Friday, May 20, 2011

Steve Clarke Insists Big Changes Are Not Needed At Anfield

Liverpool first team coach Steve Clarke believes wholesale changes are not necessary to ensure the Merseyside club challenge for the Champions League places next term.

Clarke joined his countryman Kenny Dalglish at Anfield in January 2011, and the Scotsman is confident that the current squad, along with a limited number of additions, will have the quality to reclaim its place amongst the Premier League’s top teams.

"We have a decent squad here, a lot of good players who have shown that for us," Clarke told LFC TV. "If we can find two or three players that can add to the squad then that is what we should do.

"If we can't find the right players to improve us at the right time then I think we have enough to keep us moving forward.

"We've also got the young players coming through - that has been a big plus for everyone at the club this season.

"If we can continue with the nucleus of the established players we have and keep adding one or two kids and then maybe improve one or two in the summer."

The 47-year-old also hailed the impact of Dalglish and believes he has struck up an effective relationship with the manager and his assistant Sammy Lee.

"In the short time we have been here I think we have shown a good working relationship," Clarke added.

"The club feels it is on an upward curve at the moment and that is good for everyone.

"If we can build on what we can achieve in the short spell things will be brighter in the future."

The former Chelsea and Newcastle United man also stated that while there was disappointment at the possibility of missing out on Europa League qualification following Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham, a top-six finish is still a significant achievement for a side which had been previously cut adrift from the league’s top sides.

"I would have been happy [to be in Europa League contention] but when I came here I saw how achievable it was to get into the top six," he said.

"In my head I had a point’s total I thought was achievable and although we haven't got that yet it is still possible and if we get to that it will be a pleasing job we will have done in the second half of the season.

"But I don't think it is right to set too many big targets or goals. We are guaranteed a top-six finish and if results go our way we can get fifth. If not, top six is good from where we were in January.

"Next year we have to look at it but you have to consider the strength of the league. There are a lot of good teams up there.

"Breaking into the top four will always be difficult but if people want to set that as an objective I'm happy to take that on board."

No comments: