Kenny Dalglish has unquestionably rejuvenated Liverpool over the second half of the season under his brief stewardship, so is his new 3 year deal a sign of something special at Liverpool? Or has his impact merely been a sudden, short-term dose of inspiration?
The Merseysiders look to have bounced back from there early season struggles, making their way from 12th to 5th under Dalglish since he took over from Roy Hodgsons’ unspectacular reign. Although the Reds fans are overjoyed with their recovery led by a living Liverpool legend, they will want something more long term.
Dalglish has installed belief back into a side which post- Benitez has struggled to conjure the same spirit which saw them reach 2 Champions League finals in 3 years, and especially that historic night in Istanbul. Although not quite at those heights yet, the belief they showed in pegging back Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and the fact they sit near the top of the form table for the second half of the season leave Liverpool fans optimistic about their prospects for next season, some even prematurely claiming this time next year they’ll be on terms with Manchester United’s title tally of 19.
A factor which I believe has played an important role in Liverpool’s late season charge is the appointment of Steve Clarke as first team coach, previously assistant to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. Although loyal assistant Sammy Lee undoubtedly has the passion and motivational skills needed in a Number 2, Clarke brings to the table the tactical prowess which saw him aid Chelsea’s back to back title success’ in 2005 and 2006. No-one can quite put their finger on why success follows Clarke (except perhaps in his brief stint as Gianfranco Zola’s assistant at West Ham) but he clearly possesses a winning mentality that Liverpool need and this has shown in the accumulation of 33 points since him and Dalglish were bought in, a total only surpassed by Chelsea.
A possible stumbling block to Liverpool’s apparent assault on the Premier Leagues top 4 next season could be the inexperience of some of the first team. Especially with the absence of talisman Steven Gerrard, they seem to be lacking premier league know-how, possibly emphasised by their defeat at home to Tottenham at the weekend. Dalglish has shown faith in the likes of Jay Spearing, John Flanagan and Martin Kelly (to name a few) who seem to be showing the passion and flair that optimises Dalglish and Liverpool but they possibly lack that cutting edge needed to produce on the big stage. It’s evident that with experienced international players like Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger to return from injury, Liverpool have possibly not reached their peak yet. With the return of key players and further investment in the summer, the young players could benefit from going out on loan.
A glimpse of what Liverpool can achieve with significant investment in players has been shown with Dalglishs’ capture of Luis Suarez, coupled with the sudden rise to form of Maxi Rodriguez, both now fulfilling the potential that the Liverpool fans were promised. However, further signings could significantly bolster the clubs chances of challenging on all fronts again next season.
Although Suarez does look the real deal, reinforcements up front are needed to back up the likes of Suarez and 30 million pound man Andy Carroll, as current support… David N’gog, seems lacklustre. Also, experience in the middle of the park is crucial to avoid the situation highlighted on Sunday, where Jay Spearing anchored the midfield, which is fair enough against teams like Birmingham and Fulham but against a team like Tottenham, him and Lucas were ran rings around.
In addition, the selling needs to stop at Fernando Torres, rumours of Pepe Reina and Gerrard following out the Anfield door are rife. To stand a chance of competing with the best week in, week out, these two need to be kept at any cost as both have won games on their own for Liverpool in recent years. On the bright side, if any one man has the persuasive powers to entice the two into staying at Liverpool and fighting for trophies, Kenny Dalglish is that man.
It could be a blessing if Liverpool don’t obtain a Europa League place for next season, not only have Liverpool not made waves in the competition this year, it could possibly be a hindrance on their chances of showing that they are a domestic force next season if they are competing on too many fronts. Dalglish, who bleeds Liverpool red, will undoubtedly be desperate to next year get Liverpool to their rightful place, in the top 4 once again. Watch this space…
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