Kenny Dalglish has admitted that it will take time for his new players to settle following the Liverpool manager’s lavish summer spending spree.
Four of Dalglish’s five new recruits started as Liverpool were held to a disappointing 1-1 home draw by Sunderland on the opening day of the Premier League season.
Dalglish has spent over £50 million in an attempt to re-establish the five-times European champions in the top-four after last season’s sixth-placed finish, and more than £100 million since the turn of the year.
But Dalglish believes it will take time for Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique and Jordan Henderson to gel.
“It’s a big ordeal to come out and play a first game at Anfield, especially for Jose who only signed yesterday (last Friday),” said Dalglish.
“We weren’t anticipating playing him because Fabio Aurelio was in last week and he got injured, so we had no choice but to put him in.
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“It’s bad enough building up to your first competitive game, it’s another thing being thrown into it after just 24 hours.
“The new boys all did something you’d remember them for in the game and all things considered, we’re happy with them.”
Dalglish opted to lavish praise on Sunderland’s impressive second half performance rather than focus on his own team’s shortcomings after Luis Suarez’s opening goal was cancelled out by Sebastian Larsson.
“Over the game, although Pepe Reina only caught a couple of headers, for their effort and commitment, a draw was about right,” added the Liverpool manager.
“We might have had more chances and we’re a bit unlucky in getting Andy Carroll’s goal knocked off which would’ve put us 2-0 up but they worked really hard and made it difficult for us. For that, they deserved a point.”
Liverpool might have won had Suarez not missed an early penalty after Kieran Richardson was adjudged to have fouled the Uruguay striker.
Former Manchester United and England player Richardson escaped being sent off.
“You don’t want to see people sent off,” added Dalglish. “I don’t know what the rule book says, but you won’t see any clearer opportunity than Suarez one on one with the goalkeeper.
“Nine and a half out of 10 would’ve given Kieran a red card. We need to know where we stand and how they’re going to implement the rules.” — AFP