There are moments when it never rains but pours, then it actually rains again before pours heavily. Sorry to Liverpool. In their case, it rains elephants and whales. Liverpool may be the worst team to coach now if you have a heart of a chicken or a dove, and yet the best, for those with a heart of a lion, say 2 lions. In losing the Merseyside derby to Everton by 2-0, they showed their quality. That is the only thing they have now, but they need much more than that.
The successful financial transaction to New England Sports Ventures of USA's Boston Red Sox baseball team, made it possible for their fans to have hope, but did not transend to the field. Roy Hodgson certainly did get some hope, as if he were an ordinary football fan. Lucky for him, he reads this blog.
Liverpool are not a finished side. The loss is bad and disappointing. The mistake of today's loss was a line-up issue. This must not happen in the next fixture. Hodgson should have left his tried and tested lieutenants out of this match and the next. Fringe players and perennial substitute were supposed and must be given the nod as well as the youngsters from the academy. Specifically, Steven G, Fernando Torres, Jamie Garrangher and Joe Cole, must only come back after the team's first win. This is the only footballing sense a coach of guts can make.
It does not take a UEFA A License or a Brazilian Diploma to figure out the benefits of this psychological move. If the youngsters lost the match, who would care, but the coach? You can be assured that the belief that they make Steven G and Fernando T sit it out will spur the boys. If they lose, they will busk in relishing the moment and they will fight on as they know they have a chance and that they will be missing the limelight. If they win, the senior players can come in to the team without the pressure they exhibited today.
Defeat was written all over their faces before the match began. It was a hard pill to swallow for every one at Goodison Park and even Everton could not help but notice the frustrations. Any enemy gathers strength at the realisation of the desperation of the adversaries. It was not a match the Toffees wouldn't produce against anyone, but The Reds really played into the opposition's feet. Yekubu suddenly looked very hot and the usual suspect of Arteka and Cahill were on song and so did goalkeeper Tim Howard.
If you are a Liverpool fan, do not lose heart. The new owners will getting into the dressing room to say how much things have changed and spell out their philosophical contribution which must be matched by the performance and results. They will assure Hodgson all the support before firing him. The Reds will assume their rightful place in the Barclay's English Premier League, and soon.
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