2015/16 Premier League Preview: Liverpool
By Lee Kilby
"Liverpool came so close to winning the Premier League two seasons ago. Since then, they have lost three of their stand-out players who helped the team finish second in the league two seasons ago."
Luis Suarez was sold to Barcelona last season for £75 million and in his first season he won the treble with Barca, forming the most deadly attacking trio in the world with Messi and Neymar.
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This summer, captain Steven Gerrard had departed for LA Galaxy in the MLS. Gerrard revealed he didn’t want to become a squad player, he wants to be a starter. Another one of their top players, Raheem Sterling, has just left for Premier League rivals Manchester City for £49 million. Sterling has been a very good player for Liverpool over the past two seasons, but the Merseyside club can take comfort from the fact they have definitely got a very good amount of money for him.
Last season Rodgers didn’t replace Suarez with a suitable replacement and he was made to pay for it. Last season highlighted the major impact Suarez gave Liverpool, without him in their team, they looked lost at times.
This season, Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers has been given a large transfer budget to help Liverpool get back into the Champions League. Rodgers has brought in suitable replacements this summer. James Milner was brought in from Manchester City on a free transfer, the versatile midfielder is a great signing, especially on a free transfer. He can create a solid partnership with newly appointed captain Jordan Henderson.
Right-back Nathaniel Clyne was signed for £12 million from Southampton. The young defender has been an important player for Southampton over the past few seasons, and right-back is a position Liverpool have needed to strengthen after the departure of Glen Johnson.
Forwards Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke have been signed to improve Liverpool’s attack. With the departure of Sterling, these three forwards can help Liverpool get back into the Champions League places. Firmino and Benteke were bought for a combined total of over £60 million. This seems overpriced but Liverpool will need to splash the cash to achieve the aim of getting back into the top four. Benteke alone cost £32.5 million from Aston Villa, but Villa were hard negotiators and said they would only sell him is they activated his release clause.
Another promising forward, Divock Origi has joined after his season-long loan at Lille. The Belgian forward was in good form at last years World Cup, and Rodgers will be hoping he can make an impact on the Premier League.
Liverpool will be aiming to get back into the Champions League. This season they can’t win the League, they don’t have the same quality of players their rivals have. They have spent a lot of money on players since Brendan Rodgers became their manager, over £250 million. Liverpool haven’t won any trophies in that time, and if Liverpool don’t win one this season, a lot of questions will be asked of his management and transfer policy. There is no doubt he is a good coach, but is he a good enough manager to deliver trophies to Liverpool?
If Liverpool get back in the Champions League this season, I can see Rodgers getting another year at the helm. However, this season the manager will be under increased pressure. If they don’t qualify for the Champions League and also don’t win any trophies, I can see this being the manager’s last season at Liverpool.