Thursday 21st October 2010. The date that most Liverpool fans are feeling may be a turning point for the team. We played OK. No goals scored, none conceded. No sending off, one yellow card. Many fans happy, optimistic and ready to face Blackburn on Sunday.
Did I miss something? Did I watch a different game? For me, the team were sluggish, contained within the midfield and toothless in attack. The one chance for a clear goal, Babel managed to fluff it, his career at Anfield in a nutshell. My immediate reaction was one of slight relief, at not having conceded, but overall, frustration, again.
You do not need me to tell you that Roy Hodgson stands upon the edge of the precipice, falling off it already if you believe some of the rumours doing the rounds on the Internet. Hodgson has rested key players for tonight's game, time will tell if that was correct. God knows there isn't much of a supporting argument as to who should play anymore, every squad player seems to be way below standard. However, it isn't the end of the world for the Europa League competition. It is now 5 points from 3 games, a much better return than the Premier League. Still something nags at me.
Subbing Carragher at half time for Kyrgiakos. Apparently, according to the itv4 commentators, this was the plan all along. Something just doesn't ring true to that. Why at half time? Why bother playing Carragher at all. It was refreshing to see Hodgson even making subs before the 80th minute mark, something he hasn't displayed before.
So, tonight, a frustrating performance, but optimistic by some. I can see both sides. If we win on Sunday then the points may start rolling along. The pressure will surely lift on Hodgson, his shoulders may seem lighter, the tie may be tighter, the buttons on his collar fastened and the nails on his fingers unsullied.
Even though we took a point from the Napoli game, I feel that Hodgson still has immense pressure upon him. The smiling, genial face that greeted the camera on the Napoli field, was slightly bemused, almost knowing in its comic appearance. Does Roy know something we don't? Is he, like the rumours dictate, on the verge of being sacked, regardless of the result tonight? If so, are the rumours true about his replacement? Frank Rijkaard is an excellent manager but he needs the right back room staff. Henk Ten Cate, a key component of Rijkaard's back room staff, is currently managing in the Arabian Penninsula. Hiddink is currently doing good things with the Turkish national side. Pelligrini is, apparently, in talks with the Qataris. Martin O'Neill is another name touted with the Liverpool job.
Normally Liverpool is a club that does not court the attention of its managers precarious situations. However, Hodgson is drowning so evidently that the new owners will be forced to make a change soon, and they are not prone from immediate changes, the manager of the Red Sox lasted only a week. The outstanding favourite with the fans would be Pellegrini, not too sure on his European pedigree, he hasn't won any trophies nor has he impressed at a high level. Martin O'Neill can run a team on a tight budget and select decent players under the £15 million mark, however, he also lacks the high level experience and success. Hiddink would only ever be a short term option. He would be expected to get a European place and even 4th, possibly a trophy. His management style does not gel well with boardrooms and player ego's. That leaves Rijkaard, I can only see him come to Anfield if Ten Cate is drawn away from the money of Arabia. His success is evident, yet his last few moments at Barcelona were marred by loses and poor football.
I think a change has to come, whether one of the above managers fills the void or a different, unconsidered name is chosen. Liverpool are not a team that should appear as if drowning, rudderless or out at sea. They are the team by the river, who play fluid football, who whet the appetite. We need someone to steady the ship and steer us onto the safest route back to the Champions League. Whoever that is, has a huge task ahead, but under the new owners, NESV, they seem to have a backing that was lacking from the previous owners.
My wish is to see a bright and fresh faced manager being unveiled at Anfield on Monday 25th October 2010, who can fulfil Liverpool's vision of how football can be played. Sorry Roy, you're a lovely man but not a great manager.
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