We have had a very interesting debate on our website in the past week, featuring Liverpool fans with split opinions on Kenny Dalglish. Here is one of the most well-written, considered posts…
The following was written by a poster called ‘Andrew’ on our article ‘We want Benitez back’ Say Liverpool fans
“How many games this season have we been outplayed, or have come away from a game not thinking that we deserved more? Apart from Stoke at home, Utd away and Bolton, I can’t think of another game were we haven’t been the better side. We have hit the bar on 20 occasions, goalkeepers have performed extremely well and made saves that, on other days would of led to goals.
“A little bit of luck in front of goal and i’m pretty sure that we wouldn’t be talking like this. (If those 20 shots that hit the bar went in, we would be challenging for the title!) BUT it does happen to be about the lack of quality in the last third too.
“Under Rafa we did have the likes of Alonso, Mascherano, Torres etc, That is true, but you must also realise along with them we had players like Degen, Vorinin, Jovanovic (was a Rafa Signing) on HUGE wages for just being fringe players.
“Also don’t forget that when Rafa signed these, we were already in the Champions League which meant we could attract the top players. At the beginning of last season when other teams like Tottenham and City were able to strengthen the squad, we never had the chance.
“We lost Mascherano and was only able to bring in Poulsen in his position because H&G used the money on debts. You could argue that we got Meireles, but until the second half of the season (under Kenny especially) he was largely used out of position by the poor Roy Hodgson. Due to this and Torres leaving in January, we lost a lot more ground than we should have.
“We got Carroll in and yes apart from the last few games he has been poor (some of it is due to the awful service he has had too and a few excellent saves and the bar). But Torres left with hours to spare meaning the chance of us getting a top class replacement was extremely slim especially when we wasn’t in the Champions League (Like it or not it is THE main attraction when it comes to Signing the best players in the world). “
“We had a bid of £35M turned down for Llorente and although we was interested in Mario Gomez, we could never afford his wages. This Summer we lost Meireles on the last day and again we was unable to get a replacement in.
“Riera may well have been a better player than Downing, but what happened to him, Benayoun, Babel (Has alot of talent) and their departure had alot to do with Rafa’s poor man management skills. You could play well in a game and then be left out for the next 2! and once you argue with him there seem to be very little chance of you getting back into the team. When you play well, you should play the next game. That is the only way to gain confidence, under Rafa they were built up only to be knocked down again the next week.
“We have had Gerrard out for the best part of a year and we haven’t been able to replace the likes of Alonso, Mascherano, Torres, Meireles etc due to the fact that, under the new owners, we have had to drastically reduce our wage bill. Too many duds like those I mentioned above were on astronomical wages, not in line with their actual ability.
“We are not in Europe either, so the only way that we could actually sign talent such as David Silva, Juan Mata etc is to offer them a massive wage packet and bonuses. The new owners WILL NOT do this because They, as well as the club have to make a profit to function as to make sure that we have the funds to grow, improve the squad and also even a better chance of a new Stadium. It’s not only a healthy way to run a business, but it is necessary especially with the new “Fair Play rules” being introduced.
“We have lost most of our best players without the funds to replace them adequately. We have since not been involved in the biggest club competition in world football. We nearly went into administration just over a year ago and we was also facing the unthinkable and being in a relegation battle.
“Since Kenny has taken over, we recovered and finished 6th (A place above the Year before even after having one of, if not THE worse start for over 50 years) He has cut the wage bill by approx £20-30 million per year. We have got a new sponsor and kit maker, guaranteeing a combined £45M per year not including other revenues such as higher attendances etc. We are currently just a few points off of 4th place, in the next round of the FA Cup and in the FINAL of the Carling cup.
“Compare where we are now to a year ago when Kenny had to pick up the broken pieces. A fantastic defensive record, and we are creating chances. We are far from perfect, our Chance to conversion rate proves that (Worst in the league) but we ARE going in the right direction. If was more clinical in the final third I’m sure that we can make fourth place. Gerrard is coming back and although losing Lucas for the season is a blow, I’m sure Gerrard and Suarez, now back after losing him for 8 games, will strike up a good partnership that will mean us scoring more goals.
“He has done so much within a year. Why stop him now? We have lost so much ground and Kenny and LFC have gone a long way to catching the others up. Give him a real chance.”
Join the debate, should the club stick with Dalglish or attempt to get Rafa Benitez back in the summer?
image: © k1ngk0ng
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