With rumours today that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is facing something of a dressing room crisis at Anfield after two awful back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal, according to the Daily Mirror, here’s five reasons the Reds would be mad to get rid of the Northern Irishman…
1) FA Cup win still possible
It’s easy for fans and the media to over-react after big defeats, but it’s still worth remembering that the season is far from over yet. Fourth place may be unlikely, but not impossible, and of course Liverpool are still in the FA Cup and face a potentially smooth ride to the final if they can overcome Blackburn Rovers in their quarter-final replay. A trophy would still make this a fine season even if Champions League football could not be achieved.
2) Suarez exit handled superbly
Given that 31-goal star striker Luis Suarez left the club for Barcelona last summer, Liverpool have done remarkably well to cope with losing such an influential player. Signings like Mario Balotelli have been a major disappointment, meaning the Reds basically haven’t replaced a world class attacker at all, though have still remained competitive and an attractive side to watch.
3) Injury nightmare
Along with Suarez, Daniel Sturridge has also missed so much of this season that it’s almost like Liverpool lost nearly 60 goals from their side in one summer. Again, considering the minimal impact of players like Balotelli and Rickie Lambert, it’s a miracle Rodgers’ side have re-worked their formation to ensure they remain an attacking threat.
4) Look at Arsenal & Man United
Knee-jerk reactions are unwise and Rodgers deserves time – just look at the two clubs who now seem set to finish above them in the table. At many points this season Arsenal and Manchester United managers Arsene Wenger and Louis van Gaal have had their futures scrutinized and they have done well to turn things around after being given time. Rodgers’ Liverpool project won’t happen overnight, but few Reds managers have looked as much on the right path as he has.
5) Possible Man City decline
A bold prediction perhaps, but a place in the top four could be up for grabs next season as Manchester City look in real trouble. Manuel Pellegrini’s side barely deserved to edge Liverpool to the title last season, benefitting from some real good luck at the end of the season, and this year they have been shown up for the flawed side that they are. Pellegrini’s future is now surely in doubt and big players like Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure could leave, while transfer market restrictions mean the club may struggle to sign the players they want as they have to go for homegrown talent instead, such as totally average England players Jack Wilshere and Danny Ings.