Liverpool may have won a their first trophy in six years last season, and reached the final in another, but there is no doubt that they will be disappointed by the way the season went.

Manager Kenny Dalglish's big money signings failed to fire on all cylinders as the Reds slumped to an eighth-place finish, four points behind local rivals Everton and 18 behind the final Champions League spot.

However, a new manager, new players and a new ethos have raised a sense of optimism around Anfield, and here Sports Mole counts down 10 reasons why Liverpool will now have a better season than last.

Brendan Rodgers

A new era has dawned at Anfield with the implementation of new manager Brendan Rodgers, who took over from Kenny Dalglish this summer. While the Northern Irishman's management CV may be limited in terms of 'top clubs', the 39-year-old's experience at Reading, Watford and Swansea City could give Liverpool the lease of life it needs. Rodgers also has experience working with Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho during his time at Chelsea and has been vocal about his support from the Portuguese boss.

Early indications suggest that those in and around Anfield are impressed with Rodgers, who managed to take the Swans from the Championship to 11th in their first season in the Premier League. The American owners may have taken a risk on the young manager but following a glowing recommendation from big names within the game, Rodgers could prove to be a risk worth taking.

Last year's cup success

Despite their poor performance in the league last season, Liverpool excelled in cup competitions. They picked up the League Cup after a penalty win over Cardiff City and reached the final of the FA Cup, narrowly missing out to Chelsea. The pressure of not having won a trophy for a long time can weigh heavy on a club's shoulders - just look at Arsenal - and six years is a long time for a club of Liverpool's stature. The Premier League is, of course, still the holy grail, but any silverware is welcomed and will give the club a big confidence boost.

Trophies also help to convince a club's best players to stay. Had the Reds coupled their tame league season with early exits in the two cup competitions, the likes of Luis Suarez, Jose Reina and Daniel Agger may have had their heads turned.

Free-flowing football

Brendan Rodgers is known for his pass-and-move 'tiki taka' football and has made no secret of the fact that he intends to implement this system at Anfield. While it could take time for the Irishman to find a complete team that can thrive using this style of play, Liverpool should be more attractive to watch this season!

Rodgers made an impression on the Premier League with Swansea City's free-flowing football, which caused issues for a host of clubs in the top flight. One of Liverpool's problems last season was inconsistency on the pitch, which proved to be frustrating to witness, but Reds fans will be hoping that Rodgers can turn that around this season.

Return to Europe

Liverpool's League Cup success booked them a spot in the Europa League next season, bringing European football back to Anfield. The five-time Champions League winners may not be in Europe's premier competition but the Europa League is by no means lacking in quality - neither Manchester club could make it past the round of 16 last season while Spurs failed to qualify from the group stages.

While some may view this as an unnecessary distraction, success in the tournament will be welcomed with open arms and the opportunity for the players to play against some of Europe's top footballers could help them to improve. There is also the financial benefits and added lure of a club playing in Europe to potential signings.

Fresh faces

The Merseyside club have snatched midfielder Fabio Borini from Roma as well as Swansea City playmaker Joe Allen so far in the summer transfer window. Rodgers seems to be emphasising on youth, with the likes of Reds youngsters Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan being given chances in pre-season. The Irishman has been clear about his desire to find players suited to his style of play, which could mean the end for £35m striker Andy Carroll.

The former Newcastle United forward, who cut a frustrating figure in front of goal last season, has been linked with a move away from the club. While some Liverpool fans would be keen to keep him, Rodgers's stance has indicated that he is determined to bring the right calibre through the Anfield gates.

Better luck

It is said that luck balances itself out over a season in football, but this was not the case for Liverpool last season. While their performance can't be attributed solely to bad luck, they certainly had their fair share of it. The Reds, and in particular Luis Suarez, were massively unlucky in front of goal, hitting the woodwork a record number of times throughout the season.

Again, luck can't be solely to blame and there must be a case to be made for poor finishing on Liverpool's part, but it is hard to imagine as many shots hitting the woodwork this season as they did last.

Focused Luis Suarez

Liverpool will hope to get the most out of Luis Suarez this season and will be boosted by the fact that he has committed his future to the club with a new long-term deal. While the Uruguayan international showed glimpses of his impressive form last season, the 25-year-old's first full campaign with the Reds was marred by the racism controversy involving Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

The frontman was forced to watch from the sidelines for eight matches after the Football Association deemed Suarez guilty of racially abusing the Frenchman during a clash at Anfield in October. The controversy arguably took the main focus away from Liverpool's work on the pitch and more on the conduct of the club itself. Now that Suarez has served his punishment and is settled in the North-West, the former Ajax hitman will be hopeful of firing on all cylinders for the Reds this season.

In-form Andy Carroll

As mentioned earlier, Andy Carroll's future has been the subject of much speculation this summer, but as the transfer window comes closer to its end, it's beginning to look like the England international will be a Liverpool player next season. The £35m striker didn't have the best of seasons last year, but towards the end of it he began to look like the Carroll of old.

Improved performances for England at Euro 2012 added to his confidence, and he will be looking to carry this into the new season. While he may not be a traditional Brendan Rodgers player, there are few better players to have as a plan B on your bench, especially considering the change in style that he would inevitably bring.

Keeping Gerrard fit

Skipper Steven Gerrard was absent for the majority of last season due to groin problems and an ankle infection. While Liverpool have proved that they can cope without him, the Reds are strengthened with the 32-year-old on the pitch. Gerrard's form during England's campaign at Euro 2012 proved that he can still compete at the highest level and Reds fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that the midfielder can carry that flare into the new term. Judging from pre-season, Rodgers has clear plans for the midfielder in his new system so keeping Gerrard fit could be crucial in the Reds' campaign.

Keeping Lucas fit

Lucas Leiva was arguably Liverpool's best player last season until his injury, which kept him out for the rest of the campaign. However, the Brazilian is back playing now, having made his return two months ahead of schedule. Rodgers has already assured Lucas that he has a big part to play in his plans and the 25-year-old will be looking to continue his steady improvement. If he is still the same player he was before his injury, Lucas will seem like another new signing for the Reds.

Written by
Barney Corkhill