What's the difference?

[red_maradona]

Last season, last game against QPR this was the match day squad:

STARTING 11

• 25 Reina
• 2 Johnson
• 23 Carragher
  
• 37 Skrtel
• 3 Jose Enrique
• 19 Downing
• 21 Lucas
• 14 Henderson
  
• 44 Ibe
  
• 10 Coutinho
  
  
• 15 Sturridge

SUBS

• 1 Jones
• 11 Assaidi
• 16 Coates
  
• 29 Borini
  
• 30 Suso
  
• 35 Coady
• 47 Wisdom

Taking into account the fact that Suarez was suspended and Sterling was injured (replacing Ibe and downing), the main differences from last season seem to be how well we have coached and developed existing players (flanno, sterling, sturridge etc). In terms of transfers, the only significant addition to the first XI is Ming. Sakho has added depth but not arguably made a big difference to the first XI.

So why are we so exceptional this year compared to last? We are title contenders without making any major change to our first XI. It's probably about BR's coaching methods and ethos taking time to build in. The rate of difference is phenomenal.

 

[Spaghetti Legs]

We done really well in the last half of last season and played some great stuff just like this season, we just carried it over from that.

Saw a quote from Rodgers from before todays game saying we have got 91 points from our last 38 games, since January last year we have been flying, not just this season.

 

[Modo]

The difference is that the team has finally gelled.
Their playing like Rodgers wants them to play and he also knows more about the players.

 

[red_maradona]

We done really well in the last half of last season and played some great stuff just like this season, we just carried it over from that.

Saw a quote from Rodgers from before todays game saying we have got 91 points from our last 38 games, since January last year we have been flying, not just this season.

fair point, end of last season we were doing well, but could anyone have expected us to be challengers this season? It's all down to Brendan or Ming? The former I think !

 

[Leo]

Rewind to the first game of the season when Ming saved that last minute penalty.
I said at the time it could be huge and I still think it was massive in terms of confidence and belief.

 

[Modo]

fair point, end of last season we were doing well, but could anyone have expected us to be challengers this season? It's all down to Brendan or Ming? The former I think !

It's mainly down to Brendan of course. Sure Ming has won us a few games but the most significant change is the way we play. I hate to bring Rafa up but I remember that he was obsessed with adapting the tactics and line up to stop our opponents.
I think Rodgers is a bit different in that aspect cause I think he wants our opponents to worry more about us and it has worked on several occasions this season.
For this game I would have expected that he'd start Lucas who's our best defensive midfielder, but no he went with his runners instead and relied on Gerrard following his orders.

 

[gkmacca]

I sort of agree with 442 article that claimed that Rodgers evolved from wanting another Barca to wanting another Dortmund. It's a simplification of course but I think there's some truth in that.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Most managers take time to get their ideas across fully, also we have brought players that have improved areas and the current players have the most part improved massively

 

[Buddha]

If our manager was called Brendpep Kloppgers he'd be hailed as the most visionary and exciting manager in world football.

 

[dantes]

Other teams being afraid of us again also helps. Sturridge can have a bad day, but still scores because he bluffs the defender into shitting his pants.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Lucas has been missing

Only messing

 

[Gary25]

The difference? Have a look at my avatar.

 

[red_maradona]

Most managers take time to get their ideas across fully, also we have brought players that have improved areas and the current players have the most part improved massively

not sure I agree with that - I think we have done incredibly well despite our transfers - our current first XI is only improved in the area of GK with respect to transfers last summer. BR's coaching and ideas taking time to bed in seem to be key. Once we allie this with great additions in the mould of Coutinho, sturridge and Ming, we could get even better!

 

[Modo]

The difference? Have a look at my avatar.

What? Because he fixed his teeth?

 

[gkmacca]

not sure I agree with that - I think we have done incredibly well despite our transfers - our current first XI is only improved in the area of GK with respect to transfers last summer. BR's coaching and ideas taking time to bed in seem to be key. Once we allie this with great additions in the mould of Coutinho, sturridge and Ming, we could get even better!

The fitness staff also deserve a bit of credit because the way we now play would absolutely shatter most players.

 

[reuque]

Starting the season without the cameras being shoved in their faces for a TV program that never really justified itself.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Lucas has been missing

Only messing

You know it! And Allen has stepped up.

 

[Dreambeliever]

not sure I agree with that - I think we have done incredibly well despite our transfers - our current first XI is only improved in the area of GK with respect to transfers last summer. BR's coaching and ideas taking time to bed in seem to be key. Once we allie this with great additions in the mould of Coutinho, sturridge and Ming, we could get even better!

Sahko and Toure (in the first half of the season) gave us great performances, competeition and allowed Skrtel and Agger to have injuries and patchy weeks.
Without those we'd have struggled massively.

Ming has been a huge step up from Reina of last season.

 

[Lippy]

You know it! And Allen has stepped up.

He's started 9 games in the league all season and was subbed off for two of those. Did a good job today but still need more from him. He's hardly the secret ingredient to our performances this year though.

 

[moron]

The difference is pretty clear to see. Rodgers is also working on the minds of the players and building up their mental strength. Since we stopped being Champions - we ended up with players who were very good but expected to suddenly win titles without realizing that they have to f*cking work for titles. Rodgers is building that WILL in the minds of the players - by creating a team of winners and players that WANT to win every game. While Benitez relied on his players having that intelligence and constantly working hard - you felt that the mind was not quite in tune with the tactics being employed and the same could be argued with GH.

For what we are witnessing - don't look any further than Man United last season and this season. Do you honestly believe that the titles they have one have been won by having a team of great players ? - fuck no. Most of the players Fergie had were average but he made them into winners and employed simple tactics. That is where Moyes is failing as a manager. The big difference is with the likes of Chelsea, and City - where a team can afford to buy the best players with silly money - those players need little coaching in the head to make them winners - but they still need a sense of belief.

The sad truth is that - even though we are in a great position - we all know that if City win all their games even if they lose to us then there is no chance of a title, and that is where losing to the likes of Hull, and Southampton at home will come to haunt us.

 

[refugee]

The fitness staff also deserve a bit of credit because the way we now play would absolutely shatter most players.

I know Jose has used it as his mantra, but no europe and being knocked out of the cups early really help our fitness as well.

 

[Red Mullet]

The difference is pretty clear to see. Rodgers is also working on the minds of the players and building up their mental strength. Since we stopped being Champions - we ended up with players who were very good but expected to suddenly win titles without realizing that they have to f*cking work for titles. Rodgers is building that WILL in the minds of the players - by creating a team of winners and players that WANT to win every game. While Benitez relied on his players having that intelligence and constantly working hard - you felt that the mind was not quite in tune with the tactics being employed and the same could be argued with GH.

For what we are witnessing - don't look any further than Man United last season and this season. Do you honestly believe that the titles they have one have been won by having a team of great players ? - fuck no. Most of the players Fergie had were average but he made them into winners and employed simple tactics. That is where Moyes is failing as a manager. The big difference is with the likes of Chelsea, and City - where a team can afford to buy the best players with silly money - those players need little coaching in the head to make them winners - but they still need a sense of belief.

The sad truth is that - even though we are in a great position - we all know that if City win all their games even if they lose to us then there is no chance of a title, and that is where losing to the likes of Hull, and Southampton at home will come to haunt us.

City will always have a Norwich or a Wigan in them.

 

[Dreambeliever]

He's started 9 games in the league all season and was subbed off for two of those. Did a good job today but still need more from him. He's hardly the secret ingredient to our performances this year though.

I was referring to the last 3 games where we needed big games from him and he has been great.

 

[Ryan]

The manager.

The worlds best card counter I guess.

 

[Mamma Mia]

I sort of agree with 442 article that claimed that Rodgers evolved from wanting another Barca to wanting another Dortmund. It's a simplification of course but I think there's some truth in that.

I haven't been able to find it. Any chance you have a link?

I've been wondering why no one is talking about the shift that started last season. When last did anyone refer to us as tippy-tappy or say tiki taka?

 

[RolandG]

The key difference is belief and the Suarez effect. That he stayed at the club was significant in itself. He has infected the squad with the singlemindedness and will to win.

 

[jexykrodic]

I've no idea what the difference is, and I don't care.

Whatever it is, just keep doing it.

 

[Spionkop69]

It's mainly down to Brendan of course. Sure Ming has won us a few games but the most significant change is the way we play. I hate to bring Rafa up but I remember that he was obsessed with adapting the tactics and line up to stop our opponents.
I think Rodgers is a bit different in that aspect cause I think he wants our opponents to worry more about us and it has worked on several occasions this season.
For this game I would have expected that he'd start Lucas who's our best defensive midfielder, but no he went with his runners instead and relied on Gerrard following his orders.

No, no no! Managers make no discernible difference to a team!

 

[tony]

I sort of agree with 442 article that claimed that Rodgers evolved from wanting another Barca to wanting another Dortmund. It's a simplification of course but I think there's some truth in that.

I think he's had to adapt to get both Sturridge and Suarez in the same side, a difficult thing to balance the midfield and fair play its working. I think credit goes to the strikers for buying into the system and perhaps sacrificing themselves to a certain extent as well, and their fluidity is a joy to watch. You can tell the team know they're on the verge of something special, the determination and team spirit are evident. I can't remember enjoying our football so much for eons!!

 

[rurikbird]

not sure I agree with that - I think we have done incredibly well despite our transfers - our current first XI is only improved in the area of GK with respect to transfers last summer. BR's coaching and ideas taking time to bed in seem to be key. Once we allie this with great additions in the mould of Coutinho, sturridge and Ming, we could get even better!

This is precisely the point – Rodgers is the kind of manager who improves players little by little and takes time to find the best place for them in the team mechanism. Look how long it took Allen to establish himself in the team or how many positions Henderson and Gerrard played in before settling in what surely looks like their most effective roles now. (And Rodgers is still far from finished in experimenting with the positions of Sterling and Coutinho and even Suarez) All of this takes time and that's the biggest reason for the difference – the TEAM has evolved. Tactically and mentally this is a completely different team compared to past seasons.

I am absolutely certain you will see much more of THIS season's signings NEXT season. The likes of Sakho and Alberto will feature much more frequently than they do now, maybe even Aspas too. The only real flops have been the loans, but even they have added depth were we needed it.