Albert Buckley


Over the last decade, when supporters, journalists and television pundits discussed the ‘Big Four’ of English football, we all knew they were talking about Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

But do we now have the ‘Big Three’ and then the rest? Liverpool’s name has been dropped from the title by many media commentators and they are not, any longer, considered as Champions League certainties.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez is trying to convince himself that they will finish fourth, but their current form does not justify his comments. The Spanish coach must surely know the writing is on the wall for Liverpool this season and that they could suffer many more near misses in the race for a golden Champions League place.

All the loyal supporters of the side which dominated the English game in the 1980s  expect more and deserve more. Is it just a matter of time before the majority at Anfield lose patience? Has it indeed already happened? Or will it happen when this season draws to a close?

Benitez’s transfer dealings have created his current squad, but they fall short of what is required at Liverpool. He has tried to camouflage the club’s performances through excuses of injuries, suspensions and loss of form, but a club of Liverpool’s standing always had quality players outside their first team squad.

The former Anfield greats have mixed opinions of his tenure because they know that the stability of their great club is more important than a few headlines.

Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City are ready to step into that lucrative fourth position in the league. Because of Liverpool’s inconsistency this season, they have all grown in confidence and belief that they have the squads to complete for that all important final Champions League place.

The main challengers Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City have good squads.

Tottenham’s manager Harry Rednapp has more than one option to choose from in several positions when selecting his team. He has been active in the transfer market; their home form is their main strength, and they have many international players to call upon. Spurs will be a real threat to Liverpool this season, and Redknapp will be disappointed if they don’t finish in a Champions League place.

Aston Villa’s manager Martin O’Neill has regularly used the same first eleven because his options are somewhat limited. The ex-Celtic boss does also though, it must be said, prefer a settled team instead of using a rotation system. Suspensions and injuries could yet play a major role for the Midlands outfit, but O’Neill has built a strong team that has worked hard for each other, performing with merit to be genuinely considered as Champions League contenders. There do though remain doubts over whether they can sustain their run and steal fourth spot.

Manchester City too have a large squad with plenty of cover in all areas of their team and a healthy bank balance.

Roberto Mancini has targeted a Champions League place as the club’s priority, so they will be up for it. City have some great players, but that will not guarantee them Champions League football. They still don’t look a settled side and will need more time, as their inconsistent results suggest. However, the Eastlands club are still capable of stringing a run of fine performances together, and should they do that then fourth is not beyond them.

What is clear is that this will be Liverpool’s toughest run-in for many years. The gap has closed and it’s no longer the same ‘Big Four’.

Benitez allegedly has his own trouble with the club’s hierarchy. He is a private man with dignity when interviewed, always disciplined, guarded and aware of the importance of the fans’ support.

Many believe the former Valencia supremo may have got some of his transfer dealing wrong. However, what is all too often overlooked is what pressure, if any, he was under to buy second choice players his budget would allow.

After all the analysing though, Liverpool’s position in the league is well below their standards. The club’s players past and present believe their performances have to get better.

All the Reds’ aims and ambitions were fulfilled over many years with great in-house managers. They understood the fans, spoke the language, and conquered the opposition. Should Liverpool stick with the current formula of top foreign bosses? Or is it once again time to return to the Boot Room?

Whatever is decided in the coming months, all Liverpool’s efforts must be to save this great club from mid-table embarrassment.

The time for togetherness will be upon Anfield in a few months. Whatever the outcome, Liverpool must remain part of the ‘Big Four’ discussions. It is this which should be focused on in the short-term rather than silverware. If this is not achieved then this great club will never be the same again.

 

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