First Impressions

Frustration for Herr Klopp

After a couple of weeks in charge of the team, and with three games now under his belt, how are the team faring under our new manager? My impression so far is that things could be better—but they could also be a lot worse.
The teams that we've played so far, Spurs (away), Rubin Kazan and Southampton (both home) have provided reasonable opposition, and perhaps three draws, all things considered, isn't the end of the world.
Here's why I have optimism going forward...

Klopp A Load of This

Herr Klopp has arrived at Anfield

To the surprise, it seems, of just about no-one, Jürgen Klopp has been appointed as Liverpool's new manager.
In my last post, I was hopeful that we might choose to appoint a British manager to the position. That Herr Klopp has been installed is not the worst decision ever made. In fact, I like what I've seen of him so far. In particular, he seems to be a no nonsense kind of guy, with a good sense of humour and a motivational approach vaguely reminiscent of the great Bill Shankly.
For example, in his press conference, he was at pains to point out that fans and players "have to change from doubter to believer" if he's to achieve his goals. I agree with that 100%—belief, particularly the squad's self-belief, in my humble opinion, is the foundation upon which success is built. If you lower your expectations and talk down your abilities, you will never win a thing. As a fan, I will certainly give him the benefit of the doubt and believe in him and his approach.

Farewell, and Good Luck, Brendan

Rodgers in Happier Times

After the United game, I finally came down on the side of those who recognised that Brendan Rodgers wasn't the man to lead the club to success.
That wasn't the first time I felt frustrated by Rodgers management. The way we went out of last year's Champion's League group stage also left a sour taste in the mouth. Don't forget that before last season, we had beaten Real Madrid in every single European match we had played against them—and that included the 1981 European Cup final. How many teams can make that claim? Yet, after a 0-3 opening home drubbing, Rodgers threw in the towel for the return leg (although, it has to be said, the second string he selected for that match performed a lot better than expected, but still lost 1-0). He then followed that game up by having the first string lose to Chelsea that weekend. A total failure of both strategy and tactics. And let's not even mention our pathetic performances against Basel and Ludogorets, neither of whom should have presented any problems whatsoever. As Jamie Carragher observed:
It baffles me when teams are more interested in qualifying for the competition next season than doing their best in the competition they are already in. The reason players love the Champions League so much is the thought of playing in an arena such as the Bernabeu.