9 Jul 2013

No Excuses: Gerrard warns £28m LFC duo to 'step-up' next season. Unfair pressure...?

After a shaky first year, Jordan Henderson improved exponentially in his sophomore season at Anfield, and with any luck, the midfielder's improved form will continue next season. Pressure goes with the territory at Liverpool, but Reds captain Steven Gerrard has upped the ante with a veiled warning for Henderson, which may or may not be welcomed by the midfielder.

In an interview this week, Gerrard arguably placed even more pressure on the shoulders of Henderson, and basically warned the midfielder that he'll have to consistently contribute to the cause. He told LFC.com:

"You only get described as a young lad for a certain amount of time.

"It's a big season for...Sterling and Henderson. It's time to become a man and perform on a consistent basis.

"Of course, it's a big season for every player, but I think the supporters will be looking for the young lads to step up now"


I personally feel these comments by Gerrard are unwarranted. It goes without saying that players have to perform, but why has the club captain very publicly singled-out Henderson and Sterling?

Hendo *did* perform on a 'consistent basis' last season, and for a 17-year old, Sterling - linked with an £8m move to Arsenal in December - did a decent job for the team.

If anyone needs a public push to perform it's Joe Allen, not Henderson. Both players are 23 years old, and I'm sure many fans would agree that Hendo outperformed the Welsh international last season. With that in mind, why has Gerrard not mentioned Allen in his pep talk?

Whatever Gerrard's intention, I wouldn't be surprised if Hendo feels slightly aggrieved at his comments, which indirectly suggest that he didn't 'step-up' enough last season.



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152 comments:

  1. jaimie i agree with about gerrard being unfair about henderson ,but maybe even gerrard knows allen is untouchable ,the sooner rodgers starts getting tough and stop trying to please the players especially allen the better ,if you do not perform you do not start no matter who you are

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  2. liverpool4life5657:29 pm, July 09, 2013

    I agree hendo played better than Allen but Allen needs time to settle In like hendo was allowed too...

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  3. Liverpool Kopites7:32 pm, July 09, 2013

    I'm actually more concerned about his 'predictions'. Did he say this time we will make top four? ;P

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  4. who else is pissed off over this saurez saga? just sell him to the highest bidder and buy someone else, wanyama and Jackson martinez please. saurez is a filty whore who needs to go, dont matter how good he is, he's a parasite.

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  5. Henderson is going to enjoy life on the bench now that we have signed Luis Alberto.


    Wait and see.

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  6. Club captain - knows what he is doing better than anyone on here, knows all the individuals, knows who needs a kick and who needs a shoulder. End of.

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  7. 20 mil for hendo and 20 mil for allen... do your research before posting this crap, both were 16 and 15m respectivley

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  8. Everybody will need to step up. When suarez goes, hopefully asap. Gerrard will need help from all quarters. If players like Allen dont step up they need to be shipped out.

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  9. They're men not babies. They'll welcome the challenge. Top class footballers thrive on it.

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  10. I dont think theres really any unnecessary pressure if you ask me. They know they have to step up. They (Allen included) all showed a bit of class and the ability to become future stars of Liverpool and Gerrard wants them to be those stars now. And as far as I'm concerned; everyone has to step up because Gerrard cant bail them out for much longer. Pretty solid captaincy in my opinion.

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  11. Well, I don't know whether it was necessary for him to say that stuff, but I don't think it will do any harm. What I also don't know is whether it is necessary for you to write lurid headlines like that. You get enough traffic and visitors without the 28m part, which is more fitting of the Daily Mail.

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  12. True, but I read somewhere, sometime that the Henderson deal has some possible future payments attached. Don't know whether that is true, though.

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  13. Jaimie, Henderson has had 2 seasons at the club. Allen has not even completed a full season.


    Allen will be 100% after his shoulder injury. Doubt if you were a footballer you would have been comfortable playing through the pain barrier?

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  14. seriously doubt that ....... maybe for the first few games yeah but dont forget henderson became rodgers poster boy towards the end of the season rodgers has shown he isnt scared of benching players if alberto flops and allen is stilll a no show henderson will get opputunities in plenty

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  15. There is no pressure on Alberto. He knows exactly what is expected of him. You do not just get selected for the fun of it to play for Barcelona B.


    Might be the B side but a damn good one...

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  16. tbh i dont want allen coming at hendos expense into the team ....... allen may be slick passer and all but hendo has that physical presence our midfield lacks

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  17. thats all there but if i may point of bojan didnt exactly pan out well ......and he was a barca main team player so welll you cant help but worry about alberto id rather he just play the last 20 mins of the first few games you know easy him gradually into the team

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  18. liverpool4life5657:55 pm, July 09, 2013

    Rodgers will pick out of them two. But on form not who he likes :) both might not even get into the first 11 after we've done our business

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  19. mmmmm lucas and gerrard sitting out to make way for them now that would be interesting to watch ;)

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  20. Bojan? Go look at the history of players that have been produced from Barcelona B.


    Please do not try and argue with me.

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  21. why would i bother about B when A itself fails ? :)

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  22. well i lost nothing ........ and my point still stands there is just 50/50 chance he can be fail or sucess better not rush him towards fail

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  23. rah give up m8 i do not reply to his posts ,please do not try and argue with me lol keyboard warrior i would love him to say that to my face

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  24. i do not say so thats your chose ,you can make your own mind up its a free world just some people think its not ,3 times undermining 3 different posters this week still no warning ,lol i cannot go a week without a warning ,but imo mines mostly fun this is just a spanner

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  25. Gerrard, was a different level to these guys. From a young age he looked like he would reach the dizzy heights. If the players mentioned work their socks off, one day they could be 50 -75% the player he is.

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  26. I take it they ran away with the League so, ??

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  27. ....Maybe because he knows Henderson and Sterling have more to give and have seen that extra bit of quality in training everyday that we haven't had the opportunity of seeing on a consistent basis.

    He also mentions that the supporters will be looking for the young lads to step up now which means all those young players that got given that opportunity last season - Wisdom, Suso, Kelly, Allen, Borini etc..

    Gerrard mentioning Henderson and Sterling's name could easily mean he see's more potential in these players and as you say - he is the captain and it's his job to motivate the players.

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  28. That is not the point. Go look at the players that are working their way through the ranks there.


    Henderson will not even last a week at Barca B!

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  29. Chris Rossington8:14 pm, July 09, 2013

    I thought you Jaimie would appreciate his critical realism? I know what your saying but if they don't step up next season, then i'll be wondering myself why they arent progressing. I think Sterling for all the hype is some way off proving he can be a regular, i just think a lack of options at the start of last season meant he was used more regularly than brendan would have liked. However he showed form good enough to earn an england call up and did quite well. I'm hoping that the fact he had a poor end to the season will give him the added motivation to push on now. Its sometimes good for a player to experience both the positive and negative sides of the game, surely its good for his development. With henderson as you say in the article he really improved last season, again same thing with Hendo, he has experienced poorer times and he showed he can come back from that, good mental strength, because it must be difficult when every other fan laughs that we paid 16-20 mill depending on which source you read.

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  30. Steve didn;t mentioned Allen
    simply because he dont rate him

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  31. Chris Rossington8:17 pm, July 09, 2013

    Jaimie, wondered if you would post some sort of survey to see if liverpool fans would be happy to sell suarez for 40+ if we can get Benteke for 20. I know hes still kind of unproven despite 19 prem league goals but he has the skillset i feel to be a top striker and still just 22. Pace, power, heading, finishing, holding the ball up. We know he can play as the lone man up top. Would leave us with a nice 20 mill + whatever else we have to sign a top centre back. + to add the fact Suarez wants to go anyway

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  32. I get you dude. I wasted 3 hours of my life saturday. Hes never wrong. Lol.

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  33. Funny how Jason always thinks he is right...


    HA HA.

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  34. Joe did not cost £20m?!!?!?!?!?!?

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  35. I was referring to Hendo, not Allen, but I messrd upbthe phrasing so it was hard to tell.

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  36. Makes it up as he goes along8:37 pm, July 09, 2013

    Once again, a valid post is deleted. Jamie keeps only posts which agrees with his article..... pointless having a comments section if you dont like people to disagree.

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  37. look if we loose next season West ham,Westrom stoke or any other team that plays physical roger should be sucked ,,because I don't see any physical players that we signing so far and we don't seem signing .don't get me wrong I like roger and his philosophy the thing is if you don't learn from your old mistakes it's sign of that you are doing a wrong job that is one thing Rafa used to do and I hate it

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  38. Im sure Gerrard told you that himself in person.....

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  39. There is nobody more stubborn than Benitez!


    Believe you me, Rodgers got the wake up call of his life when he came to LFC. We started off badly under Rodgers but most importantly improved over the course of the season and with that played some really attractive attacking football too.


    Keep the faith!

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  40. I think that Gerrard is in a better position than you to decide who is to be criticised or not, be it publicly or private. He is the team captain after all.

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  41. I don't know why Rodgers doesn't look at the right players... all good players as gone, mario gomez , wayama, henrikh, eriksen. ..does are the players we need...all these luis alberto and iago aspas are not the top 4 players, rodger is playing with is job..

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  42. a big year for joe allen and brendan...and a few others too...intresting season ahead, if suarez does leave will brendon get all the money from the sale?...he should do if the owners trust him they should do.. but will they...

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  43. Is it you birthday?

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  44. Henderson improved a lot but is still a slightly above average English player...which isn't saying a lot. This guy would not hold a place in a genuine top 4 team competing in the champions league

    its depressing that he is in a Liverpool shirt let alone that he is consistently picked despite lots of underwhelming performances , with a tendency to give the ball away easily

    But does has great attitude and try's very hard

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  45. Yes, and...? Fans are allowed to have opinions too, or should I ask you for permission next time?

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  46. You make me laugh. If anyone disagrees with you, they are wrong. Stevie G, like most SANE fans, realises Henderson isn't good enough. If you think Henderson had a decent season, you must be VERY easily pleased.

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  47. I think Allen's season can't really be judged too harshly it was his first and he suffered a big injury that ruled him out for a good while. He does need to improve on last season though. I think Gerrard was trying to get them to take more responsibility then they did because they are both good players they just need to believe in themselves more.

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  48. if joe allen shows the same improvement Henderson has done we might have a player but its a case of watch this space last years performance he was no better than jay spearing who we just got 1.5 million for! allen was what 14 million .so would any one say he was worth 12 million plus. .better than spearing the answer is no.i think we should have saved our money and not signed him in the first place. but like any lfc fan we will give him a chance to try and prove himself. if by the jan window theres no improvement sell him

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  49. allen is a going to be an lfc legend, henderson will be sold as soon as a decent bid comes in.

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  50. WOW!! Maybe the senior player sees that they can be better than what they are so maybe he wants them to step up. Something that everybody and their daddy have been saying!!! I guess Steven G should just shut up and not challenge his team mates huh??? I guess people are forgetting that JC used to do that and now that he is gone the Captain himself has to do it?! When you are labeled "THE NEXT" Steven G and John Barnes comes with EXPECTATIONS in a team like LIVERPOOL! Get off his back and let him do his work!!!!!

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  51. didn't mention coates either think sg has given up all hope on him !!!!!!! he should be sunning himself on a beach with a saddle on his back !!! one donkey

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  52. In an ideal world, but egos are fragile in football.

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  53. I don't see what Allen's injury has to do with anything. If it was that bad then he should've taken himself out of the firing line and got it fixed. If he's not able to give 100% on the field he shouldn't be there.

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  54. Hey Chris. I don't have a problem with Gerrard's comments per se, just who he mentioned. If a player improves exponentially (like Hendo), I don't see how publicly saying he needs to 'step up' is very motivational. He *did* step-up last season, and there are other players in the team who need to step up more than him (IMO). That's not to say he doesn't need to continue improving.

    Agree with you about Sterling; way overhyped, but he's only 18, and still has a long way to go. If LFC are relying on Sterling to the extent that he needs to 'step up' then there's something wrong with the squad. He should be a bit-part player to reduce the chances of burn-out.

    Ultimately, as the captain, I think it would've made more sense to single out players who actually need a kick up the backside, i.e. Allen, Coates, Borini etc.

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  55. Good idea, I'll do that soon.

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  56. Yes, Gerrard should (IMO) refrain from making these kind of statements in public. It serves no purpose. If he wants to motivate players then he should do it on the field/dressing room/training ground etc.

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  57. what im more worried about is lucas was well of the pace last season. daft free kicks in the last 3rd how many set pieces did we concede from last season hope he recovers his form prior to the injury and stops givin stupid free kicks away . if not go and join rafa

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  58. think the fire sale is goin well carroll shelvey spearing .just need to get rid of the dracular and coates . by the way I didn't mean luis im talkin about reina who sees a cross and the blood drains and his arse goes

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  59. I'm not sure the comments are inherently critical. I feel like if anything, they're probably intended to help the players step up (though whether it will help, is another question- Gerrard is hardly famed for his oratory).

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  60. have u swallowed a dictionary tonite haha lol in other words stevie is from 2 dogs!!!!!

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  61. OF course Henderson should be under pressure to perform - this is his THIRD season at LFC already, and he should be expected to deliver to a high level on a regular basis. As should anybody else that is regularly starting games for Liverpool.


    The only unfair pressure is to expect a player like Gerrard to carry a team year in, year out.

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  62. Beautifully put..........

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  63. AndWithSuchSimplicity11:53 pm, July 09, 2013

    I'll save you the trouble.
    No. I wouldn't be happy for a sublime footballer to be sold (for whatever amount) and replaced with a big sh!thouse.

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  64. I see your point! But is it different from the media or writers as yourself makes them?

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  65. Dempsey had 16 for Fulham 2 seasons ago when he was the marquee guy. Not so many at Spurs. The marquee guy on any team should be in double digits. Grant Holt put 25 in over the last two years. I don't see big teams clamoring for his services.

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  66. A 'big sh!thouse' he may be, as long as he's a talented sh!thouse who scores a shedload of goals, who cares?

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  67. 'Gerrard is hardly famed for his oratory' - Classic line :-) Absolutely true too.

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  68. Henderson needed to be under big pressure last season to make up for his underwhelming debut year, but last season, he stepped up big time. He doesn't need a public warning; he's on the right track already.

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  69. If Henderson feels any bit "aggrieved" because the club's captain, and one if it's all time greatest players said that he needs to step up this year, well then I am afraid to say that he will not be successful here.


    Use it as a motivating tool as opposed to letting it hold him back.


    Why are we making an issue out of a non-issue?

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  70. Just because Gerrard is an LFC great doesn't mean he can just say whatever he wants. He should be more self-aware IMO. His hubris has led him to make some ridiculous statements in the past (just read his book - slagging off players who were still at the club), and for me, singling out players publicly in an (ostensibly) negative way is counter-productive.

    He could've just made a general comment about young players needing to step up; he didn't need to name names. I'm sure after his massively improved performance last season, Henderson will privately be thinking (on some level) 'why did he single me out'?

    It's like telling your child that they need to improve after getting an A in an exam.

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  71. AndWithSuchSimplicity12:25 am, July 10, 2013

    I care.
    1. I don't want him.
    2. LFC don't play with a target man any more.
    3. I thought you disliked mercenary players? He's asked to leave after ONE season at Villa. Why would he give us any longer???
    4. We already have a more talented, higher goalscoring, defence-destroying player on our books.

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  72. Fragile egos don't win you 7 games in a row at the business end of the season to get a Champions League spot. Better test that ego early before you have to rely on it. If they can't take it for Henderson there's the January transfer window and for Sterling there's another stint in the reserves or a loan move.

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  73. AndWithSuchSimplicity12:26 am, July 10, 2013

    Every time we buy someone who had a couple of good games against us, or who was player-of-the-year for some club or other, they turn out to be sh!te.

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  74. 2. Benteke is not a typical target man. He has good skill and superior movement to the typical, plodding Andy Carroll's of this world. He doesn't just sit in the 6-yard box and goal-hang.

    3. How is he a mercenary? He's ambitious; there's no indication it's about money. In his one year at Villa, he saved them from relegation, so they've got their money's worth. Plus, Villa make a giagantic profit, which will help the club, and maybe save them from future relegation. He'd give LFC longer because it's LFC, and the club is going places.

    4. Yes, you're absolutely right. Daniel Sturridge will do very well for Liverpool ;-)

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  75. Don't mind Jordan Henderson... This article should be about Sterling.. it's certainly unfair to call out a 17 year old debutant after a decent start to his LFC career... claiming he needs to step up to the plate next year... that's just nonsense..

    Henderson however ... absolutely.. sure he was better last season than hs debut season... that wouldn't be hard says you... but we're talking about a player with 67 first team league appearances to his name. On the basis of his first 2 seasons at the club that could be close to 100 appearances for LFC by the end of next season ...

    Thats more than enough time for 20m 23 year old midfielder to show what he's got.. he's either got it or he hasn't .. admittedly he was decent enough last year.. but did he play like a player that drove us on to CL .. or wouldn't look out of place in the CL ... hmmmmmm ..course he's English, so ya know usual excuses and over ratings apply..

    Its absolutely time for JH to 'step up to the plate' and if your upset by Gerrard,our club captain, calling Hendo out .. I'm certainly not.. time to grow a pair..

    As for your comparison with Joe Allen... well that's just nonsensical.. JH is at the club 2 years ..with 67 apps.. Allen barely one with 27 and an unfit Allen at that, so at least there are mitigating circumstances..

    This time next year, I may very well be calling Allen out ..but for now .. its absolutely a definitive season for Henderson..

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  76. Right on. I think SG is not so impressed with JH as many here are. I think he would know. As for Raheem. I think he's coming along nicely, but anybody can see he's no where near Coutinho's abilities.

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  77. AndWithSuchSimplicity12:40 am, July 10, 2013

    Bravo for No.4 ..... !!!! ;)


    So when Suarez talks about other clubs he's "prostituting" himself, but when Benteke does it its "ambition"????!!
    If Suarez leaves, we are most definitely going places.

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  78. Henderson wasn't that good last year. He's the captain of the England U21s and should be aiming to be one of the best young midfielders in Europe. He's the heir to Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes so if he can't start to step it up to that level he shouldn't be at the club.

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  79. Henderson is good enough for a mid-table Liverpool...anybody want to be a mid-table Liverpool?...anybody?

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  80. Suarez has repeatedly name-checked Real Madrid during his ceaseless touting campaign. Who has Benteke been selling himself too? He's merely put in a transfer request, something Suarez clearly doesn't have the balls to do.

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  81. Henderson did not do A work last year...end of story.

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  82. AndWithSuchSimplicity12:53 am, July 10, 2013

    Suarez has answered questions put to him by journalists, specifically about Madrid.
    Benteke is selling himself to anyone who will have him (currently Chelsea or Spurs). And he is shitting on Paul Lambert in the process.
    Maybe Suarez won't put in a transfer request because he doesn't want to shit on Rogers, or the fans????????????

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  83. Suarez has shat on Rodgers repeatedly. In April, BR specifically stated in a press conference that LFC players should not discuss transfers etc whilst on international duty. Suarez totally ignored him during the Confed cup and pi$$ed all over LFC's loyalty to him. He doesn't need to keep going on about leaving; that is massive disrespect.


    Benteke has *followed the rules*. He's kept his mouth shut and handed in a transfer request, which is the right way to do things.

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  84. AndWithSuchSimplicity1:02 am, July 10, 2013

    He didn't discuss "transfers". He answered leading questions with regard to a specific football club.

    The right way to do things? After one season....??? Spiffing.

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  85. AndWithSuchSimplicity1:04 am, July 10, 2013

    Oh. And Benteke doesn't want to come anyway. I read it just on the internet.
    And I believe everything I read these days.

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  86. And so you should.

    (and also use the word 'spiffing' more often. A brilliant, yet sadly under-utilised word)

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  87. Yeah Max, of course he will. No doubt Henderson will be dumped on the bench for the start of the season, but his quality will shine and once again, prove you and Brendan Rodgers wrong. I have no doubt that Allen and the inexperienced, lightweight and overpriced Alberto will be put on a pedestal by Rodgers - But IMO Henderson will come out on top.

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  88. I firmly believe that a player like Henderson has the credentials to be the long term solution in our midfield, and succeed Gerrard. People are so ignorantly blinded by the whole notion of Kenny Dalglish's flops, that they refuse to see the qualities in Henderson.

    Whether this be criticism or motivation by Gerrard, Henderson has the 'head down, work hard' mentality to take it on the chin and continue to improve his game.

    It's fair to say that Henderson is now a senior player, he's 23, and he will very soon surpass 100 games for LFC. I'm one of his biggest fans on here, and I expect more, so fair play from Gerrard. He has no more "He's a youngster" excuses.

    I hope it's not the case, but I have no doubt that Allen and Alberto will be put on the Rodgers pedestal. Based upon what we saw last season, IMO Henderson should be selected in midfield barring any top class, attacking midfield signings. If initially Allen and Alberto are given the upper hand once again, I would cast serious doubts over BR's credibility and suitability, for the LFC job.

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  89. Stevie=captain; expected to lead. Some guys need prodding. Hendu will step up. Allen, don't think so. Way overpaid. Sterling is fast but did not show enough possession or passing. I was more impressed by Jordan Iberia to be honest.
    We need to nuke Allen, Coates and make room for Ibe, Kelly and Wisdom and 1 experienced import......

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  90. Good work ethic and great heart will not disguise lack of speed and lousy field vision. All the good intentions in the world won't overcome a lack of talent. I'm sorry JH isn't the answer.

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  91. Gerrard is the captain for both England and Liverpool...These two young lads are English..He has all the right to say they have to step up their game..And maybe Gerrard knows that when he was at their age, he was much better and would really want them to be likewise. Not saying he shouldn't have mentioned Allen, but these two are ahead of Allen and apparently he would want a little bit more out of them!

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  92. He's not slow, nor does he lack vision. Is Joe Allen the answer? I could have 90% pass accuracy if all I did was hit 5 yard passes to my anchor man. I could probably bench press Joe Allen too.


    Hendo had Shelvey and Allen in front of him, and furthermore Allen is supported like he painted that portrait of Brendan Rodgers in his house - But still he came out on top. His playing time was halved, yet his end product doubled!


    There's more favouring Henderson, than anyone else in the squad. I assess every player fairly. If Allen shows me what he can do then fine, but for now, there's nothing going for him.

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  93. A statistic: Minutes played/ goals+assits.

    Mata, Coutinho, Lampard are the top 3, Henderson is fourth. Gerrard is further down. Allen, Shelvey and Lucas are not even on the chart.


    Your opinion that Henderson is not the answer is perfectly fine, but tell me who is, and provide a basis for your answer.

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  94. True story man tiger; just think Allen is not physical enough, doesn't retain possession enough and never passes forward more than a few feet. We deserve much better.....

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  95. i think he knows hendo and sterling cn be legends. . . . So he may b thinking that hendo cn take hiz place at the club. .

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  96. That was his 'targeted' role when we got him. Glad he grew last year but he is a long way from Stevie at the moment. I'm rooting for him this year to build on last yr. anyone think Kelly will finally stick on D fence this year?

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  97. your £28 million value makes no sense at all

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  98. I believe that if Stevie singled these two out, it's because he has high hopes for the two of them... Maybe he rates hendo better than allen... I don't think hendo will be aggrieved... He will keep going to repay the faith shown in him...

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  99. Henderson was bought for about £20 million, and Sterling was valued at about £8 million when Arsenal were allegedly going to put in a bid. 20+8 = 28. Its not hard.

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  100. If the players cant handle the pressure of performing at the highest level they are at the wrong club. Step up or expect to get shipped out. Simple.

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  101. Well it did seem to work when they put pressure on Sturridge when he arrived so could be smart to do the same with a few more. And pressure is good. Seperate the strong from the weak. (Sry my poor English) ;-)

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  102. cheers m8 so its just not me

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  103. me niether but i would like benteker to join but not at the expence of suarez

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  104. Maybe we're overly scrutinizing comments in a negative way?.... I think that Gerrard was meaning his comments to be taken more as a pep-talk. I interpret what he said about these two players needing to step up as in they have the ability and just need to push a bit harder and think that he missed other names off the list as maybe he thinks that regardless of how much they push themselves that they may not have the potential that Sterling and Hendo possess. Seemed to work when BR said the same about Hendo and Downing.

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  105. I agree that Allen needs a kick up the backside more. But maybe as a closer mate, Gerrard is sayin to Hendo. 'there is alot of competition here mate but if u keep performing your top on the list!'

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  106. It is not a "public warning" to say that Henderson is not a young player and needs to contribute consistently, and definitely not something that he should feel aggrieved by; it is just a simple statement of fact.

    Henderson was a lot better last year than in his first year at LFC, but he still was not consistently performing at the level we should be hoping to see from him. The expectation on his shoulders, and anybody other senior players at LFC "should" be to be amongst the very best in the league, rather than all expectation being placed on a couple of individuals alone as is typically the case.


    There may be a minor issue in singling out individuals publicly (moreso for an inexperienced reserve like Sterling than an experienced pro like Henderson though) but overall, there is nothing wrong with what Gerrard is quoted as saying.

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  107. Maybe, just maybe our club captain knows these players on a personal level, and understands what motivates them as individuals. Perhaps the 'singling out' technique is something he understands would be deconstructive to Joe Allen.

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  108. Not unfair at all. Henderson has had a couple of years now to get used to the way Liverpool do things so its time to step up or go home. Sterling had a great start with his blistering pace but he only scored the one goal, so again he needs to step it up and become a regular goalscorer.
    Anyone who puts the Liverpool shirt on should be reminded that they have a chance to emulate something that hasnt happened for 23 years and counting. What 18 players are going to win a 19th league title for our great club. they will be be given immortality status for the rest of their lives.
    Should see it as a good thing rather than a burden.

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  109. I think you ascribe to Gerrard a level of psychological insight that he just doesn't possess.

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  110. So Gerrard who knows these players personally cant know what makes them tick but you a person that does not know Gerrard knows what insight he possess. Interesting.

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  111. pfff...9th in segunda division. That means there are 29 sides better in Spain. Including those that got relegated...

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  112. Don't see why Hendo should feel aggrieved. As captain, its good that Gerrard places high expectations on the team and he knows the players better. And I agree with what he said.

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  113. And the Mexican kid who played for Spurs. And Pacheco who was the next Messi and Fran Merida who is not at Espanyol or something and Gai Asulin who has now left Citeh to play for God knows who...Barcelona B is seriously overrated. The club has decent youth setup and a better conversion than most other clubs but that doesn't mean anyone who makes it to Barca B is a world beater.

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  114. Well he was saying we'd be disappointed this summer window when all of us were full of hope. He's been right so far hasn't he?

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  115. I don't agree he's being unfair. If anyone knows about the expectations we have from our young players it's Gerrard. He was not even 20 years old and already we all counted on him to drag the team forward. He knows what it took from him to become who he's become and there is no harm in guys like Henderson and Sterling listening to someone who's been through it all now and again. I don't think he's said this because he doesn't believe in them. If anything, I think he's said it because he does. They just may have a tendency to work a bit less hard in training than Allen for example so he may reckon Allen doesn't need to be told. Seeing as that Sterling already behaves like he's Messi sometimes and Henderson also has the reputation of pretty boy Ingurland lad, I can imagine Gerrard feels they need to be brought down to earth now and again. I wonder if Sterling's received the calendar I've sent him by the way...

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  116. sterling really has to improve ........people will slate me for this but downings second half of the season was better than sterlings best ....... i am yet to see sterling enter a match(senior side) where he was unplayable

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  117. I don't know why you're comparing Sterling to SG. Gerrard has made his debut when he was 18, and only a year later he has established himself in the team.

    Moreover, you're trying to compare a winger and a central midfielder in terms of "who'se the overall better player".
    I think Sterling has the potential to become world class.

    As for Hendo, I agree that he won't get to Gerrard's level, but so will most, if not all of the other central midfielders in the world. He is still a good player and I'm happy he's in the squad.

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  118. isn't it?

    My view is obviously an *opinion* on Gerrard's level of insight. Or should I put IMO after every second word?

    Gerrard may know the players personally, but that doesn't mean he has major insight into what makes them tick. If he did, he wouldn't have dissed Diouf and Diao in his book whilst they were still LFC players. A player who makes that kind of decision has suspect judgment IMO.

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  119. Lucas did make a good scout though, identifying and scouting Coutinho while being injured.

    Maybe we should make him a full time scout ;)

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  120. How is Allen untouchable? He lost his place to Henderson last season

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  121. speaking ofHenderson as if he was a world beater...smh

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  122. i am trying to forget about allen today i want a chilled day

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  123. agree m8 but he has time on his side

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  124. es he lost it but rodgers kept giving him chances to get back in even when henderson had a great game

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  125. No, I base what I said off of what I saw last season. It's purely an Allen vs Henderson argument. It's as if Allen is a 'world beater' and that's why he gets the untouchable status from Rodgers. Do you think that's fair?

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  126. Barca B is not "allowed" to win the division they are in, cant play in the same division the A team is in.

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  127. Gerrard isn't really warning them to "step up" is he, but merely reminding Hendo an Sterling of the fans expectations of them. Is it also so wrong of our captain to ask players for consistency, part of the captains role I'd say.

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  128. I understand what you are saying. I just don't think it's that big of a deal.


    Henderson should be saying to himself, "if he's singling me out, then he is obviously expecting me to help the team".


    And Henderson did not get an "A" in this past season. I'll give him a "B" but only because his first season left much to be desired. I thought he was consistently playing well once he was given the opportunity to consistently play.


    I thought he made great progress last year... and he needs to continue making that progress... for his own good and the team's.

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  129. When was Downing ever unplayable last season?

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  130. Steevie has perfectly reason. It's great time for the youngters to step up now.. LFC has invested a lot on them and yet we have not seen any improvement from them.. Neither jordan nor raheem have the capacity to enter the first team.. If LFC want to be among the top 4, they need to bring some confirmed players and try to build up a strong team.. Instead they easily let their top players to leave the club (Torres, Mascherano, Mireles, Benayoune, Alonso).. Suarez was the best player last season for LFC, how can you build up a strong team by letting your best player to leave you?

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  131. I've never been to a stadium yet that has a statue of a critic gracing its lawn.

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  132. JH is not the answer...and he is slow...and his field vision is less than stellar. I don't know who is the answer. Clearly BR is casting about for better answers because he also doesn't believe JH is the answer. Gerrard also doesn't believe JH in present form is the answer. I just know...from watching him...that JH IS slow and he routinely gives the ball away from errant, rushed passes because his field vision is off. I'm not saying Allen is better...too often he makes safe passes that ultimately do no good. I am just defending SG's views here where some call into question his wisdom...which I don't.

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  133. I don't think knowing what motivates a colleague can be described as "major insight", especially from the club captain.

    I'm certainly not suggesting I know more than anybody, but one thing I am certain of is, Gerrard understands his role better than you do. Whether his dialogue was meant as some form of psychological inspiration we will never know. I just feel we should be a little more empathetic to a professionals actions before we suggest he's unwittingly applying unwarranted pressure on his team mates. Besides, I was merely exercising my right to opinion also, which i felt was clearly evident when I asked "maybe, just maybe". I'm sorry for my lack of 'IMO' but I felt I used an alternative method to express my comment was my opinion.

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  134. If you read Gerrards original interview, he gives himself as an example, as having had to step up, at a similar age. But my argument is he was always going to be great. And it was more progression than what I class as a big step for some of these players.

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  135. Why are you explaining that you gave an opinion? Where have I questioned your right to give your take on things? I've just replied to your post with my own view.

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  136. Agree Eric. I think Steve sees the true potential in both players.

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  137. I thought he lost it to Lucas...?

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  138. With even Everton beating us to our transfer targets, that should be easy as pie.

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  139. Because Gerrard knows more about the individual players than you ever will Jamie.

    Stop molly-codlling and wrapping these lads up in cotton wool, they've been handed a privileged path.

    Perhaps in life in general if we stuck a boot up kids arses a bit more they'd shape up !!!



    JohnnyTheFox

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  140. that is because he cares for them

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  141. I have a feeling unless stevie or leiva get injured, henderson will not play often. So sad, as Henderson has the most potential out of any of our midfielders to be a box to box midfielder and captain.

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  142. I think you might be reading a little too much into his comments. Gerrard probably has high hopes for sterling and Henderson, believing they can be even better so he's singling them out. When your captain names you, it's kind of like a motivation to prove to him that you deserve to be one of the stars. I don't think he was trying to be negative or discouraging in his comments about them. That's my humble opinion, of course I might be wrong.

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  143. Always knew you were a "FAN" Jamie rather than a "SUPPORTER"

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  144. Unwarranted? What he has said is fair and straight to the point.Anyone who pulls n a Liverpool shirt should know what is expected of them,if they can't handle it then they don't have a place in the squad.Ged is 100% spot on about what is expected I hope Henderson and Sterling do take note because barring the odd game in 3 both were pretty average most of the time.

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