Liverpool find themselves facing familiar troubles in the Premier League again

With Liverpool’s gameplay comprising of headless chickens rather than anything concrete. A lack of confidence that seems to have spread over the team like viral flu is what bothers one the most. Thankfully, Benteke doesn’t seem to have been afflicted with anything as such, as was displayed by that outstanding overhead goal at Old Trafford. Instead Benteke might be forgiven for operating in almost familiar circumstances as that of The Villans.

Given the way, how things have panned out for the Reds in the past few weeks, it is pertinent to raise some questions. Firstly, what is the philosophy that underlines the squad? Secondly, deliberating on Rodgers best line is up. Lastly, how much patience will the board afford to Brendan Rodgers?

As the contest wore on Norwich even had the opportunity to seek a win. After all, Tweety did get the better of Sylvester when it came to the animated series. Daniel Sturridge who was supposed to be on the bench ended up starting the game and maybe had the best chance of the game, before Coutinho missed a much better chance later in the game.

Philosophy

As James Pearce of the The Liverpool Echo points out, the next 11 days will be vital for Brendan Rodgers to imprint his philosophy, whatever that is. Understanding that the nature of the next 4 games is at Anfield and across all competitions, it is essential that Rodgers lays down a template and sticks to it. Currently, the team seem to be caught in two minds, whether to press or not to press. Even the pass and move style isn’t being implemented. They seem to be loitering on the ball bereft of ideas, especially when they do not have Coutinho within range.

There seems to be mistrust in the passing and thus the players are resorting to long ball tactics and hooking it along the line. Little triangles which were in vogue for the past seasons seem to be underplayed and players are jittery on the ball. Confidence and morale are at an all time low it seems. Panic seems more widespread among the squad at this point of time.

A quick recap of the earlier philosophies and more pass and move play should help Rodgers solve the problem. Benteke has been moving well between the lines but a lack of service through the middle has made him seem more ineffective. In order to get a return on the investment LFC has made on him this summer, Rodgers needs to draw out a strategy.

The temptation for Rodgers is to ping crosses and hope Benteke will be at the end of it, but as the games have progressed the boss must realize the personnel he possesses are capable of playing between the lines in a more effective manner than just pumping in crosses. Instead reverting back to the tried and tested system of pass and move which are more in accordance with the Merseysiders’ principles should bear more fruit than the current situation

Deciding on a starting XI

As tricky as it may sound, it is always a headache for a manager to choose the squad. When the personnel are on song it is a convenient headache, when the personnel in question are out of form, it is simply a headache. But Rodgers will do well with the return of a leader.

Henderson’s credentials were questioned not too long back when the captaincy was bestowed on him, but over time it seems his leadership qualities are what the team requires. His injury and the absence over a period of two months is what might hurt Liverpool most.

Benteke and Gomez have been the shining lights this season, so that is a saving grace. It is the midfield that should concern Rodgers more. Insecurity breeds from the midfield and its personnel, with none being able to command the game. Lucas seems to be in a conflict and the others such as Milner and Can haven’t operated with the confidence one would expect.

Rodgers needs to address that balance as well as manage the influx of attacking talent he has at his disposal. But mainly, he needs players who will stand up and take responsibility rather than take the safe way. With Firmino settling in at a leisurely pace the entire gamut of creative burden has been on Coutinho. And this unnecessary pressure at times seems to be stifling his game as well.

Ings may have scored against Norwich, but it is necessary there are more goal threats present from all other players on the pitch.It is imperative the LFC players start taking more initiative by attempting dribbles and at least make the opposition play on the back foot.

Rodgers role is significant in this matter, a man who always looks positively at things, it is necessary to instil and re-instil such beliefs in order to get the best out of this line up. He needs to convince his players to be more positive and prick the bubble of fear that currently seems to have engulfed the players.

Board’s Patience

Now the Fenway Sports Group have been patient observers and provided Rodgers with whatever tools necessary. Under their watch Liverpool have lost their best players, so the board cannot take the easy way out as well by blaming the results on the manager. Given their patience it is very difficult to see them getting rid of Rodgers.

What must alarm them is the way the club under Rodgers takes time to gel and also how rapidly they disintegrate once they hit a patch of bad form. Psychologists have been brought in and the legends of the yesteryear have been summoned to motivate the team.

EPL in the modern era has become result oriented business. Impatience seems to start at the top and flows down to the fan. Rodgers though cannot complain on that aspect. It is though the need for immediate redemption and fame is what is hurting the game the most.

A draw against Norwich on another day might seem to be a disappointment but given the way how the past few weeks have been, something is better than nothing, although this kind of attitude is what got the current manager of the England Football team fired.