Liverpool’s excruciating wait for that elusive first Premier League title goes on for at least another season.
While the Reds have come close on a couple occasions over the last two decades, missing out on the title this time around will especially be painful, considering they were clear favourites heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Unfortunately though, it was not meant to be, as Rodgers’ side literally allowed the title slip away and the mood in the Liverpool camp at the moment could probably be summed up by Luis Suarez’s tears at the final whistle against Crystal Palace last week.
However, that being said, Liverpool can look back on the current campaign with a great deal of pride as well as optimism for the future. While pain of missing out on the title after coming so close will hurt, here are a few things which the Liverpool fans can reflect upon to bring a smile back to their faces.
In Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool posses one of the finest young managers around
There was certainly more than a hint of skepticism that greeted Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as Liverpool manager last season and a 7th placed finish left many unsure of whether he was the right man to lead the Reds.
However now, there isn’t any manager in the world that the Liverpool fans would want in exchange for the young Northern Irishman.
While the 41-year old had his moments of struggle last season, it was evident that he was looking to integrate his own philosophy at the club and it has certainly paid dividends during the current campaign.
Rodgers has brought an exciting brand of football to Liverpool which the Liverpool fans deserve and it has made passionate Anfield faithful to dream again. While Rodgers still has a lot to improve upon, as evidenced by his naivety in the draw against Palace last week, the articulate young manager is surely on his way to greatness at Liverpool.
Back into the elite of English football
After five years of struggle, there were fears that Liverpool could find themselves heading into oblivion and lag far behind their rivals competing at the top, especially with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea taking full advantage of their financial muscle.
However, challenging for the title as early as this season means that Liverpool are well ahead of schedule and can now start next year as one of the genuine title contenders.
More importantly, a return to the Champions League will bring about huge financial boost for Liverpool and pitting their wits against the top teams in Europe means that the Reds can finally attract the biggest names in world football to the club, after having their charm wane in recent times.
The best striking partnership in the world
On the evidence of the current campaign, it is fair to say that the duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge is the best strike partnership in the world.
While there were doubts initially as to whether the two could work together due to their individualistic approach to the game, Suarez and Sturridge have proven that they complement each other better than any other elite strikeforce.
The two have simply shred opposition defences apart, scoring a ridiculous 52 league goals between them and this feat has been made all the more impressive due to the fact that both players have missed large chunks of the campaign.
It is not just their goals that have been impressive though, as the two seem to posses great work ethic and have played a large part in helping the likes of Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson flourish.
The emergence of bright young talent
Arguably the most encouraging aspect of Liverpool’s campaign this season has been the coming of age of their young players.
Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Jon Flanagan were all considered talented young players prior to the current campaign but the manner at which the quartet have flourished into fine gems this season – has been nothing short of sensational. It is not just that the Liverpool youngsters have impressed in patches – they have shown a great sense of maturity and have been very consistent throughout the campaign.
It is fair to say that Sterling, Henderson, Coutinho, Flanagan and Henderson have been the bedrock of Liverpool’s success this season and will continue do so for years to come.
Disappointment will make them stronger
It is important to face setbacks in order to succeed and while the season has ended in a sour note for the Reds, the experience will only make them stronger for the future.
The current campaign would have served as a steep learning curve for the Liverpool manager, players as well as the fans and they will arguably be better equipped to deal with the pressure that comes with a title race in the coming years.
Liverpool have defied all odds and they have done it playing football the right way. The disappointment may loom large for everyone associated with Liverpool at the moment but there is no doubting that this great footballing institution of England is on the rise once again.
