Can't work out if sarcasm... Call it a coincidence or not, but since January when he's had time to asses his squad and make 2 signings that he knew we needed (unlike last summer when he wasn't sure what we needed) our form has been unbelievable. The thing with us is consistency, it's something we've lacked the last 4 or 5 years and if we can sort that out then we'll soon be challenging properly for top 4.
well... IMO he's learning. you can't ask for more than that. 3 things define managers. 1. ability to set up a team to defend 2. ability to manage players discipline wise 3. ability to pick a player. thus far rodgers has shown some ability in all 3 areas. his next task is to SUSTAIN it. Unlike others i think 4th is still a bit too much of an ask as i think he needs a little more quality in the forward areas BUT i think its down to him to keep the team up and if and when pick them back up. the league cup draw was cruel for example, if he gets past that too....
I think since January his record speaks for itself. This year the squad is more of his own choosing and so in some ways that is going to make more pressure for him. But I like the way he handles himself. He talks well (if a bit too much) and he handled the Suarez situation brilliantly. I think he represents the club well and,after a few faux pars, has spoken and acted well. I thought the press conference the other day where he was batting away the questions fired at him about potential signings was brilliant and an indication of how he is growing into the role. Will he take us that extra step into the top 4 , I think he probably will. May not be this year but I would think within two years Definately.
Brendan Rodgers was still able to do decent business having missed out on some of our targets. I take off my hat for Brendan Rodgers.
Love the positivity on the board! The key thing is that BR is learning all the time. He's made mistakes and will continue to make mistakes but he and the club are making sure we don't make them again. We did a lot of business early this summer, then went through a quiet period, then secured 3 new signings early on deadline day. Compare to the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd, and we did a great job. MITO has already mentioned this but we look like we can defend and absorb pressure with more confidence now. At times, we can drop off a bit too much and absorb more pressure than required but Rodgers is doing well to find the balance. Over the past few years, we have been stung in the transfer windows. Overpaying for mediocrity. Credit to FSG (and maybe BR) for setting up the transfer committee and it's no coincidence that the players we have since they were set up have been crucial to our first team AND bought relatively cheaply. On paper, it looks like we've had 2 successful windows (January was definitely successful but we're still waiting to see the results of this summers). Another 2 windows of similar quality and we could be in a great position. Another point is that we look to have a spine back and leadership. Signing Toure looks like a stroke of brilliance (thus far) and now we've bought Sakho.
As a club we have been through some very turbulent waters over the last 5 - 10 years. We now have new owners who have been on an extremely difficult learning curve and now a new manager who has learnt our strengths and weaknesses and his own. This Summer appears to have fused the will of the club and we are now in a position to make the moves forward mistakes will be made Sure mistakes will be made - that's life but my gut tells me that the majority of the learning has been done and the development can now begin.
Guarantee that it will be all doom and 'not good enough' when we lose our first game. Always happens, hot and cold with no in-between.
I said on the block of 4 thread that real champions don't panic when the lose... not if... WHEN. we will lose its all baout reacting and going and winning the next 2 or 3. thats the test. Our fans need to get with the programme and think back in the dim and distant past or even 09.... at the sharp end its all about picking yourself up and sustain that run wihen you don't play well or worst case nipping a losing run i nthe bud at one game. utd... lose to us... rocking, 3-2 v villa and the rest is history. they never looked back once they nipped it in the bud. we lost to middlesboro and drew to wigan and i think took 4 our of 12 points to let utd into the lead in the first place. in the words of corporal jones "don't panic"
that is a good point. obviously trained with the players in asia... needs to go it to live long enough with all the stress etc
Best mate was talking to Ayre recently [yes really] and he said it took Rodgers a long time to realise just how big the Liverpool job is. I reckon it would take any manager of similar status to Rodgers, at least a season to let it all sink in - he's done that and started well this season. Honestly, I'm still undecided about him but hope the little signs like losing weight and getting fitter himself, mean he's getting to grips with the club, the fans, the city and what expectations are and how best he can deliver.
