This guy always has inside info on Rafa and the spanish players.
Don't write Liverpool off just yet, they will still challenge for the title:
There is a black cloud over Anfield and the mood at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground could not have been darker this week.
The atmosphere is more brooding than the usual despondency that follows a defeat: small issues have been blown out of proportion as the blame game takes hold. It happens at every club, but when expectations are great, the disappointment is even greater when things go wrong.
After defeat to Villa, Rafa Benitez highlighted the poor form of key players; while some players shifted that blame elsewhere: citing tactics at corners, for example.
Jamie Carragher was particularly vocal in the aftermath of defeat, telling everyone things must improve.
The despondency of defeat prompted a feeling, in certain quarters of the club, that Liverpool will struggle to mount the title challenge they anticipated and that Alonso’s absence has not been addressed: Mascherano and Lucas are too similar and, because neither can open up the opposition, there is an over-reliance upon Gerrard to create.
Rival managers even think Liverpool have become predictable. Riera’s absence remains a mystery - but appears an attempt to focus the player rather than a personal vendetta. Seen through the lens of defeat, every tactical decision seems wrong – yet perspective is required and with the scoreline at 2-1 against Villa, Liverpool seemed capable of turning the game - it was an individual error that killed off the fightback.
So, expectations at Anfield have been brought crashing down to earth, yet are they not more realistic now?
Liverpool fans have spent the summer dreaming of Villa, Silva, Ribery, and – currently - Robben or Carrick, despite the fact that the possibility of such purchases belongs to clubs with very different financial circumstances.
What about Benitez following those false resignation rumours? He is seen as more distant than ever, but stays true to his course in the knowledge that he has heard the same criticism before after a poor start: not to mention last season when Liverpool ultimately finished four points behind the Manchester United of Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney...
Yes, things could be better – and yes, there'll be more moody weeks at Melwood. But it’s too early to start drawing conclusions and, based upon previous experience, unfair.
I have no doubt Liverpool will challenge for the title.
