Brendan Rodgers: No. 18

Well, this is it. I'm finally a part of a passionate Reds family based in the capital of my country. I've heard a lot about DelhiKop. Plus, I craved to be on the screenings but only destiny pulled me back. Nonetheless, I'm writing for a blog of their own. After starting my own I wanted to mingle with some. I got one 6 months down the line. So, let's get down to business! 

I have surely got to start with the biggest news of the post-season and pre-season.  Post-season is quite obviously the sacking of Kenny Dalglish. I wasn't surprised as the way team performed all through 2012 has been dismal. The only positive was the Carling Cup trophy. Liverpool could have and should have won the FA Cup, but Kenny gets it wrong once more. John W. Henry's handshake snub during the ceremonious medal giving made it more obvious. The hunt was embarked on. Martinez, Guardiola, Klopp, Benitez - so many names were emerging from the rumour mill. There as nervous and excitement at the same time. The bookies, the experts, the fans all had their predictions and their aspirations. After weeks of speculation, it was the least likely name of Brendan Rodgers, who had earlier rejected to even hold talks with the club. Rodgers have transformed Swansea City into a revolutionary side not only in the Championship, but also in its first season in the EPL.

Brendan Rodgers at his official unveiling.

His official unveiling on June 1 was something that Kopites have been quite used to in the last 3 seasons. New manager, new targets, new hopes, and new players. With this constant revamp at the most important position of a football club, there has been a sense of dejection and frustration in the Kop End. Hodgson came and shackled the foundations; Dalglish came to the rescue but couldn't sustain it as he was less dynamic; now comes Brendan Rodgers, who in his first interview has been quite impressive and intelligent. He talks about the dynasty, the history, the culture, and the frustration of the past 2 decades or so. He vows to bring those glory days back, reestablish the foundation of the club, and once again make Liverpool a dominant force in British football.

Snub that made the sack...

Prospects under Rodgers: 

Brendan Rodgers transformed Swansea City into a club that plays an attractive brand of football. Not just that, their commitment to the game is immaculate. From the Keeper to the Striker everybody works hard to contribute. Liverpool were held by the Swans at Anfield and got defeated on the final day of the season just concluded. The likes of Nathan Dyer, Scott Sinclair, Michel Vorm, Danny Graham, Joe Allen, Gylifi Sigurdsson, and everybody else put their heart and soul week-in and week-out. They defied all the odds and finished a very strong 11th in the Premier League. Brendan Rodgers has about 20 years of experience in football coaching/management. He worked Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and is respected even now for all those who had been there with him including the Special One himself. In his first few interviews, he has promised to satisfy the fans in the best way possible - by bringing better and happy days back to a club analogous to SUCCESS. He has even cooled down his probably comparison to Dalglish with due modesty and respect to the King. He is straight, honest, and wise on the transfer policy too.

Discussing the footballing side, I never closely followed Swansea albeit I have seen a few of their games and their game is surely fast-paced. They keep hold of the ball, they have a great striker in Graham, have a good support in midfield, and one of the best goalkeepers of the season. Their spending spree was always limited but his education to the players was astounding. His team a good home record all season with decent performances on the road.

What can he bring and in what way can that be brought to Liverpool is still my biggest apprehension. He had been great at interviews, had quickly tried to establish and gel around the club, talks sense about the game and the club, wise and clever on transfers, but Liverpool pose an entirely different problem for him to deal with. He played total football with Swansea, but does Liverpool have such players? I reckon No. In that case he got to buy those players, and those players have to be world class. Can he attract those world class players? I kind of doubt. Or can he transform ordinary players into extraordinary ones? Possibly. But Liverpool is an entirely different challenge. Most people tipped Swansea to go back down, and his target was just survival in his first EPL season. They did brilliantly. But when all cameras and journos right up your shoulder, slightest of the mistakes becomes a ruckus. He has to bring in industrious, productive, honest, and top-quality players. I don't know what kind of a role would the DoF at football as of now. I just get the feeling that a DoF would be responsible for transfers. That's of no concern to our discussion as of now. Liverpool players had full faith in Kenny and he brought in allegedly quality players, but failed miserably coupled with the soaring transfer fees paid for all of them. Once again the target would be UCL qualification. That means he has to win a minimum of 3/4 of games to secure that place, possibly. I assert, a minimum of 3/4 of games. The margin for error has virtually evaporated. He has a lot to deal with. FSG has a lot to deal with and assure.

A lot of work is to be done...

So, I'm still not convinced, though a bit impressed, about Rodgers. Swansea and his past records and interviews offer him a case. I won't go across the board to show my enormous support. That doesn't mean I rule him out or don't stand-by him. I always shall and I would do that with every manager and player. But, with United winning No. 19, City also having their first EPL title, Chelsea strengthening their squad after winning the UCL, Tottenham and Arsenal have always been around those Top4, the task ahead of FSG and particularly Rodgers is an uphill once. Having said that, I stand-by Rodgers and the owners firm.