He took over a side that had finished 7th, 6th, & 8th in the previous 3 seasons. He had a lot of ageing players who were on a good salary that he had to get rid of. People like Aurelio, Kuyt, Maxi Roderiguez, Bellamy, & Joe Cole. All players, that with the exception of Cole, had done some great things for the club. Then there were the, 'not good enough players', like Aquilani, Adam, & Carroll, who had to be moved on. Even the most optimistic Liverpool supporter could see he had to take a few steps backwards before he could move forward. Hardly surprising he didn't set the world alight initially. But he certainly showed in the 2nd part of last season that his side can compete with the best that the Premiership can offer - A narrow 2-1 defeat away to United. Followed by 2 draws at Arsenal & City. A home win against Spurs, followed by 2 further draws at home to Chelsea & Everton. So whilst our record against the sides that finished above us isn't great, it's by no means awful.
LFC isn't in the market to attract top players. It also isn't in the market to attract top managers. Just like a lot of the young, unproven players that we're bringing in. Our young, relatively unproven manager, is a risk. Nobody, but nobody, can say that after one season in charge of a club that needs fundamental changes, he's not going to be the answer.