Its official, after a draw against FC Basel, Liverpool are out of the Champions League. Liverpool needed a victory in order to advance from the group stages, but failed to do so ending third in Group B. Their Champions League return consisted of 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 loses, quite disappointing for the 5 time Champions League winners. Coming off of an amazing season in 2013/14, everyone expected Liverpool to have an impact on the world’s most exciting Football competition. A series of unfortunate events, however, led to their downfall and thus were knocked out of the Champions League, and are ninth in the Premier League.
Most acknowledge the fact that it was Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge’s efforts that qualified Liverpool in the Champions League, however, neither featured for the club in the competition. As Suarez left to Barcelona for 65 million pounds, the task of scoring goals was left mainly to Sturridge. Nevertheless, midseason the English striker suffered a thigh injury, which has left him out for almost 2 months. Because of the Injury Daniel Sturridge was ruled out of every Champions League game Liverpool has played this season. It is unfortunate now, however, that his efforts last season were wasted.
Supporters are currently blaming Brendan Rodgers for their unsatisfactory run in the Champions League. Many on twitter claim that it was due to poor team selections during games, and lack of desire to win. The starting lineup against FC Basel on December 9th was the following: Mignolet, Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Enrique, Lucas, Allen, Henderson, Gerrard, Sterling, and Lambert. Supports complained about the fact that Rodger’s spent over 100 million pounds on new signings but failed to feature most of them in the game. Nonetheless, the players who were featured displayed a lack of passion, and desire to win the game, except for one: Steven Gerrard. Scoring the equalizer in the last few minutes, it was a famous Steven Gerrard free kick that gave Liverpool supporters hope. Now it is depression to think about the fact that it might have been the captain’s last Champions League game.
Sturridge isn’t the only player to have suffered an injury at an inconvenient time; Sakho and Mario Balotelli were also ruled out for various games. While Balotelli hasn’t really proved himself at Liverpool, it is curious to think if he could have made a difference, as he is an experienced player. Sakho, on the other hand, was desperately needed at times as the back four struggled in numerous situations.
It was an unlucky and unfortunate run in the Champions League for Liverpool, but now they must focus on the Europa League as they head there next. The club must also pay major attention to their performances in the Premier League, as they are currently ninth and struggling every weekend.
What now many ask? Premier League, FA cup, and the Europa League.
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| Liverpool 1-1 Basel |
Supporters are currently blaming Brendan Rodgers for their unsatisfactory run in the Champions League. Many on twitter claim that it was due to poor team selections during games, and lack of desire to win. The starting lineup against FC Basel on December 9th was the following: Mignolet, Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Enrique, Lucas, Allen, Henderson, Gerrard, Sterling, and Lambert. Supports complained about the fact that Rodger’s spent over 100 million pounds on new signings but failed to feature most of them in the game. Nonetheless, the players who were featured displayed a lack of passion, and desire to win the game, except for one: Steven Gerrard. Scoring the equalizer in the last few minutes, it was a famous Steven Gerrard free kick that gave Liverpool supporters hope. Now it is depression to think about the fact that it might have been the captain’s last Champions League game.
Sturridge isn’t the only player to have suffered an injury at an inconvenient time; Sakho and Mario Balotelli were also ruled out for various games. While Balotelli hasn’t really proved himself at Liverpool, it is curious to think if he could have made a difference, as he is an experienced player. Sakho, on the other hand, was desperately needed at times as the back four struggled in numerous situations.
It was an unlucky and unfortunate run in the Champions League for Liverpool, but now they must focus on the Europa League as they head there next. The club must also pay major attention to their performances in the Premier League, as they are currently ninth and struggling every weekend.
What now many ask? Premier League, FA cup, and the Europa League.
Article contributed by: Lissette Becherano
Twitter: @Lizzy_becherano
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