After 12 consecutive years Liverpool have missed out on European action finishing 6th in a season of lot of highs and lows.
Lows being the finishing position in the premier league and change of successive managers in Roy Hodgson and the much-loved King Kenny , but after the much needed takeover by the American Sports corporation (FSG - Feneway sports group ) Liverpool have gone and acquired some great players in Stewart Downing , Charlie Adam , Jordan Henderson , Craig Bellamy , Jose Enrique , Alexander Doni and Sebastian Coates . They also did a very good job in losing all the dead-wood who were sitting on high wage bills like Milan Jovanovic , Joe Cole , Christian Poulsen , David N'gog among others.
But after the much needed re-investment in the squad, expectations are very high. A top four position is absolutely necessary as stated by John .W. Henry as he says and I quote " If Liverpool do not finish in the top four I will consider this season as a failure"
As usual there are pro's and con's of not being involved in Europe:
Pro's
1. Liverpool can concentrate on the premier league and Cup-runs. Its been more than 5 years Liverpool have won any trophy the last being the FA cup in 2006 so it would be a good season if they finish in the top four and win the FA or the Carling cup.
2 .Liverpool will play less games compared to their rivals of top four. The champions league games, played in the midweek, will be a boon to the team from the Merseyside as their rivals' teams players will get tired and play at least 6-19 more games than them.
Cons.
1. All players playing for a club like Liverpool expect European action so it is absolutely necessary to finish in the top four this season. Liverpool fans will never forget why the infamous Fernando Torres left the club for Chelsea only for Champions League action and they are certain that they do not want any others to follow him out the door.
2. Champions League/Europa League gives a club lot of revenue in terms of marketing and sponsors. It is believed 20 million Pounds are generated if a club is playing in Champions league from sponsors , this can be a lot of money for almost every club except the Treating-Money-Like paper Club Manchester City.
3. Not being in Europe means you cannot attract big names. Liverpool spent 35 Million pounds on Andy Carroll , we could have spent that on someone named Sergio Kun Agureo But the only reason we did not is that we knew he would not come the a club who is not involved in European action also that he is a little bit greedy but who cares.
So this season is absolutely vital for Liverpool , having a very good, premier league experienced squad and a great manager in King Kenny. Liverpool need to finish in the top four so that no player demands to leave the club and they can attract bigger names for the upcoming season , not forgetting the extra revenue to handle the exceeding wage demands of modern players.
Contributed by our Guest Writer: Naman Malik.
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