Benitez left clutching at straws after season of discontent

Liverpool’s untimely exit from the Europa League was almost as disappointing for the neutral as it is devastating for the Anfield faithful.  Having seen their team prematurely ousted from the Champions League this term, Liverpool fans were counting on victory in Europe’s ‘second’ competition to salvage what was left of their season.  For the impartial observer, it would have been nice to see two English sides in the final, with the knowledge that the trophy would reside with an English team this year, especially given the rather inept exits from the Champions League of the other English interests.

I felt that the Europa League represented an ideal passage for the Reds to salvage something from this most wretched of seasons.  They were the strongest side on paper from the moment they entered the competition, but as they have proved this season, having talent at your disposal does not necessarily signal success.  They have looked a shadow of the team who ran United close to the Premiership title last year, and I now share the view of many others: Benitez has to go. 

There is a lethargy surrounding the players that simply has to be attributed to their Spanish manager.  They are lacking the killer instinct on a regular basis, which previously made them so deadly.  Steven Gerrard looks to be simply going through the motions, not firing and inspiring the side as we have witnessed in the past.  Despite a decent goalkeeper, and a solid centre-half pairing in Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger, the defence appears perpetually vulnerable.  Other sides have lost the fear factor, even when playing at Anfield, and seem to believe they can beat them simply because they are more impassioned than Liverpool.

Following Thursday night’s exit, it is now inconceivable that Rafa Benitez will still be at the helm when the new season commences in August.  He is more easily riled by the press and refereeing decision than he ever used to be, and the fact he has refused to rule out the link with Juventus speaks volumes.  He has obstinately refused to acknowledge the cancer eating away at his teams’ performances and morale, instead preferring to blame pitches, bad luck, and the man with the whistle.   

I wonder how much bearing their failure to win the title last season has had on their woeful offering this time around.  There may have been the unspoken acknowledgement round the dressing room that they will never win the league, as long as Benitez is manager. 

I cannot talk about the Europa League without mentioning Fulham.  Roy Hodgson has done an absolutely sterling job at the club, and reaching the final of the competition this season would’ve been beyond the wildest dreams of even the most loyal fan.  His side represents the true definition of the word ‘team,’ a collective whose sum far outshines that of any individual team member.  

I would love to see them triumph in the final, but Athletico are obviously no slouches, a fact Liverpool will verify.  However, they have been written off so many times this tournament, and dispensed some of Europe’s finest, including Italian giants Roma and Juventus, so they will certainly believe they can win it now.   

Mike Dicker