The rise of Rodgers

The Reds’ resurgence in 2013/2014 was largely attributable to the man in the Anfield hot seat.

Brendan Rodgers wasn’t universally welcomed when he became Liverpool manager in June 2012.

Many supporters, including this writer, felt that previous boss Kenny Dalglish had been harshly sacked, arguing that the legendary Scot deserved at least another season at the helm after achieving noteworthy domestic cup success, the Reds winning the League Cup and finishing as runners-up in the FA Cup to perhaps compensate for a disappointing eighth place finish in the League.

In addition, concerns were raised about Rodgers’ pedigree. Yes, he’d indisputably done remarkably well to help Swansea City reach and remain in the promised land of the Premier League, but his only other managerial experience came at Watford and Reading, lasting only six months at the latter.

FSG took a gamble on Rodgers, however, because they were attracted by what Liverpool Chairman Tom Werner described as the “relentless, attacking football” he had to offer. Moreover, at only 39 years old, the Northern Irishman was seen as the young up and coming manager that the American owner’s trusted to build a long term project that would return Liverpool to where they belong; namely, the summit of English and European football.

Reds' fans had their doubts on Rodgers' arrival at Anfield

Two years later and that gamble has clearly paid off- big style. Liverpool are at least a year ahead of schedule in terms of their progress under Brendan Rodgers, already challenging for and coming very close to clinching the title, despite only expecting to challenge for Champions League qualification in 2013/2014.

Rodgers has proved himself so comprehensively that he has the backing of the entire fan base and also the owners, who recently offered him a four-year contract extension, an offer that he gratefully accepted without having to think twice. The rest of the footballing world has took note of Rodgers’ talents as well, Rodgers beating Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis to win the League Manager’s Association Manager of the Year award, as voted for by his fellow professionals.

Tactical maturity and evolution has been at the heart of Rodgers’ roaring success this season. Famed for a passing philosophy that reflects the much-talked about Liverpool Way, Rodgers has foundational footballing ideals that he adheres to devotedly. They are not rigid principles, however, and the Ulsterman is open to change, adapting without compromising his values as and when necessary.

He will always have a preference for passing football, for example, but no longer relies primarily on inflicting ‘death by football’ on opponents. In fact, Liverpool enjoyed tremendous success in the season just past by playing devastatingly good football on the counter attack, their formidable forwards repeatedly ripping the likes of Arsenal and Everton to shreds.

In addition, he has masterminded Liverpool’s midfield and attack expertly, producing a superbly balanced line-up in the middle of the park. On top of transforming club captain Steven Gerrard into an excellent ball playing deep lying midfielder, he has got the best out of the likes of Henderson, Allen, Coutinho and, perhaps most notably, Raheem Sterling.

Whether in a diamond or a 4-3-3 formation, the midfield Rodgers has constructed provides invaluable support to Sturridge and Suarez, who arguably form the most lethal strike partnership in the world currently.

The difference in quality between these two managers is like the difference between night and day

The meritocracy Rodgers has instituted at the club has also helpfully not only encouraged players to perform to the best of their ability week in, week out, but also offered them hope when on the fringes of the first team. Flanagan, for example, was deemed surplus to requirements earlier on in the season, but became a permanent fixture in the team at left back during the closing stages of the campaign after his hard work and determination changed his manager’s opinion of him. He is now arguably the best full back at the club.

Perhaps more remarkably, Jordan Henderson has become an essential member of the team, completing a scarcely believable turnaround after being offered to Fulham as a makeweight for Clint Dempsey during Rodgers’ first summer at the club. Few fans could imagine Liverpool’s midfield without the former Sunderland player now, and his boundless energy and enthusiasm were sorely missed during a three-match suspension for a rash red card late on in the win over Manchester City.

Without Rodgers’ meritocratic system those players would not have realised their considerable potential on Merseyside and Liverpool’s squad would be significantly weaker as a result.

After roughly 20 years in coaching, Rodgers possesses a wealth of knowledge that he has built up over the years. However, he still has a burning desire to learn more and knows that he has to continue to improve in order to remain at the pinnacle of his profession and maintain the team’s rapid pace of development.

The area in which he needs to mature the most tactically is on the defensive side of the game. If Liverpool’s attack is a Rolls Royce, then their defence is a Reliant Robin! The back line has simply not been up to scratch this season and Rodgers must reform and adapt his philosophy once again to remove the Reds’ defensive frailties and prevent silly goals spoiling Liverpool’s chances of achieving memorable success.

An element of naivety has been evident in the Merseysiders’ play, exemplified by their visit to Crystal Palace on the penultimate match day of the season, when they foolishly failed to shut up shop after conceding with just over ten minutes remaining. They proceed to throw away not only a three-goal lead, but also their remaining title chances.

It would probably be worthwhile Rodgers studying Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini’s tactics over the summer break, since the Citizens seem to have the perfect blend of attacking brilliance and defensive solidity. The Blues’ flair up front is matched, if not bettered, by the Reds, but their far superior defence is the reason why they won the title, while Liverpool had to settle for second. If Rodgers can learn from Pellegrini how to instil defensive discipline without compromising Liverpool’s enterprising style of play, his team will have a much better chance of taking the title out of City’s grasp next season.

Rodgers has developed a rapport with the supporters

The most important thing that Rodgers has done during his time at the club is make the fans believe and dream again. Not since Rafael Benitez led Liverpool to a second placed finish in 2008/2009 have Kopites had such faith in the manager. Rodgers is esteemed on the Kop in a similar way to the Spaniard although, crucially, he is a less divisive figure than Benitez, who was loved by some and hated by others by the end of his six-year reign.

If Rodgers’ career continues on its current trajectory then he can expect to receive many more Manager of the Year awards. Liverpool fans, meanwhile, will be able to see success and that golden sky that their club anthem talks about on the horizon.

YNWA