Thanks for the work that went into this Andrew ... it's good stuff. There's more to do to finish the job of re-building the squad in addition to those already at peak age but count me as one who's willing to think long-term & be patient.
I share the frustration about this season's results (and many of the performances). I do think, however, that the owners, leaders & Arne deserve more patience. Some of that patience is a recognition of bad luck but most of it is down to the trust they've earned.
During FSG's 15-year tenure, we've won 2 PL titles (3 others missed by 1-2 pts) & 1 UCL title (2 others in the final). Only Real Madrid & City have a clearly better record for sure. Bayern probably does and a good argument can be made for Barca. That's it. 5th best in the world.
Beyond the results, you can always see "the plan". FSG hired great leaders, built the best analytics team, invested in Anfield, and built the AXA, all with a view to perennial success. Now they are investing to re-develop the academy, in Matt Newberry's U18 global talent recruitment team, and in another club(s) so those recruits can compete at an appropriate level (i.e. above U21 & below EPL) within the club's control. So great results & a great "process" to keep it going.
The caveat? FSG won't deficit-spend. In the past 6 years thru 2023-24 season, the club has lost only £64 million in total. In contrast, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham & Man U have each lost between £242-354 million (~4-6x more). This is impressive but it often comes at a cost in the short-term.
Selling Luis Diaz instead of renewing him thru age 31 or 32 on big wages ... not paying huge wages to Marc Guehi in a January panic because there are summer moves with better long-term value. In sum, because of their track record for results, I'm willing to be patient and still 100% behind the leadership of the club.
I'd come here to 'like' this piece just for the analysis and the grounded reasoning behind it, but I'd like to be able to do it three or four times for including the best r/soccer meme of all time. That's how It works.
Once I'd put 'squad building' as the title, the line just popped into my head. But it sort of works too - a lot of fans would say that the idea of Liverpool building a squad is just a rumour.
Thanks for the work that went into this Andrew ... it's good stuff. There's more to do to finish the job of re-building the squad in addition to those already at peak age but count me as one who's willing to think long-term & be patient.
I share the frustration about this season's results (and many of the performances). I do think, however, that the owners, leaders & Arne deserve more patience. Some of that patience is a recognition of bad luck but most of it is down to the trust they've earned.
During FSG's 15-year tenure, we've won 2 PL titles (3 others missed by 1-2 pts) & 1 UCL title (2 others in the final). Only Real Madrid & City have a clearly better record for sure. Bayern probably does and a good argument can be made for Barca. That's it. 5th best in the world.
Beyond the results, you can always see "the plan". FSG hired great leaders, built the best analytics team, invested in Anfield, and built the AXA, all with a view to perennial success. Now they are investing to re-develop the academy, in Matt Newberry's U18 global talent recruitment team, and in another club(s) so those recruits can compete at an appropriate level (i.e. above U21 & below EPL) within the club's control. So great results & a great "process" to keep it going.
The caveat? FSG won't deficit-spend. In the past 6 years thru 2023-24 season, the club has lost only £64 million in total. In contrast, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham & Man U have each lost between £242-354 million (~4-6x more). This is impressive but it often comes at a cost in the short-term.
Selling Luis Diaz instead of renewing him thru age 31 or 32 on big wages ... not paying huge wages to Marc Guehi in a January panic because there are summer moves with better long-term value. In sum, because of their track record for results, I'm willing to be patient and still 100% behind the leadership of the club.
Thanks, Stephen, and thanks for the comment. We get frustrated with the club at times but it is hard to argue with their record.
I'd come here to 'like' this piece just for the analysis and the grounded reasoning behind it, but I'd like to be able to do it three or four times for including the best r/soccer meme of all time. That's how It works.
I was delighted when I realised their oldest player is 28!!
A squad yes but albeit a smaller( a lot smaller) squad than everybody else 🤦♂️
One other thing… I love the bye-line! It’s probably my favourite Elvis Costello song with a brilliant solo by Chet Baker I think!
Once I'd put 'squad building' as the title, the line just popped into my head. But it sort of works too - a lot of fans would say that the idea of Liverpool building a squad is just a rumour.
Fascinating!
Thanks. I'm probably being over optimistic but I can see a world in which Liverpool have an excellent team in a couple of years time...
I like to be optimistic too and I think this is a really good way to look at Liverpools current situation!