Ex-Liverpool player Ronnie Whelan thinks that FSG were right to keep Brendan Rodgers as the Reds’ manager, but says the Northern Irishman must take some responsibility for the poor signings made by the club.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Whelan said:
“I don’t see a reason to get rid of [Brendan] at this point in time. A lot of players there know him and a lot of players seem to be happy with what he does. He has made a few mistakes in the transfer market. We hear about Liverpool’s transfer committee which we are not 100% sure about, but surely he must have some say in the matter so some of the signings could be a lot better. I would give him another chance though.”
When asked about the recent departures of assistant manager Colin Pascoe and first-team coach Mike Marsh, Whelan added:
“Was it Brendan’s decision? Did he feel he needed someone more experienced than Marshy and Colin Pascoe? I really don’t know the reason.”
Like a lot of fans, the Irishman thinks that Liverpool’s problems were caused by the failure to adequately replace Luis Suarez, or provide a high level back up to Daniel Sturridge, something that led to a lack of pressing by the Reds:
“Liverpool didn’t have any centre forwards closing down quickly enough last season with Luis Suarez moving to Barcelona and Sturridge injured for long periods. You are not going to get that from Lambert, you are definitely not going to get it from Balotelli and Borini didn’t play much. Maybe with a new centre forward things could change.”
On Liverpool’s signings so far this summer, Whelan said:
“Ings will certainly run around for you and I think Milner is the type who will get stuck in. The manager is now looking for players to bring energy to the team. He needs that. Hopefully when the new campaign begins Liverpool can do what they did two seasons ago. They were great when they were closing people down and getting the ball back quickly from top teams like Arsenal, Man United and Everton and then wiping the floor with them.“
Finally, when asked about Raheem Sterling and his feelings about the youngster seemingly wanting to leave Liverpool, Whelan was relaxed about it:
“Offers have been made and rejected but I’m really not too bothered if he stays. Yes, he is a very good player with lots of potential but when you get a player like that who keeps messing you about it is better that he is out of the club than in it.”
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