Liverpool fans have utterly enjoyed Manchester City's rise and United's fall of late. That 'Aguero' moment back in 2012 got us in a frenzy of celebration and jubilation at the fact that Manchester United lost the league title to their bitter rivals. Why United and not City then? They are both Manchester teams after all. No, Liverpool and Manchester United have been fierce rivals for over twenty years, in contrast to City, who have ascended to the top in the last three-to-four seasons. This time however, Liverpool may be about to rely on their bitter rivals to give them a helping hand as the Anfield side look to pip Manchester City to fourth spot.
Why United and Not City?
At a point in time earlier on in the season, Van Gaal's side found themselves in seventh position, five or so points behind Liverpool. Now, they are battling Arsenal for second place. They and the Londoners are THE form teams at the moment, whilst Pellegrini's City have gone from title contenders to a scrap for fourth place in the matter of a few weeks. This is the main reason why the blues seem a more realistic target for Rodgers. FORM.
Here is how the top half of the table looks like at the moment:
Brendan's boys find themselves seven points behind City, eight behind United and nine behind Wenger's Arsenal. Form shows us that finishing second or third will be a near-impossible feat. Fourth-place City on the other hand, although mightily difficult, can be achieved after the blues' 2-1 defeat to Palace the other night.
Liverpool's Trip To the Bridge Will Determine Top Four Outcome
Hopefully, Mourinho's men will be crowned champions by then, thus easing the pressure on them performing against us. One thing's for certain, that fixture on the 10th of May is a pivotal one if Liverpool still find themselves hot on the heels of fourth spot by then. Rodgers' men WILL NEED a result that day in order to stand any chance of overlapping the blues. Another uphill task for the reds, as Chelsea are yet to loose a home fixture thus far this season. Hey, records are meant to be broken, aren't they?
It Will Be a Struggling Day, But We Will Have To Get Through It
Supporting a team like Manchester United for the sake of the side you support is depressing in the best of times. However, unless Van Gaal's men find a dip in form out of nowhere, we will have to stick by them and hope they defeat City this Sunday and propel us to within four points of the European places, as long as we win our game against Newcastle. The match is at Old Trafford as well, which will give us further cause for optimism. (Or doom, I am not too sure)
If all goes to plan, the four points gap will definitely urge our players on. Let's do it for Stevie, Rodgers, and to see Liverpool trot out to the anthem of the UEFA Champions League once again in the 2015-2016 season.
I will conclude by listing the remaining seven matches for both Manchester clubs, including Liverpool's as well.
Manchester City Manchester United GW32 Manchester United (A) Manchester City (H) GW33 West Ham (H) Chelsea (A) GW34 Aston Villa (H) Everton (A) GW35 Tottenham (A) West Brom (H) GW36 QPR (H) Crystal Palace (A) GW37 Swansea (A) Arsenal (H) GW38 Southampton (H) Hull (A)
Liverpool GW32 Newcastle (H) GW33 Hull (A) GW34 West Brom (A) GW35 QPR (H) GW36 Chelsea (A) GW37 Crystal Palace (H) GW38 Stoke (A)
Looking at the run-in, I reckon Liverpool have the easiest set of fixtures ahead, with Manchester United the toughest. Could we witness Pellegrini's men rise in form towards the latter part of the season, resulting into United loosing out instead? Maybe. I am going with form and gut instinct by saying that it is more likely we will be battling Manchester City to fourth spot by the end of next month.
Do you think differently? Let me know in the comment section below!
Follow me on Twitter and share your views: @kennymifsud
Five wins on the bounce, including an impressive thirteen matches unbeaten had Liverpool dreaming of a second place finish and an FA Cup winners' medal to show for by the end of this campaign. Catching Chelsea would always be a near-impossible task, however Brendan's men were nailed on pipping City to the runners-up position.
Fast-forward a mere two matches later, and 95 % of reds fans would bite your hands off for fourth place. Yes, that's the beauty (or rather 'misery') of the Premier League, as the reds have fallen eight points behind the Champions League places, with Rodgers job being questioned once again.
Kenny > Rodgers?
Roll back to the 2011-2012 season and King Kenny's final campaign in charge before getting relieved of his duties. We finished eight that season, and the Capital One Cup was clearly not enough to keep the king at Anfield. Now, these last two 'disaster-stricken' results make this Wednesday's FA Cup battle with Blackburn a colossal fixture that may make or break Brendan's future. If we do not WIN the competition, we will find ourselves in a similar position to that in Kenny's final season. The only difference? Kenny Dalglish led us to two cup finals, winning one of them. With that being said, why should we stick with Brendan and support him, when we didn't show the same faith with Kenny? After all, they both spent mammoth-sized amounts on 'average' players. What makes Brendan different to the king?
No Champions League Football, Fall From 2nd to 5th... Is The Club Going Backwards Again?
Fergie guided Manchester United to the top for a number of years on the trot. Mourinho, although briefly, did the exact same, and so did Wenger. Brendan guided Liverpool to the top for one season, and in that season, failed to win us the league. Now, we find ourselves in fifth spot and facing an uphill challenge to regain our place in next season's Champions League.
We failed miserably in our first season back in the competition, and if last summer's transfer window is a similar one to this, we may see Liverpool be deprived of Europe's biggest club competition for a number of years to come.
He Cannot Handle The Big Decisions
From Luis Suarez's abrupt exit, to allowing young Raheem do whatever he pleases, when he pleases, Rodgers is proving that he cannot cope with a number of crucial decisions that come his way. Firstly, onto Raheem Sterling, who seems to have Brendan on the tip of his finger right now. The 20 year-old should NOT have been allowed to conduct that interview with the BBC, and Brendan should have punished him for going against the club. Fine him, place him on the bench, do whatever it takes to prove your point to the troubled youngster. We are Liverpool after all, we should be able to replace him.
Secondly, Brendan Rodgers NEEDS TO toughen up. Gerrard, Skrtel, and Can's dismissals in the last two matches were all acts of carelessness and recklessness. Yet, Brendan seems content on praising his players and stating that they all showed 'great character' and were 'unlucky' with the decisions. Brendan, none of the three red-cards were 'unlucky', and they were all rightfully given their matching orders.
If Brendan is to be given this sack this summer, we will need a new man to enter the fold. Here are five individuals who may get given a look-in by the owners.
Jurgen Klopp (47, Manager of Borussia Dortmund)
Now, I am not beginning with my most preferred and ending with my least. The managers on this list are jumbled up, as we start with a people's favourite in Klopp. The Dortmund boss has dragged his team through thick and thin, glory and despair, and most importantly, he has shown loyalty when the bigger teams have come calling. This season however, Dortmund have declined rapidly and have only just began to recover and move up the table. Securing a European spot looks unlikely for the club, who may find themselves loading out some of their big stars due to this, including the man himself.
There is no doubt Klopp would be THE PERFECT FIT for a club like Liverpool. Loyal, passionate, and most importantly, experienced at the top level. A perfect match for the ever-passionate Liverpool die-hard supporters.
Sami Hyypia (41, Currently Looking For A Club)
The ex-red defensive powerhouse is a surprise member of this list. After retiring from the game in 2011, he went on to manage Bayer Leverkusen, where he excelled and guided them to the summit of the Bundesliga. At his second club Brighton however, he failed miserably and resigned after a few months with the Seagulls.
He is now jobless and on the look-out for a new challenge. Would he suit a team like Liverpool? He is young after all, and does possess the knowledge about the club from his playing days. I personally reckon this move would be a colossal risk to take. Sami lacks the experience to manage a club like Liverpool, and has showed in his tenure down the south-coast that he he still has a lot to learn. With this being said, we all still have a place in our hearts for Sami, and this video below is one of the many reasons why:
Frank De Boer (44, Manager of Ajax)
Not much is known of Frank De Boer, unless you're a keen follower of the Eridivisie, that is. The 44 year-old had a blistering career and has echoed that in suit and tie, guiding Ajax to four successive Dutch titles in his four years in charge. He is young, and possesses the knowledge and determination to thrive in a bigger league. Would he make the move now, or continue to develop as a manager and seek a move later on?
"If I get an offer from a club in the future, I will consider the possibility and then follow my feeling. Liverpool and Spurs are clubs I could manage. Liverpool approached me in the same way Tottenham did this year, wanting to hold exploratory talks first."
A quote from the man himself for you reds fans to ponder about.
Diego Simeone (44, Manager of Atletico Madrid)
Possibly THE best young manager in world football at the moment, Diego Simeone has excelled, and then some, since becoming Atletico boss in 2011. He won the Europa League in his first season and then went on to pip rivals Real Madrid to the La Liga title two years later, whilst coming within minutes of repeating the feat in the Champions League final. Unfortunately, the double wasn't to be.
This season Simeone's men are playing the 'observing' game and currently find themselves nine points behind league leaders Barcelona. Could Simeone be tempted by a new move and challenge in the Premier League? Charisma, energy, passion, and knowledge, the Argentinian has it all in abundance, and at only 44 years old he could well be on the way to transforming into one of world football's greatest managers. Will he become that at Atletico Madrid? I highly doubt it.
Rafael Benitez (54, Manager of Napoli)
I had to leave the most controversial to last. Rafael Benitez, back at Liverpool, five or so years after leaving the club. (On quite the sour note, let's be frank) Let us face the facts, that night in Istanbul is THE reason Rafael Benitez is where he is at the moment. Istanbul is why Rafa remains wanted by a select few reds fans, thus why he is on my list today.
I, personally, would not be as enraged as the majority of Liverpool supporters out there if Rafa is to make a second coming to the club. He showed in his time on Merseyside that he is a manager capable of winning league titles and attracting world class names, unlike Brendan Rodgers. Although both his FA Cup and Champions League triumphs had their own touch of luck to them, he remains one of the greats, and someone that would jump at the chance to return and make things right. Now, before you begin to type in negative comments, think about this one for a second; What has Brendan done to make you prefer him to Rafael Benitez?
Stability Is Key To Progress
I will conclude this piece by stating the main reason why the owners should stick with Brendan Rodgers, even if he guides us to seventh place and a trophy-less season.
Stability. Fergie was on the brink of the sack as he led his United team to near-relegation in his first season at the club. As much as we all wish they did sack the Scot, they stuck by him, and since then he won them 13 league titles, five FA Cups and two European Cups. (Which is one less than Paisley won, just to state the fact). The same applies to Wenger, who has been criticized numerous times in the past three-to-four years, yet never fails to guide Arsenal into Europe season after season. The owners of these clubs have supported their managers through the good and bad.
Stability is key, however progress is essential. David Moyes showed an ample amount of loyalty whilst at Everton, yet failed to win them a single trophy in over ten years. John Henry and Tom Werner have a crucial decision to make this summer as the reds faithful become more and more restless as each day passes by. Is a change rightfully due, or is three years far too early for a managerial merry-go-round? Have your say in the comment section below!
Follow me on Twitter and share your views: @kennymifsud
No single individual is bigger than Liverpool Football Club. That was the thought echoed by the majority of reds fans across the globe this past week after witnessing the latest developments on a certain Raheem Sterling. Brendan has since quashed all niggling rumours and 'BBC interviews' aside as his Liverpool outfit prepare for a crucial trip to the Emirates to take on an in-form Arsenal side. Wenger's posse currently find themselves six points ahead in the race for European places, a lead that needs to be cut down to three this weekend if Brendan's side are to qualify for next seasons' Champions League.
Important Information & Statistics
Date: Saturday, 4th April Arsenal League Position: 3rd
Time: 12:45 pm (UK Time) Liverpool League Position: 5th
Venue: The Emirates Stadium Arsenal Current Form: WWWWWW
Referee: Anthony Taylor Liverpool Current Form: WWWWWL
Is it on TV?: Yes, BT Sport
Forget New Contract Talk, Focus On the Objective
The recent turn of events where Raheem is concerned could not have arrived at a worst time for the club. Following our abysmal showing against Manchester United a fortnight ago, I would consider this a must-win match, and this whole contract malarkey has definitely averted the team's focus. Now, without me labelling the youngster a 'money grabbing 20 year-old' I will attempt to give my honest view on the matter. Raheem Sterling does NOT deserve to be at such a prestigious club like Liverpool.
Nor does he strike me as a player worth 180,000 pounds a week. (Which he apparently rejected) The kid is talented, yes, but I reckon he should take a page out of Philippe Coutinho's book. Coutinho, a young star who is on 70,000 a week and absolutely loving life at Melwood right now. Should Raheem start this Saturday? Will he dampen the current mood in the dressing room? Let us hope it's the former, with a goal or two to add to his efforts. (And a kiss of the badge if I'm not asking too much of the man)
Injured Yet Again? NONSENSE!
Yes, apparently the whole 'Daniel Sturridge is injured' story was a play deployed by Rodgers to excuse the forward from International duty. Have that, Roy! Danny was, after all, injuring himself each time he travelled with the England squad, hence the bosses' reasoning. Pictures surfacing from Melwood early Thursday afternoon portrayed a fit and 'raring-to-go' Sturridge battling for every ball, a sight that gave us reds' fans a wide grin etched across our faces.
Are we, a couple of months commencing the end of the season, finally about to be entertained by the S & B partnership? Mario showed positive form in the charity match last Sunday, whilst Sturridge should be a definite starter when fit. This could undoubtedly light a spark within the team as we enter a set of essential 'three-pointers' ahead.
Will United Loss Prove a Stepping Stone Once Again?
That same thought was echoed by Simon Mignolet, amongst others in the build-up to this Saturday's match. Our 3-0 defeat in December was followed by a string of 13 unbeaten league matches, a feat that was ended by Van Gaal's men once again. Quick guess as to who were Liverpool's first league opponents after our loss at Old Trafford? Yes, Arsenal. This time however, Brendan will look to run away with the full three points, in contrast to our 2-2 draw back in December.
Team News - The Return of One of 2014's Top Performers
We all had a tear in our eyes whilst seeing Jon Flanagan kick a ball in the charity match last Sunday, ten months after last gracing the Anfield pitch. (Or was it the return of two certain strikers that made us shed a tear or two, I'm not too sure) Where would we have been without young Flanno in our push for the title last season? With Glen Johnson in the side, and that is a site I will kindly pass on. The 22 year-old has been extremely unfortunate on the injury front, however he has finally made his return and will look to slowly find his way into Rodgers' plans and into a heated battle for places at the back. Meanwhile on the other front, both Daniel Sturridge and Lucas Leiva have been proclaimed fit by Brendan as he faces no fresh injury concerns. (Barring our two suspended bad boys)
Wenger is still tinkering with the fitness of six of his players: Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck, Debuchy, and Diaby, all of whom completed full training on Thursday. One or two are bound to get given the green light, as Wenger echoes Rodgers' thoughts on the importance of this weekends' encounter:
"It is a big game and an opportunity for us to continue our run, Liverpool is a big opponent but we play at the Emirates and we want to do it."
A Quick Glance at the Opposition
Let us admit it, the Emirates has proved a gruelling hunting ground for the Merseyside club in recent years. In the past ten encounters in London, Liverpool have accumulated eight points and a total of one win, which I will gladly remind you of with the below video:
Arsene Wenger's Arsenal are THE form team in the league at the moment, and that is a fact. They are on a six-match winning streak with their last defeat arriving two months ago. As always, Wenger seems to have got his team firing on all cylinders towards the latter part of the season, and although they will not win the league this time, a top four European place finish is enough of a 'trophy' for the London club. (Let us just hope we pip them to the FA Cup as well) Will Liverpool finish above Arsenal this season, resulting into the deep regret of a certain Chilean for choosing the lavish London lifestyle in contrast to the beauty and passion that comes with this wonderful club?
Top Scorer: Olivier Giroud & Alexis Sanchez, 13 goals each Red Cards: 2
Clean Sheets: 10 Biggest Victory: 5-0 vs Aston Villa
My Prediction & Probable Starting Line-Up
As much as I look at this as a must-win fixture, I am sticking with my gut feeling and predicting a desmond 2-2 draw, with Sturridge and Sterling amongst the goals. With Skrtel and Stevie both missing with three-match bands, my starting line-up will differ to our last match a fortnight ago.
I believe it is pivotal Brendan starts Sturridge from the get-go, regardless of whether the Englishman is 100 % fit or not. We need him in a match of this magnitude, and I maintain that he offers more than the enigmatic Mario Balotelli, even when not fully fit.
Three, six, or nine points could be the difference between us and third-placed Arsenal come 3 pm this Saturday.
"It's never been about the money. I talk about winning trophies throughout my career. That's all I talk about."
A quote pulled out of Raheem's recent interview with the BBC, and en extremely crucial one indeed. Without the lure of Champions League football, Liverpool WILL NOT attract the world-class calibre of players they require this summer. This will also result into the imminent departure of Raheem Sterling, in my opinion. If all he talks about is winning trophies, why would he stay put at a club who are not challenging on all fronts, right at the top?
We are not a selling club, and a win this Saturday will undoubtedly put out a marker to the top clubs and reiterate our statement of intent. Liverpool will not undergo a saga similar to Luis Suarez's last summer. It will not be easy, but it scarcely is for the Merseyside club. No Steven Gerrard? No problem. We coped outstandingly well whilst the skipper was out injured earlier on, and with a manager as extraordinary as Rodgers, we WILL find a way to close the gap and secure fourth spot. We do, after all, possess a magician in the team, one that is yet to produce his very own piece of magic on the London club since his arrival two years ago.
Follow me on Twitter and share your views: @kennymifsud
.jpg)
