RipCordless

A pop-culture consumer who keeps it, by design, in the shallow end of the pool.

LFC

Brendan Rodgers vs. English Media

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Perhaps I’m running into my lack of understanding when it comes to Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool FC talking points. Perhaps, when I hear stories of Rodgers telling the English media he is waking in the dead of night, wondering what is wrong, my (negative) reaction should be tempered, constrained. Perhaps, when I listen to him giving post-game interviews and lamenting the problems, screwing his brow into a deep furrow, and telling the Liverpool faithful, “We need to be better,” I should simply clam up and go along with the program – however, I cannot help comparing Rodgers with some of the greats from an unlikely source: American sports.

I think Rodgers’ greatest strength is also his greatest weakness. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Some do that, heck, I’ve even been accused (correct word) of doing that but there comes a time when unrestrained chatter from one’s emotional center is a detriment. Enter Rodgers. His admission of his personal struggles as he attempts to sort out the nuances of Liverpool’s very pedestrian start is just too much. Yes, an emotional connection can serve a coach well when it comes to getting the best possible performances from his players but with the media Rodgers needs to remain reticent, noble, and at least appear in-control.

When I mention coaches like Bill Belichick (New England Patriots), Bill Parcells (New York Giants), and the Zen Master himself, Phil Jackson (Chicago Bulls/Los Angeles Lakers), they all have/had an ingredient which set them apart: they at least gave the appearance they knew what they were doing. Please don’t jump to conclusions and assume I think Rodgers doesn’t know the path to success, but recent empirical evidence may support that conclusion. Belichick, Parcells, and Jackson all presented a particular persona to the media and most of the time, toyed with them. Irrespective of the trials and tribulations, they provided knowing responses to invasive questions, they fenced with reporters, all the while presenting a facade of grace, knowledge, and most of all, confidence.

Rodgers hasn’t gotten there just yet. Remember, Rodgers is only in his mid-40’s and made some crucial decisions late last season which some would argue directly contributed to Liverpool falling short of the league title (why not settle for a draw with Chelsea instead of going for the win?). Rodgers even commented on his own decisions saying everyone was “learning” from the experience. Fair enough but that process of learning must also be shifted over to the “handling” of the media.

Enough with the heart-on-sleeve commentary about this problem or that issue. Desist with allowing the media to see behind the curtain of your personal anguish as you lament over problems. None of this is serving you, the fans, and MOST importantly, your own team.

From where I sit, Liverpool has some issues with personnel but more importantly, with mental attitude. Gerrard said the summer of 2014 was the worst he can remember. Do you think he’s back from that horror story? Last seasons, Gerrard said Rodgers would make players feel exceptional before hitting the pitch. Is that happening this season? Coutinho slumped in early season going – perhaps something to do with the finish to the prior season? Add to that the heavy dose of new faces and, of course, things will be bumpy.

Rodgers should express a knowing confidence, appear to have a firm grasp on the moment and rally the team around his leadership, not his confusion. I believe in Rodgers, I believe in his philosophy, but I anguish over his media interaction.

Bill Shankly (originally) told all of us, “If you can’t support us when we lose or draw, don’t support us when we win.” I remain resolute in my support but I’d like to see some polish and growth from Rodgers as a coach. It should be said, I’m miles away from him being fired. Give the guy an opportunity to work through what can only be a difficult change.

What Balotelli Means for LFC

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Ever want something to happen just so you can see the world burn? When it comes to Liverpool FC, many people line up to see the once formidable club falter and stumble. Signing Andy Carroll for a price hard to repeat was a huge error and quickly derided by the average EPL fan. Suarez’ bite and nibble was (justifiably) attacked, mocked, and derided as normal scouse behavior — but things have changed for the better recently.

Two years ago, the board saw fit to appoint Brendan Rogers as head coach and he began the slow process of re-establishing LFC as a top flight team, turning Anfield into a fortress once again. After pulling a seventh place finish year one, Rogers shocked the EPL universe with a second place finish in year two, a qualification for Champion’s League competition, and a vastly expanded budget to add much needed depth to the team in the off season.

This 2014 summer transfer window has been nothing but rapid fire rumor coupled with tangible activity. It included multiple high profile signings, and most importantly, the sale of Luis Suarez to Barca. Few could argue the talent brought aboard, the standard quibble being the price paid for Lovren, Lallana, and Moreno. But the biggest stir was left for very late in the transfer window as Liverpool signed Mario Balotelli — and the football universe shook with trepidation and awe.

Mario Balotelli has a long history of problems, anger, and disrespect. To claim he is a wild card just doesn’t get it done. However, mixed with those volatile characteristics is some incredible talent. Watch any YouTube compilation video on Balotelli and you’ll see a deft touch, creative genius, and knack for finding the back of the net with grace. When he signed with Liverpool for a cut-rate price, everyone (and I mean everyone) took notice. But what will that mean to the Liverpool faithful?

Excitement!

Without such a unique signing, the club would probably have struggled to nail a top-4 position, and claiming any meaningful silverware would be unlikely but *with* Balotelli, the expectations changed quickly. Should Mario Balotelli settle into the club, find his form, and remain determined to impact games, he could be the missing ingredient that propels LFC from a maybe result to something more significant. Opposing teams are forced to pay attention to the big man, must respect his speed, and cannot ignore his presence on the pitch. When you weave his skill set into the existing tapestry of LFC, the club’s potential becomes scary good.

And for those people lurking in the shadows, trolling, and claiming Mario is going to explode just like before, Liverpool is different for a couple of reasons. First, Brendan Rogers not only brings a formidable tactical presence to the sideline but also seems to have gift to motivate and focus players. He has a way of demanding the best from his team, keeping the direction cohesive, and developing even troubled players rapidly.

Irrespective of how this season turns out, the signing of Mario Balotelli is nothing short of genius. I wish nothing but the best for the 24-year old and remember Mario, you’re part of the family now — and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

LFC Waves Goodbye to Suarez

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With the departure of Luis Suarez from the ranks of Liverpool FC, there is a sense of cautious optimism from the loyal fan base. Asides from a handful of idiots, generally the departure has been met with well wishes and a “thanks for the memories” kind of vibe. There is no doubt, Suarez was a significant reason the Reds came so close to securing their first Premier League title since the format change. But there is another reason fans, and myself, remain optimistic: Brendan Rogers.

After taking over two seasons ago, Brendan Rogers has imprinted his attacking, high-energy version of football upon the Melwood Training Center. After a period of adjustment, the players have taken to this brand of football with gusto and the rewards are self evident. After only two seasons at the helm, the Reds find themselves in the 2014/2015 Champion’s League, and some deep coffers to supplement the squad. The Fenway Sports Group (did you know Liverpool are American owned?) have reportedly entrusted Rogers with the entire £75 million from the Suarez sale to improve the team. But there is no doubt, Suarez was a engine to that success and his departure leaves the faithful uneasy.

Many push the mantra, “In BR (Brendan Rogers) we trust,” and I find myself agreeing with that to some degree. I’ve nosed through Roger’s signings over the last two years and, sure, there have been some absolute flops but also some real winners. Daniel Sturridge, languishing at Chelsea, has flourished under Rogers’ tutelage to the tune of 20 goals last season. Philip Coutinho, a diminutive Brazilian midfielder, had some breathtaking passes and a timely goal against Manchester City during the title hunt. It’s unreasonable to think all of Rogers’ summer signings for the coming season will have that kind of impact but two or three may. Ricky Lambert’s story is enough to get any scouse misty but he still clearly has energy and passion as a striker for the squad. Emre Can may flop or develop into a nicely rounded defensive mid-fielder capable of contribution. Adam Lallana’s pedigree is widely known and his creative talents are supposed to bring a new dimension to the mid-field, and perhaps the key to unlock a Chelsea-like defense. But the most interesting (read: exciting) signing thus far is Markovic. Described as the next Messi or Ronaldo in some niche circles, many claim this guy is an absolute technical beast, capable of playing anywhere across the front line and doing serious damage — if he matures and focuses on his craft. Can Brendan whisper in the kid’s ear and flick the light on more consistently?

And so we come full circle. In BR we trust. With three summer signings thus far, a high-potential signing in the next few days, and the blessing from FSG to continue strengthening the squad, the future does indeed look bright for the Reds. I, for one, wish Luis and his family well. I thoroughly enjoyed his passion, expertise, and though I could of done without the drama, all in all, Liverpool FC was lucky to have his talents for three years. “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

FIFA 14 for Xbox One | Review

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I’ve been hooked by many a game in history but rarely has one taken my fancy like EA’s FIFA 14. After recapturing my love of the British Premiere League about three years ago (thank you, Directv) and begun following the Liverpool once again (watching the end of “King Kenny’s” reign and the transition to Brendan Rogers), I’ve fully invested in Premiere League experience so it was a throw-away decision to purchase and try out FIFA 14 for the Xbox One. Extremely glad I did.

I’ve tried various FIFA titles before but all lacked a certain precision, ambiance, focus and quickly hit the discard pile. Though the essence of the game was there, the dated graphics of the Xbox 360 really held the game back. However, FIFA 14 just shines with the Xbox One driving the experience.

I’ve been playing FIFA 14 since the holiday season and I continue to be blown away by the features, ambiance, and narrative of this gaming experience. Allow me to bring that to life for you. I’ve played probably 400 games (using Liverpool, of course) and even last night, continue to hear new dialog from the game commentary and unique animations for scoring, shooting, saving, and passing. Not only is the depth of the play shockingly good but as is the managerial experience. FIFA 14 truly captures the very essence the British Premiere League. From the clubs, the stands in full voice, the transfer windows, salaries, club budgets, and fickle players — it is all there. The icing on the cake is earning the ability to customize player’s appearance with brand name boots and uniform choices from Nike, Puma, Adidas (to name but a few). When combined into one cohesive experience, it is jaw dropping.

While the Xbox 360 version was merely okay, the Xbox One has brought FIFA 14 to life but this isn’t a limited scope venture: replay-ability is this game’s final strength. Not only does the AI change (one career season Suarez demands a transfer, the next he’s content to stay), but the amount of skill moves to understand is initially daunting. As one progresses up the difficultly level, skill moves become a must to master — adding another level of complexity to explore and deploy on the field.

Some may cite examples of EA’s recent failures (the Madden franchise which changes at a glacial pace, the horrendous release of Sim City) to ignore this title but EA nails it and have turned me into a franchise convert. I look forward to FIFA 15 after the World Cup concludes. Enjoy!