Liverpool rising like a Phoenix for better future

28 April 2016 09:08

With reports coming from United Arab Emirates, Liverpool are being lined up for a £700m Middle Eastern takeover by Sheikh Khalifa, the wealthier half-brother Manchester City’s owner Sheikh Mansour.

Add this news with the positive results of the Hillsborough inquest and Jurgen Klopp’s brilliant comeback versus old club Dortmund many supporters believe the good times are just round the corner.

Over recent years Liverpool’s standing as a big club has been under threat with trophyless, seasons and continually finishing outside the top four.

The revolution at Anfield was supposed to start with John W. Henry, owner of the Boston Red Sox and of Fenway Sports Group, bidding successfully for the club and taking ownership in October 2011.

The previous year Rafa Benitez had left by mutual consent after finishing seventh in the Premier League and failing to qualify for the Champions League.

England coach Roy Hodgson took over the reigns at Anfield after guiding Fulham to their first major European final in 2010 where they lost to Atletico Madrid. However bad results cost him his job and former player & manager Kenny Dalglish returned.

Former hero Dalglish led them to a record 8th League Cup success against Cardiff and an FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea. However, Liverpool finished in eighth position in the 2011–12 season, the worst league finish in 18 years he was sacked.

Brendan Rodgers took the hot seat after impressing with Swansea City. However, over a 3 year period He failed to win a trophy. The reason were obvious if you look at the fact club legend Steven Gerrard featuring in a midfield of Adam, Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing just three seasons after playing alongside Alonso and Javier Mascherano underlines the downturn in quality at the club.

The team were carried by a few players in 2013-14 and with sides like Man United and Chelsea going through a period of transition, Liverpool were unlucky to be runners up behind Man City. That year Luis Suárez won the scoring title with 31 goals, and was also named Player of the Season and built a great partnership with Sturridge.

The descent into a mediocre side can be characterised in the following season of 2014-15 they came 6th in the league and failed to get out of the group stage of the Champions League coming third behind Basel.

Since Rodgers was sacked Klopp has caused a revolution with the fans and players. They have a great fighting spirit and look like a team capable of winning things, big things.

I for one can’t wait to see what Klopp does in his first full season, especially if he is handed a large war chest from a Sheikh billionaire as reports in the news suggest.

The future can start now with Liverpool surely favourites to reach the Europa League final against Spanish side Villarreal who have failed to win in their last three league games. Liverpool have recently battered derby rivals Everton 4-0 and are full of confidence. They need to be because two trophies in ten years is diabolical.

Premier League finishes:

2015-16     currently 7th     Jurgen Klopp

2014-15     6th place     Brenda Rogers

2013-14     2nd place     Brenda Rogers

2012-13     7th place     Brenda Rogers

2011-12     6th place     Kenny Dalglish

2010-11     7th place     Roy Hodgson

2009-10     7th place     Rafa Benitez

Recent honours:

2011-12     League Cup:     Liverpool beat Championship side Cardiff City.

2005-06     FA Cup:     Liverpool beat West Ham.

Source: DSG