This season has been miserable for Liverpool fans hasn’t it. It’s not all doom and gloom at Anfield is it?
Let’s see if we can cheer you up…
1) One trophy in the bag and another on the horizon
Even a club of Liverpool’s magnitude should not sneer at Carling Cup success. A look over to their less fortunate rivals Everton, and their desperate hunt for a trophy, should show that. By winning the Carling Cup, Liverpool got a monkey off their backs with their first trophy in six years, a wait the club will not want to repeat. The way the final was won may have seemed anti-climactic, but the semi-final win over Manchester City certainly was not. If they can defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup Final it will complete an unlikely domestic cup double, not seen for many a year, which can act as the perfect springboard for progression next season.
2) Decisive action from the owners- A far cry from Hicks and Gillette
When a judge labelled former owners, Hicks and Gillette, ‘untrustworthy’ yesterday, it brought back painful memories for supporters of their time in charge. New owner John W Henry and the Fenway Sports Group are just finding their feet. They have already shown they are not afraid to make big decisions. Axeing Roy Hodgson after just a few months was a popular one but a brave one nonetheless, as was getting Kenny Dalglish to apologise for his handling of the Suarez affair. Sacking Damien Comolli showed again they are not afraid to take decisive action, and fans disgruntled with Dalglish should take comfort that FSG will not allow this cycle of results to go on forever.
3) Club are laying foundations for the future and have a bright academy
One big shining light at Anfield at the moment is the club’s excellent academy. The club have talented youngsters Suso, Ngoo, Sterling and Morgan, finished third in the NextGen Series, and are busy snapping up talent for the future. Among them are Jordan Ibe, and Dan Smith, signed from Wycombe Wanderers and Crewe Alexandra, and it is encouraging to know the club are laying down the foundations for success. Of course there are no guarantees with young talent, the mystery over Dani Pacheco’s lack of progress illustrates that, but there is every chance the young players will seize the opportunities if given the chance.
4) League form cannot get any worse
Liverpool simply cannot get worse in the league. They have had just one home league victory in 2012, an embarrassing statistic embellished by losing against teams like Wigan and West Brom. The problems of this year have to be assessed, and corrected, and supporters can hope for more enjoyable and more productive football next season. They currently sit in eighth, and everyone connected with the club will be looking for a big improvement.
5) Lucas will be back next year
Losing Brazilian midfielder Lucas was a huge blow to Liverpool, and the timing could not have been much worse, with him in the midst of the best form of his career. Next season he will be back to anchor the midfield, and find the excellent form he was in before injuring his knee. Liverpool have missed him so much, with no other player capable of adequately replacing him, so his return will be much appreciated especially by his teammates, whose job he makes easier.
6) New signings are incoming
Iker Muniain, Jackson Martinez, Ander Herrera, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Keiszuke Honda; all names linked with signing for Liverpool over the past week. Last summer’s transfer dealings were an unmitigated disaster, and fans will want to see quality not mediocrity brought in. Axeing Damien Comolli was a sign from the board that they have acknowledged the mistakes, and fans can look forward to new arrivals pitching up at the club over the summer months. The transfer window is always an exciting time, and Liverpool are in need of new blood more than most clubs. Some of the dross might be outgoing too, although fans would rather hang onto Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt, both linked with moves away.
7) European football is back at Anfield
After a season without it, Liverpool are back in Europe. OK the Europa League is a tricky and energy sapping competition at times, but there has been something missing at Liverpool this year. Quite simply the club have not earned a shot at Champions League football, so should take what they can get. The offering of European football should be a plus point when it comes to tempting potential signings too.
Have we convinced you? Will everything be rosy at Liverpool next season?
image: © Vincent Teeuwen
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