A big summer of spending under new foreign ownership was supposed to herald a new era for Liverpool Football Club. With a new stadium on the horizon, everything's in place for a Premier League triumph. No trophy on the field, and all kinds of problem off it, Liverpool haven't progressed at all. Heartbreak in the Champions League Semi Final to Chelsea was the closest they came to success, following a shocking 2-1 defeat to minnows Barnsley in the FA Cup. In the league, again it was a case of failing to beat the rest of the 'Big Four.' Any title aspirations were ended in December following defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United. Rafa Benitez's rotation policy also came under fire, following dropped points at home to the likes of Birmingham and Wigan. Of course the absolute turmoil off the pitch hasn't helped Benitez at all. Tom Hicks and George Gillett, for supposedly shrewd and experienced businessmen, should know a million times better than to publicise their board room struggles in the press. At least Champions League football is guaranteed for next season, and again summer spending will be key to where the club go next.
So what is needed to make Liverpool genuine title challengers? The spine of the side is there. Reina, Carragher, Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres are very good players and provide a solid backbone to Benitez's plans. It's a matter of now finding the right players to play alongside them. A right winger is a priority, with the likes of David Bentley being mentioned. Another Englishman being strongly linked with a move to Anfield is Gareth Barry, however whether Martin O'Neill will let him go or not is another question. More strength in depth is the main thing, and a summer clearout is expected. The owners have to grow up as well, show their support to the manager with funding and get the fans back on their side. Maybe then, we could see Liverpool back at the top.
Player Of The Season: Fernando Torres
0 comments:
Post a Comment