The Reds Supporters Grow Impatient Wearing Thin Ahead of Pivotal Clash
An unsuccessful beginning to the WSL season has left the Merseyside club stuck to the foot of the table, devoid of a victory or a clean sheet to their name. Thursday's loss at Villa added to the misery, including a stark lack of shots on target. While the spotlight often falls on the male team, the women's side faces a growing threat of slipping down the football pyramid.
Growing Frustration on Coach Gareth Taylor
In spite of facing a key game against fellow struggling West Ham, sections of the support are running out of patience. Online platforms lit up with demands for the manager's departure after the most recent setback, even though it being only ten league fixtures into the manager's reign. This stands in sharp contrast to the club's standing with former management, underscoring a clear decline in performance.
"There’s little question that we have gone backwards as a team certainly, more than that is expected of a team like Liverpool," conceded the manager after the Villa defeat. "We have go and show a response."
Squad Issues and Transfer Concerns
The off-season sale of key talent Olivia Smith for a record sum prompted expectations of investment. However, fans could be forgiven for wondering where that investment has been spent. Recent signings have mostly failed to impress, with the notable bright spark being Swedish forward Beata Olsson. Her four strikes represent a significant portion of the side's paltry total tally, making them the least productive attack in the WSL.
- Lack of Attack: The team has taken the fewest attempts in the league and generates very few clear-cut chances.
- Fitness Issues and Youth: Key personnel have been absent through injury, and the team has one of the lowest average starting XI ages in the WSL.
- Style Change: Coach Taylor was brought in to implement a new playing style, a transition he admits "takes time overnight."
Mitigating Factors and a Pivotal Period
Some context exists for the poor form. Taylor's delayed arrival in summer limited his planning time. The club has also been dealing with the profound grief after the passing of former manager Matt Beard, with a number of matches rescheduled as a consequence. Furthermore, a hectic run of road games has not helped.
Nevertheless, in the cut-throat world of football, understanding typically wears thin. The upcoming January recruitment window looms as a potential turning point. Yet the burning issue remains: will Gareth Taylor be in charge to conduct it?
{A much-needed victory against West Ham on Sunday would certainly alleviate the mounting pressure and offer a vital boost. With the drop rules briefly adjusted for this season, the management could feel they have more time to persist with their project. However, for a lot of fans, only results will do.
