shithouse results saw to that too.
Along with shithouse board members (one in particular, of whom allegedly was appointed on a temporary basis only, and with no responsibility over footballing decisions) and owners.
Although it seems now that equally shithouse performances are acceptable even though we allegedly changed manager in an attempt to improve and to inject some much needed impetus to a talented yet underperforming squad.
Stands to reason.
I do concede however, that there does need to be a level headedness when assessing Roys start as manager. We have undoubtedly had a testing start to the campaign, including away trips to both Manchester United as well as the free spending City. Add to that Arsenal at home and a visit to a Birmingham City side that lost only twice at home last season.
On top of which he will be attempting to instill his own philosophies on a group of players with Rafa's methods ingrained in them as well as a further number new both to the club and the country. And thats without getting into the off field turmoil that continues to lurk ominously in the background. Although this situation is not unique to Roys reign, ultimately it should not be discounted as a factor either.
Noone can deny therefore, that patience is required, as it should be when any new manager is appointed.
However, Roy himself also needs to work on adapting to his surroundings in much the same way that many of us (myself included) need to work on adapting to him and his ways, while he continues to occupy the managers seat at the club.
Roy, as far as Im concerned, hasn't yet grasped what is required of him as manager of Liverpool Football Club. The most successful club in British football. One of the most high profile clubs in the world. Whether that be in relation to his comments off the pitch or his selections, tactics and ambitions (or lack of) on it. The manager of Liverpool Football Club, for example, should not be publically stating, following a dismal performance at Birmingham, that his expectations "were not that high anyway". He should also not be publically stating that he "had no problem" with two extremely poor goals conceded in another below par display in what for many is the biggest single fixture of the season, away at Manchester United. This is the main focus of the majority of the criticism coming his way at the moment and rightly so in my opinion.
The results are not the main issue. As I have tried to highlight, there are a number of factors to consider in an attempt to offer a balanced assessment of our results thus far. However, the overall performances, the continued lack of fight amongst the players as well as a seemingly startling lack of ambition from the new manager, are a cause for concern though.
Until Roy addresses these issues and this becomes obvious he will continue to have his doubters. I'm one of them at the minute due to some of the factors Ive roughly highlighted here. I would love nothing more than to be proved wrong and for him to go on to be an success both in relation to our current circumstances, as well as beyond that, hopefully under new, stable conditions with new ownership.
Roy needs to take a look at himself first and possibly re-assess what he believes is required of him. That is if he wishes to enjoy the full and passionate backing of our support. The kind of backing that Rafa enjoyed. Although, that same thing could be said of many of our supporters at the moment as well, many of whom could do with understanding the difference between constructive criticism and being downright direspectful and insulting to a man who, no matter what you think of him currently, is a knowledgeable and passionate football man.
