Brendan Rodgers

[Lecter]

I've not really read the bickering in this thread. I'm not interested. But here are my worthless thoughts added to the mix.

I have a feeling that two games per week is a bigger challenge than anybody expected. Last year we had the luxury of having all week to prepare for the opposition. For the tactics to be honed, the players drilled and prepared, and the line up to be adjusted. The players excelled.

This year, we have the post game rest day. Perhaps a second rest day for the sprinters (see Brendan's comments post Sturridge injury), and then one day of prep on the training pitch - if there is no travelling). Just taking this into account represents a seismic shift in how the manager, the staff and the players have to work.

Add to that the loss of the best player in the league, and the second highest goalscorer last season, throw in a bunch of new players who are adjusting, and you have a transitional period.

Brendan has shown over time that he can learn fast and get it right. I think he can do so again. How long that takes is anybody's guess though, and I've said it before - it'll probably get worse before it gets better.

We have only played one CL game and that was last week!

So whilst you could accept the West Ham game was a hangover you cant use that excuse for shoddy performances against Villa & Southampton and most of the City game

[cream]

Pressing really is the key here. Last season we had Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling, Henderson and Allen in front of Gerrard pressing high up the pitch, currently we only have Sterling and Henderson. We really need Sturridge and Allen back asap.

[Lecter]

Pressing really is the key here. Last season we had Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling, Henderson and Allen in front of Gerrard pressing high up the pitch, currently we only have Sterling and Henderson. We really need Sturridge and Allen back asap.

Did Allen play much after Christmas???

Not sure he did

Sterling & Henderson have to step up their pressing also as I think they have been way off also and whoever else we pick in there have to improve on this because for me its virtually non-existent barring v Spuds and a small fraction of the City game

That and competing for second balls are the biggest worries for me

Because those things show desire and commitment

[dom9]

We have only played one CL game and that was last week!

So whilst you could accept the West Ham game was a hangover you cant use that excuse for shoddy performances against Villa & Southampton and most of the City game

I'm not talking about hangovers. It's deeper than that.

People were complaining that Sterling was rested against Villa because there was a midweek game. We have another game coming tomorrow already. Previous to that, there was an international break with a lot players coming back Tuesday or Wednesday.

I just think that his will inevitably affect the preparations that go into every game this season, which will take some adjusting to. If the team look disjointed, the best way to fix it is to work on it on the training pitch. That's not really much of an option atm.

And I know that the best teams do this week in, week out year on year. But it's not something our set up has been used for quite some time. It may also help to explain our early exits from the cups under Brendan's stewardship.

[Lecter]

I'm not talking about hangovers. It's deeper than that.

People were complaining that Sterling was rested against Villa because there was a midweek game. We have another game coming tomorrow already. Previous to that, there was an international break with a lot players coming back Tuesday or Wednesday.

I just think that his will inevitably affect the preparations that go into every game this season, which will take some adjusting to. If the team look disjointed, the best way to fix it is to work on it on the training pitch. That's not really much of an option atm.

And I know that the best teams do this week in, week out year on year. But it's not something our set up has been used for quite some time. It may also help to explain our early exits from the cups under Brendan's stewardship.

I am sure it will affect preparations down the line but I dont buy that it has prior to this weekend

Sterling shouldnt have been rested for Villa

I'd have been more likely to rest him vs Ludogorets

[dom9]

I am sure it will affect preparations down the line but I dont buy that it has prior to this weekend

I'm only speculating. But I wouldn't be surprised at all.

[npinn001]

Not getting shot down at all. Those are quite correct stats which I've been telling myself too.

We're currently on a deficit of -1 point from last season's equivalent games. That's not bad considering we don't have SAS. Or even the real Coutinho back yet.

I'm hopeful Lallana can have an impact soon too. Really want to see a midfeild diamond of Allen, Henderson, Lallana and Sterling.

[Chris]

Theres loads of references to last season on here over the last few days but I think history is getting re-written a bit, it wasn't all great. While it was excellent and we started well early on there was a million complaints about no pressing, cant score enough goals, dont turn up for second halfs, too defensive, Gerrard is past it etc. Then Hull wasn't till December, chaos after that with we cant challenge for the title, probably wont get top 4 and the absolute drivel of **** like "Sterling is useless, speed merchant with nothing else, I dont know if he'll make it in the Premier League" and other daft remarks. Loads can and will change yet, it's September!

[Lecter]

I'm only speculating. But I wouldn't be surprised at all.

For the first time in a while I would question Rodgers teams selection in the last 2 league games

Sterling should have started v Villa

Borini and Lucas shouldnt have been near the side on Saturday

Thats not to say I want Rodgers sacked or anything but I do feel those selections havent been helpful on top of other factors

[Slinky Skills]

I've not really read the bickering in this thread. I'm not interested. But here are my worthless thoughts added to the mix.

I have a feeling that two games per week is a bigger challenge than anybody expected. Last year we had the luxury of having all week to prepare for the opposition. For the tactics to be honed, the players drilled and prepared, and the line up to be adjusted. The players excelled.

This year, we have the post game rest day. Perhaps a second rest day for the sprinters (see Brendan's comments post Sturridge injury), and then one day of prep on the training pitch - if there is no travelling). Just taking this into account represents a seismic shift in how the manager, the staff and the players have to work.

Add to that the loss of the best player in the league, and the second highest goalscorer last season, throw in a bunch of new players who are adjusting, and you have a transitional period.

Brendan has shown over time that he can learn fast and get it right. I think he can do so again. How long that takes is anybody's guess though, and I've said it before - it'll probably get worse before it gets better.

[G]

At least this shows some effort to "press" the ball

[Bender]

At what stage of the season do fans start speculating over a new manager?and how long would the owners be prepared to see this out if results/performances continue as they are?will they be patient or cut their losses ?

[Marina]

At what stage of the season do fans start speculating over a new manager?and how long would the owners be prepared to see this out if results/performances continue as they are?will they be patient or cut their losses ?

Dunno if this question can really be considered yet. It's not as if we've capitulated entirely and the season is over. Especially considering we almost won the league last season. It's reasonable to assume the owners' and the majority of fans' faith in Rodgers hasn't been dented by this unimpressive run of form. He's a great manager and is just figuring some new issues out.

[dom9]

At what stage of the season do fans start speculating over a new manager?and how long would the owners be prepared to see this out if results/performances continue as they are?will they be patient or cut their losses ?

Depends on the following formula where:

Y = You
X = Outcome

So...

if Y = brainless kneejerk idiot, then X = round about now

if Y = average kneejerker, then X = October

if Y = WUM, then X = round about now

if Y = Tanner, then X = Yesterday

if Y = tabloid journalist, then X = November

if Y = member of the panel on Sky Sports Sunday morning coffee table chat (what is that programme called?), but not a tabloid journalist, then X = December

if Y = reasonably intelligent person looking at the bigger picture, then X = next season

if Y = FSG, then X = end of next season (barring a catastrophe in the meantime)

[G]