When Brendan Rodgers was appointed the new Liverpool FC manager, there were a few doubters, questioning his ability to handle big players in a much similar scenario to Roy Hodgson's ill-fated reign in charge at Anfield.
Personally I didn't see a problem, Roy Hodgson was always a square peg in a round hole at such a big club, his philosophy was never going to win over the sceptical fans amongst a support that was growing increasingly disillusioned at the direction the club was heading.
Rodgers made all the right impressions that first day in charge, answering some difficult questions regarding the club's future, the 'long-term plan' and the support of the much-maligned owners after 2 sackings in 2 years in charge. After speaking with many Liverpool fans witnessing the press conference, Rodgers had almost a Shankly type aura around him, the way he spoke, and the way he brought himself across to the media.
The club needed to improve its media relations after a rocky couple of years and Rodgers did that from the word go. Not only that, but he brought a philosophy echoing that off the golden area of Liverpool Football Club starting from the 70's and finishing with our last league title in 1990. This time was different, despite the genuine sadness and regret that King Kenny's second tenure ended so abruptly, there was a genuine wave of optimism across the famous Anfield turf.
Despite the promising football played against FC Gomel in the Europa League including a near-perfect demolition in Brendan Rodgers' Anfield debut, the season got off to the worst possible start, a 3-0 defeat away at West Bromwich Albion. An impressive yet regrettable 2-2 draw against the defending champions Manchester City followed, as fans wondered whether their sides inability to turn draws into wins would once again come back to haunt them.After a difficult run of fixtures that included just 2 points in the first 5 matches, Liverpool FC found themselves in unfamiliar and embarrassing territory. 18th position.
Liverpool obviously got off to a better start in the 2011/12 season, although the fixture list was much easier on paper, along with the continuity of football under Kenny Dalglish. Not only did Liverpool have the 2011/12 top 3 teams in their first 5 matches, they did it as students in a new philosophy, which made the performances that bit more remarkable.
As the 2011/12 season went on Liverpool's form became more of a worry, as was their home form. The loss of Lucas to a season ending injury jeopardised any hopes of a return to CL football. Liverpool's home form that season was a major factor to the club's 8th place final position. Brendan Rodgers stated in his first press conference was he wanted Liverpool's opponents at Anfield to suffer " death by football ", the early stages suggested he couldn't be further from the truth but recent results have picked up along with the performances.
The graphic below shows Liverpool's home form, goals scored and conceded in comparison to the 2011/12 season under Kenny Dalglish.
In 2011/12, Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool FC won 6, drew 9 and lost 4 EPL Home Matches at Anfield, scoring just 24 goals in the process, conceding 16.
Rodgers' looks to have succeeded in transforming Liverpool's home fortunes, after 12 EPL home matches, Brendan Rodgers' side have won 6, drawn 3 and lost 3 matches at Anfield. They have also scored 22 goals already with another 7 home games remaining, conceding 10 in the process so these statistics back up Rodgers' plans for Anfield Domination.
The common argument against Rodgers' record this season is the harrowing fact that Liverpool haven't won a single game against a side above them in the league this season. This is a trend seen in the past couple of seasons, it seems the confidence of the squad is shot and they are mentally weak in the bigger games, they can't get past the final hurdle. Despite excellent performances vs. both Manchester clubs, only 1 point was gained but the change in momentum and form at Anfield suggests if the ties were to be replayed now the results could be a lot different.
To summarise, my personal opinion is that Rodgers' has made a lot of progress with such a difficult squad to work with. Not only has he had to work with just a solitary striker for most of the campaign, he has brought the younger players through and given them a platform to build on. Sterling and Wisdom are the main youngsters to benefit from his trust and he is ensuring the club's future is well set as well as improving present times.
Personally I didn't see a problem, Roy Hodgson was always a square peg in a round hole at such a big club, his philosophy was never going to win over the sceptical fans amongst a support that was growing increasingly disillusioned at the direction the club was heading.
Rodgers made all the right impressions that first day in charge, answering some difficult questions regarding the club's future, the 'long-term plan' and the support of the much-maligned owners after 2 sackings in 2 years in charge. After speaking with many Liverpool fans witnessing the press conference, Rodgers had almost a Shankly type aura around him, the way he spoke, and the way he brought himself across to the media.
 |
| Courtesy of BBC Sport |
 |
| Courtesy of LFC Stats |
 |
| Courtesy of LFC Stats |
Rodgers' looks to have succeeded in transforming Liverpool's home fortunes, after 12 EPL home matches, Brendan Rodgers' side have won 6, drawn 3 and lost 3 matches at Anfield. They have also scored 22 goals already with another 7 home games remaining, conceding 10 in the process so these statistics back up Rodgers' plans for Anfield Domination.
The common argument against Rodgers' record this season is the harrowing fact that Liverpool haven't won a single game against a side above them in the league this season. This is a trend seen in the past couple of seasons, it seems the confidence of the squad is shot and they are mentally weak in the bigger games, they can't get past the final hurdle. Despite excellent performances vs. both Manchester clubs, only 1 point was gained but the change in momentum and form at Anfield suggests if the ties were to be replayed now the results could be a lot different.
To summarise, my personal opinion is that Rodgers' has made a lot of progress with such a difficult squad to work with. Not only has he had to work with just a solitary striker for most of the campaign, he has brought the younger players through and given them a platform to build on. Sterling and Wisdom are the main youngsters to benefit from his trust and he is ensuring the club's future is well set as well as improving present times.
He has also shown his tactical nous, making game changing decisions against Chelsea, Everton and Wigan to name a few. He has shown a lot of signs that he could enjoy a long and prosperous campaign and I personally feel success isn't as far as it sometimes feels for Liverpool, and Brendan is the right man to move the club forward.
Liverpool News 24/7
Despite it all we are no further forward than we were 2 years ago and the likelihood is that as other clubs strengthen with astute buys we languish. FSG have ideals but having them does not necessarily mean they are true. I do feel that they will come to regret not spending a little more freely when other clubs begin to replace us at the top table. It would appear that as talk emerges that a top 6 finish would be regarded as a success the required top 4 placement has disappeared down the pan. It's quite amazing that previous finishes of 2nd 4th and 6th are now looked upon as "rubbish" whilst our present position is "an improvement". Some will be fooled..
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying but FSG are ensuring our future is bright not just a better present. We will get there, it might take time but progress is being made. 6th place would be progress after 8th last season.
DeleteThe team is improving. That's not subjective, it's a fact. Only Man Utd & City have picked up more PL points than Liverpool in the last 3.5 months.
ReplyDeleteGood stat Mr Anonymous.
Delete