So Liverpool embarks on a new journey with new manager Roy Hodgson. I believe that this will be a good choice as Hodgson has managed at the top level of the game and also as experienced in managing at international level. The thing is I believe for him to be a success that he needs the full backing of the board and needs some money to spend to strengthen the squad. We have already seen Yossi Benayoun leave for pastures new at Chelsea.
Now should we expect immediate success? Personally I think no, the manager needs to get some stability back in the club and also needs to convince the key men to stay at the club Gerrard, Torres and Mascherano. I think that Hodgson will adopt a more positive and attacking formation while still keeping us solid at the back. Benitez may have been criticised for being defensive but I believe that he did all he was capable of with the limited funds, maybe Benitez’s major criticism was not signing a striker as cover for Fernando Torres last season.
If you look at the record that Benitez had at Liverpool you can say that he is clearly among the top managers the club has ever had and should get the respect from all Liverpool fans. Hodgson’s own managerial record is not bad and has proved to be a success and nearly every club he has managed. Hodgson is probably best known for guiding the Swiss national team to the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup and qualification for Euro 1996; Switzerland had not qualified for a major tournament since the 1960s. He has also coached many notable club sides, includingMalmö FF, Internazionale, Blackburn Rovers, Udinese and most recently, at Fulham, where he guided them from relegation battlers to Europa League finalists within 3 years
Moving forward what does the future Liverpool? Well should Hodgson be able so secure the services of his star players for at least another season then the future bodes well. He does however need to strengthen the left hand side as a left back is needed and a quality left winger, however I think that Jovanovic will fill that role. The important things is go get the team spirit back and have the players playing for each other rather than a team of individuals. A few good signings and change in mentality in the way we play football could be all that’s needed to challenge.
I hope the news of new owners is true and that we get the backing that a club of our stature deserves as i feel should we not get the required support we will be surpassed by the likes of those who finished above us last season.
Could this be a bright new beginning for Liverpool? Is Roy the man? I hope so.