A couple of blogs ago, I argued the case for the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as caretaker manager for Liverpool FC. Much to my delight (and the delight of millions of other fans) King Kenny took the position after Roy Hodgson left by mutual consent; just in time for the FA Cup tie against Manchester United. Despite a dubious defeat, spirits were still high, and that mood has prevailed around Anfield despite yet another defeat to Blackpool and a draw with Everton.
The fans would like the team to notch up a win to build some confidence because it is obvious that most of the players are desperately short of it. However as Kenny says, he hasn’t got a magic wand. Steven Gerrard has said this week that he would prefer Dalglish as permanent manager but isn’t it too early in his tenure to make such a judgement?
There is already a visible improvement in the way the team plays; the ball is on the floor considerably more than it was under Hodgson, and there seems to be more passion and determination from the players. The major worry for Dalglish at the moment is the alarmingly generous defence. More quality is needed in most areas and some other players need to be shipped out. This is a rebuilding project to rival Houllier’s first full season, but what is needed the most is for the players to become a unit again and believe in each other. There is an excellent spine to the team and some decent players surrounding them, but for one reason or another (injury, managerial changes, loss of form, dressing room problems?) it just hasn’t happened.
Kenny undoubtedly has the ability to turn the team around and start getting some results, and it is only on this basis will the owners consider him a long-term solution. A trophy and a top-half finish might convince them to stick with Kenny, and the fans won’t complain. He has already ingrained himself into the everyday workings of the club; this story about taking two youth players to train with the senior squad is an example of his passion and application. It is exactly what the fans want to hear and see and that optimism and belief should, in theory, seep onto the pitch at some point.
It is definitely the honeymoon period at the moment for the fans and for Kenny, whether it will end in divorce rests on the team.
