At the end of the season

[Afterthought]

I dont really see how its open to debate unless you have wildly unrealistic expectations.

We definitely havent got worse and whilst results havent been great, if you look at it as a whole then there are enough positives to merit further exploration. We're not Chelsea.

To be honest, if you look at the table, we're virtually in an identical position to last season, and we know how well we finished the season. Unless we suddenly pick up form we're going to end in a worse position than last year - we're only one point better off now, and we're lower in the table, too. But we definitely haven't got worse?

Have we got better?

The midfield is the worst I've ever seen at Liverpool, we're not scoring goals, and the only improvement to our defence has been the purchase of Enrique, and our centre back pairing who weren't brought in.

I don't want Kenny sacked, but I do struggle to see these positives people talk about. Positives on and off the pitch from when Roy was in charge, yes, but not from the end of last season.

This is by no means a sack Kenny post, it's a 'I struggle to see the positives you do' post.

[rederman]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Agreed,
Forum posters here need to realise that we are concerned not damning.

[RedMammoth]

So the other two are not sensible?

Not overly, no.

[TheBuckStopsWithRodgers]

Ahhh typical delusion festers itself once again. "We only need 3 more quality additions". A) Why would true "quality" players come to LFC? a team who has finished 7th.6th and on course for another poor season? b) Who do we trust to buy this quality player? A man who payed £35m Carroll and £20m for Downing? c) Whilst we get these "quality players" what happens to the teams above us? or do they just stand still and buy no one. Kenny has to go, before you know it Tottenham or Everton will get taking over by a Sheik and they will jump the que ahead of us.

39 points/78
30 goals in 26 games and 14 from open play
Most penalties missed this season
3 Red cards
1.50 points a game
Own goal our third top scorer
1 win in 7 in 2012
2 wins in last 10 premier league games
4 wins at home
nearly as many wins as losses

Reading those stats you'd think im talking about Wigan

[RedMammoth]

To be honest, if you look at the table, we're virtually in an identical position to last season, and we know how well we finished the season. Unless we suddenly pick up form we're going to end in a worse position than last year - we're only one point better off now, and we're lower in the table, too. But we definitely haven't got worse?

Have we got better?

The midfield is the worst I've ever seen at Liverpool, we're not scoring goals, and the only improvement to our defence has been the purchase of Enrique, and our centre back pairing who weren't brought in.

I don't want Kenny sacked, but I do struggle to see these positives people talk about. Positives on and off the pitch from when Roy was in charge, yes, but not from the end of last season.

This is by no means a sack Kenny post, it's a 'I struggle to see the positives you do' post.

The midfield isn't as bad as people make out. We've dominated virtually every team we've played against in midfield. What we're missing more than anything is a midfielder who will make those late runs into the box like Gerrard used to. It gives the defence something to think about and opens up more space in the final third. We've also missed the security of having Lucas behind to mop up any attacks. Both problems could potentially be solved by Lucas returning next season, especially if it enables us to push Gerrard further up the field. A new midfielder wouldn't go amiss, however.

We've got an outstanding defence which could potentially stick together for another 4 or 5 years if we want, not to mention great young backup. We have some potentially outstanding youngsters coming through in other positions and we have a player up front who can run rings around defenders. Things aren't quite clicking right now but we're not a million miles away.

[Jesal]

To be honest, if you look at the table, we're virtually in an identical position to last season, and we know how well we finished the season. Unless we suddenly pick up form we're going to end in a worse position than last year - we're only one point better off now, and we're lower in the table, too. But we definitely haven't got worse?

Have we got better?

The midfield is the worst I've ever seen at Liverpool, we're not scoring goals, and the only improvement to our defence has been the purchase of Enrique, and our centre back pairing who weren't brought in.

I don't want Kenny sacked, but I do struggle to see these positives people talk about. Positives on and off the pitch from when Roy was in charge, yes, but not from the end of last season.

This is by no means a sack Kenny post, it's a 'I struggle to see the positives you do' post.

I've just posted a thread about the squad, let's hope it gets approved. Addresses some of these points.

[-JTR-]

I've just posted a thread about the squad, let's hope it gets approved. Addresses some of these points.

Done.

[LuCaSLlOyD]

Ahhh typical delusion festers itself once again. "We only need 3 more quality additions". A) Why would true "quality" players come to LFC? a team who has finished 7th.6th and on course for another poor season? b) Who do we trust to buy this quality player? A man who payed £35m Carroll and £20m for Downing? c) Whilst we get these "quality players" what happens to the teams above us? or do they just stand still and buy no one. Kenny has to go, before you know it Tottenham or Everton will get taking over by a Sheik and they will jump the que ahead of us.

39 points/78
30 goals in 26 games and 14 from open play
Most penalties missed this season
3 Red cards
1.50 points a game
Own goal our third top scorer
1 win in 7 in 2012
2 wins in last 10 premier league games
4 wins at home
nearly as many wins as losses

Reading those stats you'd think im talking about Wigan

i would say give him till the end of the season, what isit 12 games left?

last 10 games is: W2 L4 D4 if he repeats/ or close then i want him gone

but spot on with the rest

[Michaeloven]

i would say give him till the end of the season, what isit 12 games left?

last 10 games is: W2 L4 D4 if he repeats/ or close then i want him gone

but spot on with the rest

Option a it is then.

[TheBuckStopsWithRodgers]

Yeah I agree, he shouldn't go now because I don't want Steve Clark or Rodolfo Borrell as caretaker manager. However, after the 12 games are up, nearly impossible for us to get fourth, Kenny should go at end of seson.

[Michaeloven]

Yeah I agree, he shouldn't go now because I don't want Steve Clark or Rodolfo Borrell as caretaker manager. However, after the 12 games are up he should be fired.

Why not wait to see his signings before making a decision?

[tmeak]

Nope.it's not easy for the fans and manager to take a press against you all the time.We suffered alot during the whole suarez saga did we?Do we want all that again constantly?
For this reason alone,i don't want rafa back.If kenny leaves,i would prefer someone new to bring in fresh ideas.I am not sure how gerrard and carragher would cope with rafa returning if the rumours about his sacking were authentic.

As i mentioned in the op,i choose option b.I would wait to see if the quality players are bought this summer.For me i expect nothing less than a potentially world class winger,a decent right winger and a proven clinical striker.

I would appreciate if you can give me your definition of high class and world class players.

Firstly, I don't care what the media say, if Rafa was the right man for the job then I'd have him. I personally feel that Kenny is the right man, but if Kenny didn't want the job I'd have Rafa back.

Secondly,Its hard to define what I mean by World Class and High class. World class players I would say are players that would get into virtually any side in the world. You're Gerrards, Alonsos etc. Players that are considered among the very best around in their position. High class players I would say are the next level down, maybe international footballers. The likes of maybe Aaron Lennon or Jermaine Defoe (I'm not saying I would sign these players!) for example. Players who you would say have performed well over a period of time but wouldn't be classed as the top players in the world. (I'm not really sure if these are great examples of what I'm trying to get at.

[bellzo100]

I disagree with most on this.

I say keep Kenny (because he seems to get the best out of players). Sack Comolli (because the #1 complaint about this year is our transfers). Hire a new Director of Football and give him 100% power in regards to transfers.

For me, this season comes down to player quality, not manager quality.

Sack comolli? why kenny is ment to have the final say in buying or selling players is he not? Its not like we were signing unknown players from all over the world most of the players we signed were from premier league clubs so kenny knew what he bringing to the club and at great expense i must say.Comolli's track record at spurs was excellent so don't put all the blame on him cause is Kenny is as much to blame weather we like it or not.

[LuCaSLlOyD]

got this from the official forum makes for pretty bad reading im afraid.....

Last season with a horrible start by Hodgson 26 games in we managed to get 38 points. This season after 26 games we have 39 points after spending huge amounts on transfers. IMO unnacceptable

[-Danny-]

Sack comolli? why kenny is ment to have the final say in buying or selling players is he not? Its not like we were signing unknown players from all over the world most of the players we signed were from premier league clubs so kenny knew what he bringing to the club and at great expense i must say.Comolli's track record at spurs was excellent so don't put all the blame on him cause is Kenny is as much to blame weather we like it or not.

I wouldn't go that far.

[bellzo100]

Lets back the players and manager 100% until the end of the season and see were it takes us then let Mr Henry decide kenny's fate.

[Bayezit]

got this from the official forum makes for pretty bad reading im afraid.....

Last season with a horrible start by Hodgson 26 games in we managed to get 38 points. This season after 26 games we have 39 points after spending huge amounts on transfers. IMO unnacceptable

Doesn't surprise me. As far as I'm concerned Kenny deserves another season, not simply based on who he is but because, for all our shortcomings, I feel that our general standard of play has improved. No hiding from the fact that, Enrique aside, our transfers have been nothing short of abysmal, but, as has been voiced by many, let's judge the situation with another transfer window and season under our belt. I'd be lying if I said I'm overly optimistic, but I'm certainly willing to wait and see.

[bellzo100]

I wouldn't go that far.

Lennon, bale, pav, modric, not bad players just to mention all not bad players are they?

[fattybombom]

If swansea city were given 100 mill to spend I reckon even they could push for 7th! We were 7th, spent 100mil and are struggling to keep 7th place

[noeyedear]

5th with CC cup and the FA cup on the sideboard, just about acceptable given the money that has been spent. Got to spend again tho. Need much better.

Goalscorer, attacking midfieler, bring Aquilani back or get some money back on him. Get to work Comolli.

[fattybombom]

5th with CC cup and the FA cup on the sideboard, just about acceptable given the money that has been spent. Got to spend again tho. Need much better.

Goalscorer, attacking midfieler, bring Aquilani back or get some money back on him. Get to work Comolli.

No chance Aqua will be back. If we finish 5th and get to the semi in the FA Cup it won't be so bad, although nothing will change my mind about the players we have signed.

[raybarnes]

If our poor league form continues till the end of the season,should kenny step aside?For me kenny has done the stabilising job roy was supposed to do.But is he someone who can take us forward?I wouldn't take rafa considering the hatred of the english media bear towards him and also how everyone would love him to fail.Who do you think could do this job?

Before you accuse me of not supporting the manager,i am just looking ahead to what will happen in the summer if our poor league form continues as it is now and we end up without the fa cup.This is just a possible scenario and i am not saying it is certain to happen.

Will you expect a new manager after the end of this season,wait and see who kenny signs in the summer or back kenny till the end of next season?

Some of you may find the second one out of order but for me the transfer activity this summer is what will help me decide if kenny is the right man to take us forward.If we end up purchasing the way we did last summer then i won't have any faith in kenny going into the new season.This is just my opinion and feel free to give yours.

Kenny has already won us one trophy and there are more to follow
Kenny = Goplden Sky

[TheBuckStopsWithRodgers]

Cringe.

[noeyedear]

No chance Aqua will be back. If we finish 5th and get to the semi in the FA Cup it won't be so bad, although nothing will change my mind about the players we have signed.

Milan have an option to buy him, if they don't we should get him back. Farming him out on the cheap again with the squad needing a playmaker doesn't make much sense.

Yes still huge question marks over several players. Easy to say we are not that far off, as we know in football there's a fine line between getting it spot on and being there or thereabouts.

Need a goalscorer without any doubt whatsoever. That is the absolute minimum. All this stuff about hitting the post and winning ugly etc won't wash.

Scour the planet Comolli, no excuses.

[fattybombom]

aquilani is not wanted here, not sure why, surely must have something to do with the lads personality/lack of willingness to be here, because he has quality that we need. 4mill is a bargain. I think he's worth 10m

[Michaeloven]

Kenny has already won us one trophy and there are more to follow
Kenny = Goplden Sky

True,if you mean the golden the sky is winning the premier league again then i am very skeptical about it.We have had many false dawns in the past decade or so.We do well in the cups but playing consistently well in the league is a different matter.Quality can overlooked in one off games like our champions league final against milan but not in the league where you need quality to beat teams week in and out.We have been a cup team for the past decade if i am honest and that doesn't look like changing anytime soon.

[Bayezit]

aquilani is not wanted here, not sure why, surely must have something to do with the lads personality/lack of willingness to be here, because he has quality that we need. 4mill is a bargain. I think he's worth 10m

he's obviously let it be known to us,his agent and other clubs that he won't set foot on a pitch for us again...which puts us over a barrel in terms of any future transfer. seriously gutted about aqua, thought the lad oozed class...on the pitch at least.

[LuCaSLlOyD]

“I think the season would still be a failure if we miss out on the Champions League,” Glen Johnson told Goal.com at the launch of Topps Match Attax England.

“That was the main objective. The idea was to finish in the top four, no doubt about it. Definitely the main thing for this season and every season is finishing in the top four.


for anyone who thinks this season will not be a failure if we dont finish top 4 and it wasent the main target

[Coach791]

True,if you mean the golden the sky is winning the premier league again then i am very skeptical about it.We have had many false dawns in the past decade or so.We do well in the cups but playing consistently well in the league is a different matter.Quality can overlooked in one off games like our champions league final against milan but not in the league where you need quality to beat teams week in and out.We have been a cup team for the past decade if i am honest and that doesn't look like changing anytime soon.

Winning the title? What if city continue to buy every big name star possible? Should Kenny be judged for not being able to match that here? Kenny is simply the best manager we could ever wish for and everything eh does will be right with LFC for our future.

Right now how could you expect us to compete wit City, things change quickly. Ferguson won nothing hsi first 3 years and Dalglish has already done better. Imagine fergie had been sacked, as they were reportedly close to?

You have to trust Kenny because he's the only man i'd trust to make the right decisions for LFC.

[Afterthought]

The midfield isn't as bad as people make out. We've dominated virtually every team we've played against in midfield.

Strange I thought I'd watched most of our games this season? We've had a lot of possession without creating particularly good chances against most teams. I wouldn't call that domination. Occasionally we've shaded games too, but again, that's not domination. As a general rule of thumb, I would have said we've been outplayed in the centre of midfield, actually. Whilst we've had possession and done little with it, the opposition midfield hasn't had much but used it better. When was the last time we created from our centre of midfield? I honestly can't remember. (I don't mean assists, I mean opened up a defence as a result of a move heavily involving the centre of midfield.)

What we're missing more than anything is a midfielder who will make those late runs into the box like Gerrard used to.

We don't have anyone to play the ball to him, though. When Gerrard made those runs we had Alonso, Garcia, Benayoun, or Riera who would find the pass he needed - or else Torres would link up with him. None of our current midfield show signs of being able to pick off those passes, and as good as Suarez is, that Torres Gerrard partnership was special.

It gives the defence something to think about and opens up more space in the final third. We've also missed the security of having Lucas behind to mop up any attacks. Both problems could potentially be solved by Lucas returning next season, especially if it enables us to push Gerrard further up the field. A new midfielder wouldn't go amiss, however.

Partly agree. I'm not sure if Gerrard will have the legs to play that role, however, or that he'll stay injury free. I think either we'll need another midfielder to play alongside Lucas doing the lung bursting runs, or we'll need Gerrard to play as an AM/F and a new midfielder alongside Lucas. Either way we need a new midfielder. I also think we need some creativity on the wings, for the lung bursting runs to have any joy.

We've got an outstanding defence which could potentially stick together for another 4 or 5 years if we want, not to mention great young backup.

We did before, though. This has been refined with the addition of Enrique, but let's be honest, under Benitez the defence was always extremely strong. I wouldn't say this signifies significant progress, as it wasn't an area which particularly needed it.

We have some potentially outstanding youngsters coming through in other positions and we have a player up front who can run rings around defenders. Things aren't quite clicking right now but we're not a million miles away.

No pressure, then, Sterling, Suso, et al!