Come the January transfer window Liverpool Manager Roy Hodgson and Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli have a tough job on their hands. They have to show that their club still has the ambitions of a top club without the exorbitant budget that has been available in previous transfer windows. The aim, I’m sure will be a push for fourth place in the Premier League. To help them meet their end and to placate the fans, new recruits are sure to be necessary.
The club’s owners Fenway Sports Group are sure to insist that Roy Hodgson is more careful with his spending than the likes of Rafa Benitez have been in the past. Speaking to the press about the matter Hodgson said, “I would be very disappointed if I went out in January and spent a lot of money on the wrong players and then found that come the summer, we are no better off.”
So what exactly is his aim over the January transfer window? What kind of players are the club looking to add to their squad? Hodgson’s belief is that the emphasis has shifted from quantity to quality. The new additions must be such “that everyone who watches us, fans, journalists, can see why we have bought them, like Raul Meireles. We are looking for players who will make us better.”
The Portuguese midfielder joined Liverpool this August and following Steven Gerrard’s hamstring injury has taken centre stage in the Reds’ midfield. His performances have made him a fan favourite and his commitment to Liverpool’s cause has often made his fellow teammates look lachrymose in comparison.
It’s certainly true that more players like Meireles would help to bolster Liverpool’s attempt to earn a position in next season’s Champions League. With limited funds available it’s clear that Liverpool can’t afford to bring in lots of unproven players.
The focus must now be placed upon quality, not quantity. I would recommend going after players like Luis Suarez and Moussa Sissoko who are really going to add something to the Liverpool squad. The reports that Liverpool are interested in the likes of Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia does not fill me with much hope.
If necessary, Liverpool can utilise the players they have in swap deals or to rack up the finances necessary for transfer fees. It seems to me that the likes of Maxi, Skrtel and Spearing have come to the end of their time at Anfield.
It’s time for a January clearout. Once the manager has got rid of the dead weight, the focus can be placed upon bringing in players with the quality to help make Liverpool competitors once more.
Whether Roy Hodgson has the managerial nous to do this remains to be seen. January will be a big month at Liverpool Football Club.
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Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all to win at 15/8!