Thoughts and expectations for the upcoming season 2009/10:
Most of the changes for Liverpool have occurred behind the scenes: With Rick Parry's departure after over ten years in the chair as chief executive, the “Anfield Rafalution” was able to take its bloody course and saw 16 backroom staff contracts terminated, most of which were long-serving.
Many may be shocked and question these developments, but looking back the last decade-or-so, something had to give to end the long title-drought. Manager Rafael Benítez has been frustrated with the wheelings and dealings of the chief and his backroom allies long enough, clashed with them on numerous occasions and will thereby be more than happy to have his path cleared of them. Looking back at Rafa's reign so far, we know he must be doing something right having won nigh on everything BUT the league and reaching a club-record and league-record high points-total as runners-up last season. The tendencies and developments are good.But Rafa has also had his problems with players in the past, that were promising big signings, but never got a chance really to set foot into the team, like Robbie Keane, Andriy Voronin and Jermaine Pennant. For this season, it looks like Benítez has surprisingly held back with big signings. So far, Glen Johnson is the only “big” signing for an estimated £17.5 million from Portsmouth. The manager has given more youngsters a chance to prove themselves and run-out for the team like Scousers defender Stephen Darby and midfielder Jay Spearing, Spanish centre-back Mikel San Jose Dominguez, French attacking winger Nabil El Zhar and midfielder Damien Plessis. Has he maybe learned form his past mistakes? Or is it just the credit-crunch forcing savings?
A couple of matches into the season preparation, the youngsters have looked promising, but not much has come from attack. Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt hardly came forward, too busy defending, and without Fernando Torres and with doubts over Xabi Alonso's future, Liverpool definitely need someone in attack to back them up. The Spanish coach has showed and expressed his faith and high hopes in players like Ryan Babel and Lucas Leiva on numerous occasions, but they have been to no avail so far though.
Only time will tell who Rafa will stick with, but looking back at last season, his tendency so far has been right: Not many changes are needed but something/somebody to give that final edge – Johnson is doubtfully IT. Liverpool only lost two matches last season, below par, showing not much is missing. To avoid that drop of form and to turn over the many draws, they need to pull a Federico Macheda out of the hat and for that they maybe do not have to look far and pay high. Benítez will have to develop that sense and hopefully has, he has had enough time, to finally break the title-voodoo.My prediction for the season: Too many times have the high hopes fallen short at the end of the season for me to say Liverpool will cruise it. More looking at the other contenders and winners of the past, my optimism grows. Not much has changed for the Arsenal and Chelsea squads, so, I can't see them breaking the ice. Manchester United have lost one of their main players but have coped with that in the past, Sir Alex always has a lifeline ready. Wannabe glory-boys Manchester City have just overloaded and I think their expensive cookie will collapse and crumble under pressure. Liverpool can scrape past the lot of them if they find the final edge. They are certainly not far off.
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