learnings from Liverpool FC

1.       Supporting Liverpool has changed from my childhood years in the 80s – back then they were the standard bearers of footballing standards, both on-field and off-field. There were skills that I would follow from Rush and Dalglish, even the cerebral passing of Molby. Then when I was in the UK, there was a bit of complacency that it wouldn’t take long before we got back to our rightful place, and certainly not 20 years and counting.

2.       Rafa was pretty good. Tactically, ability to organize a team was perhaps right up there amongst the best. Perhaps lacking in leadership and man-management, an area where Ferg is the undoubted master. So, we could have had it good with him still around, but to have a dynasty such as Ferg’s, perhaps not. Rafa’s template would be closer to Wenger – working towards a model, and if it wins, good, if not hard luck we’ll improve an try again the next year. Having said that, I rate Rafa better than Wenger, as LFC has overtaken Arsenal in most years Rafa was at the helm.

3.       Roy? Less said the better. I sort of agree with PT’s take on him, but asking for his removal is too treacherous. Especially so that NESV is now on-board and determined to revamp the whole structure of the club. Having a DoF seems to remove the anxiety that Hodgson will turn LFC into a Fulham, and perhaps shouldn’t be said too loudly, but he HAS been undermined.

4.       The team still doesn’t seem to be functioning as well as it can, understandable when the limiting factor is the manager. The sooner he goes and someone / a team more competent brought in, the better. The team probably needs very few tweaks, there are youngsters which can be brought through, and having just seen the highlights on youtube, we probably already have a replacement for Alonso in the shape of Lucas.

5.       Investment decisions are hard – too much micro-managing in an area you are not the expert in, and you run the risk of making a colossal and irreversible damage. Too laissez-faire and you don’t achieve your set objectives. There needs to be a clear-headed assessment of what NESV wants from LFC, and which is to go back to where it was in the 80s – leadership both on and off-the field. Clearly, this is hard work, and the fans must not expect instant success, and trust and backing must be given to all. The caveat must be that the directionally progress must be clear. To undermine Hodgson is the right step forward.