Who is going, who is staying?

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By @footytherapy

According to Sky Sports Liverpool have begun a review of their player recruitment strategy. Could this be FSG’s way of identifying problems and beginning to make staff changes at the club?

It is undeniable that the majority of the new signings have contributed very little to Liverpool’s campaign this season. With more losses than wins and Liverpool already knocked out of the most prestigious competition in football, Liverpool find themselves without any sure reserves to call on. So, who deserves to stay at Liverpool?

Brendan Rodgers

The manager is under arguably more pressure than any other in the Premier League. Managing a club with such high expectations can feel like a noose around the neck in times of difficulty.

Positives: He brought Liverpool within inches of the Premier League title, making the fans believe. He raised expectations at the club, something it had been really lacking. This is a massive achievement and a step forward in terms of club aspirations.

Negatives: Summer acquisitions have turned out to be disappointing and Rodgers has unwittingly bought for the future and not the present. Unfortunately, until now those signings have not contributed the spark Liverpool need, it is obvious the club will have to spend again. Team selections have been inconsistent and changes have been made too late. A lack of ruthlessness all round means Rodgers has accrued many critics.

Ian Ayre

The Club’s Managing Director has been responsible for the signings of Lovren and Balotelli this season. Neither of the two have made an impact with Liverpool scoring less and conceding more. Ayre has spoken of the importance of Liverpool’s sustainability in the past yet judging by this season ambitions have not been high enough. As the person who oversees transfers Ayre is as responsible as the manager himself. Does Liverpool have the right man to usher them into a new era and into the true elite of the footballing world?

Positives: An experienced member of the commercial aspect of football, Ayre secured a shirt sponsorship deal considered one of the most lucrative in the football domain. He knows what it is to be a Liverpool supporter and can be an effective mediator between club, owners and supporters.

Negatives: He has overseen underwhelming transfers. Many question his ability to move the club forward, is he the man who can bring in top names? Can he be as lucrative as other top clubs in bringing in talent?

Mario Balotelli

Positives: Capable of moments of genius, he is an out and out striker. At 24 years of age he is experienced in the Premier League and European competitions and is a regular International.

Negatives: He can be a lazy player that doesn’t put a shift in for the team. Balotelli has not scored a Premier League goal yet for Liverpool. More injuries mean he is less and less of an asset for the club.

Lazar Markovic

Positives: Markovic is an experienced international player and has scored some crucial goals in his career. An exciting young prospect, Markovic has been tipped as one for the future. He has recently excited some fans with his short performance against Basel.

Negatives: Markovic has been timid so far and has at times shown signs of his youthful inexperience. Settling into Liverpool has not been an easy transition but the question is has he been given enough time?

Emre Can

Positives: Experienced in the rigorous German League, Can has played for Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. He is strong in defence and attack as a midfielder and adds presence. He has shown flashes of his ability so far at Liverpool but has not had a consistent run in the first team. He was responsible for the goal against Chelsea and sparked a rejuvenation of the Liverpool side.

Negatives: He has not been given enough game time and we have not really seen what he can do. This is probably more of a criticism of the manager than the man himself. It is debateable whether we can judge him yet.

Dejan Lovren

Positives: An experienced player who was arguably defender of the year last season.

Negatives: Has underperformed massively for Liverpool, showing no consistency and massive lapses of concentration. In the last 6 games, Liverpool lost 4 where Lovren has started. The games where he has been dropped have been drawn and won. The statistics speak for themselves here.

Liverpool FC are in a crisis of confidence and have had their worst start to a season since 1964/65. (Based on win ratios) New signings have failed to hit their mark and this, coupled with their only prolific striker being injured, has really taken its toll on their ability to push for a top 4 spot. Is it time for FSG to say goodbye to some of its staff and move on?