Seven games into the season, nobody would guess, nobody could imagine that Liverpool Football Club the most successful club in England, although the Man Utd fan will disagree (agree to disagree) dwelling in the relegation zone in the 18th spot. The mess that was drag and ringing around the club the pass few years have reach a new low.
It all begin when Liverpool agreed to a takeover bid from American sports tycoon George Gilett and Tom Hicks in 2007. At that time most of us think, that is the beginning of a new era for LFC. Wealthy investor coming in, real resources, transfer funds, a new stadium and a strong commitment to the club was what the fans are hoping for, but that was not being materialized. Footballing wise, the club continue to progress finishing 4th in the first season of Gilett-Hicks era before finish just 4 point off champions Man Utd in the 2008/2009 the season after. That was when expectation became higher, the bar has been raised and the prospect of ending the club 18years drought of league title immense.
In the 2009/2010, the season which promise much, the season when Liverpool are expected to go one step better and claim the title didn't really happened. The club turmoil became worse, all the promise made from the American owners didn't come into being. Rafael Benitez the manager at that time embarking feuds with both of the owners, deflecting the team performance on the pitch. The conflict between the owners and manager embroiled to a certain period when the fans was divided. The pro Rafa and the anti Rafa, Benitez was quick to get the support from the fans as he knew the expectation set was way beyond his team reach. He sparks the fans protest against the owner claiming he didn't have enough transfer fund to go out and get the player required for Liverpool to challenge for the title. But the anti Rafa will claim that Benitez had all the time to build the squad and wasting money (that was not much given) on several mediocre players. But as the seasons progress, Benitez support from the fans slowly decrease as his team performance turn upside down from 2nd place the previous season to 7th and failing to qualify for the Champion League subsequently ending his 6 years reign at Liverpool.
Coming into the 2010/2011, the Liverpool faithful protest against the owners still continued, they want the Americans out. The words of the club will be sell ringing from last season, but until now there isn't any conclusion on the matters. A few bidders has come in, but then just walks away. What are the intentions of the 2 owners? What do they want? Its unexplainable why not one of the many bids received is not accepted and taking so much time.
The performance of the players go the same way, after 7 league games into the season Liverpool are in the relegation zone. The manager they appointed, an Englishman in Roy Hodgson thought to be the Liverpool saviour to bring back the passion and glory back to Anfield quickly being questioned. Is he the right man? Do he have what it takes to manage a big club? The fans currently divided again. Some want to give him more time, some didnt like his attitude, his ambitions was said not at the same wave length as Liverpool FC should have and want the man to be remove quickly. Which group are you in?
Personally for me, as much as i hate Liverpool its sad to see such a club being in such a mess on and off the pitch. Roy to me is not the right man, but Liverpool has appointed him and kicking him at this time will only bring the worst out of the club. Give the man 1 season, Liverpool will not get relegated with the current squad they have. The players meanwhile should hold more responsibility, because the way they performed the last 7 games, shows that they didn't bother at all. Anything bad happen, the fans will all put the blame on the owners. These so called superstars need a kick up their ass, they're being paid millions week in week out to perform on the pitch and that what they are supposed to do. The ownership issue is another matter, and let put that aside and hope it can be resolve as soon as possible. On the pitch players should perform much much better because it seem like they are forgetting for which club they are playing for. Just a humble football fan point of view. KTBFFH
p/s: while i'm writing, news of Liverpool has agreed the club sale to New England Sports Venture has come out. not sure its a good thing or bad, time will tell.
"some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that" William 'Bill' Shankley
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