Liverpool owner John Henry 's New Year began by being brutally booed by fans who accuse him of failing to financially back his team.
No, he wasn't at Brentford on Monday for Liverpool's bruising 3-1 defeat in West London, but instead back home in the United States to enjoy an annual hockey match. The Fenway Sports Group chief was at Fenway Park, the home of FSG-owned baseball team Boston Red Sox, for the NHL Winter Classic between the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Despite the Red Sox not being in action, plenty of their supporters were in attendance and some made their feelings clear on Henry and co's running of the franchise, booing him as he took his seat. While Liverpool won two trophies in 2022 and finished as runners-up in both the Premier League and Champions League, it was a much more disappointing year in Boston which has left fans furious.
After finishing rock bottom of the American League East last term, the Red Sox's preparations for the 2023 campaign have got off to a shaky start. Star player Xander Bogaerts has departed for the San Diego Padres and the Boston side's recruitment team have failed to land major targets after being outbid by their rivals.
It's a familiar story for Liverpool supporters, many of whom also claim that FSG's failure to consistently back manager Jurgen Klopp in the transfer market has left their team in a vulnerable position after a superb last half-decade. An ageing squad without readymade replacements has seen Klopp's men slump to sixth place after 17 league games this season.
It's worth noting that FSG, who've ran the show at Anfield since 2010, put Liverpool up for sale in November, inviting new investors with a view to a full takeover. "There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group's ownership in Liverpool," a statement read.
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"FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club. FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch."
Klopp has a healthy working relationship with Liverpool's hierarchy, but the Anfield boss would welcome more investment in his squad, having himself signed a two-year contract extension last May to keep him at the club until 2026. "What I read was they are looking for investors and that makes sense," Klopp stated.
"A good idea, I like that. It didn't distract the preparation at all. The players didn't ask me but if they want to ask me I can tell them everything. For me it means nothing. Whatever happens, I really like how we work together with our owners but if that would change I'm committed to the club obviously. As far as I know they are looking for investors and I thought that makes sense."
