Liverpool’s season was marred by an internal war between manager, shareholders and owners. All eyes went from watching the football to round the clock analysis of the goings on between Rafa Benitez and the Liverpool board.
Anfield seemed to be in turmoil in April with co-owner Tom Hicks reportedly asking Rick Parry to hand in his resignation. Turmoil began as George Gillet admitted he was happy to sell his share of the club – this sparked a repeated interest from Dubai International Capital to take control of Gillet’s share – Hicks meanwhile was working on raising enough capital to buy-out his partner.
All this was going on as Liverpool prepared themselves for their Champions League semi-final against Chelsea – their third appearance in the last four stage in four seasons under Benitez.
Benitez’s position was further undermined when the media reported that former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached as the Spaniard’s replacement – emergency talks were arranged, and as the season came to and end Benitez’s job was as safe again.
As every season, Liverpool will go in to the next campaign talking of a genuine title challenge but it is clear that investment in the playing staff is required to make that ring true for once.
Manager:
Rafa Benitez
Benitez has been with Liverpool since 2004 replacing Gerard Houllier. Much like the team he coached previously at Valencia, Benitez has struggled with a talented squad who persistently seem to under perform. European success and domestic cups have edeared him to the fans and hinted at what can be achieved but for all at Anfield winning the Premier League becomes more important the longer they go withoutn doing it.
Benitez is a football man - some would say football obsessive - and his constant search for the right balance in the team has yet to yeild a satisfactory solution with Liverpool.
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Last season:
4th - 76 points
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The pot:
Rafa Benitez is reported to have ‘demanded’ £50 million from Hicks and Gillet in a bid to bring three major signings to Anfield next season. This is something the manager has denied. Liverpool’s finances do not appear all that healthy however; their asking price for Peter Crouch has been branded too high by Harry Redknapp, and their persistent bids to bring Gareth Barry to the club reveal their inability to provide excessive funds. With a new stadium to finance as well Benitez may have to cut his cloth a bit more cleverly than the rest fo the big four if he is to compete for signings.
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What they want / need:
Liverpool need width. At least two wide players with pace and the ability to beat a man would add massively to a side that is central midfield heavy. Also, a decent strike partner for Fernando Torres is essential, despite his best efforts as a lone front man last season.
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Who their targets are:
Liverpool are expected to make a fourth offer for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, reports suggest they hope to close a deal in the coming days. They are also targeting Valencia - said to be cash-strapped - in a bid to land David Silva. The departure of John Arne Riise to Roma also makes way for Liverpool to sign Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena for £7m.
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Special One:
Having already made three bids for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry it seems the midfielder is Benitez’s top priority.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expect to see:
More boardroom turmoil.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't expect to see:
A title challenge
Anfield seemed to be in turmoil in April with co-owner Tom Hicks reportedly asking Rick Parry to hand in his resignation. Turmoil began as George Gillet admitted he was happy to sell his share of the club – this sparked a repeated interest from Dubai International Capital to take control of Gillet’s share – Hicks meanwhile was working on raising enough capital to buy-out his partner.
All this was going on as Liverpool prepared themselves for their Champions League semi-final against Chelsea – their third appearance in the last four stage in four seasons under Benitez.
Benitez’s position was further undermined when the media reported that former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached as the Spaniard’s replacement – emergency talks were arranged, and as the season came to and end Benitez’s job was as safe again.
As every season, Liverpool will go in to the next campaign talking of a genuine title challenge but it is clear that investment in the playing staff is required to make that ring true for once.
Manager:
Rafa Benitez
Benitez has been with Liverpool since 2004 replacing Gerard Houllier. Much like the team he coached previously at Valencia, Benitez has struggled with a talented squad who persistently seem to under perform. European success and domestic cups have edeared him to the fans and hinted at what can be achieved but for all at Anfield winning the Premier League becomes more important the longer they go withoutn doing it.
Benitez is a football man - some would say football obsessive - and his constant search for the right balance in the team has yet to yeild a satisfactory solution with Liverpool.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last season:
4th - 76 points
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The pot:
Rafa Benitez is reported to have ‘demanded’ £50 million from Hicks and Gillet in a bid to bring three major signings to Anfield next season. This is something the manager has denied. Liverpool’s finances do not appear all that healthy however; their asking price for Peter Crouch has been branded too high by Harry Redknapp, and their persistent bids to bring Gareth Barry to the club reveal their inability to provide excessive funds. With a new stadium to finance as well Benitez may have to cut his cloth a bit more cleverly than the rest fo the big four if he is to compete for signings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What they want / need:
Liverpool need width. At least two wide players with pace and the ability to beat a man would add massively to a side that is central midfield heavy. Also, a decent strike partner for Fernando Torres is essential, despite his best efforts as a lone front man last season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who their targets are:
Liverpool are expected to make a fourth offer for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, reports suggest they hope to close a deal in the coming days. They are also targeting Valencia - said to be cash-strapped - in a bid to land David Silva. The departure of John Arne Riise to Roma also makes way for Liverpool to sign Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena for £7m.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special One:
Having already made three bids for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry it seems the midfielder is Benitez’s top priority.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expect to see:
More boardroom turmoil.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't expect to see:
A title challenge
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