In Brendan, we trust

In this Article, Aakash Munjal writes about Liverpool’s new era with Brendan Rodgers and how he has succeeded in bringing the club back to the summit where it always belonged. With Brendan completing his 100 games as Manager, it’s worth looking at an incredible journey of this Ballymena boy who bought about Liverpool evolution

41 year old Brendan Rodgers is one of the youngest football managers to see this kind of considerable success especially considering he came to Liverpool in a very difficult time. For someone who abides by the code of conduct, he is known to have reinvented The Liverpool style , a cultural change bought by someone who has a rare ingredient that is unheard of in the adrenalin driven world – EQ.

Taken from The Independent: ”Brendan will walk in here and remember the names of everyone sitting at the bar," says Debbie Burns, landlady of McCauley's the Bridge bar in Carnlogh. "He'll have a bit of time for everybody and even though he wouldn't be a big drinker now he won't rush, he enjoys himself when he comes in with his brothers."

This is the man who has not only taken Liverpool back to the Champions League, while making the club a formidable force, but has installed an amazing culture at the club as well.

A small piece of history that you, in all probability, already know: Diagnosed with a genetic knee condition, his football career was short-lived and he pursued his study of coaching methods. After a disappointing spell at Reading, returned to full-time management with Swansea City in 2010. He led the club to win promotion to the Premier League, before guiding them to finish 11th the following season (Swansea were favourites to be relegated). In 2012, Brendan was roped in by Liverpool. “He couldn’t have written a better script for himself”.

After 2 years at Liverpool, how do you gage his success? Expectedly, his tenure at Liverpool started gradually, with the club finishing 7^th (one position higher than the previous season). But 2013-14 season started with a real bang! He was awarded with PL manager of the month, as the team won its first 3 games. The success continued in the month of March, where he was again awarded the Manager of the month.

We all know how the season ended and that has settled BR at the Melwood more than any other manager in recent past. And that has to do not only with the success of the team with respect to coming back the Champions League, but also the way it happened:

1)      Liverpool played the Liverpool way: Liverpool scored 101 goals in the season, second only to the Champions City. There was a global consensus that Liverpool played the most attractive football in the league. The team not only managed to win week in week out, but they had put a grin on the supporters’ faces, with the way they demolished the opponents including the likes of Arsenal and Spurs.

It was fast, counter attacking football, with which Liverpool usually went 1-0 up by the time the opponent could settle down. It was certainly the style of football, BR pushed thru the system.

2)      An Eye for Talent: Sterling was picked and signed by Liverpool from QPR academy by Rafael Benitez in 2010, but he made his first senior debut on March 2012. Then he was only 17 years, making him second youngest player ever for the club to appear in Premier League. Brendan did not hesitate to introduce him in PL as well as in Europe at that age.

Very soon, he started to be a part of regular squad and played full 90 Minutes. He also became the second youngest player to score for Liverpool – in a competitive fixture, only after “One Owen”. Brendan played an obvious part in this success and when Sterling scored THAT opening goal against City last year, BR must be so proud.

Philippe Coutinho and Jordon Henderson are more examples of his philosophy and faith in youth and developing the talent. The results produced by these young lads, just proves Brendan’s work.

3)      A man on a mission (and he knows what he is doing):  When Brendan came to the club, he brought along with him a philosophy and style of “Possession football”. That’s what he did with Swansea and Liverpool did enjoy that too. But, whats amazing is how he managed to change the style according to the players available, opponents Liverpool is facing and sometimes just a  tactical masterpiece a special game.  Manchester City (3-2),Arsenal (5-1), Tottenham (4-0) and Everton (4-0) – these results came out thru a ruthless, fast, counter attacking football. Go for the ball, press it and shoot.

4)      Down to Earth, a learner: calm, calculated, very down to earth, and never panicked. Brendan has no arrogance about him at all. He knows his stuff and speaks with confidence. He always knew exactly what he wanted to do. He termed his learning with Mourinho as “going to harvard”. Let’s not forget that during his tough times, Sir Alex Ferguson took time to dictate a letter to be sent to Rodgers, asking him to keep his chin up and that his time would come. And success hasn’t changed him at all.

The thought of 2014-2015 season fills Liverpool fans with an unbelievable excitement, but they must also be aware, that it will be a different challenge all together with Suarez gone and the club has Champions League in their calendar as well. We may not see the dominance Liverpool showcased last season, but hey, that’s the exciting part of this game and Liverpool may say “here we go again” as BR has made them Believe!