Premier League Preview: Liverpool

Goblins

Overview

Liverpool started the season with new manager Roy Hodgson replacing their long term manager Rafa Benitez under whom they had won the UEFA Champions League. The start to the season was awful as Liverpool only won three out of their first ten games and dropped to a position as low as 19 in the league table. Roy Hodgson, who took Fulham to the final of the Europa League the year before was nothing like the fans had expected. There was unrest and lack of co-ordination between the owners, management and players. Even the new signings done in the summer of 2010 couldn't provide any substantial contributions in the matches. This saw Liverpool crash out of all the cup tournaments in the season. In October, Liverpool was taken over by Fenway Sports Group (also known as New England Sports Ventures). This proved as a blessing for the club. Due to lack of good performances, manager Roy Hodgson was sacked and was replaced by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. The new owners sold Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel and signed Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and promising England striker Andy Carroll. Liverpool scored in every game from January through May. The club finished 6th and missed out on European football but the changes brought a certain stability to the club.

Transfers 

In: Stewart Downing (Aston Villa, Undisclosed), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland, Undisclosed), Charlie Adam (Blackpool, Undisclosed) and Doni (Roma, Free)
Out: Paul Konchesky (Leicester City, Undisclosed) and Milan Jovanovic (Anderlecht, Undisclosed)

Pre-Season

• Guangdon Sunray Cave 3-4 Liverpool
• Malaysia XI 3-6 Liverpool 
• Hull City 3-0 Liverpool 
• Galatasaray 3-0 Liverpool 
• Valerenga 3-3 Liverpool 
• Liverpool 2-0 Valencia

Verdict

As it is evident from the transfers, Liverpool have strengthened their midfield immensely. But what is also evident, is that they conceded three goals in five out of six of their pre-season games. Spending some more on the defense by buying a quality left-back and a center-back can do wonders for the club. Even though the club are a couple of seasons away from being serious title contenders, manager Kenny Dalglish still has a huge responsibility of lifting the club back out of it's current position and but it in the top four where it belongs. The future looks good and without the tension of European football, winning every league game should be the only target for the club.

Money Well Spent

Position 2010/2011: 6th
Prediction for 2011/2012: 4th or 5th
Men to Watch: Stewart Downing and Luis Suarez