There was no second choice. Still they made him wait before making the final judgment. Might be, American way of management. Finally the pronouncement came. Kenny Dalglish has been appointed as permanent manager of Liverpool on a three-year deal.
Do you think if Fenway Sports Group has selected another candidate in place of Dalglish and presented them to Liverpool supporters, will Kop cuddle him without any disgruntlement ? For instance, young, dynamic André Villas-Boas of Porto FC, known as ‘next Mourinho’, or José Mourinho himself in place of Dalglish ? Being a Liverpool fan I can tell you I would have been entirely let down with those selections. Kenny Dalglish embodies Liverpool FC and has a unique relationship with supporters which cannot be swapped for any qualities possessed by Villas-Boas and Mourinho. It would be brainless to believe that José Mourinho developing such a relation and status among Liverpool supporters.
Even though the permanent deal was delayed by owners Fenway Sports Group, Dalglish never appeared apprehensive and always insisted, “There is no rush. The club is more important than anyone else. Take your time, make your decisions.” For Dalglish, he knows the ultimate choice but wanted the owners to be very affirmative about their decision to bring back a legend who knows the feel and pulse of Liverpool. Damien Comolli, Liverpool's director of football described, “The decision was a no-brainer. We didn't look around. Very early on we knew Kenny was the right person and, along with Steve (Clarke), we had the right coaching staff behind him. I have been impressed by the way they turned it around: the quality of the football, the enthusiasm, the confidence of the players, the way Kenny managed to integrate very young players into the first team.”
Liverpool’s transformation under ‘King Kenny’ episode-II was astounding. The best evidence is, imagining League started in January instead of August; Liverpool will be second in the table below Chelsea. The new elect-champions Manchester United will be in 3rd position after Liverpool ! The attacking brand of football played by Liverpool under Dalglish is proving to be entertaining as well as result oriented as one can notice the number of goals scored and points earned; 35 goals and 33 points in 16 games. No other team in the Premier League scored more number of goals and only Chelsea managed more points than Liverpool since January. If Fenway Sports Group has considered Dalglish instead of Roy Hodgson last summer, who knows how the League table will look like now ?
With Dalglish, it’s smiles all around Liverpool. The enthusiasm and spirit has come back to Liverpool players and is evident from the training sessions at Melwood. Dalglish himself is expressive and responsive in press conferences, fans singing aloud for King Kenny and his players. Thumping victories, including giant killings against Chelsea and Manchester United, unassailable victories against Birmingham and Fulham, had restored the belief. Like a magician Dalglish has wielded his magic wand to lift the gloom formed around Anfield during Hodgson era.
When Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield coming Sunday, the players and the fans know they have a permanent manager in the dug-out accompanied by first team coach Steve Clarke who also signed a three year deal along with Dalglish. Even though refused to speculate on Europe previous occasion, Dalglish would love to get qualified for Europa league next season as he do not want to miss the profits from the competition. Dalglish will surely rotate the squad for Europa league matches, if qualified and young players will get a chance to stage their credentials. However, the prime target for next season will be top four finish which will ensure further profits from Champions league and restore Liverpool where they belonged. Anything beyond that will be a bonus.
And, what if Dalglish restores Liverpool where they belonged during Dalglish episode-I ? Kop will surely have a new God. This time a Scot.
13th May, 2011
The day after Dalglish signed new deal at Liverpool
The day after Dalglish signed new deal at Liverpool
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