THERE is no doubt that Liverpool have one of the finest club histories in the world.
They have legendary status which will be with them forever. It’s something all Liverpool supporters are extremely proud of but the club is now entering a new phase in its history with a new manager with a fresh approach, stable ownership who are in it for the long-term and the likelihood of a new stadium within the next few seasons.
The stage is set for Liverpool to revive and reinvent themselves into one the England’s finest teams once more. Wishful thinking? Of course, but the club hasn’t been in this good a position for a decade or more and with it comes the need to start adding to their already illustrious history.
Kenny started the ball rolling in February by bringing the first piece of silverware to Anfield for six years and only an outstanding save by Petr Cech in the FA Cup final (I still think if there had been goal-line technology a goal would have been given) denied Liverpool likely adding a second. So the ball is now figuratively and literally in Brendan Rodgers’ hands to build upon this recent success. The question is how quickly can that happen and if it doesn’t happen soon how patient are we willing to be?
Realistically it would be unfair to think Rodgers will have instant success in his first season. Pepe Reina for one believes Brendan Rodgers will need time for his passing style of football to work.
“I am very optimistic about the future. It is a good appointment and, hopefully, Liverpool can have a better season than they did last time. I watched quite a bit of Swansea last season and I always like my teams to play like that. It is my style and one that will be very good for Liverpool but he is going to need time to implement his ideas. It is not going to happen in the blink of an eye.”
You have to think Pepe Reina is right but Rodgers himself is certainly dedicated to bringing success to Anfield:
“It is quite simple,” Rodgers says. “You come in and do a hard day’s work. You make sure in training and on match days you come in and you can take your top off and wring it out and it will be soaking wet.”
This speaks clearly of his work ethic and desire to ensure there will be no lack of effort in attempting to make Liverpool a success once more.
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The summer months will be critical ones for Liverpool. Who will they bring in that suits Rodgers footballing approach and who will be deemed superfluous to his needs. Will the likes of Adam, Henderson, Downing and Carroll fit the bill or will they be sold to make room in the salary budget? Rodgers has to overcome the fact that FSG has already committed over £100m to buying new players so he will either need to trade players and bring in others who fit the bill in terms of style and cost or stick with the squad he has in the hopes he can turn them around.
We are already seeing movement in the transfer market with Rodgers first possible signing in Gylfi Sigurdsson and Salomon Kalou also appears to be of interest with his agent confirming that he would consider a move to Liverpool. It’s going to be intriguing to see what transpires.
I’m optimistic Rodgers can bring success to Liverpool next season. I think he will do a good job in the league but breaking into the top four will be tough, however, you only have to look at Newcastle’s success last season to know it is doable. I also think Liverpool will go far in the Europa League as Rodgers’ attacking approach will suit the competition and I’m looking forward to seeing Liverpool re-establish themselves in Europe once more.
Whether Rodgers will create Liverpool’s new history in the short-term only time will tell but I’m hoping by December our win/loss ratio, goals for and against and league standings are all looking very positive.
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I hope if we sign kalou on a free- who is completely average IMO, that this signing is negated by a quality player. It could be another expensive freebie mistake like joe cole.