Why parody shows Liverpool boss Rodgers has arrived

Twitter encourages a lot of nonsense.

But delve past the dirge and there’s also plenty of wit for those who share a certain childlike humour.

Parody accounts can be truly funny. The Kevin Pietersen one, before the ECB forced the author to take it down, was hilarious.

This week, I discovered a Brendan Rodgers one. As befitting the Liverpool manager, it’s a more gentle mocking than the bashing KP’s ego received.

It’s worth talking about Rodgers because Liverpool are slowly becoming a team to talk about again, cemented by the 3-2 win against Tottenham last weekend.

So it’s likely we’ll see more of his rather over-sincere post-match analysis, starting against Southampton on Saturday, which is what the parody account entitled ‘Brendan Rodgers okay’ pokes fun at, along with his overuse of the words ‘okay’, ‘assessment’ and ‘move on’.

This season, usually after the Reds have had 92 per cent of possession and lost (twice) to West Brom, Liverpool fans will recognise these four words. Those unfortunate to sit through the Being Liverpool documentary will recognise them even more.

Against Spurs, for once, the Reds lost control of the midfield — a testament to an excellent and supremely-athletic Tottenham team.

But Anfield witnessed some overdue, genuine fight in their side, something that only comes when everyone has bought into what the manager is trying to do. As Brendan Rodgers okay tweeted: “Spurs will want to move on, no question, but they won’t know what happened today. But I’ve already assessed the assessment. They lost.”

The Reds look, finally, to be on the up. Okay.

Premier League

Saturday

11am unless stated

Everton v Man City

8:45am

The manner of the Toffees’ FA Cup defeat to Wigan has left one half of the city of Liverpool seriously depressed. There is also a real feeling manager David Moyes may not be around next season.

Prediction: 0-2

Aston Villa v QPR

The relegation “six-pointers” are coming thick and fast now — and this one could be decisive (until the next one, of course). This game feels like an honourable draw.

Prediction: 1-1

Southampton v Liverpool

Rodgers will assess the assessment of this match. Okay. And move one — probably after a victory. Saints, for all their good performances, have been struggling for points.

Prediction: 1-2

Stoke v West Brom

Potters boss Tony Pulis has come under pressure recently after shaky run But you can be assured that unlike some in his squad — Kenwyne Jones — he won’t go missing. In fact, I’d back him to come out snarling in this one.

Prediction: 3-0

Swansea v Arsenal

What a fine effort from the Gunners in Germany, but the Champions League win in Munich puts the failures of the first leg into sharper focus. The victory, though, should give them a huge lift.

Prediction: 0-2

Man Utd v Reading

1:30pm

Reading’s players are too busy trying to persuade their owner not to appoint Paulo di Canio as their new manager. Given their league position, I wouldn’t listen to them.

Prediction: 4-0

Sunday

Sunderland v Norwich

5:30pm

Tense. Scrappy. Few chances. Irritable fans. Sloppy passing. Draw. Relegation fears grow.

Prediction: 1-1

Tottenham v Fulham

11am

Spurs’ reaction to their defeat at Liverpool was one of confidence — their recent success is not built on quicksand, just Gareth Bale! Easy win.

Prediction: 3-0

Chelsea v West Ham

12pm

London battle, and a shock could be on the cards. Chelsea, relatively speaking, have struggled to assert themselves at home.

Prediction: 2-2

Wigan v Newcastle

12pm

The Latics demolished Everton last week so, in true Wigan fashion, it’s only natural that they have an off day now.

Prediction: 3-1