Fighting a losing battle

Forget Usain Bolt... I'm a superstar!

Without giving too much away, I'm not exactly a spring chicken in terms of age. I watched the recent documentary about James Hunt and Nikki Lauda during their battle for the 1976 Formula 1 World Championship and it surprised me how I could easily recall watching the coverage at the time. Lauda, literally going up in smoke, James Hunt the morning after a typically well done night before... Those were the days... The epitome of an era that has long passed. There was a different mindset then, as there is now. Whether better or worse.

Hunt and Lauda were described as the first superstars of their sport. Listen to Sebastian Vettel and his sadly unconvincing congratulations to "the team"..., "great job guys!" then disobeying the team to overtake his team mate in order to win, and you see how bad things have become. Football also, has sadly changed to follow suit. Gone are the days when the expression that "No player is bigger than the team" was actually true. It has since left the building along with Sir Alex Ferguson.  

At the time of writing, there are at least three managers who, sadly didn't notice the departure. For whatever reason, probably their own ego and to confirm their status they've inadvertently created a situation where some players, do appear to be, bigger than the clubs. I'm talking about Manchester United's David Moyes, Paul Lambert at Aston Villa and Liverpool's own Brendan Rodgers. All of whom are fighting, often very public but losing, battles with those who have frankly become too big for their boots. In each case, they're letting players dictate to them - even when the exact opposite is apparent. Moyes is showing that this approach with Wayne Rooney obviously isn't working. 

In one of Sir Alex Ferguson's last interviews after his final match at Old Trafford, he was asked how he would handle the Rooney situation. He diplomatically used words to the effect that it's not his problem now. Quite rightly in the circumstances, but anyone that has watched his team go from strength to strength since their crunch game against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup back in 1989 will know exactly what he'd have done with Rooney. Ask Jaap Stam, Paul Ince or David Beckham. He'd have sold him quicker than Rooney's Range Rover Sport does the 0-100KPH sprint. The fact is he wouldn't have stood for it. 

Brendan Rodgers, like many a Liverpool fan seems to have this unconditional love affair with Luis Suarez, when the guy is clearly only interested in his own promotion. Suarez should be sold. Point. With the utterings coming from Liverpool that Rodgers is "on the phone to Suarez every day" in an effort to convince him to stay, being a prime example. What the hell for? Why behave like a mother who's last born is leaving for University? Rodgers should be on the phone to the Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea to see if they're looking for a spare part! Suarez's behavior is absolutely not befitting of a Liverpool player, in the way that genuine fans would describe one. It's not just down to ability, but also attitude and Suarez's attitude stinks more than the browny-green stuff in a babies nappy! There should be no place for him. Liverpool Football Club has managed very well before Suarez and I'm sure they can do so after he's gone. His behavior is a smack in the face for the club that has stuck by him, even ill advisedly through thick and thin. LFC, literally, is bigger than that. 

Lastly, we have Christian Benteke at Aston Villa, again arrogance abounds. Not turning up for training,
threatening to strike as he did at his old club FC Genk. Totally unacceptable, and instead of "threatening" to fine him, Randy Lerner should have docked a sizeable sum from him already. Threatening is what powerless parents do with their spoilt and belligerent children. Action is what gets results be they pretty or ugly. Football, is a results game after all. The guy has played one season in the Premiership and thinks he's all that already. He has some ability, but lets hope the phrase "one season wonder" isn't his descriptive come May 2014. 

I don't know if these lads are just badly represented, misunderstood, or if what gets into the press is simple maneuvering, but it leaves a sour taste in the mouths of the fans and the public in general. Whatever it is, the teams, the managers and all associated with them need to take a stand. They need to send the right message. Nobody is irreplaceable and nobody is bigger than the club. 

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It was only a friendly!

The boy done good!

Now the dust has settled my inflated optimism at Liverpool's 0-4 drubbing of Preston North End has

turned more to caution. A feet on the ground approach to what was undoubtedly a very positive performance. No disrespect to Preston's players, but there wasn't much to establish the improvement, if any, that Brendan Rodger's summer signings have made to the squad.

That said, I was pleased with a number of the performances. Clearly most of the plaudits will go to Iago Aspas with his clever assist for Raheem Sterling to slot home Liverpool's third and his own top drawer finish to put the Reds clean out of sight with the fourth. Philippe Coutinho for some great individual moments and putting the visitors ahead from the penalty spot. And of course Sterling himself  who worked tirelessly and thoroughly deserved his goal. Also worth a mention is young Jordon Ibe. 

For the last couple of seasons now Ibe has been improving and improving since the sauff London lad joined Liverpool from Wycombe Wanderers and his outstanding promise is beginning to deliver. He took his goal extremely well. The other plus is that the performances of Coutinho, Aspas and Sterling actually took the limelight away from Ibe which can only be a good thing for him. I can't see him being a regular fixture for next season but he will get some chances to show what he can do. This is for sure. 

Equally impressive was Andre Wisdom and he showed that he can cope well in his preferred position at Centre Back. What I found most pleasing is that he can bring the ball forward from defence and distribute it intelligently, whilst also showing that he can provide some bite in the tackle. Martin Kelly didn't really have much game time, but I think he still showed he's on the way back to what we expect of him. Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson both had good games and another newbie Luis Alberto also put in a good performance and came close also with a couple of chances. He reminds me quite a bit of Xabi Alonso. He seems to have a good eye for a pass and I think he can be pleased with his debut.  

The only disappointment was Fabio Borini. He has yet to justify his inclusion in the side in my opinion. All industry and no end product. The one-on-one he had towards the end of the first half that he blazed wide was simply typical of his clear lack of composure and ability in front of goal. I hope he was watching when Sterling had an almost identical opportunity, rounded the keeper and slotted home. That's the way to do it!

Overall, as warm-ups go it was pleasing to watch. I didn't see Preston scoring and said so in my preview. All of the players that took part looked as if they enjoyed themselves and the team is developing a good understanding with the newcomers and this can only bode well for the coming season. I guess the fact that Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure had very little to do, kind of sums up the level of threat from Preston. I therefore have to remind myself and all Liverpool fans, in case we forgot... It was only a friendly. 

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Preston North End vs Liverpool preview

A welcome return for Martin Kelly?

This afternoon at 3pm will see Brendan Rodgers' emerging Liverpool side take on Preston North End in the pre season curtain raiser an Deepdale. Perhaps fitting that both teams share a past employee as player and manager in one William "Bill" Shankly OBE.

Although this is by no means a competitive match, all Liverpool fans will be looking for three things. Firstly, a good performance all things considered, secondly, how the new recruits manage, and lastly - the nice to have - a win. 

Rodgers has said all of the new additions to the squad will play a part in the game so providing he doesn't mean the "part" of benchwarmers then it'll be an interesting match. It goes without saying that all eyes will be on them and my mince pies will be no exception. Having won every Premiership, Champions League, FA and League Cup since 1998 from the comfort of my sofa and with the help of Football Manager, I think my eye, is particularly keen.  I am interested to see if the manager has brought some real value to the team in terms of ability and, due to their ages, potential. Does "potential" translate into a challenge for a top-four slot? A discussion for another time. 

One position which will be of interest to supporters will be who plays in goal. Simon Mignolet is a keeper of undoubted ability, and Pepe Reina is proven. I think a half each would be fair. In the outfield, I'd like to see young Martin Kelly get a run out after his year-long absence through injury. Albeit not a competitive match I think Kelly will be looking to show the manager what he's missed last season, and put himself ahead of the equally impressive Andre Wisdom. Needless to say, Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto will be under scrutiny following much-lauded moves to Anfield.

In any case, it'll be a good run out for the team, a chance to get some fitness and for the new lads to integrate. Despite this being a "friendly" I'd like to see a Liverpool victory and ideally a good showing from the new boys. No pressure then!

Prediction... I don't do predictions but I'd suggest, 3-0 to Liverpool. 

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You'll win nothing with kids!

Button it chaps. You need me!

You've probably noticed I've not written much this last week or two. It's not because I've won the Lottery and now couldn't give a toss about Liverpool FC. Not that I can say I've been that busy I haven't had time. I can't even put it down to writer's block. The fact is that there isn't anything interesting to write about. The close season optimism is now as exciting as the proverbial damp squib!

I'm sick to the back teeth of Luis Suarez and its got to the point that I want him to go simply so that I can take a good look at the team Brendan Rodgers has assembled and propose a way forward with what's left. I'm not interested where he goes, just so long as he does. Do us all a favor. Same can be said for Pepe Reina. As much as I like Peps, I'd like to sacrifice him, just for something to write about. 

A quick look at the papers and what do I see? Steve McClaren has joined Harry Redknapp's mighty army at QPR... Big deal.  Manuel Pellegrini thinks Manchester City will win the league... Well he's hardly going to say "It's looking unlikely" is he? And to top it all, Lazio, Genoa and Lecce have been charged with match fixing... No shock there. A good Roma supporting friend of mine told me that months ago so it isn't really news. Apart from the fact that Lecce aren't being used to draw blood from boils anymore - Boom boom!

Side-splitting jokes apart, the one piece of news that has caught my interest is that Stewart Downing could be on his way to West Ham. Personally speaking, I think Rodgers would be making a mistake to sell him and this is for two reasons. Firstly, because along with Jordan Henderson he was one of our better players toward the end of last season. He finished with five assists, which although doesn't seem that many, I'm near on certain that all of those came in the second half of the season when he really picked things up. He even scored three goals which is his best tally for Liverpool so far considering he was out of favor for much of 2012/13. Surely something to build on.

Secondly, and more importantly, Liverpool need his experience. Rodgers has made four signings this close season, and only one, Kolo Toure has proven himself in the Premiership. Yes, Simon Mignolet comes with big expectations but he's not at the peak of his ability just yet. With the exception of Reina - for now anyway - Steven Gerrard and Glenda Johnson, Liverpool don't have many old heads in the squad. Martin Skrtel is 28 but he's not been much use of late. Looking at the "spine" of the team as it's called, there isn't any experience in attack. Between the sticks, defence and midfield yes, but in attack? Not that I can think of. 

Downing has not enjoyed the most convincing of times since moving to Liverpool, but one has to admit that he's been looking like a new player this last few months. Personally, I'd keep him at least until January so the newcomers can be brought in gradually. Arguably for the whole season. My concern is that Liverpool will be relying too much on potential and not enough on established ability going into the next campaign. I repeat, the Champions League is too far an expectation, but Rodgers should at least give himself a chance and be careful he doesn't make a rod for his own back. 

Alas, I fear that Liverpool will be relying on a young team that doesn't have the experience to fulfill the expectations placed upon them and the pressure that comes with it. For this reason, I'd say top five or six is realistic. Some bloke once said "You'll win nothing with kids" and although he ended up with a massive lump of egg on his face, I don't see that particular bolt of lightening striking twice. 

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Liverpool looking good value for money

The annual summer transfer frenzy is now officially up and running, and the papers are full of speculation and links based on insider contacts, hope and in some cases pure imagination. However, with that said, only half of the Premierships clubs have flexed any financial muscle thus far, with the usual moneybags suspects Manchester "hard-up" City leading the way with over £50m spent already.

What I've found surprising is that although Aston Villa have been the most busy, bringing in five players for a total of around £11m, I see the supposedly cash-strapped Liverpool currently running second to Citeh in the spending stakes. With the current acquisitions of Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto costing a reported £12m or thereabouts, and the imminent arrival of Simon Mignolet for £10m, the Liverpool Chief Financial Officer Andy Hughes is now sweating over the departure of £22m from the cash ledger. The perennial big spenders, Chelsea are yet to draw their wallet in anger, and Manchester United and Arsenal only have spent a massive £2.8m between them... With Arsenal contributing, er... zero.

You see, as far as I was aware, Liverpool are supposed to be skint. "We need to build a 700,000 seater stadium so we can keep up with the likes of Chelski and Manyoo" they say. "We can't compete anymore because we've been left behind financially". "We're poor..." they cry. Well, they don't seem to be doing that badly. 

On reflection, Liverpool's decline over the last few years is not, in my opinion down to a lack of funds. Lets face it, it's not as if they've been scratching around for a transfer kitty this last few years. The main reason is simply down to adopting a poor recruitment policy of picking up average players on massive salaries. Poor use of funds, rather than a lack of it. After all, the Reds are currently lying in 5th place in the current Premiership Rich List, and on the strength of that, not as poor as we'd imagine. Am I the only one that's noticed this?

In terms of revenues, Liverpool have, potentially, some large income from the departures of Luis Suarez - at least around £35m by all accounts (excuse the pun) but surely a profit on the £23m purchase price - and Jonjo Shelvey, who's lack of discipline, composure and overall poor form seems to have earned him a place on the sales ledger, so perhaps £7m for him as reported. I don't expect Liverpool to get anywhere near that amount for Jay Spearing who is allegedly being tracked by Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers, perhaps £3m at most. Add to that the possible sale of Pepe Reina and there is a likely healthy profit in the air. Surely a pleasant prospect for Mr. Hughes. 

It's near on certain that once the rest of the top four get their readies to hand, I think Liverpool will fall down the transfer spending table. However, it's clear to see that things are not as bleak as many Reds supporters would imagine. That coupled with the astute purchases made by Brendan Rodgers so far, don't paint too bad a picture for the club in the short to medium term, and especially so if that can be translated into results on the pitch. 

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen

Build from the back

Oops!!

No cryptic start to the title of this blog. It is about what it says it's about. Liverpool remain in my view a team in transition, despite Brendan Rodgers telling The Mirror this week that he thinks he's solved Liverpool's "Top-four puzzle". Perhaps he knows something we don't? I hope so. Reported over the last couple of days has been the possible signing of Sunderland 'keeper Simon Mignolet.

If Rodgers can get Mignolet on board, then he may well be right. The finishing table from last season shows The Reds a creditable seventh, just two points away from the blue-noses across the way. In other words, a win or two draws short of sixth. You probably know where I'm going with this. Pepe Reina is rumored to be leaving for Barcelona this year, and I think that could be a good move for both Reina and Liverpool. Errors against Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham among others' individual mistakes cost the team dear and I think it's time for a change between the sticks. 

I checked some stats for both Mignolet and Reina and they make interesting reading. The shots faced to goals conceded is telling. According to thescore.com Reina's ratio shows that out of 292 shots he was  beaten 34 times. Or 11.6% of all shots bulging the net. On the other hand, Mignolet, played more games but let in 54 goals having faced 524 strikes. Remember, he was playing for Sunderland, bless him! These numbers give us a return of 10.3% which considering he was clearly overworked speaks volumes for his ability. 

There are another two areas I looked at which indicate that perhaps Reina has, quite literally, taken his eye off the ball. He's been at fault for at least, arguably six points this season. Against Citeh and the Gooners, valuable points were lost through errors. A glance at Reina's stats show a steady increase over the last three seasons to reach six howlers last term. If I wanted to be pedantic, I'd say that was six points right there. Not enough for European qualification but a place higher nonetheless. Mignolet on the other hand has an error count of just two. Notwithstanding the fact the poor lad didn't get a moment's rest! Add to that the fact that Reina has missed 32% or 10 of his 41 crosses compared to Mignolet's 6% or 3 of the 50 crosses he's had to intercept and you get the picture.

Unlike David James, who I believe Liverpool let go before his peak, it's probably time for Peps to move on. I wouldn't say he's past it, but I get the impression that he's not as happy at Liverpool these days as he has been in the past. Is it any coincidence that since the speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, his form has steadily declined? I'd say, his heart is definitely not in it anymore. To be fair to him, he started out at Barcelona and the chance to return there as number one and follow in his old man's footsteps must be a hard one to resist. On the other hand, Mignolet at 25 has his best years ahead of him and is in the kind of form Reina was showing three or four seasons ago.

Pepe Reina will be sorely missed because he has been a relatively consistent performer over the time he's been at Liverpool but if Rodgers is intending to push for a top four spot next season, then he could do a lot worse than bringing Mignolet in to shore up the last line of defence. With the additions made to the attack, he still has work to do with the rest of the defence. Kolo "tree-trunk legs" Toure is a more than worthwhile signing in my opinion but we still need more cover. You know, build from the back, so to speak.

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In Brendan I trust!

"I haven't done that badly, guys!"

It's been over a year since I last "blogged" about Liverpool . I recall the last piece was "Liverpool forward Suarez must leave following handshake fiasco". Nothing new there then! I still believe this to be the case. Maybe replace "handshake" with "bite"... Same old. Anyway I stop here where that particular liability is concerned, and focus on another. The average LFC fan. You know the one, crowing on about the "old days", and how Liverpool "should be challenging..." etc. The most bizarre one being that Brendan Rodgers "must go", whilst implying that he's out of his depth blah blah blah... Closet Newcastle supporters maybe?

Now I don't claim to be able to read the future or be a slave to the past, but one cannot deny that the two are directly correlated if applied correctly. Events from the past can and generally do indicate what the future holds. In the same way that a weather forecast is (for the most part) reasonably correct by looking at past data. Don't forget Bill Shankly didn't win anything at Liverpool, other than promotion for, what four or five seasons? I'm not sure what happened after that. It's all in the past now anyway!

If we apply that logic to Liverpool, I think Mr. L.F.C. Averagefan,  as we'll call him, may be pleasantly surprised. If you look back over the years, most successful teams have achieved that through two factors. Continuity and stability. It's not simply down to having the most money to buy the best players. Those things are important but they don't appear overnight. They come through giving everybody involved time to develop. Not just players, but perhaps more importantly, the manager and his staff. Take the Liverpool managers since Joe Fagan, those that done best were at the club for at least five years and had over 300 games in charge. The closest exception was Roy Evans but he had 226 or 244 if you include the 18 in his "partnership" with Gérard Houllier. Between Kenny Dalglish, Evans, Houllier and Rafa Benitez, the win ratio was around 55%. The other incumbents of the hot seat managed 43% from the same amount of managers. I haven't included "Caretakers". I know statistics can be bent in all manner of ways, but even Stevie Wonder (no disrespect to the musical legend) would see there is a clear pattern here.

In times of transition, which Liverpool obviously are, we all have to be grateful for small mercies. In this sense, Mr. L. F. C. Averagefan has to ask himself: Where did Liverpool finish in the 2011/12 season? And where did they finish in the 2012/13 season? Rodgers has most definitely improved the side. They're one position higher - as I said "...small mercies..." - they've scored almost twice as many goals whilst conceding only three more, and again our friend Mr. Wonder can observe that Rodgers' Liverpool side have played some of the most entertaining and attacking football we've seen since the Roy Evans' days. To confirm what I said about stats, Benitez may have been more successful but his brand of footie wasn't exactly the most enthralling you'll ever see.

Rodgers has managed to get remarkable improvements from at least a couple of players who many Liverpool fans, myself included and I won't deny it,  would have sold for two bob at the beginning of last season, namely Jordan Henderson who finished the term as arguably one of the most effective midfielders in the Premiership, let alone Liverpool and Stewart Downing who would himself admit, has played his best football since joining the club. Transfers in have been massively encouraging especially Daniel Sturridge and Phillippe Coutinho. The introduction and progress of the youngsters Andre Wisdom and Raheem Sterling among others - worthy of nothing less than praise and credit where it is definitely due.

As we embark on another close-season of transfer speculation, pre-season friendlies, (traditionally) over-inflated expectations of the season ahead, my words of advice to Mr. L.F.C. Averagefan is to get behind the team. Support the manager, the players and look at the wider picture. I'm not convinced Liverpool will qualify for the Champion's League next season either, but to be honest, another couple of places up the league, European qualification and some good entertaining football in doing so will be enough for me.

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen