Liverpool FC have lost their last two games having conceded six goals and scoring just one. There seems to be neither creative spark nor defensive stability at the club right now. Fans have started to question the tactics of manager Brendan Rodgers on a large scale. However, former Liverpool FC midfielder Danny Murphy thinks the quality in the squad will eventually shine through and Liverpool FC do not need to panic.
Brendan Rodgers’ career as Liverpool FC manager was under scrutiny following a disappointing sixth place finish last season. The manager did survive the season review from the owners and has been given a chance to turn around his fortune.
After making a steady start to the new season, Liverpool FC have lost two back-to-back games and are without a win in three. More than the lack of points over the last two games, it has been the dour football being dished out that is the cause of much concern.
.
Murphy optimistic
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has written in his column for BBC that the Reds have the players to improve as they gel well and it is not easy to replace someone as good as Coutinho.
He writes:
“I actually feel positive about how Liverpool look in terms of going forward and creating chances, something which was a huge problem for them last season.
They only scored 52 goals in 38 Premier League games, compared to 101 in 2013-14.
When I look at all the attacking players that Rodgers has now got, I think that come the end of the season their goals tally will be fine.
Creativity was an issue at Old Trafford, but Coutinho’s absence was a big factor because when he is in the side, they always look a threat.
You could say the fact they missed him so badly means there is a problem with a lack of depth in the squad, but some players are just so good they cannot be easily replaced.
Also, you have to remember they were playing a United team that does not charge forward in the way they did when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager.
Instead, under Louis van Gaal, United look to keep the ball. They are very well organised and their focus is keeping their back four solid and intact.
To go to Old Trafford and open them up and create chances, you need your best players and Rodgers did not have them on Saturday. And there were too many poor performances.”
Defence the problem for Murphy
Liverpool FC had made a good start defensively, keeping three clean sheets in their opening three games. However, the implosion against West Ham and the three soft goals conceded against United have once again shown that the individuals in defence are woefully inept to consistently deliver a good performance.
Murphy writes:
“It is actually defensively where I have more concerns about this Liverpool team, because that is where they could come unstuck.
It was only down to a loss of concentration that Liverpool went a goal down at Old Trafford, but I would still describe it as a terrible goal to concede.
It was such an easy thing to spot, I think everyone could see what was going on when the United players charged into the box for the free-kick and left Daley Blind in space, but no-one took responsibility out there on the pitch.
Ultimately I think it is whether they can defend well enough for long enough to compete that will decide whether they will get into the top four.”
