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Liverpool went through a traumatic pre-season last year but the turn-around has been complete at Anfield. Liverpool regulars such as Dirk Kuyt and Jamie Carragher have come out in full support of the team management. Carragher praised Kenny Dalglish for his transfer strategy and called it “pragmatic”. Dirk Kuyt oozed positivity and admitted that things were not as good last year under Roy Hodgson and owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Liverpool signed Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in the January window and signs of resurgence were soon evident. Liverpool garnered 31 points in the last half of the season standing just behind Manchester United and Chelsea. They have followed it up with the signings of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing.
Dalglish has made his moves swiftly in the transfer market to the delight of the Kop. The signings have not been over the top or sensational but to the ground. Utility is the mantra for success and it is befitting that the mid-field has been strengthened so as to maximize the output of the two quality strikers Liverpool possess. Dalglish is still hoping to add another reliable forward to his squad along with some quality in the backline. His work has been considerably reduced because of the great potential exhibited by young guns like Jonjo Shelvey and Flanagan.
The Liverpool Director praised Flanagan with self-indulgence after he played the full 90 minutes as Right Back against Manchester City in absence of regulars. He said, “He’s only 18 years old and he’s still got so much room for improvement in every area of his game – but he’s already very good going forward, technically he’s very sound. I’m sure in two years’ time we’ll talk about him having made even bigger progress.”
Dirk Kuyt shared these sentiments recently speaking after the team’s recent win in China as part of their Asia trip. He said, “”It all looks very positive. It is what I want and what the players want. We have to challenge with the best and it looks like we are getting there.”
Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted to the threat that Liverpool will be next season. He categorically stated that the League would be most competitive next year with six teams vying for the title and the Top 4 positions. Liverpool are not a part of the Europa League next season and that may prove to be a blessing in disguise. At the same time, their young guns would miss that extra exposure they derive from the competition. Dalglish has been styling his team with an eye for the future but immediate results are indispensable.
