With a talented squad with world class players, he could CHALLENGE for the title, but not win it, as has been proven already. The current manager simply cannot comprehend what a defensive unit is all about. Hence why we leaked over 50 goals the previous season. Any team worthy a shot at the league title needs a rock solid defence. I have no confidence whatsoever that BR is the man to add much needed balance to the team.
I think this post hits on the fundamental root of this discussion. There's been a lot of mitigating circumstances to where we are now, but I believe (from watching the reds under Rodgers) that our defensive prospects will never live up to what we expect at LFC. And in turn, limited success - if any, in a footballing sense - is something we'll have to get used to if he continues as manager.
There seems to be a good philosophy about attacking football with Rodgers. Last season we saw that. But without the meat on the bones - in regards to getting proven quality players on the pitch and not relying on 'potential' (for example having a Suarez available..) - then there's more pressure on our defence.
Since Rodgers has been manager, I've been unimpressed about the defensive philosophy. Because there doesn't seem to be one. Set pieces don't look like they're being worked on, at all. There's far too much ball watching that goes on when the ball is in or around the box. And we seem to give full backs a miss if they're fundamentally good at defending, with preference for players who might be able to provide a bit of pace down the wing. Our defence has not improved and in fact it seems to look more fragile these days. This will only lead one way. Down the league table.
Attacking football is great. Teams playing at Anfield knowing they can score a goal, is not. I think Rodgers has tried to cover the defensive problems with attacking football and that's the only way he'll ever work. It's common knowledge that this will never work to win cups or league titles.
It
might keep you hanging around 4th or 5th spot though. Good enough for the owners? Maybe. Good enough for Liverpool fans? No way!
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