To say this week has been eventful would be an understatement. Let's take a look at the good, bad and the downright ugly from the last seven days. A manager under pressure, rubbish performances and when you consider the team is actually unbeaten in three games. What's all the fuss about?
First the good. It has to be the return to action of Daniel Sturridge against Norwich at the weekend. The inimitable number 15 looked a little rusty but the positive effect of his inclusion was felt in a first half where Liverpool actually looked remotely decent for 30 minutes. The other 60, well we'll touch on that later. Add to that the fact that Danny Ings has scored two goals in as many games and one can be forgiven for thinking all is rosy in the Anfield garden. Unfortunately not so.
The bad has to be the loss of Christian Benteke to injury in the last game after only 45 minutes. The big Belgian is now set to miss the next fortnight and will miss the match against his old side Aston Villa on Saturday A cruel blow indeed for the under pressure Brendan Rodgers. Things don't get any better either.
Fast forward to Wednesday evening and the visit of Carlisle who currently lie in 10th place in League Two. A game one would expect the hosts to win and win easily barring the spirit that habitually comes with the underdog. A game that Liverpool started out in line with those expectations as Ings headed in a well worked goal after 23 minutes. A game that saw the home side concede 10 minutes later. A game that saw them labour their way to extra time having had around 40, yes 40 shots on goal. A game that saw them stumble across the line, winners 3-2 on penalties on the night. A game that saw the opening of a great big, humongous, can of worms, from which all hell broke lose. Exposing an underachieving, sorry mess of a team in doing so.
Beside all the talk of James Milner being poor, Dejan Lovren being even poorer before succumbing to injury, another thing became apparent. The fact that Liverpool have no fear of Barcelona or Real Madrid snatching Philippe Coutinho from them in the summer. The one player I expected more from revealed himself to provide complete predictability. Not the unpredictability that Rodgers and his new staff have been so keen to get his side to display. Any defender will know... "He'll cut inside on to his right foot and shoot from distance. Job done. Keep him quiet and you've got them sussed, for the most part". The ensuing post mortem began.
This brings out the ugly. The ensuing boos that rang out after the game has led to calls from all corners for Rodgers to be relieved of his duties. Reports suggest the FSG hierarchy are divided and thus no decision has yet been made. Apparently ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp is waiting in the wings, ready to call time on his sabbatical and take up the gauntlet as and when it may be thrown down. Personally I think it's a little premature.
In my opinion, the manager has been granted time to put things right - apart from being lucky - due to the failings of the ownership regime and insistence on having such a large say in transfer dealings. Considering the amount Rodgers gets paid, one would expect that includes a premium to make decisions to spend huge amounts of money. OK a sign-off from the top, or review is required but not to actively recruit below average and expect results. Ultimately, the mess is not just of Brendan Rodgers' doing. FSG need to shoulder some of the responsibility and if there's a change in manager, there should also be a change in their overall approach. This is absolutely clear.
The current injury status doesn't help either which one could argue is simply down to bad luck. Daniel Sturridge comes back, Benteke is injured in the same game. Roberto Firmino also injured now. Both not expected back until early to mid October. Lovren's injury on the other hand, may be a blessing in disguise! The better option Mamadou Sakho will get a run now. Rodgers should at least be given until Christmas to see if things change. Especially as the players appear to be behind him. Something I actually doubt as actions speak louder than word (where actions = performances). If results deteriorate that much, then of course action can and probably should be taken.
Next up we have Aston Villa at Anfield tomorrow afternoon. A team that are doing even worse than their hosts. Something one wouldn't have thought possible given the recent furor. A week is a long time in football as it is in politics and a win could change things significantly. For now.
Follow Ben on Twitter @MrBengreen
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