Holy Comolli! What's happening at Liverpool?

John W Henry emerged from the frosted glass windows and took his customary seat next to his aides, chairman Tom Werner and vice-chairman David Ginsberg, who looked in disdain at those on the opposite side of the sizeable table. In front of him sat Damien Comolli, Dr. Peter Brukner and John Achterberg. After cracking wise for the cameras, the stern-faced Henry asked the trio, in no uncertain terms, to explain themselves.

Comolli mumbled something about Henderson being half decent on the right wing and Andy Carroll coming good soon; Brukner boldly extolled the virtues of the changes he'd made to the fitness training that had supposedly reduced injuries suffered by Reds players and goalkeeping coach Achterberg complained that it wasn't his fault that Reina and Doni recently received red cards.

Henry brought their protestations to a halt. He began to speak, explaining his thinking process. When it became evident that Comolli was set for the sack, the Frenchman attempted to intervene but the American simply put his hand up and affirmed, "I'm speaking now- I don't want to hear any more from you."

Next came Henry's favourite part. He lent menacingly forward and, pointing at Comolli, said, "You're fired!" in that strangely comfortingly familiar way. The other two breathed sighs of relief and began talking among themselves. Unimpressed, Henry resolved to make an example of them. Looking at the pair, he told them he just didn't believe they have what it takes and, one after the other, delivered those legendary yet lethal words.

Whether or not head of FSG and principal owner of Liverpool FC John W Henry actually fired Damien Comolli, Dr Peter Brukner and John Achterberg in the unique style of Apprentice star Sir Alan Sugar is a matter for debate. What is undeniable, though, is that Henry's ruthlessness in culling so many of the Reds' backroom staff in a single day resembled the 65-year old former Tottenham Hotspur chairman. The fact that that he did so only two days before Liverpool's biggest match of the season makes him either very brave or incredibly foolish.

The most high profile dismissal of the day saw Director of Football Damien Comolli leave Anfield to return to his homeland of France for "family reasons". Comolli was originally appointed as Director of Football Strategy while Roy Hodgson was in the Anfield dugout but received a promotion a year ago after an upturn in form inspired by the return of King Kenny. As Director of Football, Comolli oversaw the style of football and strategy of play from the Academy all the way to the first team. He also had significant influence over player recruitment, and was instrumental in the club's summer signings.

Consequently, the club seemingly intended to keep the 39-year old in his current role for the foreseeable future. His presence would guarantee a consistent strategy and retain a long-term vision. This was articulated when Henry said, "(we) believe Damien will be a key contributor for many, many years."

The reasons for his departure are therefore shrouded in mystery. Few believe the official story of Comolli returning to France for family reasons, but arguably even fewer know the truth behind the unexpected firing. It is reasonable to assume that Comolli took at least some responsibility for the failings in the transfer window. Large amounts of FSG's money were spent on Adam, Carroll, Henderson and Downing yet none of them have come anywhere near approaching top form.

Moreover, Liverpool have lacked a clear system of play this season, often reverting between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3. Manager Kenny Dalglish obviously must take some responsibility for that, however, it was Comolli's job to instil a way of playing that would be successful from the under 18s to the first team. Benitez promoted a 4-2-3-1 formation and worked at perfecting that style of play but it seems as if Comolli had failed to even draw up any serious blueprints on how the team should play for Dalglish to consider.

Chairman Tom Werner also indicated that Comolli disagreed with other senior staff regarding transfer policy for the summer, perhaps shedding light on the reasoning behind hastily removing him from his position.

The rumour mill has gone into overload since the news broke of Comolli's departure yesterday morning, with many media outlets suggesting that Johan Cruyff or Louis van Gaal could be hearing the words "You're hired!" from John Henry soon. Whoever gets appointed as the next Director of Football, the priority must be finding a long-term replacement for Comolli who can work alongside Dalglish effectively and help reverse the club's on-field fortunes through shrewd signings in the summer and policies that help develop youngsters for the future.

The firing of Dr Peter Brukner and goalkeeping coach John Achterberg was also surprising. After all, Brukner does seem to have successfully reduced the number of injuries Liverpool players have suffered this season, with Lucas the only major long-term absentee.

Moreover, Achterberg can hardly be blamed for Reina's act of stupidity in head-butting Newcastle player Perch, which earned him a red card, and Doni's poor tackle that saw him sent off versus Blackburn. Although, admittedly, the form of Spanish first choice stopper Reina has been below par and Achterberg can be at least partly blamed for that.

The overwhelming message from these dismissals is that FSG are serious about changing Liverpool's short and long-term future for the better and that they demand world-class performance from those in a managerial capacity as well as those out on the pitch. They perhaps should have waited until after the FA Cup semi-final against Everton to make these dismissals, but the off-field turmoil at Anfield currently arguably puts Liverpool in the position of underdogs heading into the contest tomorrow.

And Liverpool always seem to thrive when labelled as the underdogs.

YNWA