Last Sunday lunchtime, Liverpool Football Club burst back onto the English footballing scene in a massive way. In no uncertain terms, Liverpool gave Manchester United a good hiding. Liverpool were up for it, they hassled Manchester United, and when in possession, the movement of Dirk Kuyt, Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles was too much for a Manchester United side who lacked so much, but most of all, passion. Liverpool were simply awesome. Even Steven Gerrard was allowed a poor game, that was how good Liverpool were.
Under Roy Hodgson Liverpool lacked passion. From Hicks and Gillett, to Roy Hodgson himself and down to the players – Liverpool where going nowhere, fast. Since the arrival of Kenny Dalglish, there is a positive energy coming out of Anfield. January signalled both the managers and the clubs intent. Liverpool spent big, and spent well in the transfer window. Kenny Dalglish has motivated his side, they are playing an expansive, attractive style of football and the fans are loving every minute of the ride. Sunday’s result was much more than a win over Manchester United. It was a statement of intent for next season.
When Kenny Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson, many believed, myself included, that he had nothing to lose. He had inherited a side that wasn’t strong enough and his reputation was never going to be tainted if Liverpool had continued to struggle in the bottom half of the Premier League. However, he has been a breath of fresh air, and most of all he has a footballing vision. Every footballing pundit who said he had been out of the game too long has had to eat their words. He understands how Liverpool need to play both home and away. Liverpool’s triumph’s away to Chelsea and at home to Manchester United, were tactically very different, but still highly impressive. Dalglish taught Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson a lesson on both occasions – his tactics were spot on.
Even though this season will be seen as a bitter disappointment for Liverpool, the errors of the first half of the season may in fact make Liverpool stronger. In recent memory, Liverpool have never been written off by so many. The club has had to fight negativity at every corner, but they have come out of it the other side. That is the spirit of Liverpool FC, and without a shadow of a doubt it has united the club. Now they are ready to push on. This season doesn’t have to end with a bitter taste. If Liverpool play to the standards they set against Manchester United, they could have a real push for the Champions League, or at least fifth position. Liverpool, under Kenny Dalglish are clearly building something special for the future. We have already seen a few glimpses of what they can do together. First step, Dalglish must be given a long term contract. With that in place, next season could be very special indeed for a club starved of domestic success.
Read more of Tom’s articles at the excellent This Is Futbol
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