Ian Rush Reveals Initial Dislike for Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool Meeting

Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush, both legends in Liverpool’s storied history, initially faced a rocky start. Their eventual partnership became one of the club’s most celebrated collaborations in the 1980s.
Initial Dislike Between Rush and Dalglish
Upon arriving at Liverpool, Ian Rush struggled to connect with his future teammate Kenny Dalglish. In a 2015 interview on the “Football’s Greatest” documentary, Rush candidly shared his feelings.
- Rush admitted he didn’t initially like Dalglish.
- He found Dalglish’s humor difficult to interpret, unsure if he was joking.
- This uncertainty stemmed from the pressures faced by young players in high-profile clubs.
Rush explained that Dalglish’s teasing was actually intended to help him adapt to the club’s culture. “It took a while to realize there was no malice in him,” Rush reflected.
Remarkable Achievements Together
Despite their rocky beginning, Dalglish and Rush formed a formidable partnership on the pitch. Their collaboration yielded impressive statistics:
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Matches Played Together | 241 |
| Goals Scored Together | 50 |
| Dalglish Assists to Rush | 39 |
The success of their partnership included winning the League and the European Cup. Together, they left an indelible mark on Liverpool FC, setting a standard for future attackers at the club.



