1. Belief From Above
Brendan Rodgers is the companys man. Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of the club, decided to fire Damien Comolli, the sporting director, and then Kenny Dalglish, the manager. They knew the next managerial appointment needed to be the right one. The Americans wanted a young manager with a clear footballing philosophy that would fit in with both their short and long term plans. They picked Brendan Rodgers. Recent financial results showed Liverpools net debt had increased, although the wage budget was declining, and the issue over the new stadium/Anfield expansion still needs to be resolved in terms of financing. However, with Rodgers installed for the long term, the Northern Irishman has enough power to ask the owners for a bit of flexibility when it comes to funding. He can make the case for spending money now and increasing income in the future, and by targeting younger players the economic case for spending big money is made more pliable. Also, because they have done away with the Sporting Director role, any decision to sack Rodgers or increase the pressure on his shoulders will be a mark against the owners too. This all affords Rodgers more time a precious and scarce commodity in modern day football to make the changes that need to be made, both structurally and on the playing field. New scouts, new medical department, new reserve team manager, new coaching staff - Rodgers has been giving the power and the time to see about wholesale changes, and the results are coming. If Liverpool continue on this trajectory they will be right in the mix for a top four place come the end of next season. Do you agree?