Five reasons why the Premier League crown will be on its way to Anfield this season.
After coming so agonisingly close to winning the big prize last season, the Reds are in a much better position to do it again this time around. Below are five reasons why we thing Liverpool will go all the way this time around.
5. No distractions
Though he was the club’s top scorer, the negative press he garnered during his spell on Merseyside often meant that the PR department were working overtime to correct Luis Suarez’s latest antics. Now that he has moved on the Reds no longer have to worry about a negative media storm and can concentrate on spending the £75m they received to find a suitable replacement. Having spent heavily already, though, that new striker will hopefully be on his way soon.
4. Use old experiences to move forward
There’s no question that missing out on the title so late in the game last term hurt. Steven Gerrard still can’t get over it, but there’s no reason it can’t be turned into a positive experience. Now that the squad know they can take themselves that far for a prolonged amount of time, with the new players they’ve brought in they will be confident of going one step further and actually finishing the job. All they need to do is stay on their feet (sorry, Stevie!)
3. Sound defensive options
Last season saw Rodgers consistently change his mind over who he wanted at the heart of his defence, and now that Lovren has arrived that should solve a major part of the problem. Part of Liverpool’s issues last term were down to the constant changing of the guard, meaning a regular partnership was not able to flourish, and as the issues revolving around the full-backs refused to go away it left the team looking unsettled. This should not be a problem this season, all Rodgers needs to do now is bring in a new left-back.
2. Comprehensive squad depth
The Reds have spent heavily on a select few players, but quality over quantity is most definitely the order of the day and what Rodgers has brought in will undoubtedly bolster his options. Part of the club’s unravelling last term came when injuries hit the midfield and left it lacking a real presence. Liverpool now have players to flood the engine room and provide more comprehensive options when moving from defence to attack. However, the club still require a few more players if they are to have complete coverage, after all they’ve still got a Champions League campaign to consider.
1. Further strengthening in January
Ideally Liverpool will do the majority of their business now as Rodgers will be wary of leaving himself wanting so early on in the campaign. However, every side could use a quick boost in the new year and the club certainly aren’t lacking the cash to bring in one or two fresh faces just in case they are still active across all competitions by that stage.