Liverpool's Champions' League Exodus: The Aftermath and the Road Ahead

raam shanker — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:11:59 -0500

From this juncture, one of two things can happen. Liverpool can either go down in the dumps and lose morale, their manager and their key players, wandering aimlessly for a couple of seasons before they regroup; or they can use this as a spring-board, focus solely on The Premiership, and get a Top-Four finish. If not better.

After Tuesday’s cataclysmic defeat emotions are likely running high in the Liverpool camp. However, great teams respond, they don’t react. Liverpool’s situation has the potential to rock the Top-Four boat yet again this season. There are, however, a number of variables in the Liverpool equation, which need to be solved sooner rather than later.

Ryan Babel’s outcry about lack of opportunities and the fact that he is looking for a new club might be a reflection of an ongoing civil war in a dressing room full of disgruntled players. Is Babel the only one, or are there potential departures waiting for the New Year?

Speaking of departures I am sure Benitez would love to offload some underachievers; however, will he be able to get a good price for them? The fact that they’re enduring a difficult domestic season combined with their exit from Europe is likely to put doubts in the minds of potential suitors as to whether the players are worth Liverpool’s evaluation. The players’ frustration and eagerness to move is likely to add to Benitez’s misery over sale proceeds.

Step into the Liverpool board-room and it was not so long ago when Hicks and Gillett had the huge public fall-out. Relations have become “better”, but it appears to be more of a media-centric gesture than genuine warmth.

There have also been rumors of potential buyers for Liverpool for the last few seasons. If Hicks and Gillett want to get rid of 50 percent of the club to a new buyer for a good price, it’s imperative that they show a unified stand and smile for the public. The emergence of a new owner brings another factor into play. How much money will Benitez get to spend on new talent?

That question, however, will only matter if Benitez is still retained at the helm. For a few years now the fans have been frustrated. When he came in as Houllier’s replacement in 2004-05 he won the Champions’ League with a stylish second half comeback in Istanbul. It was a great season for Liverpool, who were on the verge of being relegated to UEFA Cup.

Since then they have won The FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and The Community Shield. One trophy that has dodged Liverpool for a painfully long period is The Premiership. Despite having 18 titles to their credit, they’re yet to win the rebranded first division, which has been dominated by their bitter rivals Manchester United. For Liverpool players and fans alike, this has become the equivalent of The Holy Grail.

Their best chance came last season when they got 14 out of a possible 18 points against fellow Top-Four finishers, and won the double-header against United and Chelsea in convincing fashion. They were the only team in the Top Four who did not lose to the other three. Despite being in top shape for most of the season, they bottled it when it mattered most, and lost to United by four points. Could the title win last season have ensured a smoother state of play this season?

So, looking back at Rafael Benitez’s time at Liverpool I am tempted to say he had his best chance last season and did not take it. Whether he gets another opportunity, let alone such a golden one, is yet to be seen. Despite assurances of job safety, his future at Merseyside remains in question.

Read more Ryan Babel news on BleacherReport.com

Ryan Babel: Another Failure in Liverpool's History of Poor Signings?

Michelle Alves — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:51:47 -0500

Potential—that’s what Ryan Babel started off with in 2007 when Rafael Benitez signed him for a hefty $11.5 million. Such a fee would only go to a well deserved player, one would think. Maybe the 22-year old should have stuck with rapping, judging by the impact he’s had on Liverpool FC since he has joined the team.

With things going downhill for Liverpool since the start of the season, each player's every move has been scrutinized, and every one of them looks vulnerable. The team cannot afford any more mistakes if they wish to stay anywhere in contention.

Ryan Babel had it easy last season, but with each faltering step of Liverpool, his exit is drawing closer, leading us to the question—is Ryan Babel another Rafa signing gone bad?

Often, it has been said that Babel would have been great if he were given enough time, thus putting the blame on manager Rafael Benitez. One might argue that Benitez, having seen Babel play during practice, felt that he would not be able to handle a full 90 minutes for Liverpool, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Benitez started Ryan Babel against Manchester City, hoping a change would make them victorious. However, just 20 minutes into the game, Ryan Babel left the pitch injured, and Liverpool ended up with a draw.

One can only hope that the start of the new year not only brings a run of good luck for Liverpool, but some good new signings too. Not another Rafa-like 50 percent good, 50 percent bad, and 100 percent profit loss coming out of Liverpool FC yet again.

How long can the likes of Gerrard, Carragher, and Torres keep Liverpool away from unfortunate losses?

Yossi Benayoun has undoubtedly been a strong player this season, but even he was struck with injury worries and could not pull the team out of its miserable run. How many seasons can we start off by saying “This is our season” and end it with “Better luck next time?”

Ryan has the ability to be a fantastic young player, but he needs to be fit and in form. He has had some very good games in the Champions League and even against Manchester United in the premiership.

With the Liverpool side seeming to lack the spark it had last season, players like Lucas and Babel need to prove themselves and help the club get through seemingly bad times.

Many critics have been saying that the loss of Alonso has had a huge effect on the team. Alonso played a fantastic defensive midfield role for the club but also provided key passes and scored some terrific goals. He is a very hard player to replace, even with fantastic performances from players like Benayoun and Mascherano, both of whom are making up for the loss of such a world class player.

The question right now, following Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League is, are players like Babel and Lucas going to show Liverpool fan's why they’ve been signed?

Or are they going to find themselves playing for a different club very soon?

Does Liverpool have a chance of making the top three this season, or is their Premier League run going to be just as unlucky as their Premier League history?

Read more Ryan Babel news on BleacherReport.com

Bleacher Report - Ryan Babel

Liverpool's Champions' League Exodus: The Aftermath and the Road Ahead

Ryan Babel: Another Failure in Liverpool's History of Poor Signings?