New attitude and competition is key

SENDING Pepe Reina out on loan is probably going to be welcomed by those who have been criticising the Spaniard’s performance between the sticks over the last few years.

With the signing of Belgian Simon Mignolet, perhaps it’s a sign from Liverpool looking to move on from the excellent but maybe waning service from Reina.

In my opinion, Brad Jones will be more than a capable second keeper this season, and this may be the time to enforce a meritocracy for the keeper’s slot as well. That could push the overall standard higher than seen before, which could be a good change for the defence.

So far, some have been questioning Liverpool’s defence for the upcoming season, especially how they will perform now that Jamie Carragher has retired. But Kolo Toure is already with the club now, and if Martin Kelly can return, then he could have the chance to take the stage and really cement his place in the side.

He’s already shown a number of times that he’s more than capable of defending well, as well as joining in on the attacks.

There may be one issue with bringing in a new keeper and sending the established one out on loan for the entire season. With a change in defence, there is bound to be a slight lack of confidence or maybe just a little low on assertion.

A keeper who’s in command and marshals the back four from behind is sometimes what keeps the defence organised and in control.

Mignolet is the new man and Brad Jones hasn’t exactly had much experience commanding players, who are much more senior to him in experience. At the same time, it may just be what Liverpool need – a bit of a fresh perspective and some new blood as well.

Mignolet will be aching to make a good impression and win the supporters over, while Brad Jones may see this as a chance to finally come out of the shadow of the no. 2 slot. This could again, raise the standard a bit more in Liverpool’s overall defence.
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There is one more thing Liverpool absolutely have to resolve, and do it sooner than the final few days before the new season begins – the Luis Suarez situation.

The Uruguayan has been making all the sounds and noises about wanting to leave. Quotes such as ‘I keep my phone with me all the time, in case it rings and anything can happen in the last moment’ don’t exactly inspire confidence among his teammates, nor the management.

If he really has had enough of being the player who’s worshipped, but at a club that’s struggled to even qualify for European football, let alone compete in it, then let him go.

Take the money and invest it in someone who has the quality, as well as the dedication to wearing and doing well in a red shirt. Even if Suarez does end up staying, the uncertainty and the fact that he wanted to go, will cause a bit of an unsure situation in the dressing room.

It may not, especially if the players just say let bygones be. But there’s also the possibility that it won’t happen.

What will be crucial before the season begins is for Brendan Rodgers to get the team together in spirit, before they get together in person for that first game of the season.

It’ll be a new season and a new start. It needs to be approached with a new, winning attitude as well.

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