Brentan Rodgers

[Speak]

Southampton actually managed to replace their departures with adequate players. Bertrand for Shaw, Alderweireld for Lovren, Pelle for Lambert and Tadic for Lallana actually made them stronger.

You're right. Credit to them for making it all click, but the gap left by Suarez, quality wise was bigger. I'd also argue it was just as disruptive.

7 or 8 Premier League games out of 10, Suarez was the best footballer on the pitch. Quite often by quite a distance. Liverpool had zero chance of replacing that.

 

[RooneyLegend]

Because we had no squad depth at all last season. You only had to check who was on the bench to see that.
When there was the need to change something we had few or little options to be able to do that.
Ironically (in theory) our bench is a lot stronger but league results overall because of the bad start we made don't reflect that.

I do kind of agree though, I would rather bring in quality over quantity. The manager wanted Sanchez but he chose to go elsewhere.
Fact is him apart he got most of the targets he wanted, which is why I said earlier next season is a big one for him given it looks like we may not qualify for the CL this time around.

I still think he is a good manager but needs to buy the right players in the summer.

Squad depth becomes immediately improved when a team improves the first 11. Essentially the ones that were starting, head to the bench. You don't go with an approach of improving the bench when your starting unit isn't a great one. Suarez masked so many deficiencies last season that it looks like the manager didn't even realise that the whole team weren't great.

 

[SteveJ]

I hope so. He's an excellent manager and the sooner he's out of Liverpool the better for all of us.

Not all of us are convinced of that though.

 

[Sarni]

You're right. Credit to them for making it all click, but the gap left by Suarez, quality wise was bigger. I'd also argue it was just as disruptive.

7 or 8 Premier League games out of 10, Suarez was the best footballer on the pitch. Quite often by quite a distance. Liverpool had zero chance of replacing that.

That's what I've meant. It is possible to replace decent and good players without much loss in quality. It isn't possible to replace a world class player, possibly the best player in the league, especially when you are Liverpool and top players won't pick you when they can go to Bayern, Barcelona or Real Madrid, even Chelsea and United.

 

[RedorDead21]

Surely Arsenal over Liverpool is a no brainer both in terms of football and lifestyle.

You could say that about Arsenal and Man United apart from the last 2 games.....

 

[finneh]

Because we had no squad depth at all last season. You only had to check who was on the bench to see that.
When there was the need to change something we had few or little options to be able to do that.
Ironically (in theory) our bench is a lot stronger but league results overall because of the bad start we made don't reflect that.

I do kind of agree though, I would rather bring in quality over quantity. The manager wanted Sanchez but he chose to go elsewhere.
Fact is him apart he got most of the targets he wanted, which is why I said earlier next season is a big one for him given it looks like we may not qualify for the CL this time around.

I still think he is a good manager but needs to buy the right players in the summer.

I think he needed to do both. He needed to bolster the squad with players at squad level prices like Manquillo, Lambert, Moreno, Can & Origi (as well as integrating youth player's like Ibe) whilst improving the first XI with the remaining budget.

The problem was he bought Lallana, Balotelli, Lovren & Markovic for over £80m. Those 4 player's could and should have been two much better player's and with £40m each there was no reason why that couldn't happen. I'm not saying you could have gotten Costa, Fabregas or Sanchez because they were always going to teams who could pay £150k+ a week, but you certainly could have gotten a couple of players like Greizmann, Moutinho, Pedro, Tevez & Witsel. The bolded 2 particularly would have Liverpool competing imo.

 

[Carl]

Not all of us are convinced of that though.

I am.

You could say that about Arsenal and Man United apart from the last 2 games.....

You really, really can't.

First of all, United can afford to pay wages way in excess of what Arsenal can. In terms of on the pitch then granted United aren't in the CL this season but it's the first time in how long? Everyone who has anything about them whatsoever knows it's a one off that will last no more than a year or 2. I don't say that as some chest thumping fan with a United crest tattooed on my face, it's just common sense.

 

[FlawlessThaw]

I hope so. He's an excellent manager and the sooner he's out of Liverpool the better for all of us.

Agree with this. Liverpool still have a great chance of getting the top 4 despite the weekend's result and if he does that with Liverpool this season, for me he cements himself as one of the best managers in the league.

 

[Crackers]

I hope so. He's an excellent manager and the sooner he's out of Liverpool the better for all of us.

He's excellent tactically, but he's not great at picking talent, man management and so on. However, I feel if he left Liverpool, they'd probably lose their form.

 

[RedorDead21]

I am.



You really, really can't.

First of all, United can afford to pay wages way in excess of what Arsenal can. In terms of on the pitch then granted United aren't in the CL this season but it's the first time in how long? Everyone who has anything about them whatsoever knows it's a one off that will last no more than a year or 2. I don't say that as some chest thumping fan with a United crest tattooed on my face, it's just common sense.

I thought you were referring to style of play which they trump us on and the location of London over Manchester that they also trump us on. Arsenal could afford Sanchez just as we could so thats even.

 

[bishblaize]

Because we had no squad depth at all last season. You only had to check who was on the bench to see that.
When there was the need to change something we had few or little options to be able to do that.
Ironically (in theory) our bench is a lot stronger but league results overall because of the bad start we made don't reflect that.

That logic always sounded iffy.

For one thing, look at the records for your cabal of attacking players last season (Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez, Coutinho, Henderson & Gerrard) and they're nearly all in the high 20s or mid 30s for league appearances (bar Sterling on 24). That's as many appearances as you can reasonably hope for. To put it in context we had 1 outfield player who beat 30 appearances. I really dont think that a small squad affected you in terms of fatgiue, mainly beause you had so few games.

Secondly, while a different type of threat can sometimes help, the reality is that most of the time quality is what counts. It matters who you bring on. If you'd been taking off Sturridge, Suarez or Sterling, and bringing on Lambert, Balotelli or Markovic, I seriously doubt you would have changed your fortunes. They're probably better than Aspas or Moses, but you're still making a step backwards by bringing them on.

 

[Carl]

I thought you were referring to style of play which they trump us on and the location of London over Manchester that they also trump us on. Arsenal could afford Sanchez just as we could so thats even.

Ah, specifically between Arsenal and Liverpool then there's the city and the fact that Arsenal have been in the CL every year since forever and generally challenge for trophies every season. Same can't be said for Liverpool and, fact is, until we reach the end of May we won't know if last season was a fluke season.

I'm sure the fact Liverpool have been in the wilderness for so long played a part in Sanchez's thinking. Granted they came 2nd last season but Suarez was a major contributing factor to that and he left.

 

[SteveJ]

Rodgers:

"I've been complaining about the state of the Anfield pitch all season, and yet Steven and Martin get punished when they try to replace some divots. Now I've got to replace some divots for the match against Arsenal."

 

[Speak]

Ah, specifically between Arsenal and Liverpool then there's the city and the fact that Arsenal have been in the CL every year since forever and generally challenge for trophies every season. Same can't be said for Liverpool and, fact is, until we reach the end of May we won't know if last season was a fluke season.

I'm sure the fact Liverpool have been in the wilderness for so long played a part in Sanchez's thinking. Granted they came 2nd last season but Suarez was a major contributing factor to that and he left.

Agreed. It's not even my bias speaking here, but Liverpool are pretty irrelevant when it comes to the bigger picture. One promising season doesn't change that. Overseas players like Ozil, Di Maria, Sanchez wont even consider Liverpool any more than Tottenham, in my opinion.

I don't know exactly where we stand in terms of players, but we're at least relevant.

Edit: When you think about it, Liverpool of today don't actually have much going for them in terms of attracting a player such as Sanchez - this generation of top player.

During the Premier League era... they've not had a manager who's left a mark like Sir Alex or Wenger, they're not really known for their attractive football over the years, they don't have a history of signing many big names, they haven't ever won the Premier League, they don't pay the highest wages.

 

[Suedesi]

The smugness in this thread...
Two weeks ago, most of you were having a go at LVG and dreading the Anfield visit. Things can change quickly in football. BR has done a good job at LFC - came close but not ultimately delivered. I think the 4th spot is by no means a foregone conclusion, especially if they win at the Emirates.

 

[Chorley1974]

The smugness in this thread...
Two weeks ago, most of you were having a go at LVG and dreading the Anfield visit. Things can change quickly in football. BR has done a good job at LFC - came close but not ultimately delivered. I think the 4th spot is by no means a foregone conclusion, especially if they win at the Emirates.

I think the bolded part is true, but also think that the majority of fans on here are in the give LVG time camp.

I agree BR has done a good job at Liverpool, but is not yet a great manager, he's won feck all for a start.

 

[JUPITER]

You could say that about Arsenal and Man United apart from the last 2 games.....

If by '2 games' you mean 10 years, then yes. If not, then no.

 

[clarkydaz]

They could present an envelope from the start of the season with his name in it.

And one for Gerrard too

holy shit, it was Gerrard in that envelope last season wasn't it!? mind blown

 

[Alex99]

Considering they went and spent £20m on Lovren, £24m on Lallana and £14m on Balotelli AFTER failing to sign Sanchez points to me that they did have the funds, just not desire to join them from player.

I don't doubt that the actual money was there at the start, and I wouldn't doubt that they made a bid if they claimed that they did, but I do doubt that they were ever really in a position to authorise the funds to sign Sanchez and stick to their apparent plan for the summer, which was to strengthen the squad. In my opinion, they should have gone for him with all they had, I just don't think the interest was ever that great, especially when they found out he was more inclined to go to Arsenal (Wenger did speak to him during the WC after all).

They'd already authorised £40 million in transfers before the Suarez departure was confirmed, bringing in Lallana, Can and Lambert. The Suarez to Barca and Sanchez to Arsenal deals were confirmed on the same day. If Liverpool were genuinely interested in signing a top quality Suarez replacement, they'd have insisted on Sanchez coming to them, or Suarez, who'd just signed a new contract, wasn't heading to Spain. Liverpool went on to invest a further £40 million in the squad that month, bringing in Lovren and Markovic, before spending another £38 million in August on Manquillo, Balotelli, Origi and Moreno. Actual money clearly wasn't the issue, but I think authorising his wages would have meant massively compromising on the squad-building plan whilst keeping the existing squad happy. There's already rumours of Henderson wanting £120k and Sterling wanting £200k+ without there being a new guy on a stupid wage.

You can agree or disagree with me, I don't really care either way, I just think that the money they spent and the number of players they brought in means spending a lot on fees and wages for one player was never on the cards for them. They made the decision very early on to spend their transfer budget on building strength in depth (which they utterly failed at) and just spent more than initially intended on more players once the Suarez money came in.

 

[legball]

I still think he's a fantastic manager [he's a prat though]. I mean, everytime people talk about Liverpool, I look at their squad and can't see any quality there. Just Sterling and maybe Coutinho and that's it. He has managed to turn an average squad into something, Henderson has improved massively under him. However, he's very poor in the transfer market though, he spent about 120m last summer and didn't sign 1 quality player, not one.

 

[johnny boy]

I still think he's a fantastic manager [he's a prat though]. I mean, everytime people talk about Liverpool, I look at their squad and can't see any quality there. Just Sterling and maybe Coutinho and that's it. He has managed to turn an average squad into something, Henderson has improved massively under him. However, he's very poor in the transfer market though, he spent about 120m last summer and didn't sign 1 quality player, not one.

You have to give players more time - course you want an instant impact especially when you pay good money. However, the likes of Can, Moreno & Markovic are all young and need time to settle.
I agree for the money paid (bearing in mind Suarez went for over half what the club spent on incoming players), but sometimes players take a while to adapt.

Di Maria who cost £57m? hasn't you would say shown consistency yet and the likes of Fellaini who has been in the league a lot longer you could argue is only now just starting to show what he can do at United.
Shaw also hasn't stood out - admittedly in just a few games I have seen him in.
Again - he needs time.

I do agree though especially this summer he can't afford any mistakes in the transfer market, and clearly Balotelli looks just that with question marks over the likes of Lovren too.

 

[Sandikan]

The smugness in this thread...
Two weeks ago, most of you were having a go at LVG and dreading the Anfield visit. Things can change quickly in football. BR has done a good job at LFC - came close but not ultimately delivered. I think the 4th spot is by no means a foregone conclusion, especially if they win at the Emirates.

Only idiots who don't understand football can possibly be smug at a 5point lead, with City home (lost this fixture the last 3 years), Chelsea away (lose very frequently) and Everton away (one of Rooney's no show grounds, not a great record) to come as a 3 game run.

If we can get up to an 8point gap by the next fixtures, then we're closer, but still not quite there

 

[Sandikan]

I still think he's a fantastic manager [he's a prat though]. I mean, everytime people talk about Liverpool, I look at their squad and can't see any quality there. Just Sterling and maybe Coutinho and that's it. He has managed to turn an average squad into something, Henderson has improved massively under him. However, he's very poor in the transfer market though, he spent about 120m last summer and didn't sign 1 quality player, not one.

You'd add Sturridge in too of course, but he's missing more and more games with injury. Last season might well be one he looks back on with a wistful eye in terms of appearances.

 

[PickledRed]

Not just tonight though, in case you haven't noticed he's taken a team that finished 2nd last season, admittedly lost one great player and then is taking them to a non top 4 finish. He's been all over the place this season, seems to be experimenting without a clear line of thought as to what he's trying to build.

Don't agree. He wasn't sure about a clear pattern of play from Sept to November but it's pretty clear that there's been a definite and deliberate approach since the game at Old Trafford. It's reaped rewards with more points than any team in that period. A loss against an impressive United side doesn't alter this fact.

The loss of Sturridge and Suarez and the introduction of new players also contributed to a poor start - the perfect storm really. But getting it going again has been impressive in my opinion.

I can tolerate the occasional loss if it is within the context of good form and genuine progression. That's how I see it at the moment.

 

[Speak]

Not just tonight though, in case you haven't noticed he's taken a team that finished 2nd last season, admittedly lost one great player and then is taking them to a non top 4 finish. He's been all over the place this season, seems to be experimenting without a clear line of thought as to what he's trying to build.

An example of why managers become victims of overachieving. He overachieved by finishing second. The actual quality of his squad should have him in fifth place right now. Last season it should have had him in fourth, considering we flopped hard.

 

[Alex99]

Don't agree. He wasn't sure about a clear pattern of play from Sept to November but it's pretty clear that there's been a definite and deliberate approach since the game at Old Trafford. It's reaped rewards with more points than any team in that period. A loss against an impressive United side doesn't alter this fact.

The loss of Sturridge and Suarez and the introduction of new players also contributed to a poor start - the perfect storm really. But getting it going again has been impressive in my opinion.

I can tolerate the occasional loss if it is within the context of good form and genuine progression. That's how I see it at the moment.

Does that not worry you? You only had one key player leave, yet suddenly Rodgers had no idea what his best team was, who should play where, and what the tactics should be. He spent £120 million last summer, with seemingly little to no idea of what system he was going to be playing and if the new players would even fit into it. You're going to have to do more rebuilding this summer, and with his terrible track record with transfers, I'm not sure I'd be overly confident in his ability to actually build the squad you'd need to be regularly mounting a proper challenge for the top 4.

 

[devil in me]

I still think he's a fantastic manager [he's a prat though]. I mean, everytime people talk about Liverpool, I look at their squad and can't see any quality there. Just Sterling and maybe Coutinho and that's it. He has managed to turn an average squad into something, Henderson has improved massively under him. However, he's very poor in the transfer market though, he spent about 120m last summer and didn't sign 1 quality player, not one.

Pretty much agree with all this. He worked wonders last season whether we like it or not, and this season theyve been pretty good from November onwards in fairness. When I saw their line up against us on Sunday, which was arguably their first choice, I immediately thought 'we should be able to beat these'. Its not an overly impressive side, and for them to finish second last season (admittedly with Suarez) was pretty impressive. Fifth/sixth is probably about right.
But one of Rogers weaknesses has to be his transfer dealings. They 'did a Spurs' with the Suarez Money in my opinion. If they start well next season, then they will challenge for the title.
And he certainly is a massive prat!

 

[legball]

You have to give players more time - course you want an instant impact especially when you pay good money. However, the likes of Can, Moreno & Markovic are all young and need time to settle.
I agree for the money paid (bearing in mind Suarez went for over half what the club spent on incoming players), but sometimes players take a while to adapt.

Di Maria who cost £57m? hasn't you would say shown consistency yet and the likes of Fellaini who has been in the league a lot longer you could argue is only now just starting to show what he can do at United.
Shaw also hasn't stood out - admittedly in just a few games I have seen him in.
Again - he needs time.

I do agree though especially this summer he can't afford any mistakes in the transfer market, and clearly Balotelli looks just that with question marks over the likes of Lovren too.

I know what you mean about giving players time, but I'm talking about the players being of high quality to have such faith in them, for example, when we signed De Gea, every person who followed the La Liga knew he'd be the keeper we're seeing today, I can't say the same for majority of Rogers signings, Markovic was very impressive before he moved to Liverpool, so, with time I expect him to come good. But the likes of Moreno, Can, Lovren, Balotelli, that's just dross all round, even Lallana isn't all that either. While we might have overpaid for Di Maria, there's no question that he's world class, after the next summer, I think the likes of Fellaini and Young [who are both limited, despite being in good form] will go back to being squad players. This summer, Rogers has to get the transfers right [i hope he doesn't], maybe try to get a quality GK like Cech first, then build from that.

 

[RooneyLegend]

An example of why managers become victims of overachieving. He overachieved by finishing second. The actual quality of his squad should have him in fifth place right now. Last season it should have had him in fourth, considering we flopped hard.

Uhm you do know putting together the squad is one of his responsibilities right?

 

[Speak]

Uhm you do know putting together the squad is one of his responsibilities right?

Yes, and he'd have had to work miracles to assemble a squad that should be sitting higher than fifth on paper.

 

[Pexbo]

Yes, and he'd have had to work miracles to assemble a squad that should be sitting higher than fifth on paper.

Work miracles? He's spent £220m so far.

 

[loony]

I don't really like Rodgers, I hate his smugness when Liverpool win. But there is no doubt that he's a good manager. Tactically he is very good, particularly for a British coach. He clearly spent a significant amount of time studying the game and learning before he became a manager. I really like how he tries formations like 3-4-3, something most coaches (even in Europe) don't use. When things aren't working he looks to change formations, not just players. I do feel Liverpool's European games this year have cost them slightly because Rodgers doesn't have enough time on the training ground to coach the players. Last things little things changed quite regularly but this year they stay the same from game after game. I don't think he has handled that well.

I think he is quite good with man-management. You don't hear anything from players disliking him and the Liverpool players clearly believe in his methods. I would criticise his use of Sterling. He's playing in a position in order to fit everyone in yet his impact is reduced significantly. Someone has to be dropped to let Sterling play further forward.

He's not brilliant in the transfer market but he's not awful either. Lovren, Balotelli and Lambert should not have been signed. Moreno was one of the best LBs in Spain and will come good with time in my opinion. Manquillo is also a very highly rated Spanish full back. Barcelona were linked with him the last few years so he'll be good with time but I'm no sure if it will be in the Premier League. Markovic is a very good talent and worth the gamble. Again the talent is there, but whether the drive and determination are is another question. Lallana I can see why Liverpool bought him, he adds more depth but at the moment Liverpool have too many of the same type of players all of whom expect to start.

If I was Liverpool fan I would be happy with the work he is doing. He has given them a clear philosophy of the football they play and the kind of players they want. With the right investment he can certainly get them regularly into the top 4 and maybe challenging for trophies.

 

[Speak]

Work miracles? He's spent £220m so far.

Given the level of player Liverpool can/can't attract with that money, and the gap between his squad and the squads above, I think it's a huge struggle to assemble a Liverpool squad you'd put above fifth on paper.

 

[Tyrion]

I think he's pretty good actually. I'd be happy to hear Liverpool got rid of him (only because I'd know he'd get another job) so that's a sure sign that he's doing a good job.

He says some ridiculous things and is a bit of a tool but he has got Liverpool doing as well as they have in years with players that I don't believe are that good and the transfers and spending aren't all down to him. He turned things around after a bad start and there were alot of people here convinced they'd beat us to 4th. I think he's a good young manager though probably not as smart as he seems to think he is.

 

[RooneyLegend]

Yes, and he'd have had to work miracles to assemble a squad that should be sitting higher than fifth on paper.

220 million? With a club the size of liverpool? Miracle? To get a squad better than this current arsenal and man united? Surely you don't believe that.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

An example of why managers become victims of overachieving. He overachieved by finishing second. The actual quality of his squad should have him in fifth place right now. Last season it should have had him in fourth, considering we flopped hard.

I tend to agree with this. The spine of Liverpool's consists of Mignolet, Skrtel, Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling and Sturridge (who's usually injured).

Three very good attacking players in Sterling, Coutinho and Sturridge, but Henderson looks average (to me at least), Skrtel is decent, but not top class, and Mignolet is a mistake waiting to happen. Compare that with City, Chelsea Us or Arsenal. Even spurs, arguably, have a better team on paper.

The level of player Liverpool can attract will always be one or two classes removed from world class. So they have to buy potential rather than the finished product. For instance, there's no way in hell they could have bought Di Maria, Shaw (their wage structure wouldn't allow it), or Mata (wage structure again).

We all hate Liverpool, and Rodgers to a certain degree, but Rodgers has done a good job with them this season. The switch in formation was actually very intelligent. They didn't go all them games unbeaten for nothing.

He's probably the best British manager around, but still a good few levels away from the best foreign managers, like Mourinho, Van Gaal, Guardiola and Simeone.

 

[johnny boy]

I know what you mean about giving players time, but I'm talking about the players being of high quality to have such faith in them, for example, when we signed De Gea, every person who followed the La Liga knew he'd be the keeper we're seeing today, I can't say the same for majority of Rogers signings, Markovic was very impressive before he moved to Liverpool, so, with time I expect him to come good. But the likes of Moreno, Can, Lovren, Balotelli, that's just dross all round, even Lallana isn't all that either. While we might have overpaid for Di Maria, there's no question that he's world class, after the next summer, I think the likes of Fellaini and Young [who are both limited, despite being in good form] will go back to being squad players. This summer, Rogers has to get the transfers right [i hope he doesn't], maybe try to get a quality GK like Cech first, then build from that.

That's harsh on Can and Moreno. The former has had some uncomfortable moments in what is a relatively new and challenging position for him.
However, he has shown a lot of quality too especially when breaking forward with the ball, he is still very young too. I think he will prove to be a very good player for us.
Moreno has been in and out of the side, consistency of performance hasn't always been there - but overall has shown enough for me, I think like Can he will prove a good signing and become a regular in the team.
After all you can't say Shaw (who cost twice as much), is the finished article yet either and this is their first season in English football.

Balotelli was a risk - it just hasn't worked out.

 

[Feed Me]

That's harsh on Can and Moreno. The former has had some uncomfortable moments in what is a relatively new and challenging position for him.
However, he has shown a lot of quality too especially when breaking forward with the ball, he is still very young too. I think he will prove to be a very good player for us.
Moreno has been in and out of the side, and has sometimes been at fault I agree - but overall has shown enough for me, I think like Can he will prove a good signing and become a regular in the team.
After all you can't say Shaw (who cost twice as much), is the finished article yet either and this is Moreno's first season in English football.

Balotelli was a risk - it just hasn't worked out.

Your comparison between Moreno and Shaw is laboured and well off the mark.

Shaw's biggest constraint this season has been injury, but when he's played he's been a solid addition to the side. I can't recall a time when he's made a defensive blunder. If anything, it's the attacking side of his game where we need to see more, but he's shown some nice bursts, so I think that'll come.

On the other hand, Moreno seems to have made a defensive rick every time I've watched him play. I reckon he's been accountable for at least five goals against you this season, and that's purely what I've seen in big, televised matches. He strikes me as part of the modern breed of full back who's more interested in making gains further up the field.

I do think Moreno has the raw tools, but he needs coaching on the defensive side of things. I certainly wouldn't be putting him in the 'flop' category; same as Can and Markovic.

 

[johnny boy]

I said Shaw wasn't the finished article, which especially given his age is understandable. Which as you have suggested too is correct.
Moreno and Can have made mistakes but they are young players adapting to a new league and new way of playing.

All 3 need to be given time - I suppose in a way then that is the 'comparison'

They were called "dross" which is extremely harsh.

 

[PickledRed]

Does that not worry you? You only had one key player leave, yet suddenly Rodgers had no idea what his best team was, who should play where, and what the tactics should be. He spent £120 million last summer, with seemingly little to no idea of what system he was going to be playing and if the new players would even fit into it. You're going to have to do more rebuilding this summer, and with his terrible track record with transfers, I'm not sure I'd be overly confident in his ability to actually build the squad you'd need to be regularly mounting a proper challenge for the top 4.

Spending far more money LvG has toiled with little or no pattern for more of the season than Rodgers' Liverpool.

Either way it was a poor start from Liverpool but it was remedied.

This is what bugs me about football 'analysis'. It's based almost singularly on the 'now'. Had Liverpool won on Sunday this narrative we are debating would've been directed at LvG.

As I said above, I'm happy to tolerate losses if it falls within the context of general progress. This is why I'm not concerned.