Liverpool: Fernando Torres and Gerrard likely to stay

Liverpool FC News: Fernando Torres injury, Steven Gerrard linked to Madrid move and Mascherano keen on Benitez

Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC: One of the most successful clubs in the top grade of English football has been in the thick of the action or rather has been an object of keen eye for the club’s critics. After the debacle last season under Ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez – Liverpool is under the danger of becoming a sinking ship. Liverpool’s problems are exaggerated because of the heaby debts that the club is in.

However, things have improved for Liverpool in the last two weeks after Englishman Roy Hodgson was finally signed as the new manager of the team ahead of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. This selection was preceded by a row and war of words between Dalglish and Liverpool Management. After the selection of Hodgson as the new Liverpool boss Dalglish cut off all connections with the club.

Meanwhile, the Liverpool fans are concerned about the constant depletion of their first team. A great asset of the team Yossi Benayoun has already made his move to Chelsea. He said in no unclear terms about how he felt relieved to be moving out of Liverpool which must have been heart wrenching to any Liverpool fan.

But a bigger worry for all Liverpool fans is the possession of their star duo of Torres and Gerrard. They are the identity of this Liverpool team and their leaving would be a great dent to the team’s hope next season. Rather, it would leave Liverpool in a position from where it might well be difficult to come back from.

Liverpool's Torres with the world cup trophy (notice scarf)

An encouraging sign for Liverpool was seen when Fernando Torres committed symbolically to the “cause” of Liverpool as he posed with the world cup trophy in a Liverpool scarf. This sent a clear message to his critics who have confirmed his move to either Chelsea or Barcelona. The importance of Torres as a player at Liverpool can be known from hios performance over the last three seasons. Torres scored 20 goals for the club in consecutive seasons. Inspite of having an injury ridden season Torres came agonizingly close to the mark last season too. Torres in the side meant that Liverpool always had a chance but his injuries at the business end of the season proved fatal for Liverpool.

Fans believe Fernando Torres will stay for the love of the club.

Steven Gerrard is unlikely to leave Liverpool at this stage of his career and with the whooping price tag that Liverpool has put on him. One thing is clear, if Gerrard goes to Real Madrid – Liverpool will be depleted to miniscule but the debts will be lightened a bit. Gerrard is important to Liverpool than just being a player, he is the captain and overriding symbol of this team.

Meanwhile, Mascherano looks set to join ex-manager Benitez at Inter Milan. Both sides have shown encouraging interest and Liverpool wont mind to lose their key man if it proves to be a good deal. Rafa also has his eyes on Liverpool work-horse Dirk Kuyt.

There value has skyrocketed after both completed successful world cup runs.

Liverpool have lost their Champions League spot last season and that has propelled top players to pursue their football elsewhere. Hence the new Liverpool boss has correctly chose his aim for the season. A champions League spot is absolutely necessary for Liverpool as a club this season.

Liverpool are all set to start their season with the Europa League qualifiers on their head. Hodgson has key decisions to make before that happens.