Can Kenny Dalglish really be satisfied with Liverpool’s season?
Currently, Liverpool are sitting eighth in the Premier League table, below local rivals Everton, and under severe pressure from ninth place team Fulham. If they do finish in eighth, it will be their lowest league position since the 1993/1994 season. That season in particular saw the resignation of the then-manager Graeme Souness in January, and a major player overhaul in the summer. Many fans and pundits alike are suggesting that the current Liverpool setup needs the same changes, yet after Tuesday’s 4-1 romp over Chelsea at Anfield, Kenny Dalglish spoke of how it was “not a bad first season” back at the helm of the club.
His justification for that statement was that “We (Liverpool) have got a bit of silverware back in the cupboard after six years, we’re back in Europe at the first time of asking, and were near to winning the FA Cup final.”
All things considered though, can a League table finish of eighth be accepted when there is only a Carling Cup trophy to realistically fall back upon?
Liverpool’s squad has been the poorest it has been for years. A once formidable team that came so close to winning the Premier League in 2009, the squad now lacks strength in depth and recognisable international stars. In particular, the midfield has to come under increasing scrutiny. The comparison between the team of 2009 and now is painful to see as a Liverpool fan:
2009 Liverpool Midfield: Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard.
2012 Liverpool Midfield: Henderson, Spearing, Shelvey, Gerrard.
Aside from Gerrard being present in both, it is a horrific downturn in experience and quality in the key midfield area. Aside from Gerrard, the 2012 midfield has only 1 international cap between the remaining midfielders, whereas in 2009, Kuyt, Alonso and Mascherano were all international mainstays. The decision to let Alberto Aquilani leave Liverpool on loan to Milan in the summer after a promising pre-season was short-sighted to say the least, but even he might not have been the solution to this issue.
They need another Alonso, a man who sprays passes about for fun, yet can be bullish and firm when necessary. Lucas fits half this mould, but he needs to have the shackles taken off him somewhat for him to fulfil his once high potential. However, there is a bigger person to replace. Gerrard is not getting any younger, and injuries have badly hampered his season. To find someone to take the load off him, and eventually step into his shoes, is a tall order. Henderson, Shelvey, even Charlie Adam, may have been earmarked as potential replacements, but none of them come close in terms of talent and ability. For Gerrard’s replacement, we will have to look overseas and push some serious money around to get the man we want.
In my eyes and based on the targets set at the beginning of the season – 2011 / 12 season has been a FAILURE.
Failure overall! The only comforting thing the numerous chances we created but failed to score because of pathetic stoking skills!
this is our worst season ever seen , we blamed Rafa and Roy but Kenny let us fail in a bad way ,and let our enemies laugh on us ,i think if Rafa was our manager this season we would get every thing ,what a shame a manager battling on 3 cups only without any Europian cup ,getting one of them ,and having the 8th place in the English Preimer league ,and the owners are not able to sack him ,maybe they love to loose another 70 million this summer ,look on the players kenny want to bring to the team ,all are English players i dont know why ,now the best talents in the world are spains and argentenians ,go and bring players that are efficient like cavani and lavezzi ,what a joke when i hear liverpool want to start our signings by hamit altintop,what the fuck ,a player that playe 2 matshes ,be more open-minded kenny and dont waste our money and threw it in the garbage.
Failure overall! The only comforting thing is the numerous chances we created but failed to score because of the players’ pathetic skills in striking the ball!
kenny has not only inflicted a miserable season, he is now been dishonest with supporters, may be even himself. Sounding most content with 8th position after blowing away 120m is indefensible. If he stays, we can expect repeat of his satisfaction next year. HE MUST GO if he really loves the club as he claims all day long.
Thanks for all the comments guys, glad to see some opinions without being expletive or nonsensical! Now we know today’s result, does this confirm your opinions of failure, or can you see a future for LFC under King Kenny?