ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:KENNY DALGLISH has defended this summer's lavish recruitment drive at Liverpool by saying the club have acted "responsibly" in the transfer market and that the principal owner, John W Henry, has dispelled any doubt over the level of financial support from Fenway Sports Group.
Liverpool have spent almost €57 million on three midfielders, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing, and remain in the market for a central defender and left-back, although they have yet to make an offer for Jose Enrique of Newcastle United.
Having committed €66 million on Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January, albeit a sum offset by the combined €64 million sales of Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel, FSG has sanctioned the largest spending spree in Liverpool’s history.
“It’s been very impressive that they haven’t flinched with the players we have asked for and they have provided the money,” Dalglish said. “The most important thing for us was getting people in and we’ve brought good people in.
“We’ve acted responsibly in the transfer market and we’ve also acted responsibly and respectfully with the owners, who have been fantastically supportive financially. If there is a better owner that is as supportive as John Henry, then they have done very well for themselves because he’s fantastically supportive.”
Questions have been asked over Liverpool’s willingness to pay Sunderland €18.4 million and Aston Villa €23 million for Henderson and Downing respectively, although, having failed to qualify for the Champions League for the past two seasons, Dalglish said the club could not afford to stand still as they seek to rejoin the European elite. He believes FSG’s outlay has been invested wisely.
Dalglish added: “I don’t think anyone would dispute the ability of Luis Suarez, would they? You’re not always fortunate to get someone as good as him every time you sign a cheque but we were fortunate with what we got when we brought him in.
“Certainly spending money does not guarantee you success but I don’t know of any football club that has ever had success that has not spent money. So it is necessary. But it’s even more important to spend it wisely.”
Jose Enrique could be the subject of a bid from Liverpool before the Premier League season opens on August 13th but Dalglish said he would not be rushed into a decision on his defence by a pre-season campaign that has seen 15 goals conceded in five matches.
“We don’t mind speaking about our own football club but we don’t speak about any other football club and certainly not any other players,” he said. “Pre-season is not a barometer. You make your assessments. We know we have still got people to come back that will be important for us. If they do come back, they will be like new signings.”
The support and spending power of the Anfield hierarchy provides a stark contrast with Liverpool’s divisive situation 12 months ago and the manager is confident a lack of off-field distractions will assist the club’s attempt to return to the top four.
“I don’t think what happens off the pitch can be used as an excuse for what happens on it,” Dalglish said. “But it is always helpful when there is a lot of positivity around the club. It’s certainly helpful if everyone is singing the same song.
John (W Henry) is genuinely a good fella. He cares passionately about the club and he wants it to go in the right direction.”
The manager said Steven Gerrard is recovering well from an infection related to groin surgery. Dalglish said: “The operation has been a fantastic success. It’s just the infection. It’s good news for Steven and for everyone else.”
Martin Skrtel has suffered a relapse in his recovery from the calf injury that has interrupted his pre-season training. The defender said: “I felt strong pain in my leg so I am back with the doctors.”
Guardian Service
EPL Opening Round
Saturday, Aug 13th
Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton 3pm
Fulham v Aston Villa 3pm
Liverpool v Sunderland 3pm
Queens Park Rangers v Bolton 3pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton 3pm
Wigan Athletic v Norwich City 3pm
Newcastle United v Arsenal 5.30pm
Sunday, August 14th
Stoke City v Chelsea 1.30pm
West Brom v Manchester United 4pm
Monday, August 15th
Manchester City v Swansea City 8pm
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