Good blog Gerry, as always. It’s no use the Club coming out with an official statement that Xabi and Masch are not for sale, the rumours won’t go away.
For the stories to die down, all that Rafa has to do is convince both of them to sign new improved contracts!! In this day and age of agents eager to fill their pockets when one of their players is sold, that’s the only thing to do for all the bullshit in the newspapers to stop once and for all.

As for new signings, I have absolute fate in Rafa Benitez (thank God he signed that contract and is still at the helm!) He knows exactly how much he has to spend… and he will spent it accordingly, it’s no use dreaming of one or another player, Rafa knows best and I leave it at that!!

Great blog as usual Gerry and I could not agree more with you. My recurring bout of Malaria has hit me again and I feel like shit and you scoffing Stella in the back yard is just mean. The one thing that I disagree with you is the importance of the official statement about Masch and Alonso. It is, at the very least, a very positive statement of intent that we want to keep them, also we don’t want and are not interested in any of the Spanish based players that we are linked too, in part exchange.

I also would like to see us keeping our entire squad intact, the importance of continuity cannot be over estimated. Adding a couple of quality players to take us up a level is hopefully the order of the day. All your arguments are very valid. Interesting link to Richards in today’s press and one link that I would not mind happening. As for the rest pure shite and does not deserve to be discussed except to say the Torres to the Mancs gave me a good laugh.

After looking at Fergie’s transfer budget I am really worried. Even if all the players remain at the club, we would still need at least 3-4 signings to win the title nxt season. While the Ladyboy has left Manure, I am convinced Fergiescum will replace him with a great player like Ribery or maybe Silva who can fill up the void left by him. I am sure Chelski will be in the race as well nxt season with Ancelotti, who I am sure will be a big hit. I can’t forget his mindlowing tactics against us at Athens and even against Manure the same year. Our defence is the weakest among the top “three”. Arbie is a great player for me but lacks defensive abilities and gets under pressure very easily, for e.g. he was pretty dissapointing while defending Arshavin in our match against Arsenal at Anfield. Even Aurelio comes under the same category. We need covers for our defense. While Manure hav O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra and Chelski hav Bosingwa, Alex, Terry and Cashley our defense doesn’t even stand a chance against them. Carra’s getting old and I can hardly see anyone who can replace him. Hypia has already left the club and all we are left with are Skrtel and an unfit Agger. We need a proper striker who can partner Torres. I think Rafa should try to play Babel with him as he has the ability which he has already shown against Manure and many other clubs.
Liverpool are looking really quiet this summer. Rafa needs to sign some top class players who can play alongside Torres and Gerrard. I hope we do so and compete for the title nxt season.

Excellent Blog Gerry. Balanced analytical overview of the current situation and summer in general.
Keep it handy for when the competitions roll around.

I am of the opinion that if we didn’t buy a single player this summer, we’d still be in a great position to take the title.

We really weren’t missing much this season:
… regular availability of SG and FT.
… bit more consistancy from Benny, Kuyt, Riera
… better performances from Babel (and Keane)
… bit of improvement from Lucas, Dossena, Ngog

(I’m going to add SG to the consistancy as well. I know that’ll piss a few off, coz he scored us some very crucial match winners this season, but aside from that, I felt his overall performance level was a bit below his usual par.)

Our needs are simple:
Cover at right back… (one hopes Darby could do a bit of an Insua here… or that Degen can stay injury free just long enough to show us if he is any good or not?)

A forward utility player as cover for FT …(and frankly Babel could and should fit that bill if he could just shake off the cobwebs.)

…
I fancy Ancellotti to have as much trouble as Scolari. (shunting Guus Hiddink was almost as assenine as shunting the Undertaker!)

United have absolutely weakened themselves… and will do so further if they let Tevez go. (Two players whose goals were almost always match winners?)

Arsenal need a Masch and a Carra/Skrtel type player. Easier buys than finding the elusive “desequilibrante” which they already have a few of. Buy those 2 players and they’ll compete. Go for two more fancy dans and they’ll drop out of the 4.

In my opinion… This will be our season NOT based on who we BUY, but on who we DO NOT SELL!

I agree with Gerry and Keith, keeping what we have(want), will be just effective as potential signings.
I have heard figures like 20m+ for Xabi, thats alot of crock, but 40-50m would have to make one think provided it could be re-invested in to the first team.

just got done watching spain vrs New Zealand. Torres with a hat trick in 17 minutes. not bad

the rest of the liverpool delegation played well, except when xabi tried to play RB, quite the adventure. I guess we can’t count on him to cover for us at RB

Keith – are you going to get a chance to watch the mersysiders in SA for the confed cup?

I think a point that needs mentioning is all our big players have stated they will sign new contracts but as yet haven’t.
.
Rafa has said both Mash and Alonso are going nowhere, but he said that about Keane. Rafa doesn’t put anyone above the team and if he thinks it will be of benefit out they go.
.
If for example Mash is missing his family is his heart going to be truely in it next season. How would you guys feel if it was your family living in Argentina while you lived in Liverpool. (take away the copious amounts of cash, to them it’s still a job).
.
I’m not sure Rafa will buy many players if any, the way we finished the season we could hardly complain about unlocking defences. Would buying three or four players put us back waiting for them to blend in. Maybe he’s only interested in bring in type players, younger players who will be up and running in 1-2 years.
.
Plus he has a world cup year where players can’t afford to risk being unsettled or not played. I guess we’ll have to see what happens.

Great blog as always Gerry, never tires me to say that.

Have to agree that Rafa made the wise move by quickly tying down the contracts of Gerrard, Torres, Mascherano and Agger before the season ended. Especially Agger, considering his young age and temperament. God knows what these media hacks will do just to unsettle him.

BTW, woke up this morning to find a Torres hat trick against the Kiwis in less than 20 minutes. :0

Any Kiwi Reds here to share their awe at being humbled or thrill that it was a Liverpool player that scored against them?

BTW, is it me or has that infamous swearing K0pk1ng returned under a new guise in #4? With all his negative talk about how Ferguscum’s budget has swelled to the Scum’s advantage.

I watched the the first 60 minutes of the Spain v NZ game. It was great to see FT get his hat trick inside 17 minutes. I was glad when was subbed as the All Whites were starting to make a few mistimed tackles.

I think the Kiwis were guilty of ball (and top player) watching for the first 25 minutes before they realised that they wre supposed to trying to stop these guys from scoring against them!

NigeriaKopite is spot on. We don’t want Xabi playing at right back.

“Tevez to leave Scum”

Hmmm . . . me thinks we should seriously try & beat City fer his signature. Me really thinks Torres-Tevez combo would be effing killer.

That means Stevie G will return to midfield & cover up hole left by Alonso’s (possible) depature.

The Tevez-Torres combo could be a killing partnership, that’s for sure. But if Fergie has got 80m pounds in his kitty he could still get his hands on him.

The SheikhScum is also reportedly preparing a huge deal for Tevez. I hope it doesn’t work out

Alonso’s not leaving the merseyside this summer.
And even if he does we would still hav Benayoun who can play this role very well (as he used to while playing for West Ham).

Masch is also staying at Anfield. I think Rafa will stop him from signing for any club this summer.

If we are not able to buy Tevez, then who should we bring in to partner Torres?

Lavezzi probably or maybe Saviola. I would prefer Lavezzi over Saviola.

Glen Johnsen’s deal would mean a loss of 15-18m pounds. He was a part of the Pompey defense who were battered last season. He is a Chelski reject.

Micah Richards would be a perfect gamble. He’s strong,fast,a great tackler and can also play as a CB whenever needed. We need a player like him.

Gerry, great blog, as always.

One thing on the Dossena front, is that he handed in a transfer request, so obviously there must be something going on here and he would be the most likely candidate to go this summer.

Also, along with Masch’s family problems there are rumours that Alsono’s girlfriend (with baby) would like to move back to Spain. Rafa must feel like an agony aunt at the moment!

KopKing, let’s just say I don’t agree…

Lurgankop, if them rumours are true, do we really want two players whose families are unhappy? We all know how that affects players.

Let’s just say Boss Man Rafa decides its better to sell both (fer a hefty price), who would we want as replacements?

To those who think that the current squad Liverpool has is all we need nxt season. You guys are fooling yourselves. Last season Liverpool had 23 players in it’s squad, while Manure had 33 players. This shows that depth is needed to win the title nxt season.

Last season we lost 3 points against Boro.Just two days after we destroyed Real Madrid. All we needed were those three points to put pressure on Manure. We lost the match because we were lacking the depth and Manure had an edge on us. Our first team lineup is very strong but we need more plyers of their calibre who can be used in case of injuries and international matches.

What’s done is done. We need to improve and to do so, we need to strengthen our squad.

To Puchong Red:

If…..Xabi & Masch leave Liverpool then Rafa will get at least 40-50m pounds from their transfers.20m for Alonso and 30m for Masch.

If I were Rafa I would make a swap deal with RMad for Lassana Diarra for Xabi, plus some cash.I would be left with atleast 35m pounds. Diarra is an amazing player. At his age, he has already played for Chelsea and Arsenal and is now with Real.

With 35m pounds I would buy a player like Muntari or De Rossi(Roma) who are hardcore defensive midfielders.Each one of them would cost 20m.

Diarra & Muntari/De Rossi for Xabi & Maschs.

Rafa would still hav 15m pounds with which he could buy any extra players he needs.

NigeriaKopite I want to go and see Spain play, this recurrence of Malaria that I first picked up in your part of the world has put me out so I will see. What part of Nigeria are you in? Interesting comments I see and the reasoning behind it is even more interesting, can’t be bothered to respond to nonsense but LeShark it was not a good weekend for New Zealand Sport, Cricket, Rugby and the Football.

Good to see Torres come out and squash the Manc rumor with the class you would expect from him. Also good to see Riera and Arbie (though it was a training session by then and Alonso all have good games as well. Torres made it look ridiculously easy and the class of the man shows no limits, he could be in for an immense season next year, hell LFC will be in for an immense season, with or without additions, expect at least two additions, we don’t need more and we will be challenging strongly again but with last seasons experience we can take it.

All those people who thought the Confed Cup would be damaging to the Spanish players, time to think again. Two semi tough games in the semi and final will be all it entails.

The only thing I can say is thank fuck you are not Rafa KopKing and by the way Torres is partnered by Gerrard if you are a fan you should know that and when we brought Keane in it did not work!

Thought you were not going to say anything Keith

Not really Liverpool related but if anyone is interested, here’s an article on how the fixtures lists are constructed:

ttp://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/2009/06/secrets_of_the_fixture_compute.html#097608

then only to be changed by sky!

Interestingly, the CL final will be on a Saturday next season. WTF?

Puchong Red, I would not know where to start replacing Masch and Alsono. They are both rare breeds and hopefully will be with us for a few years to come.

I must say that I’m not sure if I understand your logic or point of view Kopking… I’m with Keith in hoping that Rafa certainly doesn’t follow your point of view, which I’m sure he doesn’t want to cash in on Mash and Alonso…

I’ve always been a fan of Micah, and have called for him to be a future signing in this forum for LFC… He wouldn’t neccesarily be a starting player, but would provide us with cover that we certainly need as well as having the chance to combine with Skirt-le and DAgger to give us a very young and talented CB triumbrate for the future…

Saviola would be a very schrewd aquisition if Rafa pulls it off. 5-6mill is a steal for such a talented 27year old…

Johnson would certainly be second choice surely for our RB position… He’d make for another great signing as a young player with the chance to make a name for himself in the future… Would be awesome seeing Insua, DAgger, Skrtyl and Johnson lining up for Liverpool next year! What a young, but talented defence that would be!

Digger and Trigger back on Merseyside! I’m delighted for the 2 lads and the best of luck to them at Tranmere. Keith please dont tempt fate mate, lets just keep everything crossed til the end of the tourney when please Fowler Merseyside can emit a giant collective exhale. What did Nando say about the manc (bullshit) rumour Keith? Gotta link? Why is the c.l final on a Saturday next season Lurgan? Any reason given by uefa?

Final – Saturday evening.

I think EUFA want the final to be more “family friendly” … you know, ice-cream and candy floss for the kids, a nice low-alcohol beverage for Da, a martini for mum and we all sit around the sofa together, have a take-away special treat Pizza and watch the pre-match and interval entertainment like a happy EUFA family in our Barca and Manure and Madrid replica shirts… Methinks.

Digger, it is because and I quote Monsieur Platini

“… (it) will give families, especially children, the chance to see the game.”

Actually this decision was taken in 2007. Here’s the link

ttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7120518.stm

Nothing to do with money then! Pure bullshit!

Any footballing dad worth his salt would keep his kid up to watch the CL final. I remember watching wobbly legs grobs in Rome (the reason why I started to support LFC) with my dad even though there was school the next day.

Saying that, it was probably the worse decision my dad ever made because he tried to bring me up as a fellow manc supporter. TO ALL LFC DADS OUT THERE, PLEASE BEAR THIS IN MIND!!!!

just seen your post Dougle…

I agree totaly with your comment about Utd Gerry….

“…because even if they hadn’t sold him they would have likely have had at least £50 or £60 million to spend anyway.”

I’ve been saying this all week. Also, the clubs that they now approach, will want more dough. They can’t really play the poor mouth now.

I had a disussion with a Utd supporter last week at a wedding. It went along of the usual lines… “Rafa’s spent £200m”
It’s funny how, even after I mentioned Rooney, Berbatoss, Rio Duckface and if they sign Teves, they’ve spent £125m on 4 players. He still wouldn’t conceed that Utd spend more.

Thanks Lurgan. I dont know if I like the idea. I think the real reason possibly is because the c.l is such a global brand now and as it is watched more and more in an ever developing world they can maximize the audience on a Saturday. I for one will mourn the change, man the craic in the bar on c.l final day over here is massive! Everyone quiting work early, heading for the local, getting hammered at 2 in the afternoon!…..Ah good times….

Lurgan my little lad loved watching CL final, watching Scum get taught another
lesson in football and laughing at those “tactical” substitutions,
no chance of him becoming a Scum fan.
Kinny i think your right about #4 wasnt his last comments deleted for been
a abusive Scum fan, he certainly sounds like a Manc fan.

PS Gerry i’ve used the same jobsearch techniques in the past.

To all Liverpool fans in here YNWA

Those who think that I am a Manure fan are certainly going nuts. I think these people hav not read my comments properly.I do not think that I hav to swear loyalties to you all. Rather than talking abt crazy kiddish stuff, I am trying to talk abt the current state of our club[Liverpool].I hate Manure to the core.What I wrote in those comments was my frustration towards Rafa. I do not know anything abt K0pK1ng nor do I want to. If u still think I am one of those MANURES, then think again!!!

Kopking, it is the way you write. Full of LFC Bashing. And now after admitting you are frustrated with Rafa, in what aspects are you frustrated with him? Did we do badly last year? Came in 5th? Lost to Mancs and Chelsea? Could not score goals? Weak defence? Leaked in more goals than Man Shitty?

Let me warn you that there are a lot of fans in this site who loves Rafa, me included. If your arguements are not sound, you will be torn apart.

If you’re a different person from the KopKing that got banned by Gerry back in February, then I would like to apologize for the mistaken identity and give you the benefit of the doubt that you’re just like any other Rafa-sceptic, who are more than welcome to view your opinion. But do not expect to say your views and then think they will not be scrutinized.

But if you’re somehow the same KopKing (which Gerry somehow unbanned), then let’s just say your reputation precedes you. While we’re not interested in you proving your loyalties to us, you’re still going to have to show that your opinions are worthy of respect. We still haven’t forgotten all those senseless insults you made back then, neither have we forgiven.

I never said that we did a poor job last season. Last season was a dream that shattered in our match against the relegated Middlesborough. After years of waiting, last season showed the hunger in our team.
We could hav won the title. I am fed up of saying this again and again. Another season went by without any silverware. Last season was the only season when Chelsea were dissapointing. I don’t expect them to give us that chance again.

Do you all think Rafa’s going to buy anywhere near Chelsea or Manure? I don’t think so. I am used to saying that we are not in a title race.

Since 2001, Liverpool has never competed for more than one cup.In 2005, we won the C.L. but we also finished in the 5 position in the League.

In 2006 we crashed out of C.L. in the Q.F., we finished third in the League and won the League Cup.

In 2007, we lost to A.C.Milan in the Finals, finished third in the League and were also beaten in the League Cup.

In 2008, we didn’t win anything. We were beaten in the C.L. by Chelsea and went down to 4 in the League.

2009 was the same- NOTHING.

Between these seasons Rafa spent money on Cisse, Crouch, Bellamy, M.Gonzalez, Baros, Keane,Diouf, Fowler,L.Garcia, Morientes etc. All of these were flops. After all these experiments Torres was successful.

Is this success? Nobody asks if the team came in the 2 or the 3 position. All that matters are cups and trophies. Manure hav neared our record of 18 titles. Can we be as consistent as we were last season? I doubt as long as Chelsea and Manure are in the race.

While Chelsea and Manure compete in three cups every season, we compete in 1 and we still lose it.

I don’t want to start any arguments but I see it this way.I am not saying that Liverpool can’t compete for the title, but I also want to see some progress in the team. I am so passionate abt this club that I can’t see them lose another season.

I hope you all understand me and my emotions.

I wld also like to add that I am not K0pK1ng, nor am I aware of any insults I presumably gave to anyone of you.

KopKing, I’ll give you an attempt to redeem yourself. Out of these players, who did Rafa actually purchase i.e. paid money for?
- Cisse
- Crouch
- Bellamy
- M.Gonzalez
- Baros
- Keane
- Diouf
- Fowler
- L.Garcia
- Morientes

Whether you regard them all as flops is your opinion, even though I disagree.

Also, before Rafa arrived we were crashing out of the UEFA cup every year.

BTW, we finished 2nd this year and was involved in the title race until the penultimate game of the season. 1/4 finals of the CL as well. Not too shabby IMHO.

Oh dear! …I thought we’d weeded out all the nut-jobs.
Oh well, flame throwers at the ready, I guess.

But as Lurg hinted above.
Buying Cisse, Baros and Diouf was one helluva trick since rafa wasn’t even our fuckin manager at the time!
He truly is better than Fungus in the transfer market if he can buy players BEFORE even taking the helm!

In 2006 we won the FA Cup NOT the League Cup.
And “2009 was the same” ? Hmmm, 4th place to 2nd place. Yup, no difference there.

The Title wasn’t lost against Middlesborough. Oh that it were that simple.

I cannot believe you are saying this KopKing. I find it hard to believe you’re not the same KopKing that went swearing around after we came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-2 in February, with all that intense Rafa-bashing.

Let’s say you’re telling the truth and you’re a different KopKing, you’re still ticking me off with the way you’re ignoring certain facts and just highlighting isolated “flaws” just to argue your case. When these arguments have been settled long ago.

“Since 2001, Liverpool has never competed for more than one cup.”

It is unfair to accuse Rafa of Liverpool’s dismal performance before he arrived in 2004.

“In 2005, we won the C.L. but we also finished in the 5 position in the League.”

So? It was Rafa’s 1st season. And winning the CL is an amazing achievement at that.

League pts: 58

“In 2006 we crashed out of C.L. in the QF, we finished third in the League and won the League Cup.”

We won the FA Cup. How can you forget the “Steven Gerrard Final”?

League pts: 82 – A MASSIVE improvement for just Rafa’s 2nd season, even though the Chavs still ran away 10 pts clear.

“In 2007, we lost to A.C.Milan in the Finals, finished third in the League and were also beaten in the League Cup.”

Losing in the finals is a disgrace? With the resources Rafa has, it’s incredible he managed to lead the team to the final.

League pts: 68 – Granted it was less pts than 2006, but the squad was only half the strength we had now, so Rafa had to save up for the CL final.

“In 2008, we didn’t win anything. We were beaten in the C.L. by Chelsea and went down to 4 in the League.”

We were beaten by incredibly bad luck (Riise’s OG), and it was the semi-final. We gave the Chavs hell.

League pts: 76 – Point tally is actually IMPROVED!

“2009 was the same- NOTHING.”

NOTHING MY ARSE.

CL – QF. Again we gave the Chavs hell, let’s just say things didn’t work out, but I don’t think the better team won.

League pts: 86 – BEST EVER POINTS TALLY SO FAR. Destroyed the Scum TWICE. Including 4-1 at Old Toilet. Are you fucking telling me we’re not capable of improving or even matching that? How can you be blind to that?

And let’s not forget all the LUCK the Scum has. They can’t rely on it forever. With the Diving Wanker gone, they’ll only be significantly weaker than before.

Also, please define “competing more than one cup”. If you mean winning ALL these cups EVERY YEAR, you might as well go play PES Soccer or Football Manager.

Because not even the Scum, Chavs and Arsenal can do that EVERY YEAR.

If trophies ALL THE TIME, RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW in this instant success culture is your definition of success, then by your standards, Bill Shankly has been a failure since 1966 to 1973 because he won absolutely NOTHING!

A lot of us here have had to take a lot of shite from kopking very recently. It was a very indecent, foul mouthed creature. Since you have the same username (if not the same person) you’ll have to take some slack for it. If you really are the old scum, i would ask you to fuck off but if you are not, i request you put in your views objectively and substantiate your views. There are guys like aitch, keithSA, LB, digger, hyde and FS ( and many more) who can kill you for what you are saying if your points don’t hold water.

Just see the previous post by kinny to understand my point. Rafa has been one of the best signings we’ve made in a long long time. He’s not perfect but in my eyes, he’s getting there.

You comments on his transfer dealings is not very accurate. Most of the guys you mentioned were not even brought by him, a few of the rest very in my opinion stop gap arrangements and only one or two actual flops. You have conveniently ignored Reina, Agger, Skrtel, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt and Torres. YOu can add Aurelio, Arbeloa and Benny and thats almost our full team. All that with the costliest being 20.3 mil and this team challenged for CL and PL till the last month and last week respectively. Good no?

KopKing whether you are the original or not you have one thing in common a total lack of football knowledge and even less when it comes to Liverpool. To call yourself a fan then spew out verbal garbage that you have speaks volumes to how moronic you are. Cisse and Diouf are Rafa buys? You really follow closely as for Bellemy, Crouch and Gonzalez they where all sold for a profit as Rafa upgraded, but as a fan you would know this. Fowler free, Garcia used in the Torres transfer and according to me and quite a few other real fans was hardly a flop. That leaves Keane and Morientes. Yes Morientes did not work out and Keane decided to go back to Spurs instead of fighting for his place, both with a total loss of 7 mill. Stop the presses. If you want to have a go and wind people up try and be half intelligent about it and at least get your facts right, but better still spare us the agro

i dont write very often bcause i am not in some of your guys class. but i enjoy reading most of your comments, i dont know who this twat kopking is. but if he supported the team like a real fan then he would be there even if we were in the championship leauge. when i first started we were in the old div 2 shanks may not have won much in some seasons but what a legacy he left us. rafa is in the process of taking us back to those hights again.what about insua who is make good progress. plus all the players you guys have mentioned. i think he gave fowler a chance to finish his days with pool in a good way and was able to say a proper good by to the club and the fans to him.and he helped with some of the younger guys coming through.have a look at the younger teams and you will see he is building for the future. i suggest that kop king go support some other team if he cant take the ups and downs which any team go through.

Just read the blog, haven’t read the comments yet. I will do, but I want to comment on the blog while it’s fresh in my mind.

Great stuff as usual, Gerry and hard to disagree with any of it. I always said, in an ideal world, we should hold onto all our first team/squad players and add at least 2 more. It would be perfect if we could just unload Vronin, Intandje and a few kids that are never going to make it, but I think Rafa might have to sacrifice one or two to get in the quality we still need in our 2 troublesome positions.

We’ve talked and talked about that, so I’ll say no more on it except… we’ll just have to wait and see, and trust in Rafa to get it right.

As for Xabi, great pick for a blog. What a lad. did anyone watch the Spanish game last night?

Okay, it was only New Zealand and not much more than a heavy training session for Spain and our lads. But, even taking that into account, you could see the class just oozing out of Xabi. What a clever footballer that lad is.

Sometimes, amongst all the kick and rush of the Premeirship, it’s easy to miss the lad’s contribution even when you are at the game. So, on television, with it’s limited viewing angles, it is sometimes impossible to see what the lad is doing for the team and brings to it.

With the slower pace of the game last night it was so easy to see what was happening – Spain, probably the best international team in the world at this time, were completely ran by Xabi. He was like a metronome… tick, tick, tick. Just keeping the game going, dictating the play, the rhythm and the pace of the game.

I never saw a ball get mis-hit. Just pass, simple and short or long, then move – making space, becoming available. He was a constant outlet for his team mates, continually moving into space, making clever runs, opening up the opposition and then keeping the move going. Nothing flash, nothing stupid, just constant class – a thinking man’s footballer. And I’ll be absolutely gutted if he leaves.

Problem is nowadays, clubs and managers can’t really dictate when a player goes. Contracts nowadays are only really an indication of how much compensation (Transfer fee) that a club can get when the player wants to leave. The present English tax laws don’t help. Do you know, that due to taxes, Arshavin is earning less money than he was in Russia despite the increase in his wages when he joined Arsenal.

Another thing that really affects players nowadays, and seems to be doing so more and more, is unsettled wives. They might live in mansions, but imagine being stuck indoors all day, cut off from family and friends, looking out the window at the pissing down of rain – especially when they are used to an outdoor life in a sunny/warm climate.

Some players find it hard to adjust. Think back to Arbie being cack. It was all down to homesickness. But the players have work, friends, training and everything else to compensate for it. Wives have nothing but the kids and wealth. It might seem daft, but I think it’s becoming an increasing problem and it’s something the club need to look at and do something about.

Funny tha both Alonso and Masch have wives that are finding it very difficult to settle and stay in England. And it may be that problem that eventually sees them both leave. Again, all we can do is wait and see.

As for press nonsense and mischief…. “Torres to the mancs.” Surely now, because of that nonsense, everyone in here will see and understand what many of us have been trying to say for ages… Take no fucking notice of them. In fact, try to remember the whole of the sports media – papers, magazines, TV and radio – is full of bollacks that exists for one reason only… to sell more of their product. And on top of that, most of them are in the mancs/Tramp’s pocket and will always go out of their way to aid them in anyway possible.

Kopking Im not gonna break your balls lad because clearly you are young and still finding your way as a fan and in need of a little LFC schooling and guidance. I say that with the utmost respect and it is in no way meant to be condescending or patronizing. Fortunately you have hit on the right site and a bunch of lads I consider the LFC intelligentia, who will be more than happy to set you straight. Check out the forums on the main site too, some brilliant posters in there aswell. Take it away lads…

I would like to ask you whether you consider Liverpool as good as Chelsea or Manure or maybe better. According to me Liverpool had it’s best season last year since 2001.

Frankly, I hav been supporting Liverpool since 2005 Jan.I AM NOT KOPKING["one who posted in feb"].If any doubt, you can clear it with Gerry.

I don’t see what the fuss is about Lassana Diarra. The guy shows me nothing special at all. Seems to be just another body running around the middle trying to disrupt play. Hell I would rate Sissoko better than Diarra so don’t know why anybody would even consider bringing him here for Alonso. Madness….
It’s strange how many people also slate Rafa for his flop buys. The guy had to rebuild from scratch except for the two players left from when he took over with barely a budget at all. He could ill afford to buy the Torres’ etc of the world as we wouldn’t even have 11 players on the pitch at that rate. He had to take risks on cheaper players first of all to have the required depth to compete in 4 competitions. Yes some players didn’t work out but still many did their part and were upgraded a year later i.e. Sissoko, Garcia etc. As you can see, when Rafa did decide to spend big he got a hell of a return i.e Torres. Xabi also cost over 10 mill and look at him. Kuyt also cost 10 mill plus and he has been a regular. Fergie goes and blows money on guys like Nani, Anderson etc who haven’t done jack shit but nobody says anything coz they have money to blow. Simple as that.
Bottom line… I think Rafa has done an excellent job in the transfer market considering he had to build a big squad with the kind of money Chelsea or Manure would blow on one player. Imagine if Rafa had the dough to buy the players he actually wanted. Alves, Simao, Vidic, etc…

KopKing, Liverpool are the second best team in England, just ahead of Chel$ki and just behind Manure. Just check the league table!

Super stuff Gerry,

Silly season is indeed in full flow.Rumors are rife on the best midfield in the world.The media hacks just won`t lay off.We didn`t expect anything else i suppose.Its actually getting funny by now.Torres to the mancs…that made me giggle somewhat.

This 18 million been talked for johnson is crazy.It`s another case of the overpriced ingerlish international.Not a bad player though but 18 million is way over the top even in today`s inflated market.

Kopking,i read your posts and bud i don`t know if your the origional or not but with all due respect what age are you?The reason i ask is your posts seem to be,how should i put it,a tad immature and don`t have any base to them.You say you follow the reds since `05 so i`m guessing your a young fella.

Kopking lad, here’s a tip someone gave to me once when I was talking on and making a fool of myself… Take the cotton wool out of your ears and shove it in your mouth.

I know how condescending and arrogant that must sound/seem to you, but it’s not meant to be. It’s meant as a tip.

I’ve now read all the comments and that’s the best advice I can give… listen and learn. Feel a bit of a twat even saying that to you. I’m not trying to be some smart arsed old fucker. You are entitled to your opinions, but at least get them right and based on fact.

The choice is yours… carry on trusting the media and believing the bollacks they sprout or read the blog and opinions and get a proper grasp on things.

That’s not to say, learn how to kiss Rafa’s arse and think he’s infallible. He’s not. and we often argue amongst ourselves about all things LFC, but it is usually based on fact – if not it gets torn apart and the commentor ends up looking a bit daft.

Here’s something to consider… you say Micah Richards would be a good buy. 2 seasons ago, I would have agreed with you wholeheartedly as Rafa probably would. In fact, I know he enquired about him but couldn’t afford him. Thank fuck for that. Do you know what has become of Richards over the last couple of seasons?

No, obviously not. But I tell you what, I’m not going to educate you. Go into a a Man City forum and ask their fans. And if you still wanted him after that, they’d probably drop Richards off for you right outside Anfield for free.

As for the mancs and chavs…

Let me just point something about Ronaldo and that 80 million quid… Do you realise Ronaldo has scored 67 times for them in the last 2 seasons. And in 21 of those games that he scored, it was his goal or goals that won the game for them. Yep – 21 games his goals led to them winning. And here’s the one that should convince anyone that despite the 80 million quid the mancs are going to find it impossible to replace him…
In the last 2 season’s he has scored 37% of all Man U’s games.

Yeah. 37 fucking per cent, but have you ever seen them called a one man team?
No. I know you haven’t. Like the rest of us you have been conned into this bullshit about the Fab 4… well, check out the states on the other 3.

As for the Tramp using the 80 million to replace him, think about this… if it wasn’t for the fact that Liverpool were desperately trying to sign Ronaldo, he never would have. True – he bought Ronaldo because Houllier was desperate to. So, he just waved the money at them what we couldn’t risk on an unproven 18 year old, but we still fought to get him. In fact, even after the Tramp had agreed the fee, Phil Thompson even travelled and stayed in Portugal for ages trying to convince him to sign for us. And that, as Rafa would say, is fact!

So even summising if he gets all the transfer money to spen (Highly unlikely with their debt) will he spend it properly? And even if he does, how do you replace a player that scores 37% of all your goals? Certainly not with Ribbery.

So, it’s up to you what you believe, but meself, I take no notice of the papers, telly or radio. In fact, as me Da used to say – I got no education so I had to use me brains. And my own brains and eyes are telling me only one thing… we can overtake them this season.

As for Chelsea, well if anyone still believes they aren’t just Newcastle with money, then take a reality check. Sacking Mourhino was the biggest mistake I have seen by any chairman. They overtook the mancs and was way on their way to becoming the dominate force in England maybe even Europe. The Russian couldn’t resist playing with his toy, Ronaldo came good and they lost the headway back to the mancs.

The squad/team is 2 years older now. There is constant distruption and player power in the dressing room. How the fuck is a new manager supposed to cope? Well, I agree with Gerry – he won’t. He’ll be gone within a season. And so it’ll will all start again.

Just keep the faith. Learn the facts. And trust in Rafa.

KopKing you are obviously a youngster so I apologize for my harsh comments but if you are going to support a team, criticize, add comments you have to at the very least get the facts right. As for your comments of the best season since 2001 we won the title 18 times previously all better than 2001 and 2009, Champions league another 5 times, you obviously became a fan because of Istanbul and that is great but despite Sky Sports claim to the contrary there was life before the Prem League started in the early 90’s. What you need to do is go onto the official site and look at our history read what it means to be a Liverpool supporter, the passion, respect and most importantly the Liverpool Way. You unfortunately have become a supporter when we have the two American Owners that are everything we are not. Still the fans for the most part stick together and get right behind the Manager and the team. Constructive debate is always welcome as is difference of opinion but if you slate for the sake of slating you will get hammered. Liverpool is a great institution and a way of life for a lot of us do your home work and you will get even more passionate about the club.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv

05 near broke the back of the bandwagon. thankfully most of them fucked back off to the mancs and chavs over the last couple of seasons.

Idawhan… the mancs don’t have money to blow. They are 650 million quid in debt. but you’re right – no one says anything about them squandering money. But then nobody in the media says anything negative about them as they are all in their corner.

Least of our worries though and will just make seeing them off all the sweeter.

PS… Keith sorry to hear about the maleria. Get well, mate

on an unrelated note, i’ve been watching a few confederations cup matches and the crowd is hilariously obnoxious. it sounds like a hundred mammoth bees are buzzing around the cameraman the ENTIRE match because of the south africans blowing those plastic trumpets all the time. cant wait to see those things come out at stamford bridge. theyre also doing the wave over and over. its unbelievable. the buzzing noise is NONSTOP. unbearable.

PPS… that should say Ronaldo has scored 37% of all the mancs goals over the last 2 seasons.

Replace that you aul shitty arsed tramp.

Alec you beat me to the punch. I said exactly the same thing – African Killer Bees on the loose. So, I’m now watching it with the sound off and listening to a bit of music.

Brazil Egypt looked a good game, just caught the higlights. Shows nothing can be taken for granted in footy now. That counts for the prem too. 11 very fit even if less talented players can make it hard for any team. Italy v USA is going the same way.

That’s why I can’t understand people expecting us to batter the likes of Stoke. Hidings are getting less and less common. Games are getting tighter an tighter.

Anyway, turn the sound off and they still look alright.

KopKing, if you really want to learn more about Liverpool’s proud history, before sky, this is a great website for info:

ttp://www.lfchistory.net

Currently there is an article on the legend that is Steve Nicol. Have a read/browse and see what you think!

ttp://www.lfchistory.net/redcorner_articles_view.asp?article_id=1074

Just add the ‘h’ before the links.

Lads was messin around youtube there and came across a vid on zidane toying around with the mancs.

Winker at 80 mill is miles behind this genius.I`d of loved to see him in the flesh,it`s one of my regrets in life that i didn`t.

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYd5nOwEV_w&feature=related

There is a debate on LFC TV on which was the best european cup triumph 1977 or 2005.

FS,which one would you pick?

Us of the younger generation would have to go with Istanbul but since you were around for both which one was better in your opinion?

Thoughts anyone else?

Fuck me side-roads timmy! He has a 5 minute highlight video from a single match, and its against the manure. Top notch!

Absolutely brilliant player and Ronaldo would not be fit to lace his boots. Zizou’s first touch and awareness is beyond the pale and I haven’t even mentioned his skills!

This guy was not too bad either!

ttp://www.youtbe.com/watch?v=GTjT3wNLJqQ&feature=related

Will probably get slated for that but everytime I see videos of him play, I notice one thing… balance!

Me dad said he was the footballer that he has ever seen and he knows his footie.

FS, did you ever have the chance to see him?

There’s a story when St John (injured) meets him outside Anfield at the chip van @ 2:55pm and asks him if he’s not playing today. He says of course he is and what time it is. 20 minutes later he has scored two goals!

Anyway, less of this lamenting. I always had a soft spot for GB!

Must be a northern thing Lurgan !

Ya great player indeed.

keith, sorry about the malaria. not the most pleasant to souvenir after a visit to our tropical shores. Since i just moved back home after a couple of years away, i’m sure i’m due for another bout soon. i’m in between abuja, lagos and jos. had dinner with one of your country men who assures me you’ll ready for 2010!

there is now way i can know what Rafa is thinking right now, i just home he is able to bring in quality to the 1st team and more importantly our youth system.

hopefully we come through the summer with spine of the team (xabi, mascha, daggar etc) intact. i also think babel and lucas are to valuable to let go of now. They are both going to be pushing to WC spots so hopefully LFC will benefit.

in terms of potential transfers out does anyone know the status of Sebastián Leto?

Sorry to bring this up lads, but read K—ing posts again, his first 3 are quite scattered but his first big one is very direct. I thought he had a problem with writing in English, no disrespect meant. However his first big post is completely different, almost a different person, one would think.
.
Welcome to the blog Mr —-ing, enjoy your time and post your views. We all love our LFC in differing amounts.

times reporting that we have had bid accepted for glen johnson. 18.5 million pounds. seems a little steep for a right back. still, if we can get saviola for only 5, like they say, it might be a good bit of business. thats a lot of money for a right back though…look at bosingwa, and he was 15 million.

Kopking lad, without any malice, your statement “Manure hav neared our record of 18 titles.” was enough to understand that you know very little about the fundamentals of our club.
The lads have pointed out just about everything I wanted to say so I won’t add any further but if you really want to be a liverpool fan, before going any further, I suggest you visit the Hillsborough site that FS posted a while back. There’s also another good site called the liverpool.bootroom.net which provides with you enough insight as to understand everything about being a liverpool supporter bar actually physically being able to go to a match week in, week out.
Get that education, and you will see you really can’t fault Rafa for his total efforts thus afar. As FS says, no manager, no player is immune to criticism. But it has to be fair and constuctive. And that comes with only daily efforts to study the game and then understand the club. If you don’t do that, then you might as well apply for a job at the dare-I-not-speak-the-words company.

Which brings me back to gerry, and I really hope everything goes well for you on the job application front- that is, as soon as you actually start applying for one!

And Keith, I hope your malaria goes away for good– I hear that it resurfaces every now and again if you don’t get it out of your system the first time. Make sure you lie in there; thankfully there are no red games to hinder that! Get well soon fella.

On a different note, I nearly got the chance to cross paths with Andy the other day when he was in Tokyo. Unfortunately, his mates were over-binging themselves, so things didn’t work out as planned! Hopefully, next time, mate.

Back to footy, well, I did see that article as well alec, but is it just me; I can’t imagine us being able to spend 18.5 million on johnson? Leaving aside the issue of whether he is worth that, how the hell do we find that kind of money even considering the fact that we could off-set the remaining Crouchy fees!??
I just cannot believe this one yet.

Speaking of Johnson, one other thing I forgot to mention, kopking is– I would be very cautious in using the words “reject” on a player, especially with regard to someone as young as Johnson was when he went to and subsequently offloaded by chelski.

You obviously don’t know (and in fact, many reds don’t know this either), but Pepe was a Barca “reject.” In its fullest sense of the word.
With Johnson, in my view he didn’t get much chance, but with Reina, Barca just didn’t see anything in him cos he was so terrible whenever he played. There’s a massive barca fan in Japan who is a recognised commentator (and he pisses me off whenever he says this) who constantly reminds people that Reina was shite as a youngster and that he cannot believe the complete turnaround of fortune for Pepe stepping into the shoes that once great keepers like Ray Clemence used to fill. The commentator still is critical thus whenever Pepe makes the slightest of errors (so I always tell him to f-off towards the screen!), but you get my drift.

However, Rafa thankfully instantly saw something in him (and that was during a warm-up and Pepe was in an opposing team!!) and look where the big keeper is now.

I would trust Rafa if I were you before simply lunging into a “reject signing” outbirst if indeed Rafa is seriously considering Johnson. Giving your views on the player is fine (because I don’t think Johnson is that great a player either, especially in defense) but don’t just attack Rafa because he is a so-and-so reject, mate, especially with the credentials that someone like Rafa has.

Does any one have any news on the possible Saviola deal? Was he on loan last season & what was his form like?

If we were to sign him, one good thing is that we will not lose him to internationals as he’s had a massive falling out with Boss Man Diego.

Regarding reports that we are ready to pay £18m fer G Johnson . . . WOW! Me knows we need a right back but that’s almost our entire budget (if them reports are to be believed).

ps: Brazil v Egypt – SHIIIIT! Went to bed before second half as game looked done & dusted. Bastard!

Apparently it’s 13.5 million with add ons if he completes his contract obligations. Also apparently 7 million of that is still owed to us by Portsmouth for Crouch. Prominent poster elsewhere claims if we part company with Arbeloa it will be for 8 million, so technically Mr B will be in front. Just passing on info. Apparently headline is better at 18.5 than the actual figure.

Johnson is more of a wing back than just a right back. The lad likes to get forward at every opportunity.

For England last week, I think about 3 of the goals came from his crosses. Yes, I know they were only playing Andorra, but I’m sure you all get my drift.

Perhaps Rafa thinks signing Johnson will kill two birds with one stone, as in we don’t have to buy a right sided midfielder now as GJ will get forward and provide crosses just as much as a winger would.

Let’s hope Rafa can pull off this signing. Johnson is young (24 I think) skilfull and English!

Hmmm, I do take your point about ManC fans not liking Micah FS, however they were indifferent to Reira too I beleive…

I rate Micah as a young RB and handy to have as a reserve CB, however ManC play him as a CB these days, seems to ring the same as Reira being played, slightly, out of position…

Much like Lucas, I’d feel that Richards would only be 4th cab off the rank, ie. behind JC, Skrtyl and DAgger (probably in that order too) in the Cb stakes. Not to mention that he’d probably be a good back up to Johnson should we get him…
I know you’re not a fan of Lucus FS, so I’m not surprised that we’re of differing opinions on Micah!

Whatever the case, it’s only speculation at the moment, so we’ll have to just sit tight and go with what ever Rafa does…

I’m a Kiwi, and quite frankly I was of the opinion that Spain should’ve beaten us by at least 6 goals… So, in the end 5-0 was a decent scoreline (and I’m not trying to belittle my countrymen by that comment).
I honestly could not help but appauding the entire Spanish team… I especially enjoyed watching Reira’s performance, I think he was an absolute steal by Rafa, I’ve a feeling that Reira and Insua could become absolute dynamite for us in the insueing years to come…

YNWA

Glen Johnson will be 25 in August.

If we do sign him, I hope it will be on a 5 or 6 year deal, as we did with Torres.

Several newspapers now are saying that Johnson to Anfield is a done deal. Let’s see.

Hell I think Johnson will be an excellent signing. Easily the fastest fullback we have had for a while who can clearly help with our attacks and is fast enough to track back when our opponents counter. Plus he has goals in him. The fact that Rafa is willing to fork out so much for him should say something as well. Proven in the premier league as well.
I hope it happens. That means our future back line could be Johnson, Skrtel, Agger and maybe Insua. Not bad. Of course Carra is still the king of the back line so our defence will look good for a while.

KopKing, one last word from the great man himself, when asked how he would like to be remembered:

“That I’ve been basically honest in a game in which it is sometimes difficult to be honest. Sometimes you‘ve got to tell a little white lie to get over a little troublesome period of time. I’d like to think that I have put more into the game than I have taken out. And that I haven‘t cheated anybody, that I’ve been working for people honestly all along the line, for the people of Liverpool who go to Anfield. I’d like to be recognised for trying to give them entertainment.

I’d played at Anfield and I knew the crowd were fantastic. I knew there was a public just waiting. So I fought the battles inside and outside. I was interested in only one thing, success for the club. And that meant success for the people. I wanted results for the club, for the love of the game, to make the people happy.”

These words were spoken by Bill Shankly but I believe that Rafa holds the same principles.

Anyway, have to go to work now!

Idhawan, I agree that Johnson would be a good addition to the squad but at 18.5m, I am not sure it is a good deal; especially when we did not have enough money in January to pay 8m for him!

Does the price really matter mate? I know that I’d rather we signed two or three key players than the usual raft of players that may cost a fraction… I really don’t care about the price if the Gaffer deems the signing to be crucial…

Johnson is pretty damned young, 18mill for potentially 5-7 years service could well be a decent deal, especially if he continues to improve for us… If the reports are in fact true…

here’s a great link

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpvAe8pZBtI

Lancey, of course the price matters. It’s hardly as if we have 100m to spend on players!

Anyway, I was just trying to point out that Rafa (Parry) tried to get him in Jan for 8m and we did not have the money. 5 months later and Rafa has potentially to pay an additional 10m for the same player.

The difference being that Parry is no longer here to stop Rafa, like he was doing in the past… Parry had a problem spending the transfer budget on only a couple of players, not Rafa…

You’re probably right that we don’t have 100mill for players, but we do have 26-28mill as has been the case since the Yanks have been in charge, rafa also has the money from sales ( which is what he’s effectively subsidizing this apparent move with Crouchie’s transfer $$)…

Should Rafa move Arbeloa and Dossena he would no doubt be in the black with the Johnson deal, taking into account of Crouch’s outstanding transfer fee…

Which brings me back to the point that, I’m happy if we sign only 2 or three players this summer and Johnson would fit the bill, even for 18mill (minus Crouch’s fee, minus Dossena’s fee and possibly minus Arbeloa’s fee)…

I’ve just heard this news of Real offloading nine players- Heinze, Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder, Robben, Drenthe, Huntelaar, Van der Vaart, Diarra(not sure which one) and Saviola.

Many newspapers hav been reporting that Portsmouth accepted Liverpool’s bid for Glen Johnson last night. The bid is for 18.5m.

Just thought I’d comment on Lucas. I’ve been a bit underwhelmed as a lot of us have been as well. He’s progressed as fast as we wanted. However all the players only have good to say about him ie; Stevie G has always praised him.
What made me stand up and take notice though is a little interview he gave, excellent. He said basically he’s been bulking up physically to get in shape for the English game, he’s put on 4kgs and that the booing/ctiricism has made him more determined to do well. He says it has made him stronger. I like that and it shows what Rafa has known all along, another reason to have faith that Rafa is the man for the job.

not it should say.

18 million for a right back!.Agg and Skrt cost 14 million.

A rightback who scores as many goals and assists as many top rated wingers….

So Kenny what your saying is I’ve made Lucas a better player?! Lol! As for Johnson, if we get 8 for Arbie and if its true Pompey still owe us 7 for Crouch then for 3.5 it can only be considered a good move. However, the remainder of our Summer window remains to be seen and if Johnson is our main signing I cant help but feel that almost 20mil would have been better spent on a top quality left winger. But as I say that remains to be seen so no flappin yet! Anyway he aint even flippin signed yet has he?!

I think Liverpool have reached the stage where they don’t have to buy 4 – 5 million rated gambles anymore. They now need the 2 – 3 players to get them to the top. Those are the players over 10 million who are not gambles but rather sure things. Of course nobody is a sure thing but Johnson is pretty damn close.

Digger pat yourself on the back you got the makings of a top class coach in you.

I’m not saying he will make it, who knows if he will? However it won’t be for a lack of effort or determination if he doesn’t.

Some of you guys crack me up, the comments before the transfer season is that we need quality not quantity. Rafa has bulked up the squad to a position that we are very competitive in the Prem, yes within the budget he has had available. By all reasoning it has been mostly agreed that we need 2 to 3 quality players to put in an even better challenge next year. We are linked with a 17 mill bid for Johnson (personal I think a good buy and I like the lad already for turning down City and Chelsea and probably more money for us) don’t believe the exact figures in the press and some of you say we should not spend that type of money on a defender. However in our system they are much more than just a defender but also a wide attacking player as well. All our rival shell out this type of money on wing backs for fun. This is exactly the type of player we need to take us up another level. Don’t be too hasty to get rid of Arbie, he is a class act and probably the most underrated right back in Europe and Johnson will need to prove himself first. Plus we need two players for each position over the long season we have. I have watched Degen for the reserves and he does nothing for me and this could be one of the reasons we are going for Johnson as a priority. If we then bring in our wide on both sides, come in the whole striker I think that could be it for the transfer season and I would be happy. Keeping the squad in tact with Vorin, Itadje, Peanut, Sammie and all the youngsters we have made a profit on leaving. Dosena if we really need to but with Aurelleo’s fitness problems I would not mind keeping him and giving him another year and use Aurelleo in the back-up spot for midfield (PortSmith anyone) and the left back position, while Insua develops, money wise we should be OK. We would have a very strong and deep squad that is maturing nicely with plenty of youngsters knocking on the door. We would also need it if we are to challenge across all 4 competitions and everybody will be happy to get game time if we do that.

I agree for the most part Keith. I’d also like to see Arbie stay on with us. The obvious question is why would he want to go and play deputy to Ramos in Madrid? It doesn’t really stack up as a rumour does it?

Dossena, however seems logical, Insua, Aurelio and Arbie and DAgger at a pinch is surely enough to cover the LB position… Dossena is expendable, but I personally don’t mind seeing him stay another year…

I think if this deal goes through then we might see at some stage a change in formation with 3cb and the wingbacks .

We all addressed RB as a problem area for us going into next season. Glen Johnson appears to be the person to fill that void.

Hopefully the rumors of Arbeloa going back to Spain are not true, because it would still leave us in the market for a 2nd RB. I don’t know a thing about Degan, aside from the fact that he makes Harry Kewell look like the man of steel, but I don’t envision Rafa relying on him as cover.

I think having both Johnson and Arbeloa would be great, because it would provide Rafa with that thing he loves, OPTIONS. Johnson can be played at RB or at RM; Arby can play in any of the back four positions. I could envision both of them getting 35+ appearances for us.

Who knows, maybe our formation will evolve into that 352 formation that’s been bandied about with attacking wingers (Johnson/Arby on the right, Insua/Aurelio on the left)?

£18m does seem like a high price to pay, but if Rafa thinks he’s worth that price, then I’ll trust in his judgment.

Johnson addresses our current problem with home grown/home trained talent. He’s English, and he’s soon to be 25, which means we should have many years of his service.

I don’t think that £18m puts a major dent in our transfer funds. I think we should be able to recoup approx. £8m-£10m through the combined sales of Dossena and Voronin.

Johnson’s fee is being bandied about as £18m, but with Pompey still owing us approx. £7m of the Crouch fee, that leaves us paying £11m out of pocket.

I’m thinking that still leaves us approx. £20m to address our issue of finding someone to fill the attacking midfield type player (Silva, Lavezzi, etc)?

Lads, David Prentice just reported in The Liverpool Echo that the Glen Johnson deal has just been done at Stg 17 million:

“Liverpool FC agree £17m fee with Portsmouth for Glen Johnson
Jun 16 2009 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Add a commentRecommend (3) 1 2 next
Glen Johnson 300
LIVERPOOL have had a £17m bid accepted by Portsmouth for Glen Johnson.

And the England full-back has told Anfield officials that he wants to join the Reds.

Chelsea and Manchester City have both been chasing the 24-year-old, but the player has told Pompey officials that Liverpool is his preferred destination.

The Reds are wary about making any official statement after their experience with Gareth Barry last month.

Quick Vote
Is the Glen Johnson transfer a good move for Liverpool FC?

Yes

93.2%

No

6.8%

They believed they had finally secured a player they first targeted 12-months earlier, only for the England midfielder to have a last minute change of heart and join City instead.

But this time the Reds are confident the deal will go through.

The fee handed over, however, will be significantly less than £17m, with money still owed for last summer’s transfer of Peter Crouch.

Reports today suggested that Liverpool would seek to make up the remainder by offloading Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid for £8m and returning Andrea Dossena to Italy.

But no bids have been received for either player.

I like GJ. he is fast, an attacking right winger. For some years now we have argued who should be coming in. Not that we have one, I am very pleased with it. I caan reaally see us improving next season and going to take a double (Premier League and CL). Hurray!

And from “This is Anfield” FT urges RB to sign David Villa:
http://www.thisisanfield.com/news/transfer-speculation/2009/06/torres-pleads-with-rafa-to-sign-villa/

Enough news lads. I am going to bed. Gotta catch an early flight to China. Cheers!

I`d be happy to see Glen Johnson at Anfield.

Overpriced IMO,but these days,who isn`t?

I`ll trust Rafa`s judgement either way.

Torres would like to see Villa at Anfield.We all would Nando bud,he`s just way out of our price league i`m afraid.

Latest Rumors for the Florentino Perez circus links Arsenals Sagna to the Bernabau.He was “quoted” in the french media at the weekend saying he wouldn`t turn Madrid down.

Well surprise surprise the Lad has come out today and denied saying anything.He`s 100% committed to the Arse and is looking forward to pre-season.So the French media ain`t much different form the british when it comes to silly season!

Some of you guys crack me up.
We spent loads of time last season discussing the need for a “quality righ back as BACK-UP” for Arbeloa… now you want to offload him the minute we get a Johnson.

The lad is a good buy, (though not at 18, bit pricey even at 11+ Crouch but easier to accept) but one injury and we’re back to playing the inexperienced Darby, or Skrtel/Carracgher at RB.

So please… Enough of the sell Arbeloa for 8 million bollocks!

One more buy… (Silva or Villa) and we’ll be good to go.

Aitch,

If we could keep Arbie it be great.I hope he stays and fights Glen Johnson for the right back slot.I think him being linked to Madrid is just another tale in a long line of players who have just had a decent season to be linked to Madrid.Sagna of Arsenal being the latest.

Thing is,its world cup year and neither of the two would like to be warming the bench.We`ll just have to wait and see i suppose but i wouldn`t take too much notice to the Arbeloa to madrid rumor,lets face it he won`t sell many shirts will he?

On another note,i`d like to see Rafa try babel as not just a winger but an option as back up for Torres.I think the lad will need to work very hard if he wants to stay.If he does stay,works hard and keeps his head down and mouth shut then he can be a player for us.Just a thought.

Well,Real hav admitted that they wouldn’t be able to sign Xabi this summer.

Rafa is also targeting Pranjic. He is a Croat international and plays for Heerenveen. He plays as a winger and is quite a player. Bayern are also keeping tabs on this lad. Maybe,he can be a possible replacement to Peanut.

Kopking,where do you get your information bud?

I`m open to correction but didn`t Rafa distance himself from pranjic a couple of weeks ago?

Just to let you know pranjic was discussed in here a couple of weeks back so most in here will know who he is.

Funny how sly sports are in no hurry to report GJ move to liverpool even though rummours are rife on the net. Yet any bad news like one of ours leaving or the club in debt, becomes instant breaking news. FUCKIN ASSHOLES

Anyway he’ll be a fantastic signing and its vital we get some more english quailty players in the squad for the future. The buzz in every liverpool supporter at the minute is amazing you can just feel something amazing is on the horizon,either that or we’re setting ourselfs up for another classic fall!!! lol

Hello lads, just popping my head up again after a little hiatus. As Hyde mentioned, I just got back from a boys trip to Tokyo… tried catching up with Hyde but was scuppered by sake, kirin, sapporo, hungover mates, and a bunch of nigerians. Long story but bloody good fun if I could just find my liver.

Anyway my 2 cents on each topic…

Alonso – my view has been strongly expressed before – I’d be shattered if we lost him. He runs our team like a quarterback and I believe is underrated in world football (perhaps just starting to get the respect he deserves now, only coz Real are interested). Top shelf, pure class. HOWEVER… one suspects that if he really does have a girlfriend aching to return to Spain, it could be on the card in the next few seasons, in which case I won’t be surprised if Rafa soon brings in a young equivalent to start learning the ropes (and I don’t mean Lucas – someone with better passing range). Perhaps Rafa will cut a deal with Alonso and tell him to see out the 3 years of his contract then he’ll let him go back to Spain.

Gerry about Lucas, I agree he was putting in some nice performances, my problem is that he is often seen as the player used to rest Alonso – particularly against “lesser” teams who park the bus – and in those situations he doesn’t have the cutting edge or dictate the play enough to give us what we need in those games. Against the Mancs where Alonso was injured, Lucas played well but that was a different type of game and more open. I feel that we need someone who can rest Alonso but still give us a cutting edge and run the play from midfield. Maybe even SG should be dropping back to central midfield with Masch in those games and us playing 2 strikers (Torres + Kuyt/new striker)? Either way I’m not saying we should get rid of Lucas, but I will still worry when he is used to rest Alonso against the likes of Fulham et al.

Onto Glen Johnson… it looks a done deal and I’m happy about it. Gives us a sharper edge on the right – Kuyt had a great season but he does it with consistency, work rate and intelligent team play… with GJ overlapping around him we could get a lot more width and penetration out there. Not to mention Kuyt’s work rate can help GJ out there. The fee is incredibly high – does that make him the 2nd most expensive right-back ever?? – however, it’s not really for us to talk about the fee because we don’t know what the overall budget is whereas Rafa & co do. As I understand it, Rafa now has a much larger say in how much we spend on each player and if he says 17m is OK, so be it.

I’m guessing the next bit of business might be Babel + cash (around 15 mill) to Valencia in return for Silva, followed by a backup striker who isn’t a household name plucked from a foreign league for around 10-15m.

Nice shopping list there Andy but somehow i wouldn`t think we`d have another £30m to spend.Hopefully the silva deal could be done.If we`ve to use Babel as bait,so be it.

I doubt we’ll be selling Arbeloa. Don’t see the point in that as we need 2 quality right backs. Johnson can also play right wing in my opinion.

Dossena has handed in a transfer request and has said he’d run to Juve if given the chance. I’ve nothing against the lad. The move to England hasn’t worked out, it’ll be world cup year, and he needs to be playing regular football.

We have 3 decent left backs and one decent right back. It makes sense to sell a left back and buy a right back.

Hang on to Masch and Alonso and bring in a quality versatile winger/striker and we’re looking good!

it warms the cockles of my heart every time i read the worlds sake, kiren, liver & nigerians!

haven’t seen confirmation of the GJ, and i really won’t believe it until i see him posing for pictures with rafa at anfield. but hopefully the rumor is true and him and arby pushes each other in the upcoming season!

I saw highlights of Lavezzi. Now of course highlights don’t really show that much about a player (thought Cisse would be excellent based on his highlight reel and look what happened there), but this guy looks bloody wicked. Seems to have the dogged determination of Tevez but more skill. Wouldn’t mind if he came in as a second striker to Torres.

If Johnson is a done deal, expect Arbie to go.

1: He’s only got 12 months left on his contract.
2: The lad is still homesick and would love a return to Spain.
3: I’ve heard it rumoured he only stayed last season out of respect for Rafa and promised he would give him another season.

But it would be another bit of great business from Rafa. Arbie only cost 3 million and would bring in at least 8 million.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want Arbie to go. I love the lad and it would just put us back to square one – 1 first team RB with an injury prone crock and untried kids as back up.

But neither Arbie or Johnson would want to play second fiddle and spend time on the bench, especially with the world cup next summer. So, to me it looks like Arbie is gone.

But – from what I’ve heard, 17 million for Johnson, 7 still owed from Crouch and Dosenna and Arbie likely to go – it looks like we’ll still have at least 20 million for Rafa to work with.

But Rafa will still have to shop very carefully. Like I said in me last comment this homesickness for players and families is becoming a big problem. Remember how long it took Arbie to come settle and come good? Well, we can’t afford pasengers. We need anyone coming in to hit the ground running – not needing half a season or so to settle.

Then there’s the UK tax situation. Like I said, it was a shock for Arshavin when he realised he was learning less at Arsenal than he was in Russia. So, another complication for Rafa to deal with… getting players with not only the talent, but the right mentality, who want to play for LFC, and aren’t only interested in money.

A very tall order, but that’s why Rafa gets paid the big bucks.

Maybe Eastern European or Northern European players are becoming a better option than players from the hotter climates and very different cultures.

Anyway, Lurgan I never got chance to see Zidane in the flesh. Would have loved to though.
Timmy: Glory hunting big time Charlie that I am, I was at all our European Cup Finals. Rome 77 or Istanbul? Very, very hard one that mate. Of course Rome was special because it was our first ever one. It was also me 20th birthday. I was drunk as a skunk right behind the goal, dancing around with one of the red and white chequred brollies. Happy days.

But then Istanbul was just as wonderful. Maybe it was the long long wait for it to happen again, just as much as the game, that made it so special. Me 48th birthday, and I’d been thinking I was never going to see another one. Dancing round like I was 20 again. Impossible to pick, so I just hope the next one is the best.

YNWAlancey, I rate Lucas. I think the kids got every chance of going onto become a great player. I made one joke post about him in here ages ago (winding Keith up) and people think I don’t rate the lad. Well, to clear it up… I think the lad is going to become a hell of a player for us and then will probably leave for warmer climes. You have to remember he’s only a kid. He’s on his own in Liverpool. He’s in a totally alien culture, and he’s probably our only Portugese speaker. It couldn’t have been easy for the lad.

But whatever happens on the pitch, he’ll end up being another good bit of business by the boss and earning the club a nice few quid when he eventually goes.

And I think it’s unrealistic for fans to expect foriegn players to stay for any longer than 6 seasons. Anything above that seems a bonus to me.

It was a tough one alright FS.

Istanbul,incidentally got the vote.Maybe it`s the younger generation of Internet users who probably can`t relate to 1977 as much.On that note chelsea `05 won greatest european night,i myself voted St,Etienne.Not because i was around then or anything it`s just that i`ve read and seen footage of that night and it must have been one amazing occasion.

Anyone i`ve heard talk about that night who were there swear that it will never be surpassed.

FS, from what you say about Arbie, the deal for GJ would now seem to make more sense. Rafa, had to get a worthy and direct replacement for him and therefore had to pay over the odds. As you say, I cannot see either of them wanting to play second-fiddle in a world cup year.

This bring me back to my original point. It’s such a pity that Rafa was not in control of things in January and we could/would have picked him up for half the price. The man Parry is still coming back to haunt us even after he has left!

BTW the link that I posted was for George Best. You must have seen him in the flesh. No?

So Johnson lads. I will not for one second say this is a waste of money. Its is one of the few areas we are lagging behind our rivals so well done Rafa for getting on the case, he should improve us a bit going forward, and barring the elusive technically gifted wide player cum back up striker which everyone’s talking about, this is the first signing we should have made.

However, considering that it’s costing us most likely half our budget is anyone else a little bit dissapointed that we got Johnson. No doubt he’s a decent player but whenever Rafa plucks a star performer from a lower Premiership team it never seems to work out, they’re just not Liverpool, they never close the gap. Rafa’s best buys have nearly all been widely renowned world class talents and I’d have been alot more excited with someone in this mould, who’d actually be an impovement on our rivals fullbacks which Johnson is very unlikely to be.

£17 million could have bought us someone like Sakhtars Right back, who was the best full back on the pitch by a mile when he played Barcelona, and when he played against England, Porto’s African one (Cissoko?), who was the best full back on the pitch when they played Man U or Roma’s right back, who looked better than Arsenal’s full backs.

I know I shouldn’t be moaning and have no doubt Johnson will make our team and squad better, but to be honest just had higher hopes.

MaccyD, don’t forget about his English nationality. This would have been a factor as well.

Well FS as you have not rubbished the Glen Johnson report then there is maybe a chance it may happen. Good attacker, I never saw him as a great defender. It would be a great plus for us if he joins, it’s all academic for now tho’… Let’s see.

As far as Silva “transfer” is concerned
I’d be very surprised if Rafa could pull it off financially speaking. Silva is hot property at the moment but Rafa’s done it before, with Torres, and if he wants him and the money is there then…. how bad!

Rafa’s best buys have nearly all been widely renowned world class talents?

How’d you work that out? Beside Torres, and maybe even Masch, who was outstanding in West Ham reserves, please name me one of these widely renowned world class talents?

Bloody hell mate, if you’re going to criticise get some fact in there. And as Lurgan has just pointed out, if it hadn’t been for Parry’s arsing about, Johnson would have joined us last season for 8 million quid.

Yeah, Timmy I was at the St. Eitienne game. It was a great night. But older fellas than me reckon the Inter game was the best. I sagged school to go to that. I was about 9. Me Uncle Joe spotted me coming out of the pub. He kicked me up the arse and said he’d snitch, if I never went home. I never forgave him for that.

As for George Best, I seen him loads of times. A true talent, not as good as they make out nowadays though. That might sound like sour grapes, but it’s not. Best really was exceptional but he was finished before he got the right to be ranked up there with the all time greats. I know some will disagree, but George became more of a myth as the years went by.

But having said that, he was some footballer when he wanted to play instead of boozing and birding. He broke my heart one day. I was only a young lad, sitting on the wall behind The Kop goal. We was a good side, but the mancs were brilliant that day. Bestie absolutely ragged the back out of Tommy Smith and the mancs won 4 – 1 at Anfield. Hope some little manc cried when Torres did it to them. It was heart breaking. There is a famous picture of Best on that day, standing in front of Smith, foot on the ball, waving Smith onto him like a Matador.

Well, they won’t be doing that again for some time. I’m sure of that.

Think the Silva thing is gone Dougle. But then what do I know. I thought Johnson would have been to costly for us.

FS emphasis on ‘talents’, Alonso was extremely highly regarded throughout Europe after leading sociedad to a title push and so was Agger after his international performances. Adding those two to Mascherano and Torres who you’ve mentioned and our heroes Stevie and Jamie and you have there the spine/crux of our team, so I think most people will agree that its an accurate point, even if maybe it could have been phrased better.

Don’t get me wrong, I know Rafa’s addressed the right area and as I said if it makes us better its not a waste of money. For all I know he could have busted his balls to sign an established champions league caliber right back and it could have fallen through and for all I know Johnson could have more in his locker than he’s been able to show at Portsmouth around average players. All I’m saying is that most of the time Benitez has recruited players from a lower premier league team that player has performed below expectations, there are many examples and as a result of these past experiences there are right backs around who would have inspired more hope in me as someone who can close the gap.

Sorry Maccy, can’t agree mate. That’s not to say I’m right, but I see it like this… RB is the position we most urgently needed to strengthen. What should Rafa do? Pay mega bucks for a top foriegn defender who’s untried in the prem?
Try buying cheap and hoping?
Or get a proven player that he has targeted for over a year?

I agree the price is too high, but then what are we supposed to do when the market has gone mental again?

As for Rafa’s buys from smaller clubs, I think for the most part they worked out and done the required job. You have to take into condideration players like Crouch and Bellamy were brought in at a time when the whole squad needed upgrading, and were shipped out – all at a profit – when more money was available to upgrade on them.

In fact, I think even the flop Pennant could have done a job and been a decent buy if he’d only had the right mentality.

As for Alonso and Agger – they may not have been complete unknowns, but no other big club thought them worth a punt. In fact, even Torres wasn’t snapped up by a bigger club because they thought he wouldn’t be good enough.

Then if you look at the spine of the team as you say… Who wanted Reina? Skrtle? Insua? Kuyt? Masch?

Rafa constantly gets slatted in the media for wasting multi-millions. Surely by now we all know that’s total bollocks. They couldn’t keep fucking him for rotation or zonal marking. So what did they have left? Transfers.

Well, I happen to think that’s media Manc bias. But then I think most of the media is in the tramp’s pocket. See how they stopped harping on about rotation once Ferguson started to copy it? But even taking manc bias out of the equation, there’s no denying Rafa bashing is one of their favourite pastimes.

Players like Pelegrino were brought in for specific reasons, and even players like Josemi and Nunez done their part but were never meant to be here for the long haul. But that was totally ignored by the media as that didn’t fit in with their agenda.

As for out and out failures, I think there’s only really been 2… Gonzalez and Morrientes.

Gonzalez was maybe too young to have all that expectation put on him. And who was to know Morientes just wouldn’t adapt to English football. Everyone and his dog thought we’d got a bone fide, guarenteed superstar there, but he was probably a bit too old and just couldn’t adapt.

Which sort of brings us back to the RB problem and buying Johnson. The time for gambling is past. He’s proven. And surely we need that if we are to win it this time round.

Oh well, off to bed.
Night. Night.

Gonzalez was not a flop he was sold for a profit. Nunez was forced on him by the Owen deal with Madrid and was still sold for a profit. Josemi was traded for Kromkamp who was then sold back to Holland we lost 250 000 quid. The only major knocks we took in the transfer Market are Keane 3 mill (could be less if certain condition are met) and Morientes 3 mill. Not bad for over 5 years dealing in the market.

As for how much Glen Johnson cost we have yet to find out, even the Echo have said somewhere around the 17 mill. I t could be less however with bonuses for certain milestones extra. Cost however is irrelevant, what is say an extra 5 mill either way if it means the difference between success, taking the team to another level, filling a perceived weakness, winning the Prem or coming second again. I thought Carrick was overpriced at 18 mill, still do, but thatw as all the transfers the Mancs did that year and guess what they won the next year. So cost has to be taken in context of what the team needs.

As for Arbie going, I personal cannot see him going to Real to sit on the bench behind Ramos, what would be the point. I would rather keep him for another 12months and let him go on a free as a reward, although I think he is decent enough to let us make some returns and Rafa will strike a deal with him, selling him would put us back in the same position as last year if Johnson got injured, it makes no sense. Using the Crouch credit (like that phase) with the way deals are structured these days (the good old HP deals) we have plenty of left over budget to bring in the wide, come in the hole striker and maybe another if we do end up selling Dossena and or Babel.

Gonalez was a flop in football terms, us fans are not really into celebrating profits on transfers

I’d throw Itanje and Leto into the bust catergorie FS, although Leto is still on our books, so could turn it around…

If Micah Richards is truly on the radar then Johnson and Richards would be fine for me in the RB department… That is if Arbie has to leave…
Would be an absolute shame to lose arbie as I still remember him shutting Barca down in what was one of his first matches for us. He’s solid on D, even if he let in the cross for JAR to score an OG last year…

Well if you want to say the 2 million profit we got for Gonzalez to upgrade that position was bad business by Rafa and not worth celebrating I suppose everybody is entitled to their opinion. However when one has a limited budget and you need to take a calculated risk on cost effective players in certain positions because that is all we can afford, is it bad business? That they don’t quite match up to what our needs are, Bellemy would also fit into that category, and we sell them on quickly for a profit so we can slowly upgrade that position, is that bad business? I suppose in reality he could be called a flop playing wise, but still be a good piece of business Managerial wise as Rafa uses every bit of his means to get us the right players within the constraints he finds himself. Making money to bring in better players is worth celebrating as fans.

ooops, JAR scored 2 seasons ago!!!! Ahhhh, the time goes fast!

Sissoko as well we sold him for a profit and brought in Masch as we upgraded that position.

Spurs first up next season is a bit tricky!

ok 2 flops! Still not bad. Hindsight is a marvellous thing. Morientes had won the champions league 3 times I think when he came to us from Real Madrid our feeder club. Carra said he was so skillfull in training it was unbelievable just a shame he came to the prem a tad late a bit like Deco.

FS: A little correction on Torres. He turned the dirty mancs and the tramp down a few times.

I think that the draw looks pretty good for next season, apart from starting the season at white hart lane I think that its pretty good, much like last season’s draw…

Bring on August 15th!!!!

Draws are useless, have to go all out for the win V the Spurs.When is Parry leaving?.Still need a left midfielder and a back-up striker.Sell Riera and Leto for a combined 7 million and spend 10 mill on a replacement.We should have 2 players for each place on the team.

burgerman why would you sell riera? i thought he had a decent first season and now he is a first choice starter for spain…ahead of silva. i think he will be more consistant this season. i would definetly sell babel beofre i sold him. dont thing babel has the footballers brain to make it at the highest level. hes just too raw and hasnt improved at all since we bought him. if rafa gets a decent offer i think he would accept it….dispite what he said the other day.

if anything i think a replacement for the torres gerrard position is vital…and this will cost us in the 20million region if we are to get the right quality. just hope we can get some one up to sctrach to do the job for that price considering the way the market has gone.

Jesus H. Do we ever get a home game to open the season? But as a friend said to me this morning at least we’re at home on the last day so we can parade 19 in front of the 12th man! Dont know bout you guys but much as I try and keep a lid on it I’m starting to get that itch again, excitement steadily building…

Just a wee note to FS.
You mentioned a few times about players paying more tax in the UK. But would it not make sense for the foreign players to form companies and limit their TAX liabilities this way.

I’m no accountant, but if the players are classed as self employed, they can dodge TAX in lots of ways. They can even use their own countries TAX systems, by setting up the company in their homeland and paying the TAX there.

Arse-Shaven may not be able to do this, as his home country isn’t in the EU.

I could be totally wrong here, I’m no financier.

Danman why don’t you advise the foreign players for a little commission, you could make a killing.

Here’s something to cheer everyone up:

soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=655511&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=4716

UEFA has banned “Fucking Disgrace” Dogbreath and Bossingwank for at least 4 European matches, with another 2 to be taken within the next 2 years depending on their disgraceful behaviour.

I think I’ll be holding a party if someone does the same to the Winky Wanker someday.

I see the Official club store is offering Glen Johnson Shirts! Do they know something we don’t? Looks pretty good that it’s a done deal I would say.

Well spotted Keith.

Have to say, that the I think Johnson would be a great signing.
At home our fullbacks see more of the the ball than anyone else, and I think everyone would be in agreement that Johnson is more adept both in possession and in the final third than Arbeloa will ever be.
This quality distribution of our defenders, (primarily Johnson, Aurelio and Agger) will be crucial when the opposition are parking the bus, and we have lots of possession.

RE: Danman @ no127.
Interesting proposition. If this were true, then our club should form a holding company in Monaco & register all the players as employees/advisors/directors etc & pay zero tax.
Am sure there’s some law that prevents this, otherwise most clubs would be doing it by now.

RE: Fat Scouser @ no106.
Not to be pedantic or anything, Lucas has our reserve keeper & Aurelio to speak his native language with. So the lad isn’t quite that isolated.

Seems you are right Danman:

ttp://www.tax-news.com/asp/story/Premiership_Football_Stars_To_Sidestep_UKs_50_Tax_xxxx37112.html

Anyway the top rate was already 40%, so it is ‘only’ an increase of 10%.

Also, I am sure I read a story sometime ago where a premiership player paid something like a few hundred/thousand quid in tax one year. Will try and find it.

Anyway, all said and done, I wouldn’t mind having the same problem. Oh the sleepless nights these guys must have!

I haven’t posted here for a while and I know it is silly season and the media have f*** all to write about but lately all the news surrounding Masch is of great concern.

ttp://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=2341

Rafa has supposedly already said that even 50 million will not tempt him to sell but if reports are to be believed that the agent Walter Tamer had talks with Barca representatives last night regarding personal terms and that Masch is contemplating putting in a transfer request because he wants to play with his mate Messi and make his wife happier then we will suffer a loss on par with United.

It is strange when Barca already have Busquets, Yaya and Keita that they are still willing to bust the bank to get Masch? It could be a smokescreen to get Villa who is looking more likely to join Barca by the day with Eto’o on his way out.

At this moment I am happy that Alonso is staying and I’m pretty confident Reina will commit to Liverpool but I am worried about the silence from the Masch camp to deny these rumours.

17 or 18.5 for Glen Johnson does seem exorbitant but big clubs sometimes have to spend big when the market is inflated (in retrospect to the economy??).

Can anyone believe that Victor Valdes supposedly demanded 150,000 euros a week?? Really…

On second thoughts I do not know what to believe anymore? The Glen Johnson deal has not been confirmed yet and there is still a long summer of speculation and bull sh*t to keep surfacing. I just want all Liverpool players that are vital to sign new contracts and end the stressful press releases.

Sometimes I wish I can just hibernate and wake up at the end of August in time for the new season.

The new European away shirt looks nice……

ttp://www.footy-boots.com/liverpool-3rd-shirt-2009-1010-7114/

Masch – not for sale. However if he were to ask for a transfer due to his family situation I’d tell Barca we want £25m + Yaya Toure. Then we could put in a serious bid for Silva.

Yaya Toure has already stated that he will not be leaving Barca and will sign a new contract in the next couple of days.Arsenal were targeting him and Barca rejected their offer. Arsenal are about to sign Ajax’s CB,Vermaelen.

Sounds like most of us are chuffed about the “hopefully” imminent arrival of Glen Johnson, and I am too. I rate this lad extremely highly and while the fee being bandied about might raise a few eyebrows, I think this signing will be a massive plus for Rafa.

If wer’e wondering how the team will be set up next season, meaning will we sit back or try to take the game to the opposition from the off, then the signing of a right back who has shown he can deliver quality crosses into the opposition penalty area, the ability to chip in with a few goals
and looking at home with the ball with either foot, then it seems to me that this signing will go some way to answering that question. I think we will take many games by the scruff of the neck next season, I can’t wait! One more signing? Let’s hope so.

There is a Marseilles DMF that has similar attributes to Mascherano called Lorik Cana or Mamadou Diarra who is rumoured to be transfer listed should the worst come to worst?

No Yaya. No deal.

Any word on whether Rafa is going to buy a striker?.IS Tungay still in the picture?.

Rafa is targeting a Uruguayan playmaker,Nicola Lodeiro. He’s 20 yrs old and is owned by BBC Sport.

I don’t understand why Rafa is again out to sign Gabriel Heinze.This player is nothing but a load of crap. Last season, he was terrible for Real Madrid. Dossena has agreed to stay for another year. I don’t think we need Heinze in our squad this season.There is no neeed for us to spend money on this oldie. Wat do u guys think abt him?

Heinze’s best days are gone. Do not be quick to believe that Rafa actually wants him though. Just because a newspaper said so does not make it fact.

#143
Owned by BBC Sport..??????

i would be surprised to see heinze as an actual target. i think the masch to barca rumours have a lot to do with yaya toure’s contract. he said early in the summer he wanted a better pay packet, comparable with other stars on the team. i think the masch rumours are partly barca putting pressure on yaya in the contract negotiations. i cant see why they would want to spend 30 million on a player when they have a very good player in that position already under contract that can also play a host of other positions. plus mascherano’s salary would be much higher too.

Been away working for a few days, but it seems some of us are still panicking about shite news paper stories.

Well, I’ll tell you something to check on… every day in the S*n or the Dail Mail you will see a story about one of our players being unsettled. That is then spread throughout the media. But have a guess what…. most of the stories start life in a site like this.

I bet if we was to start a rumour no matter how mad – Kuyt fucks dogs or something – it would find it’s way around a few fan sites then into the Daily Manc (Mail, Steve’s name for them, a good one), into the Sun,, then onto Sly Sports, Talk Shite, etc.

Today the Daily Manc outdone themselves. 3 for the price of 1… according to them Masch, Reina and Arbie are all supposed to be leaving.

Last time I’m going to bother… DON’T PAY ANY HEED!

As for the tax situation, I’m sure the players have got the best accountant’s and advisers acting for them. But it is becoming a problem. Not that I have any sympathy for them.

Apparently Ronaldo is refusing to sign for Real until he is guarenteed 55% of his marketing. The most Real pay is 50%. I think the stuck up little fucker is just trying to top Kaka, who is getting 50%. Great for team bonding and spirit, eh.

But what is becoming far more of a problem is homesickness for players and wives. Puchong Red was right I forgot about Aurelio and Cavialiere when I said Lucas had no Potugese speakers to chat with. (That happens at my age, at 2 in the morning or something when you are defending someone) But the fact is, being in a foriegn land/culture at a young age with no friends or family is a hardship no matter how much money you are making.

I’m sure most of us in here have experienced it. I have and it’s not nice. So, the club, in fact, all clubs, will have to start doing something about it. Which I’m sure they probably do.

But when discussing Arbeloa or Masch you have to take that into consideration and realise – Rafa isn’t willing to let either go, but if they want out there’s not much he can do about it.

So we may well be looking for replacements for both. But whatever happens, in my opinion, both will be gone by the end of next season at the latest.

Pepe Reina has all the Spanish lads and their families over to his place once a week and they have mad little parties for the kids – games and that. It’s said to be of great help for the families and the lads. So, maybe it’s time for the club to organise more of this type of thing. Who knows.

As for my statement on flops, I was actually defending Rafa’s transfer dealings but it seems some took umbridge with it. Well all I can say is, I stand by what I said.

The reason why I said Morientes and Gonzalez being – they both came with reputations and huge expectations, neither fullfilled them. Was it Rafa’s fault. No, of course not. And as I said in my original post, us fans maybe expected too much. But then isn’t that always the case.

As for Keane, I don’t think that can be laid at Rafa’s door. Obviously Rafa did want the player, but surely we all know how Keane ended up at the club and what happened. So, what’s the point in going on about it.

As for Leto, forget him. He’s been a complete tosser at Olympiakos and he’s still having visa/passport problems. From all I know, he’s a complete dickhead and caused allsorts of ructions while out on loan. So, unless something drastic happens I’d put him out of your mind.

As I would with all the rumour and speculation. As far as I know/have been told, Johnson is a done deal. Both him and Rafa are on holiday, but when they return Johnson will be taking his medical and, if all goes well, signing for 17 million quid.

So, I think that will leave us looking for left sided/second striker and cover for Johnson if Arbie goes. And obviously Rafa will have to boost the kitty.

Note to Keith and LB…. Galatasary and LFC have been in talks about Babel.

Alec mate, known fact Mascher’s wife is unhappy in England/Merseyside. It came out on fan’s sites, made it’s way into the Echo, then The Daily Manc and S*n. Bet my bottom lip, it will be all over the rest of the papers and Sly Sport and Talk Shite tomorrow.

FS, I’m glad you told us that both Glen Johnson and Rafa are on holiday, I was starting to get concerened about the deal not being tied up.

Who do you think we should go for as our left sided second striker? And would this be to replace Babel?

I saw that earlier this week FS and wondered if that might be the case, makes sense. I would still like to see him in a more central role and used as back-up to Torres. It will be interresting to see what happens.

FS, yeah I read something about Babel and Galatasaray. It seems he doesn’t want to leave Liverpool though. I have a feeling he could well pull his finger out of his arse next season for us. We’ll see how it pans out I guess.

The Kuyt and Dog story is very upsetting!!

I try not to get caught up in the silly season, but for some reason this Masch business really has me concerned. Even if we were to get 40 million sterling, he would still be tough to replace.

We seem to have found the perfect formation in the 4231 with both Masch and Xabi sitting deep; Masch allows Xabi the space to do what he does best.

Where would we find a replacement if Masch did bundle off to Barca? Yaya would be a suitable replacement, but there aren’t many people out there that can do what Masch does.

Look at Arsenal; Wenger’s been looking for that type of player since Viera left.

I was told a couple of days ago that both Johnson and Rafa had gone holiday, but the deal was done. Johnson had knocked back both Chelsea and City to go to Anfield, and all he needs to do is pass the medical and sign. Well, I’ve just seen this, and it confirms the holiday bit… tp://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/Glen-Johnson39s-Liverpool-switch-delayed.5372090.jp

So, I have no reason to doubt the rest.

But if that’s the case and Rafa wants to get in at leasone other player, he’ll have to sell.

I’d say Vronin and Intandje are gone. but how much will that bring. Not a lot as that shite
magician fella used to say. Maybe 5 million tops.

So, who’s going to go? Looks like Dosenna might be staying. So, to my mind, that only leaves Babel and Arbie.

Well, if Arbie goes it puts us back to square one at RB – a crock, an untried kid, or buying cover.
So, I’m hoping it’s going to be swap involving Babel and a few quid.

I’m still sitting on the fence with Babel.

I would like to think he has a place in our squad either as an option at LM or as a backup for Nando, but it says something that Don Rafa preferred N’gog and El Zahr as his option coming off the bench in place of Babel.

If we were to receive an offer of 8 million plus for Babel it could be a done deal?

Ah but Corky at least it’s a very good looking pedigree. In fact, I beleive the dog is more upset about being linked with the ugly tree fella.

As for Masch, if he’s going to go there’s nothing we can do about it. Hope he stays at least another season though, as I think if he left now it would really hurt us but – and here’s a can of worms, form an orderly que to start… we wouldn’t miss him in a year or so anyway!

You never know FS, we could have £60m to spend and we’re kidding everyone on that we’re skint.

Seriously though it would depend on what offers we get. If Juve come in for Dossena with anything over £6m I reckon he’ll be off! If Real come in for Arby with anything over £7m I think he’ll be off n’all. The key thing here is that both players would fancy those moves.

With Babel though – I don’t think he’ll fancy a move to Turkey. Player’s agents are the ones usually big on a player moving clubs because they get their money however Babel’s agent isn’t having any of it. He keeps repeating that Babel aint going anywhere and he’ll fight for his place.

If we got an offer of £40m for Mascherano I’d bight the hand off and escort Masch to the airport myself. Don’t get me wrong Masch is a top player and I like him but that’s an awful lot of money. I think Masch is easier to replace than Alonso. That figure is fantasy though in my opinion as Barca don’t have that type of money to spend.

I’ve just read/realised that Arbie only has one year on his contract. He has stated that there is a contract renewal ‘in the air’ but if he does not sign it we should sell him to the highest bidder, before he’s worth nought.

ttp://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=655803&sec=transfers&cc=5739

I think that this will be sorted out, either way, very soon after Rafa gets back from his hols – wonder if he will have grown sideboards this time?

Can’t see Babel going to Turkey either LB. But fuck it, here’s what I’ve heard… Johnson in at 17 mill. Babel in a swap for Arda Turan and Tuncay coming from Boro with what money we have left over.

Make of it what you will, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s all rumour. It’s all if’s and’s and but’s. And I can’t see it anyway.

All I can say is, I’m just going to ignore everything until I see players photographed at Anfield.

As for Masch, he’d be well to remember how easily his tpe of player is replaced.

Yep. Queue screams now. But fact is, despite how good he is at his job, he’s a defensive midfielder nothing more.

Put it this way, I remember Souness in his pomp. Masch would do well to watch some old film.

Lurgan I said way back in this thread somewhere that Arbie would be out of contract by this time next year. And Rafa has grown long blonde hair

Reina has been linked to Barca. That got Rafa fighting mad to shoo those Barca goons off our Numero Uno goalie. Apparently it happened two days ago after contract talks with Barca keeper Victor Valdes broke down.
If that happens, our tough defence will be wreaked!
There are also more and more news of Mascherano wishing to go to Barca now. SAs FS said it might happen, especially if Barca offer Stg40-50 million. Two great LFC players off to Barca? Boy, surely this can’t happen. Not when we are all quite settled and only need two more additions to strengthen the squad and aim for a CL and PL double.

I think Rafa is sneaking looks at his mobile while on his hols or whispering on the moby to his scouts in the middle of the night – he wants to mind out Monste doesn’t catch him or he’ll be in for it. I can imagine him trying to make an excuse to cut short his holiday so he can complete some deals but the wife isn’t having any of that at all.

Regarding Masch – if his wife has gone to Argy with the kid(s) and is pressuring him to move to Spain coz she isn’t coming back to Merseyside… Well he’s in a very difficult situation there. Lads – what would YOU do?

I would tell the wife that she can live wherever she wants after I retire and put her in her place. Latin women tend to be fiery though!

Maybe UEFA should make a rule where players are discouraged to get married and have kids early in their careers.

Unless she’s a supermodel, I’d divorce the bitch and burrow through a conveyor belt of b-list tv and pop stars… while winning the double at Anfield!

Aitch, you’d end up like Ray Parlour. Divorced with wife taking half of your wealth and half of ALL future earnings.

LB, if I was playing for LFC, I would tell her to stay there and get a substitute or two in until I was kicked out of Anfield!

FS, that’s the short term memory loss kicking in. I can remember what I’ve done 30 years ago clearer than what I did this morning.

Fine by me LB. (though you forgot the high probability of a sew STDs, but you pays your money and takes your chance these days?)

But on the dosh these lads make, you’d still get by, and she can’t take your medals or the adoration of the Kop.

Watching Egypt v Italy. The Killer Bees are driving me mental so I turned the sound off and have been looking round the net. Here’s a very interesting piece…
ttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article6506040.ece

I know Keith posted something similar, but it’s well worth a read. From my bad maths, I worked out Rafa has spent 16.3 million a season since taking the job. That’s some feat when you consider what he started with and what we’ve got.

I also just read David Moores has resigned from the board of directors. Add that to Rick Parry leaving in the next few weeks, and it looks like Tom Hicks now has full control of the board. The implications of that don’t really bear thinking about. Bad times.

FS, you heard correctly on David Moores. He’s resigned his position on the board but will stay on in his role as Club Honorary Life President.

It’s posted on the official site:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164782090618-1651.htm

FS, I don’t see how badly we can get hurt if that rumor of yours is true with us swapping Babel for Arda Turan and bringing in Tuncay as well.

That would give us two hard working players with the ability to create in exchange for a player Rafa doesn’t rate any longer. I think Tuncay would be a great pickup for us. He’s done pretty well for a pretty poor Boro squad.

Just my two cent on Rafa signings. If they were that bad then
1. All the big clubs (real/barca/mancs) wouldn’t be after us trying to sign those players with record fees.
2. We wouldn’t have give the mancs a run for their money

Just two players away from 19th imho.

YNWA

Sometimes I feel like I’m talking Egyptian in here

Just saw Italy getting beaten by Egypt. So, the teams who are in the semis are Spain,Brazil,Egypt and South Africa. Now, who are Spain going to face in the semis?

FS, not sure that now Moores has ‘officially’ left the board that it will make a big difference. When Parry was ousted that left Hicks with the board control anyhow!

So Hicks has beaten Gillette and Rafa has beaten Parry. How it pans out from here is anyone’s guess. Interesting times ahead.

KK – Italy, if they beat Brasil are not out of this yet. They can still go through I think. I would imagine Spain, as group winners, will play the second team in the other group i.e Italy/Egypt.

KopKing, looking at your comments over the last week or so, are you really a Liverpool supporter?

Fuck me, a decent/positive article from the Daily Manc…
ttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1194057/EXCLUSIVE-Im-staying–time-win-title-vows-Liverpool-striker-Fernando-Torres.html?ITO=1490

Mind you, look who’s talking.

Oh well, night night.