Rafa's Rejects and the joy of the mute button.

Liverpool are currently in what we’d call a transitional phase, off the field anyway. On the field, we’re what some may call ‘stuck in the mud’.

The recent abject showing against Wolves made two things abundantly clear to me.
Andy Gray and Alan Parry are so unbearably buffoonish that I watched the majority of the game on Sky with the mute button on.
Roy Hodgson does not have the ability to manage Liverpool.
What we have at Liverpool is a swinging axe, and Hodgson’s head is edging nearer and nearer.

Firstly, the failure by Statler and Waldorf in the Sky gantry to call into question even one of their mate Hodgson’s tactical or team choices, and instead to simply act baffled while the crowd chanted for Dalglish was criminal, for so called experts.

When the crowd reacted ironically to Konchesky’s substitution, they failed to grasp two important points, that the Konchesky family has had a bit too much to say in public and that he is probably the worst left back the club have had for decades. Even Andreas Dossena could lash in a good cross (and score some memorable goals).
My only salvation was to reach for the mute button and reject the bile being spouted from the TV.

The loyalty by Sky and the london press in general to their mate manifested itself even more so when Parry felt the need to give his two pence on Rafa Benitez tenure. Mockingly inferring fans must be crazed to have him back, oh what some would give to have the goatee’d maestro at the helm.

The second point, which will no doubt be much discussed, is the ability of the incumbent manager, Roy Hodgson.
To put it bluntly he lacks a few qualities to be a success at the top; the ability to adapt during a game, the ability to motivate world class stars, and the personality to create an atmosphere within the club of superiority.

I have previously defended Roy (mildly), and suggested we may as well give him the season, and I may think differently in the morning, but I can’t bear this suffering much more.
I am unsure about the appointment of Dalglish, would it be silly to suggest if we appoint him, fans will find it too difficult to let go. Especially if he divides opinion with an indifferent tenure, although, I would be curious.
The solutions aren’t obvious, and in my previous posts I’ve highlighted candidates such as Flores, Deschamps and Coyle.

I think blaming Benitez for the mess we’re in now is a classic case of passing the buck. Rafa’s ‘rejects’ aren’t that bad, it’s a team full of internationals and youth promise. All we missed at the end of 2009 was a game controller, someone to move the ball quickly from side to side and show a bit of ingenuity. Aquilani would be the obvious choice, considering he’s already our player, but Roy sees it differently.
The tactics used: Meireles, Kuyt, Gerrard and Lucas in a mish-mash formation behind a lazy Torres and an inexperienced Ngog is just not good enough in the Premiership.
It’s amateurish to send even a seasoned pro out there with seemingly no game plan and just hope your players can do better than the other guys.

Torres looks like he doesn’t want to be there, and I think hooking him off on 60 minutes would’ve sent a clear message to everyone that laziness won’t be tolerated.
Despite the bafflement by Gray and Parry at the boos for Ngog’s substitution, the lad played considerably better than Torres and I think those around Anfield who aren’t acquainted with Hodgson could see that. He showed some good control, movement and touches, without being greedy. It’s a shame it never paid off for him, but when the whole team are dragging their feet, you can’t rely on someone like Ngog to ‘lead by example’, it would be unfair to do so.

While Hodgson might be content to try and spin comments such as claiming various players aren’t his, some players even being Purslow’s (what’s that all about?), he should consider a change.

He’s insisted during his time here that his methods haven’t changed in 30 years and have always stood in good stead, maybe now is the time look in the mirror.
The players don’t look happy, his signings haven’t won over anyone, every time he gives an interview you start to grimace and above all, the football being played is woeful.

Soto being thrown up front as a last gasp attempt with Lucas filling in at centre back? Awful, simply awful, that kind of tactical ‘knowhow’ reminds me of Mourinho turning to Huth to save his blushes every time Rafa had him in checkmate. Embarrassing.
To finish my rant, I can only say that I expect nothing from this season. Possibly a Euro place, but I think the biggest job here is the next managerial appointment.

From what I’ve seen and read, the only ones in support of Hodgson getting more than a year are those in the TV studios, because after all, he’s such a nice guy!

I wouldn’t trust him to spend money in January, so instead of writing a few cheques for players Mr Henry, why not save some money and send Roy his p45.
Here’s hoping.