Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Liverpool Look To EPL Title

After yet another disastrous European showing on Wednesday night, Liverpool (or at least the ones who are realistic) now look to concentrate on winning their first ever EPL title.

Rafael Benitez, Liverpool manager (although not for very long at the rate results are going for the club), has remained defiant despite defeat to Besiktas and rallied his team for a final dash down the stretch. Win the next 3 games and they might still have a chance, he claimed.

However, that is exactly the problem with Liverpool, and in particular, Benitez. Apart from their great Euro run 2 years ago when they came back several times from the dead, this season, as with many other seasons, they have floundered when chips are down.

I have mentioned previously how Benitez, despite all his tactical genius, is not a great motivator. Tactics can only get you so far. If your players are not performing to their best, these don't get you anywhere. You need to be able to inspire your team to dig deep and play above their levels, grinding out results without any class. Benitez has never been able to display that side in his managerial abilities. It was the same again last night.

So much for winning the EPL title, if this continues. I wonder what the American owners are thinking now.

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