Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more
Four losses in a row. I was a kid last time that happened. And I fear that on Sunday, it’s going to get an awful lot worse.
In short: my team is proper f*cked, and honestly, I’m not sure what needs to be done to turn things around.
So what’s going wrong?
Tonight, it was the same things that seem to go wrong most weeks when Gerrard and Torres don’t play: a total lack of leadership in whatever patchwork XI does take the field. Without the two icons in the lineup, who can work the magic? On recent evidence, there aren’t many options.
Yossi Benayoun can only do so much when surrounded by inside-the-box thinkers in the final third of the pitch. Dirk Kuyt, hardworking and robust as he may be, has become an automaton in the Benitez regime. Drilled ad nauseam to play a particular role for the club, he’s clearly lost those predatory instincts that consistently inspire his teammates in the Dutch national team. David N’Gog should still be learning his trade somewhere instead of being looked upon by 44,000+ every week as the Second Coming of Rush, while Andrey Voronin, try as he might, just can’t seem to find his pace amid the EPL maelstrom.
But there’s some bad luck in there, right? It’s not all Liverpool’s fault.
Ah yes, the beach ball goal, and yet I saw no such inflatables on the pitch tonight. Yet another goal from a set piece that we defended with a predictably static form, and yet another mental lapse that led to last-minute heartbreak. This team is suffering from a confidence crisis on a monumental scale; no-one could possibly foresee who is to lead them out of the shadows on Sunday to face a Manchester United side that is hungry for their pound of flesh.
I don’t get it. This is virtually the same squad that performed so well last season!
There’s that vital missing piece: Xabi Alonso. While I covered that earlier this summer as to how it shouldn’t make too big a difference, with every defeat it’s becoming harder and harder to maintain the notion that we are able to survive without him. Eventually, Aquilani will come good, but the likes of Lucas and Mascherano under-performing is making it difficult to prove that the midfield is fine. Funnily enough, our most composed performance saw Gerrard pushed right back to his role from many seasons ago; playing in the heart of midfield, one could easily forget that the part was played so admirably by a Spaniard from Real Sociedad. It speaks volumes of Benitez that he tried that combination exactly once before falling back into familiar habits.
Yes, the manager! He’s the problem!
Benitez certainly doesn’t help himself when he makes bizarre, indefensible substitutions like he did this evening: menace Benayoun being swapped late on for Voronin was utterly unexplainable. Still, we’ve questioned him before in similar situations; how on earth, for example, does Jermaine Pennant see any playing time in a Champions League final? Or Vladimir Smicer? Or Bolo Zenden? The biggest problem with Benitez is his pettiness. Continually seeking vindication from an ascerbic, demanding media and fanbase, he’d rather doom the team short-term to prove any number of small victories in his management.
Lucas is the prime example of this. Long derided by pundits and fans alike, Benitez will never fold in the face of pressure to bench the Brazilian, because it would be a victory for public opinion. Rafa would rather die trying than change his outlook, and it’s been a constant source of trouble. We must trust him, or so he says, because he won us a Champions League and clearly knows what he’s talking about. How long until that goodwill runs out?
Or how about the squad assembly? Rafa was always unhappy at having to answer to a middleman when begging for transfer funds, and instead of working within those constraints, his dealings could be analogized to that of a sulking, vindictive child. He’s bought some real duds over the years, mishandled other assets, and sold the wrong pieces of the jigsaw, but the entire time he’s done so with the insistence that it’s his party and he’ll cry if he wants to. Forget conventional wisdom; Rafa will sign that Italian midfielder he likes, regardless of a checkered injury history. It’s his insistence that the squad was strong enough, that no proven strikers beyond Torres were necessary, that no direct replacement for Alonso was needed, that they had enough competent attacking options off the bench to compete in multiple competitions. One by one, those Benitez credos have been eroded. And yet, will anything change in January?
The management game, like the game of soccer in general, is a confidence game. It’s easy to laud the man for substitutions and tactical decisions when they pay off, and even easier to condemn that same individual when his quirky swaps fail miserably. At the moment, he’s failing miserably.
So what are the odds of him walking? Or being fired?
Slimmer than the Angels’ hopes in the ALCS. Liverpool are struggling for money at the moment, which we’ll get to in a minute, and that’s normally not the best advertisement for potential managerial saviors. What gaffer in the world is willing to risk their reputation walking into a club with volatile, confused ownership and no budget with which to turn things around?
Furthermore, what money would we use for the inevitable payoff should Benitez receive a pink slip? Having recently re-upped his contract, that’s precious millions in severance pay that we could desperately use in January and beyond to bolster a wafer-thin squad.
What about those rich Saudis looking to buy out Gillett’s share?
Regarding the Saudi king, it’s funny how we’ve gone from photo ops and visible handshaking and back-patting in the director’s box to firm media denials and the cold shoulder from his representatives. The Saudis are deeply concerned about the amount of debt sitting on the club, unwilling to take on the bulk of it as part of the sale. Sure, they’d love to invest in the club, at least I still hope so, but it appears that recent dismal form could have done little to restore the Saudi’s faith in Liverpool FC as a worthwhile investment. All it might take is a couple of good, vital victories on the trot to repair the dialog. One thing is certain: the current ownership duo needs to end.
Which brings us clumsily to Sunday, and the season beyond? What’s the prognosis?
Tough to tell. Liverpool seasons have traditionally played out like gushing, overwrought Hollywood scripts. Plucky underdogs overachieve through sheer force of will. Fans rejoice. Nostalgia bursts through. Last-minute winners, heroic performances over traditional rivals, faith, hope, love, optimism. Then, the second act brings crushing defeat. Despair. Doubt. Concern. Doomsday predictions follow, only for the team to prevail against all odds with several superstars missing thanks to epic effort and that warm-blooded industry.
Why should this year be any different? After four straight defeats for the first time in 22 years, I wouldn’t be surprised if we somehow pull a 3-0 home win against United out of our rosy red asses. The press would gush and proclaim their restored faith in the LFC dream, Gerrard would heal, Torres would top the scoring charts, and trophies rain upon Anfield next Spring.
Equally, the reverse is as likely. Another resounding, comprehensive defeat, more column inches devoted to the coming end of Benitez’ career at Liverpool, bickering in the press, and confusion dragging on all season. Throw in a failure in the Champions League and a finish out of the CL places in May, and the club becomes the next Leeds.
This is all just guessing. What’s that saying: this is why we play the games? It’s so true – Liverpool are at yet another crossroads of an already grueling season, and it could go either way.
I was a kid the last time that happened
You’re still a kid!
/courtesy of the “old man” UF contingent
No no, I have a kid. Subtle difference!
Seriously though, 22 years ago I was a wee bairn
babies having babies!
/get off my lawn
JT: I think there is a real fear among United fans that Liverpool get it together for this weekend. Backs to the wall, Rafa finally unshackles everybody to get the result, kind of thing. I want to look forward to thumping you guys off the pitch, but am filled with foreboding and just can’t do it. I mean, United hasn’t exactly set the place alight -yet- (traditional slow starters and all…).
That said, the bigger issue is that even if Pool pull a result, Rafa is still there. The shackles invariably seem to go back on and the problems will remain. Scott at ROM has looked at the net spend of Rafa vs. that of United and the conclusion is that Rafa has not done a good job. I haven’t checked out RAWK yet, but saw some posts there last week where it seemed like the faithful were turning…
Would you trust the club to Sammy on an caretaker basis? How about King Kenny stepping back in?
Xabi Alonso was one of the most underrated players in the EPL, and the key to Liverpool’s performance last year. There are only two possible bigger losses for Liverpool, Gerrard or Torres. But, it’s Rafa’s fault that they haven’t reinvented themselves without Alonso. I really hate to say it, especially this week, but some guy in Manchester has done pretty well by his team after losing a player of similar (or more) importance.
Honestly, Rafa won’t go anywhere, at least not for a while. The owners can’t afford to lure a replacement, nor pay Rafa’s buyout, not display enough attractive assets for any maniac crazy enough to take the job. Still, next summer… might be the right time for a split.
Steve: agreed. Ferguson was unafraid to change his gameplan and tactical shape to atone for Ronaldo’s departure. Even as Valencia continues to underwhelm, the side has won 7 of their first 9 in the EPL. Very impressive.
Also, let’s clear up one thing about Alonso: he had plenty of so-so seasons in Red. The correlation between Alonso leaving and LFC struggling wouldn’t be nearly so obvious if it weren’t for the fact that Xabi’s year in 08/09 was his career year to date. Still, we miss him.
JT, definitely agree about Xabi. But something clicked last year, perhaps Torres coming over changed something formation and style wise and allowed Xabi to operate better, and now they are missing him. Torres is all alone up front too often, and doesn’t get the service from the midfield to be able to do that. Almost seems like they should switch to a more traditional 442 to get Torres more help (plus that would put Lucas on the bench – unless Rafa moved him up top…), but then again, they don’t really have a decent second striker. Basically, they need either a good second striker or better service from the midfield. Or both.
I think it was easier for Ferguson to adapt his strategy because he’s done it so many times in his career at Old Trafford as players come and go. He is enormously successful at identifying individual skill and crafting a strategy around the XI he has on the pitch. That’s why they win and/or tie so many games late because he understands how he can change his formation and attack based on the options he has available. I may hate the drunk f**k, but he’s an extremely smart manager.
He’s also blessed with extremely smart footballers like Giggs who can read the game and adapt accordingly. To me, that’s what is missing from Arsenal and Liverpool — it’s not “experience” everyone blabs about, but having innate football intelligence. It’s something that’s honed over time, but can’t really be taught to someone. You have it or you don’t.
Don’t joke about Lucas up top.
While I don’t want to defend the man, carra and stevie are the only two players left from when he came in. He has rebuilt the entire squad including the youth, for better or for worse, so its asinine comparing his spending to “s”af. If the latter had that kind of turnover the numbers would be astronomical as he is the king of overpaying
I absolutely agree with Wedel: Sunday worries me. Part of it has to be due to the fact that I’m a Minnesotan and therefore a sports pessimist due to past experiences. But I think you guys are acting a little too defeated right now. There’s a lot of season left to right your ship, even if it doesn’t happen in Europe.
I’m editing an article right now and just came across this: Dante tells us that damnation is a terribly simple state – the deprivation of hope.
Thought that was right on the nose for how a lot of us feel today.
Rafa is Sisyphus?
Georger: I don’t believe it is asinine because the analysis to which I refer is net spend, not gross. Given the resources of the club, a manager can buy a certain level of player. Presumably, some players of that quality are already at the club and could be sold to reduce or eliminate the net spend. Thus, comparing net spends makes sense. Further, to the extent that the club’s academy is producing anything of value, those ‘cheaply’ acquired assets could be sold at greater relative profit if they were determined to not be of high enough quality to contribute to the first team.
Regarding any overpaying, SAF has secured a number of decent bargains as well (Schmeichel, Cantona, and more recently Ronaldo). Ronaldo was purchased for 12M and sold for 80M – good business in anyone’s book. He developed from a stepover show pony to one of the best in the world under United’s watch.
I also think the market has forced the bigger clubs to pay over the odds due to a perception of deep pockets.
Didn’t you pay forty total for nani and anderson? And of course there’s the Bulgarian mitten machine.
Rafa has spent a s**tload, but he had to build the team the way he wanted. Fergie hasn’t had to do that in the time rafa has been on the scene. Not arguing that rafa is the better spender, as I’d like not to be retarded.
Georger, please. It was only 35m.
Right my b
Georger: I did say “as well”! In house, our favorite example of, err non-judicious spending, is good ol’ Juan Sebastian. Unfortunately, I don’t have the pounds/goal ratio handy for Senor Veron (and I’d rather you didn’t go find it).
Berbs is coming along nicely; aside from Giggs, I think the ‘mitten machine’ (love it btw) is one of our best players so far. As for the transfer, clearly, one has to pay a premium when one absconds with someone from the airport. I blame the Berba transfer fiasco on Levy – because it’s Levy.
Arguably Fergie had re-build the ’99 treble winning team as it aged in the early oughts, but I will give you that he did have more time to do so than Rafa.
I’m not saying mittens sucks just that you overpaid.
But if you can afford to do it, do it, its shank or be shanked.
“What gaffer in the world is willing to risk their reputation walking into a club with volatile, confused ownership and no budget with which to turn things around?”
Mourinho, next year?
Not saying it’ll happen, but think about it.
He wins the league or CL with Liverpool, it cements his reputation.
He doesn’t, he blames Statler and Waldorf over the lack of funds. Not like he’s a miracle worker.
I’m hoping we amortize Mittens’ fees over numerous years. He already doesn’t move that fast. I not really worried about him losing pace.
Indeed it is.
Btw, speaking of mittens, what was up with Zabaleta’s (or maybe Petrov’s) MJ tribute against Wigan? If you’re gonna wear gloves, wear long sleeves.
@Raatzie — I don’t think Jose leaves Inter this summer. He’s building a team that will dominate Italy for years to come and preparing them to win in Europe. Not this year, in my opinion, but next year I think that team can make the statement he wants – Sneijer is ridiculous for that team. Also, I don’t think he has anything to prove in England and when he does leave Inter, it’s for Real Madrid or the Portugese national team.
whizalen: I’d politely disagree. He dislikes the Italian media and would love nothing more than to return to England. That said, he’s smart enough to wait for the right time, and he definitely has something to prove in the EPL; he wants to stick it to Chelsea on a weekly basis.
You’re absolutely right that he’s waiting for the right time, JT. SAF can’t work his magic forever, and I think the time is coming very very soon (19, but that’s a huge assumption).
JT: Regarding Rafa walking, you addressed him getting fired, but not really walking. If he walks because people are being mean to him, no severence, right?
Is there anybody in Spain (or elsewhere for that matter) looking to make a change where you Rafa could fit?
“where you *think* Rafa could fit?”
/must proofread
WSR: Is that your gut or your wish? I don’t know that I want to see Maureen at OT. I’m thinking Moyes.
@Wedel: Gut. I would personally love Moyes.
Real would fire pelligrini in a second to get rafa, no doubt in my mind. They can afford to buy him out.
@ James T — nice of you to be polite about it. Jose’s a drama queen. He’s more of a drama queen than most queens I know. He loves the attention and loves the fine milan tailors that make his suit look just so. With all the love-fest he shows to some of the current Chelsea players, I don’t see this being the “right time” for him. Plus, as a newly single man, the ladies in Milan offer a little more enticement than Manchester. Of course, the “right time” could be a s**t-load of money and a Champions League qualified Man Citeh team. could stick it to both SAF AND Chelsea AND have the bankroll he so much enjoys.
Georger: good point. Pellegrini’s been quiet given all the star power on the field (and training table) – I forgot about him.
Doesn’t Rafa have a problem with someone in Madrid’s hierarchy though (sporting director, maybe)? Or is that a different club?
Yeah, I could see Rafa in Madrid, quite easily. When this pressure becomes too much to bear, he’ll cash out and head back home, where the league is a simpler puzzle to solve.
I’ve got a hard time picturing a non brit at united. Idk why.
I picture rafa going to Madrid like the end of the radioactive man episode when all the hollywood producers return to LA
I picture rafa going to Madrid like the end of the radioactive man episode when all the hollywood producers return to LA
Sorry, forgot to add great post! Can’t wait to see your next post!
So if not Mourinho, in light of the problems cited, his role @ Milan, and other, potentially more tempting, Prem opportunities (United, City), then who? Is loyalty enough to bring Dalglish back? If not, is there anybody else? If so, does he turn things around, or is he England’s answer to Joe Gibbs?
Inter, I meant. My bad.