Well we’re almost there. This Wednesday evening, the eyes, prayers and dreams of every single Liverpool fan across the world, will be well and truly focused on Athens, as we kick off against AC Milan in the Champions League final. I just can’t wait for things to get started, even typing that last line has sent a shiver up my spine, I think if I get any more excited I might very well explode!
The reason for my extra excitement on this occasion is that I firmly believe that come the final whistle on Wednesday, we will all be celebrating Number 6! This isn’t an easy blog to write because my mind is racing in many different directions at the moment, so apologies if I ramble a bit more then usual, but I will attempt to lay out the reasons why I am so full of confidence about our chances on Wednesday, as logically as I can.
Let’s start with our opponents, and while I have a lot of respect for AC Milan, some of the noises coming out of their camp over the past couple of weeks have done nothing but provide me with an extra bit of confidence. It seems that many of their players such as Cafu, Kaka and most particularly Ricky Tomlinson’s stunt double Gattuso, have been full of talk about revenge for their Istanbul defeat.
Apparently they are pissed off about the fact that we had the cheek to refuse to lay down and die when we were 3-0 down in that game, but that’s fine because if those thoughts are still eating away inside their minds, it can only be good news for us. Besides, we had all this ridiculous revenge talk from CSKA London before our semi final, but it didn’t do them any good and I don’t expect it will do Milan any good either.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank their manager Carlos Talksalotti. I thought it was a great sporting gesture on his part, to help Rafa with his pre-match talk to the players by stating in a recent interview that Liverpool were the worst team of the four semi finalists and nothing but a long ball team etc. Cheers Carlos, I’m sure Rafa will have a copy of that interview pinned to our dressing room wall as an extra little motivational tool for the lads.
I also think we should be thankful to manc boss Alex Fungusface. Not only has he also provided our lads with a nice little piece of motivation by stating that he is “absolutely certain†Milan will beat us in the final, but his ridiculous tactics in the second leg of their semi at the San Siro, has provided Rafa with a nice little training video of exactly what not to do. If we give the Milan players time and space, and our midfield stands back and admires the likes of Kaka and co, instead of actually tackling them, then there is a real danger that we will be demolished and embarrassed in much the same way as the mancs were. So thanks for the reminder Alex, you fucking idiot!
AC Milan are many peoples favourites to win on Wednesday, which of course suits us, but I think their favourites tag is based largely on their performance against the mancs. However, I think the stupid tactics employed by the mancs contributed to their own defeat and has fooled some people into thinking Milan are a better side then they actually are. Don’t get me wrong, I think they are a very good side but when I look through their team I see plenty of reasons for us to feel optimistic about our chances.
I’ve watched them a few times this season and I think they are very vulnerable at the back. Their keeper Dida is extremely dodgy and their back four doesn’t seem to be as organised as it once was. I think Nesta is a brilliant player and one of the best defenders in Europe but other then him they seem to struggle. Maldini and Cafu were both World Class players in their day but these days they seem to have slowed down a lot and as for Oddo, I think his best performances were on Star Trek, Deep Space Nine. If we can get a decent supply into our forwards I think we will cause this defence a lot of problems.
In the 2005 final they had a formidable strike force of Crespo and Shevchenko (in the days before he was destroyed by Jose Moaninho). These days they play with just one upfront and on Wednesday it will either be Gillardino or Inzaghi and to be honest I don’t think much of either. Gillardino is really nothing more then a workhorse and while Inzaghi was a great striker in his day, that day seems to have long since passed.
There’s no doubt he is a wonderful player and as far as I’m concerned, the best footballer in the world at the moment. He is the key player for Milan and I’m sure he will be central to Rafa’s thinking ahead of the game, because if we can stop Kaka we will effectively nullify the majority of their threat. However, the good news is that we’ve been there before. In 2005 he tore us apart time and again in the first half but once Didi Hamann came on in the second half, Kaka totally disappeared from the game. No doubt Rafa is very aware of this and I’d expect Mascherano in particular will be asked tofill the Hamann role this time.
So what eleven will Rafa put out to get the job done? Well your never quite sure what his tactical plan will be but as I’ve already made my case for Harry Kewell in an earlier blog, I think our starting line-up will have the usual suspects across the back, Gerrard on the right of midfield with Alonso and Mash in the middle and the Wizard of Oz on the left, and Kuyt playing upfront alongside Crouch. The other options to this is that he might play Riise on the left of midfield with Arbeloa behind him and he might decide to go for pace upfront and play Bellamy instead of Crouch.
With those one or two exceptions I think that would essentially be our line up. Alonso and especially Mascherano will be given the job of keeping Kaka quiet with Gerrard and Kewell/Riise tasked with keeping the Milan full backs out of the game. However, with so much of Milan’s strength in their midfield, I think there’s also a chance that Rafa might decide to counter this by playing three central midfielders and perhaps using Finnan and Riise as wing backs.
There are also at least another couple of variations to our line-up that I can come up with, off the top of my head but the point I’m making is that we have plenty of options. AC Milan, as good as they are, essentially always play pretty much the same way and although they are good at it, its predictable. Our side is a lot more versatile and Milan will be left guessing about our line-up up until the last possible minute and this will give Rafa a big tactical advantage ahead of the game.
These are some reasons why we should feel good about our chances but the real reason for my confidence comes down to this. AC Milan are a very good side but other then midfield, they are not nearly as strong as the side we beat in 2005, whereas our side is far stronger now, then it was then.
I also believe we would be the most deserving winners of the competition. Afterall we topped our qualifying group, beat the holders Barcelona in the last 16 and we also beat the favourites CSKA London in the semi’s, and I think both of those sides are better then Milan.
Before the final in 2005 I was desperately hoping we would win, this time I know we can. Of course, being Liverpool I don’t expect we’ll do things the easy way and no doubt we’ll be given a few frights along the way but I firmly believe we will win on Wednesday. My money’s on a 2-1 scoreline to The Reds and “old big ears†returning to Anfield for a sixth time!
SO C’MON YOU REDS, HISTORY AND NUMBER 6 AWAITS!!
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#1
simpleman Posted on May 22, 2007 @ 6:17 pm
Zenden looks as though he’s been declared fit, but even though he’s seemed to improve recently it still doesn’t fill me with excitment if he starts.
I reckon Arbeola left back and Riise left midfield with Gerrard on the right, however I reckon HK will make an appearance. But Rafa has said HK is fit enough to play 90 mins.
As you say Gerry you can’t second guess Rafa, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see Gerrard on the left and Pennant to appear on the right.
Spent all day checking Liverpool websites just cos I can’t focus on my job. If today was bad, tomorrow’s going to be hell.
I’m not giving any predictions cos I only jinx the game. Can’t wait, too excited, better than Christmas.
In Rafa We Trust
Come on the mighty Reds!
#2
FTO_Malta Posted on May 22, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
Excellent blog Ger.
Really enjoyed reading it. I definetely agree with your points though I would love to see Riise start the match.
As for the names – where the hell do you get those. Carols Talkalotti – I was laughing so hard
I agree mostly with your last paragraph – I also hoped for liverpool to win in 2005. Now I’m really positive. However, I would still not underestimate Inzaghi. He’s an opportunist and he can capitilize from any slight mistake our backline could make. So we must be extra attentive. I think the first 20 minutes or so will be crucial. If we can quiet there initial threat then the game is ours for the takins.
If you don’t mind, I would like to give a prediction. Last night I dreamt Liverpool to win by a single goal. A long range effort by Steven Gerrard in the dying minutes of the game.
So 0-1 Liverpool
YNWA
#3
Neilob Posted on May 22, 2007 @ 7:40 pm
Gerry,
Well done again (I was checking all day for your latest Athens piece).
Its so difficult to pick our 11 for tomorrow night but I have a feeling that it won’t be Zenden.
Like you I am confident more than hopeful (2005) of winning tomorrow night. It will mean so much to us.
Equal Milan’s 6 (and then Madrid’s record will be next).
Imagine how Ferguson will feel. His tactics in Europe are of a Vauxhall Conference league standard. He explained away their 3-0 mauling in the semis by building Milan up to be one of the greatest teams ever so when we win tomorrow night what will that do to his argument.
How will Maureen feel ?
Wouldn’t you just love to see the look on his face ?
But mostly I want to win for the greatest supporters in the world.
Heres to # 6.
We’ll be celebrating long and hard in Cork tomorrow night.
Neil
#4
aussie_kopfan Posted on May 22, 2007 @ 11:36 pm
i think zenden will come on in the last 10 mins or so if we’re infront to sure up the defence…and to take a penalty again.
Gonna be a farkin early on in oz tommorow. But fuck it, this is what dreams are made of
YNWA
I actually just remembered, Milan shouldnt even be in this champs league competition. Bloody cheating Italian FA letting them back in in the first place. Will make it even sweeter when stevie lifts #6.
#7
satyromaniaman Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 1:01 am
Great blog gerry. I agree that we should nick this game but most importantly is who turns up to play.
I do not understand how the media has made the current Milan team to be better than the one in 2005. Their aging players have aged a little further, their formidale strike out disbanded. Maybe because of the excellent Kaka?
We on the other hand have got Arbeloa or Riise in place of Traore, Daniel Agger and a still sharp and steady Hyypia. Kuyt, Bellamy, Crouchie AND God over a misfiring headless Baros. I mean, we have improved with quality players but even with the players we had in 2005, the difference would be the will to fight, and them heroes of 2005, if they were missing for most part of that year, turned up the style in 2005 and made them immortal.
The other thing we have we have is quality ON the bench. IF we do start with Riise and Arbeloa, ALonso and Javier, we look at the bench to see Pennant and Kewell. IF we start with Kuyt and Crouchie, we look to the bench and we have Bellamy and GOD. We have players who can come in and change the game. ANd I would not bet against God capping off with a goal.
I agree Kewell should not start, he would not last the 120 over minutes that might be needed and would risk getting injured. Still, the 60th minute looks good.
The thing is, I think ALonso will have to sacrifice for the team if we are in need of wingers to take on their fullbacks and put in the crosses. Otherwise our fullbacks will have to do the job, with ALonso and Masherano covering the middle of the park. What I like about this is that both effectively work together to nullify any threat, even when out full backs go up.
#8
Hyde Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 1:31 am
Gerry, lads:
Thanks for the blog, and am too excited, to say the least. I dunno if I can get through today’s work without my mind drifting off!! God I love finals!!
Kaka, as everyone points out is dangerous, but I also think Seedorf is someone to watch out. He has been pretty impressive for them throughout the latter half of this campaign, so this bloke in addition to Kaka and Pirlo could be a bit of danger. Gerry rightly points out we need to nullify their midfield and I think there are basically two ways of coping this– either we play with the two wide men ina 4-4-2 to keep on attacking their full backs, in turn, pulling either Pirlo or Seedorf into defense, or play with three central midfielders to block Milan’s breathing space. I personally would go for the latter formation because we are energetic enough to out-run them, but the great thing about Rafa is nobody can really predict how the line-up will be!! That is probably why the dumb media are unfavorable towards us because they can never get their predictions right and make them look even more stupid!!
Whichever way, we are behind you boys from all corners of the world, so get stuck in, and bring it on home to us!!
satyromaniaman, the reason the media are spinning this myth about Milan being a better side now, then they were in 2005 is because of the way they spanked the mancs in the semis.
The manc-obsessed media would never dare to level criticism at their precious Sir Alex in the way that they so freely direct it at Rafa. So instead of daring to mention his incredibly stupid tactics in that game, they talk up the quality of the Milan.
#10
FTO_Malta Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 6:42 am
Totally agree with you Gerry.
For God knows which reason, no one is getting the point that the mancs were rubbish against Milan. In the same way that Roma where rubbish against the mancs.
Anyway I personally prefer the underdog role. It seems to fire the team further.
Haven’t slept all night. Am at work .. really tired
I’ve got a lot of thoughts about the line-up, but at the end of the day, we’ve all got faith that Rafa knows what he’s doing.
I don’t mean to sound negative – I’m as excited as anyone – but what is weighing on my mind a bit, in terms of team selection, is more about which poor bastards are going to miss out and not get a minute on the pitch. Now don’t get me wrong – I know, and I’m sure they know, that the most important thing is the team and the result. But nevertheless, every player will be jumping out of their boots to play in this game but the reality is that a few of them will have to miss out.
Depending on Rafa’s tactics and the way the match goes, any one of the following players could conceivably not get a minute on the pitch: Alonso, Bellamy, Pennant, Sissoko, Fowler, Zenden, Gonzales, Hyypia, Dudek. Obviously some of these are less likely to play than others… but I just really feel for whoever does get left out… I wish we had more than 3 subs!!
Thankfully, this says that our squad depth is miles better than it was 2 years ago, and that as you said Gerry, Rafa has got countless options. I trust our players as professionals but they are also human so I just hope whoever gets left out can recover from the disappointment (obviously someone like Dudes knows he’s unlikely to play, maybe Hyypia too, but many of the others would surely be expecting some game time). I read Crouch say that he’d be “gutted if he didn’t start the game” which isn’t really what I wanted to hear… I’d rather hear he would do whatever job the manager asked of him!
Anyway – only 12 hours to go – I’m starting the drinking in Australia at midnight so that 4.45am comes around a bit quicker!
SCOUSERS – PREPARE FOR GLORY!!!!!
#12
satyromaniaman Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 11:49 am
I do have this feeling that Milan will be looking to set pieces to break our defence. Dead ball situations. We will have to be careful cause I have this feeling they will be falling of challenges near the box. We have to attack all set pieces with our lives. In this regard I do hope mr benny has prepared our team for it cos we have looked a bit sloppy in defending set pieces… IMO.
Thats the only way I can see Milan ever getting a look at our goal… today’s match will be an awesome statement to the world that the heroes of football are back to glory times.
Can’t wait for it to start!
#13
theredman Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
Hello Gerry, lads just popped in to say all the best for tonight Redmen, been away on holiday in turkey for 2wks so i’ve got over my little tantrum i made earlier, every waiter i saw had Liverpool shirts on over there and it’s very heart warming.
theredman YNWA.
#14
simpleman Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
Coverage starts at 1800hrs on Sky, which sadly means I’ll have to finish work early.
As Shakespear wrote: (well I’m sure this is what he meant)
Cry God for Rafa, Liverpool and Liver Bird!
Ps. Wouldn’t it be a shock for Robbie to start up front on his own with us playing a 5 man midfield…shortly followed by a Robbie hattrick. Some dreams can never be realised, but then the ‘pool gave us Istanbul!
Just a wee post to say guid luck for tonight. Hope you bring the big cup back home so it is in the country on the 40th anniversay of ma clubs greatest day.
We will never catch up with you’s as we have only 4 more or hopefully 5 to go!!!!
Bought a new packet of Corn Flakes here in sunny Brisbane and there was an offer on the side – one in three packets will win a ‘state of the art, how did you survive without one before’ projector alarm clock (PAC). Here was me thinking “Yeah right, I never win nowt”. Open the box and hey ho – free PAC time.
But the monumentous good vibe (MGV) doesn’t end there – the PAC comes in three different colours – green, blue and red. My hand was trembling but I managed to open the plastic wrapper and hey ho, it’s a you beaut, bring on those soft, might as well be Italian, nancy boys, MIGHTY RED.
So I’m just heading off to bed safe in the knowledge that Kellogs and their handy ‘no need to turn on the light’ PAC will wake me in the morning at 4-00am. Come on Kellogs, don’t let me down from here. Hope I can get to sleep.
If that’s not a sign then I don’t know what is.
Beat that one lads.
GO THE MIGHTY REDS!!!!!!
#17
artful_dodger74 Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
Great blog Ger. I dont think i’ve got anything done in work today. Must have read every article on newsnow.
I’m not sure whether we are going to play two up front tonight. From watching sky sports news all last night it looks like its going to be Kuyt up front on his own with Stevie playing in the hole and also making up another body in midfield. Its a little bit cautious for my liking but you can hardly blame Rafa starting with Alonso and the Monster Masch in midfield after what Milan done to the scum in the semi’s. Also after what happened in the 2005 final the last thing we need is Kaka running amok in the first half.
If our midfield can stop Kaka and Seedorf getting into those dangerous positions between the lines then i think we will win the game as i dont see much of a goal threat in the rest of the Milan team.
I’d love Kuyt and Crouch to start up front together as i think Milan are dodgy at crosses and balls into the box but it would mean leaving us short in midfield so i think Rafa will just err on the side of caution. I think if it was any other team in the world he would probably start with two up front.
As for all the shit coming out of the Milan camp, its disrespectful to say the least and i’m a bit disappointed with them as i thought they had more class than that. Its one of the things i praised them for after the 2005 final because they never really came out and bitched about it and just accepted that we won. Clearly all the talk of revenge and the memories of that night have stirred up some emotion in them and that can only be good for us.
As for us being underdogs i love it. Why so many people fancy Milan so much i havent got a clue. I totally agree with Gerry that the scum game was a one off for them and the reason the scum capitulated in the second leg was because half those muppets were injured and mutant whiskey face has all the tactical nous of “shit on a stick”. (thanks for that Mr. Valdona or Valfuckface or whatever your poxy name is) Milan have finished 33 (including an 8 point deduction for the scandal) points behind Inter in their domestic league. I think sometimes that English fans can over-hype some of these foreign players just because they play for a glamour club like Milan. I mean we are Liverpool Football Club. We are a bigger club than Milan and we should be concentrating on the world class players we have. Man to man we can match them. Gerrard V Kaka – not much to choose. Alonso V Pirlo – not much to choose. Masch V Gattuso, Pennant V Ambrosini, Carra V Nesta, Reina V Pepe…. we can at least match them or better them man for man.
I’m pretty confident we can win it. Good luck tonight lads. Oh and Cuckoo’s Nest in Tallaght, Dublin, is the place to be tonight. The atmosphere will be absolutely electric.
#18
Redscouse Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 3:53 pm
Four Hrs to go, and I am a nervous wreck,I took the day off work as the game is on here at 12.30 pm..
I am going to mow the lawn , hoping it will keep my mind off the game..( No Chance..).
Already got my AThens T shirt on..
I watched the 2005 final lastnight, and I think we are a stronger Team than 2005.
Stronger at the back.midfield and up front.
Milan on the other hand have no Shevie , no Crespo, and their Defence is two years older.
We will win Tonight..
I wish all of you Fellow Bloggers a great time watching our Beloved Reds..
‘ Cry God for Rafa, Liverpool and The Liver Bird”
YNWA………………………..Tonight we will make History in AThens….
#19
FTO_Malta Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
I just received this sms from a Liverpool friend of mine in Malta. Thought it would be nice to share it here:
“to the 96 that passed away
in Hillsborough on that fateful day,
now looking down with smiles so proud,
you sing with us as we sing aloud,
you help us, guide us, get us through,
I know Istanbul was down to you,
and though the future is unknown,
one thing’s for sure,
YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE
#20
Redscouse Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 5:08 pm
“MAGIC’
FTO_MALTA
#21
AnimalCol Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 11:32 pm
Well, thats that then.
I’m so proud of the lads tonight. Watched the coverage on ITV and it was just great to see them all play their hearts out on the night. First goal was a bit of luck for Milan (and Dagger was at fault – he played him onside) but I thought that we could come back. We ran out of steam a bit in the second half, but I was still sure we could do it. When we took of Masch there was always a chance that Kaka could cause us difficulties, and he did.
But the fact that they never gave up, and the fact that 4 interviews in a row we were able to congratulate a great team, and admit that they were the better team on the night (don’t agree, but the result is all that matters) makes me proud to support the lads.
Also the supporters were fantastic again. Singing for the whole match.
The ref was a useless clown though, I was really surprised with the amount of bad tackles he let go, especially for gattuso.
But overall we should be proud of what we achieved this season. It’s no disgrace to lose to Milan, they are a top quality side, and we played them off the park in the first half.
A quick mention for Pennant. He was fantastic in the first half, his movement, passing, tracking and especially his crosses were first rate. There is every chance that he will turn out to be a top quality player for us next season, and I’m delighted for the lad that he has covered himself in glory.
And, last but not least – Harry. Or rather the fans attitude to him. They were chanting his name in the second half, and he got a rousing ovation when he came on which is a big change to what happened in 05.
I know that there is a lot of talk that Rafa is going to get rid of quite a lot of players in the new season, but unless we can get Danny Alves I would not sell Kewell. If he can stay injury free (fingers and toes crossed) and has a good pre season behind him I reckon he could be a revelation on the left for us.
Walk on!!!!
YNWA
#22
aussie_kopfan Posted on May 23, 2007 @ 11:45 pm
im so proud to call myself a liverpool fan today. The way the lads conducted themselves, the way the fans conducted themselves was something truley special. Im upset as all hell, but im still proud of the boys. If one thing can be said out of all this, perhaps in the long run it may be a good thing. this will make the lads truley hungry to never taste defeat like that again.
i think its obvious there is abit of deadwood that needs to be shipped out, and im sure rafa will take care of that in the next month or so.
We win together, we lose together, we experience triumph together, we experience tradgedy together and one thing is for sure, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
The future is bright, the future is red.
#23
satyromaniaman Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 12:55 am
Absolutely Gutted, but that’s football. I agree with aussie-fan, I am very proud to be a liverpool fan today. Congrats first to our lads for giving their all, our manager for putting in a good plan. The small details fuked it up, like a small… man in black. It could have been a most entertaining game to watch, the official really spoiled the game by allowing Gattuso to get away with so many tackles while our Masch got booked on his FIRST foul?
The good points that I take from this game is that we can outplay Milan. We have a strong squad for the future, monster Masch more than did his job to keep Kaka quiet. Once we took him off Kaka had more space. Although I would have preferred to take Agger off and play with a 3 men defence and still stifle their midfield, i guess hindsight is a good thing.
More than anything I agree that the players did themselves proud. A big hearty thank you for playing like you should.
#24
gripper Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 1:22 am
That hurt! but I am sure we’ll be back. Like alot of the defeats this season we didn’t deserve that. This is just the begin though and to all those mancs you tried giving me Sh*te we lost more Euro finals than you’ve reached you cockney knobheads!!!
#25
Gerrard07 Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 1:39 am
we won’t make it 6, cos a nazi robbed us
but i guess after the heroics from 2005 that’s ok.
And b4 u say it, i”m not bitter
I c a new and bright future ahead, so bitter no : )
All i ask is someone shoot pennant, zendan is leaving us.
I mean ur getting paid how much and u can’t cross a ball?
Shoot him, a reject?
nope, a reject might b some use
#26
Gerrard07 Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 1:44 am
is that how we play?
I mean i saw 1 kinda decent cross from kuyt.
And we had pennant and another on the wings.
they failed to supply so we lost.
And goodbye to them, hello american dollar!!!
#27
gazmaninaus Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 3:14 am
Well they did give it all they had and that’s what Liverpool is all about, although I thought the performance and game was flat.
I thought several players looked lethargic, one who looked very out of sorts was my beloved Stevie G. What has happened to SG drive, thrust and shot this season. I know i’m going to get slated for this but I didn’t think he looks anywhere near the player he was in 2005-6.
IMO is it because he doesn’t really hold a position in the team. Like I’ve said before, about the only position he hasn’t played under Mr B is goalkeeper. I wouldn’t play Peppe in the middle of the park, that’s where stevie plays, not as a second striker.
I thought the first goal was a gimme by the ref, kaka was pushing Alonso. Aggers then kept the deflection player onside.
I think we need to sell Alonso while he worth some money, he is a wonderful player but unfortunately he doesn’t score enough for his position on the field and then gives away to many free kicks.
I agree with Col regarding Pennant, however I think it’s his crossing that lets his game down.
Can anyone tell me how HK wins a ball in the air with his foot, facing towards his own goal, Gattuso sticks his head in from behind and gets a free kick. No wonder HK laughed at him.
Lastly I think Pepe should have stopped the second goal, If a player scores from that wide the goalkeeper has to take a look at himself, but saying that 4 others need to look at how he got there.
Now it’s over my list to go in the summer.
1.Risse, isn’t good enough anymore. ex champ.
2.Alonso worth a lot of money. Ruffie pick.
3.Bellamy not in the plans obviously.
4.Crouch same as above ( if your top scorer can’t get a run in the CL final then what must the manager think of you, sad, very sad.)
5. Gonzales, been very weak.
6. Zenden leaving now with honour.
7.Dudek always be a champion.
8.Fowler always be a super hero.
I believe Alonso and Crouch will fund the striker Mr B so sadly wants. They are also in demand type players, it’s hard to sell players no body wants, look at the Cisse saga.
#28
Redscouse Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 4:35 am
Milan were there for the Taking..
Unfortunately we didn’t play well enough in the last third of the pitch..
As far as who should go and who should stay this isn’t the time or the place..I am still to upset to
state my opinions rationally..
YNWA…
#29
Hyde Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 5:01 am
Gerry, lads:
First and foremost, congrats to Milan. They did not play well but two moments of brilliance from Kaka and luck with the freekick was all they needed.
Full credit to the boss and the lads for the effort (although the substitution of Zenden was a bit too slow for my liking).
Our finishing was not good enough, and as someone says, Pennant played well but his crossing and corners were crap as usual, and I don’t want to go into Zenden. We also should have passed to SG more often in the first half. So, although we dominated most of the game, I think it is fair to say we just gave the win away, and just like a lethal Italian side does, Milan took their chances when it counted.
Still, I don’t think we need to be ashamed of ourselves, and can look to the future. With a couple more class signings, preferably someone who can beat defenders and can put in quality crosses, I am sure we will be coming back here soon.
Thanks everyone for a wonderful European season. Let’s not waste it next time.
YNWA, and proud to be a RED!
Hyde
#30
satyromaniaman Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 7:46 am
Actually I was quite happy with Pennant’s contribution to the game. Sorry to say I disagree that he is to be offloaded. Until we get a true right winger, Pennant’s been improving and is our best option on the right. Zenden was poor. Our attacks were fromt he right, our left only came alive and became a threat when Kewell came on.
I do believe the manager has to take somepart of the blame if anyone if going to start with bad performances and all. I am happy we did so well to get to the final. I am happy the players played their hearts out.
I am disappointed the ref was spoiled the game.
And the tactics involved, I will probably never understand mr benny. I dun get why he took of Finnan to be subs by Arbeloa. This is the final. We needed a goal. If at all this was the time to throw on our strikers.
Also, I believe we would ave done much better if we took off Agger towards the later part of the game and played with 3 defenders, like in Istanbul. Milan was never getting past Alonso and Mascherano through the middle, Seedorf and Kaka subdued. Carra could handle any high balls to Inzaghi with ease. Milan would also not find a way through on the flanks because of Pennant and Finnan cover the right while Kewell and Riise the left, all the while having Alonso or Mascherano pushing and stifling them should they try to.
Thats why I will not understand the subs of Finnan with Arbeloa. I would have preferred to see Masherano and Alonso remain, Zenden ( did not do enough ) subbed by Kewell, Agger subbed by Bella and IF Kuyt tired out, bring on GOD or Crouch. Either of these, will put 2 strikers up front when the milan defense is tiring, free Stevie G to pick up the loose balls. All the time we would be pushing forward with Kewell and RIise putting in crosses from the left and Pennant and Finnan finding more red shirts to put their crosses to. ALso, Alonso and Mascherano to clear up the midfiled and start counter attacks from there. Carra, be his colossial self to take out any danger that may seep through.
We could have won this game. We could have won this cup… i guess that’s why I am feeling so gutted, cos we really could have.
#31
simpleman Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 10:55 am
What a knob. I posted this on the wrong blog.
I’m suprisingly not as pissed at the defeat as I thought I would be. The fact we didn’t lose a 3 nil lead and that fact that we totally dominated the game. It just highlighted what our whole season has been about, the lack of attacking quality.
I guess what’s helping is the potential. If we can get to two CL finals in 3 years with a “budget†squad (compared to the Mancs and the Chavs), and now Rafa has got the cash, our future has got to look good. We’ll just have to win the PL and CL next that’s all. Imagine the parade next year!
It’s good to see that Rafa isn’t having any favourite, especially seeing Gonazales is on his way, after the hype Rafa gave him. If I was an under performing LFC player I would be shitting myself, cos I’d know I’m on my way out.
Also Europe and the PL must be cacking their pants too. The way we stop teams playing and dominate games is one thing, but adding to that the goal threat no doubt Rafa is going to buy in is going to make us unstoppable.
We’ve been criticised in the past few seasons by mancs and Chavs saying the next season we’ll be contenders, surely if Rafa can get his targets we should now be realising that dream.
We are wounded but you should never fuck with a wounded animal. We’re gonna be back and we’re gonna rule!
#32
AK Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 11:14 am
Well the morning after and to be honest although we lost the biggest final of the year I have nothing but admiration for the team. The difference was in quality! We were getting into the right places and moving about very well, but our touch or crosses lacked that killer edge, we hustled their back line and on a better day we would have slammed them for 3 or 4 easily! They were there for the taking!
I think everyone saw where the lack of quality was and i’m not about to slam the player but we saw ourselves and we’ll know exactly what is required for the next season.
We were just very unlucky to lose it so heads up, yes it hurts but we’re very clear on what’s required.
And once again I commend the players and manager for not picking at things. Very very dignified.
I agree that Milan were there for the taking… we were all over them in the first half. Effectively over the whole match, I actually think the lads proved Gerry’s last blog pretty much spot on – Milan were nothing special, we had the tactics to nullify their midfield and we DID open up their defence far more times than they opened up our’s. What killed us were 3 things
1) LUCK. We had none whatsoever whereas Milan obviously had plenty with the first goal at a terrible time for us to concede. Luck is a very important factor in football, we all know that.
2) Finishing. We had more shots on goal and more clear opportunities – Stevie G really should have scored but this just hasn’t been his season for it. We can’t really complain because a lack of quality finishing has been the hallmark of our last 2 or 3 seasons, so it would have been out of character for us to actually slot every chance we had.
3) The dodgy ref. Without an ounce of sour grapes involved, he was very poor. He did NOT cost us the game, so it is not an excuse, but he sure as hell muddied the playing field with some mystifying decisions. And I don’t know what to call it when he played a full minute less injury time in the 2nd half – complete incompetence or something else?
So as far as I’m concerned, those are the reasons (not excuses) we lost – which in the end says that the lads played their guts out and can hold their heads high, because we weren’t outplayed, we just happened to lose the bloody football game.
The silver lining in this cloud is that I believe the defeat will help our Premiership campaign next season. Every player (who’s staying) will be looking to erase the memory of defeat ASAP and look forward to ripping into the Premiership campaign… whereas a victory in Athens, however sweet, really could have distracted our off-season / pre-season from the hard work that needs to be done.
Congrats to everyone for their support of the boys.
YNWA
#34
AnimalCol Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 4:15 pm
Great analysis from Satyromaniaman, can’t disagree with what you said and probably would have done the same if I was the one making the decisions.
Only thing I can think of was that the lads at the back seemed to be quite tired towards the end of the match so maybe we could have been opened up easier if we had gone this route. However, we definately would have been more potent in attack if you’re suggestions were followed.
Maybe I was looking at Pennant through rose tinted glasses, I only seen 2 “average to bad” passes from him, I thought a lot of his balls were very good? Anyway, I was so excited during the game that I prob missed a couple of other wayward ones.
Much and all as I am not happy with the suggestion I’m finding it hard to construct a case for keeping Xabi if we get a telephone number bid for him. However, I can see him staying with us and maybe Momo being let go if we can get a decent amount for him from Juve.
Of all the guys that Gaz has mentioned I would be very sorry (and disappointed) if we let Crouch go. I still think he gives us options that very few other players can give us. And he scores……
YNWA
#35
alec_the_red Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
i too am massively proud of the team. i think the thing it really came down to was luck. it just wasn’t our night. we had more opportunities to win the game and we didnt convert them. it just makes it more difficult in defeat for me, knowing that this milan team was inferior to us, and that first goal was a handball. i figured they would credit it for pirlo on that, but when they gave it to inzaghi when it clearly hit off his arm, that makes it very difficult to take. i dont really question rafa’s team selection, as we easily couldve won the game if we had a bit more luck, although i must admit that i would have liked to see kuyt and crouch together for more of the game. over the course of this year, i think it is clear now that it is not a successful choice to play stevie as a second striker, because every time we do this, he doesnt get enough time on the ball, and he is constantly under pressure from a defender at his back when he receives the ball.
still, never have i been more proud of our team, especially with the post match comments. can you imagine mourinho saying what rafa said right after the game?
YNWA
#36
aussie_kopfan Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 11:45 pm
Satyromanian, completley agree about pennant. I think he tore Milan apart. he fell away abit in the 2nd half, but i thought he was brilliant for most of the game. they didnt know how to handle him. agreed, crosses werent superb, but they werent bad either. i think alot of the problem was not having crouch on earlier.
awwww zenden. nice bloke im sure, and always gives his all, but he is just not up to playing in a quality team. the talent isnt there. he seems to think winning a corner is more important than getting a good cross in. very frustrating player.
inzaghi should have been carded for his carry on rolling around like he had broken his sternum when the ball hit him….either that or HK should have stamped on him…really given him something to whinge about.
#37
aussie_kopfan Posted on May 24, 2007 @ 11:47 pm
im probably gonna cop a mouthfull for everyone about this, but does anyone think carra is starting to look a little slow sometimes???
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