Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler hopes fans are patient with new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Fowler believes Rodgers deserves his chance but has warned next season may be another testing one for the Anfield faithful.

"For what Brendan Rodgers has achieved at Swansea, he deserves huge respect," Fowler told paddypower.com.

"He's worked under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea so he knows the score and he's worked with top players.

"It'd be a massive step up for Rodgers to manage Liverpool, if he gets the job, as expected now.

"The new manager will need to bring in new players again to take Liverpool from a top-eight club to a top-four club.

"That's going to be really difficult. It's a massive challenge.

"Because the top four are going to bring in new players too and that gulf increases again.

"I have to say it, right now the 2012-13 season looks like it's going to be another difficult one for Liverpool fans."