The finale of the UEFA Champions League group stages served up so many shocks and scandals, from this day forth we're going to circle "Matchday Six" on our calendars. Who's with me?
As always, this week's mailbag was full of comments, questions and insights. They're always appreciated. For the photo, I wanted give a shout-out to Corinthians for winning its fifth Brazilian championship. I also wanted to salute "The Doctor," Socrates, who passed away last saturday. They don't make them like him anymore. Now it's time for the questions.
What does Jordan Henderson need to do to shut up the critics?
— Dan Leitao, The Gold Coast
Hi Dan, thanks for the question. Now is Henderson's moment to win over both Liverpool supporters and his critics. He needs to impose himself on games, play to his strengths and keep improving. Chipping in with a goal or two wouldn't hurt either.
He's had a good deal of playing time early in his Anfield career, although much of it has been spent out of position. Also the Reds haven't necessarily depended on him to deliver his best performances up to this point. Lucas, Luis Suarez, Charlie Adam and company have carried the Reds while Henderson settles at a new club.
That's all changed with Lucas' injury and Jay Spearing's red card compounded that fact. Henderson will play in the center midfield position and Liverpool will depend on him to deliver now.
Looks like the Manchester United era as the biggest club in England is coming to an end with City taking a very commanding lead over them. What are your thoughts?
–Gabriel Enrique Araujo, location unknown
Reports of Manchester United's demise and City's ascendancy are premature. City's arrival among the top teams in England is clear, but it's not certain that the sky blues are there to stay. They are in a wonderful moment in their history, but until they lift the league trophy or European Cup, I'm not buying into the "brave new era" talk.
Once City wins one of those trophies, the real test of its arrival will be if it can sustain its success. That will require the club to build and manage a squad capable of challenging for honors on an annual basis. I don't think City has reached that point and there's no guarantee Sheik Mansour will bankroll the acquisitions of another generation of top players.
As for United, I have to give Sir Alex Ferguson the benefit of the doubt. The Red Devils are going through a difficult moment, but I don't think they're ever going to fall more than 10 points behind their noisy neighbors. Let's revisit this question when Ferguson retires. Thanks for that question, Gabriel.
Do you think LFC can make anfield like Fenway Park? I mean can FSG turn it in to the diamond in the rough that Fenway is? Can with FSG challenge for League and European honors year in and year out?
— Matt Richardson, Manchester, N.H.
Hello, Matt. It looks like you're asking if Anfield can generate the revenue that allows Liverpool to sign and pay top players? If that's the case, I'd have to say no. As it did with Boston's Fenway Park, FSG can and will maximize the match-day revenue at Anfield. This will continue to be a valuable revenue stream for the club and put it ahead of most of its domestic competitors in that department.
But Liverpool FC needs to redevelop Anfield or build a new stadium if it wants to match Arsenal, Manchester United or Europe's other top teams on that particular line on the balance sheet. The stadium would need a number of luxury boxes and amenities that cater to the corporate community and a larger capacity. More important is that a new stadium must reflect the club's values, history and its place in the local community.
That's not to say the Reds can't continue to develop and attract young players and turn them into world-class stars. The infrastructure at the club is in place to do just that.
What do you want for Christmas?
— St. Nicholas, North Pole
A new suit, a pair of Nike Air Max 95s and, if there's time, peace on earth.
Why do we start Andy Carroll at all? Why do we still own Andy Carroll? Why did we buy Andy Carroll?
— Dezz Leonidus, Los Angeles, Calif.
Carroll starts because he's the only recognized striker in the Liverpool first team. In theory, the big man allows the Reds to adjust its attacking approach, which is important at the top level. Carroll also starts because, when sharp, fit and confident, he can impact every game he plays. I think Kenny Dalglish believes he needs starts to reach peak levels of sharpness, fitness and confidence.
Liverpool still owns Carroll because it made a significant investment in acquiring him. The club invested time, money and even some of its reputation on bringing him to Anfield. It's not ready to write Carroll off as a failure at this point.
The Reds bought Carroll because he's one of England's top players in his age group. They think he can develop into one of the league's top strikers at Anfield.
That's all for this week. Thanks for submitting the questions and please keep them coming.
Have questions for Marcus Kwesi O'Mard's mailbag? Leave them in the comments section below, send them to him via Facebook, Twitter @ NESNsoccer or send them here. MKO will pick a few questions to answer every week. Be sure to check back to see if your question was answered.
