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Spring brings nothing but sorrow for Reds

Hull – When Liverpool’s drained players returned to the dressing room after a 1-0 defeat that all but ended their dream of qualifying for the Champions League, they found Brendan Rodgers waiting to address them to remind them of their responsibilities. “You have an obligation to fight right to the very end,” he told them.

Michael Dawson (centre) celebrating with his team-mates after scoring the first goal for Hull, whose less-celebrated players gave everything in their win against Liverpool to avoid relegation. Photo: Reuters

Michael Dawson (centre) celebrating with his team-mates after scoring the first goal for Hull, whose less-celebrated players gave everything in their win against Liverpool to avoid relegation. Photo: Reuters

Hull – When Liverpool’s drained players returned to the dressing room after a 1-0 defeat that all but ended their dream of qualifying for the Champions League, they found Brendan Rodgers waiting to address them to remind them of their responsibilities. “You have an obligation to fight right to the very end,” he told them.

The Liverpool manager usually avoids making comments to players with emotions still raw after setbacks, but he was clearly alarmed about the season’s collapse. The Reds have taken only four points from a possible 15 in the Premier League and lost to Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals. Spring has brought only sorrow.

The fact that Rodgers felt he had to mention this “obligation” indicates his players are psychologically shot. Only Jordan Henderson and particularly Philippe Coutinho performed up to scratch here. Raheem Sterling looks exhausted. Mario Balotelli looks like a transfer waiting to happen, doing little in the first half.

For the 20 minutes of the second half before he was hooked, Balotelli managed only one touch and one pass. Signed for £16 million (S$33 million), he has scored one Premier League goal in 940 minutes and Hull fans chanted “what a waste of money” when he was replaced. What a waste of talent too — Balotelli has the ability but not currently the application.

Balotelli’s lethargy was such a contrast with the showing by Hull’s players — less-celebrated, less-rewarded players who gave everything. Steve Harper did well in goal, Michael Dawson scored and defended determinedly, while Sone Aluko was tireless in attack.

Hull fought hard for these points, so vital in their push to move away from relegation.

After two successive wins, Hull are now 15th, four points above the drop zone, and have acquired some momentum they will need against Arsenal, Burnley, Tottenham and Manchester United.

Fans of the Red Devils would have been toasting former centre-back Steve Bruce, as his Hull side ensured fifth-placed Liverpool stay seven points behind them. A return to the Champions League for United looks inevitable rather than probable after events at KC Stadium.

Liverpool will try to honour their “obligation” to supporters, but their season now revolves around whether they really want to qualify for the Europa League and all its attendant problems domestically.

The Reds’ demise undeniably damages Rodgers, who looks short of ideas. Playing Emre Can in midfield may be a start. This loss also casts an unforgiving spotlight on recent signings, not only Balotelli. Can will develop, but Dejan Lovren still labours.

Last season’s performances showed Liverpool do have a good manager in Rodgers, but he and the club need to get their recruitment right. They have not recovered from Luis Suarez’s departure and have insufficient cover with Daniel Sturridge unfortunately unfit.

The squad needs urgent strengthening this summer. What Rodgers called a “marquee” signing would lift the mood. Failing to qualify for the Champions League will complicate the pursuit of true quality.

All seemed serene before kick-off as fans congregated in the evening sunshine, but serious issues were all around for both sides on and off the field. Some Hull fans sang critically of owner Assem Allam, who is seeking to change the club’s name to Hull Tigers. The gaps in the away corner of KC Stadium highlighted how many Liverpool fans had rebelled against Hull’s hike in ticket prices, up from £15 to £50.

Reds supporters did buy up the entire allocation of 2,506, but scarcely two-thirds of the seats were filled. At the other end of the M62, hundreds of supporters had gathered outside Anfield to support a protest organised by fans’ group Spirit of Shankly. Some even headed to London to appeal for sanity on inflated ticket prices.

Hull fans began to believe. Bruce’s side has been an exercise in inconsistency this season, drawing at Arsenal and Manchester City, yet losing at home to Leicester. Injuries have inhibited them. Yet, they possess belief that emanates from their manager.

Defender James Chester told the programme that “the players are all very aware of the pain the fans are feeling and we share their pain”. Their mood was one of sustained hunger. They felt that obligation to fans and delivered, taking the lead after 37 minutes. Aluko forced a corner off Can, who is hardly the most natural right-back. Robbie Brady drove the corner in left-footed and it fell out to Ahmed Elmohamady, who swept the ball back into the box. Liverpool’s defenders had pushed up, but Balotelli played Dawson onside and the Hull captain guided a firm header past Simon Mignolet.

Hull’s celebration at the final whistle spoke of their belief that they would stay up.

Liverpool’s players were disconsolate, departing to the dressing-room to be reminded of their “obligation”. They owe it to the fans, but the fight for Thursday-night football is hardly likely to quicken their adrenaline. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

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