Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has pinned the blame for the Reds’ disappointing domestic Cup runs last season on the “paper-thin” youth-lead squad he had at his disposal.
The Northern Irishman, who appears to have been busy in the transfer market already this summer looking to bolster his squad, has vowed to give both the FA Cup and League Cup a better shot in the 2013/14 campaign.
Liverpool were knocked out of the League Cup at the fourth-round stage, losing 3-1 at home to Swansea back in October, whilst their FA Cup campaign made an abrupt halt with a shocking 3-2 defeat at Oldham in January in the fourth round also.
“This time,” Rodgers told the club’s official website, “We’ll certainly give the League Cup and the FA Cup a proper go – we have a much better squad to do that.
“We had a paper-thin squad last year, we had kids all the way through. Obviously those players who have come in have added quality and it’s no coincidence that we have kicked on when we’ve had quality in the group.
“We need to improve the group and the depth but that’s what gives me great hope for the summer. If we can add that, we can make a real start and then we’re ready to challenge.”
Rodgers has already added the services of Ivoian international defender Kolo Toure to his squad for next season, replacing Jamie Carragher, who has retired.
He is said to be on the verge of signing Spanish forward Iago Aspas for around £7.7million from Celta Vigo, whilst reports this morning suggest he could be set to replace Pepe Reina with Sunderland goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet.
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