Liverpool Seem to Be Stronger on Paper Than Reality
Liverpool traveled to Switzerland’s third largest populous, Basel, to take on the city’s home club FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. Liverpool are coming off a unstable 2-1 win against Bulgarian side Ludogorets FC in their debut to the European campaign, but the win did not come without some breath taking anxiety for Brendan Rodgers and his men.
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On the other hand, this was a match of the same proportion but with a different finish, a devastating loss. Basel opened scoring early with a tick tack toe in front of the net and due to lack of quick marking providing room for striker Marco Streller to take the lead for Basel.
Of course, Liverpool have been subject to major scrutiny after the best player in England last year left the squad for Spanish side Barcelona this summer; but the Reds utilized the earnings off the Uruguayan and bought a dozen new players to replace him and embellish their questionable defense.
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On paper the purchases in the transfer window look to be the perfect implementation into Liverpool’s system. This is especially with a coach such as Rodgers, whose ability to deal with so many different attitudes, as well as, youngsters always seems to run successfully. But unfortunately, in reality, this has not been the case.
Against Everton on the weekend, Liverpool walked away with a draw at Anfield against their Merseyside rivals due to a stroke of brilliance by captain, Phil Jagielka in injury time – their entrance into the scoreboard was a brilliant penalty by Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool had created tons of chances, as playing at home is their forte, but the final touches which could extract a solid attack for Liverpool just don’t seem to be there. Even with Daniel Sturridge at full health, their attack didn’t appear to click
Aug 4, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Liverpool players react after a goal call for Manchester United is not allowed in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
It could be to early to determine that Liverpool will continue to suffer in the same likes as they did in the 2012/2013 season, but we also have to remember that Luis Suarez also played from them during this time. So what is it?
It is truly hard to say, but what is even more difficult is to watch a squad with incredible European history falter on their big opportunity back into the Champions League.