This week once again carries some good news and some bad news as well. Bad news weigh more than good ones and it's time to worry. Alonso has finally came out and said aloud that he wants to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid. Madrid have as reported by many sources decreased their bidding price by 3M pounds. Rafa has been very clear when he has said that he doesn't want the player to go for silly money. That said Liverpool want in the region of 35M pounds for Alonso otherwise they are not going to sell. I don't know what rift there has been between the player and the manager. It's clear that if Alonso leaves, Liverpool are going to be affected by that.
The ex Real Zaragoza man was unknown by the football world before Rafa brought him into the light and allowed him to re-discover himself. I find it unfair that the man wants to repay the club and all those behind his success in this manner. Anyway we'll see what the next few weeks reveal about Alonso's future.
On the other hand, Liverpool have offered new contracts to duo Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby. The lads say they are delighted to stay. Both have impressed during their time in the reserves and now look forward to play a crucial part in Liverpool's success. Hopefully we'll see them grow into gems, and be proud of our homegrown players.
Another positive sign is Liverpool are willing to treble Mascherano's wages in an attempt to pursuade the player for a longer Anfield stay. It was reported that Mascherano's reason for wanting to leave LFC has been his wife who does not want to return from Argentina as she cannot adapt to the Liverpool lifestyle. She must however not forget that Liverpool have been strongly responsible for the riches she's nowadays enjoying. Most people earn in 10 years what Mascherano earns in a week!
Rafa has moreover declared that he will not make any big money signing, so, we might need to forget the likes of Ribery banging the ball in the opposing net next season! Let's have faith in Rafa. He's done what he has said when he joined Liverpool: Make the club challenge for the PL in 5 years' time. In my opinion he's done more than that. Who will ever forget Istanbul and the FA Cup final? This week pre-season friendlies kick off. So let's keep an eye on our promising youth as well as our regulars.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Glen Johnson, our latest addition....
Glen Johnson, who was voted the best RB of the season by the PFA is the latest addition to our squad. With 18 Million pounds spent on the lad, Rafa does not regret one bit to have recruited the man because he cannot be more accurate when he says English players carry a high price tag. Very versatile in his style of play, he possesses the speed and ability to break defences and provide that killer ball. This will indeed sharpen our attack spearhead and at the same time boost our defensive order. That said, Glen Johnson will act as a double sided spear, hence a very tactical buy by Rafa. Johnson was always coming to Liverpool even though Chelsea offered the same price for the player before agreement was done with Liverpool.
Yesterday was Johnson's first training day at Melwood. Today he speaks about how he feels about his Anfield move and what were his motivations. Here's what he had to say:
"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 told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"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 will be unveiled to the world's media on Thursday afternoon where he will reveal how 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."
"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."
"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."
"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.
Seems to be a fairly good person from what he's said about our club. Now let's wait and see how his presence influences the fluidity of our game. Hopefully, his displays will yield more goals and we would be able to turn those draws into wins. Another quality addition to our squad is however expected.
(Interview Source: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/)
Yesterday was Johnson's first training day at Melwood. Today he speaks about how he feels about his Anfield move and what were his motivations. Here's what he had to say:
"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 told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"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 will be unveiled to the world's media on Thursday afternoon where he will reveal how 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."
"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."
"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."
"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.
Seems to be a fairly good person from what he's said about our club. Now let's wait and see how his presence influences the fluidity of our game. Hopefully, his displays will yield more goals and we would be able to turn those draws into wins. Another quality addition to our squad is however expected.
(Interview Source: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A brand new season is about to begin.....
First of all, many apologies for having been absent for so long. Due to personal reasons I have been unable to update this blog. By now, my blog would have been really stuffed up with many interesting posts, especially after the brilliant yet slightly disappointing season (because we've been 2nd and drawn too much) we've had. Now things have hopefully kicked off once again for me, so I will be around with updates frequently.
The reality is that time flies by so quickly that you don't quite realise it. I mean, we are already on the transfer season, players have just returned to melwood for training, pre-season friendlies will be starting imminently, Rafa has offered the chance to some of the youngsters in the resereves to show their skills....in all, we are just in the threshold of another brand new season.
However, I am really disappointed by the fact that more and more news are cropping up signalling Mascherano's intent to quit Liverpool. Is this just speculation or does the guy really want to move on? I just hope it's only speculation but again news of his possible departure have stemmed from trusted sources which means there might be some truth. When Mascherano was playing for West Ham, clubs barely knew him. Therefore, it's Liverpool and Benitez who've made of Mascherano what he is at the moment, a world class holding midfielder. I just hope he isn't lured by money because it would be an immense loss for Liverpool FC.
Alonso's move away from Liverpool has furthermore been mentioned a lot in the media. As far as i know, the latest news upcoming is Liverpool have priced out Real Madrid's bid for the player. At least this is a positive sign. Promising young lads such as Mavinga and Fernandez have been added to the squad. Add them up to some very talented guys in the reserves team and we could have some very good players kicking the ball at Anfield in a few years' time.
I am worried by the fact that we might lack financial support to cope with the coming years. The footballing world is becoming more and more competitive and players have become too costly. This is set to rise in the coming years. Frankly, it has been a mistake to let those Americans buy the club. They've made too many false promises. The construction of the new stadium has been delayed more than a couple of times. A bigger stadium would have considerably increased Liverpool's revenue, given that we've made around 100M in profits past season, in spite of our low capacity stadium.
Well, let's hope for the best to happen to this football club, which, I am sure, for myself and many other Liverpool fans, is like a religion. This season will be massive for us, seen how close we've come last season. This has indeed sent a warning signal: Liverpool have become the team to beat. So let's believe we can bring the title home this season.
YNWA
The reality is that time flies by so quickly that you don't quite realise it. I mean, we are already on the transfer season, players have just returned to melwood for training, pre-season friendlies will be starting imminently, Rafa has offered the chance to some of the youngsters in the resereves to show their skills....in all, we are just in the threshold of another brand new season.
However, I am really disappointed by the fact that more and more news are cropping up signalling Mascherano's intent to quit Liverpool. Is this just speculation or does the guy really want to move on? I just hope it's only speculation but again news of his possible departure have stemmed from trusted sources which means there might be some truth. When Mascherano was playing for West Ham, clubs barely knew him. Therefore, it's Liverpool and Benitez who've made of Mascherano what he is at the moment, a world class holding midfielder. I just hope he isn't lured by money because it would be an immense loss for Liverpool FC.
Alonso's move away from Liverpool has furthermore been mentioned a lot in the media. As far as i know, the latest news upcoming is Liverpool have priced out Real Madrid's bid for the player. At least this is a positive sign. Promising young lads such as Mavinga and Fernandez have been added to the squad. Add them up to some very talented guys in the reserves team and we could have some very good players kicking the ball at Anfield in a few years' time.
I am worried by the fact that we might lack financial support to cope with the coming years. The footballing world is becoming more and more competitive and players have become too costly. This is set to rise in the coming years. Frankly, it has been a mistake to let those Americans buy the club. They've made too many false promises. The construction of the new stadium has been delayed more than a couple of times. A bigger stadium would have considerably increased Liverpool's revenue, given that we've made around 100M in profits past season, in spite of our low capacity stadium.
Well, let's hope for the best to happen to this football club, which, I am sure, for myself and many other Liverpool fans, is like a religion. This season will be massive for us, seen how close we've come last season. This has indeed sent a warning signal: Liverpool have become the team to beat. So let's believe we can bring the title home this season.
YNWA
Friday, November 7, 2008
Liverpool 1-1 Atletico Madrid, a last gasp equalizer saves the day
After an unlucky loss at White Hart Lane, Liverpool were bound to bounce back to their winning attitude. Liverpool FC started the game really well . The first deadly occasion created saw Agger nearly score. It was unfortunate that Liverpool did not get a penalty at that moment as Agger was clearly pushed by a Madrid defender, in an attempt to prevent him score. Other goal scoring occasion fell Liverpool's way, the best one being a superb overhead pass that found Keane who shot just inches wide. Gerrard, Riera and even Mascherano attempted to score but it wasn't to be. Atletico is known for its quick counter-attacking football, which effectively earned them a goal, scored by Maxi Rodriguez. I was really furious. Football is sometimes unfair.
In the second half, Liverpool continued to press Atletico, forcing them to defend. Again Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty kick due to what seemed like a blatant hand ball in the box by Perea. Liverpool were still unlucky. Liverpool's domination continued until Gerrard was fouled in the box during injury time. This time Liverpool weren't going to be denied of the penalty spot. The foul on Gerrard was clear and it was as well wise thinking by the captain who knew if he won the header, the defender might foul him. Gerrard then made no mistake to convert the penalty kick into goal as Anfield immediately erupted in joy for this sweet escape at last gasp.
It is very clear that Liverpool are playing well, but the finishing touches lack accuracy. With a bit of luck and more concentration, players like Keane and Kuyt could well and truly become great heroes of the Anfield faithfuls. Keane and Kuyt are already big players but they have to add credential to their status by scoring when Liverpool are mostly in need of that winning goal. Liverpool are currently joint top of the CL table as well as the PL table. So far, it has been a good season for Liverpool in the CL and PL alike. The next Premier League match will see Liverpool host West Brom at Anfield. The good news is that Torres could make the starting line up on Saturday.
In the second half, Liverpool continued to press Atletico, forcing them to defend. Again Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty kick due to what seemed like a blatant hand ball in the box by Perea. Liverpool were still unlucky. Liverpool's domination continued until Gerrard was fouled in the box during injury time. This time Liverpool weren't going to be denied of the penalty spot. The foul on Gerrard was clear and it was as well wise thinking by the captain who knew if he won the header, the defender might foul him. Gerrard then made no mistake to convert the penalty kick into goal as Anfield immediately erupted in joy for this sweet escape at last gasp.
It is very clear that Liverpool are playing well, but the finishing touches lack accuracy. With a bit of luck and more concentration, players like Keane and Kuyt could well and truly become great heroes of the Anfield faithfuls. Keane and Kuyt are already big players but they have to add credential to their status by scoring when Liverpool are mostly in need of that winning goal. Liverpool are currently joint top of the CL table as well as the PL table. So far, it has been a good season for Liverpool in the CL and PL alike. The next Premier League match will see Liverpool host West Brom at Anfield. The good news is that Torres could make the starting line up on Saturday.
Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool, an unlucky loss
I would never have imagined to come here and write about a Liverpool loss against a Tottenham side that we dominated in most parts of the game. As from the first half, the scoreline must have read 3 or 4 nil in the favour of Liverpool FC. The balls which went off the bar and the own goal by Jamie Carragher were all signs that Liverpool were unlucky. And Tottenham used our bad luck to form their own luck as Pavyluchenko made it 2-1 in the dying seconds of the match.
Even Rafa was clearly disappointed by this Liverpool loss. He himself stated that it could have been 4-0. But this is football. Many teams had been caught against us, as we found the winner in the late stages of the game. Man U, Manchester City and Middlesbrough were all victims of a late Liverpool comeback. Similarly, we were victims of a late comeback by Tottenham.
Seen the way Liverpool are currently playing their football, every Liverpool supporter will talk about how proud he is of his team. It's been a long time since Liverpool have shown the character they are now showing. Not to forget, Torres is still injured and yet Liverpool have managed to win their matches before this loss. Certainly, confidence is high at Anfield. Rafa is doing a great job and once again Riera has been a precious buy.
Next up is Atletico Madrid at Anfield. With a bit of luck and the never say die attitude, I am pretty sure Liverpool will get back to their winning ways.
Even Rafa was clearly disappointed by this Liverpool loss. He himself stated that it could have been 4-0. But this is football. Many teams had been caught against us, as we found the winner in the late stages of the game. Man U, Manchester City and Middlesbrough were all victims of a late Liverpool comeback. Similarly, we were victims of a late comeback by Tottenham.
Seen the way Liverpool are currently playing their football, every Liverpool supporter will talk about how proud he is of his team. It's been a long time since Liverpool have shown the character they are now showing. Not to forget, Torres is still injured and yet Liverpool have managed to win their matches before this loss. Certainly, confidence is high at Anfield. Rafa is doing a great job and once again Riera has been a precious buy.
Next up is Atletico Madrid at Anfield. With a bit of luck and the never say die attitude, I am pretty sure Liverpool will get back to their winning ways.
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