The Liverpool discussion thread 2006/2007

Nice gesture from Arbeloa to a Depor website before he left. Couldn't imagine Kromkamp doing the same after just 6 months at a club:

Dear Friends:

It’s been six months. Only six months. I wouldn’t have enough time nor the words to thank the supporters, the club, the team and the entire city for all they have given me and made me feel.

It seems like only yesterday that I came. It still makes me shiver every time I wear that blue & white T-shirt , coming out onto Riazor’s pitch to play against the best players in the world, making my dream come true playing on the first division. Last summer, I decided to come to play with this team, and I would have no doubt choosing this team again.

I won’t bore you with a long farewell. I would simply like to leave with you the same wonderful memories you have given me and which I’m taking with me to this new venture. Our Depor will now have a new “supporter” from Liverpool.

Thanks to the club, to the president who gave me the opportunity to come to this great team, to the coach who put his trust in me and gave me the confidence I needed and taught me that I needed to be the best one in each training session. Thanks to my team mates who made me felt at home (I’m sure they will achieve great things for the club), thanks to the city which took me in as one of its own, thanks to the supporters who cheer even when things weren’t that great, and thanks to riazor.org because they are the reason why football exits.

I also want to thank my new club, Liverpool, for this great opportunity they are offering me. I hope to meet your expectations and to match the excellence of an outstanding club with such international prestige. I’m already looking forward to training for the first time with my new team and to meet its great players and my new coach who has already made important achievements for the club.

Forza Depor !!!

Go Reds !!!

A big hug,

Álvaro Arbeloa

***Forza Milan*** wrote:^ Sweet xD.

Is he any good? Has anyone seen him play?

Seen Depor play a few times this year but was mainly trying to concentrate on Barragan whilst simultaneously getting infuriated by Arizmendi. Alot of Depor fans seem to think he's been their best player this season though.

Obispo wrote:Decent article there but a fair bit of speculation.

Strongest XI away from home - should Arbeloa adapt quickly:

- - - - - - - - - - Reina
- - Arbeloa - Carragher - Agger
Finnan - Alonso - Macherano - Aurelio
- - - - - - - - - Gerrard
- - - - - - - Kuijt - Bellamy

At home:

- - - - - - - - - - Reina
Finnan - Carragher -Agger - Riise
Gerrard - Alonso - Mascherano - Kewell
- - - - - - - Kuyt - Bellamy

Obviously doesn't tell the whole story with Momo competing for one of the midfield berths, Hyypia the centreback and Crouch the striker.

At home I think we'll play one wide player, be that Pennant on the right or one of Gonzalez/Kewell on the left and play Gerrard narrow on the opposite flank, cutting infield.

Aurelio for left back, but other than that, I totally agree with you.

Liverpool could try this, maybe against Barca

Defending:
- - - - - - - - - - Reina - - - - - - - - - -

Carragher - Hyypia - Agger - - Riise

- - - - - - - - Macherano - - - - - - - -
- - Gerrard - - Sissoko - - Alonso - -

- - - - - - - Kuijt - - Crouch - - - - - - -


Attacking:
- - - - - - - - - - Reina - - - - - - - - - -

- - Carragher - - Hyypia - - Agger - -

- - - - - - - - Macherano - - - - - - - -
Gerrard - Sissoko - - Alonso - Riise

- - - - - - - Kuijt - - Crouch - - - - - - -


a bit like what Argentina did at the World Cup

Sorin = Riise
Riquelme = Alonso
Cambiasso = Sissoko
Rodriguez = Gerrard

Yes however the i and j are connected into one letter.

I still can't believe that people still think shifting our most influencial player out wide where he is uncomfortable simply to accomodate other players is a good idea. I repeat this is not FM he is not and never ever whatever in your dreams wish become a right midfielder. Just look how Essien or Ferreira did when they moved very into a different role very close to their own, and totally looked at of place every role at this level is a specialised position, its not different with Stevie,

Still square pegs in round holes. When we will learn...

I know I sound ridiculous and a bit out of date but HAVE you actually signed Mascherano? I can't find anything about it on the BBC.

Owen Thomas wrote:I know I sound ridiculous and a bit out of date but HAVE you actually signed Mascherano? I can't find anything about it on the BBC.

he's ours, we've signed him, but we have to wait for the FA to look into the transfer before he can play. Bastards.

Crouching Tiger wrote:

Owen Thomas wrote:I know I sound ridiculous and a bit out of date but HAVE you actually signed Mascherano? I can't find anything about it on the BBC.

he's ours, we've signed him, but we have to wait for the FA to look into the transfer before he can play. Bastards.

Thanks.

Dammit

Owen Thomas wrote:

Crouching Tiger wrote:

Owen Thomas wrote:I know I sound ridiculous and a bit out of date but HAVE you actually signed Mascherano? I can't find anything about it on the BBC.

he's ours, we've signed him, but we have to wait for the FA to look into the transfer before he can play. Bastards.

Thanks.

Dammit

Well he hasn't officially signed, but all the documentation regarding his transfer was completed before the deadline. We just need the FA to say 'yes' then he's ours.

On his first day at Melwood, new signing from Deportivo La Coruna Alvaro Arbeloa sits down for an exclusive chat with Liverpoolfc.tv.

How does it feel to sign for Liverpool Football Club?

It’s almost like I can’t believe what’s happened. It’s great and exciting to start my career at Liverpool and you could say that I’ve been really fortunate in my career as I’ve not only played for the great teams in Spain I’ve now signed for one of the great teams in England. In Spain, Liverpool is known as the biggest and best English club, it's history and reputation is highly regarded.

When did you first hear of the interest from Liverpool?

Last Friday. My agent called me and told me there was a chance, a possibility of coming to Liverpool.

Were you surprised?

Yes it was a big surprise because I’d only recently signed a long contract with Deportivo for five years. I was playing every game and I was seen very much in the manager’s plans so, yes, it came as a real surprise and shock.

Was leaving Spain a difficult decision to make?

It wasn’t no. It was something that I snapped up straight away. When you get the chance to come somewhere like Liverpool you don’t turn that down. I was so surprised but also grateful to Deportivo for giving me the chance to be here because they could have insisted on keeping me to my contract. However, they’ve had a few financial problems so it’s been beneficial for them that I could come here and so I do so with their blessing.

What has been the reaction of your family and friends to the move?

Everyone’s really happy but nobody could believe it, purely and simply because I never told anyone about it while it was going through. When I did finally tell them it was really sudden. Like right, I’m off.

Have you had any previous dealings with Rafa Benitez?

No, yesterday (Wednesday) was the first time I spoke to him.

Are you looking forward to working for him?

Yes. He’s a highly respected manager, famed for all his achievements. Valencia hadn’t won the league for 30 years and he made them champions, and also won the UEFA Cup. He’s very highly thought of in Spain and I'm very happy to be working with him.

What has Rafa told you about your role here?

We haven’t gone in to great depth because the time we spoke yesterday wasn’t long enough for him to explain what he expects of me football wise. I’m sure it’s something we’ll be talking about fairly soon though.

Obviously, Liverpool have a number of Spanish players already at the club, do you know any of them?

I don't know any of them personally yet but, obviously, I know who they are and all about them. There are so many great players at Liverpool, Spanish and non-Spanish, and it's going to be fantastic just to share a dressing room with them.

What do you know about fellow right-back Steve Finnan, the man you've been brought in as cover for?

I’ve seen a lot of Liverpool games over the last few seasons and noticed that he’s a great player. He’s got a good touch on the ball and he can also put a good cross over. His delivery is very, very good so I know that it’s going to be a tough battle to get in.

How would you describe your style of play and what qualities can you bring to this team?

It’s always difficult when you try to talk about yourself as a player. I’d just like people to see me play and make their own minds up. But for the purpose of the question I like to defend and keep things tight at the back but, when I have the opportunity, I do like to get forward as well, if the game allows it.

You spent a lot of time playing at Real Madrid as a youngster, what did you learn from your time there?

I had a great time there. You’ve got to enjoy yourself playing with the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Michael Owen and Beckham. You learn a lot training with these people on a day to day basis. I think having been at a massive club like Real will help me in the fact that the challenge of coming here doesn’t fill me with any kind of trepidation or fear. You train on a daily basis with these kind of players so it’s like more of the same and I’m looking forward to it.

Do you have any role models within the game?

There's nobody as such that I look up to or imitate their style. I’ve not had any one idol other than the fact that you reflect on all the greats and try taking tips on board.

I know you’ve just arrived but what are your first impressions of Liverpool, the club?

Everything is what I imagined it to be and more. It’s all positive. I think it’s the facilities that hit you in the face as soon as you come here. Everything is done properly - correct and professional.

Are you looking forward to settling in the city and will your family be following you?

Liverpool looks a really interesting city and I can't wait to settle down here. Key to that will be learning the language and I'm hoping to do that as soon as possible. My girlfriend who lived with me in Spain has followed me over and I’m sure my family will be over to watch a few games once we’ve settled in.

Is the prospect of adapting to life in the Premiership one you are relishing?

I’m convinced that I can do a good job. I like to set myself high targets and goals in life and adapting to the different language, different culture, different way of life, as well as the differences on the field, of course, is going to be a big challenge. But I can't wait to get started.

Which team did you support growing up in Spain?

When I was really, really young I supported Atletico Madrid. Then I spent time on the books of Zaragoza so they became very close to my heart and obviously because I played for Real Madrid they then became my team. As a result, because of the rivalry in Spain, I have a real desire to see Liverpool beat Barca in the Champions League. One of the things I was thinking when I signed for Liverpool was that it’s good we drew Barca.

Have you played against Barcelona this season and how do you rate our chances against them?

Yes, we drew 1-1 at home and had a few chances to get the three points. I’ve got a lot of respect for Barcelona but no fear, you shouldn’t fear another team. They’ve got a great team with some great players but there's no reason for us to fear them.

There are a couple of games coming up before Barca, starting with the Merseyside derby on Saturday. If selected, are you ready to play?

Yes. As soon as Rafa says, I’m ready!

this guy comes across well. you can sense his genuine excitement just from that interview. his commitment certainly won't be in any doubt. hopefully a great find from rafa

Parky was right... the mancs are twatting our reserves... 0-0. We've had a goal disallowed and hit the bar aswell.

Obispo wrote:Parky was right... the mancs are twatting our reserves... 0-0. We've had a goal disallowed and hit the bar aswell.

'men against boys'

'whitewash'


he better hope silvestre and co don't let him down in the second half after all the trash talk

Took off Fletcher at half time when we were all over you.

We also hit the post and missed the chance of the game.


Awful game to be fair.

We took Zenden off at half time.

Shaming for your lot really.

Fletcher was all over Zenden like a mad lesbian.

Obispo wrote:Parky was right... the mancs are twatting our reserves... 0-0. We've had a goal disallowed and hit the bar aswell.

a mr alan smith was playing the scoreline is not a surprise

Well done LRD its one players fault the group failed... the other ten were sensational but Smith missed all the golden chances they made

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1776_1887965,00.html

Football Genius wrote:Well done LRD its one players fault

has this guy ever been in a winning team in his life? in the reserves nope senior nope leeds relegated, england debut sent off in a draw with macedonia ffs

Guys whats new on masch?

FA wants us waiting dont they?

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N154871070202-1037.htm

Rest assured I nearly cried when I first saw the headline. Thank god it's not the original.

Parks lives wrote:
Btw its the reserves match tonight. We're fielding Fletcher, Silvestre, Eagles, Brown, Smith and Dong plus some of our kids. Should be a walk over for us.

Parks lives wrote:Bloody hell, I thought you'd have a few squad players well known.

Could be a whitewash!

Parks lives wrote:
Liverpool are pretty shit at reserves level anyway, second bottom this season.

Men against Boys so far.

COTR wrote:

Parks lives wrote:
Btw its the reserves match tonight. We're fielding Fletcher, Silvestre, Eagles, Brown, Smith and Dong plus some of our kids. Should be a walk over for us.

Parks lives wrote:Bloody hell, I thought you'd have a few squad players well known.

Could be a whitewash!

Parks lives wrote:
Liverpool are pretty shit at reserves level anyway, second bottom this season.

Men against Boys so far.

I really don't know what is worse, the bravado over a reserve fixture, or the pitiful prediction of a whitewash

US duo set for Liverpool takeover

Liverpool have agreed a deal with American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks, who are set to complete their takeover of the club early next week.
Gillett and Hicks flew to England earlier this week for a secret meeting with senior Liverpool officials.

They persuaded the club to stall talks with Dubai International Capital, who had been expected to buy out the club.

Hicks and Gillett will split the £470m takeover on a 50-50 basis with £215m of that earmarked for a new stadium.

Gillett owns National Hockey League side Montreal Canadiens while Hicks owns rival NHL franchise Dallas Stars as well as the Texas Rangers baseball team.

TAKEOVER COST BREAKDOWN
Buying out shareholders (incl £80m debt): £255m
New stadium: £215m
TOTAL COST: £470m

Hicks has built up a reputation for developing state-of-the-art new stadia for his teams and his participation was a key factor in Liverpool deciding to go with the US bid.

The other issue which clinched the deal is the Americans guaranteed that Liverpool's new stadium on Stanley Park would not be on a groundshare basis, which had been Gillett's original plan when he was considering a solo takeover.

Gillett has impressed Liverpool with his proposals and the speed at which he completed due diligence - the process of investigation by potential investors - in three days.

The 68-year-old American has also stressed his experience in running successful sporting operations.

However, the Independent has claimed that Gillett's business empire collapsed in 1992, leading to a £33.7m personal bankruptcy.

Gillett and Hicks have worked together in the past on the board of a major US meat-processing firm.

Their idea to take over Liverpool gathered force when they met at the NHL All-Star Game last week.

It would be the first time that two owners of rival sports clubs in one league have combined to purchase a club in another.



So there we have it. One investor who owns the NHL's most successful club, whose fans like his hands-off approach and respect for tradition. The other an owner who spends big on all his teams and has overseen the completition of new stadiums for both of his other teams.

Oh, and they completed Due Dilligence in 3 days. Hopefully, after some of our recent sagas, they're as quick in the transfer market.

their bid must have been extraordinary to provoke the board into not accepting DIC's. Im very happy with the sound of that deal especially the new stadium and debts portion of the bid. hopefully this is the end of it now.

COTR wrote:their bid must have been extraordinary to provoke the board into not accepting DIC's. Im very happy with the sound of that deal especially the new stadium and debts portion of the bid. hopefully this is the end of it now.

Nah, just more money. The board have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the shareholders - and that would mean getting the most money for them if they were to sell their shares.