11 Mar 2016 12:32:34
That was a great game, boys, you were brilliant.
It's state of the nation time, anyone who pay's attention to my posts (come on, there must be at least one) knows that I've been cautious about Klopp, I've been worried (and still am a bit) that our expectations for him are too high and he couldn't possibly live up to them. I think he's made mistakes and he's misjudged a number of things but, and it's a big but, I think he's turned the corner.
We're now 7 games unbeaten (in open play admittedly) having scored 15 and conceded just 2 which is a great run, the team look settled and morale is high. There's still a small chance of 4th but 5th (and finishing above Utd) definitely look's on. I wrote a little while ago about the importance of finishing the season strongly, we have to enter the summer looking like a team on an upward trajectory, not only is it helpful in attracting targets but it sets the tone for next season. Our current form, if we maintain it, certainly does that.
I've spent a lot of time defending our squad and I'm feeling a little bit vindicated, we have some very good players and none of them have peaked yet. Right now I feel our first 11 could be our first 11 next season and we'd do just fine. Having said that if you're not moving forward you're going backwards so I'd love a couple of targeted purchases. Maybe a forward and someone at the back but I think it will be an evolution, not a revolution.
The most important thing is this, we are in a better place now than we were at the beginning of October. That doesn't mean I've changed my opinions on Rodgers, I'll always defend him to the hilt and I maintain that his treatment by certain fans is despicable. Nor will I ever say that Rodgers couldn't have turned things round again. But the bottom line is we've improved and Klopp gets the credit for that and I'm delighted.
Next year will not be easy, I expect Chelsea, City and Utd all to better than they have been this year and who knows what Leicester, Spurs and Arsenal will achieve. But we can only control what we do and I think we'll be right in the mixer. If this season has taught us anything it's that the old rules are out the window and it's anyone's to win so why not us.
11 Mar 2016 13:07:12
How magnanimous of you 😒.
11 Mar 2016 13:33:14
Sensible post but have to disagree that Rodgers would have been able to turn things around. I would also be happy with the same squad in the main also. However the squad needs to be severely reduced in numbers and we desperately need a new number one.
11 Mar 2016 13:35:03
Good job at hedging you bets, Muscat.