Liverpool must not expect miracles next season
Liverpool fans have always had high expectations of their club. The history of the club provides a great footballing legacy that many fans want to continue. In 2005, Liverpool created footballing history in Istanbul, coming back from a three goal deficit and winning the Champions League Final against AC Milan. Since then, however, fans have had very little to cheer about. Now with new owners, and Kenny Dalglish back at the helm after two decades, many fans expect an instant revival next season.
The beginning of this season was like a nightmare for many Liverpool fans, who had hoped Roy Hodgson would continue the success he achieved at Fulham. Dreams were shattered early on as Liverpool only won three in ten games, failing to beat Sunderland and Birmingham and losing to newly promoted Blackpool. After ten games Liverpool occupied 13th position on the table, and success in Premier League and Europe looked impossible.
Under Dalglish, Liverpool’s fortunes have turned, and although the Premier League is out of reach, the prospect of gaining a place in the Champions League is improving, having clambered up to 6th place, four points behind Tottenham. Liverpool’s turn around this season has been hailed as a miracle, but can Dalglish continue this into next season and restore the club to its former glory?
New owners NESV will play a crucial role in continuing the Red’s turn around as much of the club’s decline in recent years can be attributed to old owners Gillet and Hicks. NESV have already proven their loyalty by providing a cash injection which saw the arrival of Suarez and Carroll in January for over £59 million.
Although this is a promising sight for the fans, if Liverpool hope to perform miracles and challenge for the League title, domestic cups and European glory, more money must be invested in improving the squad, as currently it does not have the quality to compete with the bigger sides. If Dalglish can stabilise the club and add half a dozen quality new players over the summer, Liverpool could back with a bite and challenge the new “Big Five” of United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City.
However, a lot will still have to ‘go right’ for Liverpool, and a season out of top flight European football may have left Liverpool out of touch with the rest of the competition. The Red’s seem to be heading in the right direction, but the redevelopment of the club may well be a long-term project and fans should not expect quick results at the expense of future financial stability.
