Liverpool - Rodgers' season in review

Last year, FSG made a bold decision to replace Kenny Dalglish by Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers fit the profile FSG wanted. Let us look at Rodgers’ performance in his first season in charge of the reds.

Transfer Policy

Lot of money was wasted before Rodgers arrived. And it was essential to have an appropriate transfer policy. The guidelines were very clear from FSG to buy young players with talent at low wages.

During the summer transfer window, Rodgers got Nuri Sahin (loan), Joe Allen (£15m), Fabio Borini (£10m), Oussama Assaidi (£3m) and Samed Yesil (£1m). There was a lot of drama on the deadline day about the transfer of Clint Dempsey to Liverpool. Liverpool refused to pay more than what they thought would be the appropriate fee and ultimately Dempsey went to Tottenham Hotspurs. This meant Liverpool just had Suarez and Borini as forwards till January.

Allen made a good start to his career. His first few games were really good, whereas the rest of the team was still adapting to the new system. In the absence of Lucas (injured), he put up a good shift in an unfamiliar role. However, his performances started declining during the second half of the season. The shoulder injury meant he missed the last two months of the season. Overall, he did not justify the fee Rodgers paid for him and needs to improve in the next season. Borini showed glimpses of his talent during the season. The injuries never really allowed him to have a good run in the side. His movement has been very encouraging and with Coutinho in the team, he would certainly be one to watch out for in the next season. Assaidi was a major disappointment. He made a few appearances as a substitute but largely has been anonymous. Sahin was another disappointment; not being played in his favoured role eventually led him to go to Dortmund. There were rumours of Rodgers not very keen on Assaidi and Sahin. The summer signings did not contribute a lot over the season, but Allen and Borini have the chance to step it up next year and show they are worth the money spent.

The January transfer window saw Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, £12m) and Philippe Coutinho (Inter Milan, £8.5m) being signed. Sturridge impressed during his spells at Bolton and Chelsea. However, some fans had doubts about his selfish nature. So far, Sturridge has managed to quell them with some impressive performances. There are some aspects of his game which need to be fine tuned, but with age on his side he can go on to be a top striker over the next few years. His partnership and understanding with Luis Suarez was brilliant at times. While signing Coutinho, the biggest doubt was if the Brazilian would adapt to the pace of the English League. His performances so far have left fans spell bound. His vision has been exquisite. His clear cut chances created per game is right up there at the top of the league. The impact made by the January signings was immediate and has given fans a lot to cheer about.

Overall, the transfers record of Rodgers seems quite decent so far. It will look good if the likes of Borini and Allen step it up next season. Next year would be crucial as to how Rodgers sorts out his defence, with Carragher retiring and the likes of Skrtel and Coates likely to leave the club. There is also a need to get a suitable back-up to Lucas. The money has to be spent wisely this summer to progress.

Man Management

During the start of Rodgers’ tenure, it seemed that Downing, Enrique and Henderson had no place in the team. Rodgers even went on to criticise them in public for their lack of effort. That just seemed to provide the spark to the play of Downing and Enrique. Enrique was even deployed as a winger in some games and was a key player in some games for Liverpool. His co-ordination with Suarez has been brilliant at times. Downing rediscovered his form after being deployed as a left back in some games. His form has improved drastically as the season has progressed. Henderson suddenly seems like a long-term replacement for Gerrard. His endeavour, in particular, has pleased the fans. The form of Gerrard has been really good this season. Rodgers and his fitness team has to be credited with the fact that Gerrard did not miss a single minute in EPL until recently. The captain seems to enjoy playing in the “Alonso” role. Rodgers got the best out of Suarez as well and things seemed quite good for the Uruguayan until the biting incident took place. The likes of Suso, Sterling and Wisdom got valuable exposure in the Premier League and the Europa League. Understandably, their playing time reduced after the January signings. Skrtel does not seem to feature in Rodgers’ plan. He has had a few issues with the manager. Overall, Rodgers managed to get the most out of his senior players and managed to rejuvenate the careers of Downing and Henderson.

Tactics and Results

This has been one place where Rodgers has been found wanting. Liverpool have looked excellent against teams in the lower half of the table. His team has recorded some really impressive wins against the likes of Newcastle (a), Swansea (h), Wigan (a), Norwich (h). But they have been found wanting against teams in the top half. The away performances against Man City and Arsenal were particularly pleasing but Rodgers’ team just got 2 points out of it. The performances against teams which were physical were particularly worrying, especially the game against Aston Villa and Southampton where Liverpool was outplayed. Rodgers’ lack of plan B has been worrying at times, especially when the team concedes the first goal. Liverpool have played sumptuous football at times but the consistency has been missing. Other than the victory against Spurs, Liverpool did not manage a win against a top 6 opposition. This is one area where Rodgers has to focus on next season. Liverpool are joint 3rd in goals scored in the league. They have had 15 clean sheets in the league. However, they are 6th best in terms of goals conceded.

Overall, Rodgers had a decent first season with notable improvements in the attacking department. He needs to sort out his defence. He has had his share of hits and flops in the transfer market. In his first season, he has managed to improve Liverpool’s league tally with a couple of games still to go. He has steadied the ship. But a lot depends on his signings this summer. Next season is crucial for Rodgers to prove that he has got it what it takes to push Liverpool to being a Champions League contender.