in the Championship play-off final in 2011 to gain promotion to the Premier League.
The Northern Irishman then masterminded a fine campaign in the top-flight with the Swans before being installed at the Anfield helm in June 2012.
It's for that reason Rodgers will always reminisce fondly about the events that unfolded at Wembley on May 30, 2011.
He recalled: "I'd only been a manager a short time, but certainly being there with Swansea was a special game and a game I will always say will be my biggest game. It's a life-changing game, the play-off final.
"Of course, there are more prestigious games in football and as you progress up the ladder, there are more significant games in terms of trophies - but the play-off final in terms of career, life and where it projects you to is a big game.
"We dealt with the pressure really well that day, played really well and got a result, so hopefully Sunday can be similar."
Should Sunday indeed have a comparable outcome for Rodgers and co, the 42-year-old is well aware of the significance of adding something to Anfield's trophy cabinet.
"To win a trophy here at Liverpool is something that's very important - that's why we're here," he said. "No matter what era you're in, you'll always be judged here at Liverpool on trophies. We've made steps over the last couple of years and we want to continue making those by winning trophies.
"It is something we want to do for the supporters. It's an incredible support we get here and we want to send them home happy having arrived in another final, hopefully."
