The once great club Liverpool have now failed to win any silverware since the 2006 FA Cup but under Kenny Dalglish, who was the last manager to bring the league title to Anfield, could the five year drought soon be at an end?
Kenny Dalglish himself has not won any trophies since picking up the Scottish League Cup in 2000 during his short spell at Celtic. During his six year tenure at Anfield in the ’80s, he won three league titles and two FA Cups and the Reds never finished outside the top two. People have said that Dalglish took over from Joe Fagan when Liverpool were the best team in Europe and that the team was built for success. However, in his debut season as manager at Anfield he led the club to their only league and cup double and did so while still playing. Now that he has returned, Liverpool fans will be hoping he can replicate this success in the 21st century.
After the new owners New Sports England Ventures offered him the job last season, firstly on a caretaker role and then on a permanent three year contract, I think Dalglish has shown that he is the man for the job. The saviour of Liverpool football club didn’t spend the twelve years previous out of the game; instead he was heavily involved on a variety of levels and didn’t let his level of knowledge drop, regularly being spotted at Anfield, following his team’s progress. Since his appointment he has brought stability back to Anfield with his old-school mentalities that had been lost over the years and it looks like the players have embraced this approach.
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His presence last season lifted disillusioned players and the introduction of the Liverpool youngsters, that he had followed through their development at the club, propelled Liverpool to a sixth place finish in the Premier League. He has now brought in the players he thinks are necessary to bring success back to Anfield, sticking to a transfer policy of picking up young English talents with the potential to sell them on at an even bigger price.
These summer arrivals have certainly given hope to Liverpool fans that silverware could be back at Anfield soon. They now have the right balance of youth and experience at the club. With Luis Suarez leading the line alongside Andy Carroll they appear to have goals in the team and we all know about the huge competition for places in midfield. However, there is room for some strengthening in the defence as the left back position still needs sorting and a new centre back could be brought in before the end of the transfer window.
Kevin Keegan’s fated time at Newcastle proved that former managers should not always return to the club where they are loved. However, it seems that Kenny has managed to find the right balance and with owners, who appear to have the club’s interest at heart, things are looking positive for the new season.
There is the prospect of ending the last five years without a trophy at Anfield and then maybe one day soon Kenny could be just the man to take Liverpool to that long-awaited 19th league title. It would be fitting.
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