Why Brendan Rodgers still has a job
Whilst many people expected the Liverpool boss to have departed the fair north-west shores this summer following a disappointing 2014/15 season, David Prentice in the Liverpool Echo gives an insight into why this was probably never a likely, let alone fair option.
Rodgers has endured plenty of flack from the press and supporters in the wake of a series of let’s say “unconvincing” transfers, culminating in the side failing to capitalise on, or emulate the lofty 2nd place finish of the season before. Much has been made of the infamous Transfer Committee and their seemingly excessive input into transfers since it’s creation by Fenway Sports Group on their takeover of the club in 2010. Prentice’s article goes some way to shedding some light on the transfers we’ve endured – yes endured – and who was apparently responsible or them.
Unsurprisingly, many of the signings we’ve come to question and scratch our heads over have not been Rodgers’ choices. In all reality, if we give the Liverpool manager the credit he deserves and above all, used our common sense, it’s abundantly clear. Needless to say the signings are, as we would expect: Lazar Markivic; Alberto Moreno, Divock Origi and Mamadou Sakho. With regard to the last on the list, this would go some way to explaining why, despite conventional wisdom, the ex-Swansea boss continually prefers to overlook the Frenchman in favour of Dejan Lovren. As the last name suggests however, the boss is not entirely without sin.
Conversely, one can look at Fabio Borini. A player that Rodgers famously stated would “… Excite the fans…!”, strangely is not referred to in the article although, I think it’d be a safe bet to say this was one of the manager’s choices. As yet nobody has claimed the credit for Joe Gomez or Emre Can.
With this in mind, one has to feel for the 42 year-old Liverpool manager as he’s taken a lot of criticism for the performances of players whom he would in no way, have sanctioned signing had he not been at the behest of the “committee”.
There is no doubt that the failings of the set up have been taken into account in the decision to keep Rodgers in the job. Realistically, who would spend £20m on Lazar Markovic? This can only be seen as a failure and one that FSG has taken responsibility for. Clearly the lad has potential. He’s a decent enough player. But… He’s nowhere near ready and absolutely, definitely, totally undoubtedly, undeniably unequivocally not worth the money. What’s more, it doesn’t look to me, as if his natural position as a winger – considering at the time they had Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe – even needed strengthening. Or not at least so urgently that such a sum can simply be thrown at such a player. Liverpool at the height of their success in the 2013/14 season was not a crossing team.
Notably, lessons have been learned and as a result, Rodgers has been afforded more leeway in terms of transfer approvals. The result? The recruitments made this year have all been targets directly requested by the manager. This in my view, is the way it should be. Christian Benteke, James Milner and Roberto Firmino are all “Brendan Buys” and the results are clear to see. Granted we’re only one game into the season but the signs following the last match are very encouraging.
I can see the argument for the Transfer Committee. If implemented properly, it can bring some sanity to transfer dealings and remove the emotion from decision making. Especially given the huge sums involved these days. The dangers as we’ve seen, are those that sit on it may indeed not be close enough or, with respect, knowledgeable enough to appreciate the manager’s tactical approach and this can be hugely detrimental to the development of the club.
As things stand, the manager is now being given the green light. This of course does not go without it’s dangers. They say excuses wear thin eventually and going forward, the Transfer Committee being responsible for poor signings is now wafer thin. It’s on Rodgers’ head now.
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