Liverpool legend John Barnes believes that manager Kenny Dalglish will have to buy at least 3 experienced players in the summer if they want to start competing for trophies again. Barnes believes the Reds can’t solely rely on youth prospects. He told talkSPORT:
“Kenny has maximised the potential of the squad. This team still won’t win the Championship, they’ll move forward [next season] but they still need two or three players. The youngsters inclusion is fantastic but I don’t think any other manager would have been able to include youngsters, because the fans will accept Kenny including them and they’ll support them even if they don’t win or don’t play well. We don’t want to put too much pressure on these youngsters though, playing Robinson and all these youngsters week in and week out, you’re not going to win the league. You need experience.”
On this season’s prospects, Barnes said:
“I think it’s too late for Liverpool to get fourth spot particularly with Manchester City’s victory at the weekend. Liverpool can finish fifth and next season they’ll look to make a push [for the title] but they still need investment. Kenny being there is not just a breath of fresh air he understands the philosophy and traditions of Liverpool, of how the fans demand they play. The fact that he’s not been at the club or in management for 15 years has no bearing on his ability. He’s a fantastic manager, who understands football and understands Liverpool. They are a perfect fit and if Kenny had gone to a different football club it probably wouldn’t have the same impact. Going to Liverpool where all the fans and everyone connected to Liverpool is behind him, you can see the immediate impact it’s had with everyone pulling in the right direction.”
This week it is former LFC WAG Jennifer Ellison!
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The youth can take over and do at least an equivalent job to those overpaid, experienced players that have flopped us for most of the season, but Barnes is right – we do need better players to step into the first team if we are to challenge for the title next year
OYE BARNSEY! I agree with ya Jay, but to be honest, it’s a proud thing when a lad comes through the system and makes an impact a la Stevie, Carra, Fowler, Owen etc…I truly feel we don’t need to buy a young winger (unless we are going for Sanchez!) because you really have to watch the academy games to understand that Liverpool is fortunate to have 3 young players who will make impacts in world football on the wing – Raheem Sterling, Tom Ince and Toni Silva! If the Reds can afford Sanchez and if not a good option in Turan, then we’ll be fine! We Must make that huge leap to finish first, because its completely possible next term (due to the signings of Suarez and Carroll). I’m not saying that having Robbo or Flanno needs to be there, however they are filling in well!. Put it this way, the owners don’t have to spend a black pound on player transfers because we have money from potential sales to raise 50 million! but the big problem with Liverpool right now is the Kelly-Johnson situation! Glen is doing whats necessary of him, but he is not a LB and shouldn’t be played there! Kelly is ready for the CB role and Agger (a personal fav of mine, but plays a season with 5 years of combine appearances with inj’s). Johnson on the Right! and Spearing, Pacheco, Robbo, and a few others to play bit parts until they develop and save us or make us a lot of money in the future!!!
Agree Jay. The last we need is fringe players who are over the hill. However, I believe we should focus on young, hungry players who strive to win and will keep the likes of Gerrard, Kuyt, Meireles and Carragher on their toes and add real value to the team.
A lot of the great teams in history have a group of raw young talent that blend well and grow great together on the pitch. I believe we will see Reina, Agger, Kelly, Robinson, Lucas, Suarez and Carrol pivking up the Premiership title with Liverpool more than once…YNWA