Liverpool

[razor]

He has proven himself a plonker in the transfer market. Selling Alonso was beyond a joke. Selling Crouch similiar. (I know these two points have been reiterated a billion times)Both these players chose to leave, granted the Alonso reasons were because Rafa tried to flog him to Juve to get a few bob to sign Barry but Crouch wanted first team football and with Torres & Gerrard, Rafa couldn't guarantee him that.

[rava]

can you explain your statement about Benitez being the problem this year?

I can understand supporters trying to jusify decisions of their manager but the cold hard facts is Rafa is a control freak, he has made some shocking decisions just to prove his might. What he did to Keane was disgraceful, the way he courted Barry in front of Alonso was laughable and his persistence in playing sub standard players eg Lucas is costing liverpool. You could only admire the way they played in the latter half of last season but this season has seen them revert back to the same old negatiive muck. Even on this resurgent run of theirs the football has been terrible on the eye, I can honestly say that the Everton game last week was the worst quality game of the season although it was compelling viewing.

[Norm]

Both these players chose to leave, granted the Alonso reasons were because Rafa tried to flog him to Juve to get a few bob to sign Barry but Crouch wanted first team football and with Torres & Gerrard, Rafa couldn't guarantee him that.

Thats a fair point, but it still does not excuse the fact that he sold two quality footballers and failed on any level to replace them.

[DeLorean]

BTW Benitez has been proved 100% correct to move Keane on

How do you figure this out? Just because Harry Redknapp prefers Defoe and has the brains to see that Crouch is more than just a squad man, this proves Benitez right? what about the fact that he has to play Ngog every time Torres is missing, which is nearly all the time!! Unless you actually think Ngog is contributing more than Keane would (which I'll give you some undeserved credit and assume not), then I don't see at all how Benitez has been remotely proved right.

[Ciprian Marica]

how much do you think he paid for him and do you know why he is not in the team? Or have you been listening to Ronnie Whelan,Andy Gray etc... do some research before assuming everyting you read in the tabloids and watch on SSN is the truth. BTW Benitez has been proved 100% correct to move Keane on, its actually a miracle he recouped so much money back off spurs for him. The problem wasn't Benitez it was Keane.

Could you explain to me why he's not in the team? He was out injured up until November or so but since then he's started very few games. If certain games don't "suit" his style then it shows up the signing as the absolute disaster it's been so far. Also, by the time he was fully fit Liverpool were out of the title race. If they had bought a midfielder that could have played from August then they would certainly have made a better start rather than relying on Lucas and Mascherano for creativity. At the moment Liverpool have signed a midfielder that doesn't play. That is Benitez's fault.

[papa-j]

How do you figure this out? Just because Harry Redknapp prefers Defoe and has the brains to see that Crouch is more than just a squad man, this proves Benitez right? what about the fact that he has to play Ngog every time Torres is missing, which is nearly all the time!! Unless you actually think Ngog is contributing more than Keane would (which I'll give you some undeserved credit and assume not), then I don't see at all how Benitez has been remotely proved right.

Keanes club form for the past 18 months has been very poor. Benitez realised he was no longer the player he used to be or was not the player he thoght he was and shipped him out. In theory Keane was a great signing but he obviously didn't cut it up close day to day. Robbie was miserable, it was plain to see in his body language, Spurs came in really strong for him and it made sense for everyone to do the deal. Liverpools form at the end of last year proved that.I think Rafa would have persisted with Robbie but when Spurs came in with a very good offer both the player and club made the right decision.

I have a problem that we did not sign another striker in the summer but I think its fair to say thats more to do with a lack of funds than any Rafa reasons. I dont see your point with Crouch, he wanted to go, so much so that he signed for Portsmouth for gods sake. Ngog is raw and has a lot to learn but he still has 4 premiership goals this season, thats on a par with many of the so called established Premiership players, Crouch has 5, Pavlyuchenko has none, Carew has 4, heskey has 2, Owen has 2, Walcott has 1.

To answer your smarted arse question Keane scored 6 goals for spurs, 4 of which were in one game so yes I do think Ngog is contributing as much as Keane and has a much better attitude aswell.

[papa-j]

Could you explain to me why he's not in the team? He was out injured up until November or so but since then he's started very few games. If certain games don't "suit" his style then it shows up the signing as the absolute disaster it's been so far. Also, by the time he was fully fit Liverpool were out of the title race. If they had bought a midfielder that could have played from August then they would certainly have made a better start rather than relying on Lucas and Mascherano for creativity. At the moment Liverpool have signed a midfielder that doesn't play. That is Benitez's fault.

Thats the problem, he is not fully fit. His injury has not healed as quickly as originally diagnosed, it happens sometimes. If Liverpool had the money they would have signed a fit midfielder of the appropiate quality. Aqualani cost 5 million up front and has massive potential. Tell me what player of quality could you sign for 5 million?He was not signed for the first half of the season obviously and will play his part yet. Judge after more than 5 or 6 games in all fairness. He was not in the squad for the Arsenal game because he was ill, no mystery, no rotation, no Rafa tinkering, the lad was ill simple as that. - it happens and it was publicly announced by the club. The club is broke, Rafa is shopping in the Eurosaver shop for players who are free agents or cost a couple of million, has to sell squad players just to afford to extend other players contracts. Yet you come on here and ask why didn't they buy this player or he has signed a crock. You should spend less time playing football manager or watching Sky sports and at least take the time to research some facts about the subject you are talking about.

[Closed Account 2]

... I have a problem that we did not sign another striker in the summer but I think its fair to say thats more to do with a lack of funds than any Rafa reasons. I dont see your point with Crouch, he wanted to go, so much so that he signed for Portsmouth for gods sake. Ngog is raw and has a lot to learn but he still has 4 premiership goals this season, thats on a par with many of the so called established Premiership players, Crouch has 5, Pavlyuchenko has none, Carew has 4, heskey has 2, Owen has 2, Walcott has 1.

To answer your smarted arse question Keane scored 6 goals for spurs, 4 of which were in one game so yes I do think Ngog is contributing as much as Keane and has a much better attitude aswell.


Ngog has 4 goals in 770 mins, Pavlychenko has no goals in 4 premier league games (in which he's played the total of around 60 mins) to compare him to Ngog this season is silly. Ngog just isnt premier league standard, hence why Jovanovic is probably joining next season. I would imagine Ngog will slip behind Nemeth next season given the Hungarian's form at AEK (3 goals in 7 matches)

[papa-j]

Ngog has 4 goals in 770 mins, Pavlychenko has no goals in 4 premier league games (in which he's played the total of around 60 mins) to compare him to Ngog this season is silly. Ngog just isnt premier league standard, hence why Jovanovic is probably joining next season. I would imagine Ngog will slip behind Nemeth next season given the Hungarian's form at AEK (3 goals in 7 matches)

Pavlychenko is relevant. The discussion was about how effective is Ngog is compared to the OP's assertion that Keane would do a better job. The fact that Redknapp does not play Pavlychenko and yet still let Keane go to Celtic speaks volumes about Keanes efectiveness.

Ngog has a long way to go in terms of development but he has raw talent and a huge appitite for work. His record you pointed out is a goal every 2 games or so. Thats not bad considering how underrated he appears to be.

I think you'll find that Ngogs record of 4 in 770 mins is better than Nemeths 3 in 630 min and in a much superior competition but lets not let facts get in the way, thats just silly.;)

[liv4ever]

how much do you think he paid for him and do you know why he is not in the team? Or have you been listening to Ronnie Whelan,Andy Gray etc... do some research before assuming everyting you read in the tabloids and watch on SSN is the truth. BTW Benitez has been proved 100% correct to move Keane on, its actually a miracle he recouped so much money back off spurs for him. The problem wasn't Benitez it was Keane.

From what i've read the fee is to be paid in four cash installments:
€5m upfront
€3m by 4th January 2010
€7m by June 30th 2010
€5m by June 30th 2011
There are some add on's that will bring the final total to around 22.5m
I don't know exactly why he is n't in the team but why pay so much for a player who as of yet has n't secured a regular place in the team 7 months after he's been signed ? Benitez is to stubborn for his own good thats his problem i mean he sold keane last january when we were challanging for the title & actualy imo handicapped the team because we had nt a suitable replacement .Are you saying we could nt have recouped that money for keane 5 months later in the summer ? & maybe while he was there he could ve added the vital odd goal in one of those 11 games we drew that ultimatley cost the league ... Aquillaini was bought as alonso s replacement not as a filler for when gerrard is injured , it's another mistake in a long list of mistakes by the manager in the transfere market

[briancool21]

should be funny to watch liverpool playing petrecu's crowd they could get caught too, they hammered rangers at ibrox in the CL Group stages

[papa-j]

From what i've read the fee is to be paid in four cash installments:
�5m upfront
�3m by 4th January 2010
�7m by June 30th 2010
�5m by June 30th 2011
There are some add on's that will bring the final total to around 22.5m
I don't know exactly why he is n't in the team but why pay so much for a player who as of yet has n't secured a regular place in the team 7 months after he's been signed ? Benitez is to stubborn for his own good thats his problem i mean he sold keane last january when we were challanging for the title & actualy imo handicapped the team because we had nt a suitable replacement .Are you saying we could nt have recouped that money for keane 5 months later in the summer ? & maybe while he was there he could ve added the vital odd goal in one of those 11 games we drew that ultimatley cost the league ... Aquillaini was bought as alonso s replacement not as a filler for when gerrard is injured , it's another mistake in a long list of mistakes by the manager in the transfere market

Those figures are correct and they are also the reason Liverpool could sign Aqualani - it suits the budget which is basically - no money to spend. He signed a quality player on a long term deal with the understanding that he probably would write off much of this year but the deal was negotiated to ensure we had a young, highly rated player on our books and integrated into the club to hit the ground running next season at minimal cost. Aqualani was not bought to replace Alonso, the system was changed to cope with Alonsos departure and the team is taking time to adapt. Yes I am saying we would not of had a hope of getting anywhere near that figure for Keane in the summer, not a chance. The difference with Benetiz and some of those so called genius miracle workers in the transfer market is

1. their club backs them financially, Benitez has to shop for free agents or bargain deals. Of course thats a risk.
2. He is not afraid to spend the little money he has and buy for long term gain
3. media fuelled perception that "the spainard" is clueless.

It really is laughable how when Ferguson or Wenger sign a player who struggles its all about he needs time to adapt, bed into the system,Sir Alex will sort it etc etc but with Benitez its he'll never make it after 2 bloody games, another **** up by the "spaniard", he's been frozen out etc. It really is embarassing how easily some people are brainwashed by TV & certain papers and how people fall for the public character assasination, while we have super 'arry being done for fraud, Fat Sam with dodgy payments to agents and Sir Alex refusing to be interviewed by the BBC due to their legit investigation into his sons affairs.
Yet these guys are darlings of the media, can do no wrong, when a player they buy fails its the players fault not the managers. Laughable. Rant over:p

[Closed Account 2]

Pavlychenko is relevant. The discussion was about how effective is Ngog is compared to the OP's assertion that Keane would do a better job. The fact that Redknapp does not play Pavlychenko and yet still let Keane go to Celtic speaks volumes about Keanes efectiveness.

Ngog has a long way to go in terms of development but he has raw talent and a huge appitite for work. His record you pointed out is a goal every 2 games or so. Thats not bad considering how underrated he appears to be.

I think you'll find that Ngogs record of 4 in 770 mins is better than Nemeths 3 in 630 min and in a much superior competition but lets not let facts get in the way, thats just silly.;)

It's pretty similar, a goal every 192.5 mins, versus a goal every 210 mins. Also you argue that the Greek league is inferior to the Premier League this is of course true, but equally well Nemeth can expect a far inferior level of service from the likes of Kafes, Ismael Blanco and Roger Guierrero to Ngogo who has the likes of Gerrard, Benayoun and now Maxi Rodrigues. Ngog also has the likes of Torres (when fit) and Kuyt playing along side him, these players can draw away the most competent opposition defender (e.g. Last season Vidic was better than Ferdinand and so marked Torres in the Man Utd - Liverpool games).

[papa-j]

It's pretty similar, a goal every 192.5 mins, versus a goal every 210 mins. Also you argue that the Greek league is inferior to the Premier League this is of course true, but equally well Nemeth can expect a far inferior level of service from the likes of Kafes, Ismael Blanco and Roger Guierrero to Ngogo who has the likes of Gerrard, Benayoun and now Maxi Rodrigues. Ngog also has the likes of Torres (when fit) and Kuyt playing along side him, these players can draw away the most competent opposition defender (e.g. Last season Vidic was better than Ferdinand and so marked Torres in the Man Utd - Liverpool games).

So besides demonstrating your impressive knowledge of the Greek league, whats your point?:confused:

[Closed Account 2]

should be funny to watch liverpool playing petrecu's crowd they could get caught too, they hammered rangers at ibrox in the CL Group stages

He's gone to Krasnodar in Russia now, Roni Levy is their new manager, they are still doing well domestically, 2nd place, but only 4 points seperate 1st from 6th place at the moment...

[liv4ever]

" He signed a quality player on a long term deal with the understanding that he probably would write off much of this year "

That sounds like top class management alright buy a player who's injured , wait 4 months untill he recovers all the while we struggle in that very position then put him on the bench because he dose nt think he is capable of competeing against the might of wolves or stoke . To say it suits the budget because we have no money to spend is funny really , its 17 odd million in one calender year we have to pay , most top flight transferes are done on an installment basis and don't forget he also spent 17m on a full back in the summer so from june to june thats 34m . thats a savage kitty for anyone to get , it's just not being managed properly.

[Closed Account 2]

So besides demonstrating your impressive knowledge of the Greek league, whats your point?:confused:

Ngog is not good enough at the top level, he is probably more like a Championship level player. And there are other fringe players on Liverpools books who are better than him.

[Stanley]

It really is laughable how when Ferguson or Wenger sign a player who struggles its all about he needs time to adapt, bed into the system,Sir Alex will sort it etc etc but with Benitez its he'll never make it after 2 bloody games, another **** up by the "spaniard", he's been frozen out etc. It really is embarassing how easily some people are brainwashed by TV & certain papers and how people fall for the public character assasination, while we have super 'arry being done for fraud, Fat Sam with dodgy payments to agents and Sir Alex refusing to be interviewed by the BBC due to their legit investigation into his sons affairs.
Yet these guys are darlings of the media, can do no wrong, when a player they buy fails its the players fault not the managers. Laughable. Rant over:p

Comparing Benitez, Wenger, 'arry, big sam or, in fact, any current manager in the PL to Sir Alex is what's laughable IMO... :D

[Ciprian Marica]

Thats the problem, he is not fully fit. His injury has not healed as quickly as originally diagnosed, it happens sometimes. If Liverpool had the money they would have signed a fit midfielder of the appropiate quality. Aqualani cost 5 million up front and has massive potential. Tell me what player of quality could you sign for 5 million?He was not signed for the first half of the season obviously and will play his part yet. Judge after more than 5 or 6 games in all fairness. He was not in the squad for the Arsenal game because he was ill, no mystery, no rotation, no Rafa tinkering, the lad was ill simple as that. - it happens and it was publicly announced by the club. The club is broke, Rafa is shopping in the Eurosaver shop for players who are free agents or cost a couple of million, has to sell squad players just to afford to extend other players contracts. Yet you come on here and ask why didn't they buy this player or he has signed a crock. You should spend less time playing football manager or watching Sky sports and at least take the time to research some facts about the subject you are talking about.

What a patronising comment. I never made any reference about the Arsenal match, I know he was sick. And saying he only cost 5 million is a nonsense when it's been pointed out that it'll reach 15 or so by the end of this summer. Most transfers nowadays are structured the same way so saying that this transfer is shopping cheap makes no sense.
I also don't agree with him having "massive" potential or that he was signed for next season but I couldn't be bothered arguing with you as you're obviously wearing Rafa-tinted glasses.

[papa-j]

What a patronising comment. I never made any reference about the Arsenal match, I know he was sick. And saying he only cost 5 million is a nonsense when it's been pointed out that it'll reach 15 or so by the end of this summer. Most transfers nowadays are structured the same way so saying that this transfer is shopping cheap makes no sense.
I also don't agree with him having "massive" potential or that he was signed for next season but I couldn't be bothered arguing with you as you're obviously wearing Rafa-tinted glasses.

no offence meant.You made the following comment which is quite sweeping

"Could you explain to me why he's not in the team? He was out injured up until November or so but since then he's started very few games. If certain games don't "suit" his style then it shows up the signing as the absolute disaster it's been so far. Also, by the time he was fully fit Liverpool were out of the title race."

I pointed out he was sick as a reason he was not in the squad for a particular game and also mentioned he is still struggling with fitness which is why he has been involved in very few games. He is not fully fit and admitted himself he has pain everytime he strikes the ball.
The reason I say he was shopping cheaply is its widely accepted in Italy that Liverpool negotiated a very good deal, in fact the Roma fans were very unhappy. He is highly rated by followers of Italian football and as I say Roma fans demonstrated at his sale. Benitez himself said that he got a 30million player for 20 mil because he was injured and he understood that the injury would take time to heal, granted its taking longer to heal than they hoped. It was a calculated risk not the ramblings of some lunatic.

If you couldn't be bothered arguing with someone who has a different opion than yours then why are you here on a forum that exists because of different opinions. I dont have Rafa tinted glasses on at all, I support the manager because I have formed an opinion that no other manager could work under the conditions that prevail at Anfield and still keep the team competitive. I think he has shown great integrity in the face of the media witch hunt and Rafa bashing by other managers who should know better, given the lies, broken promises, undermining tactics, interfering and general shambes at board level he has always acted in the clubs interest and shown loyalty when he could have easily walked away and into another big job. The man has put fantastic structures in place at the club that will benefit Liverpool for years to come.

[old git]

no offence meant.You made the following comment which is quite sweeping

"Could you explain to me why he's not in the team? He was out injured up until November or so but since then he's started very few games. If certain games don't "suit" his style then it shows up the signing as the absolute disaster it's been so far. Also, by the time he was fully fit Liverpool were out of the title race."

I pointed out he was sick as a reason he was not in the squad for a particular game and also mentioned he is still struggling with fitness which is why he has been involved in very few games. He is not fully fit and admitted himself he has pain everytime he strikes the ball.
The reason I say he was shopping cheaply is its widely accepted in Italy that Liverpool negotiated a very good deal, in fact the Roma fans were very unhappy. He is highly rated by followers of Italian football and as I say Roma fans demonstrated at his sale. Benitez himself said that he got a 30million player for 20 mil because he was injured and he understood that the injury would take time to heal, granted its taking longer to heal than they hoped. It was a calculated risk not the ramblings of some lunatic.

If you couldn't be bothered arguing with someone who has a different opion than yours then why are you here on a forum that exists because of different opinions. I dont have Rafa tinted glasses on at all, I support the manager because I have formed an opinion that no other manager could work under the conditions that prevail at Anfield and still keep the team competitive. I think he has shown great integrity in the face of the media witch hunt and Rafa bashing by other managers who should know better, given the lies, broken promises, undermining tactics, interfering and general shambes at board level he has always acted in the clubs interest and shown loyalty when he could have easily walked away and into another big job. The man has put fantastic structures in place at the club that will benefit Liverpool for years to come.

please explain structures to non liverpool fans ,, as i can see no underage/ youth structures with players then getting experience before they progress into first team .. how many of these players have become first team players under benetiz ??

[Lionel Ritchie]

I'm not one for the tabs myself but boola bas to whichever of them has todays back page headline ROGERED!

:-D

[Nathanzx]

Riera on his way out.

The fans fuming about Howard Webb, not happy campers at the moment.

A facebook group has been set up for those of you that are interested "Howard Webb should never be allowed to referee Liverpool games ever again". I joined after reading the piece, fascinating stuff about Webb there. Just go to Groups in Facebook and use the search to find this Howard Webb group. Tell me what you think about what is said.

[Have It]

Riera on his way out.

The fans fuming about Howard Webb, not happy campers at the moment.

A facebook group has been set up for those of you that are interested "Howard Webb should never be allowed to referee Liverpool games ever again". I joined after reading the piece, fascinating stuff about Webb there. Just go to Groups in Facebook and use the search to find this Howard Webb group. Tell me what you think about what is said.

Cant find that particular group mate

[rambler14]

It's not Howard Webb's fault that Liverpool played ****.

[Have It]

Is Aquilani the new Keane ?


Can anyone tell me why Aquilani cant start for Lfc all the time. In my opinion he looks good when he gets some game time, maybe short on match fitness but how is he supposed to get that without games. He has got to be better than Lucas. My dog is better than Lucas. Is he the new Darren Anderton or has rafa realised he's not good enough after wasting 20 odd million (called doing a Robbie). Although it has to be said Keane didnt get a fair crack of the whip.

[DeLorean]

Not really. He's just as much the new Benayoun, Babel, Crouch, Bellamy, Riera, etc. All of these guys only start(ed) here and there regardless of how well they play when they are used. He has his favourites and in my opinion it's very damaging to their chances. Kuyt and Lucas are particularly poor but are amongst the first names on the teamsheet. Kuyt's performance against Wigan a couple of weeks ago was probably the worst I've seen from any player this season. It was about the 80th minute before his first successful pass. He's a little bit more effective against the good teams when creativity isn't their priority.

[old git]

Riera on his way out.

The fans fuming about Howard Webb, not happy campers at the moment.

A facebook group has been set up for those of you that are interested "Howard Webb should never be allowed to referee Liverpool games ever again". I joined after reading the piece, fascinating stuff about Webb there. Just go to Groups in Facebook and use the search to find this Howard Webb group. Tell me what you think about what is said.
so its all howard webbs fault for liverpools poor season !!!!!! who opened facebook account a mr r benetiz :D ... if mascherano was not hanging of valenci'a arm for 10 yards... if torres stopped bitchin at ref and put as mch effort into his 2 late chances as he did in kicking penalty spot liverpool may have got a result sunday .. find it laughable people are trying to blame referee now ..

[Ciprian Marica]

I see Aquilani is out injured again, this could have been predicted

[Have It]

Drops babel, Agger and Masch. Brings that waster Lucas back in and starts kyriagos.
Then proceeds to take off torres, Yossi and kuyt.
All he is interested in is being a success in Europe so that madrid or someone will come knocking for him.
They can have him. get in Mourinho, O' neill, Hiddink or Hodgson. Anyone else is a step down.

Rafa Out !!!!!:mad:

[Roadend]

You have his number on that one buddy, especially the madrid bit, that was really true

[gustavo]

Presuming you mean Real Madrid when you say Madrid , why shouldn't his ambition be to manage them?

[Roadend]

I didn't say that, but to say that he's waiting for them to come knocking is just wrong. He's had opportunities to go to them in the last few years and hasn't.

[Have It]

I didn't say that, but to say that he's waiting for them to come knocking is just wrong. He's had opportunities to go to them in the last few years and hasn't.

he wont turn them down this yr if they come knocking. money talks and liverpool havent got any thanks to the 2 yanks. unless investment comes in and quickly, next season could be even worse

[DeLorean]

Who will the Liverpool supporters be cheering for on Sunday? (besides Sunderland!) surely a nineteenth defeat of the season is better than United winning an unprecedented 4 in a row and overtaking them in the roll of honour?

[KK77]

I support Liverpool. Though if Chelsea play anything like they did yesterday i can't see us doing much against them especially without Torres and the way we have played over the season. If we get through on Thursday and Spurs beat Bolton on Saturday i'd fully expect a few changes to the team with players like Ayla to come in. Funny old game though so you never know what could happen. Possible draws in both games!

[DeLorean]

Yeah it wouldn't surprise me if Liverpool did United the favour but United killed themselves at Sunderland, echoes of 1995 at Upton Park. I suspect the Kop won't be quite as appreciative of John Terry and Ashley Cole gloating around their stadium than they were when it was Kenny Dalglish and little Blackburn, of course the title won't be officially won this time. When you say you support Liverpool, were you just pointing it out or were you saying that you'll be fully behind them on Sunday, despite the consequences victory may have? I suspect the latter. I do think it's a funny one though and although I believe that the management and players should be professional, I wouldn't force the same burden on the fans. Realistically, Liverpool are out of the running for 4th place and defeat to Chelsea is not going to have a major impact on their season. If United do end up as League Champions, the 4 in-a-row feat will be very difficult to emulate as well as the severe impact to Liverpool pride going 2nd in the title count will have, which looked like never happening at one point. Is one any less of a supporter for not wanting this to happen?

[Ciprian Marica]

I'm a Liverpool supporter and this is one game I want them to lose, simple as that. I believe though the players will go out with a professional attitude, although I'd love to hear Carragher's or Gerrard's thoughts on the game.

[DeLorean]

I'd be shocked if Carragher wanted anything but a Liverpool win. Reading some of his interviews over the years he really seems like a straight forward guy who'll appreciate that the best team should win the league and not be handed it. This is one interview (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article7052445.ece) I found very refreshing compared to most.

[smasher]

When we did beat Blackburn in 1995, I cannot remember any Utd fans stating, at the time, that you were not able to keep up your side of the bargain v West Ham (what a miss from Andy Cole)
Anyway if we come through on Thursday we will be able to rest our main players!

[DeLorean]

When we did beat Blackburn in 1995, I cannot remember any Utd fans stating, at the time, that you were not able to keep up your side of the bargain v West Ham (what a miss from Andy Cole)
Anyway if we come through on Thursday we will be able to rest our main players!

Yeah I think Liverpool getting knocked out on Thursday would definitely be better for United. I don't understand what you meant by the first part of your post.

[smasher]

My point is this.
Prior to the game v Blackburn in 1995 the press and indeed Utd fans were doubting Liverpool's professionalism and whether they would try to beat Blackburn and hand Utd the title. All assumed, of course, that Utd could beat West Ham. Alas this was not to be.
As we know 'Pool won and the title went to Dalglish and co.

[DeLorean]

Something similar could easily happen again. Sunderland away is far from a gimme if Liverpool do get a result, which I think they will.

[Trolley]

I may be slandered for saying this in a Liverpool thread, but i am a Chelsea fan. That being said, i will always admit when we play a little bit below par and i expect the same from any other supporters (no matter what team).

It didnt look to me as though LP were really giving it their all.. There were moments where it seemed they may have suddenly sparked up, but it honestly seemed to me as though they were just out there for the sake of it...

Anyone else feel they were just looking at the game as more of a procession and with the hope that Chelsea will take the title over Man U?

[KK77]

I may be slandered for saying this in a Liverpool thread, but i am a Chelsea fan. That being said, i will always admit when we play a little bit below par and i expect the same from any other supporters (no matter what team).

It didnt look to me as though LP were really giving it their all.. There were moments where it seemed they may have suddenly sparked up, but it honestly seemed to me as though they were just out there for the sake of it...

Anyone else feel they were just looking at the game as more of a procession and with the hope that Chelsea will take the title over Man U?

I don't for one minute think they threw the game. If anything it more or less sumed up the season in general for me. I said it before the game that they wouldn't get near Chelsea on the day and i was proved correct. How anyone thought they would is beyond me.

[DeLorean]

I agree they didn't throw the game Rafa but Liverpool have often over achieved when everybody thought they'd be hammered. Fact is, Anfield is never an easy place to go so there was every chance they could have given Chelsea a rattle, a lot lesser teams than Liverpool have rattled them this season. Liverpool were the better side before they conceded, but once they did they never looked like getting back into it as they are severely limited as an attacking force when teams sit back against them.

Have you any inside information about the Gerrard allegations Rafa...16 year old pregnant and his wife off with Kris Commons?

[Trolley]

I don't for one minute think they threw the game. If anything it more or less sumed up the season in general for me. I said it before the game that they wouldn't get near Chelsea on the day and i was proved correct. How anyone thought they would is beyond me.

I am not saying they threw the game either :) .. Just merely stating that it looked as though they saw it more as a procession, and didn't go out with the intent to give Chelsea a good hiding.. They just didn't seem motivated...

But then again considering the Chelsea Wigan result i'm not surprised :p ;)

[KK77]

I am not saying they threw the game either :) .. Just merely stating that it looked as though they saw it more as a procession, and didn't go out with the intent to give Chelsea a good hiding.. They just didn't seem motivated...

But then again considering the Chelsea Wigan result i'm not surprised :p ;)

I never said you said they threw the game!

[KK77]

I agree they didn't throw the game Rafa but Liverpool have often over achieved when everybody thought they'd be hammered. Fact is, Anfield is never an easy place to go so there was every chance they could have given Chelsea a rattle, a lot lesser teams than Liverpool have rattled them this season. Liverpool were the better side before they conceded, but once they did they never looked like getting back into it as they are severely limited as an attacking force when teams sit back against them.

Have you any inside information about the Gerrard allegations Rafa...16 year old pregnant and his wife off with Kris Commons?

Sorry have no inside info on this at all.

[KK77]

Yossi to leave. £9 million the supposed fee.