Sportsnob – Critics Corner

It's not working, Nando

Liverpool’s season seems to get worse by the day – every misplaced back pass, every scuffed shot, every yellow card borne out of a frustrated tackle – it all contributes to what is turning out to be a spectacularly average year for the Red half of Merseyside.

A 1-0 defeat at the DW Stadium last night left Rafa Benitez’s team struggling to cement 6th place, leave alone 4th, as their hopes of getting into the Champions League were dealt a huge blow by Hugo Rodellega’s first half goal. The strike itself was fairly scrappy, with the Wigan front man somehow contriving to squeeze a cross in after Dirk Kuyt managed to pass the ball straight to the opposition 18 yards from his own goal. Without resorting to panic, it’s safe to say that the consequences of this result could unhinge everything Benitez has been striving to build at Anfield for the past six years.

Not qualifying for the Europe’s top competition would result in, apart from significantly less revenue, Javier Mascherano packing his bags and upping sticks for Barcelona. The Argentina captain has been one of the few bright points of the season so far – his long passing has improved immeasurably, and his drive and work rate carry the team a lot of the time. Frankly speaking, he deserves to play in the Champions League, and with contract talks dragging on, there’s a very real possibility of him leaving. Alberto Aquilani, who has struggled to make an impact in part due to Rafa’s unwillingness to play him, would also probably be on a flight back to Serie A, with the old lady of Juventus showing a bit of leg to tempt the former Roma player.

Apart from this, there’s always a worry that the owners might, in their frantic need to pay off the ever growing debt, sell Fernando Torres. Anathema to any Liverpool supporter, but the possibility must be considered. I know I have. Of course, the debt itself could turn into an uncontrollable monster – no 4th place -> no CL TV revenue -> minimal investment in new players -> probability of selling off one or two big names to help balance the books. Tom Hicks and George Gillett – take a bow. An almost complete lack of investment in players has led to stagnation and apathy setting in at all levels of the club. Apart from the unfulfilled promise of a new stadium, which my grandchildren would probably be lucky to see built.

Before you accuse of me of leaving Benitez out of this, I’d like to say that a lot of blame lies with him as well. Regardless of all the talent in the squad, the players (Mascherano and Lucas aside) have appeared to lack motivation and direction, particularly against the so-called smaller teams in the league. The players always seem to be up for the marquee matches against Chelsea, United and Everton, but just can’t seem to bother showing up for games like the one at the Dave Whelan stadium last night. Yeah, the Wigan chairman did name it after himself. Yes, it does sound a little ridiculous and self-aggrandizing. Poor sod.

The fact of the matter is, things are out of Liverpool’s hands now. They need Tottenham and City to self destruct, and at the same time win most, if not all their remaining games – two of which are against United and Chelsea. I’m very, very worried as I write this. And if you’re a Liverpool fan, you should be too.