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With expectations on the Reds to triumph in the Europa League ever so high, Brendan Rodgers’ men slumped to a bitter defeat to Besiktas in penalty shootouts on Thursday. Nevertheless, we provide you with 4 reasons not to dwell on that early Europa League exit (despite understanding how bitter of a pill it was for the Kop End to take in).
1. The end of a hectic schedule
As mentioned in our previous post, manager Brendan Rodgers deeply expressed his concerns over his team’s hectic schedule. And thanks to that string hectic fixtures we’ve got to see a very exhausted Emre Can in action against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup last week whilst Raheem Sterling has looked leggy for the past couple of weeks.
However, what needs to be done still needs to be done. The fans want to see their team succeed in Europe, not just in the league. After losing several regular starters to injury, the Reds are admittedly lacking in depth now. A good transfer window come next season would allow Brendan Rodgers to rotate the squad further, not to mention the emergence of academy talents like Jordan Ibe.
2. Simon Mignolet can be our own Manuel Neuer
A bit optimistic, yes. But his performance so far in 2015 has surprised many critics. The Belgian international once again produced a string of saves to keep Liverpool in the game well beyond 90 minutes. The lad is getting more and more confident in collecting high balls from corners and crosses too!
We’ve called him garbage, we’ve called him trash. And now he’s out to prove us wrong.
3. Martin Skrtel is regaining form
In my opinion, Skrtel’s desperate resurrection started after he netted Liverpool’s late equaliser against Arsenal back in mid December. If you remember calling him the scapegoat for so many defensive errors earlier at the start of the season, you should also remember seeing him own Christian Benteke throughout the match when the Reds beat Aston Villa 2-0 last month, you should also remember seeing him own Pelle against Southampton last week.
He has been one that held the defensive rearguard together so far this year.
4. Mario Balotelli
Not exactly a big fan of Balotelli, oh wait I actually am. Let’s not avoid the fact that his last few performances alone for the team was worth every penny of that £16 million fee, and he was yet again a plus point for the Reds on Thursday.
The Italian international was the best forward of the night without dispute, not to mention that both Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling were pure rubbish. Studge just wouldn’t pass Balotelli the ball. If Sturridge still ain’t forgetting about the penalty incident during the first leg, he’d better let bygones be bygones. That selfish display was just plainly unacceptable!
My apologies as I couldn’t hold my anger in from ranting at Sturridge. He’s a quality player and I am very aware of that.
Anyway, do not hesitate to leaves us a comment below if you have something to say!
