Liverpool Football Club 08/09

That would be a start...though I wonder how interested Ronaldinho will be when he realises he has to train on things like running back and defending at a corner, or being at a certain spot at certain times during the match.

kas wrote:That would be a start...though I wonder how interested Ronaldinho will be when he realises he has to train on things like running back and defending at a corner, or being at a certain spot at certain times during the match.

Babel is lazier than ronaldinho.

Seriously


Don't want him anyway. Downing is our No one target

Confidence of all our spanish players would be sky high now, and they will come into the season with a winning mentality.

To sell Alonso at such a time would be a real shame. and if barry doesn't live up to what is expected of him, it would be justice to criticize Rafa.
could really be the difference in liverpool competing for the title or not.

i expect Rafa to hold on tight to Alonso though.

Saw the rumour about Robbie Keane...would be a great signing if you manage to pull it off. The guy is probably one of the most underrated players in the Premiership and def. deserves to be in the CL.

kas wrote:Saw the rumour about Robbie Keane...would be a great signing if you manage to pull it off. The guy is probably one of the most underrated players in the Premiership and def. deserves to be in the CL.

BBC are saying Mauricio Pellegrino has been made your new first-team coach.

Hope he's a better coach than a defender.

Presumably that was the thinking of signing him back in 2004.

Benitez needs someone who can advise him on attacking players - who to sign and how to get the best out of them. Not another coach with a defensive background.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/7450271.stm

£18m now?!??

You're 'avin' a larf.

So his quotes were his , some people are not c**ts because they dont get that chance.

Sheffield gunner wrote:BBC are saying Mauricio Pellegrino has been made your new first-team coach.

Good choice

Pellegrino though I like many didn't know at the time was crucial in us winning the CL and in the long run helped improve our defence. He worked on the defesnive duties according to Ballague, Paco and Rafa and that was why our defence was awesome in 05/06.
Oor defence last season leaked goals from silly mistakes and in bad moments of games last season to definetely weaker teams to us thus dropping 2 points. I'm sure Pellegrino will sort this out immediatedly and that is what Rafa's thinking as well as being a great friends of the pitch.

He also helped establish a further link between the players and Rafa and created a good atomphere between the sets, groups and factions of players. As many of us know, confidence as well as team bonding was at all time low under Houiller in his final few years.

I do agree a though somone more attacck minded coming in as a coach would be good. But I fully un derstand why Pellegrino was brought in. Afterall it wasn't attacking reasons so much why we didn't really challange last year, simply costly errors at the back during a bad spell.

Liverpool have signed 17 year old Dane (originally a Bosnian refugee) Herfolge Nikola Saric. Not sure which club he joins from, but he was temporarily on trial at Barça. Don't know what position he plays either.

http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idtipusrecurs_PK=7&idnoticia_PK=523024

How many youngsters will Liverpool sign this year?

I reckon 13-21 <<around that region

nobody talking about the Robbie Keane deal?



maybe I dreamt it

Glenn Hysén wrote:nobody talking about the Robbie Keane deal?



maybe I dreamt it

Robbie Keane would be great, but not for the £20million plus Crouch I've heard!

kas wrote:Liverpool have signed 17 year old Dane (originally a Bosnian refugee) Herfolge Nikola Saric. Not sure which club he joins from, but he was temporarily on trial at Barça. Don't know what position he plays either.

http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idtipusrecurs_PK=7&idnoticia_PK=523024

I mentioned this already(previous page)

Glenny, I've mentioned that too
So Keane to Pool, would that be your nightmare then

Rafa Benitez set to ring changes at Anfield
Liverpool Echo

MAURICIO PELLEGRINO is poised to return to Anfield as Rafael Benitez attempts to bring Robbie Keane to Merseyside.

Argentinian Pellegrino, 36, who played 12 games for Liverpool in 2005, has been approached by Benitez for a second stint at the club, this time as part of his coaching staff.

Liverpool are also trying to prise Keane, 27, away from Tottenham Hotspur in a swap deal involving Peter Crouch.

Anfield insiders have confirmed that Benitez's interest in the Republic of Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer is genuine, but admit that it could prove difficult to reach an agreement with the north London club.

Keane, who netted 23 goals last season, is a big favourite with the White Hart Lane supporters, who voted him their player of the year having helped inspire Spurs to a Carling Cup victory.

Pellegrino's expected arrival will be part of Benitez's rebuilding of his backroom staff after a couple of high-profile departures.

The Spaniard's partnership with long-time assistant Pako Ayesteran ended last season.

Although the 45-year-old fitness expert's contract at Anfield doesn't officially end until today, he has not been present at Melwood for several months.

Ayesteran, who has been linked with several coaching positions both in England and Europe, also worked with Benitez at Tenerife and Valencia.

Former first team coach Alex Miller also left at the end of the season, to become manager of Japanese club JEF United Chiba, ending his nine-year association with Liverpool, having been brought in by former manager Gerard Houllier as chief European scout.

Benitez has already brought another former Liverpool player and staff member back to the club in Sammy Lee, who has been appointed assistant manager having worked as coach under Houllier. Although Pellegrino, who is back at Valencia as youth team coach, only played 12 games for Liverpool in the second half of the 2004/05 season and was generally considered to have lacked enough pace to adjust to the Premier League game, he was always a big favourite with Benitez. The pair had great success together at the Mestalla - winning two Spanish titles - and Benitez remains adamant that it was Pellegrino's run-outs during his short spell on Merseyside that enabled Sami Hyypia to stay fresh ahead of Liverpool's Champions League final victory.

Meanwhile, Anthony Le Tallec has finally formally ended his Liverpool career by signing for French First Division club Le Mans UC 72.

The 23-year-old, who can operate either as an attacking midfielder or striker, has spent the past four seasons away from Anfield out on loan at St Etienne (2004-05), Sunderland (2005-06), Sochaux (2006-07) and Le Mans (2007-08). Starting his career with Le Harve, Le Tallec impressed former Liverpool manager Houllier at the World Under-17 Championship in 2001 and arrived at Anfield two years later alongside Florent Sinama-Pongolle. However, neither player was able to hold down a regular first team place and Le Tallec made just 17 appearances for Liverpool.

Thank you - Euro 2008 hero Fernando Torres pays tribute to Liverpool fans
Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

FERNANDO TORRES paid a stirring tribute today to Liverpool FC and its fans - for helping turn him into a European champion.

The Reds striker scored a stunning winner to sink Germany last night and end Spain’s 44-year wait for a major trophy.

Now he wants to follow up his first major success as a player by helping Liverpool to glory in the coming season.

Torres told the ECHO: “It is a dream come true and now we have a place in European history so it is very special.

“It is my first major title but I hope it will be the first of many because I want to win many more titles with Liverpool and Spain.

“I would like to thank the staff and players at Liverpool for their support during Euro 2008 because it makes a real difference when you know you have the backing of the people of your club and because of this they share in our success.

“I have had a wonderful first season at Anfield and the goals I scored for Liverpool gave me the confidence and belief I needed for the Euros and, again, I would like to thank Rafa and his staff because I have improved as a player thanks to them.

“But it isn’t just the people at the club who have helped me, it is also the supporters and the people of the city.

“From the moment I first came to Liverpool I have been made to feel welcome and that is why I am able to enjoy my football so much.

“It is incredible because the Liverpool fans have given me so much support and I know that they have even been supporting Spain and this is something I will never forget and I thank everyone for that.

“Now I am looking forward to competing for trophies with the Reds because I know that means so much to the club and the fans.”

Torres will be given extra time off to recover from his Euro 2008 exertions, with Liverpool reporting back to pre-season training today. When he does eventually report back to Melwood there could be a number of significant changes.

Awwwwww!

Ade Alonso wrote:

kas wrote:Liverpool have signed 17 year old Dane (originally a Bosnian refugee) Herfolge Nikola Saric. Not sure which club he joins from, but he was temporarily on trial at Barça. Don't know what position he plays either.

http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idtipusrecurs_PK=7&idnoticia_PK=523024

I mentioned this already(previous page)

Glenny, I've mentioned that too
So Keane to Pool, would that be your nightmare then

I don't rate Keane as much as most, some seem to think he's some kind of secret magic man. Lots of similar players look great in mid table sides and his goalscoring record is boosted by 10-15 penalties a season. That said I do think he's better than Cisse, Bellamy or Pongolle, but a) I can't see Spurs selling him and 2) I doubt Rafa would pay £20m + Crouch for anyone.

I'm fairly sure this is all a smokescreen for the Barry deal. Infact I'm convinced that most things are. Glastonbury, Mugabe, Euro2008 - it's just Rafa's way.

Ade Alonso wrote:RAFA WANTS ROBBIE

By CHRIS BASCOMBE

LIVERPOOL want Robbie Keane to wear their famous No 7 shirt next season.

Kop boss Rafa Benitez plans a £20million player-plus-cash offer involving wantaway striker Peter Crouch.

But Tottenham have resisted the first tentative Anfield approach for striker Keane.

Spurs told the Reds they would be wasting their time making a formal bid for the Irish ace.

That will not dissuade Benitez, who has decided a forward line of Keane and Fernando Torres is the key to an improved domestic campaign.

Benitez is prepared to restructure his tactical plans to accommodate Keane by pushing Steven Gerrard back into his favoured central midfield role.

Keane’s loyalty to Spurs will be tested now Benitez’s interest is public.

The 27-year-old, who has been at White Hart Lane since 2002, is settled in North London.

But he will be tempted at the prospect of Champions League football and the honour of taking the jersey of one of his boyhood heroes, Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool are the only English club which can tug so strongly at the ex-Leeds man’s heartstrings as he is known to be a supporter.

Despite an excellent relationship with the Spurs hierarchy, the possibility of a takeover will also be playing on his mind.

England hitman Crouch, 27, may prove key to a deal but he is also a target for Portsmouth, Newcastle and Manchester City.

Pompey had a £9m bid rejected earlier this week, while Toon hope the lure of playing alongside Michael Owen will give them an edge.

If former Spurs trainee Crouch does not fancy a move to his old club, Liverpool will look to buy Keane outright.

£20M plus Crouch

I have said before that I would love to see him at Anfield one day in the Red colours.

But the price is bit much and then the fact that it would be a double whammy with the addition of Crouch who Pompey bid £9M for, well........it's a bit crazy to say the least from our stand point financially.

Also the 'system' we use, 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 or whatever is something I like. IF we did sign Keane, what would that mean for tthe likes of Babel and Kuyt? Surely they would be benched then and we would need a new left and right winger as well.

Personally I believe we have made inqueries about his availability but nothing else at most but....BUT........I would like to believe he would be signed for the RWF position as he has played there before in his career notably recently for country. He would fit the player we are looking for, assists, goals and work rate But with Berbatov also off, more than likely I doubt anything will come of it.

Latest news from Ireland on the Keane to Pool situation.

Graham Hunter and some other writer think it was for the Irish Times was on Dublin's Newstalk station speaking about the Keane link. Apparently Rafa's interest is very definite and Keane has always told Spurs that if Liverpool did ever make a bid that he wanted to be made aware of it. Well today Liverpool's interest was confirmed and Keane has told Spurs board that he wants to go and has asked that they agree a deal with us.
Crouch is part of the deal and a reported fee of around £8-10M as well.

Glenn Hysén wrote:

Ade Alonso wrote:

kas wrote:Liverpool have signed 17 year old Dane (originally a Bosnian refugee) Herfolge Nikola Saric. Not sure which club he joins from, but he was temporarily on trial at Barça. Don't know what position he plays either.

http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idtipusrecurs_PK=7&idnoticia_PK=523024

I mentioned this already(previous page)

Glenny, I've mentioned that too
So Keane to Pool, would that be your nightmare then

I don't rate Keane as much as most, some seem to think he's some kind of secret magic man. Lots of similar players look great in mid table sides and his goalscoring record is boosted by 10-15 penalties a season. That said I do think he's better than Cisse, Bellamy or Pongolle, but a) I can't see Spurs selling him and 2) I doubt Rafa would pay £20m + Crouch for anyone.

I'm fairly sure this is all a smokescreen for the Barry deal. Infact I'm convinced that most things are. Glastonbury, Mugabe, Euro2008 - it's just Rafa's way.

Not sure how many penalties but the same could be said about Ronaldo but not Torres

I think Keane is a vast improvement on Crouchie I have to say. Though I have said many a time I rather stick with the current formation for a lot of reasons. I think that Robbie Keane is the type of player we have not had since Beardsley left, he would link up well with Torres if it where to happen and if we do stick with the current formation he can play anywhere in and around Torres.

yeah I like the current formation, it's the full backs I'd like to improve on, and maybe an up and coming winger/flair player. Keane fits Rafa's profile and he's a poor man's David Villa in many respects.

Glenn Hysén wrote:yeah I like the current formation, it's the full backs I'd like to improve on, and maybe an up and coming winger/flair player. Keane fits Rafa's profile and he's a poor man's David Villa in many respects.

True but he is proven in the EPL and thats what we all want.

Dossena is grand, though we missed out on players such as Vargas and now Zhirkov, though I thought Zhirkov was rubbish as LB when I saw some Russian footy over the last year. He would be a great signing on the wings for us though espically if we do revert back to 4-4-2.
Diego Capel is another one I really like, but Spurs look likely to sign him though their £12.3M bid was rejected yesterday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7483317.stm



I am increasingly confused by our transfer dealings.

If Gary Barry is worth £18m then Robbie Keane must be worth at least the same, surely?

Graham Hunter clearly talks $h!t.

BBC Sport understands Liverpool would be willing to offer Crouch plus cash to sign 28-year-old Keane.

But they fear Spurs will demand £20m for Keane, wrecking a possible deal.

Spurs have not received a transfer request from Keane, despite reports claiming he had demanded to leave White Hart Lane.

Was close to clicking on that

Chelsea willing to pay £85M for Liverpool's Torres
tribalfootball.com - July 01, 2008

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to pay a mind-boggling £85 MILLION for Liverpool star Fernando Torres.

The Daily Star says Chelsea's billionaire owner was an admiring onlooker here on Sunday night as the brilliant Liverpool striker dominated Spain's European Championship victory over Germany.

Torres was man of the match in every way and how Chelsea would love to prise him away from Anfield.

Their first reported offer of £50m was laughed away by Liverpool and Torres has admitted he has no wish to quit Merseyside.

However, if Liverpool hint at any weakness, Abramovich would be ready to pay more than Real Madrid's planned £70 million bid for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

A weekly salary of more than £200,000 a week is not out of the question as Abramovich is determined to bankroll his club into European winners.

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=100726

If true, Torres' value would be higher than Ronaldo's. Just more proof as to who's really better?

Liverpool to make a final "take it or leave it" offer of 15m + 2m in add-ons for Barry:

http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3765178,00.html

kas wrote:Liverpool to make a final "take it or leave it" offer of 15m + 2m in add-ons for Barry:

http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3765178,00.html

That's a ridiculous price, but if it's accepted it will basically a straight swap between Xabi and Barry, we won't be losing any cash. I would much rather have Xabi in the team though.

I hope we sign Keane, but I don't think it will happen unless Spurs are seriously interested in Crouch and Benayoun. Keane would be a great partner for Torres, but does signing him mean we will revert back to 4,4,2? I can't see two £17million pound players in Mascherano and Barry sitting on the bench, so will Gerrard be pushed out to the right again?

-----Gerrard------Masch---------Barry------Babel----
---------------------Torres-----Keane------------------

Gerrard works brilliantly well behind Torres, but then he was also brilliant during the season where he played on the right. Why would Rafa move him out of the position where he excelled last season though? I don't see how it would all fit together if those signings were made, unless Keane plays in Kuyt’s position.