Whenever it seems like Liverpool are on the verge of making a giant step forward, something always seems to go wrong and the opposite ends up happening. Why is that? ALEX MILLER looks at how history seems to be repeating itself once again.
So here we are then: Mid-November and we are already out of the title race; on the verge of being eliminated from the Champions League and already out of the Carling Cup.
And make no mistake about it - we really are out of the title hunt. If anyone seriously thinks we can overturn the 11 point gap Chelsea have on us already, I have some advice for you: wake up, we won't.
Chelsea are scoring for fun. They are tight at the back and nicking 3 points in games even when they are not playing that well (or when key players are injured or off form). The polar opposite of us in fact.
I don't like to constantly sound like my cup is half empty, but right now I am desperately struggling to find something positive to take from the season so far to make me believe we can turn things around.
This start to the season is nothing but a disgrace and all the excuses in the World can be made - but let's at least be honest, our situation is woeful.
The more frustrated I become with our form, the more I realise we have been in similar situations to this at least twice in the last decade, and it is increasingly like watching recent history repeat itself.
What is it with our beloved club?
Rewind a few years. We win the treble under Houllier in 2001. We are back. This is the springboard for us to really become a major force again. But what happens? The manager proceeds to buy seriously inadequate players, prompting the team to slide backwards rather than propel us forwards. Example: El Hadji Diouf rather than permanently signing Nicolas Anelka.
On to 2005. Under Rafa we win the Champions League with a team that had no right to win the trophy. Again, we believe we have found the launch pad to bring us back to where we want to be.
But what happens? We get dragged into a needless and drawn-out saga about whether or not Stevie Gerrard is going to leave us for Chelsea. In his book Gerrard admits he would have signed a new contract immediately after the match, but the club allowed the situation to develop by failing to act quickly enough.
This summer, having just enjoyed our best ever Premiership campaign, we have managed to go backwards again, just as we were primed to finally make that final step. We were so close to winning the title last season, we could almost touch it. One more push, a couple of decent signings in the summer and number 19 could have been ours this season.
Instead, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sami Hyypia - three crucial players - leave the club for a variety of reasons. At the same time, a number of players who simply don't appear good enough to play for the club, all remain.
I'm sorry to say it about Liverpool players as I want to support them all, but how is it that the likes of Degen, Babel, Voronin, Lucas and maybe even Riera are still at the club? Is it simply a case that nobody else wants them (certainly not badly enough).
It could be argued that the replacements for Alonso, Arbeloa and Hyypia have failed so far. Alberto Aquilani is coming back to fitness and looks a good player, but why did we sign a player who was injured? Our season is over before he can even play 45 minutes for us.
As for Glen Johnson, he looks like the decent player we thought he was, but shouldn't he play right midfield? We look far weaker defensively with him in the team at right back. As for Krygiakos, what can I say? He is a pale imitation of our legendary Finn.
So here we are again, sliding backwards just when I thought we were on the verge of making that final step.
Just when will our great club stop shooting itself in the foot at crucial times?
Alex Miller
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So here we are then: Mid-November and we are already out of the title race; on the verge of being eliminated from the Champions League and already out of the Carling Cup.
And make no mistake about it - we really are out of the title hunt. If anyone seriously thinks we can overturn the 11 point gap Chelsea have on us already, I have some advice for you: wake up, we won't.
Chelsea are scoring for fun. They are tight at the back and nicking 3 points in games even when they are not playing that well (or when key players are injured or off form). The polar opposite of us in fact.
I don't like to constantly sound like my cup is half empty, but right now I am desperately struggling to find something positive to take from the season so far to make me believe we can turn things around.
This start to the season is nothing but a disgrace and all the excuses in the World can be made - but let's at least be honest, our situation is woeful.
The more frustrated I become with our form, the more I realise we have been in similar situations to this at least twice in the last decade, and it is increasingly like watching recent history repeat itself.
What is it with our beloved club?
Rewind a few years. We win the treble under Houllier in 2001. We are back. This is the springboard for us to really become a major force again. But what happens? The manager proceeds to buy seriously inadequate players, prompting the team to slide backwards rather than propel us forwards. Example: El Hadji Diouf rather than permanently signing Nicolas Anelka.
On to 2005. Under Rafa we win the Champions League with a team that had no right to win the trophy. Again, we believe we have found the launch pad to bring us back to where we want to be.
But what happens? We get dragged into a needless and drawn-out saga about whether or not Stevie Gerrard is going to leave us for Chelsea. In his book Gerrard admits he would have signed a new contract immediately after the match, but the club allowed the situation to develop by failing to act quickly enough.
This summer, having just enjoyed our best ever Premiership campaign, we have managed to go backwards again, just as we were primed to finally make that final step. We were so close to winning the title last season, we could almost touch it. One more push, a couple of decent signings in the summer and number 19 could have been ours this season.
Instead, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sami Hyypia - three crucial players - leave the club for a variety of reasons. At the same time, a number of players who simply don't appear good enough to play for the club, all remain.
I'm sorry to say it about Liverpool players as I want to support them all, but how is it that the likes of Degen, Babel, Voronin, Lucas and maybe even Riera are still at the club? Is it simply a case that nobody else wants them (certainly not badly enough).
It could be argued that the replacements for Alonso, Arbeloa and Hyypia have failed so far. Alberto Aquilani is coming back to fitness and looks a good player, but why did we sign a player who was injured? Our season is over before he can even play 45 minutes for us.
As for Glen Johnson, he looks like the decent player we thought he was, but shouldn't he play right midfield? We look far weaker defensively with him in the team at right back. As for Krygiakos, what can I say? He is a pale imitation of our legendary Finn.
So here we are again, sliding backwards just when I thought we were on the verge of making that final step.
Just when will our great club stop shooting itself in the foot at crucial times?
Alex Miller
----
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Hi Alex. As far as Houllier goes you seem to have omitted his absence through illness, following which he never appeared to me to be the same Manager. Although I would agree that some of his signings were 'dodgy' to say the least.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure the same criticism can be rasied at Rafa. His transfer dealings have been predominantly good in my opinion. Lucas and Riera should not be in your list as far as I'm concerned. Lucas is still only 22 and appears to be maturing into his role. He was MOTM IMO against United and has played well in other games this season. Riera's form is off this season (although it appeared to be getting better until the injury) but he was one of our better players last season.
In relation to Aquilani when he was bought we had a fit squad and could have waited for his return to fitness. No one was to know that our squad would be decimated injury wise and players would dip in form. Even our most prized possessions including Carragher and to some extent Gerrard.
It is frustrating and I agree that the league looks unlikely at the moment but we need to keep believing at the moment. Worst case scenario we must get players back from injury and onto the pitch and have a solid end to the season to set ourselves up for 2010/11. Frustrating I know, but realistic!
Alex, this is a very good point and I see the comparison's except the Stevie G thing. However, one the one thing that is constant, the owners dont believe in the boss to give him the cash needed to buy that special player. We always end up with the second best rather than the best, albeit because they increase the fee by 1M or they dont believe the player will make that big enough contribution to pay that amount of money for him. The latest example is Gareth Barry. Worth 18M?, but we could do with him now! Villa and Silva, are they worth the 20M to 30M being touted? but how much could they have brought to the team ? just one even!!!
ReplyDeleteIts all down to trust and the owners dont trust Rafa.
Oh God, I have to stop reading posts like this. It's bad for my health.
ReplyDeleteAlonso had made up his mind he was going, there was no way we could keep him. He was a shadow of what he was when Benitez looked to replace him and it gave him the kick up the arse he needed to go on and have his best ever season.
<span>Arbeloa wouldn't sign a new contract and wanted a return to Spain.</span>
Hyypia, so now players can't retire I take it?
Lucas, even all the Lucas-bashers on various boards have started to achknowledge that he is playing well. He is starting to become the player we were led to believe.
Riera give an extra option to our play, one of the few who will hug the touchline and whip a ball as well as being able to come inside and take a shot.
Johnson, is ok defensively when he is back to defend. We have 2 holding midfielders and 2 fullbacks who push on to attack.He is out of position according to our tactics
Deegan, injury-hell. He seems solid enough as a backup if he can keep fit. But that's what he is, a backup. Not all players are first-choice
Babel, infuriating. What a wonderful goal against Lyon and then he follows it up with the crazy freekick, a real cameo of his general play for LFC. He will propably flurish at another club if he does move once they amputate his big toe and he develops a better first touch.
Vorinin, a 4th choice striker who was free. Seems to get lost when playing for LFC yet can score rakes of golas last season on loan. just a 4th choice and always will be
<span>Krygiakos a 4th choice central defender who was never a replacement fo Hyypia. We already have that in Skertel and Agger. He's 4th choice backup
</span>
Lucas is a squad player at best; Kuyt has returned to looking like a mid table grafter; the defence has fallen apart conceding all the time and Rafa needs to have his brain transplanted if he thought Ngog, Voronin and Babel were going to be adequate replacements if Torres was injured or tired.
ReplyDeleteExcuses are so prevalent nowadays at Anfield the term 'knee-jerk' is still being used despite 1 win in 9 games. It's become tragically comical; but what is certain is Rafa is in his 6th season, has won nothing for the last 3 and is unlikely to win anything again this season the way it's going. At any other club of Liverpool's world stature he would be axed in the summer. The demise of a great club is not just about not winning; but the acceptance of failure and the endless excuses to condone that acceptance.
Phil Scolari must wish he had got the Anfield job instead of Chelsea.
Are you suggesting that we are progressing if we keep players like Arbeloa and Hyypia. As good as Hyypia was for us he is not the future...he is at the end of his career? Arbeloa..he is not in the same league as Johnson. As for Johnson as a right winger...how many wingers do we have these days in the modern game....I think the game and tactics has moved on. Regarding the players we still have....Degen was brought in to do the role Johnson now does (he cost us nothing to sign and I believe was taken on as a calculated gamble at the time (given the competing priorities for funds)...I would argue Voronin falls into the same kind of category, Babel has been a flop but I would suggest that there were several big teams who rated him and were chasing him at the time ....I could name other 'talented youngsters' that have failed to deliver for other big clubs...sometimes they develop into the real deal, sometimes they don't.
ReplyDeleteWith regards to Aquilani...again the decision is driven by funds...who would you have bought for the same money that would have made the difference this season so far. I think the guy will come good...but like most things in life you get what you pay for ...if you want a ready made world class player to step into the breach and perform then I think you need to be prepared to fork out lot more than we have available to us...and Benitez doesn't seem to have been given the money he got for Alonso to replace him..does he?
There is only 1 team that can win a trophy or league in any one season and to be that one team you have to compete on all fronts with the opposing teams....over a prolonged period of time the only teams that will be successful at the top level for a sustained period of time are those that spend big money...until something changes in the sport we all love I don't think this is about to change.
Every situation is relative to the events that precede it. It's ridiculous to compare three different events with each other. As far as the last event goes, only Hyypia wanted to stay( and he would have been 4th choice...would have been pretty clairvoyant to know that Agger would have been injured, no? ), the other two didn't. 'The greek' was signed cos there's no money, incase u didnt notice. N for the same reason, we cant 'quality' replacements....cos there's no money! As far as Aquilani goes, He was bought for 20m cos he was injured!! Else his value would have been inflated...as like every one else.. So stop slagging and support the team, instead of slagging Rafa
ReplyDeleteTime for Benitez to be sack. Need to do it NOW !
ReplyDeleteBout time somebody talked some sence :)
ReplyDeleteWell said... I agree with all of the above from Ronan.
ReplyDeleteFor all you fickle muppets who are slating Benitez take note.
ReplyDeleteDid Rafa ever want Robbie Keane? 20M wasted by Parry.
Rafa Wanted Alves for 20M but he needed to strenghthen the squad so he has to buy muppets like Pennant & Bellend. He was close last season to getting a top 11 side together. Now forced changes have been made look at season 2007/2008 Alonso was gash thats why he went for Barry. Alonso then had his best ever season but wanted to go to Madrid.
Mascherano does not want to play for us anymore after Rafa saved his playing carear in the prem & thats the thanks he gets. Benetez could not provide 1st team action for hyppia so he wanted to go.
It's not Benitez who needs to be looked at but Moores & Parry who sold us out to the highest bidder instaed of doing right by the club & selling us to DIC. There is new investment on the way let Benitez buy who he wants then get behind him & judge him then. He is the BEST PREMIERSHIM MANAGER LFC has ever had so next time your on the KOP singing ISTANBUL songs JUST REMEMBER.
The filth have lost Ronaldo & look how they are performing this season we have lost 2 world class players through injury & 2 very good players through injury then just think what might be. ( Torres/Gerrard) ( Riera/Johnston ).
For all you fickle muppets who are slating Benitez take note.
ReplyDeleteDid Rafa ever want Robbie Keane? 20M wasted by Parry.
Rafa Wanted Alves for 20M but he needed to strenghthen the squad so he has to buy muppets like Pennant & Bellend. He was close last season to getting a top 11 side together. Now forced changes have been made look at season 2007/2008 Alonso was gash thats why he went for Barry. Alonso then had his best ever season but wanted to go to Madrid.
Mascherano does not want to play for us anymore after Rafa saved his playing carear in the prem & thats the thanks he gets. Benetez could not provide 1st team action for hyppia so he wanted to go.
It's not Benitez who needs to be looked at but Moores & Parry who sold us out to the highest bidder instaed of doing right by the club & selling us to DIC. There is new investment on the way let Benitez buy who he wants then get behind him & judge him then. He is the BEST PREMIERSHIM MANAGER LFC has ever had so next time your on the KOP singing ISTANBUL songs JUST REMEMBER.
The filth have lost Ronaldo & look how they are performing this season we have lost 2 world class players through injury & 2 very good players through injury then just think what might be. ( Torres/Gerrard) ( Riera/Johnston ).
For all you fickle muppets who are slating Benitez take note.
ReplyDeleteDid Rafa ever want Robbie Keane? 20M wasted by Parry.
Rafa Wanted Alves for 20M but he needed to strenghthen the squad so he has to buy muppets like Pennant & Bellend. He was close last season to getting a top 11 side together. Now forced changes have been made look at season 2007/2008 Alonso was gash thats why he went for Barry. Alonso then had his best ever season but wanted to go to Madrid.
Mascherano does not want to play for us anymore after Rafa saved his playing carear in the prem & thats the thanks he gets. Benetez could not provide 1st team action for hyppia so he wanted to go.
It's not Benitez who needs to be looked at but Moores & Parry who sold us out to the highest bidder instaed of doing right by the club & selling us to DIC. There is new investment on the way let Benitez buy who he wants then get behind him & judge him then. He is the BEST PREMIERSHIM MANAGER LFC has ever had so next time your on the KOP singing ISTANBUL songs JUST REMEMBER.
The filth have lost Ronaldo & look how they are performing this season we have lost 2 world class players through injury & 2 very good players through injury then just think what might be. ( Torres/Gerrard) ( Riera/Johnston ).
For all you fickle muppets who are slating Benitez take note.
ReplyDeleteDid Rafa ever want Robbie Keane? 20M wasted by Parry.
Rafa Wanted Alves for 20M but he needed to strenghthen the squad so he has to buy muppets like Pennant & Bellend. He was close last season to getting a top 11 side together. Now forced changes have been made look at season 2007/2008 Alonso was gash thats why he went for Barry. Alonso then had his best ever season but wanted to go to Madrid.
Mascherano does not want to play for us anymore after Rafa saved his playing carear in the prem & thats the thanks he gets. Benetez could not provide 1st team action for hyppia so he wanted to go.
It's not Benitez who needs to be looked at but Moores & Parry who sold us out to the highest bidder instaed of doing right by the club & selling us to DIC. There is new investment on the way let Benitez buy who he wants then get behind him & judge him then. He is the BEST PREMIERSHIM MANAGER LFC has ever had so next time your on the KOP singing ISTANBUL songs JUST REMEMBER.
The filth have lost Ronaldo & look how they are performing this season we have lost 2 world class players through injury & 2 very good players through injury then just think what might be. ( Torres/Gerrard) ( Riera/Johnson ).
For all you fickle muppets who are slating Benitez take note.
ReplyDeleteDid Rafa ever want Robbie Keane? 20M wasted by Parry.
Rafa Wanted Alves for 20M but he needed to strenghthen the squad so he has to buy muppets like Pennant & Bellend. He was close last season to getting a top 11 side together. Now forced changes have been made look at season 2007/2008 Alonso was gash thats why he went for Barry. Alonso then had his best ever season but wanted to go to Madrid.
Mascherano does not want to play for us anymore after Rafa saved his playing carear in the prem & thats the thanks he gets. Benetez could not provide 1st team action for hyppia so he wanted to go.
It's not Benitez who needs to be looked at but Moores & Parry who sold us out to the highest bidder instaed of doing right by the club & selling us to DIC. There is new investment on the way let Benitez buy who he wants then get behind him & judge him then. He is the BEST PREMIERSHIM MANAGER LFC has ever had so next time your on the KOP singing ISTANBUL songs JUST REMEMBER.
The filth have lost Ronaldo & look how they are performing this season we have lost 2 world class players through injury & 2 very good players through injury then just think what might be. ( Torres/Gerrard) ( Riera/Johnson ).
For all you fickle muppets who are slating Benitez take note.
ReplyDeleteDid Rafa ever want Robbie Keane? 20M wasted by Parry.
Rafa Wanted Alves for 20M but he needed to strenghthen the squad so he has to buy muppets like Pennant & Bellend. He was close last season to getting a top 11 side together. Now forced changes have been made look at season 2007/2008 Alonso was gash thats why he went for Barry. Alonso then had his best ever season but wanted to go to Madrid.
Mascherano does not want to play for us anymore after Rafa saved his playing carear in the prem & thats the thanks he gets. Benetez could not provide 1st team action for hyppia so he wanted to go.
It's not Benitez who needs to be looked at but Moores & Parry who sold us out to the highest bidder instaed of doing right by the club & selling us to DIC. There is new investment on the way let Benitez buy who he wants then get behind him & judge him then. He is the BEST PREMIERSHIM MANAGER LFC has ever had so next time your on the KOP singing ISTANBUL songs JUST REMEMBER.
The filth have lost Ronaldo & look how they are performing this season we have lost 2 world class players through injury & 2 very good players through injury then just think what might be. ( Torres/Gerrard) ( Riera/Johnson ).
If (a big if admittedly) we were to go on to win the Europa league cup thingy and the FA cup. Would you still go on about it being a bad season? (Particularly if no other English club won in Europe)
ReplyDeleteThis is not an impossible prospect, though difficult to imagine at present.
How come Wenger gets 5 years of building a squad without question? During which time they only qualified for Champions League at the last minute on occasion.
Liverpool are at the same place Arsenal were a couple of years ago, but I believe that we have a better team than they did in their time of "crisis". Look at them now.
Everyone keeps saying "I've been let down by this club too often to think it can move forward" Well then, you're used to it. Shut up and see what happens. We really are better off than we were a few years back.
I'm not willing to write the whole season off just yet.
The blame lies with the "In Rafa we love" morons, who are blind to actually how shit we really are, and whos fault it is....ie BENITEZ's FAULT!, Hicks and Gillete arent signing shite players and picking the team!!!.
ReplyDeletewhat LFC needs is manager with ambitions,reliable owners and not over loyal fans.People will says LFC is improving but we have a boss with no wininig mentality.Rafa should be told there is no price for finishing second and he should stop defending crap players at every press conference
ReplyDeleteOh god, not another person espousing the cliche that Benitez didn't want Keane! He did want Keane. Before and after the signing he was on record countless times (press conferences, interviews etc( stating that he wanted Keane and WHY he wanted Keane.I've outlined the evidence that Benitez wanted Keane here: http://www.liverpool-kop.com/2009/07/debunking-liverpool-fc-myths-no-1-rick.html
ReplyDeleteWhere is your evidence that it was Parry's decision?
Everyone knows Rafa is special,i suspect the writer of this article is a Manscum fan and he knows the best chance 4 us at liverpool is keeping Rafa,that is why the whole world except 4 true liverpool fans are asking for his head... Read Paul TOMKINS and educate yourself. YOU DONT HAVE TOTRY BEING CONTROVERSIAL TO LOOK INTELLIGENT....
ReplyDeleteJust watch LFC let Rafa loose with the Cheque book again in January! more millions wasted on SHIT players!.
ReplyDeleteWhy do people keep making a comparison between Wenger and Benitez? It's ridiculous, and the reason Wenger is given time is clear:
ReplyDeleteHE HAS WON THREE PREMIERSHIP TITLES
Wenger has EARNED the right to be given time to build a team. He has proved that he can build a prem winning team. Benitez has not.
If Benitez had won three titles in the past, then he would be given a lot more leeway by the fans to win the title.
I have to say i am a huge Rafa supporter first and foremost. But i have to agree with large parts of this article, although i would firts like to point out that after our trebble winning season we followed that up with arguable our most impressive season under Houllier when we finished 2nd and were in the title race until a defeat away at Spurs i think it was? it was asfter that season that Houllier made his misytakes with Diao/Diouf which eventually sent us backwards.
ReplyDeleteBut anyway, we cannot doubt that we have gone backwards this year and the title is almost certainly out of the questions now and with CL elimination imminent, it cannot help but viewed as a distaterous season.
I do hope that we stick with rafa however, back him in Jan and then again next summer and hopefully return tot he sort of promise we showed last season.
There are players who need to be moved on which could raise some funds (Babel, Voronin, Dossena), plus hopefully some other investments and then we should look toa dd ot the squad. An experienced CM in the mould of Christian Poulsen i think would be a good cheap signing to help out. Certainly a new Striker/forward is needed to compete with Torres and probably a wide player if Babel were to leave. I can very much see us signing Juan Mata from Valencia int he summer but whether others follow im not so sure. Van der Vaart on loan in Jan would be another good move i think. i would like 1/2 in this Jan and then another 2/3 in the Summer!
Unfortunately, baring a good cup run, my focus is alreday on the World Cup and swason 2010/11!
Let's tell all premiership managers that there's no prize for finishing second. 19 of them can all rotate every year!
ReplyDeleteWE have won nothing since Rafa grew a goatee. stop with this 'out with the yanks' leave off Lucas and Voronin, give Torres and Gerrard the year off. but FFS lets get Rafa to shave off the stupid goatee, clearly its the only thing stopping us from winning number 19 this year. I guarantee the game after he shaves it off we win!!
ReplyDeleteGood article which can be summed up by adding that we seem to have people (Houllier and now Benitez) who are so self-obsessed they can't do the sensible thing.
ReplyDeleteHypypia is playing like a young god for Leverkusen, who top the league in Germany...
ReplyDeleteYes Rafa is the best
ReplyDeleteIn Rafa all other clubs trust!
Liverpool should buy Patrick Vieira,
ReplyDeleteTwo of which were won before the money of Chelsea (and Benitez)arrived so it is not really a fair comparison. As the rules of the game have changed a bit.
ReplyDeleteOk, so apart from Wenger, Ferguson, Dalglish and Mourinho which manager capable of building a Premiership winning side would you bring in?
With such tight funds, how is raga gonna buy good players? You guys keep saying players like Lucas and riera is not good enough to be a red. Ever consider the contribution those players give? Being off form is the trend now on Liverpool. Even torres gerrard and carra can have a few bad games or even fade into the background, so why can't the others? Firing rafa will make things worse.. He is not to blame for anything. It's not his choice that the squad depth is so thin. And with the injuries list so long, why can he do? Perform a miracle? Pls.. Grow up. Be a true red Liverpool fan and get behind them now. Not the right time to point fingers.
ReplyDeleteThere's always an excuse, isn't there?! Just because Chelsea had more money before Arsenal won two of their titles does not devalue the achievement. Man U have won 3 titles since Chelsea had all their money. What excuse are you going to come up with for that one?!
ReplyDeleteChelsea fan here.. First time here.. A different kinda blog really to all the other sites.. Anyways, I think Pavlyuchenko would be an excellent addition to u guys in Jan.. He is desperate for a move frm Spurs for regular 1st team action.. How abt a 6 month loan with an option of signing him permanently if he works out?? Liverpool could finally play with 2 up front.. Roman n Nando would be a perfect partnership.. And a half decent midfielder fr cover.. Poulsen as sum1 suggested is a good option.. likewise defour who is nt enjoying his best season mite come a bit cheaper now.. Or hw abt Sol as a backup defender.. he cant be worse than dat greek guy.. can he??
ReplyDeleteAs for Rafa, i think he should be given time till the end of season.. if u guys go out of top 4 then think abt sackin him or else stick wd him.. changin managers like us is d last thing u guys should get into unless of course u can get Guus in ;)
Erm, Man United have been one of the most lucrative brands in football for nigh on 20 years? (You may notice that any official products of theirs have a little (R) on them now)
ReplyDeleteThey are able to throw money away on expensive flops like Veron, Nani, Carrick and Berbatov without affecting performance particularly.
Plus, they have had a solid base of youth players from a few years back (you may have heard of them, I believe they did quite well) that they were (and still are to some extent) able to fall back on.
They are the most successful plc in the history of football. Liverpool are still the most successful club ;)
I'm not saying that Rafa is the definite answer but lay off him for a bit. See where we are at the end of the season.
He now has things the way he wants them. It either works or it doesn't. But then he has no further excuses but his own failings and no-one can wonder what might have been if (when?) he gets prematurely ejected. And, who knows? If it does work out I'm pretty sure all of you lot will celebrate as much as the others.
I meant English football, not the World before anyone gets pedantic.
ReplyDeleteThe German league is much slower so it was a sensible move for Hyppia, but he wanted a move because he wanted to play regularly.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I agree with Alex is that it seems like history is repeating it self. However it would be ridiculous to let the manager go. That would be a sure way to put the club in turmoil for years. 11 points from the leadars who are going to be the team to beat for the title. But who is to say that they won't slip up. It has happened before. Remember Newcastle a few years back.
ReplyDeletelucas has been one of our best players this season. had a blinder against united. has only had poor games when the entire team has been poor too. good player and will develop into a key player for liverpool.
ReplyDelete<p><span>I hope I am not presuming too much when I say that for the majority of Liverpool fans the priority for this year is winning the premiership. Yes we obviously want to win everything we possibly can but getting number 19 will be the thing that is closest to many of our hearts.</span>
ReplyDelete</p><p><span>If that assumption is right than I think it is premature, less than a third of the way into the season, to assume that all is lost and to start making correlations with history. I am in no way suggesting that we will win the league this year and that what we are going through is simply a blip from which we will rise. I simply don’t know. I assume no one does at this stage. I think that we need to reflect on this year when we are at the end of it or at least substantially through it. There are many hours of football to be played and the season may still offer surprises. We above all else must have learnt one lesson from history (recent history of Istanbul) that<span> </span>changes of fortune can happen relatively quickly. If that’s not convincing <span> </span>go back a few more years to 1995/96 when Newcastle were some 12 points ahead <span> </span>and the infamous Kevin Keegan “love it” rant and how Man Utd caught up and won the title. Or how about 6 years before that with the infamous Michael Thomas goal at Anfield in the dying moments which took the league title away from us when we had been so comfortable throughout the season? </span>
</p><p><span>Its true that occasionally history repeats itself and that we should attempt to learn from the past. But we should be cautious about assuming history provides an unblemished, full and unbiased record of the past which offers a direct thread to the present or the future. History is created by the historian.<span> </span>Historians pluck out specific examples from history to support a particular view, hypothesis or prejudice. <span> </span>Some historians actually do some rigorous analysis. Others don’t.</span></p>
<p><span>I hope I am not presuming too much when I say that for the majority of Liverpool fans the priority for this year is winning the premiership. Yes we obviously want to win everything we possibly can but getting number 19 will be the thing that is closest to many of our hearts.</span>
ReplyDelete</p><p><span>If that assumption is right than I think it is premature, less than a third of the way into the season, to assume that all is lost and to start making correlations with history. I am in no way suggesting that we will win the league this year and that what we are going through is simply a blip from which we will rise. I simply don’t know. I assume no one does at this stage. I think that we need to reflect on this year when we are at the end of it or at least substantially through it. There are many hours of football to be played and the season may still offer surprises. We above all else must have learnt one lesson from history (recent history of Istanbul) that<span> </span>changes of fortune can happen relatively quickly. If that’s not convincing <span> </span>go back a few more years to 1995/96 when Newcastle were some 12 points ahead <span> </span>and the infamous Kevin Keegan “love it” rant and how Man Utd caught up and won the title. Or how about 6 years before that with the infamous Michael Thomas goal at Anfield in the dying moments which took the league title away from us when we had been so comfortable throughout the season? </span>
</p><p><span>Its true that occasionally history repeats itself and that we should attempt to learn from the past. But we should be cautious about assuming history provides an unblemished, full and unbiased record of the past which offers a direct thread to the present or the future. History is created by the historian.<span> </span>Historians pluck out specific examples from history to support a particular view, hypothesis or prejudice. <span> </span>Some historians actually do some rigorous analysis. Others don’t.</span></p>
<p><span>I hope I am not presuming too much when I say that for the majority of Liverpool fans the priority for this year is winning the premiership. Yes we obviously want to win everything we possibly can but getting number 19 will be the thing that is closest to many of our hearts.</span>
ReplyDelete</p><p><span>If that assumption is right than I think it is premature, less than a third of the way into the season, to assume that all is lost and to start making correlations with history. I am in no way suggesting that we will win the league this year and that what we are going through is simply a blip from which we will rise. I simply don’t know. I assume no one does at this stage. I think that we need to reflect on this year when we are at the end of it or at least substantially through it. There are many hours of football to be played and the season may still offer surprises. We above all else must have learnt one lesson from history (recent history of Istanbul) that<span> </span>changes of fortune can happen relatively quickly. If that’s not convincing <span> </span>go back a few more years to 1995/96 when Newcastle were some 12 points ahead <span> </span>and the infamous Kevin Keegan “love it” rant and how Man Utd caught up and won the title. Or how about 6 years before that with the infamous Michael Thomas goal at Anfield in the dying moments which took the league title away from us when we had been so comfortable throughout the season? </span>
</p><p><span>Its true that occasionally history repeats itself and that we should attempt to learn from the past. But we should be cautious about assuming history provides an unblemished, full and unbiased record of the past which offers a direct thread to the present or the future. History is created by the historian.<span> </span>Historians pluck out specific examples from history to support a particular view, hypothesis or prejudice. <span> </span>Some historians actually do some rigorous analysis. Others don’t.</span></p>
It just shows how low standards have dropped at LFC that everybody's can become so enamoured with players like Lucas and Kuyt now...
ReplyDeletejust give up Jamie - as far as the Rafa faithful are concerned, whatever Rafa delivers is obviously a lot more than the club deserves.
ReplyDeleteFinally, a man who truly is bigger than the club (or so it would seem). And all it took was one major trophy! lol
Lucas is a young developing player who is improving and was IMO MOTM against United.
ReplyDeleteKuyt. Well lets look at last season where he played most of the season on the wing. In that position he scored 15 goals in 51 games so a 1 in 3.4 goals ratio. Let me give you the ratios for others playing in that position:
Malouda - 1 in 5.3
Giggs - 1 in 11.75
Don't get excited I know Giggs isn't in his prime so....
Giggs in his best season (93/94) 1 in 3.4
Nani 1 in 5.2
Who shall we get to replace him? Iniesta 1 in 9 or how about David Silva 1 in 6.3.
He does get beaten by Ronaldo 1 in 2 or Kaka 1 in 2.25 though (both world players of the year), anyone got a spare £80m?
Kuyt gets derided all the time and although he is not a scintillating player he consistently performs. Who do you want to replace him with? by the way his ratio so far this season 1 in 2.75.
less face facts, them same players who the writer says should not be at the club are the same players that that got us second in the league last season. the prblem this season is the likes of gerrad, carra, skertel, masch have not been in form. so if the back bone of the team are not performing what do you expect to happen.
ReplyDeleteadd to that the injury situation, any team would struggle. we do lack strength in depth but we also lacked the same last season and finished 2nd.
i think this season, the fact we didn't have to qualify for the champs league made us start really slow this year, where in previous years we had had a few competitive must win matches before the season is up and running this gets the players minds more focused. this year we started like we where still playing pre season games.
McDonaldtaf - Lucas is the same age as Babel, yet I don't see Babel getting a run of 12 games playing 90 minutes in the first team (much less one in the position where he says he feels most natural) to get comfortable and prove his worth, even after his starring role against Arsenal in the Champions League.
ReplyDeleteKuyt is a striker (not a great one) and it shows. As a winger, he does not retain possession with either runs or his passing, beat defenders, put quality deliveries into the box etc. So if he doesn't score, his consistent contribution to the team is, 'running around a lot'. Actually I'll give him credit for being able to beat fullbacks in the air.
He could easily be replaced with Gerrard (23 goals in 53 games the season he played from right midfield), who not only would produce a greater goal threat but also provides the other capabilities I listed above.
The first choice options in attacking midfield for the "3", in the absence of £80m or so would then be
Riera/Babel/Benayoun - Benayoun/Aquilani/Gerrard - Gerrard/Babel/Benayoun.
Kuyt and his 1 in 2.75 ratio should have to go back to competing on merit with Torres/Ngog/Babel up-front as far I'm concerned
btw - out of curiosity, would you seriously prefer Kuyt to a primetime Giggs on the wing??
the priority for the majority of fans, it seems, is whatever Rafa says it is. Unfortunately, he has become closest to a lot of fans' hearts.
ReplyDeleteHi Jay - let's be honest, there is a very good reason why Babel isn't getting a run of 12 games - he is magical at times yet has a consistency disability. The Lyon game showed this in all its glory. A superb goal followed by a free kick outside the area which goes for a throw in! I would love for Babel to deliver his potential but I really don't think it will happen at Liverpool.
ReplyDeleteIf Lucas shouldn't have to make way for Babel then Kuyt certainly shouldn't. Kuyt is doing a consistent job and scores goals while not being in his natural position. In relation to his natural position I am not sure he would be prolific in the Premiership as a striker but in his position he is contributing with goals and I can't agree with your assessment.
No I would take Giggs, if he was right footed :)
What really annoys me is the constant Lucas bashing despite his good performances of late. How you can say Lucas does not deserve to be in the first team looking at everyone else's performances around him really baffles me. Anyway, you know what they say about opinions.
ReplyDeleteWhy would Spurs send him on loan to a rival? They'd be mad to do that. And if he can't get in their team ahead of Crouch and Keane, he's not going to do a lot here. Rather stick with Ngog.
ReplyDeleteAnyway Rafa will never play 2 up front so he'll be stuck on the bench, which is why he wants to leave Spurs in the first place.
Sol is past it. Lucky to be a championship player nowadays, but then some might think the same of the greek!!
I would take him on a free.
ReplyDeleteWenger is questioned. He has shown he can win the league on a budget that fits his club's constraints. Benitez hasn't. Ergo he gets more time.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Jay totally. Kuyt could be a useful squad player but to make him first choice winger/right midfielder is crazy. He doesn't have the creativity or vision for that role whatever last season's goals record was. And if i had Torres and Gerrard up front i'd have a few assists too. What are his assists..crosses..shots that get deflected? Most of his goals are tap ins anyway. Very ordinary footballer and no amount of statistical rubbish can change that.
ReplyDeleteKuyt isn't a winger, he's a striker playing on the wing, doing a job and working hard. Use him as a squad option but he's basically been undroppable for 3 years which is ridiculous.
You can't judge him only on goals. What about all the goals we might score with a more creative and better player? Gerrard scored more than him from the right? Pires and Ljungberg consistently got 15-20 odd every season. He had 1 solitary year where he produced acceptable numbers..i notice your not using 2008's stats to back him up are you? He went a year without a league goal. 1 decent year does not a great player make.
ReplyDeleteHe's an ordinary player. Not one other top flight manager would give him the gametime Benitez does, which says it all about Rafa's footballing ideas.
Clearly you haven't seen Barry play this year. He's been very ordinary. Wouldn't make a lot of difference to us.
ReplyDeleteEven if he was great there's no guarantee he'd be good here under the demands of Benitez. This manager can make players play worse as well as better, that is undisputable.
I get bored of reading your stuff Jaimie as you're so negative towards Benitez it's untrue (and I'm not talking about Alex's article). You can churn out your "but look at my positive articles" comment as much as you want but it's clear you're not a Benitez fan, we get it, time to drop it eh?
ReplyDeleteAlex...
Lucas IMo has been our best player countless times this season including Man Utd, Stoke (Pullis actually said he was the best player on the pitch) and arguably Birmingham (granted Mascherano and Johnson were also brilliant).
He's never going to be a replacement for Alonso but he is starting to have confidence in his own ability and if you look at his statistics for the Birmingham game he's starting to play his game further into the oppositions half. His passing success rate this season is well over 90% and he regained posession several times in the Birmingham game in and around their penalty area resulting in increased pressure on the opposition.
Before people slate Lucas they ought to look at his ACTUAL contribution rather than what they perceive it to be, he's a much better player than he's given credit for.
As for the Alonso, Arbeloa & Hyypia comments...
Alonso wanted to return to Spain, he wanted a new challenge (his own words) and has been very complimentary when speaking with regards to Benitez in recent interviews, we made a £20m profit, what's the problem?
Arbeloa again wanted to return to Spain, contract running out, profit made.
Hyypia retired! He was offered a contract as player/coach (this is a fact) but because he thought he could still get 90 minutes week in week out elsewhere he left, fair play to him. He's been one of my favourite players over the years so I wish him all the best and hopefully he'll come back to us when he hangs up his boots, if you watch him last season it was clear he wasn't the player he once was, as a centreback once you lose any pace you've had to begin with you're finished in the topflight.
"As for Glen Johnson, he looks like the decent player we thought he was..."
DECENT?! Did you not watch the Birmingham game? When he's played he's been awesome, McLeish had to substitute McFadden before he got himself sent off as he just could not cope with Johnson. Don't buy into the hype that he's not a great defender because it's garbage, he's made some telling contributions at the back this season, the media churning out the rubbish about him not being able to defend has struck a chord with those that are easily led and impressionable - it's groupthink mentality.
Don't get me started on the Krygiakos debacle, the only reason he's here is because Rafa was not given the funds for Turner - FACT.
He was promised the proceeds from any players sold plus a further cash injecton following the sale of Keane back to Tottenham. He's not an idiot, do you really think he'd let a £20m striker leave if he thought he wouldn't be given the opportunity to replace him?!
Rafa wasn't given the funds for Turner (£4m plus add-ons) and so had to go shopping in the bargain bin, in truth if Agger and Skrtel had not had injury problems it's unlikely Krygiakos would have seen any playing time aside from the Carling Cup.
I get bored of reading your stuff Jaimie as you're so negative towards Benitez it's untrue (and I'm not talking about Alex's article). You can churn out your "but look at my positive articles" comment as much as you want but it's clear you're not a Benitez fan, we get it, time to drop it eh?
ReplyDeleteAlex...
Lucas IMo has been our best player countless times this season including Man Utd, Stoke (Pullis actually said he was the best player on the pitch) and arguably Birmingham (granted Mascherano and Johnson were also brilliant).
He's never going to be a replacement for Alonso but he is starting to have confidence in his own ability and if you look at his statistics for the Birmingham game he's starting to play his game further into the oppositions half. His passing success rate this season is well over 90% and he regained posession several times in the Birmingham game in and around their penalty area resulting in increased pressure on the opposition.
Before people slate Lucas they ought to look at his ACTUAL contribution rather than what they perceive it to be, he's a much better player than he's given credit for.
As for the Alonso, Arbeloa & Hyypia comments...
Alonso wanted to return to Spain, he wanted a new challenge (his own words) and has been very complimentary when speaking with regards to Benitez in recent interviews, we made a £20m profit, what's the problem?
Arbeloa again wanted to return to Spain, contract running out, profit made.
Hyypia retired! He was offered a contract as player/coach (this is a fact) but because he thought he could still get 90 minutes week in week out elsewhere he left, fair play to him. He's been one of my favourite players over the years so I wish him all the best and hopefully he'll come back to us when he hangs up his boots, if you watch him last season it was clear he wasn't the player he once was, as a centreback once you lose any pace you've had to begin with you're finished in the topflight.
"As for Glen Johnson, he looks like the decent player we thought he was..."
DECENT?! Did you not watch the Birmingham game? When he's played he's been awesome, McLeish had to substitute McFadden before he got himself sent off as he just could not cope with Johnson. Don't buy into the hype that he's not a great defender because it's garbage, he's made some telling contributions at the back this season, the media churning out the rubbish about him not being able to defend has struck a chord with those that are easily led and impressionable - it's groupthink mentality.
Don't get me started on the Krygiakos debacle, the only reason he's here is because Rafa was not given the funds for Turner - FACT.
He was promised the proceeds from any players sold plus a further cash injecton following the sale of Keane back to Tottenham. He's not an idiot, do you really think he'd let a £20m striker leave if he thought he wouldn't be given the opportunity to replace him?!
Rafa wasn't given the funds for Turner (£4m plus add-ons) and so had to go shopping in the bargain bin, in truth if Agger and Skrtel had not had injury problems it's unlikely Krygiakos would have seen any playing time aside from the Carling Cup.
I get bored of reading your stuff Jaimie as you're so negative towards Benitez it's untrue (and I'm not talking about Alex's article). You can churn out your "but look at my positive articles" comment as much as you want but it's clear you're not a Benitez fan, we get it, time to drop it eh?
ReplyDeleteAlex...
Lucas IMo has been our best player countless times this season including Man Utd, Stoke (Pullis actually said he was the best player on the pitch) and arguably Birmingham (granted Mascherano and Johnson were also brilliant).
He's never going to be a replacement for Alonso but he is starting to have confidence in his own ability and if you look at his statistics for the Birmingham game he's starting to play his game further into the oppositions half. His passing success rate this season is well over 90% and he regained posession several times in the Birmingham game in and around their penalty area resulting in increased pressure on the opposition.
Before people slate Lucas they ought to look at his ACTUAL contribution rather than what they perceive it to be, he's a much better player than he's given credit for.
As for the Alonso, Arbeloa & Hyypia comments...
Alonso wanted to return to Spain, he wanted a new challenge (his own words) and has been very complimentary when speaking with regards to Benitez in recent interviews, we made a £20m profit, what's the problem?
Arbeloa again wanted to return to Spain, contract running out, profit made.
Hyypia retired! He was offered a contract as player/coach (this is a fact) but because he thought he could still get 90 minutes week in week out elsewhere he left, fair play to him. He's been one of my favourite players over the years so I wish him all the best and hopefully he'll come back to us when he hangs up his boots, if you watch him last season it was clear he wasn't the player he once was, as a centreback once you lose any pace you've had to begin with you're finished in the topflight.
"As for Glen Johnson, he looks like the decent player we thought he was..."
DECENT?! Did you not watch the Birmingham game? When he's played he's been awesome, McLeish had to substitute McFadden before he got himself sent off as he just could not cope with Johnson. Don't buy into the hype that he's not a great defender because it's garbage, he's made some telling contributions at the back this season, the media churning out the rubbish about him not being able to defend has struck a chord with those that are easily led and impressionable - it's groupthink mentality.
Don't get me started on the Krygiakos debacle, the only reason he's here is because Rafa was not given the funds for Turner - FACT.
He was promised the proceeds from any players sold plus a further cash injecton following the sale of Keane back to Tottenham. He's not an idiot, do you really think he'd let a £20m striker leave if he thought he wouldn't be given the opportunity to replace him?!
Rafa wasn't given the funds for Turner (£4m plus add-ons) and so had to go shopping in the bargain bin, in truth if Agger and Skrtel had not had injury problems it's unlikely Krygiakos would have seen any playing time aside from the Carling Cup.
I get bored of reading your stuff Jaimie as you're so negative towards Benitez it's untrue (and I'm not talking about Alex's article). You can churn out your "but look at my positive articles" comment as much as you want but it's clear you're not a Benitez fan, we get it, time to drop it eh?
ReplyDeleteAlex...
Lucas IMo has been our best player countless times this season including Man Utd, Stoke (Pullis actually said he was the best player on the pitch) and arguably Birmingham (granted Mascherano and Johnson were also brilliant).
He's never going to be a replacement for Alonso but he is starting to have confidence in his own ability and if you look at his statistics for the Birmingham game he's starting to play his game further into the oppositions half. His passing success rate this season is well over 90% and he regained posession several times in the Birmingham game in and around their penalty area resulting in increased pressure on the opposition.
Before people slate Lucas they ought to look at his ACTUAL contribution rather than what they perceive it to be, he's a much better player than he's given credit for.
As for the Alonso, Arbeloa & Hyypia comments...
Alonso wanted to return to Spain, he wanted a new challenge (his own words) and has been very complimentary when speaking with regards to Benitez in recent interviews, we made a £20m profit, what's the problem?
Arbeloa again wanted to return to Spain, contract running out, profit made.
Hyypia retired! He was offered a contract as player/coach (this is a fact) but because he thought he could still get 90 minutes week in week out elsewhere he left, fair play to him. He's been one of my favourite players over the years so I wish him all the best and hopefully he'll come back to us when he hangs up his boots, if you watch him last season it was clear he wasn't the player he once was, as a centreback once you lose any pace you've had to begin with you're finished in the topflight.
"As for Glen Johnson, he looks like the decent player we thought he was..."
DECENT?! Did you not watch the Birmingham game? When he's played he's been awesome, McLeish had to substitute McFadden before he got himself sent off as he just could not cope with Johnson. Don't buy into the hype that he's not a great defender because it's garbage, he's made some telling contributions at the back this season, the media churning out the rubbish about him not being able to defend has struck a chord with those that are easily led and impressionable - it's groupthink mentality.
Don't get me started on the Krygiakos debacle, the only reason he's here is because Rafa was not given the funds for Turner - FACT.
He was promised the proceeds from any players sold plus a further cash injecton following the sale of Keane back to Tottenham. He's not an idiot, do you really think he'd let a £20m striker leave if he thought he wouldn't be given the opportunity to replace him?!
Rafa wasn't given the funds for Turner (£4m plus add-ons) and so had to go shopping in the bargain bin, in truth if Agger and Skrtel had not had injury problems it's unlikely Krygiakos would have seen any playing time aside from the Carling Cup.
I get bored of reading your stuff Jaimie as you're so negative towards Benitez it's untrue (and I'm not talking about Alex's article). You can churn out your "but look at my positive articles" comment as much as you want but it's clear you're not a Benitez fan, we get it, time to drop it eh?
ReplyDeleteAlex...
Lucas IMo has been our best player countless times this season including Man Utd, Stoke (Pullis actually said he was the best player on the pitch) and arguably Birmingham (granted Mascherano and Johnson were also brilliant).
He's never going to be a replacement for Alonso but he is starting to have confidence in his own ability and if you look at his statistics for the Birmingham game he's starting to play his game further into the oppositions half. His passing success rate this season is well over 90% and he regained posession several times in the Birmingham game in and around their penalty area resulting in increased pressure on the opposition.
Before people slate Lucas they ought to look at his ACTUAL contribution rather than what they perceive it to be, he's a much better player than he's given credit for.
As for the Alonso, Arbeloa & Hyypia comments...
Alonso wanted to return to Spain, he wanted a new challenge (his own words) and has been very complimentary when speaking with regards to Benitez in recent interviews, we made a £20m profit, what's the problem?
Arbeloa again wanted to return to Spain, contract running out, profit made.
Hyypia retired! He was offered a contract as player/coach (this is a fact) but because he thought he could still get 90 minutes week in week out elsewhere he left, fair play to him. He's been one of my favourite players over the years so I wish him all the best and hopefully he'll come back to us when he hangs up his boots, if you watch him last season it was clear he wasn't the player he once was, as a centreback once you lose any pace you've had to begin with you're finished in the topflight.
"As for Glen Johnson, he looks like the decent player we thought he was..."
DECENT?! Did you not watch the Birmingham game? When he's played he's been awesome, McLeish had to substitute McFadden before he got himself sent off as he just could not cope with Johnson. Don't buy into the hype that he's not a great defender because it's garbage, he's made some telling contributions at the back this season, the media churning out the rubbish about him not being able to defend has struck a chord with those that are easily led and impressionable - it's groupthink mentality.
Don't get me started on the Krygiakos debacle, the only reason he's here is because Rafa was not given the funds for Turner - FACT.
He was promised the proceeds from any players sold plus a further cash injecton following the sale of Keane back to Tottenham. He's not an idiot, do you really think he'd let a £20m striker leave if he thought he wouldn't be given the opportunity to replace him?!
Rafa wasn't given the funds for Turner (£4m plus add-ons) and so had to go shopping in the bargain bin, in truth if Agger and Skrtel had not had injury problems it's unlikely Krygiakos would have seen any playing time aside from the Carling Cup.
To everyone who has been calling for Rafa's head - Of those who are available who do you think is going to be able to come in and do a better job?
ReplyDeleteRidiculous comments like "sack him now" "He must go this very minute" are infuriating to say the least.
Liverpool have never sacked a manager mid-season. Liverpool have suffered an attoricious injury list. Even I sit and question some of Rafa's decisions but to sack him now and leave the club in limbo mid season could be potentialy disasterous
If Rafa does go how long will it be before Torres decides to leave? This club needs stability and time. Each season we have improved and each season the league gets tougher... this season the injuries and early form have hit hard but the answer is not to sack the manager... Why can't fans stick by the manager and players and reserve judgement till the end of season. They need our support.
McDonaldtaf - as I said, that is the very nature of wingers, everything that they attempt doesn't come off. The amount of freekicks that Ronaldo ballooned into Row Z probably outnumbers those that he scored, but because he didn't need to worry about being berated or dropped for it, he just kept on trying until it paid off. Even Gerrard himself puts must of his freekicks straight into the wall or has his corners cleared by the first man, while Torres will often step on the ball and give it away. The thing is, you know that these players are capable of pulling out something magical every now and again so you give them the benefit of the doubt, and freedom to express themselves. For some reason, Babel is not given this same support (although he clearly has the same talent) and for this reason I too know he will not deliver at Liverpool. And even if he did now get a run and prove his quality he would more than likely follow the Alonso route out anyways. Unfortunately Kuyt just does not possess the ability to be 'magical at times' yet is given unconditional support and a free role in the team.
ReplyDeleteWe all know that he is not prolific in the Premiership in his natural position, as evidenced by a him going a full season as first choice striker with no injury issues and ONE goal from open play.
As for his goal ratio, you and I both know that we'd rather have almost any of those players that you listed contribute more to their teams offensively from the wing than Kuyt does, even if they don't score. And in a team utilising two defensive midfielders and an out-and-out striker, more creativity is needed in the attacking three than a player who can score tap-ins from rebounded shots every now and again...
Unfortunately that was the stance that saw Sounness run the club into the ground. Players stay for success not because they like the manager - just look at Chelsea where all the players actually liked Mourinho and how many left or even requested transfers upon his departure. Torres, as with the rest of the players, signed a contract with Liverpool FC, not Rafa Benitez and would not be going anywhere just because the manager left.
ReplyDeleteMy main concern would be with the choice of manager to be brought in as his replacement, as I see us being linked with middle of the road managers, rather than proven winners at the top of their game (like Chelsea are). A failure to compete at the top level is what could lead to agitation among the playing staff, so it would be important to choose a top class manager, but Rafa is no way irreplaceable. (the one I would still want would be Rijkaard who revitalized a stagnant Barcelona and would be more than willing, I'm sure, to leave Turkey to join a major European club)
I am not just reacting to this bad run of form by the way in my opinion that Rafa should move along - the way that he has brought the club into disrepute and made Liverpool a running joke is more of a crime than anything he's done on the field, and the reason I've long been waiting for his departure and was appalled at the decision to hand him a new FIVE year contract at the expiration of his original five year contract.
Hi Jamie...I believe you like to think others are as stupid as you and that multi-million pound clubs are run by crazy headless chickens. That all coaches are inept and that science has nothing to do with coaching. That managing and coaching is beyond any of your intellectual capabilities are there for all to see. You do not have a a valid reason to kick the manager out and obviously no strategy.
ReplyDeleteFACT: LFC cannot compete to win the league as it requires resources we do not have.
FACT: LFC had major SCARES and won matches at the death last year. This is what made us into title contenders
FACT: The fact that LFC is expected to win this year means that players are under pressure - cue hamstring injuries
FACT: There are not many managers who can turn the current LFC into title contenders (Benitez actually did it last year and Houllier did it)
FACT: LFC needs more £20m players I'd say 3 (central defence, left midfield and right midfield) - we got two this year - to even think of being competitve next year
FACT: Benitez may leave to replace Mourinho at Inter Milan next year. He can turn under achievers into winners. Mourinho can turn teams with potential into winners.
FACT: Benitez does not lie down. But the pressure is taking its toll on him and he will quit. He has done it once with Valencia and will do it again;
FACT: Managers make mistakes; succesful ones turn you into title contenders
FACT: Benitez actually made the correct decisions this year. He is again building a team for the future (Aquilani & Johnson are prime examples - I can now say I have seen every minute of Aquilani play time in serie A). He is Benitez's idea of the footballer to replace Gerard soon.
My feelings:
Benitez is bloody good with small amounts of money and pricing players. Have you seen his more than £10m signings being flops (only Babbel failed).
Science is key to a long and grueling football season and I believe Benitez methods are not wheel-like inventions. He uses good scientific knowledge and applies it best.
football and Benitez is probably the only one who can make small money players be title contenders - have you ever realised that players like Smicer, Josemi, Traore, Baros, Kewell (not the Leeds one) etc actually won the champions league! Compare that to winning teams that AC Milan, Man Utd, Real Madrid and Barcelona have fielded in CL finals. Give the LFC teams to any one of the managers who have won the CL lately and ask them to do a Benitez!!!
Don't you have a Benitez shrine at which you should be worshipping right now?
ReplyDeleteYou are in serious denial. Why don't you stop focusing on excuses and start looking at the reality of the situation. This is Liverpool's worst run in over 50 years and still you refuse to accept that Benitez might have made mistakes?
Unbelievable.
What does it take for you to see the recurring problems that are impacting the club? If the bad run extends 1 win in 15 games, are you going to wake up then?
By the way, none of the so-called 'facts' you present are facts. I could debunk them all but let's just look at the first one:
ReplyDeleteFACT: LFC cannot compete to win the league as it requires resources we do not have.
Liverpool competed in the league last season and should've won it, and this was with the same resources. So this alleged 'fact' is actually nonsense.
Having Barry right now mwould make little to no difference for our team right now. FACT.
ReplyDelete