By: Steven Hawkins
It can't be described as the start Brendan Rodgers was
hoping for as Liverpool's new manager. The club is winless in its first four
matches (two draws and two losses) for the first time since 1911.
Rodgers, 39, was brought in from Swansea City to replace
legendary Liverpool player and former manager Kenny Dalglish. Managing at
Anfield is always going to equate to added pressure. Replacing the likes of
“King Kenny”, as Dalglish is known to supporters, makes Rodgers life all the
more difficult.
Dalglish had returned to Anfield and rescued Liverpool
amidst the miserable 2010-2011 season. During that season Roy Hodgson (now
England's manager) was struggling to adjust to life at Anfield. Halfway through
the season ownership practically begged Dalglish to replace Hodgson; he agreed
ensuring Liverpool's third manager in less than a year.
Dalglish's side, while struggling in the Premier League, did
perform well in Cup competitions winning the Carling Cup as well as reaching
the F.A. Cup Final in 2011-2012. There appeared to be hope for the future so
Dalglish's firing came as surprise to many and ensured that Liverpool would
have its fourth manager since 2010.
The team has struggled at times to adjust to Rodgers' style
of play (one which favours possession and quick passes). Compounding the
problem was the struggle to add new players to his club before the transfer
window closed. As a result current players (such as Captain Steven Gerrard) are
being asked to take on new roles and adjust on the fly. The most glaring error
to date was failing to sign a serious attacking threat after loaning Andy
Carroll out to West Ham. Fabio Borini, a young Italian whom Rodgers has managed
before, was brought in prior to Carroll's exit but has failed to impress
alongside forward Luis Suarez.
Things aren't getting any easier for Rodgers and his club as
this weekend Liverpool welcomes their arch-nemesis Manchester United to
Anfield. United has not won a match in Liverpool since 2007, a trend Rodgers
certainly would like to see continue. Defeating Manchester United would be a
great distraction from the poor start and alleviate some of the growing
pressure on Rodgers. A defeat would be equally disastrous for the club.
Adding to the pressure of the already enormous early season
match is the fact it was recently announced Kenny Dalglish will be in
attendance.
Even though the pressure is rising it is not a must win for
Brendan Rodgers' job security. Ownership has acknowledged Rodgers will be given
ample time to implement his vision and strategy in an effort to succeed with
Liverpool. It may however be a must win for Rodgers' popularity with supporters
and it would serve him well if his first win could come at the expense of
Liverpool's most hated rivals.
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