Stage One of Liverpool’s rebuilding process or just a minor triumph?

Jordon Florit tells the Football Front why Liverpool's League Cup success could be a sign of further success.

Fittingly, after six years without a trophy, it was nearly Dirk Kuyt, who joined six years ago, that won the Carling Cup for Liverpool: firstly, with his 108^th-minute goal that fired Liverpool into an extra-time lead and then with his goal line clearance before Cardiff’s eventual equaliser. Unfortunately, Dirk Kuyt wasn’t the hero, which would’ve been an apt reward for the tireless Dutchman, but Liverpool did get the victory.

It came little over 18-months since Kenny Dalglish’s homecoming at Liverpool, 20 years after leaving the Anfield club, and his return of a trophy in his first full season in charge befits his title as King on Merseyside. Seemingly his presence in the dugout once more has guided Liverpool off the rocky road on which they were driving down and things have been running much smoother. However, his second reign hasn’t been without its own potholes.

Since their last trophy, the FA Cup in 2006 – or the Community Shield if you prefer, Liverpool have seen their number of top flight victories trumped by Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, something he promised to do when he took charge at Old Trafford; go without Champions League football, failing to qualify for the 2010/11 edition, and witnessed a power struggle between George Gillett and Tom Hicks, resulting in unrest amongst the fans, before the club was eventually sold to Fenway Sports Group.

Yet, even with King Kenny at the helm and John W. Henry’s ownership providing fewer talking points and more stability than the previous regime, there have still been a few obstacles for Liverpool to overcome. Some threatened to tarnish their reputation more than others.

But, after the Luis Suarez affair that has provided a subplot to Liverpool’s entire season to date, the money invested in a promising transition under Dalglish – currently totalling at over £110m, and Andy Carroll finally appearing to settle in a year after his record breaking move, few would begrudge Liverpool’s Carling Cup final success.

It had been six years since a trophy had been added to the cabinet; they’re still in the F.A. Cup, having knocked out Manchester United with Dirk Kuyt succeeding in being the hero that day, and European football next season is guaranteed, having missed out altogether this campaign.

But in the long run, what does it mean for The Reds: is it stage one of Liverpool’s rebuilding process or just a minor triumph?

The victory itself, a 3-2 win on penalties, was symptomatic of Liverpool’s recent history – a dogged battle in which previous Liverpool sides may’ve bottled it. However, the calming figure of Kenny Dalglish on the touchline, symbolised by his palliative state at half-time of extra-time, was enough to get Liverpool across the line as lady luck smiled upon Liverpool in the shootout. But, as the saying goes, “you make your own luck”

It would be feeble to say Liverpool were lucky to have such favourable circumstances present to win the Carling Cup and it would do Cardiff an injustice, in what was an admirable performance orchestrated typically by Malky Mackay, to do so. To get to the final, Liverpool had to overcome three lots of Premier League opposition, having beaten Exeter City and a resurgent Brighton & Hove Albion outfit: a Stoke City side at the formidable Britannia Stadium, before two of last season’s top four sides in Chelsea and Manchester City. They determined their own luck.

Before the game, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard stated that “[Liverpool fans] deserve a trophy,” whilst ex-Kop favourite Robbie Fowler issued a rallying cry to the current fan’s favourite, Luis Suarez: “I’d like to think that I repaid [the Liverpool fans] by doing the business (scoring in the League Cup final against Birmingham in 2001) for Liverpool on the pitch – and that’s what I’d love to see Luis doing for Kenny.” Whilst Luis Suarez didn’t grab a goal in the final, it was the first trophy that the new bought-in generation of Liverpool players have collected at Anfield.

The purchases of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique and Sebastian Coates, all since Dalglish took over, have reaped their first trophy in their first full season together and calling it a minor triumph would discredit Cardiff, but as it is the League Cup, seen as secondary by most, I imagine some will do so. However, is it right to call it a minor triumph or is it indicative of the progress Liverpool are making?

If this is all the current Liverpool team achieve, then yes it is a minor triumph: however, Kenny Dalglish has made a marked improvement on the successes of Liverpool. When he took over from Roy Hodgson, a man whom he helped Liverpool to appoint, their league position was abysmal by their standards: they were 12^th, below Everton, they’d conceded more than they’d scored, lost more than they’d won and after 20 games, they were already 19 points away from the top.

Kenny came in and things dramatically changed: Liverpool were hoisted up to a 6^th place finish, 22 points adrift of league champions Manchester United, meaning – bar their first game under Kenny – Liverpool matched the Champions point for point; Liverpool’s concession rate dropped by 33% and all the while, their goal-scoring exploits increased by more than half at an increase of 62%, from 24 goals in 20 games under Hodgson to 35 in 18 with Dalglish.

Liverpool are on the up: a return to a top four finish, something which has alluded them since the 2008/09 campaign in which they finished second pushing Manchester United all the way finishing just four points adrift, looks out of the question this season. However, it was always going to be a tall order considering the number of new personnel in through the doors at Anfield and therefore the success of the League Cup, with the F.A. Cup still to play for, deems this season a success already, providing Liverpool go on to perform how they’ve done to date.

The Cup win can only serve Liverpool well. Under other managers, Liverpool may have crumbled as the game progressed and Cardiff were still leading – although their cup successes in similar circumstances against Birmingham and West Ham show an undying trait of determination lives long in the veins of Liverpool. Yet the win will galvanise them and with an impressive defensive record in the league, with only Manchester City conceded fewer, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength in the second coming of King Kenny and with a transition underway, success with delicate changes and altercations in playing staff is a credible effort.

The Carling Cup final wasn’t just a minor victory – it’s a sign of things to come.

This article was written by Jordan Florit. For more of Jordan’s work, take a look at his website: http://www.maycauseoffence.com/. Jordan is also on Twitter: @JordanFlorit

Why the League Cup still holds importance in the English game

Sunday the 27^th of February. A day that Birmingham City fans will never forget. Arguably it was the proudest day of the club’s history. It was the day that Birmingham City defied all the odds by winning the their first major trophy since 1963, by beating Arsenal. The League Cup now belongs to Birmingham City.

But, some people believe the magic and beauty which made the English domestic cups so popular has gone. I see where there coming from. As some teams field weakened sides in the Cup’s in order to focus on their league campaigns. There is no denying this fact. But that doesn’t mean teams are not interested or bothered in winning the FA Cup or even the League Cup. Just ask the Birmingham City fans. There is still a little bit of magic left in our domestic cups.

The 2011 League Cup final proved two things to me. Firstly, it showed how much winning the competition meant to Birmingham city. Critics of the competition argue the League Cup doesn’t hold any significance in the modern game anymore. But they are clearly were wrong. Birmingham’s triumph proved this, the scenes at the end of the game were euphoric. The celebrations and beaming smiles of the Birmingham fans, players and staff was quite inspiring. Most footballing fans felt a collective joy and happiness for Birmingham. Now, are you telling me League Cup doesn’t hold any significance anymore? If that critique is still believed it’s a hell of a damning view on Birmingham’s fantastic achievements.

Something else I picked up from the 2011 League Cup final was how much the defeat meant to the Arsenal players. Of course, the critics argue the League Cup is a competition that the big clubs don’t even care about. But the reactions of the Arsenal players at the end of the game tell a totally different story. The Arsenal players were shocked, hurt and even tearful after the game. The Gunners were craving to end their trophy drought. And the League Cup final gave them a fantastic opportunity to reopen their trophy cabinet. The reactions of the Arsenal players suggest one thing. They seriously cared about the League Cup. They wouldn’t have responded in such an emotive way if they didn’t have any aspirations to win the trophy.

The magic hasn’t just suddenly appeared in the final of the 2011 League Cup. It’s been apparent throughout the previous rounds. Take the third round tie between the League Two side Northampton and Liverpool at Anfield. Northampton gave it their all and matched Liverpool right to the wire. The league two side ended up embarrassing the Premier League side by winning on penalties. The fact the might of Liverpool were beaten demonstrates the beauty of our cup competitions. This is simply because Liverpool had no right to lose that game. The odds were heavily stacked against Northampton. The most beautiful aspect for Northampton was winning at Anfield. I don’t think the Northampton fans and players will ever forget that night at Anfield. But the critics argue Liverpool fielded a ‘weakened side.’ They did, no one can reject that claim. But Liverpool fielded 5 internationals. In fact three even played in the last World Cup. So there was enough quality out there to beat a struggling League Two side. And if you ask any Liverpool fan or players, they would seriously be content with a good League Cup run. Furthermore, history will tell you, Liverpool have a brilliant relationship with the League Cup. As they are the record holders with 7 League Cups to their name. So arguing the point the club doesn’t care about the League Cup is invalid.

There is the argument that a problem with the League Cup is that all the big teams are continuously wining it. It’s a valid point one has to say. But it has been like that for decades. During the 80’s, Liverpool won the League Cup four times in a row (81 -84.) Doesn’t this prove that even in the 80’s when the League Cup was taken with great seriousness, it was still being continuously won by the best teams? So the point of the League Cup being dominated by the bigger sides doesn’t mean that the cup has lost its magic or appeal. The fact it’s happened for decades suggests it’s the mere nature of the cup to be won by the elite English teams. Take Manchester United. Before being knocked out in this season’s League Cup, they won the cup twice in a row. See the similarities between the 80’s and today’s League Cup?

There is the common assertion that the teams participating in the European competitions couldn’t careless about the League Cup. This is completely wrong. Obviously, they would put their European success over the League Cup. But the English sides playing in Europe do care about the League Cup. As I’ve mentioned before, Manchester United were demolished by relegation candidates West Ham United in the fourth round this season. Again, people will say ‘United played a second team.’ But I’m sure the United fans, players and staff were deeply embarrassed to be smashed by four goals. Especially as Manchester United are a massive club, who are aspiring to win a record 19^th Premier League title. Some may feel Man United ‘have no real interest’ in the League Cup, but that would be a huge dis-service to the values of the club and the fans. The club is about winning. Every trophy is a winnable trophy and is a trophy which is cherished.

Birmingham’s League Cup triumph symbolises the importance of the League Cup in the English game. Both teams showed a passion and desire to earn their club a valuable piece of silverware. The League Cup is constantly ambushed with criticisms. But the competition still provides some of the best footballing stories and folklore.

There is something that all football fans love. The underdog triumphing. And time after time, the League Cup offers this spectacle to the football world.

Why this season will distinct if Avram Grant is a good manager or a bad manager

Avram Grant, good manager or a bad manager? It seems people are still unsure of what they make of Grant. His days at Chelsea were deemed to some (and most importantly Roman Abramovich) as a failure. Even though he took Chelsea to their first European Cup final in 2008. But of course, they lost on penalties. But they were virtually one kick away from glory. Maybe if John Terry scored that penalty Grant would be seen as a fantastic manager? Who knows. Grant should also be praised for keeping the squad together after they were left shocked and disillusioned by the departure of Jose Mourinho. He also lead the team to a League Cup final in his short tenure at Chelsea. But again they were defeated on penalties. Some call his reign at Chelsea as unlucky, while others call it a simple failure.

Avram Grant’s reign at Portsmouth last season, dramatically contrasted to the situation when he was at Chelsea in 2008. As Portsmouth was a debt ridden club, who were on the brink of extinction, let alone the fear of relegation. Some will argue, Portsmouth’s off the field matters meant the club were certain to be relegated. Due to their 10 point deduction because the club went into administration. So Grant was a manager in a losing battle, one which he had little control over. Yet some disagree, if Portsmouth hadn’t had 10 points deducted they would have still finished bottom. This is very true. But it has to be considered that this Portsmouth team at times weren’t even paid by the club. This must of had a serious effect on the player’s performances and desire. Seeing as footballers nowadays are in the luxury culture of lucrative contracts and consistent pay. Let’s also put this into perspective, if you weren’t getting paid for your job, your commitment and drive towards the job would decline considerably. It’s the same for footballers too.

Furthermore, in the summer of 2009 and the January 2010 transfer windows, Portsmouth sold their prized assets. The likes of Peter Crouch, Glen Johnson and Niko Kranjcar were all sold. The number of dramatic changes to the first team would have affected the confidence and ambition of the squad. As Portsmouth were now a selling club.

Yet, Avram Grant did achieve a fantastic feat whilst at Portsmouth. Amongst all the adversity off the field. Avram Grant managed to take his team all the way to the FA Cup final. They beat Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham side in the semi-final. A day most Portsmouth fans will never forget.

The final was a closely matched affair against Chelsea. Kevin Prince- Boateng missed a penalty which would have given Portsmouth the lead. And a minute later, Dider Drogba scored from a free kick to give Chelsea the lead. Again, the fate of penalties for Grant was the difference.

So Avram Grant left Portsmouth as a heroic figure, making the club dream of cup glory even if the long term future looked bleak. But, most were still unsure of whether Grant was a great manager or a fortunate manager.

Most saw the appointment of Grant to West Ham as a good move for both sides. Yet, things have been tough for Grant and the Hammers. West Ham started the season off poorly. In fact it was West Ham’s worst ever start in the Premier League. Hardly inspiring stuff. And Grant’s future has been continually called into question. But the team’s form gradually improved. They picked up useful wins such as; three points away at Fulham and a vital win at home against fellow relegation candidates Wolves.

But again, like at Portsmouth off the field matters have continuously a casted shadow over Grant. By January the 15^th it seemed as if Martin O’Neil was set to take the reigns at West Ham. The story was rumoured to be true, expect O’Neil rejected the offer. The behaviour by the West Ham owners was disgraceful. Simple as. They showed no respect towards their manager.

Even after the mess regarding Martin O’Neil. No one can deny the board haven’t backed Grant in the transfer window. In January, Grant signed, 5 players. Most of them are very decent acquisitions too. The signings of Wayne Bridge (on loan), Robbie Keane (Loan), Demba Ba and Gary O’Neil are all good deals.

Furthermore, some will argue, Grant inherited a poor squad when he joined the club. I agree, some of the players at West Ham are very poor. And aren’t Premier League standard. But there are some quality players the too. The likes of Scott Parker, Charlton Cole, Mathew Upson, Robert Green and Victor Obinna are all good players. The January signings will only add more quality to the side. Especially the signing of Robbie Keane. An experienced, yet potent Premier League striker.

One issue is will the players develop an understanding between themselves. This is the risk Grant has taken by signing so many players in January. It’s up to him to try and help his players develop an understanding of his methods of play. Arguably the lack of understanding has recently cost them in their last few matches. The defeat against Birmingham at Upton Park springs to mind. And the 3 all draw against West Brom. The West Ham’s defence was utterly woeful. But it’s up to Grant to bring the players closer as a unit and as a family in order to develop an understanding on the pitch.

When Grant was poorly handled by Karen Brady and the two West Ham owners over the O’Neil saga, I leapt to the defence of Grant (here’s the piece.) But Grant has been backed by the owners in January. Of course they haven’t thrown millions at him. But they have allowed him to capture good footballers.

Most managers after their dismissal or when their really under scrutiny argue, they ‘weren’t given enough of a financial backing by the owners.’ The owners have sufficiently backed Grant. It’s now up to Avram Grant to prove he is a decent manager and save West Ham from relegation. Yes his treatment at the club hasn’t been great. But he has been given the resources to do a good job.

By the end of the season, we will see the real credentials of the Israeli.