When a fresh-faced Brendan Rodgers took over the top job at five-time European Champions Liverpool he begged just one thing of the fans: “Don’t judge me now, judge me in three years”. Well, I’ve got news for you Brendan, your three years is up.
As the news surfaced that Real Madrid had sacked Carlo Ancelotti for finishing second and falling just short of a second consecutive Champions League final berth, Liverpool fans had no choice but to head back to their happy places, and pray no one realised that their club had been quietly leapfrogged by Tottenham Hotspur on the 38th and final day of the 2014-15 season.
A 6-1 loss to Stoke in their final fixture only added insult to injury in a season to forget for the Reds. Kop legend Steven Gerrard was farewelled with losses in his final two matches, not a fitting farewell for perhaps the club’s greatest ever player.
Rodgers obviously cannot be held entirely culpable for his side’s fall from grace following their title challenge last season. A number of factors can be pointed to, but most will be pointing the finger at the club’s failure to keep hold of talismanic 31-goal striker Luis Suarez – who departed to Barcelona at the conclusion of last season, albeit for an almost ludicrous sum of roughly £80 million.
Rodgers’ attempt to fill the Suarez-shaped void in the squad with a $200 million-plus foray into the transfer market yielded little to no success. Signings such as Mario Balotelli, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Alberto Moreno, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert have failed to make an impact on Merseyside. So should Rodgers be trusted with the strings to the bank account in yet another transfer window? Or is it time for John W Henry and Fenway Sports Group to tap Brendan politely on the shoulder and tell him to be on his way?
A look at the potential candidates for the role suggests Brendan’s time should be up. The timely departures of Carlo Ancelotti and Jürgen Klopp from Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund respectively provide a massive opportunity for the Reds to poach a proven big name manager who has extensive experience at Europe’s top table. One which could well prove too enticing to pass up. After all, managers of this calibre do not become available every day.
A hindsight look at the Reds’ exploits this season yield the fact that they never at any point sat higher than third on the ladder, a feat they achieved at the conclusion of the Premier League’s first game week. This is an alarming statistic for a club who would have high ambitions of not only achieving qualification for the Champions League but challenging for a 19th Premier League title. It simply isn’t good enough for a club with the calibre of squad that Rodgers had at his disposal.
While I’m no genius, all the statistics seemingly point to one inevitable fate for the manager of Liverpool. Brendan, it’s been a helluva ride but it’s time to pack your backs and hit the road. Liverpool need a manager who can provide the consistency their loyal fans crave, and you just haven’t done that in the past three years. Your time is up.
D-money
Guest
You cant make chicken salad with chicken c**p. Their squad just isn't that good. With Balotelli scoring just one more epl goal than any of us as a replacement for Suarez.....what else can you expect.
Batou
Guest
Most managers fail or end up mediocre, if you determine that by the number of trophies they win. There are 20 teams in the premier league, most won't win it, or come second, or third, or meet their fans' hopes/expectations.
James
Guest
liverpool dont really need a manager who is good in europe
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Suarez OUT; Mario Balotelli, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Alberto Moreno, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert IN. Pretty much sums it up really. How the hell does a team that aspires to win titles sign someone like Rickie Lambert. He wouldn't get a gig as a shoe shine boy at ManU, ManC, Arsenal or Chelski. And then there is the mysterious case of Super Mario Balotelli. LOLz.
Matt
Guest
Or maybe. Liverpool is just no longer a Champions League club. What world class player can you see joining them this year? No Champions League football again, no world class keeper, no world class midfielders and no world class strikers. Why would you join them if you were a top player.
Geoff Price
Guest
How much longer do we need to wait before footballs biggest Imposter is sacked. John Henry, Tom Warner, Mike Hogan why are you percefering with this clueless arrogant ego inflated home breaker. You sacked Kenny Dalglish he won you a cup and reached a final of another one, so what is your problem of not sending this so called manager on his way. He is.bringing this club down slowly but surely, thousand of supporters can see this......so I ask you again why not FSG. We are being ridiculed from all sides a laughing stock amongst rival supporters something needs to addressed ASAP. This club is known throughout the world as a family club which was built up over many years. Rodgers and his embarrassing comments and antics is there for all to see. First he steals another mans wife, who was a Liverpool FC employee. What kind of message do you think that this sends out to our world family.....looks as if FSG is not concerned about their image. On the footballing side of things we have been nothing short of dismal. Rodgers is woeful in his signings and clueless in his team selections. I have supported this club since I was a young child, and at 70 years old I think I can spot a fraudster when I see one.in football terms this guy is way out of his depth and deluded beyond ones imagination.. After our last game against Stoke which is not acceptable in anyway shape or form came the headlines (CAPITULATED) that is not what you associate with LFC, and that hurts me big time. So Rodgers who is at the helm of this club has to bare the main responsibility for our failure. I hope FSG look and listen and terminate this guys tenure at this Wounderful club, and bring some top manager in to restore pride and passion to our play. Y.N.N.W. Then on the foot balling side of things could things possibly get any worse
stu
Guest
It's interesting to note the most managers Craig Foster is on the record of applauding when starting an appointment........fail, or end up mediocre.
cosmas sichilongo
Guest
If some clubs can sack a coach for finishing second in a year then Liverpool owners should consider doing the same thing to Rodgers for failing to get a trophy in three years;
Alan Crane
Guest
BRENDAN ROGERS IS A GOOD MANAGER BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH TACTICALLY ECSPECIALLY IN EUROPE AND ITS TIME WE GOT A TOP MANAGER WHO KNOWS HOW TO WIN GAMES.
Trevor
Guest
Please god hope he gets fired and Joe Allen along too (the Welsh xavi)
Red Ted
Guest
If they keep him then it will show just how low FSG's ambition is - rock bottom.