In my last LFC post about the business end of things. I suggested that one of our owners' possible failings had been a lack of financial commitment. This was mainly in relation to the way they had funded the purchase of Liverpool Football Club. Which was initially debt free, with debts then loaded on post purchase. Within the same posting I concluded that this was part of a longer term plan which could provide success to the club.
Now I am all for the trek to the end of the long term rainbow being a golden sky at the end of the storm but anyone in their right mind can see that there is a short term, urgent need to increase our attacking options. From a footballing perspective, as I said yesterday, the addition of Aquilani should bring back the defence/attack balance to the team. Had Alonso not left, and despite how well his current 'stand in' has performed, Lucas would not have had a look in so far this season. Alonso and Mascherano would be playing in the centre - the defensive bulldog coupled with the creative visionary. Alonso's replacement has been delayed, but is on the way - hopefully this week. Unfortunately for us the problems of this delay have been compounded by the concurrent loss of Gerrard and Torres (to name only a couple on the physio's table), which were unforeseen.
It is a very similar story to last season and we simply do not have the squad to deal with losing, in effect, three key players (Torres, Gerrard and Alonso/Aquilani); especially when you consider the quality they bring. We urgently need another attacking / creative option, another visionary who can see what other 'good' players can't. To my mind we need someone who can play either in Torres' role or just behind him. Some say there would be a reluctance for someone to come and warm the bench, but it's a long season. Also as a stand in for Gerrard or Torres how many games would they have started this season so far? We can't take the chance of failure for CL football on either David N'Gog (who has played well for his years) or no more injuries for the rest of the season to key players.
If I can see it and others can see it then Rafa can certainly see it. He knows how to fix the problem but he can't because it comes down to money, plain and simple. That suggested lack of commitment is to be tested this January. I very much doubt that Gillette and Hicks will ever win over the hardcore protesters. But they can and must appease us neutrals. Rafa must be given funds in January to bolster our attacking options.
I know all about the credit crunch and I can see the long term plan; I know the limitations of operating a business post credit crunch. But right now there is a desperate short term requirment and you must find the funds to allow our manager to keep us competitive for the rest of the season. To rise from the ashes of the first half of the season as the team in the second half that no one wants to play.
I have seen the fans, well the majority of them, rally behind the club. They are there together with the senior management team of LFC. I've even seen Arsene Wenger (a possible closet reds fan?) getting behind our manager. So from a neutral who believes he has taken a pragmatic view to date it's time to show your commitment and to find the funds whether that's from an investor or your own money. In simple terms, it's time to put up or sell up!
Monday, 7 December 2009
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