I’m an unapologetic Liverpool Football Club fan. I’ve supported the club since who the hell knows when and ensure threads of Liverpool red weave themselves into my life. I know the players, watch every game, and scour the Internet for the latest sensationalized transfer rumor on which quality player will grace Anfield in red kit. So, when I wax enigmatic on the trials and tribulations of Liverpool, it isn’t from a position of happenstance or from contrived interest. No, I’m all in and them some and as I begin the digest the 2014/15 season, I’m left feeling disappointed for what could have been and wonder what the future will bring.
Let me start with Rodgers. Though I was initially a fan of his style and tactics, watching his fumbling management style has left me devoid of confidence. I no longer believe this is the coach to lead Liverpool forward. He simple makes mistakes far too often.
I’ve been left confused by in-game personnel decisions on a regular basis. (Why did he continually sub-off Coutinho or Lallana for weaker players?) His blunted use of tactical shenanigans has left me wondering what he’s playing at. (Why did he stick with a 4-2-3-1 for weeks with no result?) And his ill-advised transfer policies remain a complete mystery. Let me dwell on that last one for a moment. Liverpool are playing an up-tempo, creative, fast movement style. How the hell do Lambert and Balotelli fit into that format? It seemed for all the world, Rodgers had no formation in mind when he transferred in Can, Lovren, Markovic, Lallana, and company. He seemed more focused on depth than quality. Finally, After just losing Suarez, a prolific goal scorer, why didn’t he press for a high-quality replacement like Sanchez?
I feel as though players, other managers, and the press all consider Rodgers a joke. Without the amazing production of Suarez, Rodgers’ lack of football acumen has been exposed on a grand scale. Every time I see him in front of the media, he spits out awkward comments and ill-advised comparatives. (Countinho is Liverpool’s Messi?!)
This is where the Fenway Sport Group should step in. Are they content to allow this feeble figure head continued spending authority? Or are they going to take the team, the tradition, and history of Liverpool seriously? That is another question entirely and one not easily answered.
From where I sit, the Fenway Sports Group need to fire Rodgers (with one more week in the season, perhaps Christmas will come early) and hire an experienced, strong-willed coach who has a plan. And I believe that person is Jurgen Klopp. Sure, I could wax on about his hit and miss successes in the German Bundesliga but all you really need to do is take a gander at his current team of exceptional talent: Reus, Hummels, Aubemayang, Kagawa, Gundogan, Ramos, Subotic, Bender, Ginter, all call BVB home. Most of those players would be a solid upgrade over Liverpool’s current team sheet and let’s not forget most were brought in under Klopp’s reign. This guy knows talent and having that experience would go far in developing the current Liverpool side.
So, do the You’ll-Never-Walk-Alone faithful a favor: Fire Rodgers, hire Klopp – allow him one season to settle then expect progress. Because as thing stand, Rodgers is leading Liverpool into mediocrity and a litany of 6th place finishes.
Not good enough. We aren’t Newcastle, or Sunderland, or Aston Villa. This is supposed to be Liverpool. Where has the expectation of excellence gone?!