It would be wrong to question the judgement of a manager who has taken a team to FA Cup and European glory. And indeed, were it not for the abject away form which the Reds are currently experiencing, the Premiership challenge would undoubtedly be rolling on.
As it is, however, the Reds season is stuck in a mid-table rut. The significance of this is questionable - a dismal away record is one thing, but should the rotational policy produce a second half to the season filled with glorious victories and stunning runs of form akin to Manchester Utd, it will all be forgotten.
But at present the only thing which can be said is that the Reds are struggling. Away from home, performances lacking any real bite cannot be hidden by scraping away with three points. Not only are we playing football of an average standard away from Anfield, we are not picking up points. Inevitably, with only one point gathered away from home, the players are beginning to question their ability to win without the faith of Anfield behind them.
Xabi Alonso recently bemoaned the 'pessimistic atmosphere' in the club and questioned the team's psychological attitude, whilst Rafa Benitez admitted the team are lacking confidence. It seems the Reds are failing due to a simple lack of belief. And surely, a team gains confidence through playing week in week out. And by winning.
The Reds are in need of this boost. With such constant changes, the Reds can be forgiven for failing to get into any sort of stride. Injuries aside, changing a side when it is playing well will inevitably affect how the team responds. Players want to play, and if a player performs, rewarding them with 75 minutes sat on the bench in the rain will inevitably affect their mindsets.
We should remember after all, that this is Liverpool FC. Despite recent failings in League competition, teams do not win the European Cup or the FA Cup without class. We should be a team which is as feared when visiting as when teams make the trip to L4. And above all we should be arriving at grounds with the belief that we will win. We know we have the class, the passion and the drive. All we need is that bit of faith.
As it is, however, the Reds season is stuck in a mid-table rut. The significance of this is questionable - a dismal away record is one thing, but should the rotational policy produce a second half to the season filled with glorious victories and stunning runs of form akin to Manchester Utd, it will all be forgotten.
But at present the only thing which can be said is that the Reds are struggling. Away from home, performances lacking any real bite cannot be hidden by scraping away with three points. Not only are we playing football of an average standard away from Anfield, we are not picking up points. Inevitably, with only one point gathered away from home, the players are beginning to question their ability to win without the faith of Anfield behind them.
Xabi Alonso recently bemoaned the 'pessimistic atmosphere' in the club and questioned the team's psychological attitude, whilst Rafa Benitez admitted the team are lacking confidence. It seems the Reds are failing due to a simple lack of belief. And surely, a team gains confidence through playing week in week out. And by winning.
The Reds are in need of this boost. With such constant changes, the Reds can be forgiven for failing to get into any sort of stride. Injuries aside, changing a side when it is playing well will inevitably affect how the team responds. Players want to play, and if a player performs, rewarding them with 75 minutes sat on the bench in the rain will inevitably affect their mindsets.
We should remember after all, that this is Liverpool FC. Despite recent failings in League competition, teams do not win the European Cup or the FA Cup without class. We should be a team which is as feared when visiting as when teams make the trip to L4. And above all we should be arriving at grounds with the belief that we will win. We know we have the class, the passion and the drive. All we need is that bit of faith.