Brendan Rogers to become new Liverpool manager, Anfield new home of Total Football
Admittedly we somewhat jumped and pole-vaulted the gun last week, declaring Roberto Martinez a red hot favourite for the Anfield job after clocking him supping capuccinos with the Liverpool owner last week. Turns out no deal was made.
On the contrary, a three-year deal is thought to have been signed, sealed and delivered between Swansea manager Brendan Rogers and the Merseyside heavyweights welterweights.
No official press conference as yet, but the cat appears out of the bag, with the sports media awash with confirmations, the obligatory Gary Lineker tweet and spruced up biographies of the Northern Irishman.
Notably Rogers declined to speak to Liverpool two weeks ago stating that if they wanted him enough, an interview-off with Martinez, Rafa Benitez and co should not be necessary. Well that ‘treat ’em mean, keep em’ keen’ attitude has clearly paid off.
The appointment is a tasty return for a truly brilliant, at times mesmeric, debut for Swansea in the Premier League.
Rogers’ men clocked out at 11th in the league and were a slave to intricate, patient and precise football that proved dividends more often than not. All this from a club who were favourites to plunge back in to the Championship.
The classic ‘is he ready for a big club?’ debate will certainly do the rounds, but his appointment is sure to provide renewed optimism to one of the more punch-drunk and weary clubs in the top-tier.
He is young, cutting-edge in his outlook and able to mould players around his philosophy, all elements King Kenny lacked.
Given time, we reckon Rogers will bring back some of the colour to Liverpool’s cheeks and fully expect Jamie Carragher, Andy Carroll and Jay Spearing to be playing sumptuous Total Football passing triangles in their sleep.
As for Swansea, they’re a hardworking but unremarkable orchestra of players that have lost their superstar conductor. Finding someone to pick up that baton and wave it with equal flare and conviction will be a near impossible task.
We recommend the Welsh club welcome a highly regarded former employee around for a coffee as soon as possible.
