Liverpool needs to come out of past shadows

Effects of Comolli Era can still be seen in Liverpool

While it is important for the club to be healthy financially, health on the pitch is critical. Given the aspirations of the club for the season and avowed aim of the owners to rebuild LFC as force, the club cannot afford to keep itself in the shackles of the shadows of the Comolli era.

If there is anything the club’s recent Asian and Australian tours highlighted, it is the strong global brand of LFC. Liverpool is noted for passionate and legendary supporters. But even for supporters with such commendable attributes, continuous sporting failures may wear them out.

The appointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager last year marked a significant phase in the history of the club. He has been charged to lead the resurgence of the club. Following a difficult start, he has achieved some progress. Rebuilding has been on and Rodgers has reshaped the squad to enable it meet the club’s aspirations.

This season provides a chance for consolidation of gains made so far and further progress. To achieve that, Rodgers and the squad need to be backed with quality signings. Rodgers admits that the signings made so far have only improved the squad but not the starting XI.

He has therefore emphasized the need for quality to be added to the starting XI. Fans have watched on as one marquee target after the other has slipped through the club’s hands. There have been reports of the club falling short by a few millions in some of the deals or pulling out in others when prices flew beyond its valuation.

The transfer market does not care two hoots about the scars inflated on the club by the Comolli period. Given the rewards-Champions league qualification and wining of trophies – the club seeks, it cannot continue taking living in the fear of paying huge sums for talents that will truly add quality to the team , get supporters excited and drive the buzz and confidence up.

I sense this season is going to be a defining one and LFC have to qualify for the Champions League. The consequences of not doing so would be very dire. The club may have more players agitating to leave, the impressive streams of cash from various sponsors may wane over time and we may never attract top quality talents and ultimately condemn ourselves to mid-table mediocrity.

Heavens forbid! The size of Liverpool’s challenge is magnified by the transfer activities of rival clubs. Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have all spent millions improving their squads, thereby, making qualification even tougher. Even though investment of millions in a squad does not guarantee success, acquisition of the right talents gives a club a better shot at success.

The choices that face the club and owners are pretty straight forward- keep the cheque book in the drawer and see the club stagnate or spend and build on the progress Rodgers has made. There is no better time for the owners to step out of the shadows of the past transfer dealings.

Rodgers does not need the over £100 million spent during Comolli’s period. He needs perhaps a third of that to add quality to team and get it challenging. We are not far off challenging for top 4. However, if FSG fails to back Rodgers, we will be driven further away from top 4. It’s time for FSG to back Rodgers. Please bring out the cheque book.