Liverpool FC off to worst start in 101 years

By: Steven Hawkins

It can't be described as the start Brendan Rodgers was hoping for as Liverpool's new manager. The club is winless in its first four matches (two draws and two losses) for the first time since 1911.

Rodgers, 39, was brought in from Swansea City to replace legendary Liverpool player and former manager Kenny Dalglish. Managing at Anfield is always going to equate to added pressure. Replacing the likes of “King Kenny”, as Dalglish is known to supporters, makes Rodgers life all the more difficult.

Dalglish had returned to Anfield and rescued Liverpool amidst the miserable 2010-2011 season. During that season Roy Hodgson (now England's manager) was struggling to adjust to life at Anfield. Halfway through the season ownership practically begged Dalglish to replace Hodgson; he agreed ensuring Liverpool's third manager in less than a year.

Dalglish's side, while struggling in the Premier League, did perform well in Cup competitions winning the Carling Cup as well as reaching the F.A. Cup Final in 2011-2012. There appeared to be hope for the future so Dalglish's firing came as surprise to many and ensured that Liverpool would have its fourth manager since 2010.

The team has struggled at times to adjust to Rodgers' style of play (one which favours possession and quick passes). Compounding the problem was the struggle to add new players to his club before the transfer window closed. As a result current players (such as Captain Steven Gerrard) are being asked to take on new roles and adjust on the fly. The most glaring error to date was failing to sign a serious attacking threat after loaning Andy Carroll out to West Ham. Fabio Borini, a young Italian whom Rodgers has managed before, was brought in prior to Carroll's exit but has failed to impress alongside forward Luis Suarez.

Things aren't getting any easier for Rodgers and his club as this weekend Liverpool welcomes their arch-nemesis Manchester United to Anfield. United has not won a match in Liverpool since 2007, a trend Rodgers certainly would like to see continue. Defeating Manchester United would be a great distraction from the poor start and alleviate some of the growing pressure on Rodgers. A defeat would be equally disastrous for the club.

Adding to the pressure of the already enormous early season match is the fact it was recently announced Kenny Dalglish will be in attendance.

Even though the pressure is rising it is not a must win for Brendan Rodgers' job security. Ownership has acknowledged Rodgers will be given ample time to implement his vision and strategy in an effort to succeed with Liverpool. It may however be a must win for Rodgers' popularity with supporters and it would serve him well if his first win could come at the expense of Liverpool's most hated rivals.  

Examples of Soccer Drills for Young Players

By Lisa A Mason

Soccer is a great way to get kids away from their electronics and to get them outdoors and exercising instead. This is an easy game to get started with and it does not cost a lot for the parents to get their children involved. It can be difficult once the kids are all together to get them start learning the fundamentals. Thankfully, there are some great drills that entice children to want to learn the game and it makes the learning fun. The following are some examples of soccer drills for young players:

• Pirate Treasure - This game is also a drill that teaches children skills at both dribbling the ball and accuracy at shooting. Half the team is the pirates guarding the treasure and the other half of the team are trying to get to the treasure. This treasure is cones that are placed at one end of the pitch. One player battles two defenders and attempts to dribble past them. When the knock down the cones, they get a point for their "treasure".


• Defending the Dribble - Using cones, set up a perimeter in the middle of the pitch by placing four cones equidistant from each other. The team should be divided into two groups with each wearing different colors. One color plays offense and the other plays defense. One player from defense is in the middle of the perimeter to attempt to steal the ball from the offensive player who has to make it past the defender. If he does, the ball goes to the player on the opposite side and so on. If the defender gets the ball, the sides are switched and the offensive player becomes the defender.


• Keep Away - Probably one of the most common and easiest of all the soccer drills for young players. Keep away builds up defending and dribbling skills. Start with a circle that is marked off by using cones. The circle should be at least the diameter of half the pitch. Two players will act as defenders and the rest of the team are trying to keep the ball away from them. If a defender gets the ball, the player who lost it becomes a defender.

Getting the kids to have fun and exercise is not hard to do when there are so many fun drills that keeps them on their toes and interested in the game. If none of the above appeals to your team, use the examples to help to create your own game for them instead. Just remember to keep it fun and the kids can follow the lead easily.

About the Author:

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles and the author of How to Earn a Living Writing for the Internet. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content in more than 10 years as a professional writer.

See her website for a free article writing template guide as well as more writing tips and info on the writing services she offers.

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