In this respect, the future of those, and several other Liverpool players will depend on the type of impact that the new owners have on the club, and whether this translates to a push up the table. The question is whether such an expectation is realistic.
If we start with the manager, Roy Hodgson, I have been prepared to give him time to get things right at Anfield. However, as much as I like him as a person, his start has been inauspicious, and he is not getting any younger. By no means am I implying that you need to be a young man to be a good manager, far from it, but if you are starting anew, it makes sense to do so with a manager who will not only inspire in the short-term but be around to bring long-term goals to fruition.
Assuming also that Liverpool does not have the ‘pulling power’ that it once did, the club almost certainly needs the kind of name or charisma that can attract the best talent. The names Dalglish, Rijkaard and Pellegrini, to name but three, have the potential to do exactly that. Most importantly, whatever money might be spent in January should be spent by whomever will manage the club for the foreseeable future.
Assuming that Torres and Reina remain at the club, the playing staff, whilst lacking in depth, has more than enough quality to progress. In Reina, they have one of the best keepers in Europe, in Gerrard and Meireles they boast two genuinely international class central midfielders, and in Torres a striker who will thrive if fit and given the right service. Their are weaknesses that have been highlighted at the back and with the genuine lack of pace and creativity on the flanks. They must look to improve these areas in January but also work within the parameters of what is at the club.
In terms of what is already there, supporters should not be bereft of hope. Martin Skrtel needs to return to the form that made him a Kop favourite upon his arrival in 2007. Anyone who has seen Maxi Rodriguez over the years knows that he is a much better player than that seen at Anfield since his arrival last January. Joe Cole, in fairness, is still settling into the club, and everyone knows the talent he has. Add the likes of Carragher and Kuyt who never let anyone down, and there is no excuse for this squad to under-perform. They will not challenge Chelsea for the title, and probably not Manchester City or United, but the gap as it stands from 18th to 4th is a mere eight points, this in a season where every single club, bar Chelsea, have appeared beatable and vulnerable.
Simply, at least nineteen teams have at times looked better than Liverpool this season, so poor have they been on occasion. However, few have looked better than Liverpool for periods on Sunday against Blackburn and certainly not better than Liverpool could be at their best.
It may seem harsh, and unrealistic, but nothing less than Champions League qualification will allow Liverpool Football Club to retain its best talent next season. Unless the manager shows himself capable of getting the best out of this squad very quickly, the board will need to act decisively to bring in someone who can.
The players also, as some have reported they did at the weekend, must take much more responsibility for their attitude, preparation and performances. Liverpool Football Club remains a club despised by few, envied by many, and loved by even more. In terms of envy, very few outside the current top five would not be a little jealous of the talent at their disposal. The time for excuses has past, and the time for results is now.
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STELLA ARTOIS WORLD DRAUGHT MASTERS
let’s be real – if you were a talented young player that hasn’t quite proven himself on the biggest stage as yet, even if the financial package was comparable to that which you were offered elsewhere and with the fact that there is supposedly less competition at Liverpool than at other top clubs, would you really join Hodgson’s Liverpool??
In a few short months he has already succeeded in taking our first team’s age up considerably and only plays “inexperienced” players in meaningful games as a last resort. From what I’ve seen so far, it would look like career suicide for a talented youngster to entrust Hodgson with his career, and surely that will prevent Liverpool from moving forwards as we want to.
The opportunity is there right now to make a positive massive stride forwards with a proven manager, instead of playing it safe with a manager that will see the club maintain its ceiling of 3rd/4th place while preventing us from developing our youth adequately.
Jay, I agree. I hope that is what I alluded to when talking about the 3 names that can attract talent.
I still maintain that only an interim appointment should have been made after Rafa’s departure because Hodgson was, in my opinion, never likely to be the top choice of new ownership coming into the club.
You also make valid points about youth, although I also feel that to be an area where a new manager will have to make huge strides.
Cheers for the comment and feedback.
I ma a bit surprised. New owners are at club, they have seen how we are playing, what tactics wa are using (useless tactics) and still they are giving chance to Hodgson. They are saying they will invest in yuong talent and they cant see what Roy has done in last transf window.
perhaps the new owner did not understand this game, he thinks football are like baseball 🙁
day in day out…at d end of it all there’s jst one thing dt evre1’s sayin…ew manager new manager NEW MANAGAER..HODSON NEEDS TO LEAVE..ND BY GOD, HE DOES..