The Liverpool discussion thread 2006/2007

La Saeta Rubia wrote:
So far 67% of Barça fans they will go out after tonights result

The other 33% are full of sangria or are still out there filling themselves up with it. I wish I was too right now, would take away the disappointment.

kas wrote:I don't think your players deserved such high ratings. If Saviola had scored with either of his 2/3 one on one chances, none of your defence would be getting scores that high.

Sorry to sound like a sore loser, but I feel we lost that rather than you winning it. And I'm not a Wenger-type who never gives the other team credit.

the ratings were relative because of the magnitude of beating barca at the nou camp and the manner in which we subdued you.

sorry but we had just as many good chances. riise should have given a simple goal to bellamy in the 4th minute, bellamy then missed a great chance before we got the first goal and in the second half kuyt missed an open net.

you were playing well before we made you play poorly. for valdes' mistake remember gerrard also made a big mistake for your goal

during the first half I thought you would win comfortably but the second half was so so comfortable for us liverpool fans to watch. I fully expected us to score that winning goal and we held on without much fuss at all throughout the rest of the game

Reina getting a 9 is a bit OTT...made same good interceptions, but the flapping at the crosses was piss poor.

borocooper wrote:Reina getting a 9 is a bit OTT...made same good interceptions, but the flapping at the crosses was piss poor.

Indeed it isn't without him our defence is often a bit clueless and he saved at least two goals tonight that other keepers probably would not have left their box for.

Too much hype.

borocooper wrote:Too much hype.

I did say I would try to be unbiased

don't care what you say though. he is the best keeper/sweeper in the world which means the 'few' mistakes he does produce are able to be forgiven. yet again tonight he was brilliant

You Irish and your drunken ramblings. We'll talk about this tomorrow.

Alan Green's missing is guaranteed something tonight then.

Well....

I have to say I'd have happily taken a 2-1 defeat at Camp Nou... so a 2-1 victory is a brilliant result.

Still all to play for though. I think I'm right in saying that the last time the 2 team met at Anfield we lost 3-1.

Fingers crossed!

Congrats by the way.

Thanks Bilal.... I'd like to say I'd have been as gracious had Man U beaten Barca. But I doubt it.

Riise showed last night, why he is one of the best model professionals around .. Barcelona should kick themselves, Riise did not score a 35yard left footed rocket!

Plus, is it true that Steven Gerrard after the game quoted "Karaoke is good..", referring to the incident that alledgely led to Bellamy swinging his golf club at Riise ..

Roger Hunt wrote:Thanks Bilal.... I'd like to say I'd have been as gracious had Man U beaten Barca. But I doubt it.

No prob,people say Im too nice but thats my nature.(Yeah I know I am complementing myself)

I just wanted to say congratulations.. you guys beat us fair and square and only the most optimistic cule beleives that this can be turned around.


I would like to say that I you beat us fairly not by destructing our game but simply by being excellent in defence, disciplined in midfield and very good on the counter.. I honestly feared we would loose by more when we started to hoof balls at you.

My MOTM would be Momo since he managed to stress us enough in the final third so that our attacks became neutralised. The back four and your midfield were also extremely good at closing down the players with the ball quickly enough so as to avoid dangerous situations.

Cheers Ole, Momo was my MOTM as well, wait till you come to Anfield, the atmosphere will be electric

Oleguerisntthatbad wrote: My MOTM would be Momo since he managed to stress us enough in the final third so that our attacks became neutralised. The back four and your midfield were also extremely good at closing down the players with the ball quickly enough so as to avoid dangerous situations.

Thanks ole - but it ain't over till the fat lady sings.

Re your comment above - we are starting to look like a Benitez team

Contrary to Essien and Lampard, Momo really knew how to stress just enough without getting ugly.. I don't think he went overboard a single time and he didn't give away nearly as many freekicks despite the ref we had yesterday being much more strickt than the one we had against Chelsea..

I still think you guys need a clinical striker.. imagine how many goals you could have scored in the second half

I still hope we put up more of a fight at Anfield, but I don't expect us to go through..

Good luck against Chelsea (if you meet them)..

How much for Sissoko? I'm sure he wants to return to Spain since you have Mascherano now...

I'm sure plenty of La Liga fans were saying he was rubbish at Valencia

He won't be going anywhere for a while hopefully. In him and Mascherano I think we're near enough guarenteed to have one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, maybe even two

im so hormonal

ANDERSON NETS WINNER FOR RESERVES
Steve Hunter 22 February 2007
Paul Anderson scored a fine goal and Francisco Duran made his debut as Liverpool Reserves deservedly beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground on Thursday night.
Spanish youth international Duran played in the midfield holding role and made a pleasing contribution in the hour that he was given. He is very comfortable in possession, is two footed and has a good eye for an opening.

Anderson scored the only goal of the game after 62 minutes when he met a right wing cross and produced a great finish when he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. The winger hasn't been at his best this season but this goal will do his confidence the world of good and he had an excellent match.

Emiliano Insua played his second reserve game at left back and also had a comfortable night and was eager to get forward and provide width. Fellow Argentine Gabriel Paletta was also handed a start alongside Miki Roque at centre half and they were rock solid figures at the back.

Youth Cup striker Craig Lindfield led the Reds attack alongside Moroccan Nabil El Zhar with Dutch striker Jordy Brouwer on the bench.

Liverpool made a bright start to the game and could have been 2-0 up inside the opening three minutes when the lively Anderson twice went close. He fired one effort over the bar and then ran clear of the Bolton defence but pulled his effort wide.

Bolton had their moments as well in the first half and winger Zoltan Harasanyi was a threat down the left wing, and three times he came close to scoring.

Liverpool had a great chance after 29 minutes when Duran found himself in space on the edge of the Bolton penalty area. He could have shot for goal himself but instead unselfishly fed a lovely through ball into Lindfield's path. The striker fired a shot across the face of the goal but unfortunately Nabil El Zhar could only turn the ball over the bar.

Liverpool Reserve team manager Gary Ablett made his first change of the evening after 62 minutes when former Ajax man Brouwer came on for Duran.

Liverpool continued to look the more likely side to break the deadlock and sure enough the Reds patience eventually paid off when Anderson gave Ablett's side a deserved lead after 62 minutes.

Overall there were a lot of positives for Ablett to take from this performance. Liverpool competed well, played as a team and weren't afraid to put their foot in when the need arose. Danny Guthrie and Lee Peltier controlled the midfield and both players were excellent.

Liverpool Reserves: Martin, Darby, Insua, Roque, Paletta, Peltier, Duran (Brouwer 62), Guthrie, Lindfield, El Zhar, Anderson. Subs unused: Roberts (GK), Threlfall, Antwi, Hobbs.

Bolton Wanderers Reserves: Howarth, Sinclair, Jamieson, Cassidy, Augustyn, Fojut, Woolfe (Obadeyi 73), Sissons, Thompson, Basham, Harsanyi (Brooks 80).

Referee: P Quinn.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Paul Anderson. Back to his best and took his goal really well.

stop hyping up Anderson.

Antwi on the bench - Is this the player that COTR described as the 'new' Gallas.

Do you reakon Insua will get a chance at the first team next season. I know Riise scored yesterday, but he hasn't been at his best this season.

Cesc wrote:Antwi on the bench - Is this the player that COTR described as the 'new' Gallas.

Do you reakon Insua will get a chance at the first team next season. I know Riise scored yesterday, but he hasn't been at his best this season.

We haven't seen enough of him to say, but he was decent in last weeks reserve game against Preston.

Is Aurelio injured? He should surely be given another chance before Insua comes in.

borocooper wrote:stop hyping up Anderson.

Anderson > Puterril.

You'll see.


Cesc,

Antwi gets plenty of reserve games. It was only about a month ago he was captaining the side. We just have loads of young defenders who need games - Paletta, Roque, Hobbs, Huth, Antwi et al and then a few of the even younger players like Threfall and Darby can play in the centre too.

Javier Mascherano, Rafa's latest signing, today spoke to liverpoolfc.tv about his desire to prove himself in English football, his debt of gratitude to the boss and how he doesn't regret moving to West Ham in the summer

Javier, how are you settling in?

Good, good. I'm very happy here and things are going great so far. All the players have been helping me to settle in, which is nice to see. They've all been welcoming, which has made my transition to Liverpool really easy. The fact we had some time away last week was great. I think it was a good exercise for everyone. It certainly helped me to bond with my teammates.

How frustrating have the last few weeks been; first of all waiting for FIFA to give the okay, then the Premier League?

It has been extremely frustrating. I've been waiting for ages for my move to happen, so when I heard that everything was okay, it was a great relief. My family has been backing me up all the way, and along with the backroom staff here at the club, they have helped me through.

Has it been hard to keep yourself motivated to train?

I wouldn't say that. The fact that I'm here at such a great club like Liverpool has spurred me on. I have really felt part of everything. The players and the backroom staff have made me feel like I'm an integral part of the squad.

When did you first hear of Rafa's interest in you?

It was quite a while ago now – I'd say maybe two or three months ago. It was a massive surprise to tell you the truth, but a pleasant one. One minute I was not getting a game at a team who were struggling at the bottom of the Premiership, the next minute people were talking about me going to one of the top clubs in the country. There were rumours going round, but then I spoke with Rafa and he told me he might be able to get me up here playing for Liverpool.

How grateful are you to him for this opportunity?

Yes, I'm incredibly grateful to the boss. It really wasn't happening for me down at West Ham. Rafa has offered me an amazing opportunity, a great career move and one which I intend not to waste.

Did you ever think about turning your back on English football?

Maybe there were times when I was at West Ham not getting a game when I thought, yes, I might have to leave English football to play somewhere else. But once Rafa showed an interest those thoughts were gone. I knew I wanted to stay and make a go of things in this country.

Have you ever regretted coming to England?

No. The fact I was getting overlooked at West Ham was a bit of an unpleasant experience, but I really think this has helped me to develop as a person. It's in the most difficult periods of your life that you really start to learn things. Anyway, that's all in the past now.





Was your time in London the worst period of your life?

The thing is, I came over here with hopes of playing football on a regular basis and it didn't work out like that. It was a tough period, but I never allowed myself to go too far down. I tried to get stuck in at training and keep the belief that my football was okay. I got occasional games, so I was involved. I always lived in hope that things would work out.

Why do you think things didn't work out for you at West Ham?

First of all, I have to take some of the responsibility myself. I clearly didn't play sufficiently well to warrant a place in the team. The backroom staff obviously didn't think I was worth it. I didn't play a great deal, but I have to take my share of the blame.

There's a lot of good midfielders already at this club – what do you offer?

It's important to have lots of quality players – I'm part of the squad. I don't like to blow my own trumpet. If I had to describe my style of play I'd say that I like to be involved, I'm defensive minded and I'm a ball player. I just want to show what I'm capable of now.

Do you see yourself as offering something different to Xabi, Stevie and Momo?

They're all great players. It would be disrespectful of me to start saying I have qualities that they don't!

Are you confident you can adapt to the English game?

Yes. I'll try to do my best. I've already had a few months at West Ham, so I know the game is more physical over here. It's also a lot quicker, but my experience has also given me the belief that I can adapt and be a success in English football. I can handle it.

What has Rafa told you about your role at the club?

He hasn't spoken to me about when or how often I'll play. Rafa is the boss and I'll play when he says.

Have you been to any games at Anfield?

No, not yet. It's something I'm looking forward to, though.

Are you excited about playing in front of the Kop?

Yes, of course. Everybody has told me it's a fantastic experience.

Do you feel you have something to prove?

In a way. I've really got to repay the faith that has been shown in me.

Do you see this as a long-term move?

Yes, I want to be at this club for a long time.

Moving on, have you had much chance to explore Liverpool yet?

Not really I'm afraid.

There's a new Argentinian restaurant in town – are you, Paletta and Insua going to check it out at some stage?

[Laughs] Yes, we will – when we get some time!

I see we've been linked with Trezeguet again over the past week. I make no secret of my desire to see us sign Villa or eto'o but if that proves impossible, we could do worse. There aren't many quality strikers around and despite the fact that he'll be 30 next season, he's still one of the best finishers in Europe. Certainly one of the best headers (sounding a bit like Nando already ).

If we could get him for cheap or in a swap with Crouchy, I'd take it. Get a couple of seasons out of him and then look elsewhere. Priority for me, ahead of Villa, is still Dani Alves. Someone who can be guarenteed to get behind defences and actually attack the opposition in the top matches. Finnan disappeared against the Mancs and Arsenal.

Alves and Trezeguet is alot less expensive, and realistic, than Alves and Villa. We could throw in a decent winger too and that would be everything more or less sorted. Schweini, Mancini or god forbid Ribery probably wouldn't cost more than £12m and would do the job.

- - - - - - - - - - Reina
Alves - Carragher - Agger - Aurelio
Gerrard - Alonso - Mascherano - Mancini*
- - - - - - - - - - - - Kuyt
- - - - - - Trezeguet


* Or Schweinsteiger etc

Then away from home:

- - - - - - - - - Reina
- - Arbeloa - Carragher - Agger
Alves - Xabi Alonso - Sissoko - Aurelio
- - - - - - - - - Gerrard
- - Trezeguet/Kuyt - Bellamy


Purely speculative of course, but that maybe a bit more 'in budget' than Alves and David Villa together. Aswell as less high-profile (and thus less competition).

I'd still prefer Villa and Alves though, even if it meant not signing the winger.


Oh well... Just mindlessly speculating through boredom.

How much do you think Daniel Alves will cost now?

Alves has improved as a player.
Sevilla will be in the Champions League next season.
Liverpool have rich owners.

£18m ... give or take.

Totally worth it.

Deschamps: Juve need Gerrard Friday 23 February, 2007

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Didier Deschamps has come out into the open and said he wants Steven Gerrard for Juventus’ return to the top flight.

The club has been linked with the Liverpool midfielder for several years now, but the Calciopoli scandal and their subsequent demotion to Serie B delayed any serious proposal.


“In midfield we would need players who are already experienced, physically imposing and with great technique, like Patrick Vieira was for this team last season,” Deschamps told the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’.


“If we have a chance of getting Gerrard, then I’ll personally ride to the airport on a bicycle to pick him up! I won’t risk any delays! Juventus have to aim for players like him if we want to make that leap up in quality.”


The Bianconeri are already leading the Serie B standings despite their nine-point Calciopoli penalty and are on track for immediate promotion back into the spotlight, although Deschamps warned a Scudetto push cannot be a realistic target yet.


“In order to see a great Juventus, the fans must be patient for at least another two or three years. The club is about to set out its economic plan and important investments are predicted. We will sign three of four world class players, but you cannot rebuild the side we had in the space of a year. A few youngsters will stay, others are to be loaned out to gain experience.”


The main concerns surround David Trezeguet and Gianluigi Buffon, who have both hinted they could move on at the end of the season.


“President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said that we cannot be 100 per cent certain of keeping a player, but we all know that Gigi is a crucial element in building an even more competitive side next term. We must put in extra effort to secure him, as it’s impossible to find another goalkeeper like that,” continued Deschamps.


“Trezeguet’s future depends on his motivation and desire. He only has one year left on his contract, so it is a complex issue. We’d need a striker who can guarantee at least 20 goals per season, but there aren’t many of them around.


“Fernando Torres is too young and needs another heavyweight centre-forward to play against. Samuel Eto’o is an option, though difficult to take away from Barcelona. Claudio Pizarro of Bayern Munich is strong, but his character isn’t exactly ideal. Miroslav Klose would fit well at Juve, while Luca Toni could be a great solution. He’d make a great partner for Trezeguet.”


The Italian Press will therefore continue to report that Juventus are staging a £35m bid for the World Cup winning Fiorentina hitman, although he has reiterated there is no truth in rumours of his interest.