[FM14] Liverpool FC: Winning With Kids

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Gerrard's Liverpool Career Hits Rocky Start

Reeling: Gerrard Puts On A Brave Face After Tough Start

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Steven Gerrard's rebuilding of his boyhood club got off to a less than ideal start, as the Reds endured a tough preseason, ahead of their long journey back to the top of the English league system, with the Skrill season opening this weekend, with Liverpool welcoming Colwyn Bay to Anfield for the season opener.

Below, we take a look at each of Liverpool's opening games in some depth, and consider the possible changes which Gerrard could make, ahead of the league's opening day.

Liverpool 0-0 Slovan Liberec

Starting XI: Ward, Flanagan, Sama, Jones, Smith, Chirivella, Rossiter, Ibe, Teixeira, Alberto, Yesil.

Liverpool lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Chirivella dropping deep into a defensive midfield position to cover the defence, as the Reds fought to a 0-0 draw with the Czech side, who battled for each and every blade of grass on the Anfield pitch.

As an opening performance, while not delivering the win many were expecting, the young side put in a good shift, and showed glimpses of some good, solid football. Particularly impressive was Jordan Rossiter, who filled what many may previously of termed the 'Gerrard' role: creating space and chances for his team mates further up the pitch, although some woeful finishing from Yesil and Alberto saw the tie finish all square.

Hajduk 1-0 Liverpool

Starting XI: Fulton, Flanagan, Paez, Sokolik, Robinson, Coady, Rossiter, Lussey, Alberto, Yesil, Sinclair.

Gerrard changed his tactics for this match, moving to a 4-2-1-2, seeking the cutting edge which was so absent against Liberic in the first friendly. Liverpool though, while still creating chances, were still found lacking in the final third. Ryan Fulton, in the Liverpool goal for this match, was solid enough when called upon, and in all fairness, Hajduk's goal was not something he could be expected to save: A 30-yard rocket into the top corner; far out of his sprawling reach.

All in all, Liverpool's youngsters put in a good performance, against a much better side than Liberec, but still came up empty handed,

Maribor 3-0 Liverpool

Starting XI: Ward, Flanagan, Sama, Jones, Robinson, Chirivella, Ojo, Ibe, Teixeira, Alberto, Yesil

Gerrard went back to the 4-2-3-1 which had worked well in the first friendly match, but it did him no favours in this game: Maribor welcomed the Reds to their home, full of smiles and friendly introductions, before ripping the young side to shreds on the pitch.

The Slovenian's passing was slicker, they were faster going forwards, and more clinical in the tackle. In truth, Liverpool were made to look like what they essentially are: A youth side playing in a professional league. Fans were starting to wake up to the fact that there is a lot of work to be done at their club, and it had to be done quickly.

Liverpool 1-0 Connah's Quay Town

Starting XI: Fulton, Flanagan, Coady, Paez, Pelosi, Rossiter, Lussey, Canos, Dunn, Wilson, Sinclair

Finally, the win Liverpool fans have been waiting on. But it was far from plain sailing, as Gerrard stuck with the 4-2-1-3, but with Robinson injured, Marc Pelosi filled in at left back, before an injury to captain Flanagan forced him off after 61 minutes, when he was replaced by Lloyd Jones. Pelosi though, impressed in this match; causing a constant threat down the left wing, and capping his promising display with a sweet volley from the corner of the box after 88 minutes to finally calm some nerves from Liverpool.

Montpellier HSC 4-1 Liverpool

Starting XI: Ward, Flanagan, Hector, Passley, Robinson, Coady, Teixeira, Ibe, Dunn, Canos, Alberto

Gerrard handed debuts to two new signings for this game: defensive duo Michael Hector and Josh Passley, signed from Reading and Fulham respectively, for a combined fee of £3.4m. that £3.4m though, was soon made to look like some poor judgement; as Liverpool's defence was torn apart by some sharp attacking play from the French outfit, who play their football in the French top flight. 4 goals in a 20 minute period absolutely floored Liverpool's youngsters, and even Jack Robinson's 74th minute goal couldn't lift the spirits any, as Reds Fans flooded to the exits.

Ascoli 0-4 Liverpool

Starting XI: Fulton, Passley, Hector, Jones, Robinson, Coady, Lussey, Ojo, Alberto, Sinclair, Dunn

For this game, an injury to captain John Flanagan meant Gerrard had to re-shuffle the backline that was so terrorised in the last game: Lloyd Jones partnered new boy Michael Hector as the central two, while Robinson took the left-back spot, with new signings Josh Passley moving to the right-back slot, where he excelled. The 18 year old looked comfortable in possession, and tore up and down the right wing with venom: filling in the gaps, with Gerrard playing a 4-2-1-2.

Goals from Sinclair, Hector, Luis Alberto and Passley gave Reds fans something to look forward to for the coming season, as their team finally seemed to click, Albeit against a Serie C team. New signing from Aston Villa, Benjamin Siegrist, didn't have his paperwork completed in time to star in this win, but the £2.5m arrival from Aston Villa looks set to push Fulton and Ward all the way in the chase for the starting spot between the sticks.

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August 2013 Roundup

John Flanagan Was In Incredible Form, Named Player of the Month

In spite of a slip-shod preseason from his side, Steven Gerrard was optimistic as the club headed towards their opening Skrill North game against Colwyn Bay. Speaking ahead of the opening match of the season, Gerrard had this to say: "Over pre-season, we had some rough matches, but the boys have been working hard in training, and we're feeling a lot more confident ahead of the new season. Some of the standout performers in training have been the younger players; Jordan Rossiter and Sheyi Ojo have especially impressed, and really given me something to think about ahead of the season opening."

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Liverpool 5-0 Colwyn Bay

Starting XI: Siegrist, Flanagan (C), Hector, Passley, Robinson, Coady, Ojo, Rossiter, Canos, Alberto, Sinclair
Robinson (13)
Coady (33, 46)
Alberto (52)
Sinclair (66)

Gerrard's Thoughts:"Well, it's good to see we do know where the net is: i'm really impressed by the way the lads have played; they've really reacted well to how pre-season went, and I couldn't have asked for any more out there, they really have it 110%

Oxford City 0-1 Liverpool

Starting XI: Siegrist, Flanagan (C), Hector, Passley, Robinson, Coady, Lussey, Rossiter, Alberto (inj 52), Yesil, Sinclair
Subs: Dunn (on 52)
Alberto (19)

Gerrard's Thoughts:It was a much closer game; but to win our first away game of the season is always a good milestone to get out of the way: Luis' injury doesn't look as bad as we first thought, and i'm hoping he shouldn't be out for too long. We looked in good shape today, and it's good to get that first away match out of the way.

Liverpool 3-0 Brackley

Starting XI: Siegrist, Flanagan (c), Hector, Passley, Robinson, Coady, Rossiter, Wilson, Teixeira, Dunn, Yesil
Yesil (5)
Dunn (30)
Jackson o.g (37)

Gerrard's Thoughts: "Luis' injury gave me the chance to change up the formation a little, and there were some encouraging signs: playing with just one up front does seem to work well for us, and I was impressed by Jack [Dunn] and Harry [Wilson] on the wings. Hopefully we can carry this kind of form right through to the end of the month, and really start to build towards a promotion.

Gainsborough 0-3 Liverpool

Starting XI: Siegrist, Flanagan (c), Hector, Passley, Robinson, Coady, Rossiter, Canos, Dunn, Alberto (sub 45), Sinclair
Subs: Ojo (on 45)
Flanagan (34)
Sinclair (67)
Ojo (89)

Gerrard's Thoughts: "Another good performance to round off a solid month for us, in all honesty. We've played good, attacking football, and that's something i'm keen to see continue."

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Skrill North Top 6

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Top Six

Gerrard's Thoughts

"It was a good month for us this month, it really shows that the guys are settled with the tactics and formation, and it's nice to see us finding the net on a regular basis. I named Jordan my player of the month, because of how much he created, and his overall work rate. His attitude is something I really admire; he's always willing to give 120% for that shirt, and that's something I value.