Liverpool supporters watched their team crash out of Europe's biggest tournament in heart pounding fashion, but ultimately the effort was too little, too late. The same problems that have plagued this squad from day one led them to this point and after truly earning the right to be in the Champions League, they now make a rather early exit.
Questionable managerial decisions, including both frustrating starting XI choices and mind-bogglingly absurd absences of certain players on the bench were again en vogue. Slow starts that peter out and get worse as the half continue were again all too visible to even the most novice viewer. Favorable possession numbers leading to no attacking threat was again the modus operandi of this beloved team.
The reasons for starting Glen Johnson are unbeknownst to almost anyone except the manager. While Johnson has been in decent form when in attack mode, he can at times look like he would be unable to defend a winger from a Sunday beer league. Due to no new contract talk and the constant disapproval of the player, the only logical explanation for his constant inclusion is that Brendan Rodgers is hopeful a foolish team will come seeking Johnson's services in January instead of waiting for the free transfer in the summer. I have seen it on several websites, that Javier Manquillo gets little favor due to his loanee status.
First of all, if this is true it makes no sense because Rodgers is the one that sought out the player's services. Secondly, if there is no intention of bringing Johnson back, then what is the difference between using a loaned in player versus using a player that seemingly is going to be allowed to walk in the summer?
Departing from the ongoing issue of the starting lineup, the team just did not play the kind of first half needed to win a game that had to be won. Many supporters, including this one, were gladdened by the energy and possession of the first five or ten minutes and the string of passes put together. However it all went awry after that initial foray. Liverpool had much more of the ball, but as the storm clouds unleashed their fury you could sense the clouds forming over the Reds' defense in the form of Basel's attack. Minutes before and for much of the game following Basel's goal there was absolutely no attack for Liverpool. Not just a toothless attack, but no attack at all.
The back four seemed solid to start the game. Despite their usual lapses in marking, teammates were always there to back someone up and make the clearing ball. However on the goal, I have seen less ball watching during high school matches. No closing down, no movement. All the back four just standing in a line while Lucas tried in vein to make up for his own defensive lapse.
The only thing that cannot be questioned is the Liverpool captain's ability to lead by example. After the inexplicable red card to Lazar Markovic - that really should not have been given due to the fingernail clipping the bridge of the nose. Yet Markovic is still to blame for even allowing the referee an opportunity to make a decision. - it was only Steven Gerrard that sent a message this was all unacceptable. Gerrard made a crunching tackle almost immediately after, that sent a charge through the fans and the team. Gerrard turned back the clock a bit, showing attacking flair and a bit of pace that we have not seen for awhile. He willed the team forward and gave all his fellow compatriots no choice but to join him. His equalizing goal and the emotion that poured forth after was something to make even the most hardened man smile and marvel at the skill of the hit on the free kick.
Unfortunately, even Gerrard's unwavering effort and unparalleled will was not enough to poach that second goal. The Reds bombed forward with passion and effort but it was not to be. The problem, as it has been in several games during the year, is that the team does not play an entire 90 minutes the way they did at the end. While we all know it is impossible to expend that much effort for an entire match, Liverpool still have enough skill that they can dominate teams and create problems. However they get in their own way and play with a timid style, hoping not to make a mistake rather than playing free flowing football like we saw last season.
Even the bright spots have flaws on this team. Gerrard, no matter how skilled and iron willed, still needs time off and the team looks like a limp noodle without their captain. Father time is undefeated and even Gerrard can't play in the attacking role all the time. Raheem Sterling is trying to be Luis Suarez lite, but only taking the bad aspects of Suarez' game. Sterling, in only his second full season in the starting lineup, has already gained a reputation as a diver and officials now err on the side of no call even when there is actually a penalty to be called. Sterling also has a bad habit of taking on multiple defenders or playing with the ball when a defender is only a step away.
The rest of the team is well documented. It is just a sad state of affairs in the Liverpool camp, mostly due to unnecessary confusion. There are certain instances where a manager is within his rights to say he is the manager and simply made a decision, however we seem to be far from that with several decisions. Fabio Borini languishes with the reserves while Rickie Lambert loses steam and the club has no other true striking option. Regardless of the youngster's talent, the fact that Markovic comes on for a striker seems questionable at best when the club needs two goals and disgustingly stubborn at worst.
Injuries play a part. Let it not be said that sensible fans do not realize this. However the problems that were on display on this night at Anfield and the ones that have arisen all season, are not solved by the simple inclusion of Daniel Sturridge. Even a potential partnership of Sturridge and a theoretically in-form Mario Balotelli is not enough to fully turn the whole thing around. In today's day and age, you cannot have only one striking option. Especially one that is 32. The back four has to be changed. Perhaps the inclusion of Sakho will help, but something has to change. Whether it is tactical or philosophical, something has to change with this squad defensively beyond just a change in who starts.
The bottom line is that the players have to figure it out. Yes, the manager has to play a big part in that, but the players have to take it upon themselves. We all want Liverpool to succeed, but when visiting message boards and online forums, all one sees is the call for Brendan Rodgers' job. While even the most staunch BR supporter has been led to question the man, the truth is that the team is just as much of a problem. Jurgen Klopp, who has his own issues with a championship contending team languishing near relegation, is not going to magically come through the Shankly Gates and do any more with the same players BR has than the Irishman has.
Changes have to be made. Whether on the training ground, within the hearts of the players or with actual personnel changes during the January transfer window, changes have to be made. The manager needs to be more selfless and not let his ego get in the way of team decisions, as seems to be more the recent case. The players have to find some sort of energy. I do not believe this nonsense of Balotelli affecting the lockerrom, but even if he has there is no reason for him to continue to affect anyone when he is not even on the teamsheet. There are no more excuses other than they have not been good enough. This team has to find it within themselves to figure it out, otherwise magical Champions League nights at Anfield may have to wait many years again. Walk on.
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