Liverpool Supporters – We deserve more

It’s been a difficult few weeks for Liverpool supporters. Any cautious early season optimism, has been replaced by the pessimism and fears, which cast a shadow over the whole of last season. The fanbase is in desperate need of a lift; something to create hope and restore some faith in the club. The belief is all but gone, heads have dropped and the knife’s are being sharpened. The once fractured support are for once all in agreement, we’re in desperate need of a new manager!

(Source: dailymail.co.uk)

I sometimes just have to ask ‘how on earth did it get to this point?’. We’re into season four of Brendan Rodgers tenure as Liverpool manager and in truth we’ve made little to no real progress. It’s not just a lack of Silverware, or achievements in both domestic and European cup competitions; but any degree of consistency in the league, or signs that we’ll become a competitive force anytime soon. If you remove any current emotions, (which are clearly still running high) I do admit that on paper our squad is stronger that it was 3 years ago. But right now it’s difficult to see those improvements, they do exist, but not nearly enough to justify the near £300 million outlay.

The current transfer cycle is one of the major reasons we’re in this current situation. As soon as a player realises their full potential, they’re poached by a more ambitious, more currently successful and more financially rewarding club. In recent seasons we’ve lost Luis Suarez, our first truly world class player, since Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano departed. This summer it was Raheem Sterling, who isn’t yet fitting of such a title, but has more than enough potential to reach that level. Next summer who will it be, Philipe Coutinho our most creative and best player? When does the cycle end?

I respect players at times want to leave, but it’s about time we started matching their ambitions, along with those of the supporters. I see absolutely no point in selling players for the vast sums we’ve received. Unless, we can reinvest that back into the required standard of player, to suitably replace them. Not by acting as we have been, by taking those funds, diluting them down and buying quantity over quality, season in season out. If we’d replaced Luis Suarez with one or two key players, rather than squander it on unnecessary risks or unproven youth, we may have sustained our top 4 status, not surrendered it without an ounce of fight.

You could also argue that the manager has failed to utilise the talent at his disposal. Inconsistent tactics, players played out of position and baffling substitutions are all flaws notable throughout Rodgers reign. However my most significant concerns came to light last season, with the political games being played at the expense of success. All managers have favourites, but the fear for many is that team selections seem to abandon form and logic. This demonstrates a stubbornness and dare I say arrogance from man in charge. To choose his signings over those made by the committee, regardless of ability and influence on the pitch, is frankly criminal.

Whilst there are exceptions to the rule, this season alone is starting to show the honest truths of the mishandling and poor man management that goes against Rodgers apparent main skill set. For the success stories, whic do need to be recognised and applauded. You can sadly highlight just as many players who Rodgers has ostracised, poorly managed and stripped of any confidence. Now he’s not the first manager to do this, I respect sometimes the player just doesn’t fit the profile. But without success to show that favouring ‘his’ players has worked, it really is a cloud over his strength as a coach, motivator and a leader.

I have minimum expectations as a supporter, but right now the major one is far from being met. Anytime a player pulls on a shirt, with a Liverbird on their chest I expect to play like they’re proud to wear it. I understand confidence is fragile, but to show so little spirit, fight and desire on the pitch, is a damning indictment of our current situation. We look like a group of individuals, not a cohesive team. Players are hiding throughout games, not willing to take responsibility and make any impact on proceedings.

The leadership, successful Liverpool teams have always been famous for, looks at it’s lowest in recent memory. Whilst I understand Jordan Henderson was the logical choice and he has shown traits that he can develop into the role, he’s still not at the level I’d expect a captain of Liverpool football club. Jordan aside, if you look at the starting 11 you’ll struggle to see any real leadership strength, with the only commanding defender left to rot on the bench. James Milner who I admire for his abilities, is not a leader. A quiet, reserved and disciplined player whose shown in recent defeats, that when heads have dropped he’s not a man to rally the troops. For me the armband looks heavy and I want the player who wears it to grow on the pitch, no shrink.

All too often our fanbase is criticised. Often described as being ‘too negative, ungrateful and narrow minded’ by portions of the media and rival supporters. Yet for me the majority are anything but. Whilst those that speak loudest often increase the negative attention, I find Liverpool supporters to be ‘loyal, knowledgable and extremely passionate’. Anfield too is criticised for it’s (lack of) atmosphere, but I’d counter that by saying the fans deserve and crave something to celebrate. I have nothing but respect and adulation for the commitment of travelling Kop, they honestly deserve much more, as do supporters from all over the world. They stay up all hours, displaying incredible commitment just to give what support they can to the team they love.

So what’s next for the club? An acceptance of mediocrity and consistent fighting for Europa League places, with the gap to the current top 4 widening all the time? Or crucially a managerial change; a proven man brought in to lead the players, breathe some fresh life into the club and inspire supporters once more. I fear the former, but hold out a glimmer of hope that a change will happen soon. I just see no path of redemption for Rodgers. He’s abandoned his principles as a manager and whilst may not have lost the dressing room, looks a shadow of the man that took over at the club.

I understand this article may on the face of it appear negative, perhaps you’ll forgive me after Sunday’s defeat? But I honestly feel that the fanbase, which makes the club so iconic deserves something back. We need to see signs that once again we may be a competitive force, both domestically and within Europe. We need to see progression and development, with the players at our disposal strengths being harnessed to the full. Above all else we need to see heart on and off the pitch, players who fight for the shirt and are passionate to play for the club. Whilst desire isn’t going to win titles alone, it’s a catalyst required to build momentum, inspire support and confidence. As a club we reach another crossroads, I just hope for the sake of supporters the right path and journey is chosen this time.

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Rory Greenfield

Passionate Liverpool supporter, who writes with honesty, realism and optimism for the future.

Latest posts by Rory Greenfield (see all)

• Liverpool Football Club – Success will arrive, it’s only a matter of time. - November 21, 2015
• Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge – The architects of success - October 1, 2015
• Liverpool Supporters – We deserve more - September 16, 2015