Rodgers will be gone by Christmas!
It’s a bold statement but on the evidence of the Liverpool Boss’s statement after yesterday’s uninspired win against HJK Helsinki, there’s little doubt if he continues with his lack of conviction over his defensive selection, he’ll be history before the turn of the year. Especially when said selection is a no brainer.
I remain a fan of Brendan Rodgers. In fairness to him, he’s had to do a lot of learning on the job. From his body language and talk thus far this preseason he’s learnt plenty. He doesn’t come across quite as “pally” as he used to. He’s not “biggin’ up” his players quite as much as he has done. His signings this year have indicated an acceptance of the reality that current presides over potential in terms of ability. Having said that, I’ve been mystified with some of his most recent statements. I’m not talking about his claim that Christian Benteke will be “a bargain” for Liverpool – which is clearly nonsense. £32m is £32m unless we’re talking about Lionel Messi. It’s more alarming than that. More like deja vu.
The Northern Irishman told the Liverpool Echo yesterday he remains undecided over his central defensive pairing as he ponders whether Mamadou Sakho or Dejan Lovren will partner his first choice Martin Skrtel. Lovren has started the last three friendlies in place of Sakho and remains in my opinion, out of his depth wearing a Liverpool shirt and continues to display the body language of a rabbit caught in headlights.
I’m beginning to wonder if this is simply a tactic to keep the opposition guessing and to maintain the moral of one arguably the worst defensive signings the club has made in recent years. I struggle to believe this is the 42 year-old’s genuine belief. If so then there is clearly a personal issue between him and Sakho. Are we going to see a repeat of last season when the Frenchman has to save Rodgers’ bacon halfway through the season? Frankly no because he’ll be sacked by then.
Against the Finnish side yesterday, Lovren had very little to do and even then looked devoid of any confidence or authority in his work. Which included a hasty clearance after taking too long to get to a loose ball he was clearly favourite for. His ensuing pushing hands down “calm down” gesture clearly intended to placate a “what the f&ck was that?” type response to his effort from one of his team mates. I don’t believe there is any decision to make.
Perhaps Sakho doesn’t have the poster-boy chiseled looks as his Croation teammate but in footballing terms, is stronger in the tackle, faster, more composed on the ball and in his distribution and despite his ungainly demeanor inspires far more confidence in those around him. I’m sure Rodgers would respond with references to his “analysis” and such. However, some things in life are simply black and white. Like night and day and require very little analysing since they’re so obvious. One can only presume there is something more between the manager and the Parisian. Something Rodgers doesn’t like.
With these statements, Rodgers is displaying all the traits of a leader heading for the exit door. His insistence on proceeding along the very course of action that got him to the place of high pressure, uncertainty and scrutiny of his position now. I’ve seen it a million times before. A manager refusing to hold his hands up and go with what is abundantly clear. His desperation to see one of his own mistakes come good and swimming against the tide of the fundamental. All of this I see now.
Lovren is back up at best. Cup match material until he shows some solidity, reliability and confidence. The starting central pairing has to be Skrtel and Sakho. In the absence of a better alternative which, Rodgers clearly doesn’t have right now, this will be the only job security he has. Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Phillipe Coutinho. They’re all very nice but defence is the managers only form of attack now. It’s his bread and butter.
His infatuation with Dejan Lovren WILL ultimately cost him. It’s no wonder he’s favourite for the sack. He’s earned it. I hope I’m wrong but from what I’ve seen this preseason, my message to Jürgen Klopp would be: Keep your passport close at hand, my friend. You may need it.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheLFCFile
