Has a top football team ever been turned around as quickly as Liverpool this year? In January, under the tutelage of Roy Hodgson, the Reds were closer to a relegation dogfight than a battle for European qualification; vulnerable to defeat from every quarter (they lost to League Two’s Northampton Town in the Carling Cup). Today, with Anfield’s favoured son Kenny Dalglish back in the dug-out, the club appears likely to deny Tottenham Hotspur the final Europa League place next season, an extraordinary outcome considering Spurs’ glorious campaign (a UEFA Champions League Quarter-final berth, and the PFA Player of the Year Award for Gareth Bale).
Liverpool have amassed a whopping 33 points under Dalglish (bettered only by Chelsea’s 35), including victories over the Blues, Manchester United and Manchester City (totalling six goals against the two Manchester rivals). There were some changes to the Liverpool strike-force in the January transfer window (Fernando Torres out; Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll in), but this is only a small factor in the club’s revival. The big difference stems not from changes in personnel, but a change of attitude. Amongst current Premier League bosses, only Sir Alex Ferguson can match Dalglish’s motivational powers, and at the club’s training ground, Melwood, Dalglish has re-invigorated seasoned campaigners, such as Maxi Rodriguez, whose confidence had evaporated, whilst encouraging Liverpool’s young talent; John Flanagan, for example.
Liverpool’s 5-2 demolition at Fulham last night was the latest of many impressive performances (Rodriguez scoring his second hat-trick in three matches). Fulham’s defence may have been even more embarrassing than the Michael Jackson statue situated at Craven Cottage, but Liverpool were rampant; thirteen goals in three matches is Barcelona-like form. The fly in the ointment for Liverpool fans is the continuing uncertainty over Dalglish’s future at the club, though captain Steven Gerrard provided some reassurance whilst analyzing the Fulham game for Sky, indicating that a long-term contractual agreement is “around the corner”.
Liverpool have amassed a whopping 33 points under Dalglish (bettered only by Chelsea’s 35), including victories over the Blues, Manchester United and Manchester City (totalling six goals against the two Manchester rivals). There were some changes to the Liverpool strike-force in the January transfer window (Fernando Torres out; Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll in), but this is only a small factor in the club’s revival. The big difference stems not from changes in personnel, but a change of attitude. Amongst current Premier League bosses, only Sir Alex Ferguson can match Dalglish’s motivational powers, and at the club’s training ground, Melwood, Dalglish has re-invigorated seasoned campaigners, such as Maxi Rodriguez, whose confidence had evaporated, whilst encouraging Liverpool’s young talent; John Flanagan, for example.
Liverpool’s 5-2 demolition at Fulham last night was the latest of many impressive performances (Rodriguez scoring his second hat-trick in three matches). Fulham’s defence may have been even more embarrassing than the Michael Jackson statue situated at Craven Cottage, but Liverpool were rampant; thirteen goals in three matches is Barcelona-like form. The fly in the ointment for Liverpool fans is the continuing uncertainty over Dalglish’s future at the club, though captain Steven Gerrard provided some reassurance whilst analyzing the Fulham game for Sky, indicating that a long-term contractual agreement is “around the corner”.
If Dalglish stays the top end of the Premier League could be exhilaratingly competitive next season. United have been dominant in recent seasons (the title appears to be heading to Old Trafford for the fourth time in five seasons), but City are likely to embark on a massive spending spree this summer if, as expected, they qualify for the Champions League (enabling them to recruit a better quality of player), and Chelsea’s £50 million acquisition of Torres underlines Roman Abramovich’s wealth and determination. By winning the League United will overhaul Liverpool’s tally of 18 top flight English titles, and, surely, nothing will motivate Dalglish more than attempting to re-establish Liverpool as English football’s most successful ever club once again. Throw Arsenal in the mix, and there might be an authentic five horse race for the 2011-12 title.
By performing the miracle of reasserting Liverpool as a force in English football in a matter of months Kenny Dalglish has raised the spirit of the Anfield congregation, and raised their hopes that their prayers for a Premier League title may answered.
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