First time ever to get the first comment.
Like you Gerry, I am dissapointed in Owen and was really heart broken to hear that he has joined the mancs. However, as you rightly pointed out, I think Owen’s main interest is the national team and him joining the mancs will increase his chance of making it to the world cup finals. So in that regard I think I might be unfair to be too judgmental.

I also agree that seeing our financial situation, it is best to invest in our youth system and I think King Kenny will do a fantastic job.

lets keep our fingers crossed for the future.

As ever the future is RED

To be honest I’m not that bothered at all, in fact from a footballing perspective I’m quite glad, as its a terrible purchase by Ferguson. I know MO gave us some great memories and stuff, but if were really honest with ourselves although we all loved him, as Gerry says there was always that feeling that if he scored two but we lost he’d go home a happy man. As well as that and I’m genuinely not saying this out of bitterness, aside from his pace and positioning his all round game was always severely lacking, and trying to play around his strengths and limitations was a big part of what made us so dreadful under Houllier. Football’s moved on from players like him and when united come to Anfield I will not be fearful in the slightest if he’s starting. In fact I reckon theres a good chance he’ll be rotting in the reserves in a few months.

Yes I think Rafa has a very clear and single-minded strategy on how he wants to improve the club. Of course the easiest way is simply to sign established cracks for the positions you need. But this is very expensive and in any case these players are usually already playing for another G14 team so it’s very difficult. You can sign established class from the likes of Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid or Portsmouth for example but there aren’t that many at these kind of clubs. So much better to bring in a lot of promising talent at a very young age at low cost and work on the law of averages. To do this you have to have the right people at the club overseeing this and well, they don’t come any better than King Kenny. It seems to me that Rafa understands a whole load about man management as well as football.

Regarding Michael Owen, I’m personally not bothered at all about his signing for manure. The guy’s track record is full of bad career decisions. It must have been heartbreaking for him to watch us win in Istanbul from the RM bench. His subsequent move to Toonland was yet another clanger and perhaps he sees this as his last chance to get a big medal. In fact I think it could even work in our favour as the introduction or not of Owen onto the field of play, his state of fitness and his compatability with the likes of Shrek and Berbatov are likely to cause plenty of confusion in the old tramp’s brain,already severely damaged after the Barça humiliation.

I think moving forward that the revamping of the youth system may just be the thing we most remember Rafa for once he leaves us. I can’t envision a day when we will once again be breaking British transfer records to grab our players. I think those days are a thing of the past.

Our transfer funds are already limited compared to our main rivals, as well as the next group of contenders who we don’t yet consider rivals (Man City, Pompey, Sunderland?). Add on the fact that someday we may begin construction on our “mythical” new stadium, that will further stretch our available funds.

If we could develop our system to be on par or better than what the Mancs and Arsenal have in place, that could save us millions over the next decade. Like Gerry said, it’s about the law of averages.

If just one player per season makes his way into the first team squad, that’s huge. On top of that, the players that are deemed just not good enough can still be offload at a profit (see Paul Andersen, Steven Warnock, Jack Hobbs, etc).

I find hard to recall any player who had left LFC played better than his days with LFC. Micheal Owen is of no exception. He has lost fractions of his speed and has become quite an ordinary player. I am sure our gaffer would have wanted him if he thinks that MO still have something to offer.

Good riddence to bad rubbish, I say!

Granted I had a little bit of vomit that accumulated in the back of my throat when I first saw the photo of him in a Manc shirt, but other than that, I don’t get the reaction some people are having to this.

Michael Owen was a Liverpool player so long ago I’d almost forgotten he was one. (bit harsh? maybe… but in the immortal words of Doug Adams, “…so long and thanks for all the fish!”)
For my money, Scum have signed an ex-Newcastle player, ex-Real player, former England player.

He’ll play a few games and bag a few goals, but he’s not gonna make up for the game turning/winning goals score by the departing Ronaldo/Tevez) and he’s hardly the “Marquee signing” they are making him out to be… and will likely have about as much impacy as… oh I dunno… say… Berbatov???
I mean seriously… They had to fight off Hull and Stoke for fucks sake… not Barca, AC Milan, Juve, the Chavs, or the Arse! (or even Man Citeh, for that matter?) He’s a fading star at best.

Scum are sitting on 80 million quid and they bring in Michael Owen and a 20 year old French kid from Ligue 1 who is already crocked for the start of the season!! So far… not worried!

Of the “top 4″ …so far… (and yes there’s plenty of slip twixt cup and the lip left yet)… but so far… Rafa is the one who’s made all the right moves.

As always Gerry – great blog.

I am really pleased about the fucus you put on our problem developing proper quality youth players. It seems to me,quite as you point out, that the raw material just isnt there. I mean, even a Michelin rated chef cant make class A food by using Mickey Dee leftovers, right..?

Therefor its pivotal that we put more focus and money into developing the talent we do have. By getting The King back to Anfield, we’ve taken a massive step – one wich could potentially give us the boost we need, not just for our youth teams, but also for the first team and us supporters. Just think about it – when was the last time a new member of the coaching staff got this much publicity.

I would like to see a few more of the youngsters on the bench actually making it onto the pitch rather than just sit and make up numbers, particulary in CL.

It isnt gonna be easy, but the only way to find out if the ice will hold, is to start skating… I.e. if Johnson or Arbeloa (if he’s stille with us) is injured when playing Pompey or Fulham, dont deploy Carra as rb – let Darby get the taste etc.

Thats just my danish opinion.

In Rafa we trust!

It seems perfectly appropriate that his joining Manure sparked very little reaction. Simply put, nobody cares about Owen joining Manure because he simply never was in the heart of Liverpool fans and he seems to pose little danger compared to the players Manure actually wanted to buy, ala Benzema, Villa, Ribery etc.
On to more important things. I for one am feeling very very happy to have Rafa in charge of Livepool. I mean not only is he concerned about the first team as most other managers probably are, he also is concerned about the future of Liverpool (youth) and his active involvement in this matter makes me feel proud to have him as a manager. I know I’m simply a fan on another continent of a team that I have no connection to whatsoever but to see a manager working overtime to make a team great not only in the present but in the future as well is great to see.
Keep it up…

Ok, so maybe it didn’t sparl riots and violence, but it physically made me sick looking at him in a MU shirt. Holding their scarf over his head.
.
I just don’t know where he’s going to fit in but that’s his problem. Yes he treated us bad but what about the way he treated the Toon fans. He is a disgraceful person for the self absorbed bastard he is.
.
The Manc crowd might be assholes but their not going to be happy about Owen.

Going to bed knackered, but…
Looks like another kid is on his way… Mavinga.
A full back from PSG, but he has no real contract there so we’ll only have to pay some compensation and not a fee.

Rafa being clever again, especially as Aurelio’s injury looks like it could keep him out until the new year. Which probably means Dosenna will be kept on, but I don’t mind that. I think he could still come good. And if he doesn’t, we haven’t really lost anything.

Back to the kids… a few will defintetly be getting run outs in the pre-season friendlies. And hopefully Rafa will introduce some in the FA/Carling games. But one thing I’m sure of… he will introduce them when the time is right for them and he won’t knacker them by over playing them like we did Owen.

And that’s about me final word on the lad. He’s a busted flush, and hopefully he will have his best ever LFC season by fucking up the mancs season.

Last word… congratulations in order for Nando. He’s just got his first baby, a little El Nina.

Knight Sir, I might just be making it to Thailand after all. Will know for definete by Friday.

‘…..mirrored sunglasses with the mirrors on the inside….’ Priceless!! Great blog Ger, must say I’m really enjoying these Summer blogs. When you gonna write a bad one? I swear ta god I’m gonna come in here one of these days after you’ve posted a new blog and exclaim ‘Ormonde! What the fuck you on about man?! Thats bollocks!’ Lol! ‘Great blog Ger’ is becoming a bit redundant innit? They’re all great!

Just read last few comments on previous blog, yeah Fatty I know Flynns Inn well. In fact its where I watched both derbys last season with a Toffee mate of mine. The owner (Paul) is a bluenose Scouser! He’s a funny hoor, great banter with him on match day. Its a little Toffee haven in the middle of Queens. But if Everton arent playing its a manc bar so maybe should be avoided!

Good Job , Gerry your blogs get better and better.
You are spoiling us with them coming thick and fast.
As far as Owen is concerned, like you said he was always more concerned with his England career than becoming a legend at Liverpool.
He will at least find the Helicopter ride to be shorter..
Roll on the New Season..I think we are close to some very magical football being played by the Reds..

So Real say Xabi is over priced. Is this the end of the matter (fer this season) or is it?

Any latest developments on the masch situation?

Still wondering who Gaffer has got lined up as spare striker.

This smacks of desperation from the Mancs.

The wheels fell off towards the end of last season, and now that pretty boy Ronaldo has gone, they are struggling.

I hope Gerrard and co. give it to them this season, and show Owen the traitor what he is missing out on.

“One club tries to play good football with honesty and integrity in the finest traditions of the game, the other one plays at Old Trafford!”

LoL!! Thanks for these great one liners, gerry.

Looking forward to Pacheco, but I am actually more keen on seeing Martin Kelly in action for us. With carra getting on a bit, aurelio out for a long time, and Arbie’s issue not completely resolved, the tall and swifty youngster who can play across the back four would be really useful if he is ready. He seems to have had a good experience out on loan, so he could be in good stead to make the step up.

Great comment about the blog Puchong I am sure Gerry is thrilled with your response after all his excellent comments and work.

Very incise and to the point Gerry and once a gain I agree with you 100%. For me the manner in which he left said it all and from that moment on I couldn’t care less about him, he ceased to be of any importance. They say you reap what you sow, well he has done that in abundance and long may it continue at the Mancs, but quite frankly I don’t give a Damn.

As to the youth, like you I try to watch as much as I can and they do show quite a bit on LFC TV. Bruno is another one to watch and I did see the young German kid getting rave revues (cannot remember his name Buchman?). I also managed to see a few under 18 games and the likes of Young Ince, Amoo, Ecelston (really good) have all been promoted to the reserve setup and could be ones to watch in the future.

I am really looking forward to seeing the youngster in preseason and think Nemeth, if he wasn’t injured last season, could have played a small part. We also forget the like of Ngog, Spearing, Darby, San Jose, Kelly, Plessis are all just 20 or there about and have had a run out in a competitive match for us already, so the comments that Rafa does not give the youth a chance are very wide of the mark.

Pacheo is going to be a star for us and even at 18 I think he might feature a bit in the Carling cup if he is not loaned out. I know some people where not impressed with Ngog, but I liked what I saw in his first season, one forgets he was only 19.

Let’s hope Digger and the instant success boy’s stay of his back long enough for him to settle!!!! (Can’t do the smiley face, but had to get a little dig in for your last comment) I am sure that fountain of knowledge; Burgerman will disagree with me once again and want to sell the lot, especially Lucas.

Great blog Gerry.

Puchong mate, it’s exactly like the Barry situation last season. If you think back to what we all called O’Neil well… Rafa’s doing exactly the same thing.

They want him. We’ve slapped a huge price on him. Now it’s up to them… they either stump up 30 odd million or feck off.

It’s just Rafa being cute. He’s obviously playing the same game with both Alonso and Masch. If he wanted them both to stay, he would have called both their agents in, sat down and thrashed out new/better contracts. It’s what all managers do when other clubs come sniffing round their players and they are desperate for them not to leave.

Chelsea are doing the same thing with Terry. Last season Maureen came sniffing round Lampard. Chelsea just pulled in Lampard and upped his dough, end of matter. They haven’t done it with Terry. They’ve just said… he’s not for sale. Which in this day and age means – you haven’t offered enough money.

There’s a law about tapping up players who are out of contract. If Rafa wanted it stopped, he would report both clubs for tapping up and that would be it.

Please, don’t tell me that Barcelona and Real would just say they are making a legitimate enquiry about both players. I know they would, and I know nothing would happen to either club if Rafa reported them. That’s not the point. The point is, both clubs would have to stop this game and just either offer the money asked or stop this arsing about.

So, you have to think Rafa would accept the prices he has put on both player’s heads. And that leads me to believe Rafa also thinks, he would recieve the monies for transfers, and that he could bring in replacments and could win the title without them.

If not he would have just got their contracts upped at the same time as all the other players that have just had new deals worked out.

And sorry for using Terry as an example. It’s not the best one. Terry is too big an influence behind closed doors. He’s also got a dodgy back. And a new manager might just think, getting shut of a disruptive influence who could spend a lot of time crocked is a wise move – especially at 40 million quid.

So, as I said it’s not the greatest example. But I think it makes the point. It’s going on currently, and it’s always easier to look at these things with a clear mind when it’s happening to someone else.

I’m sure Chelsea fan’s (and I use that word loosely) knees are jerking all over the gaff even though to a lot of outsiders it makes perfect sense to bite City’s hand off.

Oh well, Johnson getting shown to the press today at 12 pm. So, there’s bound to be a little bit of question and answer session with Rafa. But he won’t give fuck all away.

I’ll swerve that gaff in September then Digger. I’ll be over there when the Chelsea games on, well when it should be on. But the Telly are bound to move the date, so they can have some sort of SuperCalifragilisticSuperSundaygrandslam.

Our squad now looks like the best in the league…especially our first team…if only we can hold on to alonso and Mascherano…if they both leave i can see us in some serious trouble in the middle of the park!!!

Ooops that last comment says out of contract, when obviously it should say – still in contract.

I should read me posts before sending them, but I suppose it least gives me chance to come back in.

Just read your post Keith, do you reckon Rafa would have sent a lot of the kids out on loan if it wasn’t for the new set up?

I think he might of, as it would probably be better for a lot of them to get regular football at a higher level.

Got to tell you this. It’s one rumour that I really hope is right… Ibrahamovic to United.

Oh please god let it be true.

FS i personally hope that is true he’s the most over-rated striker in europe. Every time i’ve watched him he’s been clumsy and lazy, ok he may score the odd screamer but two berbatov’s in one team……. bring it on.

Fat Scouser, yer right when ye say Rafa is doing what O’Neill did. Only diff is that O’Neill was trying to hold on to just one player, while we’re fending off interest on two key, central midfielders. Just worried, if one goes . . .

Hope ye enjoy yer trip to Bangkok. Choose yer strip clubs carefully & don’t get ripped off!

KeithSA – yes, where are me manners? Sorry.

Fooking ACE blog as usual Gerry.

Gerry need I say it….class blog

I am very excited about these young fellas and hope to see a few getting run outs when ready. Hear great things about Dalle Valle too.

A bit off topic but came in to say Im booking me Bangkok tickets tomorrow heading on Saturday and gonna do a trip around Cambodia before the game.
Fatty I hope to see you there as I’ll be surely hooking up with Knight and the rest of the Malaysian contingent so hoping for the 2nd Kopblog Asian party in 2009.

Knight any word on tickets? how much they cost and availability.

Fatty if you come I’ll buy you a Singa beer, not a Chang obviously!!

Over and out and keep up the good work lads.

I second FS – Ibrahummyvich to Utd would brighten up my day – doubt it will happen tho

FS, would you be willing to bet your white van, that the Reds will win the Prem this season?.Aurelio shouldn’t get paid while injured.He is supposed to look after himself and picks up enough injuries on the few occasions that he manages to play.

Aurellio is like Jamie Redknapp before him – the man would get injured reading a book

Dunno if I agree with ye on Zlatan lads. We get a lot of Serie A over here, Fox shows at least 4 games every wknd and I gotta say imo he is a top quality player who brings more than the occasional screamer to the team. He has a first touch like cotton wool -kills it dead first time everytime, can run with the ball, superb strike (see screamers), strong in the air, great free kicks and like Dropba is nigh on impossible to knock off the ball. A strong addition to utd if they get him imo lads.

Donal, it’s not for definete yet. I’m all ready and rearing, just waiting for me dozey mate to get his act together. It’s doing me head in. The longer he takes the more it’s going up. But I should know within the next couple of days.

There’s no sign of tickets yet on the official site and it says it’s a 2 pm kick off. But I’ve been on to a mate of mine who lives in Bangkok. He reckons it’s a 10pm kick off. I’m sure he’s right, but any info from that end would be much appreciated as obviously it would affect our plans.

See the thing is… if I go, I’m only going to be able to stay for about 5 days. And me mate owns a hotel in Pattaya, The Pattaya Garden Apartments. So I want to spend as much time as possible down there, and the plan is… straight after the match, well, after a few post match bevvies, I’ll be heading off down there.

But if it comes off I will let you know the alehouse we’re meeting up in. There’s a few lads going and it’s down to 2 pubs at the moment. So, I’ll be fucking gutted if it falls through. I’ve got the go ahead off the wife and I won’t get that again.

BM: I’d bet my van and your deep fat fryer and burger flipper.

They’ve started…. Andy the Tottenham game has been moved to the Sunday.

FS, is it true that you are driving your 1988 fume filled Ford Transit to Bangkok?.Hope your tax and insurance are up to date.The Reds have an equal chance of finishing first, second or third next season.Do you have to ask Mrs Fs for permission to use the toilet?.You could trade her in for the lovely Emma Crosby on GMTV!!.

Ok lads, gave my opinion on Zlatan in #27, now heres a few stats: he was serie a top scorer last season with 25 league goals, serie a player of the yr 2008, he’s won 5 scuddetos, scored 34 goals in 70 apps for Juve, 38 goals in 88 apps for inter…..Good back up for Torres?! Lol! Nah, but seriously lads, sure hes a stroppy bastard and c.l goals elude him but believe me, he’d make utd stronger. A lot stronger. Still, there midfields shite so its classic taggart innit? Lash a ball of money on a striker…

so apparently furguscuum loves berba, so much so he wants to go out and get a clone. If he ever plays owen, berba and ibra together it will be the first time ever three players are simultaneously called off side in the six yard box on every forward pass.

Great blog Gerry. I agree that it would be fantastic to see a least one new reserves player challenge for a first team position. last year Insua made the step at left back.

this year I think one of the following will start making a name for them self: ngog, plessis or elzhar.

ngog is a big strong central forward with enough skill and pace to trouble central defenders. If we can keep a hold of him and babel, they have the skill between them to form a fearsome strike partnership in two to three years.

Elzhar might be able to develop into one of smaller tricky players Fernando was asking the gaffer to sign. Plessis has the ability to petrol the midfield in the same manour Momo not does for Juve. He may be less athletic, but he seems to have a better eye for a pass.

Come to think of it, I think this line up could win the games in league cup for us next year (4-2-3-1)

—-Calavario—

Darby—Kelly–Dagger–Insua

—-Spearing—-Plessis—-

ElZahr—-Lucas©—-Babel

—-Ngog- —

With Nameth, Mavinga on the subs bench

the king fantastic for the reserves and the academy. I also think he will be a great as the commercial ambassador of the club, which seems to be part of his mandate. unfortunately we fell behind the manc during perry’s tenure. Hopefully king kenny can start making an impact on that aspect of the club as well.

15/8 can’t come soon enough

Am I the only one that would take van Nistelrooy?!

Would be cheapish, world class finisher on his day, and would be a good reply to the whole Owen thing…anyone?!

DiggerNo10 – i don’t believe zlatan is as good a player as you make him out to be.

I will conceded when he gets the ball he is a clinical finisher, but in many ways he doesn’t help the team. He dons’t fight for the ball going back, make intelligent runs, or play from the wing to free the middle for others to attack.

he has a similar skill set to drogba but the touch of berba. While he may score goals in bunches, he is only successful when the attack is allowed to go through him.

I believe the reason he dons’t score vital CL goals is because the good teams do not allow other inter players to get him the ball.

LIVERPOOL FC new boy Glen Johnson today revealed how he was given the inside track on his new club by a pair of former Reds.

The England right back said he spoke to Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant – who he played with for Portsmouth – about the move and received nothing but positive reports.

“Peter and Jermaine said it’s a fantastic club but they didn’t need to say that – I knew. They told me I’d enjoy every minute of it,” he said, speaking to the Liverpool club website.

Johnson added that Liverpool’s reputation in world football meant no other club could compete for his signature.

The right-back was the subject of reported interest from other clubs – but claims there was no contest once Rafa Benitez offered him the chance to join ‘one of the biggest clubs in the world’.

“I had a spell at Chelsea before and there were good and bad times but when a club like Liverpool comes in for you it is not a hard decision,” Johnson said.

“It’s a fantastic club – one of the biggest in the world. It’s got a great history and I wanted to be a part of that.

“The hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you come to Anfield and hear You’ll Never Walk Alone even when you don’t play for Liverpool, so I cannot begin to imagine how it is going to feel when I put the kit on for the first time.”

Johnson said his top priority in a Liverpool shirt will be helping the club win a first league title since 1990.

“We’ve got some fantastic players and I wanted to come here and help Liverpool win the league,” added the 24-year-old.

“The boys did fantastically well last year. Hopefully we can now get a few more points and steal it from Manchester United.

“We want to go as far as we can in every competition but all the lads want to win the Premier League and that would be a great start.”

Johnson was voted the Premier League’s best right-back by the PFA last term but the England man insists there is even more to come.

“I can definitely improve – every player can. I want to improve every aspect of my game,” he said.

“Rafa has told me he wants more of the same form I showed last year, but he also wants me to improve. We will be working hard together to do that.

“I am here to do my best.”

Johnson reported to training at Melwood for the first time on Wednesday where he was introduced to his new teammates.

“Yesterday was my first day and all the lads and staff made me feel really welcome, so it’s good times,” he said.

“I knew Stevie and Carra from before but yesterday I met about 60 players! I was shaking the same hands about four times introducing myself! It’s a lot to take in at once, and obviously the lads were messing about and laughing about that. But everyone’s made me feel really welcome and it’s great to be here.”

DiggerNo10 – I agree Zlatan’s stats seem impressive but anytime I’ve seen during level games such as the Champions League or WC/Euro Championships – he nearly always flatters to deceive. A good case in point was Inter’s game with Utd in the CL last season, 3/4 guilt edged chances that he fluffed. Anyway in my opinion Utd don’t really need strikers – it’s their midfield that is looking distinctly ordinary these days…

NK: I think you were bang on in your first assesment… I would love to see Owen, Berbatov and Ibramovich in the same side. It would be hialarious. Oh how the mighty fall… from The Fantastic Four to the Lazy, Knackered Three.

Think we’ve got problems. Manc fans must be going nuts.

And I think you’re dead right about N’Gog. Hopefully he can mature into a cracking player for us. Sorry though, I just can’t agree on Plessis or ElZhar. I really hope I’m wrong, but I think they will fall short of what is required by a title challenging side.

But even the worst scenario – selling them and making a few quid – means we haven’t wasted our time on them. And who knows. They might still come good.
As for you my old friend BM: Thank you for the big up in front of the lads. But I can’t be giving false impressions of meself. It’s actually an old Luton Tail Lift. The fumes aren’t bad. It’s the elastic bands and Duct tape I worry about.

And when you finally get a bird, you will understand why it’s a good idea to ask her before taking off to a place like Bangkok. But seeing you answer to nobody and earn a fortune in your big posh job, why not come and meet us there yourself. You might even be able to get a wife yourself out there and they are very hard workers. I’m sure a mail order bride would be a great help when the happy meals are flying. Sorry, scrap that. Happy’s going a bit too far in your case… I would have been nearer the mark saying the super sizers.

Arthur; his stats dont ‘seem’ impressive, they ARE impressive! C’mon mate, that kind of a goal scoring rate is top drawer. As for his off night at old trafford, what? One bad day at the office and you’re muck?! Nigeria; see above! I guess its a matter of opinion lads but surely ye both concede that if the mancs get him they improve vastly upfront?

DiggerNo10 – well put it this way – I’m far happier that they didnt get Benzema or keep Ronseal

Great blog Gerry. I hope these youth kids grow up as Liverpool first-team players, although it has a small chance of happening.

I liked N’Gog last season. He scored a couple of goals for us and also played well for the reserves last season. El Zhar was a bit dissapointing. Even after getting so many chances in the first team he couldn’t show his talent[If any]. Jay Spearing might turn out to be an exception by breaking in our first lineup. I am not quite aware of our other youngsters – Pacheco, Darby, Kelly, so I am not going to comment on them.

Although I am not too worried abt Owen joining Manure, I still think that he wld score as many as 10-15 goals nxt season. Obviously his presence wld be nothing compared to Ronaldo and Dracula, but wld easily turn out to be bigger than Berbatov.

As for Glen Johnson. Welcome to Anfield mate. Hope he is a big success and means everything he has said on the website today.

I don’t think anyone is saying he’s a bad player, Digger. It’s just too much of a muchness. You need a bit of sugar with the spice lad. And 3 players who do next fuck all outside the box, except for the occasional screamer, will be a lazy crock too far for even the Champions of The Univers.

But as I said earlier, it’s only a rumour and surely the Tramp can’t be that mad.

Speaking of all things Inter + rumours, read yesterday in the Guardian that Benny is lining up Cambiasso if we lose Alonso. Now it’s probably bullshit – but he wouldn’t be a bad replacement. What say the people??

FS – i don’t think ElZahr & Plessis will be superstar players for LFC. i think they will be counted on to do a job this season and will do the job.

Elzhar to help unlock tired defenses (similar to what pennent did his first season) and plessis to be the fourth holding midfielder used in our 4231 (xabi, macsha and lucas) ahead of him.

for the L1.5m we paid for Ngog, i can seeing being one of Rafa’s best value for money purchases.

DiggerNo10. Even though i don’t rate Zlatan as being in the class of tevez or ladyboy. he would be better then berba and owen. i think it would be a toss between him and rooney (who i also don’t rate)

as far as best collection of attacking players, i would rank the the teams the prem in this order: LFC, Chelsea, City, Everton, Manure, Fulham then Spurs. (based solely on how dangerous they are when attacking with the ball) FS if you want my reasons let me know.

Cambiasso’s a good player and could in theory substitute either Xabi or Masch but he wouldn’t be better than either of them so I don’t think Rafa’s that interested. Apparently Roma have said no to De Rossi going to Madrid who according to Marca are now resuming their interest in Cesc Fabregas. Really these guys are amazing. Do they think our friend Wenger is a complete fool? Serves them right for setting the bar so high with Ronaldo price. They’ll need to pay a lot of money for any quality defenders/midfielders. Basically it’s like anyone wanting to come in and buy my house. It’s not for sale unless I’m really tempted with an offer I can’t refuse and frankly RM are running out of credit fast.

Inter’s Director of Sport, Gabriele Oriali, has also come on saying that Ibrahimovic is going nowhere, nor Maicon for that matter. I’m a bit surprised with the mancs not moving quicker to get a substitute for Ladyboy. They’re in a position to pay silly money for the likes of Villa or Eto’o. I mean 60 mil plus a massive player salary would probably do it so I’m wondering why they haven’t been bolder. I’m beginning to think that the rats who own manure aren’t releasing all the funds from Winker. There’s still a monumental debt there. Also the Old Tramp has got a retirement coming up so he’ll be looking at a very fat golden handshake for his cooperation.

I had just logged on this rumours website, and saw this news that read “TORRES CAN LEAVE – SAYS FERGUSON”. I clicked on the link and found out that some other Ferguson bloke, manager of Petersborough is planning to make an offer for some other Torres[Sergio].

Absolutely shite!!!!!

Good point in 38 Arthur! Good debate for just a rumour Fatty started eh lads lol?!

Many of our targets this summer are off to some other clubs. Like, Stewart Downing and Tuncay Sanli are leaving for Villa for a 20m deal. Micah Richards is off to Everton.

Looks like all these rumours were just rumours. There is another one linking us with Mirko Vucinic. The report says that we hav enquired abt his price tag frm Roma. Rafa wants a big, strong target man to partner Torres. If it happens I wldn’t mind it.

Rafa’s given his talk and says Aurelio will probably be out for 1 month or 2 at the most. Typical press wanting to exaggerate everything. I mean if Torres got stung by a wasp he’d be out for 3 months wouldn’t he? Has also confirmed that Masch and Xabi are going nowhere (subject I suppose to offers you can’t refuse). Nice one Rafa!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8142592.stm

NK, you don’t have to justify anything to me mate. And anyway, like I said, I agree with most of your points. Even over Plesis and El Zhar, to a point. The point being… yes they are capable of doing a job and being decent squad players, but as the first team becomes stronger and stronger surely the next job will be to upgrade the squad players to the best possible ones we can get and keep happy – sort of like at RB if Arbie stays.

One thing I’d say though to everyone is… don’t write the mancs off just yet. The bastards have won trophy after trophy even in the seasons when they wasn’t the best on paper. And as much as I hate to say it, you can never count them out.

Digger don’t blame me lad – it was some hack. I feel like Basil Fawlty surrounded by Germans… “You started it.”
“No. I never, you invaded Poland.”

Anyway, just came into say Rafa had had his press conference. Vinotinto beat me to it. But hopefully there’ll be a link to the whole thing on video. Rafa was excellent.

I swear I love that man more every time I see him.

Kop King mate, not being funny and you go ahead and post what ever you want. But aren’t you starting to identify some sort of theme here?

Mate, here’s a link… http://www.wrx.zen.co.uk/britnews.htm

You will find every British newspaper and magazine in there. You will find thousands of rumours if you go through them all, and I will give you a pound for every one that turns out right.

FS: Right about the mancs. You just can’t trust them. I’ve seen this a hundred times but I still enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k7U-_tJVmw

Oh it’s great mate. I remember years ago, when I was living in the states I was surrounded by the fuckers. I used to drink in a pub down there owned by a Man U fan from Manchester. He was/is still a good friend, and a very decent bloke. I was the only Scouser/LFC fan around there. The manc used to actually cringe himself at all the shit that used to get hurled my way. I understood his embarasment – every fucker and his dog, English and from all over the world, all supported the mancs but you could count on one hand the ones who had any actual knowledge about the club and the game in general.

Anyway, they went through a bit of a rocky patch and they had some shite players. I loved it, really lapped it up and give out some merciless shite to all concerned…
The fuckers won the treble that season.

I swear the Old Tramp sold his soul to Old Nick back in 91.

FS thanks for the heads-up about the Spurs game, I probably wouldn’t have noticed. Looks like a boozy Sunday session will be in order then. But I probably would have done that anyway.

LB in case you missed it on the last comments, I’m probably in London from around Aug 13th to 17th, let me know if you’re up for a bevvy. I’ll be trying to catch up with FS around the Spurs game.

I rarely go into Sly Sports because of who their owners are but I was surprised to see a quote on another site saying that Rafa demanded “loyalty” from Masch and Xabi. This struck me as being a bit unrafalike so I though I’d check it out. This is how Sly introduced their report: “Benitez is confident the key duo will remain on Merseyside and he has revealed he would like the pair to show some loyalty to Liverpool”.

These are Rafa’s actual words I think :

“I do not think Alonso or Mascherano will go. It is clear that they both are under contract with long-term agreements. That is it.
There has been a lot of things written, a lot of rumours, but both players are under contract and we have no more need to talk about things. They are both very good players and I will be very pleased to keep them. They both have very good contracts.
We signed them both from different situations. Alonso was coming from Real Sociedad and nobody had really heard much of him outside of Spain, he did well and we renewed his contract because of that. Mascherano came from West Ham where he had not been doing well. We brought him here and gave him a good contract, so we are very pleased with them both and that Liverpool has been very good to them.”

Rafa never mentions the word ‘loyalty’ or ‘disloyalty’ or any of their synonyms. He hasn’t really questioned their loyalty. They play for Liverpool and are under contract. End.

A quick question for any of our American buddy’s. With ESPN picking up the Setanta package and showing a lot of games next season,I’ve been trying to tune it in on my TV.
I’ve managed to get ESPN America which just seems to show endless amounts of baseball at the moment,is this the right channel?
In other matters, I notice Balague is at it again. This time he is saying that Alonso has actually asked Rafa to release him and he also suggests that it might be better for all concerned if he did.
I think it’s time Rafa swept his office for bugging devices because clearly this Balague guy has a hidden microphone hidden away in there and is privvy to all of these conversations between Rafa and his players.
I used to have a bit of time for Balague but he seems to be a bit of a clown and he is rapidly falling into my bad books.

I’ve just read Rafa’s comments on the xabi and mash situation. What a manager he is! They are both under long contracts and that is it. We are happy with them and we have no reason to sell. We just know if they do go we’ll get top dollar for them. Likewise the same with King Kenny. What a humble man he is. We all answer to Rafa, he expects results is what he said. Two top, top men running our club.

Digger: ref IbraHOMVIC he has a lot of talent but he is moody and thinks he is the best player to have walked on to a football pitch. I think he is a flat track bully. I’ve seen him a few times and he has been pants, mainly because he’s been lazy and sulking.

Gerry I’ve left my telly on the scrambled screen rather than tune it in. Believe me, if ESPN have Tommy “Onion bag” Smythe doing the punditry you’ll soon be begging for Angry Gay and Martin Tyler’s Monkey.

As for Belague he’s turning into a right shite isn’t he. I think he got completely FO’d by Rafa when the Villa inquiries hit the newspapers. But whatever happened between them, I know this for sure… he doesn’t get Rafa’s trust anymore.

There’ll be a link to Rafa’s conference soon, from the bits I saw it’s well worth a watch. Nice to see Johnson making all the right noises too. Good reminder for Xabi and Mascher in there too.

Tommy Smythe is the most annoying, no nothing commentator in the world. i would literary not turn on the volume when he did do a game when i was living the in US.

God i hate that manc loving, mother fucking, piece of shit.

he’s even worse then steve cohen, at least that bastard admits he dons’t line liverpool and dons’t hide behind “objectivity”

Gerry,

In the States we have a couple channels, ESPN and ESPN2, that show a lot of baseball from April 1st through October. Considering there are 30+ teams in the league that play everyday for 6 months that is a lot of games. However they only show baseball games from Sunday through Friday (the Fox network has the Saturday rights) and most of them are at night in the States. I think it is a great move if ESPN decides to air these games in the states since their normal programming between 6am and 1pm is reruns of SportsCenter. Plus I won’t have to shell out an extra $15 per month just for Setanta. Last year because of ESPN (Champs League), Fox Soccer Channel and Setanta I watched every Liverpool match live. Oh the wonders of Satelitte TV. Back when I was a kid all I could get was the weekly “Soccer Made in Germany” episode hosted by Toby Charles that played on public access channels in the States.

NK, I learned to love Old Onion Bag. At first he used to drive me mad, but after a while I just used to sit there laughing me bollacks off, wondering how the fuck he’d moodied his way into the job and how much was he getting for spouting such shite.

Sort of like Hicks and Gillette, he’s conned his way into a job he knows absolutely fuck all about.
Good work if you can get it.

Anyway, just popped into say, I’ve seen most of Rafa’s press conference on telly in edited clips, and I’ve been dodging round the net reading some reports on it.

Much like Tommy Smythe, all you can think is how the fuck do these hacks get away with it.

Rafa on Xabi: He was at Real Sociadad. We brought him here. He has done a good job and we are very pleased.
Reporters version: No one knew who he was. He owes it to us.

Rafa on Masch: He was at West Ham and not doing so good.
Reporters version: He was at West Ham and doing really good.

Don’t really know why they changed that. Tried to but just can’t work it out. I suppose it’s just force of habit.

On Barry… “it’s just money, money, money.”
Reporters version: Rafa we tried to sign Barry again (He never said such a thing) but he chose money, money, money.

I could go on but what’s the point. You know the drill.

Tommy Smyth loves Roy Keane so much he probably ‘bulged’ his own onion bag during those old Manc Champions League games. Derek Rae would help with the clean up.

Aaaah…. “he get’s another bite of the cherry!”

Good ole Toby Charles and Soccer Made in Germany. Me and me Dad used to eat that shit up. Only footie available, when we first moved here.
Then it got taken over by that fuckin dillweed Mario Machardo and went to shit.

Ged, ESPN have something like 5 channels now, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Int’l, and a few others (oh plus ESPN Classic, but it won’t be on that) …so its gonna depend what they “relegate” the Prem matches to.

I’m disappointed Setanta blew it and that ESPN got the contract. (wasn’t there some hint that ESPN might just buy Setanta, or was that runor?)

Between Fox and Setanta, every Prem game played was broadcast here in the States, along with most FA and Carling games and then you threw ESPN in the mix for CL games…. meant I never missed a single game last season.

Oh and I second the emotion on Tommy Smythe… if you think Andy Grey shows a bias towards Everton or against LFC, wait till you get a load of this douchebag!

In a later comment I may express my true feelings about Mr. Smythe, but for now, I’ll just leave you with that ever so veiled hint.

I remember a fella out there called, Bianenvue or something like that. What a twat. Saw him once, he done the whole show in a blonde wig, wearing a manc shirt, doing a Dick Van Dyke cockney accent, pretending to be David Beckham.

What a tosser.

It’s a shame that they give all these knobs the jobs in the US. American soccer is coming on leaps and bounds. They don’t need these dickheads. I think it’s some sort of inferiority thing, thinking they need their “Expertise.”

I haven’t been over there for ages, so I don’t know what’s happening now. But I do know they don’t need these Mr. Know All’s know fuck all.

I’ll tell you a real basic something that always made me laugh… these experts get on their high horse and love to take the piss out of the American use of the word Soccer, insisting it is Football.

Tell you how much they know… The word comes from Association. The English used it way back in the 1800′s when they used to have to distinguish between Rugby Football and Association Football. The word Association got shortened to Soccer and Rugby was just called Football, but as time went by Rugby ended up being called just that – Rugby. And Soccer went back to being called Football.

It’s all a nonsense really, but it’s just one of them little things that get on my tit.

Anyway, came into say this… just seen a report on Sly about Southampton this afternoon. It showed them in training with the manager putting them through their paces, but it was primarily about the new Billionaire owner.

The manager gave an interview, praising the new owner, saying how they were all going to pull together, and get Southampton back to where it belongs. He went on and on about the new owner, thanking him for the faith he had shown in him and all that sort of malarkey.

An hour later, the owner announced the manager was sacked.

Fuckin footy eh.

You can tell I’m sat at home bored on me todd, but I just had to put this in here…
http://www.skybet.com/skybet?action=GoEvType&id=10003041

Nevermind the toss pot media. If anyone ever gets these sort of things right, it’s the bookies.

Well, I always thought that until I seen the odds on Ribbery’s next club… surley some mistake.

This is getting mad…
http://www.oddspreview.com/category/Football/Franck-Ribery-to-Liverpool-Latest-betting-200907090023/

alright lads haven’t been in for a few days me laptops on the blink i got meself a virus.keeping up with all the comments on my mobile though and some excellent posts lads.gerry,i tried to download skybot but it just wouldn’t load.i gave my laptop to my buddy he’s pretty handy with them so fingers crossed.great blog by the way agree with all of your points.can’t say too much more me fingers are starting to hurt except… BURGERMAN,in the words of the famous del boy “WHAT A 42 CARROT PLONKER YOU REALLY ARE! “

FS, like you say, the odds don’t lie. Whoever is making those bets definitely knows something. In all honesty, I would not be shocked if we did move for Ribery.

If there is one thing we know about Rafa it’s that he always manipulates the media. As soon as the reports leaked about the Silva matter it was dropped instantly. He said Keane was not going anywhere, he was sold a week later. Rafa’s comments that made it seem that we had no money and would have to scrape together a couple pennies to sign another player could have been another one of his ploys. G&H would not be opposed to spending on attacking players (see Alex Rodriguez with the Rangers, or Torres when we were first purchased) because much of the value can be recouped on jersey sales, marketing, team exposure, etc (i.e., the real madrid principle).

On another note, Man U will not be spending much of the ronaldo money. They are skint. If you guys were having a piss about our financial situation, when we are cash flow positive and, as a business, in fantastic shape, then I can’t imagine what you’d do if you were ManU fans. They are completely fucked. I didnt bother coming in and talking about our finances when the numbers first came out as everyone was being overwhelmingly negative and it was just unbearable, but in reality we are actually one of the most financially healthy clubs in teh entire Prem.

Long time reader and …. getting me balls bursted at work, so have not had time to post. Have kept up (just) with the comments and blogs.

Excellent blog as always Gerry. However, on the Owen thing, it was the club who allowed him to run down his contract and not vice-versa. Thankfully under Rafa this type of crap will not happen again!

There had been many false dawns before at LFC before Rafa arrived. So, putting yourself in Owen’s shoes, maybe a move to Real seemed the way to go. However, from all accounts he did have the chance to come back if he sat tight but he choose the luney toons instead and thereby cementing a place in his beloved Ingerlund. I haven’t even passed a glance at what he is doing since then.

BTW, brilliantly comment by Redscouse (I think). At least it will be a shorter helicopter trip for him now. Classic.

Also, I have just got your Fergiescum looks at brochure’s joke. Fucking delayed reaction or what.

WTF is this about Ribery? It’s true that the bookies are very rarely wrong.

I will have hunt around on some French websites (easy now Burgerman) and see what I can find.

BTW, does anyone have a link to Rafa’s full conference today. I can only find some titbits.

The reason that I ask is because of the headline in the daily manc – Money-grabber Barry has put cash ahead of his career, says Liverpool boss Benitez

and quotes Rafa as saying…

‘When you are a player thinking of moving to a new club, you have to make sure it is for the right reasons, because, if it is just for money, you may make a mistake, like Gareth Barry did’.

For me it does not sound like something that Rafa would say and would like to check it out.

I haven’t had the chance to post for a couple of days lads, but yes Gerry, I think you have echoed exactly how alot of LFC fans feel about M.O. Great blog as always.

So there’s alot of money on Frank Ribery to Anfield. Can we afford him?

Oh by the way lads, the wife has promised that if LFC can reproduce that performance that they put in against Real Madrid then I am odds on to get my end away! Looks like the Reds scoring will get me scoring. As for me living up to my own personal performance on that heady March night…….. Hmmmm, that could be a tall order!

The only place that I can find the full conference is on the LFCTV website and there’s no way that I am going to give them two yanks any of my money.

Interestingly, the daily manc report can no longer be found on there website but, luckily, I kept a copy. Here it is in full:

-o-

Money-grabber Barry has put cash ahead of his career, says Liverpool boss Benitez

by JOHN EDWARDS

Rafa Benitez labelled England midfielder Gareth Barry a money-grabber yesterday in an outspoken attack over the player’s decision to join Manchester City instead of Liverpool.

Barry almost became a Liverpool signing last summer and looked bound for Anfield again this year until City won him over with a five-year contract worth £100,000 a week.
Gareth Barry

The former Aston Villa skipper, who cost City £12million, insisted his change of heart had been influenced solely by the promise of more big-name arrivals at Eastlands, but Liverpool manager Benitez angrily rejected his claim and accused him of putting cash before his career prospects.

Speaking at a press conference for right back Glen Johnson’s £17m arrival from Portsmouth, Benitez reflected on how Barry had forfeited a Champions League campaign by spurning Liverpool.

He said: ‘When you are a player thinking of moving to a new club, you have to make sure it is for the right reasons, because, if it is just for money, you may make a mistake, like Gareth Barry did.

‘I don’t want to say too much about that, but some decisions this year have been shaped by those considerations and his was one. It is 100 per cent clear that it was down to money.
Rafa Benitez

‘If a player is motivated more by money than success, then maybe it is not a bad thing to miss out on him. I believe passion should be the main factor when you are signing a player.

‘Maybe it’s just me, but I have this idea that everyone in football at this level earns big wages and that money should not be the main thing. You have to enjoy your career, strive to improve and look to play at the highest level you can.’

Benitez admitted the transfer market had gone ‘crazy’, adding: ‘It is all money, money, money now. We had to pay big money for Glen but we were signing a good player, an England player, and that is very positive. He had good offers from other clubs, but I could tell from talking to him that he wanted to come here because he felt he could improve.

‘He knows we will work him very hard, concentrate on making him an even better player and guarantee his place at next year’s World Cup finals. He has many attributes, but there are areas to work on, like making him a better defender.’

Benitez delivered a blunt message to midfielders Xabi Alonso, a target for Real Madrid, and Javier Mascherano, who is wanted by Barcelona, and made it clear there would be no easy way out of Anfield for either player.

He said: ‘We signed Xabi from Real Sociedad when nobody had really heard much of him outside of Spain and renewed his contract two years ago, and Javier needed picking up when we brought him from West Ham.

‘Both players owe a lot to this club and the fans who think so much of them. They owe a debt of loyalty and they know that.’

In all the clips that I have seen Rafa never explicitly mentioned Barry.

-0-

Unless someone in here can confirm that Rafa actually said this, it seems to me that the hounds have been released, full throttle. It was his first conference FFS!

I’d say you had a good night the following saturday too steve!

that article is total shite!Drives me insane.

TT, surely this type of reporting (if not true) is libelous. FFS, they have quotes around the text i.e. Rafa said this.

Again, I cannot now find this article on their website. Interesting.

Rafa should pull them up on this again!

Lurgan, I missed the whole thing and only seen the press conference in little clips. Sly is indeed the correct name for them.

This is the sort of thing they constantly do… “Next on Sky Sports News, Rafa Benitez on blah, blah, blah….

Then you sit through all sorts of adverts, watch al sorts of shite stories and then another tiny snippet of Rafa – or whatever you have been promised next and have sat through all that shit and waited for – and then it’s back to adverts and off we go again, round and round and round.

It’s particularily bad on slow news days like these.

As for the press, they sit in the conferences, pencils sharpened and drawn, waiting to get stuck in and then the barbed questions start.

Usually you will find Sly put the whole thing on their website the day after, once they’ve ecked every bit of mileage from it on TV.

What I can tell you is… from the clips I saw, Rafa was happy and smiling, very open and even joking with the reporters. Shame that they can’t enjoy him for what he is, and decide to turn on him, and turn his words, no matter what.

In fact, I think I’ve found Rafa’s achilles heel – he’s got a short memory concerning the english media. No doubt he’ll have had his memory jogged today though and we won’t see him as happy again for awhile.

As for that article you posted, I just checked and it has gone. Well, no wonder. As from what I seen of the conference, it is indeed libelous.

But what do you expect. Did you see the News Of The World have just been caught for tapping loads of people’s phones. They even tapped John Prescott’s and he was deputy Prime Minister at the time.

They was in court for it today. What happened to them? Not a lot as the little old baldy magician said to the showgirl.

Regardless of what was said, why does Mr B bother speaking to the shits. Even the mouth piece of Real Madrid, Balague is having a dig at the moment. They should all be told to F–k right off, no more interviews, for christ sake we have our own TV channel. No more interviews.

FS, fuck me, it is now on The Times website how Masch and Xabi ‘OWE’ LFC/Rafa. Disgusting to say the least! Would have expected better there!

What dignity this man has thru’ all this shite. He always fronts the media no matter what, unlike his toilet duck counter-part. I think that Rafa just laughs most of it off now.

Which brings me to a point that I have never raised in here before. I believe that there was a period where Rafa did not seem at himself (about 12-18 months ago) and I was really worried that he would just fuck off and say what’s the point.

However, he now seems to have a spring in his step and thank fuck he’s the boss of LFC.

Also, whenever you have a legend like King Kenny bowing (not literally) to him, you know it must be a good thing.

Both very rare breeds and we are lucky to have them!

Gazman, even sir bollix does not have the balls not to give an interview to sly!

Says quite a lot about who runs the show.

Here you go lads…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/jul/09/alex-ferguson-alan-shearer-hacked

I reckon all they’d have got from them two is a few calls to the bookies and the off license. But it shows how bad the press is getting over here. Something really does need to be done.

And I had a bit of thought about them odds for Ribbery… what’s the chances of Sly engineering them odds and publicising it to fuck, just so all the mug punters will think they are on a sure thing and throw their whole weeks dole at it?

Is there any depth they won’t lower themselves to?

FS, it just makes you wonder who is running the fucking country. Or maybe not!

Probably not a bad call on the Ribery thing because I cannot find a single recent link to him and Liverpool within the French media. He is the star man at the moment in France, so you would have thought it would have appeared somewhere.

As someone stated earlier, do we have the money to buy this guy. Hoping to be proved wrong.

Well, off to bed, but here’s the best I can find…
http://www.skysports.com/video/clips/0,23791,12602_5423393,00.html?ssvTab=1&ssvSelectedTab=12599&ssvBasket=12602&ssvPage=1

If you watch this, you will see when Rafa speaks about bringing Xabi Alonso to Anfield he says “He was at Real Sociodad. We brought him here. He done good. We renewed his contract.”

If you read the paper’s version… “He was at Real Sociodad. We brought him here when nobody knew about him. He done good. We renewed his contract.”

Only a small change. Just 5 words added, but puts a whole new spin on things.

Same with Masch… “He was at West Ham, doing well so we brought him here.”

Paper version… “He was at West Ham and he wasn’t doing so well, and we brought him here.”

Again on a slight change but again a whole new spin… or should I say stir as in shit.

As for Barry, all I can say is in the bit of the interview I seen, the reporter asks Rafa why Barry went to Man City? And he laughs and says… Money, money, money.

As I say, I never saw the whole thing. But to be honest, I don’t care if he called Barry every bad name from A to Z.

You said it earlier yourself Lurgie mate… they’ve released th hounds at the first opportunity.

Well, we are in for a long season of this, and I’m going to do my upmost best to completely ignore the media. I’ve had their number for over 40 years. Fuck them.

I’m just glad to see Rafa looking happy and healthy and it’s good to know he’s enjoyed the nice weather we’ve had lately. Looks like the fat bastard’s been enjoying the Payella and Sangria a bit too much an all.

I love the man absolutely love him. And he’s spot on… Alonso and Mascher owe this club. They’d do well to look at Johnson and see how happy that kid is and listen to what he’s saying. I like the lad already.

Just read that Gaurdian link FS goes to show what Scum they are .
Andy Coulson get fired and the Conservatives think lets give him
a job as director of communications ,
isn’t that a bit like letting Michael Jackson babysit for your kids .
Lurgan the press have always tried to run this country,right now
there trying to get the Conservative party elected .
Back to football i reckon El Zhar will be good enough one day he
seems to be quite tricky and he has a bit of pace.
Plessis got 87% pass completion playing Arsenal which is good for his age
Darby look like he’s ready for more time on the first team bench.
But over all the academy as been poor for a while but Kenny will start
churning out 2/3 quality players a year and a few more Gerrards/Fowlers
and maybe another Owen ie Pacheco but lets hope he doesnt end up
at the toilet.
YNWA

My thoughts exactly Kenny flat track bull (Graeme Hick’s nickname) yes his stats are good but he lacks bottle in the big games and more often than not fluffs it.

As for Balague could not agree more with you Gerry and FS since he has been frozen out by Rafa he has had a few digs to try and stir the pot but it is all smoke and mirrors with no substance.

I don’t believe the Ribery rumors for on minute. He has already come out and said he would only move to Real. Bayern have placed an 80 mill Euro price tag on him and he is not a Rafa type player and Rafa would not pay anywhere near that figure for a player even if he had the money. Hell Silva at 20 odd mill is a better buy and Rafa rejected that price.

To be honest I would be happy if we kept the status quo with just Johnson as the addition, yes a few youngsters on the side. We have a really strong squad, assuming we keep everybody which I strongly believe we will. The so called youngsters of Lucas, El Zhar, Babel, Ngog and Insua will be significantly better for another preseason and season under their belts. No serious injuries, except Aurelleo’s which we have plenty of cover in Dossena and Insua. No Olympics to disrupt, no Euro’s to disrupt and tire the players. Both Gerrard and Torres starting the campaign fit without niggling injuries. Agger fit to give us more attacking options in terms of bringing the ball out from the back as well as giving Carra and Skertal a break as Rafa rotates. Hopefully the team starting as they finished, with Benny and Deadly in the best form of their lives for LFC. Reira with a full preseason under his belt which will make him stronger and with him becoming a regular in the Spanish side since his move to LFC more confident and relaxed. Johnson to give us a significantly improved attacking options from the right, as well as Arbie to give both players time off, which will mean no more of Skertal and Carra at right back. Then the introduction of a few youngsters in the shape of Nemeth, Pacheo, Darby and Spearing not to mention Jan Jose for the 4th centre back pair along with Kelly. There is plenty of attacking options, strength in all areas of the pitch and youth to nurture and gain experience in the Carling Cup and early FA cup rounds. All in all pretty damn good if you ask me, especially with number 19 as the final reward for a job well done. If you want to be a little greedy you can add one or two cups to that as well.

Keith,

That’s a good analysis. If we could get a Silva type of player, it’ll be even better…

Nice analysis Keith

I feel the same way when I look at our squad.
Ill I will greedy and add the CL to that too.
Real Mad will be going all out to win it this year and I can see Rafa having the final word with the bastards in that comp, it’ll be interesting.

Just finalized me tickets for Bangkok tomorrow so hope to see you there Fatty lad. I might even take a trip down to Pattaya after the game meself as I hear the wildlife is tremendous down there this time of year.
akka, are you coming too?

Fatty well have to sync the bar we’re meeting up in, for Knight and Akka too.

Cant wait as the last Liverpool game I went to Michael Owen scored in Vs. Charlton!!

Over and out lads

Agreed Keith, but I would like to see one more signing… Someone to play off Torres, or take up the gauntlet when Nando or Gerrard need a rest or are out injured.

Having said that, I won’t be too upset if we go into it with what we’ve already got.

As for this mornings daily dose of media shite…

Does anybody have a link to yesterday’s full press conference?

I missed the whole thing on Sly Sports News yesterday, but I saw bits in clips over the course of the day… you know the way them kunts do it – “Next Rafa Benitez.”

Then after a load of adverts and stories about the tiddly wink championships in Outer Mongolia, you get a picture of Rafa, and… “Next Rafa Benitez,” and it’s off to the adverts again and back to a report on The Turkish Oil wrestling championshps. (Didn’t make that up, that’s what they had on.) And so it goes on all fucking day, keeping mugs like me watching.

Anyway, in the clips I saw on Sly News and their website, Rafa was smiling and happy and quite open with the press. (Rafa’s achilles – short memory regarding the media?) And he answered all the questions fired at him, even the Tevez one… “I’m enjoying the weather.”

As for Barry, when asked why he joined City, all I seen Rafa say was “Money, money, money.” And that was it.

I know he went on about loyalty, and players not needing to focus on more and more money as they earn plenty and they should be more interested in developing as players and having the best possible career.

But, far as I’m concerned, that was aimed at Xabi and Mascher. But from what I can see, it’s all been cut and pasted in the papers, in their usual manner so that by this morning it turns into Rafa saying… “Barry is a greedy cunt and I’m dead bitter about it.”

So I’d like to see the conference in full and see exactly what Rafa did say.

As for the press, what do you Irish lads think of the Belfast telegraph?
Here’s what they’re having to say on LFC/Ribbery…
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/angry-rafa-targets-ribery-for-liverpool-14397207.html

As for Sky betting, they have been on Sky this morning and the mouth piece said… About a dozen people threw loads of dough on Ribbery joining LFC at 66/1. So they slashed the odds to 33/1. Then the same dozen or so people threw a load more dosh at it. And on and on it went until they slashed the odds down to 8/13.

Complete and utter bollacks as far as I’m concerned. And I’d love to see the betting/gambling commision investigating them and charging them with doctoring the odds in order to encourage betting and give the betting wing of the company more exposure in the battle against the more established/bigger bookmakers.

But I’m not daft enough anything will ever change as far as the english press is concerned.

Donal at the moment it’s down to 2 alehouses in Bangkok, both owned by Scouse reds living down there. I’m going out now, so will dig up the names and post them later when I have time.

2 problems my end… 1: my daft mate is taking more and more time to get his act together.
2: I’ve just heard all the tickets went within hours of being released and they are now like gold dust.

I’m not going to travel all that way, if I can’t get in.

What do you reckon touts will be asking for tickets?

Not that I’d pay it anyway. I never have and never will pay a tout. But it would be good to know.

I’ll get back to you later today.

FS, I’ve been trying to find the full press conference myself but with little luck. I found this on the Liverpool Daily Post website though:

RAFAEL BENITEZ has praised the desire of new signing Glen Johnson, hitting out at ‘money’ motivated former target Gareth Barry while also warning Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano that they owe loyalty to Liverpool.

Right-back Johnson, at £16million the most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history was unveiled at Melwood yesterday following his record-breaking move from Portsmouth and his new manager took the opportunity to point out that he had chose to come to the club for the right reasons unlike Barry who earlier this summer left Aston Villa to join Manchester City.

Benitez said: “He always wanted Liverpool as soon as he heard the name. He is a signing that wanted to come.

“He is an England international who has been at big clubs before and it shows the desire of the player to be successful here.

“We knew we had to pay good money because he had good offers. We are not spending big money normally for players but in this case we are talking about an English very good offensive defender.

“I have an idea, but maybe it’s just me. In this market now, money is not the main thing. Everyone at this level earns big money. You have to enjoy, make decisions, do your best in the right way.

“If it’s just for money sometimes you will make mistakes, like Gareth Barry.

“I won’t say too much (about Barry’s move to Manchester City) but it was clearly for money. The most important thing is to decide the passion of the player.”

Although Benitez is eager to have players that show the right desire to play for Liverpool, he also insists that managers in his position can hold on to players if they want them.

The Spaniard is determined to fend off interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona for Alonso and Mascherano, saying: “When you are at a top side you can do it so you have to decide about the players and the way to do things. If you have to be strong enough we will be strong enough.

“Both players are under contract, we are really pleased with them.

“Don’t forget when we signed Xabi Alonso, nobody knew of him. We renewed his contract two years ago and he said he was happy.

“With Mascherano, you know what happened at West Ham so both players know they owe a lot to Liverpool Football Club.

“The fans like them and if we can keep working with them it will be good for the team. I think they owe Liverpool loyalty but I don’t think I need to spell that out to them or remind them of that.”

One player whose Anfield future does look seriously questionable though, particularly after Johnson’s signing, is Alvaro Arbeloa.

Benitez said: “We offered him an extension before and we are waiting.

“We are in contact, we had some conversations but if you cannot progress you have to have ideas and find other solutions but he’s still our player.

“At this moment we are happy with the signing of Johnson because we think we have improved the squad.

“We finished four points behind Manchester United but now with new players of quality, some players coming back and some young players training with the first team.

“I don’t think we will go for another big, big signing. As always we will try and sign the players we need.”

Most of Rafa’s talk was great but I would have left out the Barry bit. So we were interested in him but he went to City for more cash. Everyone knows that top players only go to City for cash so his comment is a bit superfluous really. What he says about Masch and Xabi is spot on. They’re not for sale unless you pay my asking price. End. It seems he’s also cleared up the Ribery story by saying “I don’t think we will go for another big, big signing”. But you never know do you?

There’s nothing wrong, Vinotinto, with RB commenting about Barry. It’s an opinion just like everyone else’s. That said, I will lump Barry and Owen in the same boat. I liked something the gaffer referred to saying that it might have been good for us to see those Barry (and Owen)-like tendencies early enough. We surely don’t need such kind of players at all. I would take an inferior player to those two, but one who’s passionate about the Red shirt and playing before the Kop, to any ‘world class’ talent soccer might boast of.

I love the passion that marks Rafa’s Anfield tenure; the way he goes on and on about all things Kop. Indeed, both Alonso and Masche owe LFC a massive debt, both playing in average squads before resurrecting their career before the most fabulous soccer fans anywhere.

The Reds are on the ascendancy and in truth we’re moving forward by leaps and bounds. King Kenny’s back, our backroom staff’s quality is ever increasing, players are now linked with this ‘unheralded’ (Goal.com) club, and the fans are still Kopites.

All things considered, I’d rather be Red right now than any other time in my supporting career.

Go Reds, Go Rafa, Go Kopites. YNWA…Ever!

If Rafa manages to sell Itandje, Voronin and Degen, that should bring in 4 mill.A decent striker can be got for 8-9 mill and a balanced championship winning squad will be completed.
FS, I gave up burgers years ago, I wouldn’t have a 6-3, 180 lbs body otherwise.Watch out for those Ladyboys in Bangkok, you never know what nasty diseases you could pick up.Emma Crosby is a bit out of your league, Im afraid.My sister was one of her best mates, that’s how I got to know her.If Rafa keeps Alonso and Masher, the Reds will score 95 points next season.

Vorinon is going nowhere I think, after all he wants to conquer the Prem. To be honest from what I saw of him he is not a bad player if he gets his mind right. I would play both him and Benny in the hole behind the striker to give Gerrard a rest, Nemeth maybe for the Carling cup,. Babel and Ngog to give Torres a rest and the chance for Babbel to really step up and show his worth. Yes I would like to see a Silva type player for the wide left and right options and to give another option other than Benny when Kuyt is rested as Benny does cut in a lot and we loose width. However its more a nice to have than a must have. Nice position to be in. I liked what I saw of that Turkish winger FS and hope there is still some substance to it and Rafa is just waiting on the Masch and Alosno thing to be secured before he finalizes it.

Good call Vino. Ya know I hummed and hawed about posting something similar yesterday but thought it would probably desintegrate into the usual ‘Diggers a Rafa basher’ so I thought fuck it, whats the point? But must confess my first thought on his Barry speech was ‘ffs’. What right does he have to pass judgement on another mans choices? Ya lost out. Deal with it. Move on. What purpose can it serve save maybe to inspire him and his team to shove it down our throat during the season. Most unnecessary I thought

I think the chances of Turan coming lost legs when Babel went to Turkey Keith. It seems nothing happened there and it looks like Rafa is giving Babel another chance. Let’s hope he takes it, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Turan lad at Anfield sometime in the near future. He’s a star in the waiting that kid. And it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Rafa already has a deal in place but is leaving the lad there to develop fully. We’ll see.

Sam, don’t believe the papers mate. The only thing I seen Rafa say concerning was 3 words – Money, money, money – when pushed to comment by a reporter.

The rest of it as far as I can is the usual hatchet job and mischief stirring by the english media. I honestly can’t think of a more dispicable set of people.

My friend BM: I am so happy for you, you fine figure of a man you. I bet you also have very nice, straight white teeth, a full head of shinning healthy hair and are very kind to animals and your mum.

Sadly, you are correct, Sir. Emma Crosby (whoever she is) is indeed out of my league. To be honest, even Bill and Bing are – seeing I’m a very happilly married man with 4 children and 2 grand children.

However don’t despair, I could always pass on your details to the ladyboys you seem to be so interested in. I’m sure one of them would be thrilled to meet such a fine specimen of manhood as yourself.

Diggers a Rafa basher!

Digger: Why do you care? I think he’s spot on, just sending a message more to our players and any players who might want to come and play for us what is required and what attitude they should have. Everybody has an opinion and they say what they want. Personally I’d rather hear a proper answer as long as it’s not disrepectful than the usual bland textbook quote.

PS… Donal check your emails.
And Knight, where are you, you old bugger? We are trying to get a good old drink and sing song sorted.
Some of us old fat chaps having a laugh…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFkPhus8Q-w

I’d say more of a helmet basher, but he does like a good old whinge, eh Dig?

Your’e absolutely right Timmy, the following Saturday (14th March) the day we turned the scum over at Old Twatford also happened to be my birthday!

Alas I was too pissed to do anything come bedtime. But oh, what a day!

Joking aside Digger… why believe the English press above Rafa?

Indeed, why believe the English Press over your own eyes and ears….
http://www.skysports.com/video/clips/0,23791,12602_5423393,00.html?ssvTab=1&ssvSelectedTab=12599&ssvBasket=12602&ssvPage=1

I think his comments on Barry – Money, money, money – are in that section of the interview. Can’t be arsed checking. As usual in Rafa I trust.

But mate, if you believe the English press… well, then I believe BM is indeed Johnny Concrete.

Good man Bhav! That dident take long lol! Why do I care Kenny? Well he’s the manager of LFC Ken and I thought it was petty. It was undignified. And it was unnecessary. In short; very unLFClike. Added to this I think Fattys on to something: has he already forgotten his treatment from the media after last yrs ‘facts’ speech? Already today on F365 ‘Rafas devastating attack on Barry’. He’s setting himself up. If nothing else Kenny it demonstrates deteriorating media savvy on his part.

Well its confirmed

Ribery is as good as bought

Xabi and masher to spend the rest of the transfer window in the dungeons of melwood

and Rafa has declared Jihad on Gareth Barry (no racial offense meant)

Fatty I’ll communicate with you through email about Bangkok (so we can talk about our ladyboy plans in peace)

Over and out

Undignified.
Un-neccesary.
And un-fuckin-happened.

Tell you what though Dig, he’s piled a few pound on and he was rolling his rrrrrr’s in the interview… bastard, how dare he get fat and speak like a Spaniard.

I will indeed use the email Donal. I have a dastardly plan to fill the Transit with pallets full of Ladyboy sex slaves, and I’d hate to get interupted at the Albert dock as I was unloading them when I get home.

Digger: Rafa has only said what’s already been said by the media and all and sundry and what we all know about why Barry moved to man city, if he said that at all. So again who cares? As regards media savvy on his part, I don’t think he’s that bothered, he’ll say what he has to say and he does it in a matter of fact way. He’s his own man and thank goodness for that.

Again I repeat if he said that at all.

How much are the ladyboy slaves by the pallet at the moment? It’s years since I bought any

Hi all fellow Kopites. Have read with interest over the past weeks or so all comments and as a first timer thought i would join in on the fun.

Hope i will be able to add my few cent worth as we go along

Walk On!

Haha I liked this comment under the story about Rafa supposedly going in for Ribery:

“There is a very simple explanation for this betting trend. Benitez asked for and got given £1 million by Liverpool’s American owners. He went onto skybet and placed a £1 million bet on Ribery joining Liverpool at odds of 66/1. Now he can pay Bayern the asking price of £40 million and have £26 million over for his wages.”

Nice one Andy……….makes sense really!!

Pete I’ll get an estimate for you when I’m there

Fatty check your emails

over and out

That’s pure genius by rafa. we’re lucky to have the man. heheheh.

Donal: I was listening to ring of fire on u tube last night by the man in black himself.

Kenny: Thats actually my pic I just look like old JC hahaha

You wanna hear a good one though check out ‘on the 309′ or his version of ‘wont back down’

Over

The question should be: Is Ribery good enough for LFC?

Steve, is that a serious question?

FS, the Belfast Telegraph is a bog standard local paper. Good for looking for jobs and seeing what’s on around town during the week. Who is up in court or being put in jail.

That’s it and they certainly have no inside info on LFC and that story is simply a re-hash of other stories cheery-picked from around the net.

The funniest story that I read in it was about a bus crash in the city centre. I used to work there at the time and actually saw the crash. There was about 10 people in all on the bus and a few days later it was reported in the paper that 380 people had sued the council for whiplash!

A pack of fuckin’ chancers them lot

No, just having a bit of fun LB.

I have no idea where the rumour started, but if we do actually sign him I’ll eat my hat! (might have to buy one first though)

I read a Tony Barret article rubbishing the rumour. I’m glad that journo is back from holiday because in his absence even the Liverpool Echo was just copy and pasting articles from other sources and making headlines out of it.

The article reads:

Meanwhile, despite the surge of publicity surrounding an internet betting company, Liverpool are not in the running to sign Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.

The firm in question had slashed their odds on £60m rated Ribery becoming a Reds player.

But Liverpool’s transfer budget is on a much more modest scale than those clubs who really are in the race for the Frenchman – who does not figure on Benitez’s summer shopping list.

There wasn’t anything in that clip you posted FS.

Hell… SlySports led off last nights report with the “Rafa slams Barry” story… then showed a clip in which Rafa never even mentions Barry… as proof???

The clip they showed had Rafa talking about how prices have gotten out of hand because certain clubs are paying crazy prices… or words to that effect… and this was in response to a question regarding whether we would be signing another big name.

In that clip, he never mentioned a specific club or player.
The reporter then asked him:
“Are you referring to Manchester City?”
Rafa:
“Clearly with them it is all about money, money, money.”

So in actual fact… in that clip anyway… he said nothing about Barry… he didn’t even mention him.
What he said was that Man City were all about money, NOT Barry.

I didn’t see the whole press conference, but I’ve seen 3 bits now and Rafa didn’t mention Barry in any of them???
Seriously lads… believe fuck all you read in the press, or see on a newscast.

Belfast telegraph defo wont hav any inside scoops whatsoever. They generally regurgitate skys stories and others from the net as lurgan mentioned. They do however have the fountain of all knowledge that is “david healy” doing his football columns. he’s so far up man u an alex’s hole it would make ya sick……… cant help but read them though.

My hunch is that we will sign David Silva from Valencia. Rafa is known to be a keen admirer of his and for Silva himself it would surely be helpful to come and team up with Spanish International team mates and a manager he will be able to communicate with. The potential stumbling block is as ever the price.

Define ‘un-fuckin-happened’ Fatty. Are you suggesting Rafa dident say these things yesterday? Have a read of Max Muntons article on the main site. The dialogue pertaining to Barry is all in there. Oh but wait, its a British media site, dont bother its all inaccurate! Just like the Guardian and the Times and the…… And why are you so down on the man for putting on a couple and speaking like a Spaniard?! Disappointing coming from a self described portly gent!

Digger, I have been on the lookout for a copy of the full news conference and can’t find it anywhere.

You would think if Rafa really did say this it would be posted on every website. No?

As for the article on the TIA’s main site, you can find exactly the same text, word for word, on a lots of other daily papers sites as well. Just like this one:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/benitez-attacks-barry-and-city-for-feeding-cash-frenzy-1739960.html

So unless the independent are coming to TIA for their information, I would say that Max has done a copy/paste job.

Anyway, I will hold fire until I hear it from the horses mouth. FFS, I’m even tempted to get a season ticket on LFC.TV to resolve this once and for all! Damn those yanks.

Max Munton, now there’s a name to make you sit up and take notice, eh. As for the fat Spaniard gibe, I thought I’d just give you a few extra sticks to beat him with Dig, as you seem to have trawlled all the stories and run out of ammo.

Someone, anyone, show me where Rafa said what has been printed and I will make all my comments un-fucking-happen.

As for the Ribbery betting on Sly slashing the odds, I have found what actually happened. And this is the truth… someone dropped a £200 bet on it at 66/1. Yep. Straight up. One person put on a paltry 200 quid and it started all this.

Sky really should be dragged up before the gaming commision.

I think that Max Munton works for the Independent, Times, Guardian, Daily Manc, and, well you get my point.

That being said, it’s good to see Rafa back in good form.

FS, the man is too intelligent to have ‘forgotten’ about how the media have treated him. It’s all part of the smiley faces and answering a question without answering.

Have you seen his response to the question about whether he tried to sign Tevez and if he still wants to sign David Silva?

If you have not, here is what HE DID SAY about it during the yesterday’s news conference – click on Rafa:

http://www.skysports.com/video/clips/0,23791,12602_5423414,00.html?ssvTab=1&ssvSelectedTab=12599&ssvBasket=12602&ssvPage=2

Did he mean it or not? All I know is that I would not play poker with the man.

Lurgie mate, I thought you would have known better. I was taking the widdle as far as press amnesia was concerned. Rafa forgets fuck all mate. He reminds the elephants.

And I’d bet my bottom lip that I have seen all the press conference but it’s just been in clips. And not once did I see Rafa saying any of the things contributed to him.

But you know what… I couldn’t give a toss if he’d came out in the nip, speaking in tongues and belting the assembled hacks with wet fish.

In fact, I don’t even know why I’m bothering with this conversation. I’ve seen the english press swedge into LFC, the club, team, players, manager, fans all my life. And I’ve seen them constantly attack the city and it’s inhabitants since we stopped being FAB back in the late 60′s. And I’[ve pointed that out in here for years, so I think enough’s enough. I can’t be arsed be anymore.

It was only a few days ago, that I said be prepared for the next couple of weeks. They’ve been stirring shite non-stop all close season when there wasn’t even anybody at Anfield. So, it’s no wonder they went overboard as soon as Rafa stuck his head above the ramparts.

It’s been a long hard week FS and well that’s it!

Tell ye what though, since I fucked up my leg when I was supposed to go on hols last month, it still means that I have some holiday time to spare. What about the friendly ladyboy lark in Thailand. Are you going to go to it?

Of course I would have to pass it by the Mrs and burgerman but it’s something that I would love to get to.

BTW, I think (hope) that there were a few others that were sucked in. Anyway, you have to remember that I had whiplash!

Got your number now, until the next time.

Alright Lurgie, I will know for defo by tomorrow afternoon. I’m all ready and raring to go. I’m just waiting on me daft mate to get his act together.

And on the Rafa business, there’s one thing to remember mate… every time they knock him, or twist his words and try to put him under pressure and in a bad light it only means one thing – they know he is on the right track, they hate it, they are dreading him winning anything, and they will do anything in their power to stop it.

Mark my words, they’ll go into absolute meltdown the first time he crosses his arms.

I was in the back of a taxi once in Liverpool, a bus hit it, just sort of grazed it. I fell to the tick, grabbed me neck and started shouting… Owwww, owww, owwwwwww.

The taxi driver looked at me in the back and said… Oh fer fucks sake lad, wait until the bizzies get here.

Lovely work if you can get it.

Let me know either way as I will need to get it sorted ASAP with work, my Missus and that butch fella burgerman, with the internal mirror sunglasses.

It’s a long-shot but stranger things have happened.

Hi gang,

It’s keep the claws sharp time in here at the moment… ticking away the the hours that make up a dull day … as the song goes.

Tickets going on sale tomorrow at 9.00 am for the alternative to the rather exotic ladyboy far-eastern trip .. ie Dunmanway, west Cork … home to vast use of anti-depressants. Let me know anyone who is coming and wants a ticket as I have to go down to the Supervalue 1.3 miles away for bread in the morning. They, amongst others, are sponsoring the game. I kid you not !!

Euro 40/adult, 20/kid … a lot methinks for a glimpse of Voronin and babel .. but it’s an event and feck it it could be a long time before that show rolls into the wild west, to my doorstep, again.

Go for the bread dougle mate and if you get some tickets don’t forget to bring a camera.

Should be a good laugh either way. Enjoy!

FS ilove your posts to tell it from the heart mate but you do it with good logic and common sense, love it, i think you are right about rafa he dont really give a monkeys about the press and all their shite. i really hope we do the bizz this season and stuff it up them.hopefully like you red through and through love it mate.

keep em coming

How are Madrid able to get away with tapping up Alonso so blatantly?.How about some compensation?.Don’t expect any more arrivals, except (possibly) a young striker from Eastern Europe.

Guillembalague.com says that Madrid’s final offer of 27 mill euro has been rejectd and they will now pursue other targets.

Good question Burgerman. I think the answer is that the clowns who are running football’s two most important governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA, are a bunch of inconsistent, sly, two-faced, hypocritical and basically unprofessional arseholes. In fact Blatter amazingly came out at the beginning saying the 92 mil euros for Winker was a good thing as it showed there was investment going into the game. I mean what an amazingly stupid comment. I’m sure he was just thrilled to see the Prem losing out on a top player for a change. Now Pratini and the likes of Pele are at least questioning some of this ‘crazy’ transfer activity as Rafa rightly put it.

But Real Madrid will continue to defy the laws and go unpunished. Just when you thought things on Xabi were dying down, out comes Emilio Butragueño in football’s Beano, La Marca, to say that they haven’t lost interest in Ribery or Alonso and of course this is gleefully copied by our bored press as it struggles to counter the summer circulation slump.

What’s more, Madrid need and are trying to offload players to offset their massive spending. Apparently they have invited Huntelaar to accept Stutgart’s offer but will the Germans maintain his massive salary?

My feeling is that things are not really going so well for Madrid. Pellegrini, a sound coach, knows there are still big problems in the leaky defence and the midfield also needs bolstering. But they have set the bar so high for themeselves with Kaká and Winker, every club is expecting them to continue in the same vain. Udinese are asking 25 mil euros for D’Agostino and Real are refusing. LOL.

It might all blow up for Real. They’ve forked out over 200 mil sterling already with borrowed funds. They’ll need to spend a whole lot more to get a balanced team that will in any case need time to blend together. Here’s me hoping!

I am still trying to recover from a 6.3 80 Kg inferiority complex. My wife who hates football wants to know if it is an inside leg measurement, if so she might start coming to a match or two. LB isn’t this your speciality? I remember a similar comment from you in the not to distant past, with regards to a certain scarf throwing comment and some chin music in retaliation? You two would make a lovely couple.

Lets face it having a dig at our own Kopblog Adonis is more fun than discussing the crap that is being printed in the press. I saw the interview and everything that was said has no bearing to the crap that was printed afterwards. So why everybody is getting their knickers in a knot is beyond me. As far as Rafa is concerned he can come out and call Fungus and drunken old twat and that Ronald makes Freddie Mercury look butch and I would applaud him and support him. I cannot belief we are debating, preseason, what he said or did not say as if it makes a fucking difference. Please lets have a reality check.

Liverpool are going to sign Ribery! Hah! This one has given me a laugh. Well, this one has as much chance of happening as Fergiescum’s chance of retiring. The answer is: not happening at all!

1. We don’t hav enough funds[60m?]
2. If RMad can’t buy him then surely we don’t hav a chance.
3. Manure, Barca and Chelski are also after him who still hav money in their bags.
4. He has already said that he doesn’t want to play in the PL.
5. Bayern are most probably, not going to sell him to anyone this season.

We hav more chance of grabbing David Silva rather than Ribery. Silva is Spanish. Rafa can possibly hav 20-25m in his kitty. He usually makes many surprising transfers. We hav been targeting him since the last two years.

Either ways! Even if the miracle happens and we sign “RIBERY”, then we would be surely in the contention next season for the Premier League and even the Champions League. And like many people said, that in the absence of Gerrard and Torres we would need another player to take up the pressure and lead the team. The answer to this would surely be Franck Ribery. He has that classic talent in him of scoring winners, providing crucial assists and changing the game. He would surely rock the PL.

Silva would bring a lot of difference in the team, but not as much a difference as much Ribery can bring. With Ribery we would hav an excellent team which will be able to tear any team apart.

With Silva,

Sorry couldn’t finish.

With Silva, we can surely save much more money but obviously class comes at a price.

Adios!!

This is not a joke…
Micah Richards has got swine flu. Honestly, it’s not one of them jokes you get on text when someone dies or something. The lad really has got it. But here’s the rub…
He said, I suddenly felt awful. I thought I had a really bad chest infection, or – wait for it…. I was suffering from alcoholic poisoning!

Says, a lot that. And maybe puts to bed the sign him stories. Shame that though. I thought that lad was going to become something special. Mind you, he’s still young and has the time, but I think it’s time to put away the Mr. Bling character Micah lad.

As for tapping up of Alonso and Masch, I hate to say it but you have to consider this… Why hasn’t Rafa reported both Barca and Real? I said in some old comment somewhere, that UEFA would do fuck all about it if he did. But it would be enough to put the blocks on them making these constant irritating and unsettling statements.

So why hasn’t Rafa reported/stopped them? Well, that added to a few other things – Rafa’s answers at the lst infamous conference, his refusal to up their contracts – leads me to believe he’d be prepared to let them both go if the price was right.

Oh, no… Amongst, cat, the, pigeons springs to mind.

KopKing, I’m so convinced it is going to happen that I’m going to go into the garden, set me face on fire and put it out by twatting it very hard and repeatedly with the sharp end of a spade.

Or maybe not.

El Zhar just signed contract until 2012. Young center half from PSG just been signed.

Yes FS. Assuming Xabi and Masch really do want to leave us and play in Spain, Rafa will have a little problem to deal with. As they’ve both got lengthy conracts, any move now will be at a healthy price, but he knows very well the financial consequences of having good players nearing the ends of their contracts with no renewals.

Rafa will not be held to ransom, that’s for sure and I tend to agree with you that while the official line is ‘not for sale’, he would sell at the right (his) price if he felt the player’s wishes were never going to change. Personally, I think Rafa’s handling this matter perfectly so far.

KeithSA, it’s the fact that some fellow reds take as gospel what is written in the papers that I find annoying.

Maybe it’s because I grew up in N. Ireland during the troubles and the reports broadcasted throughout the UK/world were, let’s say, not always accurate. This has probably given me a healthy distrust of the media.

Anyway, this is a LFC football blog, so I will let it rest now.

BTW, breaking news, burgerman has been spotted on the net:

http://gamesnet.vo.llnwd.net/o1/gamestar/objects/187573_main.jpg

I agree mate. Most managers would have just panicked and offered them new contracts, but the fact is, they do owe Liverpool and Rafa. Both players have said as much in the past. It’s these bloody agents meddling mate.

Take the Mascher situation for example… we all know how complicated that transfer was. But how many realise this… Mascher was given half of the trnasfer fee. That’s 9 million quid he pocketed. And that’s why he agreed to the low wages.

Seems to me, his agent got down his ear and started all this by talking to Barca and then upsetting Masch. Who already has the problem of a wife who doesn’t want to live in England, and so was easily unsettled by all this.

Well, he reports back for training on Monday. So, the picture might become clearer. But having said that, I don’t think we’ll find out what gets said.

But I do know this, Rafa won’t just buckle and give in to their demands. So fuck knows what will happen.

But I reckon, Rafa will probably get them to play this season and then spend it weighing up if he should sell and get replacements in, or offer them improved terms at the end of next season.

But what ever way it goes, I will trust him to get it right.

Lurgan, that just about says it all. And you’re bang on… it sometime takes first hand experience to realise you can’t believe what you read.

It’s natural to think when you pick up a newspaper you are actually going to see some news and that it will be true. But the fact is, newspapers exist for one reason… to sell newspapers. They aren’t there to tell us the truth. They are there to make the owners, share holders and employees money. They are also in serious decline. There’s too many of them and the internet is destroying their circulation. So, like any of us who had a product to sell, they are panicking and using every trick in the book to sell more copies.

Anyway, as for Thailand mate, I’m still waiting on the call whether me oppo can or can’t make it. I’m getting worried now. If he can’t make it, we’ll just go to Espanyol but I really fancy going to this one. I reckon it will be a scream.

Me and my big mouth.

So it turns out we had people sleeping outside the shop selling the tickets for the FRIENDLY overnight.

I’m down at 9 o clock with my 14month old in my arms, stuffing a banana into her mouth, in the pissing rain, in a queue … too many people too few tickets. No sympathy, wipeout, bollox.

I just found this out and have to tell you all this…
Pretending to be a journalist working for some big news agency, a lad posted a comment in a Liverpool internet site saying Liverpool were going to sign Lee Cattermole of Wigan to replace Mascherano.

It was very well written in a journalistic style. It claimed Mascher had refused to return to training and would not return in an attempt to push through a move to Barcelona. It “reported” a bust up between the manager and player that couldn’t be solved and that Rafa was now going to sell Masch and replace him with Cattermole.

Bingo… Sky News and the papers start reporting it. It’s even being reported by the Spanish and other European press.

And that’s truth, folks.

So, Cattermole it is then!

Seven weeks tomorrow, just 36 short days to go now until it all gets underway for us again, away at Tottenham.

Why is it that we hardly ever get to start the season at Anfield? Am I right in thinking that Rafa’s first game in charge, against Man.City at Anfield in August 2004 was the last time we have kicked the season off at home?

Lurgan I haven’t stopped laughing, that is a true classic and maybe Gerry can incorporate it on a Kopblog tee shirt, I think I am going to see if I can use that as my gravatar to remind me of Burgerman.

I really cannot be bothered to read any post or exclusives any more. I cannot wait for the window to close and as they say for the games to begin. I like what I am reading, coming out of the Liverpool camp and think this is going to be a very good season for us with silverware down the line. Another year for our squad to settle and the youngsters to mature and you can see us ripping teams apart the way we did towards the end of last season, especially if Rafa takes the gloves off as he has been saying he will. We look solid in all departments and for the people who fear Torres missing or getting injured, we scored the most in the Prem and the goals where shared out pretty evenly when he did not play. Also expect a big step up form Babel to prove his worth. He has one season to show us why they paid 11 odd mill for him and I do think he has the talent to do so. With Vorinon back, his tail between his legs, he will stop bitching about life in Liverpool and try to make an impact to increase his value because there cannot be too many payday left for him if he does not shine. He has the talent to play the second striker role if his head is right. Throw in Ngog and Nemeth and I think we are solid enough up front for us not to panic just yet.

I agree FS, Rafa will offer them a new contract, either Jan or at the end and if they do not accept he will sell them next year (with 2 years left for safty) with replacements identified and lined up. I cannot agree more with him, they have 3 years left on their contracts if he can get big money now fine if not shut up and play. That’s what MON did, except Rafa did not cry like a girl and moan to the press at how unfair everything is.

Keith, I think that Babel could be key for us this season, especially if we pick up some injuries up-front. If he really knuckles down, works hard and has the right attitude/mentality, then we could have found our back-up striker for Torres and more.

As you say, he has all the tools to do so and I hope he proves himself.

Saying that, for me, it is this season or never for him. He will never have any greater motivation than now – to really break into the first XV/XI for the reds and secure a place in the Holland squad for the forthcoming world cup.

Really, it’s up to him but I hope HE realises it!

I think Rafa must have faith in Babel, as far as I know he has not tried to sell him so we can only assume that Rafa must be expecting big things from him this season too.

I don’t think being in and out of the side has helped Babel much and if he were to get a decent run you would hope it would make a big difference to him.

He has to make up ground on Riera, who has done enough to be considered first choice left sided midfielder/winger in my opinion. I wish all our players the very best for next season, and as you say Lurgan, it really is up to Babel now to make it work for himself at Anfield.

If Rafa understands the true talent of Ryan Babel, then I think we wouldn’t need to play him on the left next season. The lad truly has a lot of potential. He used to be really awesome when he used to play for Ajax. I’ve seen many of his videos on YouTube. He was simply class. He can provide us that cover which our team needs in the absence of FT.

Rafa should give him some good opportunities to prove himself. Seriously, not 20-30 minutes, but some starts in the pre-season.

He has just some problems which he needs to solve, like trying to play solo when he can provide crosses or assists. Try to stop senseless shooting in the sky or the stands.

Morning lads, isn’t it shite without the footy… shite summer that hasn’t stopped raining, shite weather, shite sports, shite transfer window with shite rumours, shtie credit crunch, shite wages, and to top it off – I’ve been off the ale.

I haven’t had a night out since the SOS do and I haven’t had a drink since Harry was here and we had a few cans in the garden. And I could go on, but I’m fed up enough for all of us, so why depress anyone else.

Just can’t bloody wait for the kick off now. I haven’t been as fed up with the break or wanted it to start so much in years. I remember donkey’s years ago, late 70′s early 80′s, me an a mate were fed up like this and decided to go to Italy to watch the Euros.

I can’t remember anything about it, what year, who won it, things like that. We were just fed up with no footy and took off just out of the blue, no planning or anything. We just took off.

What a rick that was. Took our usual English clothes and, once we got out of Blighty, sweated our bollacks off all the way there. It used to take 3 days by boat and train back then. We spent most of it, in our undies, hiding from ticket collectors. Yes. We used to bunk everywhere back then.

We had a laugh though. Met up with a nice English fella, proper cockney, West Ham fan, in his late 40′s. He’d conned his wife and daughter into a nice Italian holiday but forgot to tell them the footy was on. His missus pretended to have a cob on with him, but was laughing about it. Really nice people they were.

When we got to Turin, the first game getting played there, all the Italian scallywags were waiting at the train station, robbing and stabbing English people.

It was bad back in them days. After running the gauntlet, we booked in a scabby hotel and stayed there watching the running battles in the street. There was absolute murder going on.

Later when we ventured out to go the match, I went into an ice-cream shop. I was dying of thirst and roasting bleeding hot. Long story short, some old women behind the counter, proper old Italian woman, about 900 years old, long grey/silver hair tied up in a bun, big black frock, spat in me face when I tried to ask her for an ice-cream and a drink.

We was a bit miffed by then to say the least. We fucked off the match, and bunked into the English end. It was fucking horrible. It was one of them two tier stadiums and the locals had tied loads of belts together, tied bottles on the end and was dropping them down on to our heads and pulling them back up to have another go.

I kid you not, I seen one gang of people helping some dead old fella to have a go… like that Chainsaw massacre thing, when they help the old boy stab the girl. I’m not messing it was that bad.

Next thing the bizzies or the soldiers came charging in. Don’t know who they was but they had military style riot gear on. No one had done a bloody thing but take cover. Didn’t matter they charged up the steps, twatting everyone they could with these bats they had. They looked like pick-axe handles, very same shape but shorter. They split heads all over the gaff.

We got right out the way, but I looked over and there was the nice cockney fella, his wife and daughter, aged about 12, all bleeding from head wounds. Bloody terrible it was.

I never got to speak to them, we just got off. I can’t even remember who England was playing. We just slopped out the stadium and ran the gauntlet right back to the hotel. Fuck that. We didn’t even support England, couldn’t give a toss about them. We just went for a giggle.

Anyway, we got back the hotel and was going to F-off home but decided to try and make a bit of a holiday from it. So, we got the train to some seaside place. I can’t even remember, but I think it was Salerno in the south. Long story short… we got there, got on a bus, and got nicked.

Someone had been pick-pocketed on the bus and the bizzies arrested us for it. We got locked up in some bloody dungeon of a police station, and kept there for over a day. I think the last fella in there was Nero. It was that old and fucking horrible.

The bizzies put us in seperate cells and kept coming in, screaming at us in Italian, and slapping us about. They nefveer even gave us a drink of water. Fucking nightmare.

Then they just lashed us out on the street a day later without a word, not a fucking word of explanation. We was just glad to be out. We was only 18/19 something like that at the time. So we just fucked off home sharpish. Well, I say sharpish but it was 3 or 4 days of the same thing going back.

Ahh, the good old days. And telling that bloody story just shows how fed up I am and how little I have to do.

Roll on August 15th. I can’t wait to get started again.

KK, do you really think Rafa doesn’t know what Babel is/isn’t capable of?

I’m not being funny mate. Honestly, I’m really not having a go at you. But I think Rafa has a bit more than youtube videos to make his decisions on.

Why Babel isn’t fullfilling his potential also baffles me. I have no idea why he hasn’t became the footballer he is surely capable of being.

But I’m sure Rafa would have played him more if he had. It’s okay us saying play this player, play him here, play him in this position, play him in this formation.

But we’d be first to scream about it when they had a bad game and we got beat.

I’ll give you a tip, consider that before making that sort of statement. Remember Rafa is in training with these lads day in day out. He knows everything about them. And he will always field the team/players that he thinks will do the best for the club.

As for Babel, he’s 23 now. He can’t keep living on potential. And it’s up to him – not Rafa – to force his way into the team.

Or would you like to see given a game at the expense of some other player even if he is, as you say… trying to play solo when he can provide crosses or assists. Try to stop senseless shooting in the sky or the stands.

Of course we all have opinions, and this is the place to air them. But when it comes down to it, team selection is best left to those who know best, eh.

In fact, both Babel and El Zhar are 23 now. They’ve both been given plenty of games. They’ve both failed to force their way into the first team, and I reckon if we had more money both would have been sold by now and we would be looking for better alternatives.

But as it is, they’ve both been given a chance. It’s up to them to grasp it, not to Rafa to give them a go and keep playing them – ahead of players who deserve it – just to see what they can do.

FS, it seems that you were in Turin and England were playing Belgium on the 12th June. Fucking mad story – I take it you do not make the euros your top priority now?

As far as I am concerned, Babel gets his chance everyday, in training. It’s about time he got his head together and stop listening to that (c)rap music and concentrate on the job at hand i.e. use his talents to the best of his abilities. That’s all you can ask of anyone.

You just know if he had an attitude like DK, we would have a fuckin’ mega-star on our hands.

I think that this season is massive for him. Either we will have a player who can merits a position in the first XI or he will be sold at a big loss. Come on Ryan, you can do it!

BTW, I didn’t know that Kevin Keegan was actually called Joseph Keegan. Ah, you live and learn everyday.

FS: Good tale that about your Euro trip to Italy. 1980 v Belgium I think it was. Was that the game where the Italian ‘police’ fired tear gas without considering the wind direction as the gas went onto the field of play choking all the players? That game plus other incidents including our trip to Rome in the final of 1984 meant that Heysel was just waiting to happen. Well, that’s all been said a thousand times. Unfortuantely, UEFA is made up of officials devoid of learning skills. Despite the problems of Italian thuggery/delinquency/corruption, the total ineptness and cowardice of their police and the general inability of Italians to ever organise anything properly, their country and stadiums are still being selected for major finals and competitions. Poland, the country which probably has the worst hooligan problem right now, is the next Euro venue. Throw in English, German and Russian thugs and you have an accident just waiting to happen. That’s UEFA for you!

Ryan Babel: Blistering pace, excellent technical skill, football brain not yet proven. I say ‘yet’. He may come good in what will probaly be the season of judgement for him. Rafa will know.

I was just fed up lads. Nothing to do. Didn’t even intend to tell that story just started waffling as I went along.

To be honest, it was like that everywhere you went in them days. I rember going to Walsall of all places for a mid-week cup game. Who’d have thought of trouble there. There was fucking murder. It was just the done thing back then.

The worst one I ever remember was the semi-final replay v Man U. We drew at Goodison on the Saturday and replayed them at Main Road on the Wednesday. Fucking hell, what a night. I kid you not, it was like a proper war zone. Scary night that.

I was never into it. I thought it was bollacks. And though LFC had a few nutters, The Urchins and that, it was never a real problem with us. Most of us just used to go with fuck all in our pockets, bunk and hitch, get there by hook or crook, bunk in and shop lift all the way there and back. The fighting was left to the mugs.

Oh well, not long to wait now. Can’t wait for the first game. I even do it like a human being now, pay for transport, tickets and beer.

As for Babel, and wanting a new left sided player, we are sort of doing Riera a dis-service. Why do we all want Babel to make it and Silva to come? Riera is keeping both of them out of LFC and the Spain national team.

Good on him. And I hope it’s him who goes onto make the position his own. And if he adds consistency to everything else he’s got, I’ll be more than happy to see him in the team week in week out.

Same for El Zhar an all really. What a job – displacing Kuyt – he’s got on his hands.

If the stories in the papers are true re unbelievable offers coming in for Torres, then Good On You Rafa, for rejecting all offers.

This is what i call loyalty – FT stating that he wants to stay, shows money isn’t everything and Rafa clearly undrlying our intentions for next season

Walk On

FS, you’re getting soft in your old-age, paying for your transport and beer!

BTW, for Babel, I was not thinking of playing him on the left, it was playing him up-front. I think the lad can be that good, if he gets his head together and listens to what the boss tells him to do.

Although he could do a job on either flank as well but from what I’ve seen of him so far he couldn’t cross his legs!

What can I tell you Lurgan, I’m a reformed character either that of just far too fat to run.

Here’s one… Just came on Sly Sports that David Bentley was punched in the face last night. It said he was having a meal with friends in a restaurant and someone just walked up and chinned him. They said the attack was “Completely un-provoked.”

They mustn’t have seen his performances last season.

Here you go…
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/401989/Rafa-Benitez-in-last-ditch-plea-Liverpool-bid-to-keep-want-away-stars-Javier-Mascherano-and-Xabi-Alonso.html

Read that, and if you still don’t think these hacks just read internet forums and do a cut and paste job, I’m a Dutchman

Do you know what’s really funny… is that Alonso tied the knot this weekend in his hometown of San Sebastian.

Good to know that he can take some timeout from proceedings to tell Rafa that he wants to leave!

Chris Bascombe, hang your head in shame. FS, do you know what he did to lose Rafa’s trust?

He done what they all do Lurgan. And no doubt we’d all do it an all… angling for a better job, with a bigger outfit on bigger wages.

I haven’t read any of the papers other than that story because a mate of mine told me to take a look. We’ve sort of been having a laugh about it since one of the lads planted that story about Cattermole and started all the rumours.

I remember suggesting it in here awhile back, but we got beat to the punch. But in all honesty, I can’t even blame the hacks for doing it. Let’s face it, we know fuck all about what’s really happening at our own club and we all spend loads of time (probably too much) sifting about looking for clues.

Well, the hacks have to do that and do it with all clubs, not just the one. So is it any wonder they just sift through these threads nowadays and cut and paste.

Fuckers are probably sat in some nice pub in London now, hovering over their lap tops and looking for any juicy tid-bits and then blowing them up out of all propertion. That’s understandable and nice work if you can get it. Just baffles me why anyone would believe any of their shite though.

Anyway, going to do soimething constructive… off the river with me dog via way of the alehouse there and back.

Has anyone read this news of Dossena leaving Anfield this summer? I don’t mind it, but just had a thought about him. The lad just got a season to prove his worth. He even said that he wants to remain at the merseyside one more season and fight for his place. Maybe, he got upset with the signing of Mawinga or probably Rafa got upset with him.

But on a positive aspect of it, I think selling him off would be great. Rafa might approx. be having about 10m with him. With Dossena leaving, Rafa could almost have 20m. We already have cover on the left with Insua and now Mawinga. Even Aurelio will recover from his injury and take this position.

With these 20m(approx.), Rafa could go for David Silva.
It could be great. Two top class Spanish midfielders who are fighting for a place in the national team would also be doing the same for a place in their clubs as well.

I would simply love it!!

Fucking hell FS, that story of yours had me in tears!

I bet you wish you had stayed at home that summer and stayed bored to tears.

Nice theory about Dossena/Silva Kopking. It would indeed be great if it worked out like that.

I have a feeling that if we do get Silva it will be towards the end of the window. It’s a risky game though because the chances of someone coming in for him within the next 6 weeks are very high.

Real Madrid bid £65m for FT. Money can’t buy eveyone, eh?

Steve, That was a quiet one. You should have tried hitching to Barnsley on a cold winter’s night for a fucking 3rd round milk cup game. Now that was purgatory.

I think we should try to sell Dossena as soon as possible. F***ing RMad would surely go all out for Silva. I don’t understand why in the hell are they after him anyway? They already have three top class players who can fill that position – Robben, Sneijder, and Van der Vaart. Even if they kick one of them they would still have Royston Drenthe. I just can’t understand Perez for gods’ sake. He is Really Mad!!

Sorry, I meant to answer that before Vinotino. I can’t remember if that was the game when the wind blew it in the wrong direction, but we did get tear gassed an all.

And you’ll probably find this hard to believe but it’s god’s honest truth – when we got to Paris, we went out the station and all these like hippy fuckers was having a big demo and the french bizzies tear gassed them.

We got kopped by it again. 2 in like 3 days we got it. Mad, but even sort of funny when I think about it. But I tell you what it didn’t half fuck me eyes up. Them and even me throat was done in for ages.

Oh well, what can you do. Hope it’s the last time, but who knows.. the trials and tribulations of a footy fan, eh.

Lurgan it would not let me use it as my Gravatar. Kop King you really need to read thing properly before you comment. The kid is 18 years old and no way threatens Dossena in any way form or fashion. The hacks are just trying to drag up anything on a slow day and yes he was linked to Juve at the start of the season they went for somebody else (cant remember who) Aurelleo is injured and with what I saw last year I think it warrants another year as towards the end I thought he played well.

In the old days we would buy a player and he would send 18 months in the reserves learning the Liverpool way before he featured in the first team. This sintant success of nowadays is beyond me and we have to give players a year or two to settle and the younger ones even more. If Rafa thinks he cannot contribute he is not scared to make the tough decisions and sell him. Until then Dossena is a Liverpool player so lets support him.

FS, Lurgan and I where talking about Babel playing up front as a backup for Torres and Silva to play across the entire front line as well as in the hole. I like Reira and he should have an even better season this time round with a decent preseason under his belt. I cannot see us going for Silva this year as I think if we did agree a fee earlier we would have sold somebody to make room for him. I wouild not be surprise to see Rafa identifying a few potential midfielders for next year when I feel either Masch or Alonso could be sold after we win the Prem.

As for that article FS it is not far off what we have been discussing on this site, Rafa will convince(force them too or put in a transfer request so it hits them finacialy) them to stay this year and maybe sell one next year and the other a year later with replacements lined up to slot in.

I think that is the reason we have seen so little activity from us in the market because the goal is to keep the squad together and hit the road running once the season starts. Johnson was critical because that was our one major weakness last year and Arbie needed help and even if Degen, by some miracle, is fit, from what I saw in the reserves is not the answer. He was a free so for a third choice that’s OK, he can sit on the bench if we pick up an injury.

Sorry for all the type o’s stil,l recovering from last night.

I guess Rafa made it clear today by saying ,

“We wanted to send out a message that Liverpool are a strong team and that we want to improve. You don’t improve by selling your best players.”

I think that will put to rest a lot of the debate about selling key players and yet doing well as argued by some.

Oh well, that’s me sent to bed with no supper then.

Had a rough one, Keith? I haven’t had a drink for ages. I’m sort of missing it, well not the ale just the having something to do.

All this shite in the papers, telly and radio and then reading it again on the net is driving me mad. Usually I miss most of it because I’m busy and then I like a drink after work, but things are really slow at the moment. So, I end up on the net. Enough to drive the Pope to the drink.

As for players coming to Anfield and having to wait there turn, you’re dead right. Ray Kennedy is about the most famous example. But you;ve hit on something… most people now follow football. They got into it because of the hype since the Sky/Prem years. So, they have all the opinions but they don’t have any of the patientce.

The hacks/pundits have them thinking players/clubs should be successful just because they want it. Very few realise how hard instant success is. Thankfully enough people are still left who realise this though or Rafa would have been gone by now.

KeithSA: That review of our current team status was great-p88. Just wondering if this would not be the ideal moment to get David Silva. I think he’s a player we need and could get given Rafa’s connections with Valencia. Small but tough he’s very versatile, can play either wing, back-up striker or attacking midfielder, he’d be a perfect addition for us and we’d have a host of options to break down those defences which was the reason we didn’t win league last season. Now Valencia need the money. Damn it, why not just borrow 20 mil from RSB and do it now! Next year it could be more difficult and more expensive.

Your’e a brave man FS, going to Barnsley at any time for anything is tough enough, but on a cold winter’s night for a Milk cup game…………. Now that takes some doing!

Vinotinto, I feel the same about Silva and although it remains a long shot I am not writing the possibility off completely. I see this lad as ideal for LFC as well and we all know how high Rafa rates him…… Who knows?

Morning lads. Those were the days, Steve…. The days when none of us had two penny’s too rub together and bugger all else to do.

Come to think of it, nothing much has changed except me girth, me age, me location so I just can’t go to them all anymore. Got to be honest though, I don’t really miss going to places like Barnsely where the locals are waiting, all pissed up, tooled up and raring for a fight. And that’s just the women.

But I realised last night why I’m itching for this season to start far more than normal… I’m up for the fight this time more than I have been in years. I know that’s stating the obvious and I know we all have great expectations this time, but, well, here’s why…

I was sitting in on my own last night. I don’t really watch telly and I’ve been on a bit of a de-tox. I always have a little dry out every close season, but I’ve been very good this time round. Barely touched a drop. So, to cut a long story short I was bored and had bugger all to do.

So I started rooting around the web and I looked at all sorts of stuff from when we beat Madrid right up to now. Believe me the mancs are shitting it every bit as much as we are looking forward to it.

I remember the CL league final, and at the time fearing the worst. I remember thinking the mancs would prove physically too strong for Barca. But then I hadn’t took into account the tactical genius that is the tramp and the fact that the mancs aren’t just as good as we all thought.

I looked at videos of games from the end of the season and I read old remarks by them as well as us. And although it ended sadly, it was really funny looking at some of them. And it only confirmed what I already know, but it was great to look it all over again. And next season I’m now utterly convinced we’ll be looking back on nu 19.

That’s not to say, I am disregarding the mancs. Let’s be honest, you can never count them out. And I’m sure Chelsea will make a fight of it. But if, and I know it’s a big IF, but if all 3 teams start how they finished we could be looking at a lot of fresh air between us by Christmas and it won’t be us playing catch up.

And yes, I know that’s discounting Arsenal, but I can see them scrapping for 4th with City, Everton, Spurs, Villa and the rest of the also rans.

Like I say, it’s nothing new. I think we’re all pretty much convinced and confident we can win it this season. But how different is that from just 5 years ago?

Press stories this morning… Pelegrini still trying to pinch Xabi. Macheda robbed and his mate battered outside some nightclub.

There’s always alot of talk about the spirit of togetherness, the feeling that a group of players would run through brick walls for each other.

The crazy gang of Wimbledon in the eighties had this. They were not the most skilful bunch of players (although they did have some talent) but when push came to shove they had a spirit about them that would not be broken. Perhaps this came from the fact that they rose from non Leauge football to the top tier in English football in the space of 4 seasons, maybe that gave the club as a whole that special bond, even if players and other staff came and went during that period.

As far as LFC are concerned, I think there is great camaraderie at the club and could well be a major factor in our quest for the title this season. The handbags at ten paces between Carra and Arbie at West Brom in May can, in my opinion, be perceived in two ways.

You can say that there is bad blood between these two players and this showed that Carra doesen’t trust or respect Arbie enough as an integral part of our defence. On the other hand you could say that although the title was already gone, it showed the sporit within our ranks to give Pepe the chance to claim the clean sheets recoed again, which he ultimately missed out on.

Rafa will continue, no doubt, to foster great respect between all LFC players and I believe that to acheive this and the feeling of all for one and one for all you have got to have a squad of happy, settled players.

I really hope that Xabi and Masch (and Arbie) are a part of it all next season but I firmly believe that if anyone wants to go anywhere alse then they should go. End of.

Torres has repeatedly pledged his future to LFC, and a succession of £60-65m offers for his services will not change that. This lad really wants to be a part of the clubs success. And he will be. Let’s hope Xabi, Masch and Arbie commit their future’s to the club because that will mean they want to be a part of it too.

I never ever saw or heard a proper explanation of Carra’s behavoiur that day. But sometimes Steve, you just have to settle for the obvious… Carra was out of order and acting like a prick.

No big deal though. They’re all big lads and a few handbags can clear the air sometimes. You’re dead right about team spirit though. Look back at some of our all conquering teams. We wasn’t always the best teams on paper and we often had a few shitty players in them. And even look at the mancs over the last twenty years… some of the names that have been etched on title and european cup winners medals are baffling to say the least.

Team spirit, cameradarie, self belief, winning mentality – these seemingly little things can turn challengers into champions. And we will need to hang on to them in the coming season whoever comes and goes.

Sadly, I have more faith in the team than the fans in that regard.

” . . .some of the names that have been etched on title and european cup winners medals are baffling to say the least . . .” – FS

Djimi Traore, anyone? Now available as a free agent after pompey sadly let this former european champ go.

Liverpool fans were widely acknowledged for being loyal and patient towards their team. These days you will find more supporters at Anfield getting on the players backs and slagging them off then at any time before. I would say that 20 years ago it was rare. I’m not saying it didn’t happen back then but I am saying it wasn’t as common place as it is now at Anfield.

I suppose it is a sad manifestation of the way the game is going now, and couple this with some supporters who don’t really understand the club and some who know fuck all about the club but still mamage to get match tickets.

Came across a good article about Rafa on the site independent.ie written by Vincent Hogan.Would Johnson be able to play right midfield?, if so there is no need to buy anyone else.

Ah bollox!!! It seems that Xabi does really want to go. It is now being reported in the echo by Tony Barrett.

Well it is more or less official Alonso wants to leave. I really hope Rafa sticks to his guns and make Real pay 35 mill for him or convince him to stay another year. If not force Alonso to put in a transfer request. It is time to get tough on these so called stars who think they can just get there own way with no consequences.

If he wants to go then fuck him, let him go. As said above let’s hold out for the best price possible. What will be will be, we don’t need un happy players at Anfield!

The problem is if he is ‘forced’ to stay, which Xabi Alonso will we see next season? The one from last season or the one from the season before? It’s totally in his hands.

Basically, as Keith says, its more or less official and we should let him go for as much money as possible!

Do I dare mention Lucas?

Man! It seems Alonso’s move is turning into a reality day by day. I think Rafa shouldn’t accept a smaller bid than the one he rejected last week. If Alonso wants to leave then we should let him do it. We can’t stop the inevitable. The rumours of his exit just don’t end.

What do you guys say to this? If Alonso leaves then Rafa should move StevieG in the mid-field and try to move Kuyt to SG’s former position. We have already bought Johnson who can also play as a RM.

The formation would be something like this:

Reina
Arbeloa —– Carra —– Skrtl —– Aurelio/Insua

Johnson —– Gerrard — Masch —– Riera

Kuyt

Torres

I know that Alonso’s departure would only harm the team’s chances to win the title next season, but we are unable to stop him. He wants to leave and in this case moving the team in this formation could work out.

THIS IS JUST A THOUGHT!!

Alonso wants to leave and to Real fair enough. But Real will have to meet our valuation. It’s as simple as that. The way Aston Villa told Gareth Barry he was going nowhere last season unless the valuation was met is the same way Rafa needs to be this summer. It seems Rafa has taken this stance.

Real have said that Alonso is the best at what he does. If that is the case they should meet the asking price, if not fuck off. I trust Alonso is professional enough to put in good performances next season should he remain at the club. So it’s £35m or no deal.

Oops! I don’t know why the formation turned up like this. Obviously you guys can figure it out properly.

Any chance of Them taking Lucas as well?.I see my idea of Johno in right midfield is catching on.Rafa has alternative players lined up, so no need to panic.Fantastic profit, get 3 players with the cash.Has to keep Masher.

I agree with you LB. But till it doesn’t happen we would have to think about it at least in some ways. Either we can buy a top class midfielder with the money from Alonso’s sales or we can stop him from leaving.

I think Rafa should give Real Madrid a deadline to put in an offer of £35m because we’ll need time to spend the money. Alonso is back in training on Sunday so I’d give Real a deadline of Friday. No official offer in the region of £35m by end of Friday, no deal. I’d tell that to Real, the agent and Xabi. After that date I’d do what Man Utd did regarding Ronaldo last summer. Threaten to report them to Fifa for tapping up. We all know Fifa won;t do anything but the threat alone indicates we’re not having any shit from them.

Shame if Xabi does go, I would’ve loved another year from him, but eitherway we’ll be making a massive profit from him and quite frankly a huge increase on the what we were prepared to cash in on last year….

The ironic thing would be if we did get David silva as a result… Gerrard would slot back into the mid-feild and Silva/benny into the hole…

Just means that we cannot afford to lose Mash…

Here’s another good article from the Irish Independent.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/by-george-it-looks-like-benitez-has-inspired-fergies-owen-true-love-1818037.html

Someone asked above which alonso would we see if we ‘forced’ him to stay, well with the world cup coming up and his place in the spain starting 11 to play for, i’d like to think it’d be the player from last season, after all he is a professional and he doesn’t strike me as someone who throw his toys out of the pram if he doesn’t get his own way. So i agree with LB, give them a price, a deadline, and tell them to f*ck off if they don’t meet wither one.

Well, even the Echo has stated Alonso wants to leave. So I think we’ll do what Villa did last year, by not budging unless we get the compensation we want.

It’s interesting everyone is taking Gerrard to fit into midfield if Alonso leaves, but I think he’s better as a ‘second striker’ (can’t think of a better term). Even Rafa seems to think Gerrard is better as a ‘second striker’.

I’d suggest we get Lucas & Masch partnership instead, and get Silva (or similar player) with the money from the transfer, continuing with Gerrard up front.

Yahoo Sport’s breakdown of our greatest players…

ttp://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/13072009/58/premier-league-greatest-liverpool.html

Lurgankop

That was an excellent article especially as most of the media hacks are getting an orgasm from claiming that Ferguson is a genius to sign the sick note that is Michael Owen.

As regards the report in the Liverpool Echo about Alonso, I hope it’s not true. However, if it is, my response will be, Xabi thanks for your service in the last 5 years. Don’t let the door hit your backside on the way out. No player is bigger than the club.

Guys, Guys, don’t pull the plug on Alonso so early. If you read the article in the echo carefully, its totally without any quotes and importantly its written in the same way as the Real’s pet Marca. I would like to see if Real’s involved in any of this. If you ask me, Tony Barett has been paid off!

All will be revealed when we get a official report from the LFC main site.

Hi guys, I saw mention of a player on another site, suggested as a replacement for Mascherano, if he wants to go that bad – Mathieu Flamini. It’s a dreamy speculation on my part, but isn’t he a better all-round player that Mascherano. Remember when we had Monster and Xabi outplayed in the 4-2. Things only changed after Flamini went off. He’s not all that happy at AC Milan, being asked play RB.

He has a great range of passing on him, unlike Monster (let’s face facts) and can do the holding-mid role as good as Masch. No?

Great Blog Gerry!

There’sabsolutely no point in “making” Alonso stay if he wants to fuck off. 35 mil plus the other 10 mil we assume Rafa has will buy us Silva and another midfielder too. Must admit that I don’t know who the other midfielder would be yet, but Rafa is preaching attacking football for next season in today’s Echo, so whoever it is expect him to be attack minded. Lucas is NOT that player, we WILL have to spend big.

Axchoice – it will be interesting to see what happens IF Xabi goes but I think that Gerrard is best left alone where he plays. He scores and creates too many goals for us from that position with the freedom he has. It may be Lucas, why not now ? He’s been around a while. It may also mean that Mascher has to take on being a creator and not just a destroyer, a passer of the ball, someone who takes a shot more often. It may mean that the Xabi role ito tempo, passing , availability etc is shared out amongst all the other players. Thay will have to show more and take responsibility.

It may also mean nothing of course, as has been stated above, Martin O’Neill has created the template. Madrid pay up or shut up.

Aiyic – 204 – interesting call that.

That’s right Steve but no way can the player be allowed to influence the price. What I mean is that Rafa has to and I believe will not budge the price just because the player wants to go. Another aspect of this saga, bearing in mind that Real are taking enormous risks with this spending spree, is that the player himself can help the buying club drive down the price and thereby subsidise some of Real’s other past and future investments. N F Way! If the worst comes to the worst, and I pray this doesn’t happen, the player stays in the reserves for 3 years and goes on a freebie at the age of 32 years.

Also I should have mentioned that if we get the right price there’ll be funds to buy a replacement or two. Rafa’s unequalled tactical brain will figure out the best formations and stategies.

Dougle, I can’t take the credit for the origin. I too think it’s staring our face. AC Milan’s new coach, Leonardo, didn’t sign him (they don’t ‘sign’ players anyway), so could fall under the radar. He could be exactly what we need if we do have to let even both Masch and Xabi go. He’s got a great attitude too, and scores the odd goal. He really came alive when Wenger switched him to his preferred NF spot, giving Fabregas a new lease of life. Lorik Cana from Marseilles would be a very solid DM partner for him too. All part of being a fan – this unfounded speculation.

Well, well, well! Lord Chapman of Salford, a star in the domestic league but mediocre in Europe, has announced that he’s not going to spend any more this summer. Well that’s what he says but we all know his word is meaningless. After all, isn’t this the guy who said that he wouldn’t sell Real Madrid a virus and then proceeded to smash the world transfer record by selling them his best player?

As I said in a previous post, the mancs have a crippling unpayable debt nearing 1 billion sterling. In spite of their succeses on the field in recent years the debt has in fact grown. It looks like the owners have taken a lot of the proceeds of Ladyboy’s sale to pay off some debt. Also Lord Chapman has got a big retirement coming up in a year or two. He’ll be looking forward to a very golden handshake which I’m sure he’ll get especially as his penchant for betting on horses was paramount in the Glazers being able to get control of the club in the first place.

Perhaps the best manc ‘signing’ so far has been the promotion of ‘referee’ Riley. He’s taken over the job of Hackett so Lord Chapman won’t mind very much being called up to explain his comments.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8148073.stm

Well, there’s no direct qoutes in the article, but still it looks like were losing the lad. So, what now…
Well, Rafa absolutely hates Valdano and will not get fucked about by him.
So, where does that leave us?
1: Taking as much money as possible.
2: Taking as much money as possible and a player.

Out of the players Real are willing to let go, I’d say either Snider or Negredo would fit the bill. But I would only accept that if the player brought 25 million quid to Anfield with him.

But that’s just opinion. So, I suppose all we can do is wait and see. This week should see it all come to a head. Xabi is due back on Sunday, so, even though I expect negotiations to be going on now, it might be Sunday before it starts to become clear.

I said last week this could happen, so if a mug like me could see the possibillities, I’m sure Rafa’s been making plans for quite sometime.

And if it does happen, it might not spell complete doom and gloom. Like I said, way back when if you look at the Man U performance when Xabi didn’t play, it’s pretty clear how will set about business this season. And if we do go for a more high tempo/direct attacking type of football not having Xabi in the ranks mightn’t be the disaster we are all fearing.

In fact, a player like Snjider might be more useful to us, if that’s the way Rafa intends for us to play.

So, I’m not going to start reaching for the razorblades just yet.

Yes FS. In fact from Shit-On-A Stick I’d just take the money. We don’t want any of their cast-offs. We completely outplayed these guys twice last season.They’re unlikely to be up to our standard.

I wouldn’t just turn them 2 down without thought mate. In fact, even Robben, though he’s not what he once was, might do a job for us but I hate the fucker and I couldn’t bear the thought of him in a red shirt

Robben: In fact this is the one player I would take from RM if in fact they’re willing to let him go. Now before I’m shot down, let me explain that the Robben of RM hasn’t been the one we knew at Chelski, the one who fell over in agony when Pepe Reina said “Boo!” He’s hardly diving at all now and was their best attacking player last season imo. We need this kind of player and I believe Rafa is an admirer.

Coming to Liverpool would help make him a btter player and a better person. We have to remember the philosophy of his previous English club under its Portuguese manager. To win at all costs by diving, cheating, foul play, pressurising the referee or whatever was deemed necessary. Terry( now wanting out), Ballack, Lampard, Drogba, Essien, Robben etc were all a product of the terrible disease that is Mourinho and Chelski. The prostitute club of world football. We could and should give the likes of Robben a chance.

Just a thought…
My mate Harry who was here last week on the charity ride is a season ticket holder. He has been for nearly 40 years and he’s hardly missed a game home and away in donkey’s years.

In fact, Harry’s 61 and still plays football himself obviously not quite to the high level he once did. But what I’m saying is… this man knows his onions.

Well, last week after a few scoops and talking about everything else, we got down to talking LFC. In fact, we had a bit of an argument, as Harry was sure we would sell Xabi and that we wouldn’t need him this season.

After talking tactics and formations for quite awhile, I could see his point and I highly respect his opinions. But being a big fan of Xabi, I just couldn’t agree. Well, if Xabi does leave it sort of makes that argument redundant. We will just have to face up to it and I can only hope Harry is right… we will play in a style that does away with the need for Xabi.

And yes, I’ll explain… I’ve always been of the opinion that you can’t just replace great players. There is no like for like when you are talking about great players of this level. So, there’s no going out and buying the new Xabi as far as I’m concerned.

That leaves Rafa with a bit of a problem but it’s not the huge one some of us fear. And the easiest answer I can see is, to change our style of play somewhat. That doesn’t mean a great upheavel though. We will just have to make the sort of tweaks to the side that we have made in the past when Xabi hasn’t been available. Meaning, we will play a faster more attacking game.

So, as far as I’m concerned, that means we must keep Gerrard where he is. He can fall back in a couple of seasons or so when the legs are starting to slow a little.

Also, there’s the fact that Rafa will never just send the players out and tell them to get stuck in and attack. He just isn’t that sort of man or personality. But I trust him completely and I’m sure he will solve whatever problems this brings.

And, like I said, the simplest way I can see to solve this is to do away with the 2 holding midfielders. Of course this makes holding on to Mascher more important than ever. And I don’t want to just start throwing in players names for the sake of it. But I’m sure finding the type of player to fit the role, will be much easier than to trying and replace Xabi like for like.

In fact, the more I think about it, a fast moving ball carrier, who can pass, likes to get forward and attack, but who can tackle, track back and provide cover for the defence… Snjeider.

But then that’s just off the top of my head and influenced by the circumstances, and I’m sure Rafa’s data base holds far more possibillities than that.

Loved your post Vinotino, but I just couldn’t bear Robben playing for us. But much more importantly than my bias is the fact… we’ll be needing a central midfielder now.

The mancs have just made a statement that they will be signing no more players this summer. So lads are we confident?

I can’t wait LB. I’m not so bothered about the oppostion, but seeing you asked…
Obviously United are going to be weaker, that’s even if they do go out and spend a bit more. The fact is, by losing Tevez and Ronaldo they have lost the providers of 40 odd percent of their goals.

In fact, Ronaldo scored 37% of all their goals in the last 2 seasons. Think what you want of him, that’s still an incredible stat. And it’s one huge miss for the mancs.

Chelsea: well, you can’t just discount them. But there’s lots of reasons why I believe we will be ahead of them. The biggest being – they will go all out to win the CL this year. Obviously, they will try to win every game they compete in but make no bones about it – the CL will be the main target. Ancelotti has even said so.

Arsenal: done nothing to solve their problems. A few of them will be better players for last season’s lessons and they will have some players they missed last season – Rossicki is a cracker. But I don’t think it will prove enough to challenge – especially on all fronts – over a long hard season.

Man City: Who knows. They might just force/buy they’re way into the frame. But I can’t see them going from a mediocre/very inconsistent team to champions over night – no matter how much they spend.

So yes, mate. I’m more than confident, I can’t bloody wait to set about them all.

Ooops made a mistake there – it says providers when I should have said scorers.

But I’m glad I made that mistake. It made me think… if they scored 40 odd per cent of all their goals, how many did they provide?

Fuck me, you take that into consideration and then look at what they’ve replaced them with… Fuck, I wish we had them first game of the season.

I don’t beleive that the mancs are finished spending, but we will see what happens.

There are alot of Real players that have to shipped out yet and the longer clubs how off the more desperate Real will be to sell them.

Snjider was the only Real player who looked the part when they played at Anfield. 20m + Snjider for Xabi would be a good deal imo, this would allow funds to get another forward type player.

Well! I agree with you FS, but only in some aspects of it. I think letting Alonso leave wouldn’t be a bad decision. This would work in the best interests of the club.

Yes! Alonso’s a great player and has given us five great seasons but it’s the lad’s choice. He wants to leave us to join the real s**k**s. There is no need to put an unhappy player in the team. Let him leave if he insists, but only for the right price.

Alonso’s 27 and well, his playing style matches the PL very well. But will it match that of Madrid? I have my doubts about it, even if he’s Spanish. It’s their loss anyway.

Rafa should get the most out of this deal. That is, some cash and a player. Cash shouldn’t be less than 20m atleast. With 20m Rafa could add up his own budget (10m).

In this summer, I think Rafa would go for two more signings(if Alonso leaves). One will be striker and the other could be winger or a mid-field player.

As far as a player is concerned, we will have four to five choices – Robben, Sneijder, Negredo, M.Diarra, V.d.Vaart, Gago(if possible, rather unlikely). I believe, Rafa could go for either Negredo or Sneijder.

This could a be great opportunity for us to get our hands on a striker but the plan could backfire as well. Negredo is young, inexperienced. He could be big gamble.

Rafa can also go for a mid-field player first and later go for a striker with the cash which would be a preferable choice. From all the options, I guess the best are Robben and Sneijder. According to me, Sneijder and Vaart are quite similar players. Better option could be Sneijder.

I don’t think Rafa would try to put Gerrard back in the mid-field. First, he would bring in Alonso’s replacement. Rafa will probably go for Sneijder who is simply a midfield maestro, a playmaker. He is somewhat like Alonso.

With the remaining money (25-30m), Rafa could go all out for a great striker who could fill the absence of FT in cases of injuries. If the need be Voronin can also be shown the way(for increase in the budget).

Real Madrid, or rather, Senor Florentino Perez, please go fuck yourself.

You spend over 100m+ on Kaka and that Wanker, and now you go around moaning about how Xabi’s too expensive at 25m. WELL, TOUGH LUCK, DICKHEADS! No one told you to spend so much money beforehand.

Things were different with that idiot Rick Parry in charge, but you will not be bullying Rafa into selling his assets unless you meet his target, provided the said asset wants out himself, which I won’t believe a shit of what’s being reported until it comes out of Xabi’s mouth himself.

And touch wood, let’s just assume even if Xabi does want out and couldn’t because no one could match the asking price, with his personality, I don’t believe he’ll be moaning to the media too much like that Diving Wanker did, but rather get on with it like the pro that he is and give his all for his “current employer” for the time being.

After a bit of reflection I now agree that Xabi, being Xabi, would be the ultimate professional and give 100% if he was to stay at Anfield for another season. Helps that there is a small thing called the world cup next summer as well.

So I will tow the kopblog party line and state ’35 million or fuck off perez’.

Personally, I do think that he will not be here at the start of the season. Whenever an article comes out like that, it means that all parties are open to discussions and it’s a matter of money now. Burst their balls Rafa!

A quick word on our fellow title challengers.

Manure: how I hope to fuck there are a few injuries to apeboy. He may be ugly but he’s the glue that holds their attack together. Now fangface and ladyboy have left there will be even more of a workload placed on him. You can just see Owen and Berba polishing their nails on the 14 yard box waiting for ball to come to them. Duckface with a few more back injuries and then set Torres on Vidic so he turns into a mental mess and is committed to an asylum. Will still be there or thereabouts though.

Chelsea: An aging squad one year older. Wouldn’t count them out just yet but this season could be their tipping point. Especially if the players don’t like their next ‘new’ manager and get him sacked as well. We can only hope.

Arsenal: When will Wenger ever learn that he needs a holding midfielder and a dominating CB. You get the impression that he would gladly rip of his nose to spite his face. Will be pretty much the same as last season.

Man City: Worry about them in 2 seasons time.

Spurs: They always find a way to fuck things up. Why will this coming season be any different?

BTW, it’s so good to say “A quick word on our fellow title challengers”, with confidence that it actually will happen!

The red men are coming up the hill!

er, I mean that we will challenge for the title…

Lurgan, Wenger spent £10m on a centre back a couple of weeks ago.

At under 6ft tall I would like to see how ‘dominating’ this lad will be.

Dagger is 6ft 3 and Skrtel is 6ft 4 and you see the problems we have sometimes defending set-pieces. Saying that the midget carra comes in at 5 ft 10.

My first guess would be he is a ball playing CB but since I have never seen or heard of him before, I guess it’s a case of wait and see.

He’s 5ft 11.5 inches so half an inch shy of 6ft. Time will tell. Adebayor is on his way to Man City it seems.

Still under 6ft though LB

As I’ve said, I know nought about the lad and I just hope he turns out to be a donkey!

Not a big fan of Adebayor but he does give them another dimension to their game. Not the best move that I have ever seen, if it goes thru’.

6 ft in football boots Lurgan

New Liverpool signing Glen Johnson has suggested he could never trust former boss Jose Mourinho after completing his move to Anfield.

The England full-back recently left Portsmouth in a big-money switch to Merseyside as he returns to a top-four club after quitting Chelsea for Fratton Park, originally on loan, in 2006.

Johnson left Stamford Bridge during the reign of Mourinho, who is now in charge at Inter Milan,and he has accused his ex-boss of failing to keep his word.

The 24-year-old joined Chelsea from West Ham in 2003 as a signing of then Blues manager Claudio Ranieri and he claims he was never given a fair chance under the Italian’s successor as new arrival Paulo Ferreira was preferred.

Jettisoned

Johnson points to an incident in the 2004/05 season, Mourinho’s first, when he was offered an opportunity to impress before a UEFA Champions League match against Barcelona but was still jettisoned despite performing with aplomb.

“We had a couple of games to play before the Barcelona match. Mourinho picked me for a game and told me in front of five witnesses that if I played well, I would keep the shirt,” he told the Sunday Times.

“I immediately told my agent that it didn’t matter how well I played, I would be dropped because Mourinho wouldn’t want me anywhere near the team for the Barcelona game.

“Sure enough I was voted Man of the Match – and I was dropped from the squad. You would have to ask Mourinho what his reasons were but I know it was because he didn’t want to see me play well and be forced to pick me for Barcelona.

“That was the day I knew I had to leave Chelsea. Managers have to stick to their word. You have to be able to trust them.

Time bomb
“I left Chelsea because I had to play football. I got the feeling I was finished there when they signed Ferreira. Mourinho told me that wasn’t the case but there were a lot of things he told me that weren’t true.

“I remember speaking to my mates and telling them that while I was being paid to play football, playing football was the thing I was doing least in my life.

“Even when I got the odd chance in the first team, I knew even if I scored four goals I’d be out for the next game. That thing kills you as a professional footballer and I suppose I became a bit of a time bomb.

“It gives me a lift when I wonder what Mourinho thinks about what’s happened to me since I left Chelsea. He never spoke to me about why I wasn’t playing.

“He probably thought I would go to Portsmouth, fade away, disappear and not do anything in the game – and probably 70 per cent of football fans thought the same. I think I’ve proved my point as far as Mourinho is concerned. People, even Jose Mourinho, make mistakes.”

who would be a blogger?

http://tomkins-blogs.typepad.com/paul_tomkins_blog/

Not everyone’s cup of tea but I think he speaks a lot of sense most of the time.

Sorry for posting all these links Gerry.

Not sure about you guys, but i find the echo article regarding the Alonso situation a bit disturbing. I fear that it would be the same situation when Madrid lost Makelele to Chelsea, RM’s midfield was never the same. Nevertheless, i trust Rafa to make the right decision, and i personally price Alonso at 50mil pounds or 40 mil pounds plus Sneider. With the money, we can go out and get us Silva or Villa and also I think Sneider would be a good addition to the team. I just hope it would not drag on like the Keane saga last season where he came in too late to gel with the rest of the team.

Ok, most of us here seem resigned to losing Xabi.

Fer all the possible replacements, one name has yet to pop up – M Arteta!

Me thinks its the PERFECT replacement – already lives in the area, chance to play in champion’s league, belated chance to force way into spain squad fer s africa, useful at dead balls etc etc.

Best of all, we’d get to piss off Gollum & “our wee neighbours” (as Gerry puts it).

Me thinks £15-18m bid would seal the deal fer a player still nursing injury. What say the esteemed pundits here?

Disappointing if rumours are true about Xabi. If that is the case then I say, swap Xabi with Sneijder and Van der Vart. Real don’t rate them, but I think the rest of the football world do. What the hell are Real thinking…who is actually going to do the defending in their midifield….

Not resigned to losing Xabi, but if he wants to go, let him go. But the thing is, he has not put in a transfer request yet, hopefully the reports are all nothing but hearsay. So until Xabi himself says that he (officially) wants to leave, he is still a LFC player. If RM wants him, they should pay for what he is worth. We can’t be held ransom, just because they’re RM and the rest of the world are beneath them.
Regarding the replacement, don’t think Arteta fits the bill, would still go for Sneider.

Sorry, meant to say that, RM thinks that the rest of the world are beneath them.

Hey guys, i was just looking through our friendly fixtures, noticed that we are playing Thailand at Bangkok, then Tranmere, then at Singapore within a week or so. Is the team going to travel to Bangkok, back to UK then again to Asia? Wouldn’t that tire the players?

PR, I think Arteta would be great for Liverpool, but it would never happen. And the only realistic thing I can think of is Sneijder, plus as much money as we can squeeze out of Madrid. But I’m quite happy to leave that to Rafa and Macia, and their data base.

I haven’t even lost all hope of Xabi staying, because he’s yet to sit down and talk with Rafa. Who knows, they might sort it out yet.

From all I know, Xabi is a very quiet, private lad. I don’t have some deep inside knowledge on the fella or his personality. But some things are common knowledge – he doesn’t go out with the rest of the players. He doesn’t even go round to Pepe’s house very often. And it’s a known fact, that Pepe has a party every week for all the Spanish lads and their families. It’s not some Spanish only thing. Anyone can go, but every week all the Spanish lads get together with their wives and kids, and have a little fun day round Pepe’s. From what I know, Xabi doesn’t go too often.

And we all know, you never see him mouthing off in the media. In fact, you never see him in the media. Try to think of one story about him that wasn’t to do with football that’s been in the media in all the years he’s been here?

Exactly, there hasn’t been one. Even when he was up for sale at the end of last season, he kept shtum. And he done exactly the same when he fell out with Rafa over staying home to see his first child born instead of travelling to Arsenal.

You can only say the lad’s been a proper professional. He’s given us great service, complete loyalty and he’s been great value for money.

And the fact is, players like that are never usually expected to put in official transfer requests by their clubs. It’s a sort of unwritten code. And it’s only right. Why should Xabi give up any of the transfer money that would be owed to him after being such a good servant of LFC?

I think Rafa’s first job Monday morning will be to sit down and talk it all over with Xabi, and if the lad does want to leave – or indeed Rafa wants to sell – that should be it. Rafa should pick up the phone and get it done asap.

It’s a shame, but it’s football and these things happen.

Lurgan, I just opened that article you posted. Dion Fanning is a Liverpool supporter and not averse to throwing in a bit of mischief on our side now and again.

I thought that article was rather funny, but basically Fanning being a bit naughty again. Although, I’m sure The Tramp does see/hope that signing Owen annoys the shit out of us and considers that a juicy little bonus. And that’s certainly the hope the manc fans are clinging to.

I’d already read the article to be honest, but I’m really glad you posted it as it led me to finding this one aswell…
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/vincent-hogan/benitezs-quaint-ideals-offer–virtue-in-a-soulless-world-1818808.html

Read that mate.

I think both Fanning and Hogan are Irish lads (well in the Paddies). But it’s nice to see some people in the media are now starting to see what Rafa is about and what he is doing. I don’t think you’ll see anything like this in the English press or by English hacks for quite some time though.

In fact, I dread the day they turn all nice on us and put away their hatchets. I prefer to see us and Rafa getting slaughtered in the press. I hope it continues on a constant basis for many years to come. It will only mean we are doing something right, and I know for a fact that Rafa uses their bias and bile to gee the lads up. And that’s fine with me.

Totally agree with you on your analysis, FS.

Like you, I’m hoping he’ll stay. Somehow, I think he’ll be out of place working in a Galatico environment with people like Ronaldo who only thinks of himself and how good he is.

Let’s wait for Rafa to sort things out with Xabi. If he stays, it’ll be another great signing for us.

Fact that Real said Xabi won’t sell them any shirts speaks volumes about the environment he is potentially joining.

They’ll definitely treat him like a second rate player like Makalele previously.

Why Xabi why . . .

Yep FS, that was another great article and I think that it was burgerman who drew my attention to it yesterday.

Anyhow, I will defo be keeping an eye-out for future articles from these two guys.

BTW, how do you get an invite to one of Pepe’s parties. Now that would be the mutts nuts!

Call me biased, call me naive, call me a cunt if you like but I just can’t understand why any player would want to leave LFC, now of all times.

Xabi has been a model professional and if he went it would be a big loss to us, but we will just have to get on with it. As others have said if he’s going rafa will find a good replacement.

Looking at this news of ManC after Adebayor, my only thought is: Are these a**holes thinking that they are going to challenge for the title with 11 forwards?

They already have – Benjani, Bellamy, Caicedo, Robinho, Vassell, Santa Cruz, Tevez, Jo, Evans, Bojinov, and now probably this African Giant Spider.

Makes Me Sick!!

Vassell has gone to Turkey. Jo has gone to Everton on another season long loan. So they probably need another 4 forwards to replace them. I hear they are putting in a bid for Mike Summerbee.

Lurgie, the parties would be no use to me or you… jelly and cakes, not lager, vodey and spliffs. So, I can’t see you or me enjoying the bouncey castle and party games.

If Van Nistlerooy passed a medical, would he be worth a shot, seeeing as he would cost zero ?.LK, it was me who spotted Vincent Hogans article on independent.ie.I would sign Hitler if it meant the difference between winning the title or not.There is a very good young Swede playing for Groningen who has scored 35 goals in the past 2 seasons-the new Dirk Kuyt?.FS, enjoy your trip to Thailand, I went to watch the Reds in 2003.

FS, that’s a great article by Vince Hogan – I put it on my Facebook. KopKing, when in it’s in black and white like that, it seems like a poor-man’s-Real Madrid wishlist.

I do like that Wes Sneijder bloke – kinda like an impression of Zizou.

Am I alone in thinking that Mathieu Flamini is a realistic and suitable replacement for the now 99% certain-to-go Alonso, and likely gone Mascherano? I am of the opinion that Alonso’s departure would only hasten Mascherano’s.

As disastrous as it might seem to lose both, I do believe the plan-B, and rabbit-out-of-a-hat are eh…up Rafa’s sleeves, so to speak. The method to the madness of Lucas Leiva might come to pass this term too. The one thing that nobody can take away from the lad – no matter what side of the pointed-fence you’re on – is his positive attitude, and competitive nature, despite unholy and never-before-seen booing from a section of match-goers who get supporter-lessons from Combat-18.

Don’t think that we are without options.

@FS

Completely agree with your post # 241. I am just hoping that he stays. I dont think its the right time to talk about replacements given the fact that loosing Xabi would be a big loss not only for his game but his professioanlism as you mentioned.

But given the short time left to get an able replacement, it is also understandable that we need to move on.

I dont want to give a definite negative conclusion which you hate but if he goes, it will put us on the back foot.

Lucas and Masch as a combination concerns me. Last season whenever Xabi didn’t play the quality of our play overall was lacking. As much as I admire Lucas’ attitude I’m afraid I don’t have the same admiration for his passing (penetrating passes and passes over 10 yards) and ability to control a game of football. Mascherano’s passing is ordinary. If we lose Xabi we’re going to have to bring in top quality to replace his position in my opinion. I’d say Rafa is aware of this which is why he wants to get as much out of Real as possible.

@LB

Yeah moreover Lucas and Mascherano is not the combination which Rafa can play throughout the season. Both dont give us the passing accuracy of Alonso, they are not creative going forward.

Lucas might develop into a great midfielder and i believe that is the reason why Rafa keeps on playing him. But certainly he is not ready to shoulder the responsibility week in and week out.

London Barnes, completley agree with you and would not think that Rafa would would replace Xabi with Lucas – he’s a completely different kind of player. You cant play both Masch and Lucas together, our mid would be overrun and a suitable replacement would be needed.

Consensus would suggest that Sneijder would be a good fit however saying that i would give Lucas another season to progress (as back up), despite all his mistakes last season, I thought he came good at the end

LFC TV is now free for all those who have basic sky packages so we can catch the pre season games (deferred coverage) for the time being until they start charging again.

FS, Sorry for missing your comment (No 10) as I had been to India and just returned this morning. Working round the clock. No time to read Kopblog at all. Do e-mail me details on your Bangkok visit, sk.chew@maxwellpharma.com. I shall only be there two nights unfortunately, 21-23 July, leaving early on 23 July as I have another plane to catch. Cheers.

If Xabi goes we will bring in a replacement. I have no doubt of that. But I don’t agree that Lucas and Mascherano can’t do the job. Of course, I want more options than that. But think back lads – Newcastle, Man U away off the top of my head – they didn’t do too badly when called upon.

But like I said, I don’t see us trying to replace like with like. And it would be pointless trying- there just aren’t any other Xabi Alonso’s out there.

It’s only my opinion, but what I think we would see happening is Rafa bringing in a faster, more energetic central mid-fielder and we will play the sort of football that destroyed teams at the end of last season.

Of course, Rafa won’t just go all gung-ho. He isn’t that sort of man. But I think he will try to sign a player like I described in another post…
A player who doesn’t shirk his defence duties – thay are all expected to do their share under Rafa – but who gets forward, moves the ball quickly and likes to link up with the forwards and contribute more goals.

I love to watch Xabi. I love the way the lad drops off the play, makes him self available at all times, and keeps the game going with his long and short passing. I do honestly rate the lad very highly.

But if he is to go, I think that’s the sort of player we’ll see come in to replace him and that’s the sort of football I think we’ll see. Sneijder fits the bill, but who am I to name anyone. I will trust in Rafa to get it right whoever he brings in.

And of course all this depends on Xabi actually leaving and also whether Masch decides to stay or go.

A right can of worms that’s best left to those that know best.

Hiya Knight, just seen your comment. I must have been writing my last load of drivel as you posted. I thought you must have been away when you didn’t answer. But I also knew I’d get to talk to you before I left.

What I don’t know is… whether I am still coming. I have been sorting it out with Donal outside the blog. I am all ready and raring to go. I’m just waiting on a mate of mine. I have promised Donal I will give a definite yes or no by Thursday at the latest.

Sorry to be a pain, but believe me my friend, all the messing about is driving me mad.

Fair comment FS, just think that on too many occassions Lucas was left wandering last season, hence my concern to play both him and Masch together.

As an alternative – Lucas can do the job but how consistent can he be over a long spell in the team – he’s a solid 3rd choice for now.

Only time will tell and lets see what Rafa has up his sleeve

That’s why I said we need other options mate, but I wouldn’t worry too much about having to relie on them for some games. Besides can you honestly see Rafa not getting more options and possibilities?

We know how much he loves them.

But anyway, I just popped back in to say this… I have just seen something by a lad who was at Xabi’s wedding. It’s not bollax. The lad was really there. He tried to speak to Xabi about whether he will be leaving. Xabi didn’t answer and obviously the lad didn’t push him on it. He also didn’t give an opinion on whether he thought he would go or stay, but… well, it didn’t seem encouraging.

indeed he does!

On the brighter side, perhaps Xabi dwas focussing on the wedding, their’s hope yet!

Bit of a hit-n-run comment, but….

Most of you know how I feel about our Xabs, (and I sort of agree with FS, I think we’ll see a change in formation) but as for “replacements” perhaps we already have one… or even two…
Obviously they are both “wild cards’ but we played Aurelio there and he did well…
but my “wild card” for the slot would be…. Dagger!

Yep… Danny Agger obviously great defensively, but good with the ball going forward and like Xabi can also score from 40-odd yards.

I have to agree with a few odd comments here and there that I am still of the opinion that Alonso (strong possibility) and Masch (near certainty) and Arbeloe (why would he sit on a Real bench behind Ramos) will be with us come the start of the season. I trust Rafa to get the best out of the situation even if it means just give us this year Alonso then I will let you go to Real once they realize that 100 strikers will still not win them anything and be more willing to meet our price.

For all the doubters that Lucas has no vision or passing ability I am going to gloat and dish out so much stick when this lad steps up and comes good. I cannot understand the comments sometimes if you had watched his performances. Until last year I thought his distribution and creativity was better than Alonso at one point and I was watching the same games as all of you. Obviously Rafa rates the lad so he is clearly seeing want I am seeing, so I will sick to Rafa’s judgment then “I hope Real take Lucas as well” brigade. It seems it always has to be someone for some people.

I see they are televising the preseason matches over here so I will get a glimpse of the kids in action, should be interesting to see how they have come on. Man City are going the Real route strikers uber alles, with a touch of the Russian peasant thrown in, “lets see how quickly we can buy the title. Arsenal could struggle next year to hold onto that 4th spot, though I still think it will take them a few years to gel as a team.

On the Lucas question. What exactly is his role ? I mean what are his qualities ? Xabi is a master at tempo, rhythm albeit generally not the killer deadly pass. Stevie is … well .. Stevie, pace, power, shot, a killer on the park and a decent tackle to boot. Mascher is a primo destroyer, harrier, sees the defensive need and has the ability to do the deed, but, does not stretch himself offensively. maybe he could but he doesn’t (I think).
Lucas is none of these guys. I think he is quick witted, has a very good eye for the killer pass, is a good link man, wants to make the tackles but does not have the physical strength at times (a la mascher). I personally think he has been played somewhat out of position with too much emphasis on defense and shuffling the ball on. i’d like to see him given his head to go out and run a game, mid-field to striker.

Am I completely mad here ?

No Dougle you’re not mad, and we may well see Lucas let loose from time. But I cannot see Rafa taking any gambles this season. He knows the strength of our position, and I bet my bottom lip he will go after the title like The Tramp chasing a brown bootle this season.

He knows how much intent we served last season. He knows we have scared them. He knows the mancs and Chelsea aren’t the forces they were, and he knows the both of them will be going all out to win the CL.

So, I expect no gambles from him.

Keith… here’s something strange. I was just talking to a mate of mine this afternoon. He does have a bit of inside knowledge as he has some very close ties to the club. He told me that Arbie wants to stay and that he is quite happy with life in Liverpool the club and the city. Apparently, he’s well over the homesickness and is well settled and happy to stay… Sadly, it’s his wife that’s the problem now. She still wants to go home.

I love my missus an kids more than life. I’d never do anything to upset them, but I’m starting to think it’s time these footballers started laying down the law… The tail doesn’t wag the dog. It’s getting beyond a joke.

Yeah, lets hope Rafa’s plan comes to fruition and we see LFC playing the best attacking football you can see in the Prem next season.

The blueprint has to be that majestic performance against Real Madrid in the CL at Anfield. I know that match was a super charged night under the Anfield lights and the challenge will be to produce that level of intensity at 3 or 4pm on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

I am grately encouraged by Rafa’s comments in yesterdays Echo about the attacking football that will be on show next season. More changes to personnel? If Xabi leaves, yes, most definitely.

whatever happens with alonso or mash for that matter i hope it’ll be solved one way or the other fairly quickly.I trust Rafa will deal with this swiftly.I also belive we can push on without xabi.I think once the squad get back from switzerland and every player is back,business will pick up ten fold.looking forward to seeing the team in action again.Just one word on arbie,if he is staying if could be also used at left back as well as the right.He could even make the position his own so all is not lost for him.I hope if does indeed stay.I think he’s a very good and underated player.

I’ve put this suggestion forward before.

How about Yossi in our midfield?

Torres himself said in interview during ConFeds Cup that Yossi has similar qualities to Xavi & Iniesta – small, quick, intelligent players.

What do the resident experst here think? Will Rafa shuffle his pack & play Yossi in the middle of the park?

FS
“I love my missus an kids more than life. I’d never do anything to upset them, but I’m starting to think it’s time these footballers started laying down the law… The tail doesn’t wag the dog. It’s getting beyond a joke.
”

That is exactly what I have been saying.
About a year ago, I posted a comment by Roy Keane (who I despised as a player) and he hit the nail.

If the move was for a footballing reason, I have no problems whatsoever. But any other move besides that (unless it is a health issue or the like) is well beyond me. Professional careers last 10 years at the most on average, so the players can dedicate a chunk of their remaining lives to their families after retiring if they so wish. That is much more time than the ordinary working man can give to their families. Why can’t the families let the player focus on his career whilst still in action is something I will never ever understand.
Besides, there is the option of living separately if necessary. Look at the guys who had to go to war, ffs.

What is the big deal about having to bear a couple of years in a place you don’t really like but your husband is earning the dosh and getting football honors??? I dunno, maybe it is because of my background culture or maybe it is because I am old-fashioned, but football wives are too selfish for me…..

Hyde mate, this is a grey area we are traversing. Just see the scenario in our club itself.

Arby had a problem with home-sickness for a long time. This cropped up last season too if you remember. His wife not adjusting is news to me. Even then, his case might be genuine. But take a look at Mascher’s case. I feel he’s (or his agent) creating all the hype just to get a pay rise and he’s including even his family in the drama. I don’t buy that. So we should not go by what these footballers say. They usually have a ulterior and egoistical motive behind their decisions.

FS, i would be very happy if arby stayed on and signed a nice contract. He can CM, RM and LM. He’s better version of versatile O’Shit of the manure.

Hyde, ABhiram, I agree with both of you… Footballers should just make their wives bite the bullet. And I’m sure this is now becoming the biggest agent’s/player’s excuse to either get out of a contract and fuck off with out consequences or force new contracts – same result, squeeze more money from the clubs they play for.

But I know for a fact Arbies homesickness was very genuine. I got into let’s say a few heated debates with people over it, both in here and out in the real world. Because I know what it’s like. I kopped it once. I couldn’t just up pick up sticks and go home at the time. I was stuck in a place that had nothing wrong with it, it just wasn’t what I wanted – home.

And, I think, only people who’ve suffered from will really know what I mean… It’s bloody horrible. It’s like an actual sickness, sort of like being properly/clinically depressed.

But it’s getting trotted out far too much now, and it seems to have moved from the players onto the wives. And I think/believe these greedy meddling bastard agents are using it as their newest smokescreen to hide their continous theft from the clubs/game.

Pricks the lot of them. That fella that represents Tevez has been sticking his oar into Mascher’s/LFC’s business lately. What the fuck’s it got to do with him? Robbing gangster bastard. Something needs doing about these fellas.

Mind you, the players are no better. Look at Mr. Chelsea, I love this club, Terry. I can’t wait to see his excuses whether he stays at, “I would die for this club,” Chelsea or or goes to City. I have a feeling it will be the best one since Ashley Cole had to pull his baby Bentley over because he had to be sick at the insult of a king’s ransom that Arsenal offered him.

PR: There’s been loads of suggestions as to what Rafa should do if Xabi leaves. And I’m sure Yossi could play center mid if called upon to do so. But if we end up losing Xabi we need to buy.

Loads of reasons for that, but I tell you why I’d be really angry if we never bought a replacement… What would happen to the money? Yep. We all know what would happen. Well, fuck that.

Rafa was supposed to get 20/25 million. He was also supposed to get about 15/17 million of the Keane money and all of the near 5 million that he has raised in sales. Well, he’s spent 17 up to now. Even my bad maths tells me he should have over 20 million left to spend. So add that to any money Xabi will be sold for… and what, no new players. Oh, no, no, no.

I’m not daft. I know there’s no chance of Rafa seeing it all, but he can’t let Hicks start them tricks… or implementing his usual business practices that have seen him suck the life out of at least 3 very successful “Sports Franchises.”

Fuck that malarkey.

Could not agree more FS, the bread winner decides what’s best for the family, home sickness is a joke get over it, at 40 to 80 thousand a week I would love to be homesick. W did not hear anything about homesickness when they were earning peanuts at their provisos clubs. Now we have made them internatioonaly recognised stars their wife’s are homesick. I think it is blown out of proportion and used as an excuse by wives and agents.

All three will be here come the start with the only question mark over Alonso and I still have not heard him come out and say he wants to leave. Rafa needs to force him, if he cannot convince him to stay, to put in a transfer request or get the 35 mill he asked for. Sneijder (very good replacement and maybe better suited to an attacking game plan in the prem, yes we will loose some control in the CL but not much by comparison) plus 15 to 20 mill. Then we can either get Silva, Turan or even Hamsik or van der Vaart and we would be far better off than keeping a dissatisfied Alonso (if that is indeed the case) Rafa will already have a multitude of contingency plans for each scenario and if Real do manage to meet our demands you can bet your bottom dollar that Rafa will make the most of it and we will be better of and get the better deal of the two clubs.

As for Lucas, he is a box to box player in the Stevie mould and I might be wrong but is being looked at as a long term replacement for Stevie. He is young and Rafa, being Rafa is playing him in different positions as he gains experience, strength (his big weakness but apparently he has bulked up by 3 to 4 kg over the Summer) and adapts to the pace of the Prem. So no he is not a defensive midfielder or one who sits in the middle dictating play. He has a very good range of passing and can make the incisive pass when necessary, personally I think he has very good vision (yes might lack in the execution at this stage). However his runs into the box and bursting through from midfield are one of his strengths and you can see the good positions he takes up and creates when he is given the licence to do this. However he normally comes on in the last 20 odd minutes and plays more in a holding role as he gains experience so yes we do not see him in his best position most of the time but he is young and still adapting and learning. Rafa, the Brazilians and even his team mates all rate him very highly so I tend to listen to their judgement, plus what I have seen, then the ever so uninformed comments from so called armchair experts. No he is not ready to run the midfield but I expect to see a big step up from him this year.

Keith mate, I expect a big step up by quite a few squad players or a cull next summer. But even from just from a monetary point of view, well, not letting fat arse Hicks disappear it all… I think we have to strengthen. But as you say, Rafa will have all that in hand.

But here’s what I popped back into say… the Tevez agent fella – Whoa Koorbichan or something – has just been on Sly Sports. Between the pair of them they more or less had Mascher sold and LFC doomed.

That might seem like a small thing to come in here complaining about. But the fact is, we bought Masch from West Ham. He no longer belongs to any dodgy cartel. And his ties to that twat where cut when he signed for us. He’s supposed to have nothing to do with Masch anymore. So why’s he going on about it…

Well, he’s just been paid by Sly for the drivel he’s just spilled. But what’s the betting he is on some sort of bung if Masch get’s sold?

I think that’s pretty much nailed on. So, it’s not small potatoes. Something needs to be done. But it won’t. Who the fuck is there to do anything about it?
Fifa, UEFA, The FA – it would take a book to say why they won’t do bugger all. So, I’ll just say there’s not a bloody chance of them doing anything.

Club managers or the League Manager’s Association: Now there’s a bloody laugh. Can you imagine bung taking fuckers like Redknapp biting the hand that feeds them.
In fact, The Tramp and his bung taking bitch Allardyce, won’t even speak to the BBC for exposing some of the shenanigans that go on.

Tradings and standards, Business commision, I don’t know, but some one has to stop all this shite. It really is beyond the pale.

I sometimes hate football and the corrupt sess pit it’s become.

Here’s something…
I can’t remember the full story but here’s the gist of it. Back in Real’s first Galactico period, a journalist at one of the better papers – Times, Gaurdian, etc – recieved a phone call. When he answered the fella on the other end pretended to be him.

I can’t remember the journo’s name, but I kid you not he got a phone call from a fella pretending to be him. So, he kept shtum and played along.

The fella on the phone, said he had an exclusive for him, that he wanted no money for it and he just wanted it printed to do “Justice” for the player. Sorry, I can’t even remember which player it was. It could have been Zidane or Figo, but I honestly can’t remember.

Anyway, the concerned Justice seeker on the phone, then went on and on about how badly the player was being treated by his “Corrupt” club. He said that Real had made decent offers, and that the player was desperate to join them. The claims were as ridiculous and sensationalist as Bletter’s “Slave” comments.

To cut a long story short, the Journo did write an article about it and it went into the paper. It also appeared in all the other English papers. The difference being all the other papers printed it as true and even bulled it up more, but the Times journo who’s name was used to give some credence to the call exposed it for what it was… A blatant illegal bit of meddling on Real’s behalf.

Of course, Real denied all knowledge of the “scam,” even though the phone call and the number it was made from was traced right back to Perez or some other high ranking Real official.

What happened – bugger all, and that’s probably the sort of shite Rafa is having to deal with right now.

I only hope Xabi sees Real for what they are – a disgusting institution closely tied to 2 of modern days most awful inventions… rampant capitalism and facism. A horrible bloody club. And hopefully as a Basque and a nice decent lad, Xabi will turn his back on them once Rafa gets down his ear.

FS if the Echo is printing that Alonso has asked Rafa to let him go there must be some credence to the story. I am of the opinion that if that is the case, yes I would like that to come directly from the horses mouth for purposes of verification because I do like the lad, then he should be sold for the highest fee possible and if Real do not match our valuation and Alonso is desperate to join them, he must have the ball to put in a transfer request. The team is far bigger and better than one player as we proved last year by beating the Mancs and numerous others without Gerrard, Torres and Alonso at times. I see there is a report that Seijder is not on Rafa’s radar but Xavi Martinez form Bilboa is, plus Silva and if we get our fee both. Personally I don’t mind either or as long as they are committed to LFC, because no matter what, Rafa will have it all planed out and make sure we benefit to the maximum. Masch is going nowhere and we will still be major contenders for the title with or without Alonso, who will regret moving to Real if that is the case. If we get the asking price I am of the opinion that we could end up being stronger.

Just read an amusing rumor that is sure to irritate the shit out of MON and I am sure even Rafa will be amused at this one. If we sell Alonso we will move for Ashley Young. It almost worth Rafa to play along just too irate MON again and to see him moan and bleat to the press.

Like you know yourself Keith, it’s just the usual press/media transfer window mischief.

I’ll give this to The Tramp, he knows how to play the media. Well, the man mightn’t be the most tactically minded, but, being the second most successful manager in English football history, he obviously knows a thing or two.

And saying his business is done is a very good move on his part. I don’t for one minute believe him. In fact, I think he’ll be going mad right now trying to find more brochures.

But what he has done is now put to bed all speculation and media meddling for the duration of the window. I would be a very happy man if Rafa could do the same, but sadly, you’re right…

The only thing that will stop all this nonsense is for our players to come out and put a stop to it by saying “I’m going nowhere,” or slapping in a transfer request.

I can’t see either happening though, and this will he won’t he, who will come in if they go malarkey will carry on for sometime yet.

I’ve had the sneaky idea Rafa still wants to sell Xabi inmind for some time now, but now I’m starting to believe it more than I’d like to.

If Lucas is so good, how many teams have tried to buy him in the past few months?.Point made.

I see Agger is injured again.

I hate this bloody time of year.

Point ignored and discarded.

So by your criteria Kuyt, Gerrard, Agger, Skertal, Pepe and the rest of the first team baring Torres, Alonso and Masch are shit? Very intelligent reasoning to use, when evaluating players. You need to advise Rafa that he is using the wrong criteria when he buys players.

The players you mentioned are all on long term contracts and have attracted interest from a variety of top clubs who would buy if the price was right etc.How many clubs has Lucas been linked with?.Point made.

Keith I have made a little bargain with meself. I am not going to bite. And from now on I am just going to blank some posters and their posts.

There is no point

Fs, words of wisdOm from FS.

You know what Keith, I remember when the pre-season friendlies got played and most people didn’t even know they was on. Then a day later the result and a couple of lines of reporting appeared in the local paper… And we’d usually got beat by some team like Wrexham or some lowly Nordick team.

Nobody give a fuck what that result was. We knew what was going to happen come the start of the season, and knew that friendly results had very little bearing on it.

I actually like the pre-season games nowadays. I try to make a little holiday out of them most seasons. But I know they don’t really mean nothing but a little run out for the lads, and a chance to seel shirts, make money and goodwill. The actual pre-season training and team bonding is of far more use to the coming season.

Well, we play our first friendly tonight. You watch what happens… there will be in game threads all over the net. All the PC pundits will be giving there verdicts. Some will be reaching for the razor blades if we dare to get beat. Nevermind Lucas, players like Johnson will be written off by some of these experts unless they score a hatrick. Our performances in the friendlies will be getting compared to the other top teams. And if we don’t win them all by at least 10 clear goals – we will have the experts screaming how our season is finished before it starts and how we can’t possibly win the title without certain players.

Oh and LB, watch when a few players pick up an injury… theyr’e finished. We are doomed.

Thankfully I’ll be working a lot more over the coming weeks and able to duck the worst of it.

I know i don’t comment very often, but burgerman, you’re an idiot, point made.

That reminds me of the great Chris Lawler, The Silent Knight… didn’t say much, but when he did…

just as a comment, i have had to tavel all over the world, for work purposes. in fact i’ve moved three times in the past three years ann whilst i as the main breadwinner of the family really enjoy what i do, homesickness can play a major part in destroying what dreams are made of.

My missus was really up to moving and embraced it so much so that she came out of her shell and became queen of the morning coffee brigade (so to say)

However as time went by, she started to become more and more depressed due to homesickness and even though I pack her of to SA twie a year, it has never really cured he longness to return.

This situation can often lead to long drawn out arguments and at times affects my performance at the workplace

Depsite this, she ihas had to come to terms with the fact that we are away but bet your bottom dollar, she would jump ship at half the chance to go back.

Spare a thought for our homesick WAGS, as even I have thoughts to return home to make my wife happy or……

In fact Burger man, I’ve got a suggestion… you’ve got opinions. You have every right to express them. Why not try to put them into a proper debate?

In all truth, it’s a good thing to have proper discussion with all points of view getting an airing. But dropping you’re little hand grenades and ducking… Well, it does make you like an idiot at best, a wind up merchant at worst.

I happen to think there’s more to you than that, and wouldn’t mind talking LFC/football with you.

But having said that, if the the little bomb shells continue to get dropped, whether for effect or through idiocy, I will be ignoring them from now on.

Lads, onto more important things. What avatar do you see with this post.

Is it with Rafa and Fowler or something else?

I may have cracked the avatar thing

BTW, short, succinct and correct galwayred.

Just seen your post FS and cannot make me mind either road. Although I do the have a feeling that Burgerman may have quite a bit to contribute, if he wants to.

It’s up to him!

BTW, what DO you see in my avatar. I spent a good half hour on this!

It’s a big hairy arse

Hah! This one was pretty funny.

Fergiescum said in a meeting day before yesterday that he “tried to” convince Tevez, by “calling him” and sending messages, and he didn’t reply. He didn’t want to stay at Manchester. He even spoke to him after their match against Inter and he didn’t show up.

While Tevez said in a press conference yesterday that poor Fergie was lying. He never called him nor did he send him any messages. He talked to him after their match against Roma and that wasn’t even about his contract. He wanted to stay at Manchester(if not Utd. then City).

Well, who’s lying? The old scum or Dracula? I guess the oldie’s taking a dig on Tevez. He’s a LIAR.

Meanwhile, I’ve also heard that somebody’s making a film on Tevez. His life when he used to live in a slum and how he got those weird marks on his neck. It will be called – “The Cunt Dracula”.

Nah mate. It’s Rafa with Fowler. I think it is anyway. Me eyes aren’t what they used to be. But how come you can’t see it?

As for the wind ups and idiots, like I said, I’m just blanking them. On days like today, shite weather, no work, no grandaughter to mind, no dog to walk, in fact nothing else to do but go the pub, at least this place gives me somewhere to waste an hour or two. So, I don’t mind popping in and out and having a wee chin wag.

But I’m fucked if I’m going through anymore of that getting quizzed and quizzed for days on end. Me Missus doesn’t even do that. And I’m not going to even give any credence to ridiculous bomb shells like – no one wanted to by Lucas so he’s shite.

In fact, I think that would be the ideal place for BM to start being a proper part of this little hyper space community of ours by explaining that theory.

I won’t hold me breath though.

KopKing, it would not be the first/last time that Alex Turpson has lied but, in all honesty, don’t try to analyse it too much.

He’s in the shit and needs to come-up with some decent signings ASAP. Sit back, relax and enjoy it. It’s being many a year since we were in such a strong position before a new season began, even without the Xabi will he or won’t he bollox!

FS, the avatar is a bit small but you are right it is Rafa and Fowler together.

I, like many reds, have a soft-spot for Fowler. The most natural finisher that I have seen at Anfield in my time, although FT is getting there.

This should be my avatar at the moment:

http://gamesnet.vo.llnwd.net/o1/gamestar/objects/187573_main.jpg

If you don’t mind, could you restart your browser and see what happens. Cheers!

BTW, it’s fuckin’ roastin over here

burgerman, I have just about had enough with your petty sniping at FS’s opinions with your oh-so-wise “point made” statements, and then top it up with a blatantly sarcastic “FS Words of Wisdom”. Please.

YOU ARE A FUCKING DICKHEAD, point made.

If you’re going to bash Lucas, ELABORATE YOUR POINT, or else, YOUR PATHETIC POINT IS NOT MADE!

I can’t make the faces out too well, even with me bins on. But I remember the picture anyway mate. It’s Fowler touching the TIA sigen when he came home.

I’ve got the go ahead to come over mate. Everything’s sorted, I’ve been in touch with me mate who owns the hotel in Pattaya. I’ve been promised a ticket. It’s just me mate having the problems. And while I’m waiting for him the price is going up on the flight. It’s doing me head in, but it’s not his fault. He’s doing his best to get sorted and I’ve done all I can to help him. It might still work out. I just hope we aren’t pricedout of a flight. And I could just come on me todd. But I’m a big Jessie. I want the company.

Oh, and what’s shut the browser? Close down the internet?

KR don’t bite. It’s not worth it. And he’s every right to have a go at me if he feels like. I’ve give him plenty back. So he’s entitled to have a go. Be better if he just dropped the front though and contributed instead of just going on the wind up.

Ahh, clicked the link and I see what you’re on about now Lurgie. I used that picture in another forum. I had people believing it was me. Had a right wind up meself with that.

Oh well, fuck it. Me dog’s been brought home. I’m taking him down the river for a walk, probably via the nearest alehouse. Poor bugger, he just heads straight there nowadays.

I find it funny how much the Burgerman one-liners wind everybody up. He’s pissed more people off in 3 sentences than I ever did during the entire 2007-08 season. Well maybe not quite

FS, I couldn’t help think “fucking typical” when I saw that Agger had a back injury. The bloke is always bloody injured and it got on my nerves a bit considering how he was acting up about maybe leaving the club/getting a new contract.

FS, I have just read your post #258. Posted my reply but it was not accepted. here it goes again. Just to be sure, i have written an e-mail to both you and Donal. Hope to catch up in Bangkok. If not, it is still OK.

FS, from the way he keeps coming in making personal snipes out of the blue when the general discussion at something else, he’s no longer making any positive discussion, but rather, having a go at people just for the sake of it, just like that idiotic serial Rafa-basher “mypost” in the TIA forums.

But, you’re right FS. I should just ignore him when he’s being this childish. Though it’s going to be quite tough trying to mentally screen out his comments. Some forums allow you to “ignore” posts made by certain people who just wind you up.

Speaking of Fowler, he shows why he’s still revered in Anfield as God, even when he’s Down Under in Queensland, while the traitorous MO is now regarded as a Dog of War. (Perhaps it’s no coincidence that God and Dog are spelled opposite to each other. )

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/07/14/liverpool-fc-legend-fowler-i-could-never-join-man-utd-like-michael-owen-100252-24148185/2/

Plus I hear he scored his first goal for Queensland on his A-League debut today.

Sorry, that link was page 2. Here’s page 1.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/07/14/liverpool-fc-legend-fowler-i-could-never-join-man-utd-like-michael-owen-100252-24148185/

Knight, I hope to book my flight tomorrow. I would do it now, but the cheapest flight I can find is not bookable on the net. You have to call the company and they are closed now. I’m gutted about that because the price of the flight has been steadily going up and up everyday and it jumped by 60 quid last night.

It mightn’t seem too much, but that would have more or less covered my travel to London and then to Pattya from Bangkok and back. Pain in the arse when you look at it that way.

I should have just booked it the other week but I hoped me mate could make it. You’d have liked him. A good lad and red. I offered to pay his flight and hotels on me credit card. I do it for the lads quite often, but I’m not a saint. They pay me back.

It’s this recession mate. We are all feeling the pinch and quite a few of the lads are really suffering. Oh well, I’ve lived through far worse and all things pass. And I will let you know, asap.

LB BM doesn’t wind me up. You know more than most that I give more than I get and I enjoy a little joust. I just think he’d be better off making his point instead of dropping the little one liners… Tommy Cooper he’s not.

KR, something that caught me eye in that Fowler interview. I was thinking about this the other day… did you see he was denying going to Tranmere. Well, I’ve been meaning to say this but forgot… With Barnsie and McAteer now being there, I think it would be good practice to start lending them some of our youngsters.

Can’t be arsed listing all the reasons why, but I think it would be a great move by the club – especially for youngsters like Nemeth and Pacheco who aren’t quite ready to step up to the first team but would surely benefit from regular football at a higher level than the ressies and being taught the Liverpool Way by a legend.

PS: never even had a pint. Walked me dog round there, had a look in, got off down by the river and give the dog a swim. Even the pub’s are feeling the pinch. There wasn’t a soul in there.

FS, I am a stupid fuckwit sometimes.

I am on holidays with the wife and kids when the matches in Thailand are on and then should be back in Ireland for a wedding, if I can be arsed, when I get back from that.

So, basically, the league will be started before I have some time, which is not a given either.

The only good thing is I checked my calender before asking the wife

For the avatar thing, to see my ‘new’ avatar, you will need to re-start internet explorer / firefox or whatever you use.

If this does not work, it’s a bit more complicated, so just let me know what internet browser your using.

BTW, I see Nemeth is starting up-front in tonight’s friendly.

No problem Lurgan.
Watched the friendly last night on a really shitty stop start stream. So, I can’t really say anything about it.

Gerry PC on the blink again?

Well, that’s that. Knight, Donal, that bevvie will have to wait for awhile.

I feel like strangling my mate. He’s arsed about and dragged his feet all week, and this morning he rang to say he will/can go. So, I jumped on the net to start fixing up flights and hotels. I will kill him – the flights have more than doubled since we started to do this.

I had one sorted for £325 last week. The same flight is now more than double in price. They all are. So, that is that. I just can’t afford to do it now.

Gutted absolutely gutted.