Return of the King

When I woke up this morning I wondered what the headlines would read.  I had expected more speculation about Hodgson’s future.  I had expected Roy to last until after the United game.  Well, in this world, they teach you to “expect the unexpected.” 

John Henry and Tom Werner have made their first bold move and axed Roy Hodgson.  Big surprise?  No, not really.  Everyone knew it was coming, even Roy.  But I questioned the timing.  Right before the United game?  Do they know the turmoil this could cause in the dressing room?  They did, and brought in the one man I believe can whip these lads into shape for the rest of the season (and possibly beyond).  One man, who has won it all, seen Heysel and Hillsborough.  One man proclaimed, King.

Kenny Dalglish will step back in as interim manager for Liverpool, and there honestly couldn’t be a harder time to do so.  I wrote last night saying that we fans cannot expect a quick fix.  It is not that simple.  We cannot keep chopping managers.  I know it hurts to think that United could pip us to that 19^th title.  I cringed writing that.  But we only have ourselves as a team to blame.  Liverpool have underperformed for years, long before Roy Hodgson arrived.  I don’t think Kenny will stand for the underperforming “stars” we have on our team.  If you aren’t giving your all every game, do you think you are going to be in the side next match? Doubt it. 

The owners have won back the fans, Kenny will forever have the fans, and it’s time for the players to show up.  Man United at Old Trafford is no easy test.  But a win in this fixture can do wonders for a team.  It will be interesting to see what team walks out of the tunnel Sunday, but I know one thing is for certain.  Kenny will have his players ready.  All the fans want is effort.  We want to see the attacking football of old that had Liverpool feared no matter where we played.  We lost 3-2 at United last time out, but we played with fight.  This is Liverpool’s last chance of the season at a domestic title, and it is silverware that has eluded us for quite some time.   If there is one thing that can push Liverpool out of the shadows, it has to be, the return of the King.