What have the Reds been taught from the 2014/15 campaign?
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Liverpool have been enduring a tough time of things in both the Premier League and Champions League so far this season, with Brendan Rodgers’ men marooned in mid-table in the former and teetering on the brink of elimination in the latter.
Here are five things that we think the Northern Irishman should’ve learned from the season so far:
Steven Gerrard isn’t timeless
Steven Gerrard is a true Liverpool icon and has been one of the defining midfield performers of his decade – but so far this season, perhaps for the first time, the Reds’ captain is showing his age. Teams are getting the better of him on a regular basis, so it seems a huge surprise that so much of Rodgers’ system is based on his captain and, for all of his summer recruitment, the club have no clear long term successor in central midfield.
Sometimes you have to replace quality with quality
With the notable exceptions of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, Rodgers’ record in the transfer market since taking over at Anfield is patchy at best. Part of this stems from his desire to pull a gem out of the hat, but more of those signings have flopped than impressed so far and, on their return to the Champions League this summer, it feels as though Liverpool missed the chance to add some real quality to their squad.
When you aren’t scoring goals, you need to be organised
It is true that Liverpool have been unfortunate with the loss of Daniel Sturridge and the goals that he brings but, coupled with the departure of Luis Suarez, Rodgers should’ve realised that the Reds wouldn’t score as many last season. When a team isn’t free scoring it is crucial that they’re organised defensively and tough to beat, something that certainly couldn’t be leveled at the club so far this campaign.
Rodgers shouldn’t let his ego get the better of him
Whilst most of the Premier League ire regarding managers and stubbornness has, understandably, been aimed at Arsene Wenger so far this season, Rodgers must also take a degree of flack for what, from the outside, seems to be a level of egotism. It is only this that can explain the inexplicable choice to sign Mario Balotelli whilst believing that they can iron out his clear flaws and Rodgers’ chippy attitude towards the media.
Liverpool need a clear way of playing and direction
Perhaps the most concerning thing for Liverpool so far this season has been the lack of clear direction and belief in a certain way of playing – right now, it is tough to know what kind of football team Rodgers wants Liverpool to be. Last season they had a clear counter attacking identity, but so far this season things have been about as clear as mud.