We’ve already discussed the fact that Rafa’s had more like 24-28mill per season to spend on players, plus sales… Since the Yanks arrival Rafa has brought a host of players over the 10mill range, and now that Parry has gone we’ll probably start seeing Rafa buying or two quality players, year in year out…

I think that our starting XI is the best in the league, if not world. So, quite obviously Rafa’
s had sufficient backing to create this situation.

Like I said before, we could’ve had other players, but the players that we do have are all gems in their own right… Only have to read LB’s link to Pepe’s comments, see the offers that are comming in from Real and (perhaps) Barca to understand the Rafa has indeed had enough support to get us here…

LFCTV: Why did you decide to bring Glen Johnson to the club?

Rafa: We were thinking about bringing in players with quality – that’s the first thing. He is also English and that is important for the Champions League list. We were thinking about improving the team and Johnson is a very good player who will do that.

LFCTV: What will he give us?

Rafa: He was important at Chelsea and in the last year at Portsmouth he has improved and is much better. One of the main things is his mentality – it’s really good. He is a winner. I was impressed with the conversations I had with him. He wants to improve.

LFCTV: Does he represent value for money?

Rafa: We knew the market was going to be difficult this summer and some of it has been crazy. Manchester City and Chelsea were there – they were making offers. We had to be quick and the club acted quickly. It was down to the player whether he chose us or City or Chelsea and he chose us. It was very clear from talking to him that he wanted to play for Liverpool.

LFCTV: What does this mean for Alvaro Arbeloa?

Rafa: Arbeloa was a good player for us last year. The thing is, he has one year left on his contract. We have offered him an extension and we’re talking. He is our player but if there is a good offer we have to consider it. We have two or three clubs asking about him. He would like to stay but he knows the competition will be hard.

LFCTV: Can fans expect any more signings?

Rafa: We are working and trying to bring new players in but we are happy with the squad we have at the moment. We were thinking about improving and with Johnson we have improved. Like I have already said, we could buy one more player without selling anyone. We now have to wait.

To be honest though, I think our shooting in general is pretty poor… and sometimes wonder if Rafa doesn’t like shooting drills and prefers passing and tactical drills maybe.

The number of opportunities we get from 20-25 yards …and subsequent shots that go up into the stands is simply staggering for players at this level.

I used to think Didi was bad. Don’t get me wrong, loved him, one of my faves, but he was always far more likely to twat the bloke in Row Z than test the keeper if you saw him squaring up to shoot… and who did we replace him with…. Mascherano.

The Stewards run “duck -n-cover” drills for when they see the ball rolling out to Masch 25 yards out in a game.

Keep up the good work!

Burgerman, you must be a wind-up merchant, with an opening statement like that.

“Maintaining the traditions of the club is very important”

Translation:

“Why do we have wear this brutal kit.Someone kill me now.Where`s my agent?I want to leave now.I`m getting sick of looking like a right plank because of this tradition bollox.I`d much rather a pink hot pants and a titty top”