Liverpool - fan's 2008/09 Premier League preview
Wednesday, 06 Aug 2008 15:51
Liverpool - fan's 2008/09 Premier League preview and predictions
A supporter's views and expectations for the 2008/09 season.
Last season
Premier League: 4th - P 38 W 21 D 13 L 4 GF 67 GA 28 GD +39 PTS 76
Champions League: Semi-final – lost 3-4 (aet) to Chelsea
FA Cup: Fifth round - lost 2-1 to Barnsley
League Cup: Quarter-finalists - lost 2-0 to Chelsea
The manager
Rafa survived what looked at one stage like a fait accompli after his spat with the club's Texan owners, pulling the team's form together to secure fourth place and once again show his excellent European pedigree.
He also started to look like he might know his starting XI and the fans remain committed to him – if he can bring us the league title he can have the keys to the city.
Chances of managerial change?
With the team now boasting two players around the £20 million mark, the board can point to a degree of financial backing – Rafa will need to deliver in the league if he is to prove he is in the process of building a title-winning team.
With the club's future still relatively uncertain, new owners – at present still a remote possibility – might want to bring in their own man, but seeing out last season's turmoil suggests it would be unwise to underestimate the Spaniard's chances of survival.
The players
Exits
Peter Crouch was probably the biggest name heading for the door marked 'exit', but even then with just nine starting appearances last season it seems like a necessary fund-raising exercise, albeit for a talented and effective player.
It will be strange to see a squad minus John Arne Riise, who showed some excellent form in his time but has faded in recent years. Harry Kewell's absence will be business as usual.
New arrivals
Full-backs were a priority, so the recruitment of Andrea Dossena and Philipp Degen were welcome – even if they aren't household names.
The signing of Robbie Keane could prove to be a masterstroke – a technically-skilled, creative goalscorer who can make and score his own chances, as well as supply others. Add to the fact he is a Liverpool fan and the prospect of a partnership with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard suggests we will be better quipped going forward than for many years.
Needs
While the addition of a striker was necessary after offloading Crouch, the side really needs some attacking width. Full-backs who push on will help, but our current wide players – Jermaine Pennant, Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt (!) – are either inconsistent or central players pushed wide.
If we are successful in the will-he-won't-he tug of war with Aston Villa for midfielder Gareth Barry, it would add depth. He is a good player but is naturally more of a central player than winger – so Ricardo Quaresma or David Silva might fit the bill better.
The fanbase
After all the turmoil off the pitch last season, a year in which the manager, the owners and the chief executive don't turn on each other would be welcome. Too much was obscured by the snipings and counter-briefings in the media and at the boardroom table last year.
Rafa has bought well in the last two summers and the squad look better than ever – what the fans are desperate for is some sustained league form.
Prediction for 2008/09
I expect us to be challenging for the title at least until Christmas but, realistically, we are probably one or two players short of a full title challenge, and lack the strength in depth of United or Chelsea.
Second place would be an achievement and the traditional run in Europe would be a welcome boost – if the title does come back to Anfield, it will require an injury-free season in which the side get out of the blocks from the start.
Nathaniel Bertram