Brendan Rodgers

[McDermotX]

Liverpool now on solid footing
By Frank Dell’Apa
Globe Staff / July 17, 2012

Liverpool FC was just starting to make its way toward the elite levels of European soccer when it first visited Boston in 1964. The club had just won the First Division and was a season away from playing in the Champions Cup final for the first time.

The Reds did not return to Boston again until Monday, the first stop on a promotional tour for their preseason matches at Toronto FC (Saturday), Fenway Park against AS Roma July 25, and in Baltimore against Tottenham July 28.

The team is getting a fresh start under Brendan Rodgers, who replaced Kenny Dalglish as manager after last season. Liverpool now has stability with the financial backing of Fenway Sports Group, but Rodgers and the Reds are pursued by the blessings and curses of successes that began under manager Bill Shankly in the ‘60s.

“Over the course of the next seasons we’re looking to become competitive and build a squad that’s going to be able to compete and be at the top of the league,” Rodgers said during a press conference. “Liverpool, as everyone knows, has got a glorious past and it’s a wonderful history to the football club. And we’ll always respect that. And the challenge is to look forward and try and build and try and grow again. And that’s going to just take that wee bit of time.’’

Some of Liverpool’s top players will not join the team on this trip — they have been given a month off after having competed in the European Championships. But Fabio Borini, a $20 million transfer from AS Roma, will join Liverpool for training at Harvard University next week and could compete against his former club.

“It’s a great demonstration to his commitment to Liverpool,” said Rodgers, who coached Borini at Swansea City. “I’d given him the four weeks — he made it very clear he wanted to get back and training with the group, so we agreed next week. He’s very determined to do well and I’m sure he’ll play a part in some of the games.”

AS Roma also has local connections as Celtics owner James Palotta gained controlling interest last year. Both Liverpool and Roma are attempting to increase their popularity outside of Europe.

“First and foremost it’s all about preparation for the team, get ready for the new season,’’ said Rodgers. “We’re coming to some incredible facilities and playing in some fantastic grounds. So, I believe in relation to our preparation it will be very worthwhile.

“Secondly, Liverpool is a footballing institution world-wide and we hope in a period of days, when we’ve come back, we’ve picked up some more supporters and, like I say, to add to the millions we have already. It’s a great opportunity for us as a club to bring the club as a team and be that much closer to the supporters. And it will be fantastic for them, I’m sure they will be traveling from all across America to come see us play.”

In ’64, Liverpool took an 8-1 win over the Boston Metros at Everett Stadium after winning its sixth of 18 first division championships. But Liverpool has not won the title since 1990.

“I have a sense of the present and the present is that the group become competitive,” Rodgers said. “And if you can do that and grow over the next couple of seasons then, hopefully, we can get back competing with the top end of the Premier League. Liverpool’s history was made in the league and European competitions and it’s been over 20 years since the club has won the league. We’re not there, yet, but we want to build toward that.’’

Frank Dell’Apa can be reached at [email protected].

© Copyright 2012 Globe Newspaper Company.

[Buzzo]

dunno if this has been posted elsewhere but its an interesting read. Maybe should have gone in the Carra thread, but its more about Brendo.

Jamie Carragher invigorated and ready for new semester under Brendan Rogers as Liverpool train at Harvard

By Chris Bascombe, in Boston6:45PM BST 18 Jul 201235 Comments
A week ago, Carragher was receiving an honorary degree at Liverpool’s John Moores University.
Here, with his club based in America’s most celebrated seat of learning, the first class football student is discussing the next semester under a new tutor.
Brendan Rodgers has just finished his latest training session on the campus. Look closely around the streets of Massachusetts and you might glimpse the statues of those Puritan founding fathers nodding in approval.
Two touch games, players urged to embrace a football to the point where they’re expected to win it back within seven seconds of losing the ball and not a gruelling 20-minute run around the perimeter of the pitch in sight.
This is not a typical pre-season drill. Rodgers’ meticulousness extends to ensuring each player is given thorough details of the passing options they must offer every team-mate, wherever he is on the pitch. All creating angles, each under order to value possession.
Carragher, now working under his sixth Liverpool manager, feels invigorated by a new voice with innovative plans, although he is wary of branding it a New England revolution. He is reminded of the early days of Gérard Houllier and Rafa Benítez when contemporary ideas gave Liverpool a similar sense of vigour.
Carragher is too deferential to those previous managers' success to suggest his current experiences are ‘better’ and it remains to be seen how effective they will be when the season starts.
“I would never put it that training is more enjoyable because it’s disrespectful to what’s gone before,” explains Carragher.
“There is always a certain degree of disappointment when a new manager comes in because it means it hasn’t worked out for the previous one, whether it was Roy, Gerard, Rafa or Kenny. There is more enthusiasm now because it's fresh and new and people are trying to impress more and it’s a clean slate, but you also have to respect the past.
“There have been slight differences to the normal pre-season. It is possession based, but we are Liverpool and we have always tried to play that way in training. It's fantastic to have a manager who has these ideas about wanting to pass the ball, but it's not like we're going from being a long-ball team.
“We've always had that in our history and DNA. We've always been a club that tried to play good football.
“Of course the manager has slightly different ideas compared to Kenny [Dalglish] or Rafa [Benítez] and 4-3-3 is a system the club has probably never tried before. Everyone has their own way they want to do things.
“Normally in pre-season you have your football work and your running. This time it is all incorporated in one, so you have the football all the time.
“All the elements have been blended into one thing rather than separated out, so we’re working really hard physically. Any footballer will tell you it’s better when you’re with the ball.
“I’ve only known the new manager for two or three weeks and he’s been fantastic with me, but also all the players, especially the young kids. I’ve learned a lot from him already because although he is relatively young he has been a coach for 20 years.
"Sometimes you wonder what it's like at other clubs and the closest you get to knowing that feeling when you’re at one club is when a new manager comes in.
“I’ve learned from the way he talks to players about what he expects, even those who are not in my position. If I’m picked, I’ll know exactly what he was expecting from the other players. It’s not just what he’s saying to me, but everyone. He is very much a coach, and it’s great to see him out there.
“The last few weeks have been great, but we can't keep saying how good training is. We need to take the enjoyment and enthusiasm the lads have shown out on to the pitch.”
If Liverpool really want to be radical, in view of Rodgers’ philosophy they should consider changing their anthem from ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ to George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass’.
Football’s buzz phrase is ‘tiki-taka’ but Carragher believes Liverpool will combine various assets.
“You can’t say we’re going to play like Spain or Barcelona,” he said. “We haven’t got the players so there’s no point us saying we want to do exactly what they do, but you want to incorporate some of it with some of your own style.
"We’ll be playing a similar system to Barcelona, that’s true, but we don’t have Xavi and Iniesta. There’s nothing wrong with trying incorporate what the best teams do, though. But we have different ideas and we’re in a different league.
“Some people are big on systems, some people are big on players.
“Some say it's the players who make the system, others say it's the system that makes the difference.
“I think systems do play a part otherwise why not all play the same system? But it's still about players and them having the confidence and the belief to get on the ball and play.”
The difference for Carragher under Rodgers is he realises his role is time sensitive. If there is a more contemplative look in his eye as Rodgers oversees training, it may be part of the deliberation as to whether he wishes to make the eventual transition from player to coach. That decision will wait until next summer.
“I've got a year to go on my contract. Whenever the manager calls upon me I'll be there, wanting to play and wanting to do as well as I possibly can,” he said.
“My only motivation is to play well for Liverpool, for Liverpool to win games, hopefully get a trophy and get into the Champions League.
“It's about playing as many games as I can and see where we go from there.
“We should be looking to challenge for the top four. It won't be easy as you look at the competition now. For us to get into the top four someone has to get out. Look at teams in it, who is coming out?
“Chelsea weren't in the top four this season and they are having a blast with the money they're spending.
“But I think it's realistic we should be challenging. Of course we want to be getting in it. The league has to improve but we still want to do well in the cups.”
“Ronnie Moran once said to me at 65 you never stop learning so I have still a lot to learn at 34,” he said.

link

[Phoenix07]

“Of course the manager has slightly different ideas compared to Kenny [Dalglish] or Rafa [Benítez] and 4-3-3 is a system the club has probably never tried before. Everyone has their own way they want to do things.
“Normally in pre-season you have your football work and your running. This time it is all incorporated in one, so you have the football all the time.

Is this a clear indication that we'll definitely be using 4-3-3 as our main system?

[kris90210]

Is this a clear indication that we'll definitely be using 4-3-3 as our main system?

I reckon so. Rodgers has mentioned it as well recently. He's also said in the past that he favours either a 4-3-3 formation or a 4-4-2 diamond.

[Phoenix07]

I reckon so. Rodgers has mentioned it as well recently. He's also said in the past that he favours either a 4-3-3 formation or a 4-4-2 diamond.

I remember that in an old article which I think the Daily Mail recently brought up.

He has used 4-2-3-1 as well, so I found it interesting that Carragher specifically mentions 4-3-3.

[kris90210]

I remember that in an old article which I think the Daily Mail recently brought up.

He has used 4-2-3-1 as well, so I found it interesting that Carragher specifically mentions 4-3-3.

I think its 99% that we'll be using it mate. Rodgers gave an interview the other day where he talked about adding goals to the team, and how that's his priority this summer. And also how 4-3-3 gives you more options in attack than 4-4-2. Was a good read mate. I'm in work now but I'll see if I can find it for you later if you haven't read it

[Phoenix07]

It's this one mate.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2171696/Brendan-Rodgers-exclusive-Sportsmail-recounts-interview-Reading.html

I'm looking forward either way to seeing this develop over the coming months.

[dww]

I remember that in an old article which I think the Daily Mail recently brought up.

He has used 4-2-3-1 as well, so I found it interesting that Carragher specifically mentions 4-3-3.

I'm not sure that it is always a useful distinction - Del Bosque claimed all the formations he used were 4-3-3 at the Euros yet at times 4-2-3-1 or even 4-6-0 seemed a more natural way to view the teams as outsiders.

I would imagine a lot depends on how the manager likes to conceptualise and communicate their ideas as to how they describe the formation they use.

That said I would expect us to be looking to mostly play with 4 defenders, 3 players to control the game and 3 players who offer a definite goal threat. With some overall between the groups.

[BobTheCharmer]

Am I allowed to change my mind? Not sure if its to do with the sun coming out, but I suddenly have some belief in this rodgers chap. I like what he had to say after that toronto friendly. I'm almost looking forward to the new season.

[REDSCOUSER]

I like Rodgers and his ideas on how to play proper footy.

Now wether he has the players to implement his ideas and formation is a different matter.
We got a tough start playing Citeh, Arse and Manure all at Anfield in the first 2 months of the season and that will shape our way ahead in the Prem.
Playing all them big guns at home will add to the pressure but that will show prepared the team is.

As long as there's positive progression in our form and style of play then I dont think any Kopite will oppose to Rodgers being our new gaffer.
As Shanks said "our bread and butter" is what we should be looking at to guage sucsess.
For me with a couple more signings this team can finish higher than 8th.

[Yozza]

Am I allowed to change my mind? Not sure if its to do with the sun coming out, but I suddenly have some belief in this rodgers chap. I like what he had to say after that toronto friendly. I'm almost looking forward to the new season.

You been at the funny juice?!

[Nick77]

Maybe now that Rodgers is here we might see...

[BobTheCharmer]

You been at the funny juice?!

just finally accepted kenny isn't here I guess. I do wish rodgers would shut up a little regarding transfers but he talks a good game. fingers crossed.

[SB]

IT’S the manifesto which carried Brendan Rodgers into Anfield. Liverpool’s owners were already confident they had found the right man for the job prior to holding talks with Rodgers in May. His references had been glowing and they had admired his achievements at Swansea City.

But their belief is his ability to transform the Reds’ fortunes was cemented by that initial meeting when the Northern Irishman presented them with a bulging 180-page document.

It was a hugely detailed blueprint for Liverpool’s future. It set out his vision and his philosophy. It explained how he works and what was required to put the club back challenging at the top of the English game.

The more principal owner John W Henry and chairman Tom Werner read, the more they were convinced. Plans to appoint a sporting director were shelved as Rodgers was handed total control to put his plans into action.


“I presented to them a document on the culture, philosophy and game plan going forward,” said Rodgers.

“It’s a model, a short cut to how I work, the kind of players I want tactically and the personality traits of players. Also my thoughts on the Academy and how we move forward.

“The vision is simple. Firstly, to win the most trophies we can. That’s the bigger picture.

“The second is to play attractive, attacking football to win games. The third is to bring through as many of the young players as we possibly can.

“When I became a manager I always wanted to go into a club with a philosophy so it’s clear in terms of where everyone is heading. Thankfully at two of my three clubs as manager I’ve been able to create a one-club mentality and it’s been successful.

“I started this (document) over 15 years ago. It’s something I have been piecing together for many years and when I became a manager I put it into a format with a philosophy and methodology.”

In Liverpool’s opening two friendlies there have already been signs of Rodgers’ influence but this is a long-term project he has taken on. The manager doesn’t have either the time or the cash this summer to make all the changes that are required.

The 39-year-old took some admiring glances at the depth of Tottenham’s squad as the teams trained at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium yesterday ahead of today’s final game of the Reds’ North American tour.

“My single biggest concern for this year is to define a model of play that can entertain the supporters and win games, to build a squad that will allow us to compete in all the competitions,” he said.

“It took Tottenham six transfer windows to put together a squad that could finish in the top four. In the last three years, we’ve finished sixth, seventh and eighth. My job is improve on that without being disrespectful to anyone who went before me, to get the club back into the top echelons where it has not been for a few years.

“For me football is an art not a science. The only statistic I want to know is how good we have been with the ball. In my cultural upbringing, on my travels, the statistic that interested me was if you were better than your opponent with the football you have a 79% chance of winning the game.

“Basically, you have an eight out of 10 chance of winning, so I’ve followed that my career. Of course you may lose the ninth or tenth, but my world has been devoted to that.

“It won’t always be perfect and you won’t always play well, but I would rather control games and dominate games and have that possibility rather than wait for something to happen.

“My world has been about creating rather than waiting. If you wait, you rely on somebody else to make a mistake. If you create you do everything possible to win the game. I’d rather lose a game trying to win it than lose it trying to not get beat.”

While there’s excitement and hope among supporters at the start of a new era, Rodgers is keen to ensure there’s also a sense of reality.

It’s 22 years since the club’s last title triumph and over the past two decades it’s not just Manchester United who have left Liverpool trailing.

“There are many more teams to knock off the perch now,” said Rodgers.

“This is a club that has won 18 league titles and the ambition is to make sure we are in a position to add a few more. But I know where the club is at this moment and I don’t want to be talking too much garbage at the beginning of my time here.

“We need to become competitive before you can even consider (going for the title). It is like getting knocked out of the FA Cup every year in the first or second round but then saying you are going to win it. We have just got to make sure that we stabilise.

“The last couple of years have been traumatic in many ways, on and off the field.

“In order to have success, there has to be some kind of stability and then we can grow. I am not waiting for it. I want us to try and create success and create it as quick as we can.

“I could give you a list of problems but it won’t help anything. We have to find a way to go forward and challenge again.

“I’ve been touched by how supportive everyone has been and the players have been magnificent. I just want to turn that positivity into something good.

“We need a one city, one club mentality. If we don’t, if we fail, it will be because of not sticking together and nothing else. If we can stay as one, we have a real chance.”



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liver...#ixzz21twNpt8l

[dww]

For me football is an art not a science. The only statistic I want to know is how good we have been with the ball. In my cultural upbringing, on my travels, the statistic that interested me was if you were better than your opponent with the football you have a 79% chance of winning the game.

A lot of people quote similar stats for shots. Both things are correlated for most sides I would guess (and zonal marking presents some evidence here - http://www.zonalmarking.net/2012/05/...ion-and-shots/) but Swansea seemed to have a lot of possession without many shots. We had a decent number of shots but didn't score from many. I think it will be a real challenge to get us to be efficient with possession.