Alan Shearer says Liverpool will not have transfer issues that Manchester United face
Former England striker Alan Shearer has lauded Liverpool FC’s managerial approach with Jurgen Klopp at the forefront in dealing with player issues, contrasting it with the ongoing drama surrounding Jadon Sancho at Manchester United. Shearer believes that clubs like Liverpool, with a proven track record of success, have the luxury of wielding more power in handling player matters.
The £73m signing, Sancho, found himself on the fringes at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag after a public dispute following his omission from the squad to face Arsenal in September. This led to his eventual return to former club Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, initially on loan.
Shearer highlighted the stark difference in how Liverpool manage such situations, emphasizing that the power dynamics favour the manager at successful clubs. He noted that the Reds have been remarkably successful, granting the manager substantial authority. In contrast, clubs like Manchester United may face challenges when attempting to assert authority over players.
Here is what Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast:
“At Liverpool, they’ve been really successful, so all the power is with the manager,”
“Liverpool can kick someone out, Man City (too), you can leave them out – because the likelihood is that you’re going to carry on winning. When you’re winning then nothing gets questioned, but as soon as you start losing games then the issues start to happen.”
Success is key in power dynamics
In the world of English football, Liverpool and Manchester City are the powerhouses where players are in tune with the manager’s strategic playbook. These clubs can afford to bid farewell to a player if the rhythm remains intact. However, Shearer suggests that clubs grappling to find their groove might face discord when dealing with off-pitch disruptions.
The tale of Liverpool’s last summer exodus adds a lot of weight to Shearer’s narrative. A merry band of players—Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita—embarked on a transfer journey away from Anfield and here we are. Numero Uno on the league charts.
In the grand scheme of things, these are the fine intricacies that separate the good from the very best. The likes of Klopp and Pep Guardiola are cut from a totally different cloth and sit at a different table compared to the other managers in the Premier League.
In conclusion, Shearer’s observations shed light on the nuanced dynamics within football clubs, emphasizing the critical role of a manager in fostering a positive and disciplined environment.
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Liverpool’s success, both in terms of on-field achievements and off-field management, serves as a benchmark for other clubs aiming to achieve similar levels of stability and success.