Liverpool FC, Who Should Stay, Who Should Go?

On February 6th 2007 two Americans, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, bought Liverpool football club for $432.9 million. Since then things could not have gone worse. The club has been in constant state of disarray. With the passionate following from fans the task these two americans took on was always going to be hard. However neither of them had expected that less than a year on, the clubs fans would be protesting against their ownership of the club. The major reason behind the fans disgust, is the rise in debts. Since the americans took over the club's debts have risen from $70.2 million to $137.5 million, leaving the club struggling to sign players necessary to improve on the field. Usually in the high pressure world of the Barclays Premier League poor results on the pitch would lead to the sacking of general manager. Yet at liverpool the fans stand strongly behind their manager, Rafael Benitez. putting the american owners under alot of pressure, to make bold decisions.

When Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett bought Liverpool they proposed to build a new stadium and invest in the squad to allow Liverpool to win trophies. Neither have happened. The club have not won a trophy since 2006, and the stadium has not began development. in the summer of 2009 transfer market the club spent $57.5 million on new players whilst gaining $54.5 million. This represents the lack of investment the owners have shown towards the manager and the team. Although allowing spending, the club cannot afford to spend heavily causing the loss of important players. In particular this season Liverpool lost Xabi Alonso for $48 million to Real Madrid. With the constant rotation of players coming in and out, there is a lack of stability within the squad. each season a new team is built, as a result the fans feel the team is not achieving the results they were hoping for. But still they stand by their manager. Benitez has bought 56 players since joining liverpool in 2004, is this not too many?

Bringing 56 players in, is 3 squads worth. he has also sold 66. This is a large number and is suggestive of a failing team. Perhaps Benitez's time is up. He seems incapable of finding the winning formula and having a settled team. if Benitez had kept some of the players who were successful at the club perhaps they would be doing better. Currently lying 5th in the table there is still work to do in order to push for the champions title. The club is at the stage where change is needed, but should this been in the boardroom or in the management staff? Only time will tell!