No one connected with Liverpool Football Clubs takes pleasure in seeing Kenny Dalglish left in limbo. No one likes the uncertainty engulfing Anfield at the moment. It isn't fitting that a legend of the game like Dalglish should be publicly suspended in mid air waiting to be either cut loose or reeled back in to safety. Having said that, John W. Henry and Tom Werner have a crucial decision to make and cannot afford to rush into it.
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| Dalglish has been left to wait in limbo |
If replacing Roy Hodgson with Kenny Dalglish was a no brainer for FSG then this decision is the exact opposite. The management situation at Liverpool Football Club right now is as complex as it is emotive. Compelling cases can be made for Dalglish to remain as the leader of his beloved club and also to be replaced. Dalglish's supporters will point to the two excellent runs in the domestic cups and the fact that this Liverpool team certainly haven't gained the results that many of their performances have merited. From their point of view, the team requires little more than some fine tuning and a bit of luck. Conversely, those in favour of Dalglish's potential dismissal will point to the awful run of league form since the turn of the year, the chronic lack of a consistent tactical approach and argue that the club need to look at a more long term appointment than the 61 year old Scot.
The club is lacking leadership right now and high ranking employees are falling by the way side. A huge change will take place at Liverpool this summer regardless of who the manager is. A new Director of Football, a new CEO and a new medical team will all be put in place (as well as other appointments) in the coming days, weeks and months. FSG are seeking to implement a structure within the club that fits their style. That is all well and good, but they cannot afford to underestimate the importance of the managerial position. No matter how much faith they wish to place in a Director of Football or how important it is to have a smoothly functioning club with clear leadership (and God knows Liverpool do need that right now), the most important man at Liverpool Football Club has always been and always will be the manager. You can have the most well structured club in the world but if the manager isn't up to the task then the whole house of cards comes down. Results matter most in football and that is the manager's responsibility.
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| Henry and Werner have a tough decision to make |
Liverpool is a club in danger of becoming mediocre. If the owners make the wrong decision regarding Dalglish's position and it subsequently impacts negatively on the team's performances next season then Liverpool will fall further and further behind the financial powerhouses in the Premier League and struggle to regain their coveted place in the Champions League for the foreseeable future. Proven world class players will not be attracted to Liverpool this summer and without a huge upturn in their league form and the carrot of Champions League football, they never will be. FSG must decide whether Kenny Dalglish is the man to take Liverpool back into Europe's premier club competition next season and if the answer is not immediately forthcoming then they should not be criticised. It is not an easy decision to make and it deserves due care and attention.
For 18 months, Liverpool's American owners have had a relatively easy ride. They can no longer remain silent in the background. They have proven themselves to be winners and excellent businessmen in other fields but now is the time to demonstrate that they can successfully translate their previous triumphs into the world of football. If it takes them a little more time to make the correct decision and it puts some noses out of joint for a while, so be it. Ultimately, no matter how long this decision takes, they cannot afford to get it wrong. The future success of one of England's greatest sporting institutions depends on it.
Good read. You raise some valid points on how this decision is critical..but I think you should propose some solutions. I like to be solution-orientated - or at least I view myself as such. Whatever the FSG decision is..the expected / demanded solution is a return to UCL next season? No?
ReplyDeletePersonally...I would like KK to stay for another season, with tighter restrictions. Less transfer budget for one. Yes, I agree..the team is lacking quality in certain quarters (finishing, DM cover, right wing), but he can not be allowed to go gung-ho with transfers. I am part of the fans that believes the monies spent on Carroll / Downing / Hendo were absolutely diabolical. Managers would be fired over that alone. We need to quality..and that does not mean British (often misunderstood to equal “EPL experience” – will hit the ground running). However, we need to poach the relegated teams.. Hoilett (get this guy KK!!).
Ultimately, I think Lpool is far from a well managed club as you eluded to. We are no different from Newcastle. The biggest problem with some fans – they view KK as a club legend first, then manager second. Thus, they cannot fathom his dismissal.
We need diversity in our team – Africans, Spanish, French. KK will never (has never) signed any of these. Let me end there and console myself by repeating the (in)famous words “YNWA..we can only improve next season”
To be honest I can't offer solutions. I'd like Kenny to be given another go as I think there is definite scope for improvement in the team. That said, if a Jurgen Klopp or the like were available then I'd understand FSG replacing Kenny. I don't think Dalglish will be here in three or four years time and maybe it's the right moment to move him on but that all depends on who FSG can attract as his replacement.
ReplyDeleteThe problem Liverpool have is that we've now finished outside the CL places three years in a row. We are being left behind and only huge financial outlay from FSG (unlikely given the disappointment of last years signings) or some managerial genius is going to get us back there. The question FSG have to answer is can they get anyone in who will take us higher than Kenny. If the answer is 'yes' then, horrible as it would be, they'd have to sack him. I'm just hoping they realise the ramifications of getting this decision wrong.
A good read there mate, FSG most certainly do not have an easy decision to make. We lack leadership, which Kenny is giving but with FSG spending most of their time in the US, we need someone here to run the show, not Kenny.
ReplyDeletePersonally I would have Brian Barwick as CEO, someone who oversaw a period of modernisation at the FA, someone with vast experience in football and the media. Ian Ayre does not inspire confidence, and should return to his former role.
A Director of Football is key, Txiki Begiristain has been heavily linked and someone of his clout and expertise is the sort of man to take us forward.
Bringing Xavi Valero back may result in Pepe Reina returning to the form that made him the best in the League.
I'm of the opinion Kenny should be moved on and into a role working with a new Director of Football and Frank McFarland in the Academy.
Who to replace him? There are going to be big names available after the Euros, Laurent Blanc, Joachim Loew, as well as the heavyweights such as Fabio Capello. In an ideal world, Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola. We've been linked with Roberto Martinez, but the job is too big for him.
SIMZ. HIs name isn't KK, use his initials if you must but preferably his actual name. Cheers la. Kathy
ReplyDeleteapologies Kathy. I was using KK for King Kenny.... Long Live The King!
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