Brendan Rodgers has faced the hostility of Liverpool supporters and some former players for the majority of the season so far. After the Reds’ victory over Aston Villa at the weekend the Northern Irishman bit back and complained that there is a “group of people” that want him out of the Merseyside top job.
Has Rodgers overstayed his time at Anfield, or does the former Swansea City boss deserve more time and a chance to turn the ship around?
Obviously, the start has not been what Liverpool fans wanted. The Reds were victorious in their opening two matches against Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth, but required some magic from Phillippe Coutinho and some fortuitous refereeing to get them over the line. Despite there being six points on the board many were still unconvinced, however Liverpool’s performance against Arsenal was the best of the season and they were unlucky not to come away with all three points at the Emirates.
Then came the horrendous home defeat to West Ham United and an away loss to Manchester United, before a slight fight back against Norwich City restored some faith, until all was lost again when the Reds took fourth tier English side Carlisle United to penalties.
In terms of the English Premier League ladder, Liverpool are not in terrible shape, they trail the summit by just five points and are above Chelsea, a point shy of Tottenham and crosstown rivals Everton.
The problem is, the performances have been poor. Even in their most recent Aston Villa triumph there was plenty wrong with Liverpool’s efforts. The core of the issue is Rodgers’ continual lust for playing people out of position in order to cover an injury or provide something different. For example, Roberto Firmino was excellent for Hoffenheim up front and yet at Anfield the Brazilian has been shifted out wide for the majority and has had to fulfil defensive duties, which in turn has negated all of his attacking flair.
This scenario is not just a one off either. There is no doubt Lazar Markovic has bundles of talent, but throughout last season he played as a wing back, although when he played in a more advanced position like he did against Manchester City on debut and a couple more times throughout the year, the Serbian created a lot of excitement and trouble.
What about Adam Lallana? Is he a winger or No. 10? And Emre Can? Either convert him to a full time centre back so the German can familiarise himself with the position and put an end to any nervousness, or play him in midfield. Liverpool fans want to see a confident manager that is convincing with his decisions, not fumbling around with his kitchen utensils in the early hours of the morning.
That is certainly one of the things have hindered the Reds and slowed their path to finding a fluent attacking brand of football, and at times it is rather obvious when it takes them more than eight passes to switch the ball from one side of the pitch the other.
Rodgers also needs to pick a formation and stick to it, because at the moment three at the back seems to be working but it also feels like a safety net, something that got Liverpool out of trouble before and can suffice for the time being. If the long term plan is to perfect a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or some other concoction, than that setup must be instilled regardless of the results. You have to take the good with the bad, and even if it isn’t going well, Liverpool fans are extremely knowledgeable and forgiving, if they can see potential and a goal, they will give it their full support.
Although there are problems at Anfield, Rodgers deserves more time.
Fenway Sports Group allowed him to spend millions and millions and have entrusted confidence at every point of defiance. It would be disrespectful to push Rodgers out of the window after that, which is not the Liverpool way. That knee jerk trigger happy style of ownership already exists at Chelsea and Manchester City.
A few things a lot of people forget is the fact Rodgers is yet to have had a long stable period at Anfield. His first season was all about settling down and getting the squad to buy into his philosophies, the following year Liverpool almost won the league. Now obviously Luis Suarez was present that season, but seriously? As if you can fully support the idea that 2013/14 was all because of the Uruguayan and Rodgers was just a passenger. The Reds possessed a quality side and setup consistently, the ground was stable.
What followed was the failure to replace Suarez which may not be Rodgers’ doing entirely. Honestly, we have no clue what restrictions and regulations are in place behind the scenes, also Daniel Sturridge was absent. Now already this term the Northern Irishman has endured some loose footing.
Jordan Henderson has been a monumental loss since tweaking his ankle, and Sturridge has only just returned. Not to mention Coutinho being suspended and Firmino, Lallana and Benteke all suffering minor injuries. That is a lot of disruption over a two month period and considering Liverpool have one of the toughest fixture schedules to start the season, 11 points is not abysmal.
What Rodgers needs to do is block out the media circus craving for his blood and get back to basics. Return to the tiki-taka style football that brought him to Liverpool, the football that excited so many Reds supporters, whether it be three quick passes to get out of a tight situation or a long patient build up that led to an excellent team goal. However you look at it, we all know that type of play still exists, it is just hidden under an overgrown fern filled with expectation and criticism.
It is also unfair to shift all of the blame onto Rodgers, there is a set of players on the pitch which have also under performed besides the obvious individuals. For instance, if Simon Mignolet did not fail to punch the ball clear against the Canaries Liverpool would have 13 points in their locker which elevates them into joint third on points.
Against Carlisle, the Reds had more than 45 shots at goal, in which less than half found the target and only one rippled the back of the net. How can anyone blame Rodgers for that?
Liverpool scored just 1 of their 47 attempted shots tonight, a shocking conversion rate of just 2.13%. pic.twitter.com/U8gs4FH1of
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 23, 2015
It is hard to put a timeline on how much longer Rodgers should be given to try and rectify all the problems at Anfield, but he does deserve a chance to improve and fight for Liverpool.
Sturridge is fit again, Danny Ings and James Milner are thriving under his leadership while the likes of Firmino and Coutinho still have yet to hit top form.
Unfortunately, the Merseyside derby has come at an awkward time for Rodgers. If Liverpool were to suffer a heavy defeat to a red-hot Everton or a loss at all, the disappointment and outrage to follow could well force FSG’s hand, and it is very likely that the owners have already made contact with Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp – albeit minimal.
On the other hand, Rodgers could lead the Reds to another memorable victory at Goodison Park and rejuvenate his stance as Liverpool boss.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
