Brendan Rodgers believes there is a conspiracy from outside Liverpool to get him fired as manager.

Liverpool defeated Aston Villa 3-2 on Saturday.

“I was never worried about the players,” said Rodgers on an improved display. “They have been absolutely brilliant this group here and they have worked very, very hard. I am pretty confident that there is a group of people that don’t want me to be here as manager. In all competitions this season we have lost less games than Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

“The hysteria around ourselves is interesting to note. Myself and the players stay very calm and work very hard, and they got their rewards.”

Rodgers refused to identify who he believes is behind the campaign to get him fired.

Jamie Carragher, Graeme Souness and Jamie Redknapp have all been critical in their roles for Sky, though, when pressed, Rodgers would only say: “I am talking about people outside of here.”

He added: “I think it is pretty clear. Sometimes we haven’t lost games and the hysteria around it is pretty clear. There is maybe something else going on from behind. I will continue working with the players – they have been absolutely first class – and we still have top class players to come back in.

“The players and the supporters were fantastic today, we gave them something to sing about. We are five points off the top with a lot of progress still to come.”