Good, but not that good

Rodgers still has some way to go until he can be compared to Liverpool’s greatest club managers

I like listening to football radio shows. Sometimes you learn something new or get to know an interesting opinion. And it’s a great way to start a debate.

So, last weekend I heard one football writer saying that Brendan Rodgers was the best Liverpool manager since Shanks. He explained that he considered Paisley to be a part of Shankly’s regime. But I still was baffled.

I respect BR. He’s doing a good job, but is it really so great that he’s the best since the best? I’m not so sure. Let’s examine the work he’s done so far.

First half of his first season was a disappointment. Team played badly, had the worst start for a century and lots of fans were calling for his head. Second half was an improvement, but still Liverpool only finished seventh.

Every summer transfer was a mistake (Allen, Asaidi, Borini), winter ones fared better (Sturridge, Coutinho). This team showed some attacking promise, but defence was really leaky. He put Carra on the bench, Agger and Skrtel were shocking, so he brought Jamie back, recognising his earlier mistake. So it’s 5 out of 10 at best.

His second season was much better. Liverpool finished second, scored over century of goals and got rave reviews for their style of play. Our cups were a disappointment, the defence was as bad as anything and the team were over-reliant on Luis Suarez. He took part in half of the team’s goals and I doubt even Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi have the same impact.

That years transfers weren’t convincing either, with Toure, Sakho, Cissokho and Aspas all bad decisions at best, while Simon Mignolet was average and never better than Reina. Meanwhile, Tiago Ilori as well as Luis Alberto haven’t really got a game, so nothing can be said of then. Most of the results were achieved through work on the training pitch with players, who had already been at the club and Luis Suarez’s brilliance.

Liverpool had a season to remember, though. Came close to the first title for 2o odd years, played really well and qualified for Champions League. But it’s Liverpool and not some Swansea, silverware is a must at this club and second is nothing. So it’s 8 out of 10.

Brendan Rodgers does play good football that is easy on the eye. He’s a good coach, who improves players on the training pitch. So far he’s failed to organise his defence, wasn’t convincing with his signings and delivered no silverware for the trophy cabinet. Most of his popularity is based on his being the media darling and recent failures of previous managers, especially the current England manager.

But Liverpool is one of the greatest clubs in the world. 19 time English champions, 5 European Cups, that’s what makes club so famous all over the world. So until Brendan Rodgers delivers trophies for the club, he’s nowhere near the likes of Rafa, King Kenny or Fagan, who made this club what it is. The most successful club in England.