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Yep. Back on the opinion column today. A very positive vibe from the Liverpool FC camp over the past few days. With the Carling Cup now clinched, we can now focus on the League and perhaps even go for another trophy in the FA Cup.
Ushering the start of another winning era
Well, first of all, I’m going to start off talking about transfers. Suddenly, there has been a whole new set of rumours linking Liverpool FC with a host of players around. Damien Comolli has hinted at perhaps spending big in the summer, with a place in Europe (Europa League) assured following the Red’s victory over the Bluebirds at Wembley over the past weekend. Comolli had this to say:
We already know that there are big players who want to join us next summer because they believe in the project. Everybody in Europe knows what Liverpool football club are trying to do. Obviously the fact that we’re back playing in Europe and we’ve won the trophy, it’s all positive things.
Now the question really is, who to buy? In my opinion, I think we need a right winger right now. Andy Carroll has improved over the past few weeks but can certainly do better with good service from the right wing. In Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson, Liverpool don’t have a ‘natural’ right winger amongst our ranks. Crosses will be needed for the lanky Englishman to hit the back of the net more often for the Reds.
Talking about right wingers, Dirk Kuyt did it again. He drifted in, got into a good position, got slightly lucky and ended his trophy drought with the Reds. The part I am most happy with is the fact that he had never won a cup with the Reds until the Carling Cup last weekend, and I truly think that he deserves the winner’s medal following years of emptiness. He moved around well and got into the good positions, his shot was – despite it being slightly hashed – splendidly put past the Cardiff City goalkeeper.
Now I guess the focus would definitely be on the Champions League, won’t it? And where to start apart from a win against 4th place rivals Arsenal FC? Liverpool FC take on Arsenal this weekend high on confidence and team spirit. Stewart Downing’s performance against Cardiff and Brighton over the past two weekends will most certainly do wonders for his confidence. He has been finding his range with his passing and has been good on the ball. But it will be interesting to see how the Englishman does against a tougher opposition in the form of the Gunners.
The Champions League is definitely still achievable. It’s still in our hands. We need a good run of wins and we would be able to catch up. The fact remains that there is only a 7 point gap between us and currently 4th placed Arsenal FC. Furthermore, the turmoil at Chelsea at the moment with AVB’s future on the line, along with Arsenal’s relative inconsistency (coupled with news that Robin van Persie suffered a groin problem at training for Holland for their friendly against England) can only really mean good news for Liverpool.
The owners look willing to spend. All looks rosy down in the red half of Merseyside.
