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A failed attempt to make European competition, an absolute collapse on the European stage and no domestic silverware. Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers must put last season behind them and focus on a new year.
Here are the things that Rodgers needs to accomplish to fulfil his objectives. Can he break into the top four again?
Secure the signing of Nathaniel Clyne and solidify the defensive spine
After one bid for Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne was rejected, Rodgers has reportedly offered the club £18 million for the young English defender.
Clyne would replace Glen Johnson, who will be departing the club, and allow Rodgers to move back to a stronger formation, with four at the back.
Last season, it seemed as if Liverpool’s formation with three centre-halves was working for the first few weeks as they recorded four wins in seven games. That may sound like it’s good form, but not considering the final few games of the season.
Liverpool endured a horror run which started with a home loss to Manchester United, and a humiliating 4-1 loss at the Emirates. They then lost their last two matches, 1-3 at home to Crystal Palace and 6-1 away to Stoke city respectively, and those six points could have put them in a Europa League spot.
After an injury to starting centre-half Mamadou Sakho, which ruled him out for up to eight weeks, one of their strongest and most dominant centre-halves was out. The same injury plagued Sakho last season and it seems to be becoming a regular occurrence.
Emre Can is a very strong player and deserves a starting spot in the defence. Although he is versatile and can play in the midfield, as he has done at the Under-21 Euro, Rodgers seems to prefer him at the back.
This will push Sakho as a replacement and leave Martin Skrtel and Can as defensive partners.
With Alberto Moreno moving into his second season at Anfield, he’ll be home in the left-back position, and much like Clyne, his agility and pace, along with his attacking work rate, suit the Rodgers philosophy.
Clyne can help bring balance to the Liverpool defence, with both full-backs with the same qualities and an even defensive and attacking nous to the game.
Supporting Philippe Coutinho
One of the positives to Liverpool’s season was the progress and development of attacking midfielder Coutinho. The Brazilian signed a new contract, keeping him at Anfield until 2020, which means Rodgers can build his midfield around the versatile playmaker.
He was outstanding individually last season, providing five goals and five assists. Also at times we saw Coutinho desperately struggle to make ground and play his free moving game. Liverpool looked flat and run down without the prolific midfielder.
His great performances last year were aided greatly by Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, whether it’s Suarez’s departure and Sturridge’s absence that has prevented him from performing well this season, then someone has to support him.
Jordan Henderson did a great job this season assisting two of his goals and Coutinho returning the favour.
But the vice-captain isn’t as versatile and quick paced as Coutinho. Henderson will most likely fill the spot of departed captain Steven Gerrard, which leaves a central midfield spot open for a more prolific player.
Coutinho is assisted by Willian in the Brazil national team and this should be a lesson to Rodgers. The Reds need to sign a player who can provide Coutinho with the creative movement and help the No. 10 when he is at his best.
Firmino, who has just been announced as Liverpool’s latest signing, could provide this assistance.
Goals galore
Shoring up the defence and adding creativity in the midfield all mean nothing if there is not a centre-forward who can bang the goals in.
Liverpool conceded 48 goals and scored 52, leaving a positive four goal difference, compared to last season, where they conceded three more, but scored 49 more.
With Fabio Borini expected to leave, and Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli used as squad players, the purchase of Danny Ings and the return of Divock Origi could prove a difference. Although it is most likely that Origi will go back on loan.
Ings and Origi are targeting 10-goal seasons, but they need someone who can score 18-25 goals a season.
Carlos Bacca has recently jumped onto Rodgers’ shortlist. The Colombian proving he is a prolific goalscorer, notching up 20 league goals for Sevilla, including seven goals in the Europa League.
He is estimated to be worth around £22 million.
This could be the deadline for Rodgers this coming season, either make the top four or face the cut. With these movements, I believe Liverpool will raise a few eyebrows next season.
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