Liverpool – New Season Thoughts
After a close season spent strengthening the squad and reeling from the 6-1 last game mauling at the hands of Stoke City, Liverpool return to the Britannia Stadium looking to put the record straight and at the same time send a signal of defiance to all of those who doubt the sides ability to reach their intended top four finish this coming season.
If ever there was a pressure match for Liverpool to start the season with, then this surely must be it. I can’t remember a season that has started with so much expectation, hope, intrigue and scrutiny of the side than this year. It has to be said that Brendan Rodgers has spent wisely. Seven new signings at a reported £77m represents reasonable value in these days of hyper inflated transfer fees. Add to that the fact that Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino have joined for a combined wallet crunching £60m and it’s only to the club’s credit that they have In addition, brought in two established England internationals in Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner. New left back elect Joe Gomez, ex-Burnley striker Danny Ings and Bolton Wanderers’ Adam Bogdan complete the rebuilding program.
It must also be said the majority of the signings have merely covered over the cracks left by a pretty hapless summer of business last year. Clyne, Firmino, Benteke and Gomez could all arguably be replacing or improving on last season’s newcomers. Javi Manquillo, Lazar Marković, Mario Balotelli and Alberto Moreno were all brought in and it’s fair to say that none of them have remotely given fans what was expected of them. Emre Can and the emergence of Jordan Ibe, the only real bright spots on a very bleak season. In view of this, the 2015/16 season marks a significant one for Liverpool. Not just for the team.
Rodgers has overhauled his back room staff Replacing Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh with ex-Liverpool favorite Gary McAllister, the experienced Sean O’Driscoll and promoting Pepijn Lijnders. In the 40 years of supporting the club, I cannot remember a time of such drastic change. Yes, coaches and assistants have come and gone, but generally not in mid-reign.
This Liverpool side has a hell of a lot to prove this season. If that’s not enough, then you can double that for the manager. Many – including the man himself, expected a change of management to be made. Instead the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group have opted to keep faith with the former Swansea manager and back him to the hilt yet again in the transfer market. More one cannot ask for. Especially should that one be Brendan Rodgers. Indeed, speculation continues at to whether Rodgers will still be in the seat come Christmas. Following the close to last season, and a not insignificant amount spent on players, now is the time to deliver. It’s no longer good enough to talk the talk, the 42 year-old now needs to walk the walk if he expects to retain his post. A fourth place is a must. No excuses! Not just for the him but for the overall or perceived development of the club.
Surprisingly, eight players have left the club. Most notably one Raheem Shaquille Sterling who on his way to joining Manchester City for am alleged £45m, has burnt just about every bridge he’s ever built – if any at the club. The pre season performances of Ibe, together with the acquisition of Firmino has more than rebuilt them. If anything on stronger and more respectable grounds. At the other end of the scale of respect, not to mention achievement and service, Steven Gerrard has parted company with Liverpool after a near 30-year stint at the club to play out the autumn of his career in the MLS with Los Angeles Galaxy.
Despite the squad now having a player less on this basis, I’d argue that the quality has increased without a shadow of doubt. For all the criticism or perhaps scepticism surrounding the signing of Benteke I think most would say in comparison to Balotelli, he’s a massive improvement. I would go so far as to say the other additions and he to the side are worth a further 15 points or five wins over last season’s haul of 62 and 18 wins. If I’m honest, I don’t think third place is too much to ask. We’ll see.
I have to say, despite the way last season ended and the way the season panned out overall, I’m optimistic for this term. If I’m honest, what supporter isn’t. However, given the players brought in, (hopefully) the lessons learned by Rodgers, and the expected (positive) input from his now back room staff, we should be in for one hell of a journey.
Come Sunday at 16:00 I’ll be watching with great, great interest. I wouldn’t miss this for my first born. That happened years ago, anyway so I’ll be watching it. Bring it on and let the games begin. YNWA.
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