New Manager, same old Liverpool! (Part 1)
Liverpool FC is undoubtedly one of the most successful clubs in the world of football. 18 League titles, 5 Champions League trophies and a cabinet full of silverware bear testimony to the club’s glamorous history. On a continental front, Only AC Milan and
Real Madrid have more Champions League trophies. Liverpool’s fifth trophy in 2005 meant the club had earned the right to wear a multiple-winner badge. On the domestic front, Liverpool FC along with Manchester United are the most successful teams in Premier
League history. However, one must not live in the past. Where Manchester United is challenging for major honours, Liverpool is struggling to get out of the relegation Zone.
Paying a visit to Liverpool FC’s official website and headlines such as “Great pictures from our latest training session” can be seen. In these pictures, the stars can be seen exercising in indoor facilities, with new Hodgson methods such as gym ball sessions
apparent. The players themselves can be seen all-smiles, making it look as if the morale in the camp is very upbeat; that everyone is content with the current state of the club. Everything looks rosy and perfectly in place. Whenever one comes across such pictures,
one has to ask, “Who are they trying to fool?”
With just six points to show after the first seven games, Liverpool is a club in an absolute mess. Termed a “disgrace” by the club’s legend Alan Hansen, it is really hard disagreeing with the former club favourite; not hard to see where he is coming from.
A team contending for European places, with six points in six games, is supposed to play with more intent. Much despised traits of last season such as lack of creativity, motivation, and even disillusionment have persisted to stick along. The new manager has,
till now, failed to overturn this negative vibe and aura around the team.
A proven and well-respected tactician and man manager, Hodgson bought seven new players in, with most of them being recognized internationals. It is arguable whether a club challenging for major honours should bring in such a plethora of new players. Liverpool
being a ‘passing’ team really depends on the chemistry the players have forged over the years. Influx of new players who are being made to play together for the first time in competitive fixtures wasn’t likely to pay any dividends. However, the backroom staff
remained stable, and the transition was smooth.
In any other club in the world, players would have been motivated to prove themselves on the pitch with performances, energy, goals, and skill. At Liverpool though, this was not to be seen. Fernando Torres’ motivation towards the cause was questioned four
games into the start of the new season, with the coach defending him. Ironically, after six games, the coach himself unleashed a thinly veiled attack on former players, stating they were no better than the Fulham side he led in Hamburg in the Europa League
Final in 2010. Graeme Souness aptly summarized the situation of the club, pronouncing the present as “the most difficult period in Liverpool's modern history.”
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