All this "banter" and point scoring going on when we all know the score. Liverpool is a far bigger club than us and have achieved success both domestically and in the Euro cups, that we can only dream of. It is true to say that it is highly doubtful that we will ever win one of those titles let alone the cupboard full that Liverpool have.
Right, that's off my chest so now for the present and, maybe, the future. We exceeded our expectations last season whilst Pool fell short of theirs - for whatever reason. As a result, the gap between the two clubs wasn't that great. Next season, we know that we will first have to fight off a relegation threat before, hopefully, kicking on and consolidating a mid table place. Pool, with all their resources, will be looking at a top 6 place, or better. Fair assessment?
For us it all depends on whether or not Laudrup can manage in the Premier League. If he can, with the excellent signings he has made (with more to follow), we might push ourselves well into the top half. With limited resources that is probably the best we can ever hope for except, perhaps, for the odd cup where we could be dangerous to any team. Along the way, we will beat a top 6 club or two or even three and take a lot of satisfaction in doing it with our budget squad. Our goal purely is to become an established club at the top level, knowing realistically that that is as good as it's ever going to get for us.
Liverpool, of course, will have aspirations far in excess of that and are entitled to given their support, financial backing and great tradition. The thing is, they might never get back to where they were in view of the fact that the likes of the two Manchesters, Chelsea and perhaps Arsenal all now carry greater clout in the transfer market. As for next season, much will depend on how Rodgers will cope with his particular challenge. He will never have experienced pressure such as he is about to face and he has to do it whilst changing his teams entire footballing philosophy. It will not be easy and some early losses will test his mettle big time.
It seems to me that for both teams, it is going to be how our new managers cope with the challenge ahead. It's going to be interesting to say the least and I can't wait for the new season.