Liverpool's new manager will be shown patience providing progress towards a top four finish can be seen, says Reds managing director Ian Ayre. "The important thing will be to see progress and that means different things," Ayre said.

"Everyone will want to see that we believe we are going in the right direction and are moving up the table, achieving more, playing the right sort of football.

"As long as you believe week-to-week, month-to-month, season-to-season you are building on something then people will be given time.

"There is a difference between that and feeling you are not moving forward.

"The manager coming in has an interesting time because he has a new structure, a good foundation, a good squad of players and an opportunity to build on that with the support of owners, which is quite important.

"This ownership group has consistently supported, invested and stood behind the team."

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