Topic: Bridging the Gap to a Structured Playmaking Style

[bleedsred1978]

A big part of this resting with the ball is governed by of course being able to get the ball in the first place. Looking at the personnel we have at the minute I think that is a real worry. You only have to look at when Swansea came to Anfield to see what a passing side can do to our flat footed midfield.

For me much of our trouble is of the mental kind, application, taking instruction etc. I cant imagine Kenny sent the team out not to press or not to even bloody try on occasion last season so the big issue is how does Brendan inspire this pampered group to put a shift in, week in , week out.

I think he can and will do it but i would hazard a guess that at least 6 new players of various values will need to come in to turn the tide of laziness within the squad.

Some of this shower just dont put a shift in on a regular basis. 3 managers will testify to that.

[redmark]

Reina

Skrtel--Agger

Johnson-------Lucas--------Enrique

Henderson---Gerrard

Bellamy----Suarez----Sterling

Carroll

You might want to re-count .

[CraigDS]

Reina

Skrtel--Agger

Johnson-------Lucas--------Enrique

Henderson---Gerrard

Suarez-------------------Sterling

Carroll

Interesting to see that set up and on the whole it looks pretty good as it is. We do have players who are comfortable on the ball so they should thrive playing this type of football.

Question marks for me will certainly be where he sees Gerrard fitting in. Will he be one of those central midfielders or will he give him a role higher up and bring someone with the legs in to play in the middle alongside Henderson - or could he give Shelvey that role?

Another couple of forward players will be needed that's for sure, and decent cover for Lucas.

Id be happy to see decent money spent on two attacking options, and also good money (not top dollar!) spent on cover for Lucas. If that happens then next season could be interesting.

[Z e u s]

You might want to re-count .

I thought it looked bloody good! haha

[redmark]

Some of this shower just dont put a shift in on a regular basis. 3 managers will testify to that.

The last two managers, I think, have asked them to do something which 'looks' like not 'putting in a shift' - shape over pressing, with a deep defensive line.

[Apologies for a couple of quick one-line posts for now Roy, excellent OP to frame the discussion on what we've been thinking about since it became clear that Rodgers was taking the role.]

[SerbianScouser]

Buying wingers who can beat players is essential for Rodgers` system, a richer versions of Sinclair and Dyer. Unfortunately it might be just too early for Sterling. But he will be perfect for that role.
I dont see Carroll having a future in Rodgers` team. Quick thinking is the key. He maybe close but we can do a lot better, its just my opinion anyway.
Looking at our squad I think its gonna take a couple of reinforcements in order to be a team dominating possesion in most games. And when those players come it will probably take a whole season and a lot of hard work for it to happen.

[bleedsred1978]

The last two managers, I think, have asked them to do something which 'looks' like not 'putting in a shift' - shape over pressing, with a deep defensive line.

Well in that case they did it fantastically well.

From the outside looking in it just looked like they were leaving their markers, going to sleep at corners, not showing for each other, hiding, pointing and generally allowing the other team take the piss but maybe that was the plan.

Great OP as usual Roy and im not trying to derail the thread. I think they may have the physical attributes to play this way but do they have the brains or guts to be responsible for the ball is my worry.

[robgomm]

Yes, there is always resistance to change but I feel there are large elements of the LFC squad who will welcome this new style as it will suit their play whilst a minority will hate it.

At Chelsea, there was a ridiculous level of player power, going back many years, which was extremely resistant to Luís André de Pina Cabral e Villas-Boas before he even started. There isn't the same here thank god.

Certainly Reina (if he's happy generally), Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Lucas, Suarez should like it in principle. And others beyond. Skrtl shouldn't have much problem adapting.

[Sangria]

Interesting stuff Roy- hopefully we'll be able to talk about good football being played again (I remember the old thread was well timed, and we'd be able to wax lyrical about the type of football we were playing... unfortunately that didn't last long).

It sounds like he'd be the perfect player for Rodgers. Aquilani's the only midfielder apart from Gerrard that I've seen in a Liverpool team who was capable of picking the ball up deep, and seeming to drive the team's possession forward passing and moving as he went. His best performances for us saw him in deep positions, playing quick passes forward, and ending up creating chances or getting the shot away himself. Considering he played, what, 10 meaningful games or so for us (ie not 10 min cameos), he picked up quite a lot of assists and a few goals as well. I do think he'd score and assist a boatload for us in a team that allowed him to get the best of his ability- and it sounds like that's the way we're about to play our football.

The lad's got a certain drive when it comes to attacking possession based football. And he'd be perfect in Rodger's zone 4 as one of the CMs ahead of Lucas.

If Gerrard can get back to his old self, Aquilani can get firing and Lucas doesn't feel the effects of his injury from last season, we'd potentially have one of the strongest central midfields in the league in my opinion. Especially if the focus is on keeping the ball.

Funnily enough, I remember a few years back saying how I'd like to see Alonso replaced by a player in such a system if he left- instead of 2 holding midfielders, one holding midfielder with 2 more attack minded CMs in front of him. iI always thought Aquilani would be perfect as one of those 2; now that it looks like we have a manager who follows such a system for his CMs and we have Aquilani around as well, I'm interested in seeing how it pans out.

I think the midfield ins and outs this summer will tell us a lot about our fortunes for next season.

[helmboy_nige]

I think we have some players who are perfect for the brand of football Rodgers wants to play.

Actually we could probably start the season with the current squad and do really well:

Reina

Skrtel--Agger

Johnson-------Lucas--------Enrique

Henderson---Gerrard

Bellamy----------------------Suarez

Carroll

I think you are right with this.  Personally, I think we might see Gerrard occupy one of the inside forward positions (perhaps were you have Bellamy).  I could see Henderson and someone else alongside him... maybe a Sigurðsson (I can dream).

I actually think moving Gerrard into that advanced roll could work really well.  Think Henderson can do a great job alongside someone like Sigurðsson or maybe even Aquilani.

Carroll, I think is the tough one.  He's come a long way in the last few months, but question marks remain over whether he can play that role in the flexible manner Rodgers dictates.

Reina

Skrtel--Agger

Johnson-------Lucas--------Enrique

Henderson---Sigurðsson

Gerrard----------------------Suarez

Carroll

[swordfishtrombone]

I'm just looking forward to seeing us playing with some kind of structure. Maybe it's just a contrast to how regimented Rafa's teams, but for the last 18 months it's looked like our players just don't know exactly where they're supposed to be in specific situations, both with and without the ball.

In the games this season where we pressed high up the pitch, it wasn't that smothering pressure that we perfected under Rafa with our players hunting in packs and our team shape adjusting accordingly. I think this is something we'll see improve significantly over the coming seasons. Rodgers has already spoken of "relentless attacking football". Pressing aggressively high up the pitch is one of the most attacking things a team can do.

Our structure when we're in possession is something that needs a lot of work on the training ground as well. Last season it felt like a lot of our attacking play was directionless. We huffed and puffed our way throughgames, working hard to break them down but not working smart. Our interplay didn't look like it was second nature -of course we don't want to see a team of automatons, but we do want a team who have been well drilled, capable of passing at speed but with a much greater awareness of where there mates are in relation to them. We've seen glimpses of it of course - some of the interplay between (variously) Suarez, Maxi, Kuyt, Bellamy and Meireles before he left was breathtaking - but again we didn't see nearly enough of it. Again I think this comes down to an awareness of team shape and individual positioning within that. It's about the patterns that form - the wee triangles that keep popping up when your players know the way they're supposed to move, and that's something you learn from repetition in training.

So much of it comes down to the work on the training ground, and we desperately need players who are hungry to learn and a coaching staff who can get their ideas across. I think there are echoes of Barca's 'rondo' in some of the training exercises Rodgers uses for example, exercises which hone first touch play, speed of thought, and intelligent pressing. I think he's got the right ideas, I think they're in keeping with the foundations laid by Rafa and built upon by Borrell and Segura with the youngsters. This is crucial when it comes to defining a coherent footballing philosophy. If he can pull it off, we're in for some exciting times ahead, but it's a helluva challenge.

[DanA]

I like the style of football Rodgers plays and if nothing else we'll play some attractive football. And I look through the playing list and I wonder how he can achieve his style of play. First choice keeper, defence and DM are near perfect. There's really nothing to debate there, I don't think our depth is ideally suited to Rodgers style but the starting players are good.

It gets trickier from there on though as we've had managers that employ a direct style of attack and more recently(post Rafa) a style of play that invites opposition forward and used in more of a 4-4-2. I don't however think we need to spend a fortune if Rodgers is creative. 


As central midfielders: "energy, linking, support for front three, pressing"

I think we've got a good foundation. We know Gerrard is great and Henderson quite suited to Rodgers style  I'd argue Jay (our most effective passer in CM this season) is a lot like Allan, not a DM! and not as good but similar. I don't want to side track this but I'll point out that Aquilani is perfect. At Juventus he had a 92.3% pass success rate a if nothing else I think it'd be worth Rodgers attempting to get him to stay. The one glaring issue is Adam, he's simply too direct.

As inside forwards: "pace, crossing, goal scoring, energy, directness, pressing".

To me that's Gerrard through and through. Yes it's a pretty significant shift for him but you can't tell me teams would enjoy seeing Gerrard coming off the left. He has all the attributes necessary and I think could be a wild card (on a part time basis) if Rodgers choose to get creative. Bellamy & Shelvey were born for the role on the left and I think both Suarez and Downing play there best off the right. I'd argue we could get away with just the one wide player and I'd prefer a versatile wide player. Maxi & Kuyt probably the odd ones out due to speed though both aren't completely wrong.

Striker: "reference point, goalscorer, bringing support runners into play"
I am very much in the camp that Carroll could do this well. It seems to me though that Rodgers would do well to bring in another as a false no.9 (which is not Kuyt). Suarez can play this well but I think we could do with another.

So without spending a cent we could start with a team as follows:

Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Lucas
Henderson   Aquilani
Suarez                 Gerrard
Carroll

To me that's not a bad start, it the cover that we could do better with.
Cover (including a youth option):
GK: Doni, Gulacsi
RB: Kelly, Flannagan
CB(r): Coates, Wisdom
CB(l): Carragher, Wilson
LB: Aurelio, Robinson
DM: ??, ??
CM(r): Adam, Spearing, Suso
CM(l): Shelvey, Texeira
RF: Downing, Eccelstone
LF: Bellamy, Sterling + Pacheco Maxi Cole
ST: Kuyt, ??
 
The reality is where not going to get players in all those positions and many like Carra and Adam will stay while Aquilani will need to be replaced. Still I think we've got quantity and were better off shrinking the squad and bring in quality utility players.

Don't think we need to spend copious amounts of money
8-10m on a DM utility
20m on a Striker/LW
>3m on a backup GK
Replacement for Aquilani if he doesn't stay

that'd be it for me

[Wasted]

So without spending a cent we could start with a team as follows:

Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Lucas
Henderson   Aquilani
Suarez                 Gerrard
Carroll

I absolutely love it.  Though I don't know how Gerrard would feel about being on the wing again.  If it could happen until say Sterling is ready for the big time it would be ideal.

[redmark]

I agree with Roy that we actually have a squad well suited, in the main, to a possession-focused passing game. The vast majority of the squad are technically good, but have been asked to do things rather differently tactically over the last couple of years. Even under Rafa, there wasn't the emphasis on patience in possession - "we rest when we have the ball" - that we're likely to see under Rodgers. In addition to promising youngsters insitu, Aquilani (and to a lesser extent, Cole) has already been mentioned as a possible 'returnee' who might benefit, but I think we could add Danny Wilson and perhaps even Pacheco (though clearly his lack of progress at any level in the last couple of years is a concern) to that.

In terms of key areas...

The shape of central midfield and the transition between not having the ball and having it will be interesting and illustrate whether we have the players best suited or need any (significant) signings. Will it be a '1-2' (Lucas presumably the 1) in both phases, or a '2-1' in defence and a '1-2' in attack, as some analysis of Rodgers' would suggest? There's lots of talk about Aquilani as that 'link' player between zones 3 and 5; but for me Henderson looks made for that role.

The biggest footballing decision* for Rodgers, I think, will be what to do with Carroll and Suarez. Suarez can feasibly play in any of the '3-1' roles; do we slot him into whichever doesn't have another very good option, or try and determine in which he'd be best and build the rest around him? The centre of the 3 would seem to be a bit of a waste of midfield talent (Gerrard, possibly Shelvey) and perhaps suit a better 'passer' than the unpredictability and directness of Suarez. Is there mileage in him playing as a false/free number 9, with the two inside forwards and two attacking midfielders running off and beyond him? Or does Suarez occupy one of the inside forward roles, with Carroll - or another - as a more orthodox target man (or pacy goalscorer, if we go down that route instead)?

* The biggest non-footballing decision, I think, is Jamie Carragher. The footballing decision is easy: he shouldn't play. But how to manage that? A coaching role, on the chance that he might be willing to learn a more refined coaching style than he managed as a player?

[DanA]

I think you are right with this.  Personally, I think we might see Gerrard occupy one of the inside forward positions (perhaps were you have Bellamy).  I could see Henderson and someone else alongside him... maybe a Sigurðsson (I can dream).

I actually think moving Gerrard into that advanced roll could work really well.  Think Henderson can do a great job alongside someone like Sigurðsson or maybe even Aquilani.

Carroll, I think is the tough one.  He's come a long way in the last few months, but question marks remain over whether he can play that role in the flexible manner Rodgers dictates.

Reina

Skrtel--Agger

Johnson-------Lucas--------Enrique

Henderson---Sigurðsson

Gerrard----------------------Suarez

Carroll

Funny I posted 1 minute later with essentially the same idea. I'd be quite happy with that team but I get the reservations about Carroll I think we could kill two birds with one stone by looking for a Messi type LF/false 9. Now I'm not suggesting Messi but targeting an expensive signing in that position, say Jovetic (whoever the best we can get is).
 

Reina

Skrtel--Agger

Johnson-------Lucas--------Enrique

Henderson---Gerrard

Suarez----------------------Jovetic

Carroll

or

Reina

Skrtel--Agger

Johnson-------Lucas--------Enrique

Henderson---Gerrard

Suarez----------------------Bellamy

Jovetic

Think it makes us look a whole lot better

[G1 Jockey 4(betfair)]

I think both could play in the midfield area in front of Lucas.  Don't get me wrong I think Cole flopped big time here, and I'm not convinced he's good enough (although to be fair he's just had a cracking season over in France), but to suggest Aquilani is averse to a pressing, hardworking & mobile game is a fallacy.  On the rare occasion he played for us, his movement and workrate was a class above anyone we've currently got in midfield bar perhaps Gerrard.

aquilani can press and press well..he doesnt sell himself easily unlike some of our midfielders.

my only worry about him is deeper when he gets pressed.

i think he is more suited to a more attacking role.....which is handy as he does press well.......that would fit in perfectly.

[dernaroy]

Firstly, excellent post Roy, enjoyed that.

What I am concerned about is the reaction to his preferred style by some. I've seen posters on here deride both Barcelona, and possession football on the whole. To me, that is ridiculous. Love the ball and love the game.

This is a concern for me too.

The buzzwords from todays press conference and certainly over the last couple of weeks have been all about 'attacking', 'attractive', 'creative' football. I'd worry what kind of images this conjures up for a lot of our fanbase and what kind of expectations some of them will have. I get the feeling that some may expect to see us going all out attack from 'game one'. I'd worry still that even those who will appreciate it takes time to implement a vision and philosophy may not take to Rodgers' style at all, or certainly not be able to reconcile what they are seeing during the first season with they believe they were promised.

The key phrase that these supporters need to take from Rodgers' first interview is 'tactical discipline'. This should shape your expectations more than anything Tom Werner said. What Brendan Rodgers's is about is possession football, adequately described by Roy in his OP. He speaks regularly about knowing when to take a chance or recycle possession, proclaiming that you should aim for an efficiency of scoring 1 in 9 shots taken. For me, this is absolutely the way to play football and I am delighted that a man who seemingly has the vision is now in place to try and implement this. But my fear is that this is not what people expect when they think of 'attacking football'.

When the mode of football insists on winning the ball back as quickly as possible whenever it's lost, and when it's won, having the player with the ball make a pivotal decision: "is it 'on'?", it's here that the whole thing becomes sensitive to quality.

At that stage, does it look likely we'll open the other side up? If it does, then 'GO!' and do it calmly and quickly. If it doesn't, keep the ball, rest, and work to tire them and draw them out of their shape.

With the greatest of respect to Swansea, it's here that things will differ most over time at Liverpool (albeit the same transition would have been likely had he stayed at Swansea). If you're making that pivotal decision each time you win the ball at Swansea, and the players ahead of you are a little more limited, your game will lack penetration, because time and again you'll make the other choice - to rest with the ball. But if you're doing it at Liverpool, and Luis Suarez or someone of that quality is ahead of you, there's maybe more chance of it being 'on'. There's scope for your game to be a little more direct and penetrative. It's here that the whole thing is most sensitive to quality.

This hits the nail on the head accurately for me about what this system will require in terms of decision making and intelligence from individual players. And while Rodgers' is building the system through his first season (and after) he, like all managers, will try to build the foundations first. This for me will result in a more conservative approach to begin with. You must get the pressing and ball retention part correct first before you have the foundations on which to build the creative part of the system. This will result in fewer players deciding that 'it is on' as Roy puts it and a much more conservative approach and a preference for recycling the ball rather than looking for the more direct ball to open the opposition up.

I feel we may see quite a few 0-0's at Anfield at home to some of the perceived weaker sides whilst we get to grips with this. A lot like some of the games we witnessed with Rafa. This is where he will need our support and patience and I just hope the fanbase as a whole is prepared to give him this.

How fast he can implement what he will be trying to do will also be down to the support he gets from the owners this summer. To me, far more important than how much he is able to spend and how many players he can bring in, is how many players he is allowed to let go and how much we are prepared to cut losses for him.

[JHova2427]

We need a dependable back up for Agger.  Maybe a 30 year old Spanish speaker that can tutor Coates as well as play the libero.  Agger worries me injury wise and it takes just him to be missing for our entire play to be that little bit off.  We will have plenty of games to rotate next season to keep everyone happy I believe.

I just cannot wait to see good footy being played and a style of play that suits a team rather than being forced to defer to Gerrard/Suarez or long balls to be a threat.

I wonder how quickly he will get started searching for replacements or will he still go on this trip with the Spanish team I believe I read about?

Anyways I am feeling a good type of nervous with Rodgers.

[JohnBarnesBigToe]

I think we’ll something like this to start with. Obviously need a quick wide right player to replace Kuyt and a more mobile striker to replace Carroll. If Ibra didn’t fit into Barca’s system then I can’t see Carroll fitting into Rogers.                                   
Gerrard I see fitting into a deeper playmaker role with Henderson (who I think will shine in the team next season) and Lucus being more neat and tidy in front of him.


                            Reina

                      Skrtel   Agger

  Johnson                                     Enrique

                            Gerrard

             Henderson          Lucas

        AN Other                           Suarez
 
                           AN Other

[Jellies]

What is confusing but calmly encouraging, is how with Rodgers and Liverpool everything just 'adds up'. Everything seems to be in place for him to implement his style in August and get on with it. Everybody are on the same page, we have a reasonably good squad for the style, we have money to buy new replacements to suit that style, it's compatible with our history and so on. Now, I really doubt FSG took all these things into equation with every candidate they considered, but you have to acknowledge they've done a good job.

Or we shall wait and see.

[SteveLFC]

I believe under King Kenny we played this possession game well at times, especially when he first returned to the club. Unfortunately, the players he purchased in the last close season didnt quite get this playing style on a consistent basis. It was glaringly obvious match after match that when we had a spell of possession, the decision making in the final third went AWOL which bred that feeling of inconsistency and poor confidence within the players and worse still, we went down the road of bemoaning our "bad luck in front of goal"..

The interesting thing for me with Brendan's philosophy is his belief in a 'relentless attacking style backed up with a strong tactical approach'. This, I believe is what Kenny was trying to achieve and I am looking forward to see how Brendan can educate our current squad to follow this philosophy. I am sure there will be casualties along the way. For me, I can't see how Adam, Spearing and Downing can fit into this new world order. I think Carrol and Henderson will be given time to show their potential and I have doubts over the future of Johnson long term.

This style of play needs players with intelligence, high energy levels, good short passing ability and good decision making. We definitely need to make some signings to fit that mould. I believe Aquilani (if he can be persuaded) would be a great addition to this playing style and could link well with Suarez in this system.

Wingers/wingbacks are certainly needed.. Cash in on Downing and Adam to help fund those purchases. Persuade Aquilani to be the link between midfield and attack and we will be halfway there in my opinion. YNWA Brendan and good luck!

[iamrobk]

I believe under King Kenny we played this possession game well at times, especially when he first returned to the club. Unfortunately, the players he purchased in the last close season didnt quite get this playing style on a consistent basis. It was glaringly obvious match after match that when we had a spell of possession, the decision making in the final third went AWOL which bred that feeling of inconsistency and poor confidence within the players and worse still, we went down the road of bemoaning our "bad luck in front of goal"..

The interesting thing for me with Brendan's philosophy is his belief in a 'relentless attacking style backed up with a strong tactical approach'. This, I believe is what Kenny was trying to achieve and I am looking forward to see how Brendan can educate our current squad to follow this philosophy. I am sure there will be casualties along the way. For me, I can't see how Adam, Spearing and Downing can fit into this new world order. I think Carrol and Henderson will be given time to show their potential and I have doubts over the future of Johnson long term.

This style of play needs players with intelligence, high energy levels, good short passing ability and good decision making. We definitely need to make some signings to fit that mould. I believe Aquilani (if he can be persuaded) would be a great addition to this playing style and could link well with Suarez in this system.

Wingers/wingbacks are certainly needed.. Cash in on Downing and Adam to help fund those purchases. Persuade Aquilani to be the link between midfield and attack and we will be halfway there in my opinion. YNWA Brendan and good luck!

I think the biggest problem with Kenny's system was he didn't have the tactical approach behind it, or at least it wasn't communicated well enough to some of our players.  IMO if Rodgers can change that, we'll be good.

[incredibleL4ever]

                            Reina

                      Skrtel   Agger

  Johnson                                     Enrique

                            Gerrard

             Henderson          Lucas

        AN Other                           Suarez
 
                           AN Other

Swap Lucas and Gerrard and I'm with you.

[iamrobk]

Swap Lucas and Gerrard and I'm with you.

Yeah.  Though I'd love to see Carroll given a good chance up front.

[incredibleL4ever]

I think Rodgers style will work better for Sterling, Suso and Shelvey than Kenny's did.  That might help a lot when it comes to how many players we need to sign.  I am thinking 2 or 3.

[DanA]

I think 4 players:
1. A backup keeper - Doni and Jones are miles away from a sweeper keeper. This one doesn't need to be expensive at all.
 
2. LB/CB cover - Perhaps Danny Wilson but I'd prefer someone with more experienced like Vertonghen or Figueroa. Cheap with both having one year on their contract.

3. DM - Replacing Adam I think Bruno Soriano is perfect. Exceptional interceptor, very high pass completion and makes a hell of a lot of passes per game. Cheap with Vila Real relegated

4. Striker/LW - A high quality player that regularly scores goals who's quick  and good on the ball. Jovetic would be perfect.

 After offload Doni, Jones, Aurelio, Adam, Cole, Kuyt, Maxi it probably would represent that much money spent.

[Koplass]

I'm intrigued to see where Rodgers sees Henderson fitting in. I don't think Henderson is suited to playing as an outright attacking midfielder, I think he's better just a little further deeper. Perhaps this is one of the areas where Rodgers thinks he will have to adapt his system, rather than playing with one DM and two AMs he will play one AM and two DMs, or simply play with Henderson between a DM and an AM. Otherwise he may drop him completely and we'll see something like this:

                 Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
                 Lucas
          Gerrard Aquilani
  Suarez                   Bellamy
                 Carroll

But I can't imagine him dropping someone who is so naturally suited to tikki-takka football and someone who he can easily mould and educate. As you can see I'm depserate for Aquilani to come back, I can't think of anyone better for one of the AM roles, so I'm holding out hope. All in all I'm really interested to see how Rodger's style of play and philosophy pans out at Liverpool.

[Wasted]

If Ibra didn’t fit into Barca’s system then I can’t see Carroll fitting into Rogers.

Ibra's issues were that he didn't work hard for the team in all phases, whereas Carroll is more than willing to chase on defense for the team.

Also, just because Rodgers favored a possession based approach doesn't mean that it's done exactly the same as Barcelona.  In Grahm he used a CF capable of holding up the ball and bringing other players into play.  Barca uses a more free-flowing approach built to get the best out of Messi.

[MassDriver]

Very good OP as always by Mr. Hendo.

Some of our players will have a lot of adapting to do and 'rethink' their approach to fit into a style that emphasizes more on the 'collective' rather than the individual. I include the likes of Enrique , Gerrard and Suarez in that , players whose decision making is suspect at times. Suarez for all his genius on the ball tends to hog the ball too much and sometimes fails to spot the right moment to release the ball and the opportunity passes by. Enrique's mental deficiencies we all know about. Gerrard's tendency to force the issue will have to be curtailed if he is to thrive in Rodgers system.

The whole point of keeping possession is to find the right moment to play the 'killer pass' , even if it means going back and forth several times. The idea is to maximize the chances of that 'killer pass' resulting in a quality goalscoring opportunity and minimize the chances of wasting all that possession by giving the ball back to the opposition at an inopportune moment.

If you hold the ball long enough , there will be a time when the opposition players will leave their position in an attempt to get on the ball and that is when you take advantage of the space created. The crux of playing possession based football is patience.

Also , the importance of movement cannot be emphasized enough. You can pass the ball all you want but you won't be posing much of a threat if you don't combine your possession with intelligent movement in your team.

I also don't buy into the idea that Carroll is somehow not suited to a team playing possession football. His qualities with the ball at his feet are seriously underrated by many of our fans who tend to stereotype him into a big English center forward with heading as his major attribute. I might draw flak for this but in my opinion he is a more 'intelligent' player than Suarez. His passing is seriously underrated too. With the right coaching, he could be very effective under Rodgers and we would see a lot more assists from him if not goals.

[RedSoc]

Ibra's issues were that he didn't work hard for the team in all phases, whereas Carroll is more than willing to chase on defense for the team.

That wasn't always the case last season, sorry. In fact it was only since christmas that he really pulled his finger out and put in some effort, if you ask me.

Either way, a 35 million pound investment will not be allowed to sit on the bench. Whether that means he is played or sold, I'm not sure.

[Bakez0151]

                 Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
                  Lucas
          Gerrard Henderson
  Suarez                   (new signing)
                 Carroll

While giving Shelvey a fair amount of games in place of Hendo/Gerrard

Hopefully Jack Robbo is going to get a decent amount of games next season too. Would prefer him in this system to Enrique, if he ends up being as good as I think anyway. This system would also be excellent if we ever wanted to use Kelly at CB (not saying we should or not) as he is comfortable of the ball and getting forward.

Anyone who doesn't think Carroll can do a job just needs to look at the fact Rodgers signed Graham to much success at the beginning of last season. We need a reference point as OP says and Carroll can most definitely do that. His link-up play is something that is impressive and that is what the system demands. I'd imagine it would be more beneficial to him getting goals (and games actually), Kenny's ideal system wasn't really.

If we swerved Carroll we'd have to splash the cash on another forward, and then if he didn't succeed we'd be really fucked.

[Sangria]

We need a dependable back up for Agger.  Maybe a 30 year old Spanish speaker that can tutor Coates as well as play the libero.

Guardiola?

[sattapaal]

I dont think this is a case of posting formations and saying "this will work", what Rodgers will do is try to educate players in to understanding the way he wants to play, and give them confidence to do so.

For me, like RoyHendo says, he can achieve lots from this squad of players for free. Empowering members of the team, disciplining disruptive figures and motivation will be key in this, along with his system.

I love the fact that he did not mention to the fans that he "needed time" or "patience" to get his idea's across, that's confidence in his ability. His biggest test will be gaining trust and respect off the players. He'll do that easily with the younger players, but most of it will come from the results he gets on the pitch rather than the style of football he is playing.

I just hope he gets that pace and power on the wings of the team. We have Glen Johnson and Enrique, who are good players, but we have only one recognised winger in Downing. Getting more goals from midfield and getting that midfield snapping at the heels of any player in sight will be key next season.

It's early doors, but I'm sure he'll show in pre-season the idea's he will be trying to impose onto the team.

It will be fascinating to see what he does specifically.

[steveeastend]

If he buys well it will help.

But the most important thing for me is getting the best out of the players that are already here, some of which are the best in the world when in top form.

I couldnīt disagree more and itīs something I strongly disagree with the OP. I think we currently DONīT have the player around for the way he likes to play and be successful and we are about to make the same mistake we did a couple of times before, overestimating the abilities of a lot of player within our squad and lay the responsibility on factors like motivation, the right style of play and coaching the best out of the players.

In addition it will be crucical how he will be able to handle some seniors players, Gerrard and Carra in particular. IF he will make compromises at the expense of his approach of the game he will be struggling right from the beginning, just as Kenny did in a lot of games exactly because of this.

[Z e u s]

I couldnīt disagree more and itīs something I strongly disagree with the OP. We currently DONīT have the player around for the way he likes to and we are about to make the same mistake we did a couple of times before, overestimating the abilities of a lot of player within our squad and lay the responsibility on factors like motivation, the right style of play and coaching the best out of the players.

In addition it will be crucical how he will be able to handle some seniors players, Gerrard and Carra in particular. IF he will make compromises at the expense of his approach of the game he will be struggling right from the beginning, just as Kenny did in a lot of games exactly because of this.

Some players aren't good enough or won't suit his style.  But a large percentage are good enough IMO and will suit his play.

If Rodgers can get the best out of Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique, Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Bellamy, Suarez and Carroll etc he won't go too far wrong.

Yes we need improvements, but the foundations are there, certainly defensively for a very good team.

Re: Kuyt.  I think if he was to stay it would be to be used as a central striker and not out wide.  He doesn't have the pace or individual pace out wide.  But upfront, he does hold up the ball, he does link play, he presses well, gets in the right positions, has superb movement and can finish.  Actually I think he might suit the lone role more than Carroll.

[SteveLFC]

I dont think this is a case of posting formations and saying "this will work", what Rodgers will do is try to educate players in to understanding the way he wants to play, and give them confidence to do so.

For me, like RoyHendo says, he can achieve lots from this squad of players for free. Empowering members of the team, disciplining disruptive figures and motivation will be key in this, along with his system.

I love the fact that he did not mention to the fans that he "needed time" or "patience" to get his idea's across, that's confidence in his ability. His biggest test will be gaining trust and respect off the players. He'll do that easily with the younger players, but most of it will come from the results he gets on the pitch rather than the style of football he is playing.

I just hope he gets that pace and power on the wings of the team. We have Glen Johnson and Enrique, who are good players, but we have only one recognised winger in Downing. Getting more goals from midfield and getting that midfield snapping at the heels of any player in sight will be key next season.

It's early doors, but I'm sure he'll show in pre-season the idea's he will be trying to impose onto the team.

It will be fascinating to see what he does specifically.

To be fair, he did say he will need time and I sincerely hope we give him plenty of that. However, he did dare to say that his plan is to win the premier league and not just 4th spot! That does demonstrate confidence. 

[steveeastend]

Some player aren't good enough or won't suit his style.  But a large percentage are good enough IMO and will suit his play.

If Rodgers can get the best out of Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique, Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Bellamy, Suarez and Carroll etc he won't go too far wrong.

Yes we need improvements, but the foundations are there, certainly defensively for a very good team.

Re: Kuyt.  I think if he was to stay it would be to be used as a central striker and not out wide.  He doesn't have the pace or individual pace out wide.  But upfront, he does hold up the ball, he does link play, he presses well, gets in the right positions, has superb movement and can finish.  Actually I think he might suit the lone role more than Carroll.

The question is what do you expect? To me, Gerrard wonīt be able to play an important part anymore, just as it was the last two seasons. Same with Bellamy. Enrique is proably the worst example for bringing up a player for a particular position with "playmaker" abilities. Henderson is still too young and lacks game intelligence compared to someone like Lucas.

That will leave Agger, Lucas, Skrtel, Johnson, Suarez together with Carroll, Shelvey, Henderson as quality options around just as Gerrard, Kuyt, Maxi and Bellamy to bring in but not for playing an important part anymore.

IF we decide to bring back Aquilani and Pachecho and together with three or four top quality additions we will be fine.

The question will be who is available and willing to join us. The top targets are all gone pretty much and I wonder the owners thoughts on the current strength of the squad. I hope they are advised properly. Otherwise it will need a miracle for Rodgers as he isnīt able to attract top talents from foreign leagues just as Rafa could.

[Z e u s]

The question will be who is available and willing to join us. The top targets are all gone pretty much and I wonder the owners thoughts on the current strength of the squad. I hope they are advised properly. Otherwise it will need a miracle for Rodgers as he isnīt able to attract top talents from foreign leagues just as Rafa could.

We don't need big names though, we need quality and that doesn't necessarily mean expensive fees or a big name.

[steveeastend]

We don't need big names though, we need quality and that doesn't necessarily mean expensive fees or a big name.

Donīt worry, we wonīt be able to attract them anyway. 

... I think we do need big names if they stand for top quality to add to our game week in, week out. The one Suarez is offering as an example. Unfortunately in todays football they all cost big money.

[jimmyjr86]

One of the crucial gaps that needs to be bridged will be the step from our reserve to first team. Last year bar the back four we had a few kids playing for the reserves in roles that were non existent for the first team. With the systems looking similar on paper hopefull this will allow more kids to progress. No point developing them tactically to jave them play differently with the seniors.