OK so here it is. This is my top five reasons why Liverpool FC will qualify for the Champions League this season.
Blinkered, wearing rose-tinted glasses, unrealistically biased I hear you say. Well I’m probably guilty of all of the below but, as you would expect, let’s also do a brief assessment of each one, and then you have your say.
1. Rodgers himself – calm, assertive, tactically and strategically savvy
2. We’ll win a higher percentage of the games against the ‘weaker’ sides
3. Suarez & Borini partnership will result in a higher number of goals
4. The defence unit will get stronger & Pepe’s form will improve
5. Man United, Arsenal & Spurs will have it tougher this season
The assessment:
1. Rodgers has done nothing but impress since his appointment at Liverpool. He has a clear vision the direction he wants to take the team and the style of play he want to implement. He seems to have a real sense of who in the current squad is able to fulfil this vision and who is not. He’s bringing in quality players such as Allen and Borini and will give them very specific roles, plus, he’s already worked with them both and knows their strengths and weaknesses. Rodgers has gone about his business in calm yet assertive way and already has the team behind him. We’ve had the best pre-season in years and he understands what an important club Liverpool is and has sworn to do his utmost to get us back to the top. I believe him.
2. A top 4 spot isn’t necessarily won by beating the top four or five teams. No disrespect, but it’s won by taking maximum points from the likes of West Brom, Norwich and Stoke City. It’s a task Liverpool have failed at miserably for too many seasons but with Rodgers more fluid, passing, possession-type football I can see Liverpool winning the vast majority of these type of games this season. Bottom line is Liverpool have to win nearly all their home games this season. “This is Anfield” will once again have real meaning.
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3. Suarez and Borini already look like they will create a very effective strike partnership. I’ve no evidence for this but I’m banking on the fact that with a partner that is also a constant threat it will create more openings for Suarez. Suarez himself can also put all last season’s troubles behind him; focus on his football and convert more chances than he did last season. And even though Borini has played less than 50 senior games in his career he already looks like he has the potential to score a lot of goals this season.
4. If we don’t sell Agger we’ll be good in defence and probably stronger than last season. With Skrtel, Johnson, Enrique (just don’t let him shoot), Kelly and Agger Liverpool are looking strong in this area of the field. They shipped 38 goals last season so there’s room for improvement and with Reina committing himself to having a better season (he looked dodgy last year) I’m banking on a better defensive record this season which is the basis of all successful Liverpool teams.
5. Ok ok, I know we can only focus on our performance and win as many games as possible, but I think we’ll see some of last year’s top-four faltering this season. Man United are almost certain to be in the hunt but they might find the going harder this season. They showed some vulnerability last season so long may it continue. Arsenal have lost Van Persie and in doing so, you have to think they won’t be as potent a force as they were last season. They got off to a poor start losing to the Reds 2-0 at the Emirates and were very fortunate to get the win that saw them finish 3rd and secure a CL spot. As for Spurs, AVB is a big gamble, plus they seem to be having a striker issue right now so I can see them struggling to finish in the top six.
So there it is. Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League this season.
Let the comments commence!
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Just as important is the return of Lucas which will strengthen the team considerably.
best defence in the league till Mr leivas got injured.
Cant stand this defeatist loser mentality of aiming for the “top 4” crap, aim for the title, or you’ll never win it!.
A top four finish isn’t beyond LFC this season.
Lucas is going to get back to his best and has something to prove as does Downing, the signings of Borini, oassama and Allan will only strengthen the squad.
Going back to the pass and move ideals is great news as we invented it anyway – we just lost our way,
YNWA
You also forgot to mention that we under performed last season. There are many people in the game who have stated that the way that Liverpool dominated teams last season they should have won many more games than they did.
I agree 100%, top 4 is on. Your reasons are spot on but I’d like to add the following. Our main rivals (Arsenal and Spurs) have just lost their best players one week before the start of the season (imagine losing Suarez now). Chelsea I’m not convinced off at all, the style of football played by RdM banked on getting lucky which works in cups (FA & CL), but look at their league form towards the end of last season, we thumped them 4-1 (and we were supposedly terrible!?)! Manure has an aging defence and midfield, but unfortunately still have Fergie as coach, therefore will be competitive, don’t know if they can be over 38 games with that squad, we’ll see (probably…sigh). Therefore looking at the compotition, the opportunity seems there for the taking, I agree, lets not aim top 4, but rather for 3rd (or higher), cause I don’t believe it is booked by anyone…
I’m sorry but except 1.
Every other reason is crap and embarrassing looooool
Personally I believe we can get in the top three..I have united and city with us right behind them.The Suarez and Borini partnership looked great and if BR shows confidence in Carroll i would love to see the three of them play with Suarez and Borini on the flanks with Carroll in the middle..Stevie G is playing a free flowing roll which i love and havent seen since we had the torres and got second even though we should have gotten the title. I just have a hunch about this season and with the nets being red again which havent been since the mid 90’s and the origional “This Is Anfield” sign which hasent been there since the 80’s..BR is bringing back the style which made us the most decorated team in England
Personally I believe we can get in the top three..I have united and city with us right behind them.The Suarez and Borini partnership looked great and if BR shows confidence in Carroll i would love to see the three of them play with Suarez and Borini on the flanks with Carroll in the middle..Stevie G is playing a free flowing roll which i love and havent seen since we had the torres and got second even though we should have gotten the title. I just have a hunch about this season and with the nets being red again which havent been since the mid 90’s and the origional “This Is Anfield” sign which hasent been there since the 80’s..BR is bringing back the style which made us the most decorated team in England..gonna be a great season
No, sorry to break it to you but we won’t with this team. Brendan Rogers, so far has not proven anything. Some good things by clearing the wage bill. More to be done with Cole, Adam and spearing who gets in the team by positive discrimination…. and is not fit to wear any shirt in the PL. yet alone liv.
Top two, the Manchester teams, followed by Chelsea. That leaves arse, spurs, Newcasle and us . At present, are denial are ahead of us despite losing rvp and spurs have the money to buy a striker and a mf to replace modric.
I said last year. It was a unique opportunity but with Carrol and downing, we blew it. Best we can hope for? Get the club fit again. Clear the ones who don’t contribute anything. I’d much rather had Kuyt who runs a lot than Cole who just can’t. And maxi had something to offer , hmm much more than cole and downing combined. Especially in a pass and move game. Pity KD ruined him
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