Yeah, even 3rd should guarantee him manager of the season. Anything else...
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Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers taps into the spirit of the Seventies as they gear-up for Premier League title run-in
Brendan Rodgers will not run away from glorious past with Kenny Dalglish return showing there are no ghosts on the wall
By Chris Bascombe 10:00PM GMT 27 Mar 2014
You could be forgiven for thinking Liverpool have arranged a series of Seventies theme parties in preparation for the Premier League climax.
If the sight of scarves and banners and revival of Kop chants from 40 years ago was not enough on Wednesday evening, sitting in the directors’ box - a guest of the club - was former chief executive Peter Robinson, one of the architects of Liverpool’s glory years.
Robinson, a rare visitor to Anfield recently, will surely approve of Rodgers’ modern twist on a formula not easily replicated since the famed administrator’s retirement in the late Nineties.
“Anyone who watched Liverpool in the Seventies and Eighties knows what it can be like here,” Rodgers said earlier this week. He has been channeling that spirit since his first day in office.
As David Moyes is discovering at Manchester United, a regal past is a beast you can never completely tame. You cannot escape nor replicate it. It is always behind you, monitoring every false move, ready to pounce at a hint of weakness to declare its own superiority.
There have been times during the past 24 years when Liverpool’s sense of nostalgia was their prime asset and also their major defect, a source of inspiration to some and permanent migraine to others.
We should compare Rodgers’ approach to that of one of his predecessors, Gerard Houllier, who upon leaving Liverpool in 2004 made a polite, but nonetheless pointed parting observation.
“There are some here who want to go back to the Seventies and Eighties,” he said. “Fine, not with me.”
In fairness to Houllier - a moderniser who history will record more favourably than it did the day he left - he had a point. His irritation at one cursory remark too many from the legends lounge only proves the Liverpool into which Houllier arrived in 1998 is vastly different to the one Rodgers is rebuilding.
Old boys’ networks are notoriously suspicious and intolerant of ‘outsiders’. Having every defeat dissected by a former captain whose medals are still in pristine condition is intimidating and potentially destructive.
There were enough warnings for Rodgers to heed about the perils of being perceived as the smart, modern coach with a ‘philosophy’ who had come to Liverpool - as one former player sarcastically put it in 2012 - “to reinvent the wheel”.
Instead of running from the club museum, Rodgers decided to make history his ally rather than foe. In his first week in charge he was given a tour of the club’s artefacts by curator Stephen Done and spotted the iconic “This is Anfield” sign that Bill Shankly placed in the players’ tunnel.
“Why is it in here and not where it used to be?” Rodgers asked. Done informed him there was a new one there now. Rodgers insisted the original be put back.
Next, Rodgers noticed on old photographs and videos how Liverpool’s goal nets used to be red. He ordered their reintroduction.
A highly significant early meeting was with Liverpool’s Former Players’ Association. Many have influential media roles and Rodgers wanted them to hear his vision and get them on board. He did likewise with fans groups, websites and fanzines and made a personal visit to the local newspaper office, the Liverpool Echo. Outside of London’s Evening Standard it is probably the most influential regional in the country.
Perhaps Rodgers’ most surprising act was to sanction the return of his predecessor in the dugout, Kenny Dalglish, welcoming him back as an ambassador a year after he had taken his job, many supporters at the time still arguing ‘the king’ should not have been dethroned.
There are no ghosts on the wall at Anfield under Rodgers, just kindred spirits.
To his closest associates, the Liverpool revival is no surprise.
Rodgers’ first act as Liverpool manager in July 2012 was to call a meeting of the entire Melwood staff, including groundsmen, media team, dining ladies, receptionists and everyone with a daily, working connection to the training ground.
He presented his vision to around 40 employees, speaking about embracing and respecting the traditions of old but offering a modern sheen.
“I want you all on the boat with me,” he told them, pinpointing his first 100 days in charge as essential for setting his agenda.
His approach was likened by those who heard it to an inaugural speech by a prime minister or US president on taking office, the incumbent determined to hit the ground running in putting an infrastructure in place even if, initially, results were not favourable.
Rodgers is now executing his plan to replenish the Anfield ideal. He has not yet been intimidated by the sight of the Champions League trophy in the foyer of Melwood, or subject to the bouts of paranoia and insecurity that damaged some predecessors.
“When you come to a club like this one the shirt weighs much heavier than any other shirt. The weight of expectation is phenomenal,” Rodgers said on his unveiling as manager.
His players are carrying it well. If they maintain their winning streak, the Seventies theme will continue when the flares are ignited in celebration all around Anfield.Thanks very much for being ‘This Mornings’ Farmer’Comment
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Genius comes in many forms and from diverse backgrounds, i really hope we've been both lucky and shrewd enough to have found one in Brendan.
Early days to be talking of Genius i know, but i hope it turns out to be so, because honestly and truly, i think in modern footall it's one of the few ways a less financed club can consistently overcome those equipped with bottomless pits of money, find a manager with the midas touch.
Please let BR be that man.
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Originally posted by Vermilion View PostGenius comes in many forms and from diverse backgrounds, i really hope we've been both lucky and shrewd enough to have found one in Brendan.
Early days to be talking of Genius i know, but i hope it turns out to be so, because honestly and truly, i think in modern footall it's one of the few ways a less financed club can consistently overcome those equipped with bottomless pits of money, find a manager with the midas touch.
Please let BR be that man.
What do you mean it could've been anyone? Name me one person who's got a grudge against penguins
Batman
F*** off!!!Comment
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That gave me goosiesOriginally posted by Shaggy View Post
I saw a dead fish on the pavement and thought "what did you expect?"
There's no water round here stupid, should have stayed where it was wetComment
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Brendan or Rafa?
Brendan. I love Rafa but thought he took his eye off the job and was too interested in our rivals and oneupmanship. Brendan is far more focused, I.M.OComment
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Love them both equally!! Brendan is doing amazing things and it is unfair to compare them - Rafa had to deal with all the **** from H&G yet still did incredible things for us, both on and off the pitch.
"Its not about the long ball or the short ball, its about the right ball." Bob PaisleyComment
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Why should anyone have to choose FFS?!
As Tee said, completely different working conditions...the two are not comparable. Brendan hasn't won anything yet either. Both brilliant, both made to manage LFC.Thanks very much for being ‘This Mornings’ Farmer’Comment
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i love rafa and always will but brendan is doing a fantastic job and if the owners back him and support him, we will go places with himi own everton fans on the internet....that's what i doComment
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Originally posted by Shaggy View PostWhy should anyone have to choose FFS?!
As Tee said, completely different working conditions...the two are not comparable. Brendan hasn't won anything yet either. Both brilliant, both made to manage LFC.
yeah i couldn't and wouldn't choose
if anything, i'd like to mix them up and take the best from both of them
i own everton fans on the internet....that's what i doComment
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I love Rafa but it's Brendan for me. Never thought I'd say this at the start of the season. His football is superior and more likely to win the league.Comment
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Rafa gave me the best night of my life with the European cup win, and the FA cup.
Rodgers a 7th place finish
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I just hope Brendan gets his profile on THAT flag and joins Rafa and the greats for next season!
"Its not about the long ball or the short ball, its about the right ball." Bob PaisleyComment
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I really like Rodgers - but he need to do it over time - not just a season. But it sure as hell is exciting. I really think he's the real deal.
Rafa. I will always love that man. Such dignity... he really got us. He will always be one of us. I know Rodgers is more attacking, but I LOVED how Rafa beat Mourinho at his own game in the semis. He really was a genius with what he had to work with. When we won in Istanbul I webt. It's by far the biggest moment I have had, having never experienced our dominance in the 70's and 80's. I will never forget that.
Then there is this:
...but Rafa is in our history now, and Rodgers is the future - and I actually like it that way. I really wanted Rafa back, but I am really happy that he is now part of a glorious past.Comment
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