New Liverpool owner John Henry has told fans they should be looking towards next summer to see real change at the club, rather than the quick fix hoped for in January.
Henry told fans website Red and White Kop that blaming manager Roy Hodgson for the team’s current problems with form is “simply wrong”, before revealing plans based on his success models with the Boston Red Sox.
“The club has gone through a very difficult period and the period has not ended,” Henry said. “We saw a certain team on the field against Chelsea last week that showed what they can do. We also know how competitive the EPL is this year. There are no guaranteed matches any longer for any club. This club can be better. Blaming the manager or any one particular player is simply wrong. This club needs to play up to their potential every match. If they don’t, they won’t win.
“That said, we have work to do and must invest in this club to improve it on the field. Can that be successfully done in January? A number of people I’ve talked with doubt it. Most people seem to think it will be the summer before we can really begin to improve. So the players – all 11 each week – have to be on the same page every match and have to live up to the history and respect this club has engendered – no matter what.”
Henry will look to make change from the younger end of the squad, up, in order to create sustainable progress which will result in success over many years.
“We need ‘top four’ young players,” Henry continued. “They will not produce a quick fix, but our philosophy in football will be based on the long term. That is what has made Arsenal and Manchester United so strong. They understand something we understand in Boston – to be consistently strong on the field, you must have a consistent flow of young talent that has be nurtured and developed the right way. We will focus on that. That is also the philosophy of Damien Comolli.”
