What next for Liverpool FC ?

“Out of ideas? “

Liverpool supporters had to endure another disappointing day with West Brom defeating them 3-0 on the inaugural day of the Premier League. Another season began with a loss after lot of promise and aspirations during pre – season. Another day where Liverpool supporters muttered “not again”. A new manager and a few new faces, but the result was not satisfying to say the least. Brendan Rodgers told the supporters post-match that there will be many more matches ending in a similar fashion en-route to change and glory. He urged Liverpool supporters to be patient as it would be a time consuming process.

After the club spent close to 90 million pounds signing mediocre and overpriced players who didn’t live upto expectations, Liverpool finds themselves in a position where further signings cannot be made unless some players are offloaded. They are in an extremely precarious situation. Brendan Rodgers faces a much tougher task than what Kenny Dalglish faced. Dalglish was given a 90 million pound transfer kitty, while Rodgers only received 25 million pounds plus the amount available from player sale. So the supporters cannot expect too many signings to be made.

The West Brom defeat was a reality check for Rodgers and the supporters. The club is far from playing like sides in the 80′s or the one managed by Benitez. Even though the sending off and penalties were a bit harsh, Liverpool had a very poor day in the office. They managed decent possession but 32% of their passes were backward. Luis Suarez again was wasteful in front of goal. Steven Gerrard made some poor passes and gave the ball away too easily , one of them leading to the goals. The Liverpool players were clearly out-muscled by the physical presence of the Baggies players. They will suffer against the likes of Stoke, Newcastle etc who have strong, well-built players. Rodgers could also end up making the team far too one dimensional with his style of play. He must have a plan B if the other fails.

Rodgers clearly needs to sign an out and out goalscorer, someone like Dempsey, because Liverpool need goals not chances. Luis Suarez is more of a playmaker than a goalscorer. Stewart Downing still doesn’t have an assist in the Premier League. There are several concerns and areas for Rodgers to improve. “Rome was not built in a day and so won’t Liverpool”. The fans and supporters must hope and believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel and the time taken to reach there may take a few years.