Hello Gerry,

new to the blog, been a redman for 30+years….great article, the quote was superb, the last paragraph could have been written by me, such do they reflect my own thoughts!! Do you not get the feeling that there is a massive gulf opening between the arl arse diehards, like me and many other posters (and presumably you, if Im wrong let me know!) and the younger, more take it or leave it fans brought up on sky sports? Im not talking about the perennial local / OOT / woolyback nonsense, (I, in my time have met reds from all over the world who have made me proud to be a red and amazed to see how far the Liverpool way has spread its influence) Is the poison that is marketing and media frenzy changing the game, and the people that follow it, forever? Is there any difference between the people calling for Rafas head and the “toon army” fools who call for the managers head at the drop of a hat……….at Anfield for Skrtels debut last year, TWENTY MINUTES into the game I heard people slagging him off, with comments like “where has he (Benitez) dragged this useless T**t up from?” Wonder what they think now? (probably love Skrtel, but still think the manager is a useless T**T)

I dont know, this post has turned into an (alcohol fuelled) rant, but I am really worried that the only manager available who is capable of steering us back to the top without losing sight of the liverpool way is being slaughtered on all fronts, mainly Setanta (is that channel S**te or what?!) Sky Sports and the manc media (ie all of them) and these newer fans brought up on a diet of big money sensationalism believe every word, and join in the xenophobic witchhunt (cos thats what it is, just ask Juande Ramos)…..I had a row with someone last Saturday evenin when discussin the footy, when this fella (whose view I always respected without agreeing with all of them) said to me get rid of Rafa now! ok, heard that before, but feeling pissed off said to him “ok who would you get?” The Answer? S**tcoat himself, Jose “it never crossed the line” Mourinho…..my reaction was, jeez, some people have short memories, followed by a realisation that if Mourinho, or someone like him, found their way into the managers seat that would be the end of the affair for me……the liverpool way would be dead with the acceptance of such a sly, cheating amoral Ba****d like him being accepted…….right thats enough of my ranting……bring on the mancs tomorrow!, and some more wine tonight!…………maybe not, its an early kick off tomorrow and will be in the alehouse early………

viva the rafalution!!!

Welcome aboard Redboyslim and well done on a great debut comment. It looks like we’ve been around about the same amount of time and I can well appreciate where your coming from but I wouldn’t tar all of our younger supporters with the same brush. I also hear a lot of similar crap from older supporters and that’s even more annoying because they really should know better.
As I’m sure your aware, this kind of stuff started to creep into our game in the 80′s. A while back FS sent me this snippet from the book “Dalglish” which was written by Stephen F Kelly in 1992;

“…the criticism was impossible to ignore. It had been painful and was perhaps even taking its toll on his health. He could hardly pick up a newspaper without being given columns of advice from a coterie of untutored football writers. Even his own fans on the Kop were beginning to write in to the local papers questioning his defensive tactics and the omission of Peter Beardsley – a state of affairs that would have upset Dalglish far more than any tabloid criticism.”

Sounds familar eh!

Great comment Redboyslim! And a great great blog Gerry! Liked the shopping comparison part!

The same thing I’ve been trying to get into so many moronic fools’ head! Fungusface has had time, money and the board on his side from day one! The current trend of giving managers 8 games to decide whether they r good enuff is simply foolish! Look at Newcastle, Spurs, Chelshit etc … Of the lot, Chelshit has been surviving becoz of Roman’s mulaa!

Its not Rafa’s first choice to bring in players like Ngog & Lucas. He wanted Alves, Villa, Quaresma (b4 he went 4 Babel if I’m not wrong), Barry etc. Cud u imagine what a team we wud have with the inclusion of these players. Now he has built a team with the peanuts that was thrown to him and I think this is a pretty decent team, not a Premiership winning team as I said even before we went into slumps in January. I knew we needed the edge and we still haven’t got it! Just becoz he brought us to the top and we stayed there for quite sometime, everyone wants him to win the league or leave! WTF???!!!! If I told u last season that we were gonna finish 2nd in the league, wud u have believd me?! Then why the fuck are these fools calling for Rafa’s head shud v not win the League. Look at where he has brought us to since he arrived! Look at the difference of the way we’ve been playing before and after Rafa’s arrival!

This man will bring us to greater heights! Fucking tactical genius he is! So dont compare him to fuckin’ Mourinho who’d only last 2 season in Anfield and then say he’d want a new challenge in a different league! Bundesliga perhaps!

Well, at least I know that I’m greatful for what Rafa’s done and what he’s gonna do to us. I know this is Liverpool FC and not Rafa FC but it is also not Gerrard FC or Torres FC! We need a good team and Rafa is part of a winning team formulae. We need Torres and Gerrard and Mashcerano and Carra etc… Its a team effort and losing any of the current gems that we have including Rafa will put us into soul searching mode once again! Do we want that?! Right now, I wouldnt wanna swap any of our players for other players. Probably an addition or two would bring us back to the tops where we belong! So get off Rafa’s back and let’s stand together with him and the team that he has obtained for us!

As for MUTHAFUCKIN ROONEY, bastard of a guy saying he hates Liverpool, we hate u too muthafucker! We never had love for u in the first place, u fucking shit eating pig! So bring on your fucking scumbags and we’ll bury all of u in your own backyard. Fucking Looney Tunes! My money is on a 3 – 1 win for us with a red card for sure (for that Fat Bastard called Rooney!)

KOP TILL I DIE. Long live the Rafalution. YNWA!

Excellent blog Gerry. And excellent debut post Redboyism. It’s sad that all these armchair prawn sandwich brigade has infiltrated football everywhere in the world.

I used to belong to the local “Official” LFC fan club, but the forums there were just full of narrow-minded people who would call for Rafa to be hung on his balls faster than the speed of light. I left in disgust and am now with an independent club where fellow like-minded “hardcores” like me gather and have lots of fun together watching games, NOW this is the Liverpool way. The club is strictly by invitation only, where quality, not quantity, is the priority.

BTW, I read an interesting match report in the Scum v Inter Champions League game, it wasn’t that the Scum was good or anything, it was really due to Inter constantly screwing up their chances everytime the Scum carelessly lose possession.

Pay attention to the last three words: “carelessly lose possession”, now if we can capitalize what Inter failed to do, these scum CAN be beaten at Old Crapford.

Come on you Reds! YNWA!

Gerry, great blog. For tonight’s game i shall be at The Cobra Club again. Looking for a similar attacking side to mesmerise and terrorise Manure with a 3-1 win. Cheers!

I am quietly confident that we can build on the fantastic result against Real Madrid and reckon we will shade it by the odd goal in 3.

Because we are playing Manure, the boys shouldn’t be letting their concentration slip like they did against Boro after the Bernabeu win. I am sure that they will be up for this game.

A win is imperative for us. Their fans will be expecting Manure to go on all out attack and “teach those scousers a lesson” … because they are reigning champs playing at home … blah bala blah.

I hope we go for the jugular from the off and don’t just sit back and invite them to come at us. They have got too many attacking options and it is not good for the ticker either!

We need to cut out conceding silly free kicks at our end and mark up if we do! We have given away too many goals late on against these batards from set pieces.

We must look after the ball and hope the ref gets a grip. When their centre halves start kicking the crap out of our number 9 they get a card and it is dealt with. These Dirty Bastards have been getting away with it at home for years now! Let’s get into them!

By the time the match starts here in NZ, I will probably be on my 6th or 7th beer, so I hope I can keep my eyes open long enough and don’t sleep through it.

It would be fantastic to get the 3 points just to give a big “fuck you” to the manure loving media. Bastards!

The last few blogs have been great, Gerry. Keep it up!

Appologies for not reading the blog before commenting, but I’m still drunk from last night, and I’m off to get proper bladdered now. So I will save it for later, when I’m in better shape to do it justice. But right now…
Every other Saturday’s my half day off
And it’s off to the match I go…
I love to go a strolling down the Anfield Road,
Me and me aul pal Joe…
I love to see the Lasses with thier red scaves on,
I love to hear the Kopites roar,
But most of all I love it best when I see Libpoll scooooo-ooo—rrrre!

COME ON YOU REDMEN!

Rafa Benitez makes two changes from the side that spanked Real Madrid 4-0 on Tuesday, with Albert Riera also coming in for Ryan Babel.

The Reds XI in full is: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Riera, Gerrard, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Babel, El Zhar, Dossena, Insua, Ngog.

No Alonso…even in subs…

Is he injured?

Yes, Alonso is injured. So Lucas and Masch in the centre and Babel’s reward for his best performance of the season? Bench.

Anyway….. COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe, Rafa wants to emulate the anfield game where Babel came on as a sub in and basically murdered the Scum…

Great blog Gerry and great first comment Redboyslim, I hope the slim part is referring to FS and myself. Alos I agree with Gerry there are a few younger lads on this blog with their head screwed on right (in my opinion anyway- the caveat was for you Digger)

Pity about Alosno, but know it is time for Lucas to stand up and be counted. I hope the lad has a blinder, I know he can do it.

LB I also wanted Babbel to start, but understand the rational behind it, hopefully he can be let loose on a tiring ManU side.

The acid test awaits.

Arbeloa injured as well… Carra or … Skrtel at right back?

Should of played Insua.Where is Agger?.Lucas ?.This looks risque.

Carra looked nervous to me…

Agger is still injured, burgerman… and so is Alonso.. which is why Lucas is playing..

Oh so stupid, oh so typical

crap….1-0

wtf..this refree is paying back his master Alexia for his chelsea act

Get Riera off!

I hope this is not Rafa’s fault…i mean, the penalty.. before kopking or Digger say that ooh its Rafa’s fault to play reina ahead of Cavalieri, resulted him caused us the penalty

YYEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

1-1 you fuckin beauty!!!!!!!

TORRESSSSSSSS

Kopper… it is a valid penalty.

hahaha~~~~~~~

A great finish by Torres. He made Vidic look a right cunt!

well that was my liverpool red blood talking skeat

…and thats double figure for Torres now..

Who is the prick commentating for us here is NZ? He and his sidekick are talking a load of absolute bollocks! It is the manure appreciation society!
That was obstruction on Torres then. His first touch let him down but it was still obstruction.

Torres is limping a lot. I hope he can run it off. We really need him on the park today.

am watching this with french commentators…these guys must have got their training from sky…bastards

they are fucking complaining about that warranted yellow for cocaindinan

the commentators are absolute united cheerleaders. it seems they cant do anything wrong

Ferdinand is a dirty bastard! He deserved a booking for that.

I can’t see this game ending with 22 players on the park now the ref has started to flash the cards.

So far so good. Is it my imagination or does Pepe Reina look nervous? Come on boys we can win this.

same here…

i am watching ESPN..

They were harping about Vidic about a candidate for the premier league player of the year… when he made the mistake, they were saying.. how unlucky Vidic is

penalty!!!!!!
come on boys!

2-1 you fuckin beauty!!!!!!

did evra get a card for that ?

…and still saying this.. after….15 minutes since torres scored

irritating.

Everytime Man Utd has a shot that not go in.. they will hard how unlucky Man utd for notscoring the goal.

Gerrard!!

sweeeeeeettttt

Thats the 3rd foul by anderson. The cunt should be booked for that crap haircut!

where has all the extra time come from?

Hell Yeah!! Put Babel on in the 2nd half and fuck them 4-1!!

Just had a look at the replay of their penalty. It was bollocks. Park pushed it past Pepe, touched him with his foot and hit the deck. Pepe pulled his arm back out of the way as well. It may have looked worse from the refs angle.

It just said Ian Dowie is the “expert” in the commentary team. Crap player, crap manager, shite commentator.

Van der Sar got a yellow for not getting on his line but Evra escaped a card.

Come on you redmen! Let’s have more of the same in the second half.

beautiful. beautiful.

What the bloody hell is up with Pepe today?

Dont sit back now lads – keep on the front foot!!!

We have got to make better use of the ball. We are giving it up too easily and letting them get a back into it. We are giving away too many free kicks as well.

too many free kicks!

Dirk was away then. What was that blown up for?

FFS Pepe! He is looking shaky today.

FFS! Masch got booked for that on Rooney.

Alan Wiley is… i mean will always be a pro-manure ref…

We cant keep sitting deep like this and inviting pressure

wiley = rieley

I see..thanks… = )

wtf…fergie briefed the ref

We are giving possession away far too easily!

Another booking. This time for Skrtel.

Lucas should have done better with that effort. We need to make any chances we get count.

Dossena for Riera? Aurelio to play in the left wing?

its a nervy second half…come your reds

Scum… 3 subs at a time?

Wow…

it should be red

Come on boys. Let’s keep it going for the last 16 mins left …plus some fergie time of course.

and YES

Vidic has gone. Fuckin right! It was a bloddy rugby tackle! Commentators don’t like it though the bastards!

3-1 you fuckin beauty!!!!!!!!

Superbe

Jolie…as would say the french

What a great free kick. The commentators are grudgingly muttering that is was a good one. Imagine if it had been ladyboy scoring!

confidence is back…just look at torres

10 more minutes~

Under 6 mins to go now. The travelling support are in good voice! I reckon that we look more likely to score. Keep it going boys.

Oh Stevie! You should have buried that one!

5 more minutes…

What a miss from Gerrard..and what a flick from Babel

2 mins to go and YNWA is belted out as ladyboy fucks up another free kick.

el zhar…

1-4….its divine

I’ll bet that Fat boy Rooney hates this scoreline as he belts the ball into row Z again.

4-1 you fucking beauty!!!!!!!! Sensational!!!!!

I did say 4-1 init?

We want 5 is the new chant!

AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

YNWA!!!

you did you did!

Dosser!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dossena… What a finish … and what a beauty!!!

…and to quote Gerryy…

I am feeling as excited as Cristiano Ronaldo at a ladyboy convention!

hahahahahaa

Liverpool REDS, YNWA!!!

to all those who were saying why cant we do the same thing in the league, we’ve just done it.

Well done lads!

“the bugbear for me is that non of Liverpool’s goals were deserved, they came about from mistakes by United” Moron commentator!

Thank you Senor Benitez…

haha….who cares….who cares….

we won…. 1-4

LB,

You should predict more often..
haha…

I’m just waiting for the comments about how we didn’t play well, it was just that united were poor

My name is Ferguson but you can call me Sir Alex. My players could not see each other because of the colour of their shirts.

Yeah that was the worst Man Utd side I’ve seen in 20 years

ManUre 1-4 Liverpool FT. Just love it and seeing it happen.
Now to watch the Everton v. Stoke game and feeling good to all men and women.

lala LOL LB..

Would love to see the front page of the newspaper tomorrow…

I’m gonna go onto a manc blog and wind them up

Im absolutely speechless. Nothing to say except I’m so proud. Proud of them all. What a beat-down for them bastards. Jesus we’ve waited years for a comprehensive bitch slapping to be handed down to them cunts and today was our deliverance. What we did today is an affront to the utd collaboraters, conspirators, ball licking pundits, tabloid hacks, even the f.a. It was the biggest fuck you to the british football establishment (read utd lovin bastards) I’ve ever seen. Today was our redemption day!!

Great Blog Gerry, Great game and great support today!

You heard them from the first whistle and well after the last!

Did you see the amount of empty seats at Old Trafford with fifteen minuets to go?

Nice to see Gerrard giving the Camrea some lovin!

In fairness Scouse, I think they had run out of prawns!

Lets get it on!

ttp://images.teamtalk.com/09/03/800×600/Steven-Gerrard-Manchester-United-Liverpool-Pr_2003423.jpg

I can’t even type I’m that ecstatic. I normally receive a bunch of txts after we’ve been turned over by Utd – not one so far from any manc. And do you know what; I’m not sending any – the silence is golden.

When you look at the figures of the amounts spent by ManU and Chelsea its amazing we can compete, it could all have been so diferent!

The one million pound question is…:

Can Alan Wiley ever….ever again refereeing at Old Toilet after this game…?

LOL

nailed the motherfuckeng bastards. all the posturing and showboating pricks. rooney, rio, ronaladyboy, shower of cunts. and all the commentators who gorge themselves on a diet of manure, eat shit you lot.

boy that felt reaallllllyy good.

Why did we let in one goal? It must be Rafa’s fault!

WTF, I am enjoying my greatest week in years!

Thank you Rafa, Thank you team, Thank you LFC minus dumber + dumber!

Yeah! We only scored one in Madrid. Then I think Real is better than Scum

Can we vote Vidic as our Man of the Match?

i think there is only one unhappy scouser in Manchester,and thats Wayne Rooney!

Check this out from a sore Scum loser

malyslon
“United were poor, but isn’t it incredible how this freakish streak of luck continues for Liverpool? When was the last time Vidic had a howler like that? Add to that, the number of United players who had off-days, eg Carrick, Anderson, they deserved nothing from the game. But to say Liverpool deserved a 4-1 scoreline is a bit over the top. Three gifted goals and another on the break. They took their chances, but were hardly worthy of a 4-1 scoreline. Still, if it keeps Benitez in the job and gives United the kick up the ass they needed after recent complacency, then the loss is a small price to pay”

Funny is it, that whenever Liverpool played against any teams.. those teams would have an off day… but I ‘ll take this as a compliment..

Muahahaha

Goal machine Voronin scored again in hertha’s win over Leverkusen….

I think we should be able to get a good price for him at the end of the season

We beat those b*st*rds at old toilet with Lucas and without two first-teamers!

Lucas can’t be as bad as many people think, is he? Is anyone going to say that it was Lucas’ fault that we didn’t score more?

hey…

If rafa’s rants supposedly “caused” Liverpool’s form to slide..

Then I supposed Rooney’s rants will cause Scum’s form to dip as well?

What can I say???!!!!!! to Quote the manc ass licker Richard Keys “magnificent”

not only an immense result but an immense day. heres “10 when was thes” for ya; (those of you who are better at research than me may find some answers. If you do, post them and keep this good feeling going!)

When was the last time the ref gave a penalty against the Mancs at OT?

when was the last time a manc player was sent off at OT?

When was the last time someone took such a superb free kick against the mancs (I know that one, superDanny Murphy!)

When was the last time they let in 4 goals in the “theatre of dreams” (does anyone remember where that term come from? the Red fanzine Through the wind and rain started calling it that lat 80s early 90s as a pisstake!! some whopper at Sky picked it up and now the manc website calls it that!! wonderful!)

When was the last time Father Jack didnt have the bottle to come out and face the Sky post match interview (shithouse!) Perhaps he’d lost his whisky flask!

When was the last time the mancs didnt have a shot on target? (not one I saw anyways)

When was the last time Dossena scored 2 in 2 games?!?

When was the last time Gerrard missed such a sitter? (dosent matter La, you did well to get into the position!)

When was the last time their one trick showpony didnt turn up cos they wouldnt let him have the ball?? (know that one too, Cantona in any game n the 90s, regardless what the Sky history books say, I remember…. Was Ladyboy hobbling through the second half? wont get them new high heels on tonight then eh?)

When was the last time there were so many empty seats 15 minutes before the end of the game at OT? (Whats the rush fellas? stick around a while…..)

We have waited a long time for this, with many good performances going unrewarded at OT in the last 10 years and who knows? looking at the above reminds me of all the talk of coincidences in the Istanbul season…..

I’ll feel 10 foot tall for the rest of the weekend! Even Mrs Reboyslim is looking at ways of how she can capitalise on my good mood…….new shoes anyone?

Nemanja Vidic has been getting aways with these kind of challenges all season, he even tried to grab Fernandos feet to stop him scoring! I hope the Red card is not over turned a la John Terry’s rugby challenge.

Would it mean Vidic would now miss three games?

How on earth did Anderson not get booked?

Happy Days!

OH MY GOD, WE FUCKING DID IT! We didn’t defeat the Scum at Old Crapford, WE FUCKING DESTROYED THEM!

Now that feels really, really sweet, considering all the stick we’ve been suffering ever since Rafa’s so-called “rant” according to the Scum-loving media, as well as Shrek saying “how he’s born to hate Liverpool”, well guess what Shrek? WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND!

Rafa outfoxed and outwitted Ferguscum tactically, who could only send in THREE SUBS AT ONCE more as an act of desparation than as a tactic.

I see the tides changing, it’s been the first time in AGES since I’ve seen a visiting team ever awarded a penalty against the Scum at Old Crapford. It’s also the first time in a long time I’ve ever seen a Scum player getting sent off there. And what makes this amazing is that this all happened despite Wiley being obviously on the Scum’s favour most of the time!

Just like Heinze before him, I have full reason to believe Vidic is actually an undercover agent sent by Rafa. LMAO

Amazing to say, LUCAS REALLY IMPRESSED ME TODAY. The Scum muppets may be gleeful upon hearing Xabi being injured, but their glee was short-lived, as the lad finally found the confidence to have the performance of his life. This win will definitely be a massive boost to his confidence, and he’ll hopefully develop into a better player in the future, it’ll be like signing a new 30m quid player.

Good game for Dossena as well, who would’ve thought he would score two goals in two consecutive games?

Besides Gerrard, Torres and Aurelio who scored, it’s really hard for me to pick MOTM, as everyone is playing with the right attitude, even when they’re 1-0 down.

The Scum-loving media may try to play down our massive win over Real Madrid by saying Real are actually crap, BUT WHAT HAVE THEY GOT TO SAY ABOUT THIS, HUH!? Declare that Scum is actually crap when they’ve been raving them all season and then incurring the wrath of Ferguscum? How sweet it is to see them swallow this humble pie, come May, and it may get even sweeter.

This win also means we’ll be confident ahead of the Champions League draw this Friday, AS WE FEAR NO-ONE!

Now bring on Villa!

The difference between Liverpool fans and Scum Muppets are plain for all to see: When Liverpool were thrashed 1-4 by Chavski back in 2005, a lot of people stayed to share the misery. Today, with 15 minutes to go, Old Crapford was mostly filled with Liverpool fans.

Sorry for the triple post, as I deem these stuff quite related to warrant separate posts.

Anyway, I went to this pub with my local fanclub to watch the game. As our club isn’t really that big, we couldn’t get enough numbers to book the whole place, so there were some Scum inside the pub.

We tried to sit all on one side, but there was these two old Scum gits sitting right in the middle and refusing to move. They probably planned on gloating at us, but they soon realized what a horrible and stupid mistake that was. HAHAHA.

Sorry, quite UN-related. :p

Ferguscum is in denial as he thought they were the better team. HAHAHA. I’m so happy that any bullshit he says out of his arsehole sounds like a compliment to us. THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF YOUR REIGN ENDS HERE! WE WILL RECLAIM THAT “FUCKING PERCH PERCH” WHICH YOU’VE USURPED FOR SO LONG!

Some call in the repairmen for Gerry, if he was on the ceiling after Real Madrid, he’s probably gone through the fucking roof today.

There’s nothing anyone can say to describe this level of elation today, nothing! Let us bask in this glorious moment.

Richmond, I reckon Gerry’s flown off to Mars and heading towards Alpha Centauri. Though if we do the incredible and come back and win the league, he’ll be traversing beyond the edge of the universe. lol

i’m in fuckin dream-land………… come on the pool. Its to good to be true!!!!!!!!!

so many positives but if you’ll excuse me i’ve another 10 pints to drink!!!!!!

rafa’s 100th win against the filth,perfect!!!!!!

YNWA

Aiyic

read that article. The guy is a genius. And obviously as the next paragraph shows, he gets paid by the word.

The real tragedy is that soccer is a foreign invasion, but it is not a plot to overthrow America. For those inclined toward paranoia, it would be easy to blame soccer’s success on the political left, which, after all, worked for years to bring European decadence and despair to America. The left tried to make existentialism, Marxism, post-structuralism, and deconstructionism fashionable in order to weaken the clarity, pragmatism, and drive of American culture.

I’d say it’s Rafa’s fault.

Can anyone explain to me why the Man United fans at work aren’t talking to me this evening?

just watching it now on bbc …. oh boy

michael, its coz they’re gobshites!

Words simply cannot express my good mood today!

Makes one wonder if “Rafa’s Rant” has finally bourne fruit? Maybe the Ref’s decided they couldn’t do anything right away, as they didn’t want to seem like they were reacting to it, but a penalty AND a red card!
Maybe its the start of some resonably fair officiating and maybe those 7 points will fade away quicker than we would think?

I have a sneaky, sneaky suspicion though, that we are gonna get stuck with these cunts in the CL draw! But it would surely be psychological advantage us, No?

What a game and What a night!

Even with this win, we may not win the Premier League. But with Rafa in charge, we will surely achieve it, likely to be next year. Boss, thanks for bringing us all the wonderful and beautiful soccer.

In Rafa We Trust!

Well Scum got shown up for what they are,their Penalty was the only chance
they had. We outplayed them and Dossena’s goal was the icing on the cake
Rafa totally showed Ferguscum up for what he is. No Alonso, lost
Arbeloa 5 mins before kick off and then go 1-0 down in front of the
Worlds media,how does it end Slur Alex Refusing to give a interview,
i think he’s just realised who much he relys on the refs “Favours”.
Maybe the ref thought the World wide media spotlight( created by
the”Facts”) was on both of them and he didn’t want to show himself
up either
.
Once heard “Alex” was (Russian for Pr*ck) can anyone confirm.

PS Type in- fernando torres (12 y old )VS A.C milan – On You tube
check out his little foul at 1.04 mins.
YNWA

someone said to me today that during the pre-match build up Rafa was asked by an interviewer “what was the major difference between the two sides?” and he replied “about £100 million”
Class!!! He is so subtle with his humour that the media just dont get it!!!

Check out the manc glory hunters YMCA moustacheo!

ttp://www.skysports.com/video/clips/0,23791,12606_5050765,00.html

This is what I just cannot escape, just listen to the disappointment from the commentator when we equalise, he sighs when he realises we are going to score. It doesn’t matter what channel I watch whether terrestrial or satellite you cannot escape the negative bias pundits. I would rather listen to the crowd!

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfHyOcAAwqA&eurl=http://forums.thisisanfield.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=29066&sid=606bb975ef84b6b3ddd7fff39b66b1ec

Well done lads, but more importantly,

THE MASTER TACTICIAN COMPLETELY OUTWITS THE OLD HAG!!!!!!

God I waited so long, but really, UP YOURS YOU SPEECHLESS GIT!!

You deserve it you old twat, I hope you see what the difference is between a super manager and one that can only smile and dance when your stupid winkerwanker scores.

Phew, waited a couple of years to say that!

Whoooooiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Yubba Dubba Doooooooooooooo!!
What a fantastic, awesome result against the Mancs.

Guys, we had 300 fans out at Cobra last night, cheering, high five-ing, yelling. It was a night to revel and enjoy.

Everyone played well. Aurelio was superb. His free kick was sublime. He had Van der Salt (the best goalkeeper in the World, according to Alex Fungusface) spellbound and mesmerised he could not even move, except the pick the ball from inside the net. Haha. I thought Lucas was incredible: played the game of his life so far for Liverpool. No wonder he is the captain of Brazil’s Under 21 team? Dossena wih that wonderful chip. But above all, Torres and Gerrard were simply magnificient. Sammi Hyypia was solid, had great passes, good blocks, resolute in defence.
What a week. What ecstacy.
Wow! I am going to enjoy this for a long time.

Here’s an sms I received from the Editor of “Walk On”, the E magazine for Liverpool Supporter’s Club of Malaysia.

Background: One of the mobile operators in Malaysia uses 014 as a suffix. His awesome joke went:

” With Liverpool winning 1-4 against the Mancs, the Liverpool Supporters Club Malaysia is applying for a new telephone number. They choice? 014-14141414″

Brilliant!

Sorry I couldn’t work me way through all the comments, but lads… FFS hold on to this feeling. It might be too little too late. But it’s served them cunts with a purpose of intent.

Keith, I take my hat off to you sir. Through out it all, you are the one who has stood firm. Now please lads get off Rafa’s back. It’s all still to play for. And we mightn’t even make it this season, but so what. I was a Liverpudlian yesterday. I will be one tomorrow – no matter what, win lose or draw.

I don’t mean to hand out bollackings. Honest, I really don’t and I’m far too happy for that. But we are all in the same lifeboat. Let’s all start rowing in the same direction.

I am so fucking proud of them lads. I want to feel the same about our supporters. I’m honestly really sorry for sounding so churlish. But please, look at fellas like Keith and Knight. Loyalty is a wonderful thing. It’s what we are known for. It’s what makes us Liverpudlians. It’s why we sing YNWA and not glory glory Man United.

Sorry for going on. I don’t mean to be a prick. I’m drunk and very very happy.

Now here’s a thought for you…. now that we have showed them up on the field, will Rafa’s “Rant” pay dividends? Will kunts like Moyes and Hodgson stop turning up just to ask for autographs and actually give it a go?

I think it’s to near the finish line to pass them now. But I’m not giving up on them just yet. And if O’Neil, Moyes, Hodgson and even Mr – “they are invincible” – Wenger give it a go, who knows? And I tell you what lads, I have seen it happen before. Go look at the history of season 1978/79. And keep the faith!

COME ON YOU FUCKIN REDMEN!

knight,

How to subscribe for the “walk on”
Any links?

Well I’m as hungover as a fucking donkey… I think someone jammed a hand grenade in my ear while I was trying to sleep off the celebrations. Fuck it would’ve been good to be out on the town in Liverpool on Saturday night…

I have to say I was shattered to discover Alonso was injured for the game, as he is easily our most influential player after Gerrard & Torres (sometimes more influential). Credit to Lucas for stepping in and doing the job, although without Alonso we did resort to a lot of long balls. But fuck it, they worked!!

Dossena’s lob is a classic to watch over and over – the way Van der Saar just stands rooted to the spot and watches it sail over him, completely giving up, with hundreds of empty seats in the background.

What a perfect week. Enjoy it lads!

Next, Villa at Anfield….

Twice he done that Andy. The world’s greatest keeper with five hundred thousand gazzilion minutes of clean sheets – rooted to the spot twice by 2 shite Liverpool players. Wonder what spin the media can put on that. But like I said before, let’s just hope this will make other teams at least have a go, instead of turning up just to arse kiss. It’s still a huge mountain but it has been done before

To hungover to read all the comments as yet but having watched the MOTD highlights, I have just heard the media spin… it was all Rooney’s fault for saying that he ‘hated’ Liverpool and put too much pressure on himself and the team.

Really, give me a break…

The ‘best’ central defender in the world (not my comment BTW) was torn a new one by the best striker in the world (my comment).

Just think what could have been if Torres and SG would have been fit all season.

Anyway, maybe it is too little too late but, for me, we showed how to play against the mancs and they are not invincible by any stretch of the imagination.

YNWA

What? FS, for the record, I’ve never once bashed Rafa nor have I impulsively asked for his head, EVER. I’m just not as talkative as Keith and Knight, but I too belong to the “In Rafa We Trust” brigade. So please don’t lump me with the other negative people out there.

I’m not to the sort to throw in the towel and say “I give up”, and even if the negative people are right, I don’t go out and say it in public, that’s the bottom line I drew for myself.

Though I guess now it’s safe for me to guiltily admit that, prior to yesterday’s match, my hopes for the Premier League title was like hanging onto the edge of a precipice with my little finger, about to fall anytime.

But now that grip has tightened and I now have a chance to try and pick myself up and climb straight for the top.

Anyway, that SkySports FanZone video has got to be the funniest thing I’ve seen in ages, it tops the one back in September when we won at Anfield.

Well I didn’t get to see the game live, but have seen the reply, thanks lads for the updates during the night, I managed to keep reading while working.
.
Great result after a great week, now if the man of the moment puts pen to paper, then I guess it can’t get much better. Unless of course if the Yanks sell out, Rafa gets a whacking great budget, etc, etc, etc.
.
The double over Man U is FFFFFFing big business.
.
Dossena seems to be coming into his own, looked slow but very part of the team. 2 goals in a week.
.
Still I have a downside, can’t stand the colour of those grey shirts. Bring me a green or black one, but get away from those grey one’s. They look like a training shirt.
.
Just a minor grizzle.

Also notice the press are reporting Liverpool beat 10 man United. WTF they started of with 12, came back to 11 and 3-1 down when they got to 10.
.
Liverpool just smacked them. Isn’t that easier to write. 4-1 even easier. The media always seem to complicate things.

Kinny what are you on about? I never said anything about you. Is that the problem in here? People being so thin skinned? What I actually did was copmpliment Keith and Knight for their loyalty. Is that out of order? I’ve had it put to me like it was some sort of character flaw, when I actually think it’s a commendable trait.

I don’t work for Sly, Talk Shite or the media in general. My memory goes back before 1992. I know football wasn’t invented just to fill air space. That’s why I mentioned the 78/79 season. I might have got the year wrong, but…. Liverpool lead the league all that season. They got knocked off top spot by Man U at Christmas. We then fell apart and went a lot of points behind. But in the run in, the Mancs dropped loads of points and we sneaked up on the rails to pinch it.

I’m not saying that will happen again, but we expect our players to keep trying. So why shouldn’t we?

I fell out with a good friend of mine for the exact same thing yesterday. He has already threw the towel in. Why? Okay, it’s hard. It’s probably not on. But until it’s mathematically impossible, I am giving nothing up

No, no, no, FS! Can’t you bloody tell I was joking?

Accidentally hit the “Say It” button while I was scrolling down the window.

Anyway, FS, if I somehow worded it wrongly that led you to misinterpreted me of accusing you of slighting me, then I apologize. For fuck’s sake, I even added a smilie icon at the back of my message to indicate I wasn’t entirely miffed at you ommiting me at all!

Maybe it’s me lad. Sorry. Still drunk from yeterday… and smiley’s are for tarts!

Loved the comment that this must be the worst ManU team in the last twenty years if we can trounce them 4-1. I wonder of we are still too defensive? I wonder if Slur Fungus will get fined for not showing up at the Press conference? I wonder if the press will say that Red nose rotated too much and Giggs and Scholes should have started along with Berbatove? I wonder if Alan Wily will ref another scum game before the end of the season? All though I still thought most of the 50/50 decisions went their way and our penalty against us was soft to say the least as the ball was going out and Pepe pulled out of the challenge only for Park to drag his foot to make contact. If that was a penalty then Vidic’s body check on Torres was one. I wonder if you could get more biased commentary then the two twats that I had to listen to.

On the bright side I think this must be the first time, on this blog at least, that there has not been one negative comment about Rafa, the team selection or anybody that played. Except for the grey outfits, which I have to agree are absolute shite and need to be binned ASAP.

A dynasty takes time, ask Shanks and Sir Twat, it just does not happen over night even with money which we do not have. The Lucas of yesterday was the same Lucas that played so well at the end of last year and that put in some very good performances this year. One or two high profile howler’s does not turn you into a bad player it just proves that a player needs more experience and time to adapt to the pace of the Prem game. Each player is different and will take time to adapt and settle in especially if they are young and from another continent let alone country.

I really hope these last few performances shows the fans what can be attained given the right level of support and with a mostly fit side. We are still are in with a very good shout, yes ManU have to falter but who knows what this type of result will do to them and other teams that have to go to OT knowing that ManU can be beat, time will tell. Having Arbelleo injured affects us more than we realize and we are a much better team with him in the side as he gives us balance on the right that Carra does not give us. Second place while missing our two best players for long periods of the year, I hope the fans realize what a performance from Rafa and the squad this has been. Lets stand up and get behind Rafa and the team, the cups are only handed out in May. Cheers FS

Viva The Rafalution it is only a matter of time

One last note, if we draw them in the CL I wonder if it would make them take their eye of the ball in the Prem. I would fancy our chances against them.

I just saw the game again! Wow! When Torres scored the equaliser he held up five fingers to the crowd in response to them singing about winning the league.

The United players looked more than exhausted yesterday they looked psychologically damaged!

A few records fell yesterday, including, if the Ladyboy scores United never lose, and no team has ever come back to win against United after going a goal behind, we have done it twice this season!

Keith I think I had the same commentators. I just watched the replay and the bias of the commentary was both laughable and disgusting, it was so obvious. They literally raved and raved about Man United, and one dickhead blew his load every time Carrick touched the ball.

My favourite: (with Liverpool 3-1 up) “So how do you think the last-minute pairing of Hyypia & Skrtel have performed today?” – Response: “Well I think generally they have been OK, but really quite fortunate on a number of occasions with the way the ball has bounced for them”. Just laughable that he still couldn’t give us credit… Hyypia found out 5 mins before kick-off that he was starting, and played a superb game.

Pity Manure have Fulham again next weekend… would be good to see them tested by a tougher team. That said, hopefully they can park the bus for a 0-0.

Lads, you think the grey kit is bad, you wait until you see next season’s away kit. It’s dark green with yellow adidas stripes and red stitching. Here is the link with the H T T P / / : missing.

lfcglobe.com/latest-new-away-kit-200910/

What is so wrong with the grey one?? It is better than the yellow one we had last year….

God, I am loving this weekend, it was really worth the wait.

I feel vindicated for slating fungusface. Three attacking players in one go. What a laugh. No wonder why Bruce almighty, his sidekick, did the same thing when we played wigan. I just love the way Rafa brushes all that aside and gets on with his job. No smiles, no sour face, regardless of the score. The japanese commentators were all praising his gentleman-like approach.

You just can’t find men like him these days.

IN RAFA WE TRUST.

Thanks for the link LB – ahh, it’s not that bad. We’ve had worse (the canary yellow one springs to mind).

Oh and I add that the japanese commentary was also praising Carra. They acknowledged that fullback is not his best position, especially at his age, but they hailed him for his attitude for not making excuses despite that and just trying to his best, which he always does.

Not all the media are biased, so it is a nice change.

I thought Hyypia was our best defender by some distance! Carra didn’t have his greatest game, I thought he looked panicky. However he did block Park’s shot on goal, which was very important.

I thought the yellow kit from last season was nice. Our traditional away colours is yellow or white top with black shorts.

Check this link

oldfootballshirts.com/en/teams/l/liverpool/old-liverpool-football-shirt-s3598.html

Andy the comment that had me choking was that Carrick is the best holding midfielder in the world. Yes it is also funny how all the teams that play us have an off day. News flash, pressure causes mistakes and that is what we did to them yesterday, but I forgot the best team lost, funny old game. The quote from Rafa still has me laughing, what is the difference between the two team.. 100 mill.

Why can’t we stick to the stylish black with red stripes or white with red strips for the away kit. To me that is class without looking like a fucking canary or worse the Aussie cricket team (can’t wait for the comments from my antipodean friends) or the after effects of cleaning the drain with that all inspiring grey sludge.

Black with red stripes or white with red stripes are nice. I liked last season’s away kit to be honest. White with black number/lettering, red adidas stripes and black shorts with white socks. Have that and a black reverse.

Yeh that was my other favourite Keith… Carrick wouldn’t be in the top 10 holding midfielders in the world and that muppet was creaming himself over every touch. He wasn’t even the best holding midfielder on the pitch. Then there was the utter disappointment in his voice and saying “oh no” when we scored. They should bring in the option where you can press a button to get alternative commentary, ie home team, away team and neutral. Would be good listening to a few scousers commentate, as long as everyone can understand them!

Keith… the Aussie cricket team wears the same colours as South Africa these days mate! So in fact with the new dark green next year, we WILL look like the Aussie cricket team! There’s a good omen for you

(That smiley was for you FS, I’m feeling like a tart today)

That’s it Hyde, after seeing your comments about the fairness of Japanese commentators, I’m moving to Japan. Most commentators I’ve seen in Asia (be it Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, etc) are predominantly biased towards the Scum. Oh, don’t worry about the language, as I speak Japanese just fine, just needs some “fine tuning”.

Chavs winning again…
so despite us crushing the scums yesterday… we will be back to 3rd for the rest of the week, unless Citeh could craft some magics back into the game.

The question is where do we go from here
I don’t want to rain on any parades here, but what happens when we draw against some minor team, and the “Rafa will never win the league” brigade stick their heads above the parapet.

Make no mistake we are at an important junction here, and whether you believe it or not Rafa signing a contract is the big deal now.

For those of you who think that the last week could have been achieved under another manager brought in by dumb and dumber, time to wake up and smell the coffee.

It is time for everyone to back Rafa, because the team obviously see him as the man to take us forward, or did you think that they demolished man utd and real madrid because of their happiness at his imminent departure.

That means we offer our Support, not just at big games, but when we are playing Stoke and struggling.
That means we offer our support to every player that pulls on the red shirt with a liverbird on it, regardless of what we personally think of them as players.
That means we offer our support to Rafa and the undertaking that he has commited himself to.

If we don’t do that and continue to snipe at our manager and our players we will reap the rewards of our efforts.

There are ten games to go, lets live up to our tag of best supporters in the world

9 more games to go , i think..

sorry Skeat quite correct

27 points up for grabs..

Back to third….
Chelsea is developing a Scum habit… winning 1-0 in most games since hiddink took over

Wow! What can I say that you guys haven’t already said? Yesterday was my birthday and I couldn’t have asked for a better present than watching the team I love wiping the floor with a team I hate, and all this coming just four days after watching the same team that I love wiping the floor with another team I hate!

Fernando Torres is in a verbal battle with Real Madrid defender Pepe after the Reds’ 4-0 victory against Real on Tuesday.

Marca claims that comments made by the Portugese defender before the game about knowing how to keep Torres quiet had the Spaniard burning in the build-up to the game.

During the game, Pepe taunted Torres with “We have won nine Europen Cups”, to which the Reds striker replied: “Yeah, but YOU haven’t won any of them!”

After scoring, Torres also made a gesture to the television camera with his hands, sending a message to Real Madrid president Vicente Boluda, who had been talking before the tie how Real would beat Liverpool.

Torress…Legend

Btw, Happy belated birthday, Steve

Gotta say I’m still floating here! Watched the game again last night with some mate and a few tins. Dont know if it was the tins or the stunning performance but I was waxing blubbery at the end! Cant decide what my favourite moment was; Stevies celebration, vds watching Aurelios free kick sailing past him, Dossenas lob, the expression on rooneys face everytime we scored, just priceless. But I think the winner has to be the traveling Kop belting out YNWA to an emptying cold crappord. I’m tearing up again…

My travels made me miss the game so can I just say thank you to the bloggers who kept updating this blog with the score and their comments during the game.

What’s the best way to catch the game when back in London?

YNWA

Keith I think we had the same commentary. Could you believe Dowie after Wiley sent off vidick? ‘oh thats ‘arsh, oh i think thats ‘arsh’. Fucken harsh?! Would ya go fuck yourself Dowie. You really are as fucken dumb as you look. Anyway, LB, I can never understand why we change the colour of our away kit every year anyway. It is a bit ridiculous and usually means we end up with some of the dreadful away kits we’ve had down the yrs. I’m with you, the white kit from last year was great. Just stick with white?

SBB, who was the co-commentator for that link you posted? Sighed when Torres went past Vidic for first…Dowie?

5 year plan, the thing is this. If we fail to win our next 3 games and all further behind the leaders again then some spleen will be vented by a portion of fans and questions will be asked. At the end of the season, when the dust settles, it is easier to look at the bigger picture and judge what progress (if any) we have made. Right now I’m just enjoying the moment!!

Digger, we should change the 3rd kit I reckon and keep the white and black. We’d need a 3rd kit to play against teams who wear red as well as white. The worst was when we had to wear the grey top with red shorts and socks. Disgusting.

Looks like Villa’s CL qualification challenge is over.

Micaelthomasmademecry, it sounds like Dowie but I cannot be sure. Apparently he is a genius:-

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YApCOQoCmjM&feature=related

and in the Gooneys:-

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOsQGS-awn8

Yeah I’m watched the game LB, spurs by far the better team. Villa have only taken 1pt from there last 12. Looks like we’re gonna catch them at a good time. Our white kit from last year was the biz. It should be written into our club constitution! Keep the white as our permanent 2nd kit. The annual colour change is all a bit silly really. Did see Arshavins 2nd goal yesterday LB? A bit tasty no? And I gotta ask ya cos I know your a fan, pato’s goal this morning? A screamer. Whos he think he is? Stevie G?!

Thanks Skeat.

Torres is real class and I think it’s clear that this lad really loves LFC, you can always tell.

By the way it will be his 25th birthday on Friday (20th) I wonder who he would like us to draw in the CL quarter final?

I think his ankle problem is still not completely cleared up, he looked to be in some pain at Old Trafford and I know he had a pain killing injection before the Madrid game and possibly before yesterday’s game as well.

At least we don’t play again until next Sunday, so hopefully he can fully recover before then.

I don’t like the Grey kit either lads, I think it looks a bit depressing and lifeless, especially when compared to our vibrant Red home kit. Mind you it looked pretty good yesterday with the lads celebrating a fine victory.

Oh dear Mr Rooney, I suppose you hate LFC just a liitle bit more now then?

Yesterday was our biggest win on their ground since 1936 and their biggest home defeat since QPR beat them by the same scoreline in 1992.

Makes you feel happy to be a Red, eh lads?

Arsenal where a thing of beauty yesterday. They have a few good players out an all – Fabregas, Adebayour. I have been watching them closely especially as all the pundits have written them off. Mark my words, we will be fighting them to the finish next season.

As for next season, it could be the end of Mr. Ferguson and I have no doubt his arse kisser in chief – David Moyes – will get the job. Hopefully he will be putting in the application by beating them in the semi’s of the FA Cup.

But if Rafa gets proper control of transfers we won’t have to fear anybody. I reckon within two seasons he will have the exact squad he wants. Aging players like Sami and Carra will be replaced, problem positions will be filled with proper talent and players like Dosenna, Riera even Torres, will be properly settled. And we will go on to dominate the game for at least a decade. But that’s not to say we won’t win anything before that.

In fact, I hope we get Man U in the champion’s league. I’d much prefer a nice trip to Munich. I haven’t been to Germany in ages and I like it there. But we really could kill these bastards off now. How’s this for a kneejerk…. The great quintiple season, might just be turning into the greatest implosion ever seen and that auld tramp’s head might finally explode.

PS…. the 70′s were the best for kits. Yellow Liverbirds, red with white collar and cuffs and white with red. No advertising

PPS… I cut me self short in the last comment. I meant to say we will also have some good kids coming through in that time an all. Here’s one for you…. http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2217948/

FS, maybe you can help me here; why do the mancs call us dippers? What the hell does that mean?! I was in the zzzedcafe yesterday (in the stitches laughing) and I noticed they call us ‘dippers’. I’ve been called a lot of things by mancs but I must admit this is new one to me! Any ideas? Oh and why do they call Stevie ‘Stevie Starfish’?! Wtf?! What does that even mean?! Heh heh! I was pissing and I mean pissing myself laughing reading through their comments. Any ideas lads?

Dippers is for pick pockets. Which they say we all are – sort of like The S*n said we was dipping our own dead. Then they added bin dippers to it. It’s shite, but then so are some of our young lads who sing Munich songs. I hate everything about that bastard club with a passion, but I can’t condone things done by us or them. I know a few lads from Manchester. They’re alright. One of my best friends is a proper Manc, lifelong Man U supporter. He’s a cracking lad. But having said that, I wouldn’t change the hatred for the world. I love to hate them.

Don’t know what the starfish melarkey is about though. Must be a new one.

Where did allt his “best keeper in the world” bollocks come from in regards Van Der Sar??

How anyone can say that when Casillas and Cech are far superior keepers (and that’s without getting all territorial aboutour own Pepe!) is beyond me.

The fact that VDS taunted Terry after his slip int he CL final (like he had anything to do with saving the fuckin thing) spoke volumes about the cunt to me!

The suggestion that Hargreaves is the best Holding midfielder at Castle Greyskull is laughable, let alone, in the city of Manchester, or further afield!

Could “starfish” be for the way Gerrard sometimes celebrates? He’s done a few “starjumps” when he has celebrated scoring this season? Just a thought?

Can anyone tell me why Van der Sar was booked yesterday? I noticed in the write ups that he got a yellow, but I didnt see it?

Micaelthomasmademecry, it sounds like Dowie but I cannot be sure. Apparently he is a genius

youtube.com/watch?v=YApCOQoCmjM&feature=related

and in the Gooneys

youtube.com/watch?v=fOsQGS-awn8

Guys “Starfish” is certainly not a complimentary term, but then coming from a Manc and being directed at our captain, I’m sure you wouldn’t expect it to be. Your Starfish is your Arsehole!

I’m just so suprised that none of you have heard that term used before, christ where have you all been?

he got booked for not going to his line and trying to put steve off of his penalty

Oh Yeah! Chocolate starfish! Ha HA

Cheers FS and Steve. Not very endearing characterizations of us to be sure but as FS says I wouldent have it any other way. We love to hate them and vice versa. It is a visceral hatred and we always truly will be eternal enemies. Aitch it was Carrick that Dowie ludicrously suggested was the best holding mf in the world. Thats even more ridiculous ffs! Alonso, hamann (still!), essien, xavi, cambiaso are all ten fricken times the player carrick is, and thats just off the top of my head!

Sorry Dig, et all, I knew that and meant Hargreaves (Carrick wasn’t even on the bench was he?) (though in my defense, they are all interchangeable gobshites!)

The commentary really was laughable. For a change though, I actaully found it quite entertaining. I guess its easier to smile and laugh these things off when you are winning?

The commentator said at one point that Liverpool won, not because we had in any way outplayed United, but because they had been able to capitalize on several highly uncharachteristic, individual errors.

Hmm, so I’m curious what you would call winning 1-0 as a result of John O’Shae scoring a free header from a free-kick that should never have been given… against the run of play…
…what you would call winning 1-0 as a result of Rio Ferdinand scoring a free header from a corner that should never have been given… against the run of play…
……what you would call winning 1-0 as a result of Vidic scoring a free header from a corner that should never have been given.

Oh right… that’s United dominance isn’t it? Fuckin moron’s… if they had half a brain they’d be dangerous!

Fuck em, they can say what they want. All I have to say in response is 4-1.
(I passed up the chance to buy an 8-0 Besiktas t-shirt… but I’m sooooo buying a 4-1 t-shirt!)

Well off to bed a very happy man. And I’m far too happy to be opening cans of worms and starting arguments, but here’s something to consider….
Would we have got a penalty and would Vidic have got sent off if Rafa hadn’t had his rant?

I know the press/media have neglected to say anything about it, but they all seem to agree with mr. ferguson… the best team lost. How fucking funny is that. The demented aul tramp hit a new low there.

Fathter Jacks Best team comment is just pure shite, and reminds me very much of the cheating Portugese Mourinho, didnt he say that every time we opened a can of whoop as on his teams?…..

When it comes to kits I am a traditionalist (surprise surprise!) but I love the grey kit this year, brings back memories of king Kennys Barnes/Beardsley/Aldridge side in the late 80s. White/black/ red is the one for me though, the new one dosent look too bad, but I dont trust Adidas, If they keep kits to a simple Red with white trim and white adidas stripes fair enough, but some of those awful kits in the 90s……..the mid 90s one that looked like it was red and white stripes with hooped socks FFS?

Lads – to whoever asked why we keep changing our away kit every year – it’s a commercial thing guys. If we kept the same kits every year, no one would need to buy a new one, and adidas wouldn’t bother sponsoring us if they couldn’t release new products. So we just need to accept that we’ll cycle through every colour of the rainbow (except blue of course, and hopefully never pink!).

Van de Saar cracks me up with his penalty “mind games” – he tries that trick of standing off his line every time, gets a yellow card for it every time, and gets the pen slotted past him every time.

So if Villa’s season continues to crumble and they don’t make top 4 (which looks pretty likely now) – do you think we’ll get Barry? O’Neill said he won’t stop him going this time if he wants to leave. Sure he’ll be 1 year older, but if he’s half the price, he’d give us great depth next year (eg quality cover for Alonso that we still don’t really have).

FS, I alluded to that earlier.

TWO, count them… TWO critical decisions that MAYBE(?) wouldn’t have been made had Rafa not calmly, cooly (ranted?) and matter of factly “told it like it is”!

The commentators banged on for a good 10 minutes about how Vidic was not the last man and how Rio was there to cover!
Rio was 10 yards sideways… there’s no way in hell he’d have gotten to SG before he got off his shot!

It is worth noting, through our euphoria though, that we did piss away possession an aweful lot and some of our passing was horrendous…
…I mean, don’t get me wrong, I totally disagree with this best team lost bollocks, we were the better team on the day, regardless of the scoreline, no question… but it was hardly comparable to the Real Madrid display.

…and Andy, we might just be getting Villa at the right time, but lets hope they rediscover their form in time to take 3 points off Scum for us!

Okay, so who’s monitor is not set right? Yours LB, or mine?

I followed that link in LB’s post #155 and the pics of the kit are, Black, with Gold stripes, and Red stitching????
(And it has a collar which seems to have annoyed the LFC Fashion Police a bit!)

Fatty your a can opener! Ok, I’ll bite. Yes and yes. That penalty was nailed on mate. Absofuckenlutely stone cold penalty. Any ref that wouldent give that peno would have been rightly branded a retard and removed from his position as a premier league ref due to gross incompetence. Also they probably would have been investigated under suspicion of corruption. Same goes for the red card. Professional foul = red card. End of. In short, Wiley did a superb professional job. Kudos to him. Admirable job good man!

Andy we know the DESIGN is changed every year due to commercial reasons. Its the ridiculous colours that really grind. The consensus in here seems to be that white should be our away colours, I certainly agree. So why not keep it that way. Red at home, white away and just change the design/style of the kit each season no? Makes sense to me!

Is Gerry back from Mars yet?
I mean.. It has been 2 days since we thumped the scums..

Aitch, it’s dark green on my monitor, almost black but not quite. And agreed that Villa need to do something against Man U, because they are one of the few “decent” teams to face them in the remaining games.

Digger, mate I’d love to keep the clean white strip, it looks good, but there’s only so much mucking around you can do with the “design”. And it’d rarely be enough to prompt someone to go out and buy “the new white away kit” when they’ve still got the “old white away kit”. The red home strip will always keep selling even though it stays predominantly red, because it is our “classic” dominant strip that we play the majority of our games in… I’m just saying that if they just tweaked to a different design of the same white stip every year, I think sales of the away strip would slowly peter out. It’s just a commercial thing, if some shit colour for a few games per year is worth a few million quid to the club, it’s worth it.

Watched the game again today and thought what was Whikeybreath’s
tactics 2nd half .Take W* nker out of Aurelio’s pocket and put him in
Kuyt&Carra’s pocket . Attack like f*ck (leaving them open to the counter)
then bring on 2 aged CM who know how to cheat but can’t mark Gerrard
along with another 30 mill striker.using all of his options in one go
Aurelio’s freekick went between 2 of his subs
and the wall was set up against Gerrard not even considering Aurelio
Not taking Shrek off who kept cutting in and running into 3 defenders
wasting chance after chance only to blame his team mates
nobody to deal with Dossena whose goal was similar to Keane’s against
the Goons.Shouldn’t he have saved one of his subs to bolster his tiring defence
Basically he f*cked up and i think he his “cracking up”
He should be winning every game against these “lesser” teams, with all the
money he has spent / wasted .Then “Ranting” about “the best team lost”
Time to f*ck off and dont slam the door behind you .

PS Was going to post that on the Scum Website for a laugh

YNWA

Maybe your rightAndy. Just a shame we dont retain white as our away kit. Everyone seems to favour it (in here at least), and it is the nicest away kit we’ve had in years. I feel a petition coming on!

Most of tomorrows papers are printing articles with “the fat Spanish etc . . “ in them. I personally take offence to these comments as they are racist.

“ stereotype-based prejudices towards individuals and groups of people according to their race”

To justify using the phrase the hacks are then discussing the banter between the fans on matchdays.

Digger Wiley has failed to do his job many times before and he’s never been
sacked or investigated.If they did that there’d only be a couple of refs left
in the prem and sooner or later one of the sacked refs would blow the whistle
on the FA .
“They all piss in the same pot” is a term that springs to mind.
Which Ref was it that gave Chelsea a pen against us for nothing last year
in the Prem.Cant remember who but it turned out his Driveway company
got to do Abramovich’s Driveway which will be a lot longer than my driveway
and a good opportunity for a “favour” no doubt .

YNWA

It must be the jolly win cos people are banging on about the colour of our kits, which should be least of our worries!!

If I must stick with that subject though, I also think white away is the best, but I actually would prefer the cream-coloured one we had in 96-97 (still have it).

Design-wise, I would go even further back than FS and say that the 60s were the best. That massive round emblem on the chest and the classic thick round-neck rims by far wins in the esthetics department. Maybe it is because of the similar design that I like that cream-coloured one that everyone seemed to despise back then.

On to Nando, I just think he is class with his attitude as well. It is blatantly clear that he is aware of all the bias and unwarranted attacks on our Gaffer. Everytime he plays, he seems to want prove himself, not because he wants people to see how good he or liverpool itself is, but rather to stick his fingers up against all the people, fans and rivals alike.

FS, I am thinking that maybe 2 years is a bit short. At the rate we are going, I think we can only manage to buy one “quality” signing per year, but it is clear that we need at least 3 of them to really be comfortable. As rafa said, the difference between the mancs and us are “100 million” (classic quote, that!!) and if one top player costs around 20-30 million, we should really be looking at 3 years at least for Rafa to finalise his ideal squad. Of course, our youngsters could be breakind thru during that time, so that would be a bonus.

Hyde, the next danger is that we won’t even spend enough for 1 world class player in the summer. With the owners strapped for cash and the loan due, we’ll be as far from a spending spree as ever. They might be successful in finding new owners – or part-owners – which might bring new cash in, but only if they can move quickly. Something tells me we are going to be in the headlines a lot in June/July/August.

RE: Biased media

Even here in Malaysia, you get the same scum arse kissing as many sports editors are unfortunately manc supporters. So it was refreshing to see the headline on national TV (RTM1) as “Liverpool belasah man utd 4-1″ with the key word ‘belasah’ meaning ‘flog’ or ‘beaten severely’ (Oxford Fajar dictionary).

What a fantastic performance, I still have a smile from ear to ear. I think Aurelio should take a bow to, I thought his perfomrance was his best in a red shirt, kept the ladyboy quiet.

I’ve said it all along Oz, Aurelio is a cracking little player. Rafa wouldn’t have bought him twice if he wasn’t. Sadly though the lad’s made out of glass, but, unlike Kewell, I would keep him as his attitude is right. And when he’s fit, that’s the sort of performance he’s capable of and more importantly – willing and eager to give.

Hyde mate, I reckon we will get the usual 20/25 million quid. And did you ever wear one of them 60′s kits. It was like wearing barbed wire and the badge used to twat about on your chest more than a door knocker on a knocking shop. Mind you, nicer than them bloody horrible polyester things.

Some young lads actually wear the horriblest tops we had – the squared thing and the Candy one that looks like it’s been left to dry under a flock of seagulls. It’s like some sort of badge of honour.

But what I really wanted to say is….
You’re right Digger. They were both blatant offences. But how many have you seen not given at OT? I have seen far more obvious pens turned down, and I’m sure you have too. And I’ve also seen Man U players actually assault referees, nevermind the opposition, far far worse than Vidic’s haul down and nothing – nothing whatsoever during or after the games – has happened to them. Makes me think anyway. But if you think it had no effect – just think what Rafa would have came out with if we’d been cheated and then see if you still think the same.

The ref who gave the penalty against Chelsea was Rob Styles. I was at that game, but I’ve never heard that rumour. Can’t say I believe it meself, but you never know. And last word on the media….
Like I’ve always said, they were always anti-LFC pro-Manc. It used to drive me mad when we was winning everything, they were shite but still got all the headlines. And I never thought I’d say this, but – I think they press/media are even worse nowadays. At least they were loyal back then. You knew what to expect, but now they will turn and bite anyone faster than a rabid dog.

And I honestly think they will turn on mr. ferguson soon. I can already see signs of it. Some leathered him for the “The Best Team Lost” marlarkey and saying how other teams must stop throwing in the towel against them. Rafa and Gerrard are already racking that one up. I think a few phone calls will be getting made to Danny Murphy and we might even see Fulham give it a go. And a few bad results will affect them badly. They are already beleiving their own hype. Let’s see how they perform under pressure. And let’s see how they cope when mr. ferguson starts getting attacked. I honestly can see reporters getting sick of his antics and threats. And we all know how bad these hacks can be. Can they cope with half of the pressure we recieve?

I see the sight won’t take links now. Shame that I put some cracking stuff from the kids in. They’re still all a bit slight for the prem, but some of the skill levels are unbelievable. But you really can’t miss this one…
Go to Youtube, put in embarassing Man Utd song before kick off. It’s such a disgrace, I didn’t know whether to laugh at them or feel ashamed for them. It really is that bad.

You’re right, Andy. I am preparing for us to keep on going after names like Tuncay et al despite seeing Prick Parry ousted. I am also worried about our centre-backs. Sami and Carra are both in the twilight of their careers, and with agger possibly leaving, we may need to spend some money on this position when we should be focusing our already limited funds on areas further up our pitch. I can’t see us relying on Martin Kelly in 2 years time. So where is all the money going to be coming from….

If anything, we will have to keep on relying on Rafa to find us the solution.

Oz, you’re right to point out aurelio. I have to admit, of all the players rafa kept faith in, he was the only one I just could not fathom (I did not think that he was that much of a player even at Valencia). Rafa kept on saying that his deliveries and set-plays were excellent in training, but he had hardly offered that up until maybe the portsmouth game, when he excellently fufilled the central midfield position. Since then, he has been impressive and that freekick was a highlight. I have to say, that despite taking a couple of years, once again Rafa had it right, and I have to hold my hand up and say I was sorry with respect to my evaluation of aurelio.

So lads, maybe rafa is seeing something about Lucas that bears fruit in a couple of years time.
Everyone at the club is rating him very highly, so he must be doing brilliant in training.

In rafa, I truly trust.

FS, fortunately, I haven’t worn the 60s shirt. Just touched it. And you’re right, I could just imagine my nipples being ground down in the first half. I just meant the designs, not the material, but you get my drift.

And I hope to god that the media are strong-hearted enough to turn against fungus. The media are wimps and I think only when fungus loses his chance to win the premiership will he be battered. Until then, I think they will never attack him the way they did against rafa. Disgusting.

Well, you’re right Hyde mate. mr. ferguson will never get that level of abuse that Rafa has had to suffer, but you can see little things appearing.

There’s a good website to check what they are saying. Just put British Media Online in your search bar. All the papers are on there, and I’m quite surprised what a few of them are coming out with. Rafa’s after game interview is brilliant. He plays the press great, and they seem to be getting pissed off with the sulking tramp.

There’s a couple of good articles in the Daily Mail, a paper that usually has me tearing me hair out.
Hodgson has already threw the towel in again… “Liverpool and Chelsea can’t rely on us doing them any favours.” Or something like that, I can’t remember it exactly (Still sobering up). But hopefully, he’s just trying to take the pressure off his players and behind closed doors he’s secretly plotting to do them. I know for a fact, Danny Murphy will be geeing them all up.

Still, I don’t expect too much from Fulham. But, did you read the game plan Rafa outlined. He’s a cheeky bastard – concentrating on coaching other team’s players now an all. But Saturday proved he’s right. United can be hit if you break them down in mid-field and hit them fast and direct, getting behind them quickly. Sadly not many teams have the personel. But Arsenal, Villa and even Spurs have fast direct players that can do the sort of damage Rafa is preaching.

So, the fat lady might still be humming but it’s far from over yet. Before I spat me dummy, I kept trying to say have a bit of patience lads. It’s a long strange season this one. Who’s to say there won’t be a few more shocks and twists and turns before it’s finished?

Don’t forget Aurelio was a free transfer and if you follow Lucas around in a game and see all the good work, incisive passing and quick link-up play, not to forget his intelligent runs and defensive work he does you would have the faith Rafa does have with him. I don’t blindly back players and I watch him more closely than some because of the flack he gets, but he is not a bad little player and I can see him developing into something quite good in the future. All people nowadays see to focus in on is the one or two high profile blunders that a youngster makes and then right him off as no good.

One has to remember that he is also being compared to Gerrard, Alonso and Masch. They are probably, if not the best combination in the world not far off. So yes Lucas by comparison is not at their standard just yet, but the lads has bags of talent if one would only look at it fairly.

The same can be said of Ngog when everybody was calling him shite and not good enough for Liverpool. Compared to Torres, no he is nowhere near that level, but the lad had tremendous talent and has shown us what he is capable of. It is the old adage that supporters want instant success and are not prepared to wait for it to develop. The reality is unless you have the big bucks to buy the finished article that is exactly what we have to do. Babbel is in the same category, he has had a bad season, but the injury he sustained, with no preseason, going of to the Olympics are all factors as to why he has not kicked on from last year. We saw glimpses of what he is capable of against Real where he made Ramos look very ordinary.

Riera has disappointed me in the second half of the season and that could be as simple as him missing preseason and is running out of puff with the physical demands of the prem. Everybody and his dog was bitching and moaning about Dossena, yet the lad is in his first season and needs the time to get used to the pace of the prem, the quality is there for all to see.

I cannot see us (Rafa if he gets control) letting Agger go, he has to realise he will be first choice soon with Carra slipping into the Sammie role. We also have Hobbs, San Jose (very highly rated) and Huth apart from the youngster Kelly as back-up. Our weak spot is right back if Arbelleo gets injured. Carra cannot be the answer and it is obvious when Arbelloe is out that we struggle with the balance of the side. Deggen is worse than Kewel ( only saving grace is that he was on a free) so I think that will be a priority come the summer. Leto will also be back this summer so it will add more competition to the left side with Babbel and Ngog playing more in the middle to give Torres a rest. Benny will be used to give Gerrard a rest in the hole behind as well as playing on the right and I would not be surprised if we see another right sided attacking midfielder brought in as well.

With the resurgence of Alonso I cannot see us renewing our interest in Barry, I would not mind us seeing a Ribery or Joe Cole type player or even Lennon (English) come in to give us a more of an attacking option on the right and to give poor DK a breather. Whatever and whoever comes in as long as Rafa has full control we will continue to progress.

Lads, check out the youtube thing Fat Scouser was talking about… fucking hilarious (hopefully this link works:

youtube.com/watch?v=LqGwoTVqzO0

FS, it’s a realy pity the Mancs have got Fulham this weekend, a more testing game could have set the cat among the pigeons. Still, I’ll keep hoping for the best, a Danny Murphy free kick special would do nicely.

‘Here, folks, is the ‘sporting-quote’ of the last 100 years! Sir Alex Ferguson, “I thought we were the better-side” … Alex, Alex, there are some 3,000,000,000 people on this earth, at least half of whom were watching ‘that-match’. There isn’t another ‘ONE’ that will have the gall to even THINK that, never mind SAY IT! For ONCE in your life, just ONCE, have the decency and the GUTS to admit it! You were not-only ‘beaten’ on Saturday by Liverpool, your multi, multi, million ‘£’ team were out-thought, out-run, out-classed & out-played. In fact you were SLAUGHTERED – OWN-UPPPP.

Keith, I think the problem with the Agger situation is that Carra is still a season or two away from having reduced playing time – he’s played almost every minute this season so it sure hasn’t started yet. And Carra will hold onto his spot for dear life, he’s literally obsessed with keeping it. Agger is ready-made to walk into almost any other team in the world, and he knows it. So it’s difficult to see us holding onto him, when his major playing opportunities are going to come from injuries. That said – don’t get me wrong because I hope to high hell that we somehow manage to hold onto him, because I think he’s top quality.

I had a look at the Villa boards last night

Fascinating stuff with a lot of them saying MON has lost the plot and should be moved on at the end of the season.

Seems we are not the only supporters with unrealistic expectations.

This instant success malarky has affected all teams I think, The influence of sky and sultana has done damage where ever it has gone

Andy I can see Agger playing in all the so called 10 men behind the ball teams next year. As good as Carra is defensively he is limited going forward, either hoofing the ball long or passing it back. Rafa, I hope, should be able to convince him to stay.

The simple fact of the Villa demise is that their squad is too small and they are running out of steam. We all suffer that in comparison to the Mancs and Cheslea

I said this before but it hasn’t come up so…
On the Daniel Agger situation, it seems there’s sadly some creedence in the rumours. It’s not drug taking or any of the other shite said about the lad. It’s just that’s he’s not interested. He has genuinely been injured for most of the season, but apparently he doesn’t give a fuck. I’ve had that from a very god source. And the thing is, some footballer’s don’t even like the game. Sadly Daniel appears to be one. and if his heart just isn’t in it, I don’t think there’s much Rafa can do. Besides, we all know what Rafa’s like about a player’s mentality. If it’s true, it’s a shame cos Danny really is a big talent. But apparently Rafa has already started inquiring about Weater at Boro.

Glad you enjoyed that clip Andy. Was that sad or what? I know we’ve moaned a bit about our own fans, but that takes the bickie that. Once I stopped laughing, I felt embarrased for them. Please god may I go tits up ten minutes before anything like that ever happens to us.

You’re right FS, I nearly felt embarrassed for them watching that clip. Nearly, instead it is just downright hilarious.

But FS… I’m sure you have good sources but I’m not sure about that Agger rumour. Judging whether someone else gives a fuck can be more of an opinion or interpretation than statement of fact (unless it’s completely bleedingly obvious someone doesn’t give a fuck). I just say that because something to keep in mind is that Agger is a very quiet personality… from what I’ve seen and heard he is “very Danish”, by which I mean he is very cool & calm and laid back… I’ve lived in Denmark before and have a lot of very close Danish friends… it would take too long to explain, but they have this psyche over there where they are basically taught to be “quietly confident” and extremely humble. I just think it’s the kind of style that can be wrongly interpreted as not giving a fuck. However, it would certainly not be helped if Agger’s spirits are down, which I also think is the case after basically missing almost 2 years of football through injuries and benchings.

Anyway FS again I’m not doubting your source, but unless he’s outright heard Agger say “I don’t give a fuck, get me outta here”, I’m hoping he may have just mis-interpreted things. I hope the rumour isn’t being spread too far, as it isn’t fair on Agger unless he’s 100% definitely done something to deserve it.

Haha after writing that above about Agger & Danes, I have to point out that Bendtner is probably an exception to the Danish rule!

Just watching the highlights of Arsenal vs Blackburn… they are going to be one hell of an attacking force next year with Fabregas and Arshavin in the same team. Wish we’d gone for Arshavin instead of Keane…

Hodgson’s comments below. I hope Danny Murphy locks him in the toilets and gives the team-talk before they walk out!

“Listen, I can’t stand here and say our team is on a par with Manchester United because everyone knows it isn’t.

“We can promise we’ll give them a good game, but Liverpool and Chelsea can’t really expect that we’ll beat Manchester United for them. All we can do is give it our best shot.”

Hi all. I’m a regular reader, but I only comment occasionally. What a fantastic weekend. I did a pub crawl saturday night looking for manc fans to wind up. And boy are they easy to wind up. My favourite wind up was to tell them how the so called best defender in the league was torn apart by torres on one leg and that he’d be having nightmares for months.
I actually think the red card and three game ban was a blessing for vidic – I think he would have been a liability in their next game.
The main point I want to make is regarding Rafa and apologies in advance if anyone thinks I’m out of order. On a previous thread someone queried what would happen if Rafa didn’t sign a new contract. Someone (apologies for not having names) nonchalantly replied that we’d get a new manager and move on. I thought that was very disrespectful to Rafa and to everything he has done and continues to do for this club. It would be a fucking complete and utter disaster if Rafa was to leave. Like it or not that guy is the future of Liverpool. He has a vision for this club and if left alone to get on with his job, he will, I’m certain return Liverpool to the top of english football and knock fergie off his fucking perch.
I know no one is bigger than the club, but great managers don’t grow on trees. Even getting a big name doesn’t always work out – just look at chelsea with big Phil.
Even one bad season while a new manager settles in could ruin the club. Seriously. Rafa is doing a brilliant job just to be competeing for the title giving the difference in our financial position. If, for any reason we were to slip out of the top four, it would set the club back years.
We’ve had some bad results this season and could have more before it’s over, but regardless, we are making progress. But Rafa is vital to that progress. Some liverpool fans don’t give him the credit he deserves. I just hope the owners give him what he wants and allow him to get on with the job of returning liverpool to the top

The only downside was relying on T and G to get our opening goals.Whem will Kuyt, Alonso and Riera start to chip in with their share?.Win our last 9 games -finish on 88 points and that should be enough to win the Prem, with our best ever points tally in 117 years.Hope Fulham are better than last week-Hodgson like Fat Sam is part of the Taggart fan club.

Quality comments lads. Andy, I hope you’re right regarding Agger. Bendter seems to have a similar temperment. Agger, got into the Danish first team aged 20 so you’d think he was a motivated individual unless just sheer talent carried him through. I bloody well hope FS’ source is wrong on this one. I really like Agger as a player. I prefer him to Skrtel when he’s match fit.

Regarding players to add to our squad. Definitely a right back is needed and a player that can play on the wing or off the striker. Such as David Silva or Ribery. Valenica are in financial trouble, but will our board be sorted out in time to get negotiating terms with them? I can only dream. If Portsmouth get relegated I wouldn’t mind getting Glen Johnson for a good price.

Digger, I didn’t see Pato’s goal. I saw Bojan get 2 goals for Barca though. I was drooling at some of the football they played.

Burgerman we got 90 points in 1988 and got 68 points in 1979 – that would have been 98 points now because it was 2 points for a win in 1979. Those are just the ones I know from the top of my head.

I thought Rafa was spot on with his assessment of manure’s defence. They are never put under any pressure. Rafa pushed Stevie G right up with Torres he was never more than 10-15 yards away and they were both magnificent as was Aurelio. Vidic was made to look very ordinary and I don’t think it was a case of a bad day at the office for him, Torres and Gerrard are two players I wouldn’t swap for anyone. the whole team played well except for Riera.

The decisions had to be given because they were stone wallers any other way and we know what would have happened.

Note to Martin O’neil play someone up with Abonhaghor right up same to Moyes and Hodgson. they will all roll over and have their tummies tickled as they usually do.

Credit to Rio cokehead. He made sure he shook hands with every single LFC player. I wouldn’t have done that but fair play to him and I can’t stand him but he didn’t run and hide.

Check out Fontainethered on Youtube.The Mancs are fucking retards.

The league was played over 42 games in 1979 and 40 games in 1988.

Glen Johnson is a good shout LB. Good going forward but not sure about his defending capabilities.

He also has a bit of pace about him, which now is a must for a full-back position.

Interesting final comment in the daily post’s match report:

“The penalty was one of many correct decisions made by referee Alan Wiley, who is unlikely to be appearing at Old Trafford again any time soon after awarding a penalty against United and sending one of their players off. When was the last time that happened? This, though, was a day that should not be forgotten by either side.”

I for one will be looking out for this.

BTW, how good was Sami! He also deserve a mention.

LB: Don’t drool too much over Barca. They are a good team with excellent players no doubt but the itensity of playing a Premier league team will be the acid test for them.

“Rafa gets it right as Ferguson fails to respond”

“Prior to this weekend, the seemingly universal conclusion seemed to be that Rafa Benitez` so called `rant` had cost Liverpool the league title. Now, the unanimous verdict seems to be that the Liverpool coach might be smart enough to win it. I`d be very interested to hear how all of the amateur psychologists now rank that infamous `rant` in terms of influence over the outcome of the Premier League. Personally, it frustrates me that in English football people are often too quick to draw overly simplistic conclusions, while being incapable of thinking independently.

Win Real Madrid v FC Barcelona Tickets

With regard to Saturday`s game, it appeared to me that Manchester United did not have a plan B and that Liverpool were always in control of the match. Tactically, Rafa got it absolutely spot on. Liverpool controlled the tempo of the game; they dominated possession and dictated the play. From the very first minute it was clear that United were outnumbered 5-3 in midfield. It wasn`t that Anderson or Carrick had particularly bad games individually, it was because they were always outnumbered by Liverpool players who placed them under constant pressure, denying them breathing space and forcing them to release the ball too hurriedly and inaccurately. Why did Ferguson not identify that issue and react to it?

The United manager`s substitutions were poor and he handed the match to Liverpool. For example, when the home sided urgently needed to exert some control over the game, Ferguson sent on three forwards from the bench (two if you count Giggs as a midfielder) while his midfield was being dominated. This unbalanced the United formation further, making it effectively a 4-2-4 and two versus five in the battle for the midfield.

With the team overloaded up front and short in the middle; why was Ronaldo not ordered to track back and help out? At one stage, with his side outnumbered in defence and under pressure, the Portuguese was seen strolling back to a peripheral position when his side needed him the most. The United manager also failed to react to the fact that Ronaldo was isolated and outnumbered when he did get the ball out wide, managing to go one on one with a defender just once. The United winger desperately needed some support from O`shea to help him get beyond the opposition, but Ferguson failed to instruct the full back to overlap or link up.

Had the reverse been the case, I am certain that plenty would have been said about Benitez` shortcomings; yet, as always, Sir Alex Ferguson is beyond criticism and I have not heard a single word said about the United manager`s failure to respond and remedy the situation.

The conclusion that can be drawn from Saturday`s game alone is that while Liverpool looked liked like a well drilled, organised side with clear ideas of how to attack and defend as a team, United had the appearance of a side that does need believe in the need to become overly preoccupied with tactics or group strategy because of the incomparable depth of quality in attack and the capabilities of their centre backs. Just imagine if you could combine the quality with that level of tactics…”

guillembalague.com

I have read a few times that Vidic will only serve a one match ban?

I wouldn’t mind them meeting the mancs though that would be excellent. Let the mancs get knocked out by Barca.

Vidic will be banned for 2 games. I thinks its only 3 game ban for violent conduct.

Kenny, Barca are dangerous. I think they’d beat Arsenal or Chelsea. The way the mancs looked against Inter I’d tip Barca to beat them and if we played them my arse would be going. Against Barca its very important to play the home leg second. I’ve seen many teams English and foreign go to the Nou Camp with a 1 or 2 goal lead and get absolutely slaughtered!! The way Iniesta, Xavi and Messi are playing – fucking hell.

Well said, pete, it was most courteous of you to not name names regarding the guy that said “We’ll simply move on without Rafa”. Basically said what I thought about his comment. I think his name starts with a “D”, was it?

God, that “embarrassing Scum song” WAS embarrassing. I don’t know which is funnier, this video or the Chavski one posted earlier here on Kopblog with all the plastic flags.

Another disgusting thing about the Scums is everytime both sets of players walk out the tunnel, the speakers would blare out some pretentious pompous Roman Empire-like music, as though they’re gladiators of the Empire or something. Well, joke’s on them as they got slaughtered badly by Rafa’s lions (or monster if you include Masch). HAHAHA.

As for fungas subs, 2 mins after he threw them on Vidic got sent off and Aurellio made it 3-1 so they could not have made any impact. The thing that surprised me was the way the mancs heads went and the white flag came out. Only Rooney looked up for it after Aurellio’s goal. The rest wanted the final whistle sharpish. I just wished Gerrard buried that chance that Babel back heeled to him. And I was praying for 5-1 when El Zahr should have squared to Babel but his pass was poor.

My point about Fergie is that he can buy a side. When faced with ie; Chav’s who outbought him he was stumped for 2 seasons until the chav’s stopped buying and their team went a bit stale. When I say he can buy a side I mean he buys good players and fits a side together. When the playing field is more level his tactics are nowhere near sound enough.

LB: I thought manure looked knackered rather than them putting up the white flag. They put in a shift when 2-1 down but we weathered the early storm after the 2nd half and started to play some good possession footy and the Vidic sending off and the 3rd goal finished them off.

I thought Rooney was petulant and Ronaldo was well shckled by first Riera and Aurelio and then by Kuyt and Carra.

I said to my bro at half time I bet Fungus switches Ronaldo for the 2nd half as Carra had a booking, i was a bit worried about that but he never had a sniff all day.

I agree i think Barca would finish off the Arse and maybe the mancs. I’m not so sure about the chav’s because Hiddink is a good tactical coach and the chav’s are good at playing a tight game. I wouldn’t worried about us playing them. i fancy us against anyone although I’m not saying it would be easy or a given.

I haven’t had a chance to come in and comment since the win and there are a lot of comments that I have to catch up with. If I echo what anybody else has said, apologies. To be fair, I don’t think utd played badly, they kept pressure on us a lot of the time, with any real threat it has to be said. It was wonderful to show how The Greatest Player in Europe (or even the World??) was shown up to be a bottler. John Giles said something after the ManU v Inter that Utd have improved Carrick, but he hasn’t improved utd; and I think that is the case in a nutshell. But Carrick isn’t versatile enough to deal with a harrier chasing him. The one player I feared was Anderson – what was I thinking? I noticed that Country Road shite watching the build up, and we were all wondering what the relevance is of a John frickin Denver song. WTF!! If I was a manc fan, I would be pissed-off with that horribel abortion of a choon. Incidentally, did anyone take note of the emptying seats of the ‘supporters’? The only ones left were actual die-hards, and daytrippers, because they had nowhere else to go. What a joke! And you could hear YNWA over the sad fair-weather bucn that they are. And I include both my brothers in that lot, who were once ‘pool fans.

In Ireland, the Sunday World (which is one of the greatest rags to have ever been put on a printing-press) mentioned Lucas as a let-down, and not a typical Brazilian: bandwagon tosh!! He has settled into his role far better in his last few outings, and although he has the Everest of having a mature players role, but without actually being mature, he was very quietly effective and kept the ball moving which is his forte, as it seems. But given a bit more time, as is the Liverpool way he WILL come really good. He is almost like a Ronnie Whelan type, from what I can remember. Plays those simple passes that keep things ticking over. He’s not, and maybe won’t be an influential like Alonso, but he will become very effective.

JF, sorry to be a pedantic cunt, but there are 6.6bn peeps on the planet, but that only re-enforces your point.

LB, I don’t want Ribery. He’s a mercenary. He never stays more than two season, and his departure is always pre-empted by ‘comments’, as is the case now. But Mr Ruminigge isn’t taking his bullshit and has said he can rot (paraphrasing, and poetic-license used).

I hope you’re source is wrong FS. Agger is ideal for our future.

I’m still flying since Saturday. Oh sweet Jesus! When the Rooneyaldotov pen went in, it did not phase me one jot. It wasn’t even a flesh-wound. Funny how this is maybe our seventh comeback this season alone, and it *never* happened under Houlier in five years.

And did anyone notice how Vidic blatantly blocked Torres in the box. And was holding his palms up in a placative manner, but still blocking the striker. Very Tony Adams thinks me!

Ferguson got praise for his bravado in doing a triple substitution. Wudja ever rev up, and fuck off!! Desperation!!

Funny how we have a very similar run-in to Utd. When I look at ours it looks do-able, but when I look at Utd from a manc point-of-view, there are a couple of banana skins: Manc derby, away to Riverside, Arsenal and ‘Arry Redknapp is always good for a manc upset.

Is it true that Vidic is getting only a 2 match ban? I thought that a straight red would always come with a 3 match ban. Why’s that? This is shocking! I got this info from Daily mail.

FS, i hope your informer is wrong this time. I see Agger as part of the future Liverpool first team. I don’t see Hyypia staying for long. One more year max. Then what? If we suffer any injuries to Skrtel and Carragher, we will not have any replacements and our strength, the Defense, will be in bad state.

I don’t think our RB needs any additions. Degen not inclusive, we have Arbeloa and Darby. I know Darby is raw and inexperienced but he is more than enuf as a back-up RB. Once he gains experience, he can be inducted into the main team. Who knows Degen might come good too! LB is safe with Aurelio, Insua and Dossena. I feel we need a good striker(experienced, strong, hopefully EPL ready) in case Gerrard or Torres get injured. We cannot take chances next season. Other than that, if we still have money, a good out and out winger who is established. Preferably from EPL as he will not take time to bed in. Left or right is not my concern. Even if we don’t get this kind of player its ok. But we certainly need a striker.

We already have a good squad. We don’t give enough opportunity to Benny and i feel he’s a very good player, too good to be a squad player.

Bring on Villa…

Gerry, its quite a long time since Mancs victory. Hope you come out with a new post ASAP .

LB If Fungas didn’t put his 3 attacking options on at the same time Vidick
wouldn’t have been stranded and left to make a desperate rugby tackle
( which he usually gets away with ) the “FACTS” are he fucked up.
At 2-1 down the game was not out of reach, untill he made his tactical
substitutions .
YNWA

That’s a good point Rome.

Does anyone have a link that I can watch the game on. Only got to see highlights. Want to watch the demolition in its entirety.

FS Looked up” Rob Styles Driveways” on google it did happen.

YNWA

Yeah Rome Wiley had a good game and yes FS I’ve seen similar decisions at o.t not given too many times to recall without getting nausea. Many of them AFTER Rafas ‘facts’ press conference. Rome you in fact made a list of some such decisions on here a couple of blogs ago. Thats why I dont think the ‘facts’ had any effect on Wiley et al. It went on after Rafas statement irregardless! Business as usual! I think it was more a case of the law of averages. We were waaaay overdue a fair shake at o.t and we got it.

Did we get a pen at OT of which Danny Murphy despatched into the top corner?

I dont think so LB. He buried a free kick alright and the next year he lifted a dainty little shot into the net if I remember correctly. Maybe it was at Anfield LB? Though I cant seem to recall it. Jesus if he managed to get a winner next wknd I think I actually would breakdown! Was close a couple of times this wknd!

Pete and Kinny, ye 2 lazy hoors! A quick scroll through the last blog would have revealed the ‘nonchalant’ ones identity! And nonchalance had nothing to do with my answer to FS’s question Pete. Nor was it disrespectful as you incorrectly suggest. I do believe I said we’d say thanks for the memories and move on. As we’ve always done. I think it would be more disrespectful to our CLUB to languish in self-imposed self-pity and label our club a ‘disaster’ zone. So dry ye’re eyes lads and pull up ye’re skirts!

Digger, copy and paste the text below and put http : \\ in front.

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3628565.stm

Sorry that should be forward slash not backward slash after http but you know that anyway

You have a bad memory Digger

Digger I think the spotlight was too bright to show any “favours” and it looks
like the Prem is won as far as the FA are concerned .
Then again it may be a coincidence that we get a fair game at Old Twatford
first time we play there since the “FACTS” .
YNWA

It was a freekick. Last time we won at the prawn sandwich shop. As for Agger lads, I hope you noted the dejection with which I told that story. It was told to me with the same concern. We all know what a great prospect the lad is. But apparently he has lots of outside interests and football is very low on his prorities. And yes, sadly he has said as much himself. I can’t go dropping names in here and it makes me feel a bit of a phoney by telling something so important and not backing it up. But believe me, it’s from a very reliable source. I just hope Rafa can gee him up and get him back interested. But he’s already a rich young man and doesn’t seem to care if he never kicks a ball again.

I know that sounds weird when there is fellas like us who would give our right arms for just one game in a Liverpool shirt. But you’d be surprised at how many footballers really don’t care about the game. And some of them have been some of the biggest/best talents around.

I remember the first footballer I ever found out who didn’t like the game, Brian Hall. Well, it wasn’t so much he didn’t like it he had many more interests that were more important to him. Apparently him and Shankly never got on because of it. Shanks just couldn’t understand his attitude towards the game. Well, like all of you, I hope Danny goes onto have a long distinguished LFC career just like Brian Hall. But believe me, this isn’t something that has been told to me lightly or just pulled out of a hat. Oh well, we’ll see.

And Digger if you honestly don’t think Rafa’s words had anything to do with the ref’s display, I give up. I’m still far too happy to get into an argument, and I really can’t be arsed explaining anything when it is just dismissed without even a thought. But here’s the last thing on the subject that I’ll leave for you to consider…

Wiley has never refeed a Man U LFC match at OT. mr ferguson has always objected to him since season 2003/04. But the FA made sure he reffed this game, knowing full well the sort of man he is – a no-nonsense disciplinarian. In 2003/04 he gave Chelsea a penalty against Man U – prompting mr ferguson to go into one of his famous rants and state “If we had had a decent Ref, we would have won that game. I never want him in charge of another of our games.”

Arsenal went onto win the league that year.

Vidic will get a 2 match ban.

PS Is that the first time this season that we have been fouled in the box
cant remember what Alonso pen against Barcodes was for then again
we was already 4 goals up so it didn’t realy have a affect on the match.
YNWA

Nah. I don’t know how many we’ve had from players being fouled and not hand ball, but I remember a very bad dive by Gerrard at Anfield in one of our European games. But hang on, was that Marseille this season or last? Alcohol, the ravages of time and a mis-spent youth. Be warned boys. They all catch up. In fact, I think LB might be right about the penalty an all. I thought Murphy’s free kick was the last time we won in the karaoke club, but that could have been at Anfield. Got to drop the lager out.

Who said anything about labeling the club a disaster zone, Digger?
It would however be a disaster to lose one of the best managers in the world.
Liverpool are a great club. Liverpool need and currently have a great manager. It’s not a job anyone can do

Apologies LB! Dont know how that slipped my mind. I remember the other 2 winners he scored at o.t but had forgotten that one for some reason. Thanks for that pleasant memory jog! And yes FS I dont think Rafas words had anything to do with Wileys display. I dont think he was in his dressing room thinking ‘i better do a good job today, Rafas out there’. You make my point yourself mate, he’s a no-nonsense disciplinarian ref and thats exactly the way he performed on Saturday – to the letter of the law.

FS, that’s beautiful and let’s hope history repeats itself, only this time with us winning the Prem instead of Arsenal.

I know Danny Murphy left Anfield just as Rafa arrived, but he is still on very good terms with Stevie.G
and Carra and if there is one man we can count on in trying to fuck Manure at Craven Cottage next Saturday then it is the Fulham captain.

Perhaps a Danny Murphy penalty in the 90th minute will be the only goal of the game, awarded of course by a referee in the Alan Wiley mould, that is not afraid of fuck face Fergie.

I thought their penalty was soft (Park dived) and we should have been awarded another pen for a block by Vidick on Torres, but hey what the fuck, we murdered them anyway!

It may sound like a bit of a strange thing to say, but now we are playinmg lots of positive attacking football AND scoring plenty as well, we need to make hey while the sun shines.

I say this because Manure and the Chavs both have a goalk difference of +5 better than ours and you just never know, although the Mancs are currently 4 points and a game in hand aheasd of us, with the way things are going this title race being settled by goal difference would not suprise me in the least.

Well being that Rafa leaving the club would be a ‘disaster’ in your words Pete, I was just deducing that by your logic wouldent that mean Liverpool was the ‘disaster’ zone?! Disaster? Really? You see its this kind of misplaced apocalyptic terminology I was cautioning against. I know you probably dident mean it in the context of an actual disaster but this kind of ‘the sky is falling!’ language grinds me. We’re LFC not RBFC. Yes it will be sad when he leaves one day but a disaster?

“Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has admitted the club would fear facing Liverpool in the Champions League after their exploits this week.

Liverpool’s season had been threatening to end in disappointment after some disappointing results, but last week’s 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid was followed by a 4-1 victory over Manchester United and there is now a renewed sense of optimism at Anfield.

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness admitted recently that he felt Liverpool were the team to avoid in the quarter-finals, and Cruyff has now said that no one will want to be drawn against Rafa Benitez’s side.

“For sure, many of those who feared playing against Manchester [United] don’t want to face Liverpool from now on because of the way their demolished Madrid and then hammered United,” he wrote in his blog for El Periodico.

“They were two convincing and prestigious victories, but each was different.

“Against Madrid, Liverpool went on the pitch to attack and press them. Against Manchester, they went shoulder to shoulder and the game finally turned their way thanks to one incident: Vidic’s dismissal and the direct free-kick.

“Against Manchester United, Benitez felt comfortable with a more defensive team that was always together so that they could intercept the ball and play fast on the break.”

However, while Cruyff is particularly keen to avoid Liverpool, he admits there could be serious problems whoever they face.

“Playing against Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea won’t be easy, especially since Hiddink arrived,” he said.

“Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Porto are put in the ‘if we play them, we go through for sure’ box, but we should be careful of this idea in the dressing room, because no second-rate clubs are remaining.””

Shitanta sports.com

Not my jokes

Andrea Dossena is to join the Magic Circle. It comes after he made 60,000 Man Utd fans disappear on Saturday.

Manchester Police have asked for information to the whereabouts of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. They’ve been missing since 12:50pm on Saturday afternoon.

You could add Alex Ferguson to the last one.

I really do give in. mr. ferguson practically hand picks ref’s for his games. He bullies not only the refs but the media and the FA itself. Our Gaffer takes him on. The world and his wife attack him. He will not back down. He stands alone taking it on the chin for us and the players. He stays above it all and is vindicated, by bringing me and you one of the best ever weeks I have had as a Liverpool fan. I have seen many trophies and great results since 1965, but I have waited all my life to see the mighty Real Madrid at Anfield. I don’t only see them I see them get absolutely battered. In all my years of following Liverpool I have never witnessed them batter Man U in such a fashion. I think the last time I had such a great week of results was in 1977, even Wembley couldn’t dampen Wolverhampton and Rome. But I can’t even explain how grateful I am for this week’s results. I have seen Paisley, Fagan and Dalglish – all great managers with cutting wit and withering comments. But not since Shankly have I seen a Liverpool manager stand up, get right in the enemies face and take them on in such a blatant manner. Even in the after match press conference what mr. ferguson swerved, Rafa refused to back down and said he will always defend his club when it needs him. Shame some of us can’t bring ourselves to reciprocate.

And that’s coming from Cruyff the man who described us as shit on a stick just a couple of seasons ago.
Here are Scouse…
They’ve opened a new help line for suicidal Manc fans. Just dial Manchester 1-4 1-4 1-4.

I know I’ll get me coat. But that’s about the best of all the shite ones that’s floating about.

I’m sorry Digger but you really grind me
You haven’t had a good word to say about Rafa all season and quite frankly its beginning to get on my nerves how much you disregard his contribution to our present circumstances.

It would be a disaster, whether your willing to admit that is your business, but this sarcastic rubbish you come out with everytime its mooted that Rafa might leave and we might fall back in our progress is disrespectful.

The club would go on,yes it would, but your casual dismissal of the effect it would have on the club is disingenius to say the last, and absolutely wrong at its worst.

Another manager, a disgruntled team, and more rebuilding whilst we buy the new managers players to fit into his system.

Yes in a week where we scored 8 goals against two of the best teams in the world and with a team that looks happy and is beginning to click more and more often Losing Rafa would be one of the worst things that could happen
Believe it Digger

They may be shite, but they are funny, keep them comming!

Wasting your time mate. I think Digger just enjoys the attention. But the fact is, special manager’s are not 2 a penny. You don’t discard them and just move on. Look at our own year’s in the wilderness. Look at Man U’s 25 years with out a league title. Both club’s done everything to remedy it. They couldn’t find the right man. As we all know, Man U were gnat’s twat away from disgarding ferguson, and their fans who were booing the team and calling for the tramp’s head very nearly won their way. What a shame they never.

Yes Digger he’ll leave some day, and hopefully he’ll have achieved a lot by then, and it won’t be a disaster.
It would be a disaster if he left now. You don’t seem to realise the tenuous situation liverpool are in. It wouldn’t take much for liverpool to go from competing for the league to struggling to hang on to chelsea and uniteds coat tails. Rafa leaves, couple of players leave, new man comes in, new man isn’t a success (like scolari) and goes, one bad season, finish fifth = DISASTER.
Rafa is devoted and committed to liverpool with a passion you won’t get from many managers. This should be treasured and appreciated. Perhaps rafa won’t be truely appreciated as the genius he is by some people till he’s gone

I havn’t posted a comment in a while, just had enough time to read the blogs over the last few Weeks.
The victory over the mancs was so sweet, as was the Real result. It shows our best 13/14 players are a match for anyone.
The really frustrating thing is if this seasons signing had made anything like the desired impact, where would we be? But on the other hand it shows the players from last season are plenty good enough.
For me the Draws against Everton and Wigan where we were winning up to the end of each game were the 4 points we shouldn’t have dropped, there is alot of focus on the home draws, but your going to get that every season.

The manc were poor against Inter as well, and a couple of draws would be enough through the whole thing wide open, there is still a quarter of the season to be played yet!

On Rafa’s future, It is clear the players completly beleive in him, and it is sheer madness at this stage not back him to hilt!

*NEWSFLASH*

Greater manchester police have arrested 14 men on suspicion of rape. The incident occurred between 12:45 and 14:45 on march 14th in the old trafford area. The multiple victims are believed to be confused,withdrawn and shit! Police are appealing for 75,569 to come forward,though it is believed only a small portion witnessed the whole event. contact GMP on 016 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4

apparently fergie has banned all musketeer films from old trafford,as he doesn’t want to hear them singin “its one four all and all four one!!

Rome77, the peno against Newcastle was conceded by the player who had just scored before half-time. I think he brought down Babel, and I just can’t remember his name.

David Edgar

5yr: ‘digger you havent had a good word to say about Rafa all season’. FS: ‘digger just enjoys the attention’. Excuse my Swahili lads but both comments are bullshit. But since you’ve both been in rather childish self-imposed exile for a large part of the season its understandable. Yes I’ve been hard on Rafa when hes made a mistake 5yr but not a ‘good word’? Everytime we’ve played well or Rafa deserved praise I’ve come in and given it. Attention FS? Everything I’ve ever said I’ve always backed it up. C’mon..

Pete I realise how tenuous a situation LFC is in. What I dont understand is the negative scenarios people paint. 5yr talks of disgruntled players, you talk of players leaving, one bad season DISASTER. All this ridiculous negative hype is just that; ridiculous. Whos leaving? Ffs Torres himself came out and said last wk if Rafa leaves he’s going nowhere, I’m staying at Liverpool. Jesus Christ. Pull yourselves together is all I’m saying, spare me the doom and gloom.

FS, Cooment 269 is a great post, and I couldnt agree more. One of the many reasons Rafa is the right man for us is his unashamed defence of this club. And his modesty and dignity are well in keeping with “the Liverpool Way” And yes, it would be a disaster for the club if he left, just like it was a disaster when Souness arrived and picked apart a winning formula painstakingly put together over years. Rafas single mindedness in bringing success to this club and taking on all comers who stand in his way of that aim should be lauded by any right mined redman, from Bootle to Brisbane. Now really is the time to get behind the boss and the team and cheer them on to the finish line this season for who knows what awaits us there….

viva the Rafalution!!!

Tell me one thing you’ve backed up. All I’ve seen is opinion. Opinion that is at best negative. What I will say is… I crossed swords with LB a long time ago over this. He argues his corner when he thinks he’s right and try’s to back it if not with fact at least a decent argument. On top of that, he is open to other points of view and will admit when he’s wrong. I’ve seen nothing like that from you Digger. You have painted yourself in a corner and for some reason refuse to admit it. Not too worry. It makes very little difference in the scheme of things. If years of unwarranted critiscism and downright disrespect from pretty much the whole of the british media haven’t shook Rafa’s self belief, I think he can cope with a bit of negative opinion on a wee corner of the internet.

As for my self imposed exile there was nothing childish about it. As I said… I was bored. I was also completely flumoxxed by the treachery of some of our own fans. But most of all, I had more respect for Gerry and the blog to just keep going through this stale and very childish argument over and over again. In fact, I’m starting to tire of it again already.

Why you flatly refuse to give Rafa any credit is beyond me. Why you think loosing a man of his calibre is something we will just walk away from with no damage done completely baffles me. I just can’t make me mind up. Is it done to be controversial and get attention, or do you really know so little about football and the running of a club? In all truth, I’m not really bothered though. I have lost respect for your comments anyway. But maybe this from someone you respect might just help you to open your eyes to what is happening at our club and how far it could take us. I cut and pasted it in order to stop arsing about with links that don’t work….

Liverpool great John Barnes believes Rafael Benitez remains the right man to lead the Anfield club forward.

Benitez’s stock has risen considerably in the past week, with a 4-0 win over Real Madrid and a 4-1 thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday.

The Spaniard had endured a difficult couple of months, with Liverpool surrendering a lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League, and his outspoken attack on United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in January was pinpointed by many as the start of the decline.

Benitez’s future is also uncertain, with a new contract still to be agreed despite protracted negotiations.

Barnes told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme: “I think he is as good as anybody else.

“I don’t think a new manager coming in would win the league for Liverpool necessarily.

“We all know United have a stronger squad – they are better placed than Liverpool are at the moment.

“So a new manager coming in isn’t necessarily going to improve that situation. I think Rafa’s the right person, definitely.”

No digger you haven’t backed it up, you have been wise after the fact, and you have slated the man for not doing what you wanted.
You have deemed yourself to be a better tactician, despite the fact that Rafa is famed for his ability in this area.
You have critisised his formations, his transfers, his man management and anything else you could latch on to.

Yes your right I did throw my toys out of the pram, and went into self imposed exile for quite a while.
A mistake on my part as I should have stayed and fought my corner but dont worry Digger I will not being doing that again.

You say you have been hard on Rafa when he has made a mistake, your arrogance is astounding, maybe we should employ you in the managers role as you obvouisly know how to do the job better than the man we have now or would that just be bullshit.

You are entitled to your opinion digger but your latest attempts to suggest that the club would not suffer if Rafa were to leave are beyond the pale and are not backed up by anything but your obvious distaste for the man.

What you need to understand is the reason I went into my childish exile was my inability to understand why somebody would continue to belittle Benitez when all the indications are that he is good for the club, my frustration was so much that I felt that your constant missives attacking him bordered on the traitorous and could no longer find the will to try to change your mind.

What has become apparent is changing your mind is not possible, you will continue to spout the same drivel regardless of the circumstances and your viewpoint will always be based on a starting point of Benitez is wrong.

Good luck with that and while it is obvious that my opinion is as important to you ,as your’s is to me I know who is bullshitting here

If I could wade into this one and put a few things into perspective for us all to join in our support fro LFC. I’m of the opinion that even if one hates Benitez, there is no ready-made replacement of him to just pick things up, so things things from a progressing footballing point-of-view would not just go along as normal, but from a supporter’s angle, we would surely carry on regardless. We have to remember that Rafa is a complex man, and not an easy nut to crack, whether pro or against, so it is not a fair accusation to make that one is always wiser *after* the fact with Beneitez – for *who* is wiser before? Rafa has certainly not pandered to his critics this season, and for that I salute him, but around the time of the constant draws, there were plenty (including myself). It is a very hard call to make whether stubbornness is beneficial or not, so let’s chill on that one. And there are also many who unconditionally support the manager who openly admit that he makes some eh…shall we say ‘unpredictable’ decisions, and you should not be so surprised if Rafa comes in for flak on these decisions. Especially if it *seems* as though those decisions may have impacted our winning capacity to the negative. And this is where we all have to realise that we are all of the one creed. Yes there are differing sides to the coin, but it’s the one coin none the less. If Rafa is coming in for criticism from Kopites (whether right or wrong) surely it is borne of the love for the red shirt, and not an arbitrary dislike of Rafa.

If you have faith in Rafa that is based on some knowledge, don’t be so intolerant of the flak from others if they are not in-the-know. My opinion isn’t set in stone, and I openly admit that, (and that is not to say I’m a fair-weather fan) but I welcome being proven wrong on Benitez, for it is for the benefit of us all.

Speaking for myself, I have always made the point of keeping my ire separate from the biased media bandwagon. There is certainly a witchhunt going on against Rafa, (and LFC in general) but my criticism has been separate, and untarnished by spin. As a rule, I don’t read “articles” that are peppered with “quotation” marks. These are not articles, but just regurgitated copy&paste tripe. Apart from all the tactics and team-selections, my main gripe with Rafa was the (apparent) caution against lesser teams. Signings can only be judged when (and if) he has his way on that front.

FS, I’m so glad you resisted the urge to cut the cord, your comments are always well written and well informed, whether I agree or not. Digger, you seem to dig a lonely furrow in your many critique if Rafa, but you are obviously an rabid, avid fan, and well researched. I do remember your Keane hypothesis, which was defensive of Rafa, in an indirect manner.

Aiyic, I started going to Anfield at the age of 7, so of course I’ll be a Liverpudlian whether Rafa is there or not. And people who take the other side of the Rafa debate will no doubt still be Reds too. Although I did note the comment in here about some one time LFC “supporters” following the Mancs now. But that’s another story. The point is….
This club has floundered along for far too long, and we are now undoubtedly moving in the right direction. To undo this progress now would be suicide. We wouldn’t just go along regardless. We would at best struggle to stay top 4 and maybe slip away not recover again for a very long time. And I’d like to see a few more titles again before I go tits up.

It is well documented proven fact that the managers who have been given time are the ones who suceed – especially at bringing long term success that lasts even after they have gone.
There is plenty of evidence to support that.

Look at the years Man United tried to play catch up on us – flip-flopping from manager to manager and winning nothing but a couple of cups in that time and even getting relegated at one point. And don’t kid yourself that they wasn’t so big then. They were a giant – far bigger than us – but they couldn’t find the man to lead them out of the wilderness. They are not buses – they do not come along at regular intervals.

And although you might think it’s pretty harmless to lambaste the manager in here let me tell you something… I know for a fact that lazy journo’s use these sites to judge the mood of fans, and they even use them to write their articles for them. I know that for fact. I have seen things directly lifted from fans sites and used in articles by hacks from the daily’s. Really want to give them more ammo?

Thankfully with these results the anti-Rafa brigade have largely disappeared, but they are lurking just waiting their chance to strike again. I’ll be kind and just say I find it vvery distasteful, and I except it’s the fickle nature of football fans these days.

Agbonglahor was booed at Villa Park on Sunday and some cretins were even calling for O’Neil’s head. I’m so glad I got my education in The Kop, but young impressionable fans don’t. They are the next generation of booers and sadly they get their education from the net and tripe like Soccer AM and Talk Shite. You might think that’s harmless but turn on a radio phone in after any game we haven’t won and listen to the absolute cack these people come out with – and remember lazy journos then say that’s indicitive of us all.

As for being baffled by some of Rafa’s decision’s, I have always made one thing clear… Sometimes I don’t understand him cos I am not as smart as him. And straight after a game – or even worse during it – I cannot see the point in getting on the internet and going into total knee-jerk sack the boss mode because I’m not happy with the performance or result. How many times this season have you seen comments railing on the boss/players/team in here during the game, only to look pretty silly when we have come from behind and won?

As a supporter I try to look at it with a calm eye, take it all in, try to understand exactly what I have seen and then comment. Take Pompey this season – a match I went to. I saw that team and was completely baffled by it. I had a few arguments with the nay sayers – who ended up looking pretty stupid when it turned out to be a perfect team and formation – using the only available players – and still getting us a good result.

As for the draws all teams have a seasonal blip. We are still a little short in numbers and creativity. Therefore, some times we find it hard to grind out results against teams that defend resolutely and some of our players have obviously been fatigued in some games. On top of that, for most of the season we haven’t been able to field our two main players. Saturday was only the 9th time Torres and Gerrard played together all season in all competitions. And Dossena and Riera are only settling in. Didn’t get cut much slack them boys did they?

I can’t remember the amount of times I came in here trying to preach patientce even just for Dosenna nevermind the team and the boss. I’m sadly running out of it meself, but not with any of them. I remember I used to really enjoy this site and used to spend most of my time in here making jokes. Sadly, I’m getting sick of hearing me own preaching. It just becomes so boring having to rehash the same old argument even in a week like this. Supporting LFC – win lose or draw – is supposed to be fun.

Last thought in 1999 – at this stage of the season – Manchester United led the league by 13 points. Arsenal went to their place and beat them 1 – 0 with a goal by Marc Overmars and then went on to win the league. How do you want to spend the rest of the season – moaning or backing the lads and keeping the faith?
I know what I’m going to do.

FS, how about you tell me one thing I HAVENT backed up? Anytime I ever criticise or point out what I think is a mistake Rafa has made I ALWAYS explain why, my reasons and rationale for anything I’ve ever said are always there. And anyway, you said yourself upon your return you had’nt read the comments section in months, which begs the question; how would you know whether I was backing anything up or not?! Mystery that…
You claim FS that I’m not open to other points of view and that I dont admit when I’m wrong. Really? I did’ent come in here then and openly accept a large helping of humble pie from Aitch earlier this season when Dirk was in a rich vein of form after I’d been calling for his benching? That wasnt Diggerno.10 then I take it. And I guess it wasnt me who came in here and admitted I was wrong in crossing the line when me and Keith had our tete a tete? That wasnt Diggerno.10 who apologised I take it? But you’ve seen nothing like that from me FS because…..because……oh yeah right, because you havent read the comments section for months!! Maybe you should try reading them first mate, it helps when to have all the information when your trying to ‘back’ something up I think you’ll agree no?!
As for your claim that I flatly refuse to give Rafa credit for anything I think I’m going to have to refer you to your only defense here again; the comments section, invaluable resource mate. In many debates here with Keith, Hyde, Aitch et al I’ve explained numerous times that I’m well aware of the virtues of Rafa and all his marvellous achievements during his tenure. I’ve said several times that the champions league is his forte and that his record in Europe is untouchable. And while I’m on it now as far as I’m concerned he is peerless in European competition. Europe aside, I’ve praised him several times during the domestic season too, most notably after the Pompey game where he coped admirably with an injury crisis and Aurelio in the middle was a master stroke. How about when Dirks purple patch came to an end and I said in here it was time for Dirk to sit a few? Sure enough Rafa (shockingly!) sat him and the impact of the move was instant. Kyut played out of his socks when brought on against Pompey and when he was returned to the line up. I duly came on here and lauded Rafas decisions and handling of the situation. But you see FS all this gets lost WHEN YOU DONT READ THE FUCKEN COMMENTS SECTION FOR A FEW MONTHS!!
Look FS, I know you dont have an agenda with me (at least I hope you dont!), the difference between you and me is I can admit when my manager has made a mistake and you cant. It really is that simple. Ultimately thats the crux of the issue. When I come in here and criticise Rafa for a legitimate reason its classed as some negative nefarious treachery. And thats wrong. Just because I see something differently than you, or see something that you cant see at all, does not make it negative, nefarious, treachery. Its just as valid a point or opinion as yours.
I’m sorry to hear you’ve lost respect for my opinion as I guess that indirectly means you’ve lost respect for me. I certainly havent lost respect for you or yours.

5yearplan; see above.

Now, now dears!

I’ve argued with Dig over the concept that we should be looking more at the individual and collective player performances rather than the Manager’s tactics and selections during all those draws. I think the blame for the draws lies with the players, he leans towards the manager.

BUT Lads, in Digger’s defense, let’s clarify that he was NOT suggesting replacing Rafa NOW! His original question (several blogs ago now) was regarding Rafa getting his contract extention and IF we hadn’t won the Prem by 2014, would it then be reasonable to suggest we needed a new manager.

I don’t think that was an unreasonable question. I do understand the point of view that a few people made, regarding the timing of asking that question… it being suggested that the question was best posited at the end of the season.

But let’s understand that Dig’s position is NOT that of a discussion to replace Rafa now. I believe that for all his questioning of Rafa and his tactics, that he is of the opinion now that Rafa get his extention?
Is that not the case Dig?

Well well how did we get back to this again, is there some news on regard to Rafa’s contract which I haven’t noticed.
.
I can see most peoples views and take them as they come. However I still have my own thoughts and opinions. Remember opions change with the score.
.
So I’ll buy into the Rafa issue. Whether he stays or goes is up to him. He knows full well he’s wanted by the majority of supporters and match day attendees. He knows the players want him to stay. So the rest is between him and the clueless two.
.
If he does leave LFC will move on as it always does. The players thought of the move with him belong to LFC and are contracted. Leaving LFC when your a big time player is a very tight rope to walk.
.
I personally hope he signs and stays but I think it has something to do with a possible sale or uncertainty in that regard.
.
My issue with the whole incident/contract issue, is why the fuck wasn’t it left until the summer rather than working it’s way through in the 3 most important months of the year.
.
They get 3 uninterupted months during the summer to sort the situation out. That’s where it should happen.
.
Give the man his five years but do it in the time when we don’t need total focus.

I rekon we should replace Rafa, with Carra or Gerrard,But thats a long time away.
As for the media reading these forums what about the players,
If i played for LFC i would want to know what the fans think especially
if i heard them boo’ing.
And this award winning blog would be the place to start
not SSN,Talk sh*ite or Sh*tanter.
I noticed Lucas got his hair cut after getting called Goldilocks
by a couple of people on this blog one of which got banned
and disappeared, the other has’nt posted since either.
So before you have a go at the Team or Rafa consider this.
They may just send Ninja to sort you out,and you dont want to meet
him in a dark alleyway now do you .You have been warned.
YNWA

Nail, head Aitch. Have I pissed, moaned and questioned some of Rafa’s, lets say, more perplexing decisions? Yes. But I’ve never called for his head. I’ve actually said on here in the last few wks ‘i wish he’d sign, we need to end the instability’ to paraphrase. Anyway, cheers Aitch.

I tell you what I don’t get – that argument. Ignoring this for months really doesn’t alter much. Since coming back in after the away leg of the Madrid game, I can only say nothing much has changed.

And, as I said when I came back, it was the constant rehashing of the Rafa argument that drove me away in the first place. And it was that that eventually dragged me back in when I had too much time on me hands, and had to pass it somehow so looked into the comments. I also know from emails I got from regular blog commentors that nothing had changed in my abscence.

I said it when I first came back. I’ll say it again, when I was asked to come back in, I asked why, and said what was the point when I pretty much knew what was going on? I then said what I thought would be happening in here and was informed that I had it pretty much spot on.

It doesn’t make me clever. It’s not rocket science. It’s gone on for over two bloody seasons. Frankly, it’s a bore.

And Digger what you don’t seem to understand or refuse to accept is… you haven’t backed anything with fact. You can shout at me in capitals all you like. You can refer to yourself in the third person all you like. It doesn’t change anything – it’s your opinion.

Sky pretty much have the same one… Rafa is good in Europe but will never win the league. And it’s delivered in pretty much the same way… begrudingly. But then how can any one slag him in Europe, when the argument just won’t stand up and they know they’d only make a fool of themselves by saying otherwise?

But I will give you this, except for the odd bit of info I get, my comments are only opinion too. But here’s where we differ even on that, for some reason people think they are entitled to make any outlandish statement they like and then okay it by saying I’m entitled to my opinion. Well I don’t think anyone is entitled to constantly undermine the team and manager – especially when that opinion could actually drive the manager away.

Thankfully, Rafa looks a lot happier after the last few days but you could see how it was getting to him and he even said The Fans should be more patient. And if that disgraceful booing had carried on, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see him walk. AS unlike yourself, I do believe it’s his love for the club, the city and the fans that kept him here through the darkest hours. So, like I’ve often said, be careful what you wish for.

There is no-one who I can see doing a better job. Maureen’s name still gets bandied about by the media – no matter that he plays shit on a stick football and is actually hated on The Kop. At the beginning of the season, LB said we would have to be very wary of Chelsea as they had got such a fine manager, Scolari and I actually agreed. Just shows how wrong we can be.

Besides, do we really want to become like that, changing manager’s like socks? I know nothing would please Tom Hick’s more – not opinion, fact. He has a track record. It’s never brought much sucess but it’s there for all to see – and he actually once sacked the coach of his Dallas “Franchise,” because he was successful and becoming too loved by the fans – not opinion, fact!

Well, as I said, I just can’t be arsed going over and over opinion on this. I have paid you the respect of answering. It’s obvious we aren’t going to see eye to eye. But I will tell you this… It’s only opinion, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. The groundwork – except for investment – has all been done and is in place. The academy, scouting and coaching has all been brought up to a proper professional level. In fact, our scouting network is now streets ahead of any other teams. Our coaching staff is as good as anyone’s. The kid’s are maturing nicely. The squad is better than it’s ever been in years. The spine of the team is the equal of anyone’s. Our first choice team can beat any other. We haven’t been in this position for 20 years. And for the first time ever, we will actually be concentrating on the commercial side of things off the feild and realising our potential in the market. In fact, all that’s fact – not opinion.

But my opinion is, we could be standing on the verge of greatness again. And, so just like Rafa said in his post-match interview Saturday, I will always defend my club when it needs it.

No worries Dig, (don’t mean I won’t shoot you in the back when you ain’t lookin the next time you disagree with me mind you!!!)

It truly has been a remarkable week, and I think everyone would be in agreement (er.. except the Sir Rogers of this world) that talking about Rafa’s contract now is not the time… other than to say to G&H… insert clause of his choosing here then, paper, pen, sign muthafuckas!

I am exstatic about the Scum result, as we all are… but I think its worth noting, that while the press seem to be wanting to piss-n-moan about them having a “bad day at the office” we hardly went at them in the manner we did Real Madrid. If we had, we’d have dismantled them like we did Besiktas. As it was they were lucky the score was not 6-1.

They put us under a bit of early pressure, but they had very few shots on target, outside of Winker’s 3 or 4 lame freekicks… and in my opinion this was with our players only playing at about 80% (especially compared to the real performance.)

The issue for me, really is that the players, during most of those costly draws, were really only hitting about 65/70% of what they are capable of… and THAT has made the difference.

Some want to suggest that’s down to Rafa, but I’d suggest that shit just happens!

Anyway… what price a total Scum meltdown now, eh? Nothing would be sweeter than all that carping about an unprecedented Quintuple and they end the season with nout but the Carling Cup!
I’d fuckin soil my armor laughing!

The body language was fuckin priceless on Saturday. They all looked both destroyed and dejected and if they lose “some protection from the referee” as Fungus is always carping on, they just might drop points.

As FS suggested earlier, its not that it affected the Ref’s mind, but that the FA assigned a “fair ref” to the proceedings. If we’d got Steve Bennett, no way would we have won on Saturday.

Of course it ‘alters much’ FS. You made comments about me that I demonstrably disproved. So on what were you basing your comments? Little it seems. I was using your admission to your defence mate. And I wasnt shouting at you, just emphasizing a point. Also FS, nowhere did I claim I back up my statements with fact. What I said is was I always back up my statements with my reasons and my rationale for said statement. Check my posts again mate, perhaps it is you who misunderstand?

Digger one thing i’d liken talking to you about rafa is talking to a
Jehova Witness on the doorstep. If i’ve got time i sometimes try to
“unconvert” them. Its no easy feat mind but sometimes i see that its
actually working.
Over the last couple of weeks i see that same thing in your comments,
Your starting to have more faith in Rafa and sooner or later you will
end up wondering why you ever doubted him .( hopefully may 2009)

PS Converting other teams fans is a lot easier and it feels good.
when you see them with Liverpool tops on and years later they
have kids and they wear Liverpool tops thats just a bonus.
This last week has provided ample opportunity to convert other fans
Go get converting lads .

YNWA

Rafa will give us the title, period, and that is regardless of all the results last week.

I said this before, and I will say it again.

Rafa is the most successful manager currently on the market in the Champions League.

This means he is the best manager, full-stop.

And the best manager will always win you the league, if he is given the right backing.

It is a simple logic. That is my basic foundation for my backing for Rafa.

Now, if we are talking about one-offs, then I could be wrong.

But the fact is, he has been successful over several years in Europe, constantly. When I first referred to the fact that we were ranked No.1 in the UEFA rankings, LB specifically mentioned that he cared less, and that it meant shite nothing. Well, it does. It proves that Rafa is the best in the CL. The discussion that Europe and england are different is miscued. It is different– only that the EPL can only be conquered by having the squad. Someone like Steve Bruce will be able to win the premiership if he was the manager of manure. But would he be able to win the CL?

Only the best tactician, the best strategist, the best motivator and the best preparer can be prevalent in the elite tournament that is the CL.

In the premiership, you just need players.

Which turns me to the argument about fungus and the mancs, which I mentioned a few weeks ago.

Manure have been successful only because they have good players. Their play is not a result of weekly drills and strategy talk with the fungus, it is based on pure natural talent. And plenty of them.

Fungusface has his players do the job for him.

Which is why, despite the long tenure, he is so unsuccessful in the CL. He is simply not a good manager. Or ironically, he is just a good “manager”. His only strengths are to “manage” people, but it stops there.

Saturday’s game was the highlight of his incompetence as a manager. He had no clue what he was doing, his substitutions were almost as if he was those done on a playstation game, and once he lost (and blatantly lost at that) in every aspect of the game, he runs for cover and hides.
I also point to that “beautiful” game against Arsenal earlier on in the season. Ironically, that also showed his incompetence as a manager. Not because he lost, but because again, his “tactic” was to just let his players run loose. It was the worst piece of non-existent defending and team strategy I had ever seen. The players would have had fun, it was playground stuff, but it was shocking to see this kind of display from a professional side. Just goes to show how fungus “prepares” his team– he doesn’t.

Rafa is the best manager, in the truest sense of the word, in the world bar none in my opinion. His record in the CL speaks for itself. The rest will follow.

I just do not know how people fail to recognise this simple logic. He is not perfect, I know, but neither are the rest of them out there.

If no ones perfect, I would safely settle for the one closest to being perfect– another simple logic.

Let’s face it– this is a person that has made Gerrard into what he is. He created this second-striker masterpiece. He found Gerrard’s best position.

This a person that meticulously coaches Torres that he should start his runs one metre to the left of his opponent.

This is not someone who mistakes “coaching ” for simply putting an arm around a distort left-back from France telling him that he could do it, and just relying on the fella’s natural ability to make him become, arguably, the best left-back in the premier league.

Add to that Rafa’S fighting spirit, his genuinie affection for the club and the city, his cool gentleman-like approach during and after a game (I just love it when he just sits there with his notes even when we score), his diligence to study and continue to study the game, then anyone with half-a-footballing brain would feel grateful to have him as a manager.

I just do not see it any other way. And I do not consider myself to be a “blind rafa supporter.”
Contrary to his critics, I support him because his result and record speaks for itself.

And the fact is, we are constantly improving our results in the premiership. That in itself should be enough to give him time.

All this talk about how many more years he should be given competely misses the point.
An end to management should only come when we we see no improvement in the results and start to constantly fail in the CL.
Other than that, it is meangingless to set a date.

It shouldn’t work like that. I know football has changed, but that doesn’t mean we have to throw away everything and follow the modern “norm”.

There is a new blog lads!

Guys, we are all armchair critics and generally have the advantage of hindsight, replays and views from 20 different angles on our tv sets to analise the crap out of the decisions made by the manager, sometimes we think blind freddy can see it why the hell cant (insert any managers name).

Fatty I think nails where we stand at the moment ‘The groundwork – except for investment – has all been done and is in place. The academy, scouting and coaching has all been brought up to a proper professional level.” we are on the verge, one world class player whether bought in or a youngon stepping up, and we can get a leg up back onto the perch. Changing managers or even to much of the squad would put us back one, two maybe three years who knows.

Rejoice in the week and keep the faith.