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| Brendan Rodgers [Image from Flickr by: WBUR Boston's NPR News Station] |
Debates have begun whether Rodgers is actually a tactical genius, or last season was merely due to Suarez and his talents. While last season’s successes were enhanced by Suarez, people shouldn’t credit it them solely on him. Things have changes this season, lack of players due to injury, and the settling in of new players have but Liverpool in a vulnerable position, but that should not be faulted to Brendan Rodgers. He has, however, made some questionable selections for starting line ups that have not worked in our favor. The diamond, which was exploited by Liverpool last season, is rarely used now, and using two strikers up top to intimidate and attack the opposition has been cut to one up top. While last year fans recognized Rodgers for his way with words during interviews, now they criticize anything he says in regards to positives after a defeat. Some supporters have called for Liverpool to sack Brendan Rodgers by using the hashtag #RodgersOut. Most supporters have helped to put an end to the hashtag and campaign to fire Rodgers, however, they agree he must make some tactical changes in order to succeed this season.
It is completely wrong to attribute Brendan Rodgers for Liverpool’s defeats; the players’ disappointing performances cannot go unnoticed. While last year we relied on Luis Suarez, most of the time, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge also played a crucial part in Liverpool’s title chances. Daniel Sturridge has unfortunately been struck with injuries and has thus been out for approximately 5 weeks. Sturridge out was more detrimental to the club than everyone, including Rodgers, thought. Liverpool has failed to score goals and create chances without him. Raheem Sterling, people thought, would fill in Sturridges’ shoes while he was out. While the 19 year old might be magical and quite skillful, it is too much pressure on one player to score all the goals for the club. Mario Balotelli, new to the club, was also failing to score for Liverpool, which put him under the microscope of the media, adding immense amount of pressure which did not help his performances. Liverpool players have failed to meet the standards at which they are demanded to play at in order to make top four, and advance in the Champions League. All of which is a matter of effort and desire on the part of the players, not management.
People must understand that Brendan Rodgers knows what he is doing in this period of transition. Fans are too hasty to judge, and criticize his opinions. Last night against Real Madrid, Brendan Rodgers set a starting line up that was not expected, benching captain Steven Gerrard, Vice Captain Jordan Henderson, and Sterling, players who usually start games. While all odds were against the selected team to succeed against the likes of Bale, Ronaldo, and James, they did. Liverpool failed to win the match, but displayed great character, composure, and skill, often showing better effort than Real Madrid. It was a disappointing match in which Liverpool should have gotten a result. No one expected to be saying that after 93 minutes against Real Madrid with Lucas, Kolo Toure, and Joe Allen in the starting line up. In the interviews that followed the match Brendan Rodgers admitted that he knew what he was doing when he selected the line up, showing people to have faith in him. In Rodgers We Trust, a motto that should be followed not only when Liverpool win, but specially when Liverpool lose or draw. Without the support of the fans a manager will never be able to succeed.
Article contributed by: Lissette Becherano
Twitter: @Lizzy_becherano
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