LIVERPOOL FC have always, along with Arsenal & Manchester United, been considered to be among the “Big Four” clubs in England, and even though we haven’t won the league for over 20 years, we have consistently placed in the top four positions of the Premier League since its inception in 1992.
However, since 2010 we have seen Liverpool slip through the places and land at eighth last year, which, by our standards are not at all acceptable.
This can be easily attributed to the rise of Chelsea and Manchester City, under their new super rich owners, and also that of Tottenham Hotspur. But the biggest cause of this slip is without a doubt the harmful ownership of Liverpool by Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Last season Liverpool’s new owners, Fenway Sports Group spent over £100 million on new players to strengthen the team in hopes of bringing Liverpool back to the top four in the Premier League, and the much desired place in the UEFA Champions League. Unfortunately, the team managed by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish could only finish eighth in the Premier League, on their way to picking up the Carling Cup, and appearing in the final of the FA Cup.
FSG, in parting ways with Dalglish at the end of the season, were clear about what they wanted. They conducted an extensive search over the off season, and hired Brendan Rodgers to replace King Kenny as the new manager of Liverpool, and hopefully, the man to bring them that coveted top four finish.
With the new season upon us, it is time to make an honest assessment of where we see Liverpool FC in the Premier League table. While no one would be happier than me to see Champions League return to Liverpool, and with us pushing for the Premier League title itself, I honestly do not think we are there yet.
Brendan Rodgers has only been manager of the club for a little over two months, with most of the time spent without most of his senior players, who were either on duty for their country at the Euros or at the Olympics. He brings with himself a tactical system that not everyone can adapt to, and I don’t think he has had nearly as much time to go through the players as he would have liked. I can see Liverpool becoming a lean, mean, passing machine that squeezes the possession out of oppositions – that was the Liverpool way – but I don’t see it happening soon. It should take at least three to four months of rigorous training to get the team to that position.
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The big hurdle in the way of Liverpool getting within the top four, obviously, are the other teams who will be competing for the same spots. Big teams like Chelsea, Manchester United & Arsenal have already brought in players to bolster their squad and will definitely be looking to challenge Manchester City for the top spot of the Premier League.
City, with the talent at hand and with the resources they have, will no doubt be in prime position to defend their Premier League title of last season. There is also Tottenham, who under new manager AVB, might be the surprise package this season, or like Villas-Boas’ last season at Chelsea, end sourly. Newcastle United were the surprise package last season, and I’m sure Alan Pardew will do everything in his power to ensure that finishing fifth last season was not a fluke.
Realistically, I would think that Liverpool should be able to finish within the top 6. But being the eternal optimist that I am, I believe that with a little bit of luck, and some good solid performances, we can push for that top 4 spot where we really belong.
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Quote from Alan Shearer on the final MOTD in May. ”Liverpools performances last season were more than enough for a top 4 finish, they played alot of teams of the park”…..Quote Gerrard in pre-season ”we murdered alot of teams last season”………Both, IMO, are apot on. We dominated alot of games last year, had the best defence behind the runaway manc teams, and our position did not reflect this. Our position did however, relfect our poor form infront of goal. Relegated Blackburn scored more times than us. If Brendan Rodgers can correct this poor goal scoring form with improved tactics and new arrivals, I dont see why we can’t get fourth spot. AFC and THFC will lose their best players before Aug 31st, in RVP and Modric and will be weaker (Also, I dont think Podolski is all that good a signing, time and time again he has had poor club form, just decent for Germany)Also, Spurs will be hoping AVB has learnt from his mistakes at Chelsea, which, judging by their pre-season performances, he hasnt..Suicidal in defence, which will be punished in EPL. Alot of People writing us of, Keep the faith.
What will need is to get our own tradition back. With the like of players steven G, lucas,martins S, agger, suarez,Reina, johnson G,etc. I am aiming for the league tittle.