Random scurrilous Liverpool rumours

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THIS WAS POSTED IN THE GOLD CLUB'S EXECUTIVE LOUNGE BY A MEMBER. I HAVE COPIED IT DOWN HERE JUST INCASE NOBODY ELSE HAS:

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Continuing on from my previous post regarding a few bits of info past on from my boss who has a few connections within the board at anfield, i have been handed abit more info by the boss who this morning was still fuming about todays performance. Any way the information is very encouraging and shows that the world has not ended at anfield.

1. Barragan is being used in the first team in training ground matches as either a attacking full back or right midfielder the reports coming back are glittering and apparently bar gerrard and alonso he is the best crosser of the ball at the club and is very much in line for a first team call. I personally feel it will be against crystal palace but it is very nice to hear Barragan coming along so well.

2. However Barragan is not the only youth member receiving glowing reports in training Miki Rogue is suppose to be holding his own in training at the back and has filled in with carra during many training routines and is another that Benitez feels will be a first teamer in the not to distant future.

3. Continuing with the youth i am sure you are aware there were scouts at the u17 championships in peru and whilst the names have not been disclosed as deals are not done there are a few players that could well be making the switch to melwood soon. All i have heard of the players are that there is a dutch holding midfielder, a mexican winger(not sure of sides) and a south american striker(nationalty unknown) but is suppose to be lightning fast and a cool finisher. Names are being kept under wraps due to the tenderness of the said deals and the players are said to be highly desired by Benitez.

4. Liverpool have asked to be kept up to date with Simao at benfica and were extremely impressed with his performance against united. Although being understandably angered at Benfica for pulling out of the deal in the summer, Liverpool believe that a deal will be completed in January however other targets are beginning to become available.

5. Mexes has risen to the top of the defensive targets along with the two out of contract centre halves who are Navarro and Lopo??? Benitez believes however that Mexes could become the perfect foil for carra due to his composure on the ball and turn of pace as well as his ability to spot a pass. Although the board member believes that Liverpool are likely to look to bring in Navarro for a nominal fee and mexes on loan with a option to buy in the summer. This is due because coaching staff feel that we are considerably weak in that area and whilst the youth are very good that are not capable of competing week in week out at premiership level YET!!!!

6. As mentioned before Cortes is still being tracked and a scout was said to be attending their weekend game i believe it was against madrid not sure thou. Expecting the report soon and a move could be likely in the summer. If anyone saw the game could comment not sure if he played but any help would be nice cheers.

7. Patrice Evra of monaco a left back has become a target again the feeling is that there is not a left back of the highest quality at the club at the minute and therefore they feel that they will have to bring one in. However a deal will probably be next summer due to priortise else where.

8. The two top targets(meaning as in financial terms not posistional) are Juan Sanchez Joaquin and a fella from italy Iaquinta. Unaware of the latter but the former i personally would be delighted with. Benitez had mentioned Joaquin in the summer but betis would not talk as joaquin himself wanted champs league with betis however since summer things have changed and Joaquin has said to have informed his agent to check Liverpool out and Joaquin had a breif chat with a few Liverpool staff when the two teams played last month. I believe either a bid has been made or is in the process of being made as Liverpool want to strike while the iron is hot. Iaquinta is a player benitez has had watched and this board member believes from the talk that a move is being considered due to his current situation at udinese they may also see now as an ideal time to strike. Any info on this iaquinta fella would be grateful as my boss said the board member seemed extremely upbeat when talking about him.

Obviously Benitez does see that not all is well at Liverpool performance wise and is looking to sort it out although it is said that team spirit has never been higher and that after yesterdays defeat everyone kept there head up and are willing to work harder to address this.

A brighter note on Cisse thou apparently in training he is working his nackers of and is banging them in left right centre. But yesterday he was not in the right frame of mind due to problems else where concerning the police??

Will keep looking for more info and am happy to answer questions if anything is not understood. Cheers

[Phantom Spanker]

and who'd ya get this off?

[STEVIEG]

and a fella from italy Iaquinta. Unaware of the latter

Udinese's main man and top scorer currently on strike after a silly dispute with the club so it could be an option

[Philby]

He has just signed a new contract but that wouldn't necessarily mean he'll not move elsewhere in the summer, just means that he'll cost that bit more.

http://www2.sbs.com.au/home/index.php3?id=63721

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Thats all from the Koptalk insider. All comments are from the Insider rather than myself.

This is like 'Heat' magazine for footie fans! ;)

[KolaKubes]

the feeling is that there is not a left back of the highest quality at the club at the minute


No shit!

[Sound]

No shit!

Go on!


Please.


I beg you to tell me that Kieran Richardson is a better left back than Riise or Warnock.
Please do.

And for your next trick you can regal me with tales that Rossi will be better than Owen..

[Superdave]

Go on!


Please.


I beg you to tell me that Kieran Richardson is a better left back than Riise or Warnock.
Please do.

And for your next trick you can regal me with tales that Rossi will be better than Owen..

now THATS comeback!

[KolaKubes]

Go on!


Please.


I beg you to tell me that Kieran Richardson is a better left back than Riise or Warnock.
Please do.

And for your next trick you can regal me with tales that Rossi will be better than Owen..

Neither of whom were deemed good enough to get into the side in front of Djimi "fucking" Traore?

I will rise to your bait though, seeing as you were good enough to rise to mine. Richardson, indeed, has more to his game already than both those and, who knows, might even start for England in one of their crunch games this week in place of Cole.

As for Rossi, tell me why he can't be better than Owen? You've every reason to be skeptical, he's done nothing in the game yet but, by all accounts, it seems that Utd had every reason not to follow up their interest in Owen when we've got this lad coming through the ranks.

Default Rooney Impressed By Rossi
Wayne Rooney believes Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi has a genuine chance of breaking into the first-team picture at Old Trafford.

After earning rave reviews for his displays last season in the Reserves, the skilful 18-year-old has edged onto the periphery of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad.

When asked by The Sun who was the best young player he'd seen, Rooney replied: "Rossi. I think he's got a great chance. He has got a great touch, and is a natural finisher. "

Rooney's insight comes from a well-qualified position, as a supremely gifted youngster himself,


Rossi the new Greaves?
Manchester United youngster Giuseppe Rossi has been compared to legendary former England and Milan striker Jimmy Greaves. United’s academy chief Les Kershaw said: “The FA set up a system with Academies to develop kids to win England the World Cup. I don't care if England don’t get in the top 32 in the world. My job is to get a player in United’s first team. But he doesn’t need to be English. Rossi has a wonderful chance. He’s like Jimmy Greaves, a left-kicker, tucks the ball away. But not English.”

[Lamps]

Neither of whom were deemed good enough to get into the side in front of Djimi "fucking" Traore?

I will rise to your bait though, seeing as you were good enough to rise to mine. Richardson, indeed, has more to his game already than both those and, who knows, might even start for England in one of their crunch games this week in place of Cole.

As for Rossi, tell me why he can't be better than Owen? You've every reason to be skeptical, he's done nothing in the game yet but, by all accounts, it seems that Utd had every reason not to follow up their interest in Owen when we've got this lad coming through the ranks.

look tom, you've already given us niall fitz and the fa cup fiasco to beat you with, don't add another.

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Neither of whom were deemed good enough to get into the side in front of Djimi "fucking" Traore?

I will rise to your bait though, seeing as you were good enough to rise to mine. Richardson, indeed, has more to his game already than both those and, who knows, might even start for England in one of their crunch games this week in place of Cole.

As for Rossi, tell me why he can't be better than Owen? You've every reason to be skeptical, he's done nothing in the game yet but, by all accounts, it seems that Utd had every reason not to follow up their interest in Owen when we've got this lad coming through the ranks.

HAHA! Richardson is now better than Riise. A fantastic piece of delusion or a poor WUM.

I await the days when Rossi will break his international team's all-time scoring record.

Are you currently wearing Gary Neville underpants?

[KolaKubes]

HAHA! Richardson is now better than Riise. A fantastic piece of delusion or a poor WUM.

I await the days when Rossi will break his international team's all-time scoring record.

Are you currently wearing Gary Neville underpants?

Richardson is a left winger learning how to play full back but learning pretty quickly in his defence. That I'd take him over Riise says far more for how decidedly mediocre I think Riise is than me thinking Richardson is a top notch full back already. Look, the glaring relative deficiencies in our centre-mid aside, there's scarcely a Liverpool player would make the United squad even at our current low ebb. Back to arguing with the Chelsea "fans" over who plays the fewer long balls now little chap.

[Sound]

Richardson is a left winger learning how to play full back but learning pretty quickly in his defence. That I'd take him over Riise says far more for how decidedly mediocre I think Riise is than me thinking Richardson is a top notch full back already. Look, the glaring relative deficiencies in our centre-mid aside, there's scarcely a Liverpool player would make the United squad even at our current low ebb. Back to arguing with the Chelsea "fans" over who plays the fewer long balls now little chap.

I'll bite as its fun watching you tow the party line.

Unlike you, I have actually see Richardson play in the flesh. I've seen him be outplayed on the wing and at left back. To be fair, he has looked far more assured recently but is still very, very green. Riise is absolutely head and shoulders above him from an attacking and, especially, defending standpoint.

This squad debate has been done to death. And there is no point discussing it with you if you cant see the merits of Riise over Richardson and his 5 games at left back.

Coming next week, the continuing saga of Brown being better than Carragher and other Redissue ramblings...

[Fat Tom]

HAHA! Richardson is now better than Riise. A fantastic piece of delusion or a poor WUM.

I await the days when Rossi will break his international team's all-time scoring record.

Are you currently wearing Gary Neville underpants?

Personally I don't rate Richardson as a left back but please god tell me that if Riise is so good why the fuck can't he start ahead of Traore.

Rossi could become an excellent player, to say he will be better than Owen is nonsense. No one can predict that yet.

Plus his international chances will be scuppered by playing in England.

[Lamps]

Coming next week, the continuing saga of Brown being better than Carragher and other Redissue ramblings...


langer tom gold that one.

up there with fergie the tactician and rio the defender

[KolaKubes]

I'll bite as its fun watching you tow the party line.

Unlike you, I have actually see Richardson play in the flesh. I've seen him be outplayed on the wing and at left back. To be fair, he has looked far more assured recently but is still very, very green. Riise is absolutely head and shoulders above him from an attacking and, especially, defending standpoint.

This squad debate has been done to death. And there is no point discussing it with you if you cant see the merits of Riise over Richardson and his 5 games at left back.

Coming next week, the continuing saga of Brown being better than Carragher and other Redissue ramblings...

Right, and the Pool fans are just objectivity personified I suppose?

Like I've made perfectly clear, neither Richardson nor Rossi have done anything in the game yet. I'm merely suggesting that neither Riise or Owen are particularly high benchmarks to be setting for either player. As for you "seeing Richardson in the flesh", well good for you, what relevance is that? I've been at football on a weekly basis in the recent past, you'll miss as much as you'll see even from the sideline. Good to see that the redissue "redder than thou" rubbish isn't just a Utd thing.

Oh and Carragher was all over the place on Sunday but, strangely enough, the media latched on to Hyypia and Finnan as the prime culprits. Wonder why that is?

[Teknique]

Oh and Carragher was all over the place on Sunday but, strangely enough, the media latched on to Hyypia and Finnan as the prime culprits. Wonder why that is?


I'm sure your dying to tell us.....

[Sound]

Right, and the Pool fans are just objectivity personified I suppose?

Like I've made perfectly clear, neither Richardson nor Rossi have done anything in the game yet. I'm merely suggesting that neither Riise or Owen are particularly high benchmarks to be setting for either player. As for you "seeing Richardson in the flesh", well good for you, what relevance is that? I've been at football on a weekly basis in the recent past, you'll miss as much as you'll see even from the sideline. Good to see that the redissue "redder than thou" rubbish isn't just a Utd thing.

Oh and Carragher was all over the place on Sunday but, strangely enough, the media latched on to Hyypia and Finnan as the prime culprits. Wonder why that is?

Surely a high benchmark would be to aspire to European footballer of the year or soon to be the highest scorer for your country? If you cant/wont see that then you are just being unreasonable.

Re Carragher, please tell us how Jamie gave away a penalty like Traore or let Drogba past him twice? You wont have an answer as it never happened. Not even Franco Baresi would have coped too well with a sick, slower than a rock Hyypia and plain rubbish Traore!

You are blind.

[eric2k5]

Cisse... police? Hmmm, probably something to do with his driving.

If Benitez doesn't give Cisse a proper run up forward before January, it seems that he'll be off to another club. Cisse is supposed to be not the easiest to deal with but surely he deserves better than being brought on as a replacement all the time and usually playing 10-15 minutes.

He starts for France and scores regularly for them. Surely given the chance, he'll do the same for Liverpool.

If he goes in January, Benitez better buy a top class 20-25 year old striker. How easy will that be?

[Phantom Spanker]

Your source said Cisse is working his bollocks off in training and that Joaquin is one of two top targets.

Cisse just said he wants to leave liverpool and Benitez just said they have no interest in bringing Joaquin to Anfield...... i hope you're not making all this shit up now

[Sound]

Your source said Cisse is working his bollocks off in training and that Joaquin is one of two top targets.

Cisse just said he wants to leave liverpool and Benitez just said they have no interest in bringing Joaquin to Anfield...... i hope you're not making all this shit up now

All that stuff is from a subscription site called Koptalk insider. Its not my source or anything like it. I called the thread 'scurrilous rumours' for a reason. As with all transfer stories, they should be taken with a large pinch of salt. TBH, I was more interested in the training stuff.

And, for the record, Cisse said:

"I want to emphasise that I love being in England and at Liverpool - and I want to stay and fight for my place.

"During the press conference here earlier in the day I simply stated that if my situation with regard to playing for Liverpool had not evolved by January 2006, then I would consider leaving Liverpool for a club where I would be afforded more playing time with a view to the 2006 World Cup."

[eric2k5]

He recently married a local girl and bought a huge country estate.

I think he really wants to stay but Benitez has something against him.

He's not Spanish.

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From Koptalk Insider:
Rafa has had a bust-up at Melwood with Cisse over his continuing outbursts in the media about his Liverpool career and his lack of first team chances.

As soon as Cisse reported back from international duty Rafa hauled him into his office. I don't know what exactly was said but I do know that Rafa could be heard outside and that Cisse stormed off afterwards kicking a computer printer off a bench onto the floor.

His Liverpool career is over. His availability will be circulated to other clubs over the coming weeks. His agent is due at Anfield next week.

[Captain Planet]

From Koptalk Insider:
Rafa has had a bust-up at Melwood with Cisse over his continuing outbursts in the media about his Liverpool career and his lack of first team chances.

As soon as Cisse reported back from international duty Rafa hauled him into his office. I don't know what exactly was said but I do know that Rafa could be heard outside and that Cisse stormed off afterwards kicking a computer printer off a bench onto the floor.

His Liverpool career is over. His availability will be circulated to other clubs over the coming weeks. His agent is due at Anfield next week.
he wont be lord of the manor anymore.

on one hand i think rafa didnt give him a fair run, on the other hand i think cisse was very average and was offside more often than not. morientes would also want to show improvement. id be happier with cisse more than morientes.

[KolaKubes]

Rossi scores on debut. ;)

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Rossi scores on debut. ;)

Surely a happening of this magnitude deserves its own thread? Or has Rossi been linked with a move up to the European champions?

Do make sure to come back and let me know when he is the second highest scorer for Italy, European player of the year and scorer of 150+ top flight league goals.

Oh, I forgot, thats not a particularly high bench-mark...

[Sound]

More from the Koptalk Insider service.

Last week Rafael Benitez ALLEGEDLY submitted a hand written letter informing them of an approach (sounding out) from Real Madrid.

The manager didn't want the club to think he was talking to the giants behind their back and wanted to do everything above board.

In said letter, it is claimed that Rafa made it known that at this month's board meeting that he wanted to address the issue of finances. While all directors are usually present, Rafa is said to have made a firm but polite request that the chairman and specifically Keith Clayton are present. In other words he doesn't want anyone to miss it through illness or any other urgent matters.

Now I know a bit more but I think if I go too deep I'll expose the source.

What I can say is that I am confident that Kenny Dalglish remains keen on getting a foot in the board room. I also believe that Steve Morgan has been in touch with the Krafts to try and strike a mutual friendship. Kraft is still lurking but isn't showing any signs of any serious interest or at least that's the vibe that he wants officials at Anfield to feel.

Back to Rafa.

Another source of mine is adamant that Garcia Quilon (Rafa's agent) is in regular contact with Real Madrid. Quilon insisted recently that there had been no contact and he could have been telling the truth. But an agent friend of mine claims rumours are rife within their circles that Quilon is flying to Italy to speak to Inter this week.

Now you may find this hard to believe or it may just be a little ironic, but I have a contact at Real Madrid (some of you may have picked up on this before) who is particularly interested in matters at Anfield. I got to know of him as a result of Michael Owen's move there and because of something else. Had a proposed take-over gone ahead in the past, I believe this man would have been Liverpool's next CEO. At the time I was threatened that if I named him that Perez would find out and I'd lose some key friends/contacts so for now, I aint saying his name. I've told one other member here as an insurance policy so that if it ever did happen, he could back me up. Please don't speculate about his identity at this time.

Anyway, according to him, Quilon has been speaking to Real Madrid on a more frequent basis since around 22nd Feb. Details of conversations were discussed at Real Madrid's board meeting where it was decided that Perez would stand down. Quilon is due to meet up with Fernando Alvarez (new Real chairman) later this month and I think that is a real concern, especially as it ties in with the next Liverpool board meeting.

There is absolutely no suggestion that Rafa is plotting anything. From my experience it suggests that Rafa is acting by the book by going to the board to a) inform them of an approach be it serious or not and b) he's simply raising issues that concern him. To me it is the agent who is doing what he does best i.e. looking after his client and his future.

Quilon is a close friend of Guillem Balague and this is where I think the leak of Rafa been approached from Inter and Real has come from. Quilon tells Balague who gets it out to the media via Sky Sports. The press latch on and the pressure is on the LFC board. Rafa saw it coming and covered his back by informing the board of what's happening.

The club are keen to offer Rafa a new contract and a significant pay rise but the manager has indicated via his agent that it is not about personal gain i.e. he's not using Real Madrid (and Inter) to get himself a better deal financially.

At the next board meeting I expect that the issue of money will be well debated. I believe it's this week that Rafa was supposed to sit down with Parry to discuss summer targets. Maybe that meeting took place last week and that's why the money issue has suddenly cropped up. I'm trying to find out but don't know just now.

I think people should monitor (if possible) the movements of Quilon and any comments dropped by Balague over the coming weeks.

As a matter of urgency, I hear that Parry, Clayton and Moores will meet up this week at one of the chairman's retreats.

Despite all the negativity, ifs, buts, whispers and mind games, I really don't think we'll lose Rafa. Something has to give at Anfield eventually and the possibility of losing Rafa could force it to happen before next season.

The hand written letter to the board informing them of an approach is good to hear about but the request of ensuring all members are present at the next board meeting (when they should be anyway) suggests Rafa is going to bring the issue of money up once and for all.

The national media have latched on to Balague's comments about the approaches but I can't help that feel someone has been dropping info directly to the press (Quilon?) because so many papers are singing from the same hymn sheet, including the local media today which is unusual (although I wouldn't be surprised if a different vibe was fed this afternoon or tomorrow once Parry gets on the blower).

I expect Rafa will play down the link and reports. He'll say he's very happy here and yes, he is happy but he wants to progress.

Panic? Nah, not yet. A concern? Certainly.

When a manager usually identifies a board meeting as one of special interest, it's usually because of money, either that or he's going to stand down or at the very least, threaten it.

Now before you go off on one, I'm not saying that's what Rafa will do, I'm talking generally. I have no idea what Rafa will do but from information I'm receiving, the guy will speak up and seek answers about the summer.

For example, will the board back the proposed signing of Fernando Torres? Rafa knows that under the current set-up such a signing would prevent other moves and he wants to avoid that.

Jose Antonio Martin (Torres agent) met Paco Herrera in Portugal recently. Details of that meeting haven't reached me as yet but once it leaks to the rest of the scouting staff, I should have something to report to you.

[Fat Tom]

Interesting.
Sure if he leaves ye can always have Graeme Souness or Mick MacCarthy!!!

Torres would be a top class signing but think Mourinho would have a thing or two to say about that.

[MonTheHoops]

LeGuen looks like he's signed for Rangers. McLeish for Liverpool?

[Sound]

LeGuen looks like he's signed for Rangers. McLeish for Liverpool?

Thats's not funny.

Boo!

[Fat Tom]

Thats's not funny.

Boo!

I'd say if rafa did leave, which looks more likely but still not a possibility in my view yet, yer more likely to get O'Neill I'd say.

[Sound]

I'd say if rafa did leave, which looks more likely but still not a possibility in my view yet, yer more likely to get O'Neill I'd say.

Jesus Christ! Can you imagine trying to get Sami and Carra to play with 3 at the back?!? We'd be crucified for pace.

[Fat Tom]

Jesus Christ! Can you imagine trying to get Sami and Carra to play with 3 at the back?!? We'd be crucified for pace.

stop!

[MonTheHoops]

Jesus Christ! Can you imagine trying to get Sami and Carra to play with 3 at the back?!? We'd be crucified for pace.


There was only 3 at the back played when needed. We only played it for 2 seasons out of the 5.

[Rebelred]

I don't think Rafa would leave liverpool for inter,but Madrid is a different story. But he seems like a loyal enough fella and is doing a more than decent job at anfield,so wouldn't be too worried if I were a pool fan

[Fat Tom]

True in a way but if that was the case why did he leave Valencia in the first place?

[homer jay]

True in a way but if that was the case why did he leave Valencia in the first place?

aparantly the owners were meddling in team affairs.

while benitez has been talking the talk about staying for a long time, he still wants to manage madrid at some stage, so you gotta ask questions whether he's totally commited to liverpool, or whether he has one eye on the door.

[Fat Tom]

aparantly the owners were meddling in team affairs.

while benitez has been talking the talk about staying for a long time, he still wants to manage madrid at some stage, so you gotta ask questions whether he's totally commited to liverpool, or whether he has one eye on the door.

As I said, I wouldn't count it out but its not "squeeky bum time" yet.
However Sounds post was an eye opener.

[Fat Tom]

Rafa Benitez has shot down suggestions he is unhappy with the level of finance available to spend at Liverpool.

The Spaniard is fully focused on Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie with Benfica, live on Sky Sports 2, and is dismayed to read reports claiming he wants a £30 million transfer kitty to spend in the summer.

After making it clear that he has no problem with the Anfield board, the highly-respected coach is keen to rebuff speculation linking him with jobs at Real Madrid and Internazionale.

"I can say to you that I don't have any problems with the board, with the chairman or the chief executive," he told Sky Sports News. "Not any problems.

"I am happy here.

"The only thing I want is to do well and beat Benfica and, after that, I want to think about beating Arsenal."

Benitez wants nothing more than to overturn the one-goal first leg deficit against Portuguese giants Benfica before reverting his thoughts back to the Premiership game at the weekend.

"I am really focused on the Champions League game," he explained. "I'm not worried about other things.

"The only thing I am doing now is preparing for the game, talking with the players and trying to do my best in this case.

"They are really focused, we are really focused. We know how important the game is for us and the club and we will try to win this game."

[Sound]

Rafa Benitez has shot down suggestions he is unhappy with the level of finance available to spend at Liverpool.

The Spaniard is fully focused on Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie with Benfica, live on Sky Sports 2, and is dismayed to read reports claiming he wants a £30 million transfer kitty to spend in the summer.

After making it clear that he has no problem with the Anfield board, the highly-respected coach is keen to rebuff speculation linking him with jobs at Real Madrid and Internazionale.

"I can say to you that I don't have any problems with the board, with the chairman or the chief executive," he told Sky Sports News. "Not any problems.

"I am happy here.

"The only thing I want is to do well and beat Benfica and, after that, I want to think about beating Arsenal."

Benitez wants nothing more than to overturn the one-goal first leg deficit against Portuguese giants Benfica before reverting his thoughts back to the Premiership game at the weekend.

"I am really focused on the Champions League game," he explained. "I'm not worried about other things.

"The only thing I am doing now is preparing for the game, talking with the players and trying to do my best in this case.

"They are really focused, we are really focused. We know how important the game is for us and the club and we will try to win this game."

The Insider post said that Rafa would deny it today. Spooky.

[Fat Tom]

The Insider post said that Rafa would deny it today. Spooky.

Thats what I was thinking.

[boxoid]

Thats what I was thinking.

wohahahahah hahahah ahhaha
fucking class

[Fat Tom]

Thinking: the process of using your mind to consider something carefully.

Obviusly not something you do before you post, or do you?
In which case you are just a dyslexic retard.

Well Done.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz z!:sleeping:

[homer jay]

wohahahahah hahahah ahhaha
fucking class

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzz

your small timery is embarrassing at this stage

[rebelexile]

Thats all from the Koptalk insider. All comments are from the Insider rather than myself.

This is like 'Heat' magazine for footie fans! ;)

Koptalk is the biggest bullshit site ever dedicated to football -The guy who owns it,Duncan Oldham is a Fraudster,takles gormless muppets for a fortune for his made up stories -He openly touts season tickets ,begs for money for his "disabled niece" despite him earning a £100,000 from his "gold Club" members ,managed to persuade the idiotys on his site to pay him in advance!!!!! for a book he was going to write 2 years ago , he is a Newcastle season ticket holder nd runs the spurs board-How can anyone take this guys "stories " as truth is beyond me


Here's a nice little tribute to him and his site
www.Kraptalk.com

[Out da Lough Like]

Cisse stormed off afterwards kicking a computer printer off a bench onto the floor.



He meant to kick it into the bin.

[Sound]

'Reds deal for Brazilian'
Wednesday March 15 2006
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Liverpool have reportedly won the race to sign Brazilian defender Fabio Aurelio.

According to newspaper reports, the Reds have seen off competition from Manchester United and Olympiakos to sign the 26-year-old Valencia left-back, who is available on a free transfer after failing to agree a new deal with the Spanish club.

The defender will be offered a four-year deal worth £25,000 a week and would become the first Brazilian to sign for Liverpool.

Aurelio played under Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for three seasons at Valencia, winning two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup, and is expected to challenge John Arne Riise for a first-team place at Anfield.

The move could see Djimi Traore and Stephen Warnock heading for the exit door as Benitez looks to freshen up his squad in the summer.

If Aurelio agrees terms, he would become Liverpool's third signing for next season, with winger Mark Gonzalez and defender Gabriel Paletta having previously confirmed summer switches.

[Fat Tom]

'Reds deal for Brazilian'
Wednesday March 15 2006
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Liverpool have reportedly won the race to sign Brazilian defender Fabio Aurelio.

According to newspaper reports, the Reds have seen off competition from Manchester United and Olympiakos to sign the 26-year-old Valencia left-back, who is available on a free transfer after failing to agree a new deal with the Spanish club.

The defender will be offered a four-year deal worth £25,000 a week and would become the first Brazilian to sign for Liverpool.

Aurelio played under Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for three seasons at Valencia, winning two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup, and is expected to challenge John Arne Riise for a first-team place at Anfield.

The move could see Djimi Traore and Stephen Warnock heading for the exit door as Benitez looks to freshen up his squad in the summer.

If Aurelio agrees terms, he would become Liverpool's third signing for next season, with winger Mark Gonzalez and defender Gabriel Paletta having previously confirmed summer switches.

Good player would deffo improve yer squad in that department.
Don't see our need for a left back with Evra and Heinze now.
But I know we were in for this guy previously.
From what I've seen of him he'd probably do a job for you left wing too.

[homer jay]

Don't see our need for a left back with Evra and Heinze now.
But I know we were in for this guy previously.

thats was probably just agent bullshit talk they farm out to increasein interest in their player. sounds good, anything to give djimmi the hint

[homer jay]

Real apparantly looking to buy alonso as well.

[Sound]

Real apparantly looking to buy alonso as well.

Rafa would want his head looking at or £20m to sell him- one or the other.

[Fat Tom]

Reports in Spain suggest that Liverpool have agreed a three-year deal with Valencia defender Fabio Aurelio.

The Brazilian is available on a Bosman free transfer and has also been pursued by Greek side Olympiakos, however reports indicate that The Reds have won the race for his signature.

Aurelio won both La Liga and the Uefa Cup under Rafa Benitez's stewardship at La Mestalla, and it appears as though their productive partnership is likely to be renewed at Anfield come the summer.

Although no official confirmation is yet forthcoming, Spanish radio reports that Liverpool's offer of €2 million (£1.38 million) per season eclipsed both Olympiakos and Valencia's approaches.

The left back would provide strong competition for John Arne Riise, Stephen Warnock and Djimi Traore at Anfield should he confirm his move to The Premiership, with the South American also able to perform in midfield.

He has previously attracted admiring glances from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United, but could now be poised to become the latest Primera Liga star to join the Rafa Benitez revolution at Anfield.

skysports.com

[Fat Tom]

Djibril Cisse has been tipped for a summer move to Tottenham by the agent who negotiated his transfer from Auxerre to Liverpool.

The 24-year-old French striker has scored in his past two games for Liverpool but that will not be enough to save his Anfield career according to Serb agent Ranko Stojic, who expects Liverpool to take an £6million loss on a player they paid £14million for nearly two years ago.

"Tottenham should be in touch again this summer and Djibril is very interested," Stojic told The Sun.

"Spurs are a club on the way up which can offer him more time on the pitch.

"A departure is very probable but Djibril has a very good relationship with the Liverpool fans.

"He gets on well with everyone and does not want to put everything in question by asking to leave now.

"The situation will sort itself out at the end of the season and I do not think the club will oppose his leaving if they can get £8million. Liverpool will need to sell in order to buy this summer.

"We know Tottenham are very interested. They got in touch with us on January 31 at 3pm. That was only a few hours before the market closed and we did not want to do business."

football365.com

[Sound]

Djibril Cisse has been tipped for a summer move to Tottenham by the agent who negotiated his transfer from Auxerre to Liverpool.

The 24-year-old French striker has scored in his past two games for Liverpool but that will not be enough to save his Anfield career according to Serb agent Ranko Stojic, who expects Liverpool to take an £6million loss on a player they paid £14million for nearly two years ago.

"Tottenham should be in touch again this summer and Djibril is very interested," Stojic told The Sun.

"Spurs are a club on the way up which can offer him more time on the pitch.

"A departure is very probable but Djibril has a very good relationship with the Liverpool fans.

"He gets on well with everyone and does not want to put everything in question by asking to leave now.

"The situation will sort itself out at the end of the season and I do not think the club will oppose his leaving if they can get £8million. Liverpool will need to sell in order to buy this summer.

"We know Tottenham are very interested. They got in touch with us on January 31 at 3pm. That was only a few hours before the market closed and we did not want to do business."

football365.com

Please God.

Please let it be true.

[Fat Tom]

Please God.

Please let it be true.

Its his agent talking to the sun it must be true.

[Fat Tom]

This was my favourite part,

"A departure is very probable but Djibril has a very good relationship with the Liverpool fans.


not from the pool fans I know

[Fat Tom]

Fabio Aurelio's agent has confirmed to skysports.com that Liverpool are in talks to complete the signing of the Brazilian full back.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at La Mestalla this summer and Valencia have, thus far, failed to persuade him to sign a new deal.

"In this moment, we have presented an offer to player and, until now, we have not had a response," said Valencia's sporting director Javier Subirats.

Liverpool have taken advantage of Aurelio's Bosman status and opened talks, and a deal now looks imminent.

Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, agent Juan Rigger has revealed talks are ongoing - but denied a deal was already in place, as some Spanish sources suggested on Tuesday.

"The contacts are open with Liverpool and things are going well, but still the operation is not closed," confirmed Rigger.

Aurelio added that his future is in the hands of his representative, saying: "This subject is with my agent, he knows everything."

Aurelio's capture would be a major coup for Liverpool and would bolster their left sided-options - with the South American able to play comfortably in defence and midfield.

Rafa Benitez knows Aurelio well from his time at Valencia and obviously feels that he is a player who can add some extra quality to his squad.

[homer jay]

cisse and traore looking to be on the way out...what a day to rejoice this really is

[Teknique]

cisse and traore looking to be on the way out...what a day to rejoice this really is

oh sweet jesus......
A swap for rouberie [sp!] with marseilles would be a tidy deal at this stage

[Fat Tom]

oh sweet jesus......
A swap for rouberie [sp!] with marseilles would be a tidy deal at this stage

Ribery I think.

[homer jay]

Ribery I think.
rubbery

[Fat Tom]

rubbery

Franck Ribery

[homer jay]

from rte.ie

Real Madrid footballing director Benito Floro has revealed that Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard tops the Spanish giant's list of summer transfer targets.

[Philby]

So they want Rafa & Gerrard? They can f*ck right off :-)

As much as I dislike them I would've thought that, footballing-wise, Gerrard's proposed move to Chelsea would be more attractive than a move to the Madrid Globetrotters (in their current state). I don't think this rumour has any mileage at all.

Gerrard - 6 July, 2005

"I've committed my long-term future to the club and I want all the speculation to end now. This is what I've wanted all along."

Gerrard now hopes to put the crisis behind him after threatening to leave Liverpool for the second successive summer.
"I feel there is a weight off my mind and I just want us to put this mess behind us," he said. "I've only one medal left to win at Liverpool and that's the Premiership. That's what I want more than anything and Liverpool is the only place I've ever wanted to win it.
"In my heart, this is my club. I want to help bring success here for them and, for their sake and my own, I never want to go through this again."

[Sound]

From the Koptalk Insider-

I spoke to a good contact of mine in Amsterdam this morning. Working for a bank, i've liased with him on several occasions before and football is always a good way to kick off some rapport.....
Anyway, shoot me the day im wrong but he did tell me that RVN would move to the scum, before any of the press coverage and also made me aware that he was world class, which i hate to admit has pretty much been proven.
He insisted that Kuyt will move to Anfield before the world cup, which is the biggest story in Holland at the moment and he has already spoken with Marco Van Basten for advice and recieved a positive.Liverpool are willing to met the asking price of 12m, with 8 up front and 4 based on goals and champions league qualification.
He also stated that Kuyt has a great all round game and will work the right flank.
I mentioned Newcastle's interest and my contact laughed it off, as if to suggest that it was merely a game being played by Feyenoord to raise the price.
Fingers crossed !

[nawfullanger]

From the Koptalk Insider-

I spoke to a good contact of mine in Amsterdam this morning. Working for a bank, i've liased with him on several occasions before and football is always a good way to kick off some rapport.....
Anyway, shoot me the day im wrong but he did tell me that RVN would move to the scum, before any of the press coverage and also made me aware that he was world class, which i hate to admit has pretty much been proven.
He insisted that Kuyt will move to Anfield before the world cup, which is the biggest story in Holland at the moment and he has already spoken with Marco Van Basten for advice and recieved a positive.Liverpool are willing to met the asking price of 12m, with 8 up front and 4 based on goals and champions league qualification.
He also stated that Kuyt has a great all round game and will work the right flank.
I mentioned Newcastle's interest and my contact laughed it off, as if to suggest that it was merely a game being played by Feyenoord to raise the price.
Fingers crossed !

such a load of auld cobblers. where the jaysus do people come up with thius shite. i bet you buy the sunday indo for its "news" content.

[Jim Comic]

morientes gone to valencia


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/5017942.stm

[Sound]

such a load of auld cobblers. where the jaysus do people come up with thius shite. i bet you buy the sunday indo for its "news" content.

See the bit where is says: 'From the Koptalk Insider'. That's the source.

See the thread title containing the word 'scurrilous'- That indicates that these aren't exactly bona-fide.

Cheer up ya gimp.

[homer jay]

See the bit where is says: 'From the Koptalk Insider'. That's the source.

See the thread title containing the word 'scurrilous'- That indicates that these aren't exactly bona-fide.

Cheer up ya gimp.

do you pay for the koptalk insider info?

[Sound]

do you pay for the koptalk insider info?

No, a mate of mine sends it to me. It's got about a 60% hit rate I'd estimate. Somtetimes is uncannily accurate and the rest of the time it's way, way off. Interestingly enough, it's always right about the financial dealings of the club.

[MonTheHoops]

Has Gonzales' work permit been turned down?

[Lamps]

Couple of buddies of mine are fanactical Liverpool heads and anti koptalk( peoples front of judea eat yer heat out):(

Here's a source for koptalk insider info

http://koptalkinsider.blogs ource.com/

[Sound]

Couple of buddies of mine are fanactical Liverpool heads and anti koptalk( peoples front of judea eat yer heat out):(

Here's a source for koptalk insider info

http://koptalkinsider.blogs ource.com/

Yeah, I've seen that before alright. There's a couple of anti-Koptalk sites etc around the place. The oul infighting between them is gas. All these rumour sites are a humourous resource really.

[MonTheHoops]

Yeah, I've seen that before alright. There's a couple of anti-Koptalk sites etc around the place. The oul infighting between them is gas. All these rumour sites are a humourous resource really.


Have you seen www.football-rumours.com ? The KING of bullshit rumour mongering.

[homer jay]

No, a mate of mine sends it to me. It's got about a 60% hit rate I'd estimate. Somtetimes is uncannily accurate and the rest of the time it's way, way off. Interestingly enough, it's always right about the financial dealings of the club.

i started visiting it the odd time since you last posted from it. they were yapping about a mjor invester in may, which doesn't seem to have materialised. i tuned in for one of their 'radio' broadcasts of a liverpool game (last of the season against pompey i think). twas gas, they're technically not allowed commentate, so yer man just yaps away half describing the action while eating the sunday roast.

[STEVIEG]

The dutch striker looks dead set fro Liverpool
I haven't heard anything and certainly havent been chaceking Koptalk but from following the story it looks like that is gonna happen and it would make sense.

[Teknique]

Has Gonzales' work permit been turned down?

June 1st is the hearing

[Jim Comic]

cisse badly injured tonight against china, 'tis feared it might be a broken leg

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/france/5057580.stm

[raZor]

scuppers his move back to France anyway!

[Jim Comic]

gonzales had his permit granted today i do believe

[Teknique]

gonzales had his permit granted today i do believe


superb

[homer jay]

gonzales had his permit granted today i do believe

excellent, hopefully he'll live up to the hype. kewell on his way out???

[Jim Comic]

confirmed

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N152815060705-1554.htm

[Eoin]

Great news. Was impressed with him against Ireland afew weeks back.

[Jim Comic]

Liverpool have completed the signing of Brazilian left-back Fabio Aurelio on a free transfer from Valencia. Aurelio won a Spanish title under Benitez

The 26-year-old, who has penned a four-year contract, won a Spanish title under Benitez at Valencia and is the first Brazilian to play for Liverpool.

The Reds have also signed 20-year-old centre-back Gabriel Paletta from Argentine outfit Atletico Banfield.

And Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez has been granted a work permit - one year after signing for the club.

[baby face]

id take rossi over owen anyday

[Superdave]

some promising signings i suppose. First Brazillian to play for the club may herald the end of Bambi Traore. Hurrah!

On a different note, anyone got opinions on the unofficial sites out there?

Personally i always check Koptalk and have done for years. more out of routine than anything else. But Yer man Dunc does strike me as a twat. If things don't go his way he bars people, you can't question his judgement or opinions or you risk being locked out. still though, it's a good source for transfer rumours and the stuff the official site won;t tell you.

Also bought fowlers autobiography off his site last year including shipping to NZ for 7 quid. the book retails for 17. Bit odd that he can be making money off this.

[homer jay]

The wide man has just returned from World Cup duty and has made it clear that he intends to leave Betis for a new challenge this summer.

Betis' new president Pepe Leon admits he will cash in if the right offer comes along.

He said: "Betis would be equally happy to keep Joaquin or to have their coffers full. There have always been a lot of teams after the player, but nobody has yet decided to make the final move."

Spanish sources suggest Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will offer £10million plus Antonio Barragan, Jerzy Dudek and Bolo Zenden to land their man.

Benitez has made no secret of his desire to sign a right winger this summer and has also been linked with a move for Birmingham's Jermaine Pennant.

Benitez is also keen to concentrate on the acquisition of a new striker with Feyenoord's Dirk Kuyt still high on his hit list.

Benitez has been chasing Sevilla's Daniel Alves, but he has refused to meet the £12million asking price, and that deal looks dead.

he'd be a very good signing from what i've seen of him.

[Sound]

id take rossi over owen anyday

That's nice.

[Forsberg]

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=403426&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=3&title=Rafa+confirms+ Italian+interest

liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed his liking for Juventus striker David Trezeguet.

The French international striker is set to be one of a plethora of Serie A stars who will quit the Italian game following the recent match-fixing scandal.

Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina were all relegated to Serie B, while Milan must start with a 15-point deduction and none are likely to appear in Europe next term.

Now all four are bracing themselves for bids for all their star men - with permanent deals and loan moves in the offing.

Benitez has now thrown his hat into the ring and confirmed that Trezeguet was a player he liked.

"Trezeguet is a good player, the question is what kind of player do you need. We will look at what happens in Italy and see what we can do," he told The People.

"All the Juventus players are good players - Trezeguet, Zambrotta, a lot of them are good players for us and for other clubs in the world.

"They will now be a better price than they would have been three months ago."

Benitez admits that he would be more than happy to look at temporary deals if need be.

"There maybe possibilities for a loan deal and for me that is not a problem," Benitez added.

"If he is a good player and he is a professional, it's not a problem for me."

[Captain Planet]

in other news, not really relating to liverpool, it seems duff is off to spurs. i always had high hopes of liverpool getting him. good signing for spurs if they do get him providing he stays injury free

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/5191010.stm

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/5196724.stm

[Sound]

Real have approached Alonso's agent but he has told them to talk to Liverpool.

[Jim Comic]

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Liverpool may have been too late in their pursuit of Chelsea's Damian Duff with Newcastle poised to clinch the signing. (The Guardian)

[Sound]

Skysports.com understand Salif Diao has linked up with Charlton for a trial.

Diao is open to offers as he looks set to leave Liverpool this summer.

The Senegal international is well down the pecking order at Anfield and Liverpool have indicated they are willing to part company with the tough-tackling midfielder.

Diao spent the second half of last season on loan at Portsmouth, but injury blighted his stay at Fratton Park.

Charlton are now pondering offering the former Sedan a move to The Valley by inviting him to training for a week.

Addicks boss Iain Dowie is keen to bolster his squad and he will have a look at Diao in training before deciding whether or not to pursue his interest in the midfielder.

The player's agent Charles Collymore confirmed Diao had joined up with Charlton so that both parties can have a look at each other.

"Salif is spending the week with Charlton and he will train with them," Collymore told skysports.com.

"He is going down there so that he can have a look at the club and so that Ian Dowie can cast an eye over Salif.

"He is set to travel with the squad for their pre-season games with Hibernian and Valencia this week and we will take things from there.

If Diao impresses during his week at Charlton he could win a permanent move to The Valley.

[Philby]

Skysports.com understand Salif Diao has linked up with Charlton for a trial.

Diao is open to offers as he looks set to leave Liverpool this summer.

The Senegal international is well down the pecking order at Anfield and Liverpool have indicated they are willing to part company with the tough-tackling midfielder

That's the understatement of the century, I think I may be closer to a first-team spot than this clown.

The following would probably all play in centre-midfield ahead of him:

Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Zenden
Potter
Carragher
Riise

[diamond_dog]

That's the understatement of the century, I think I may be closer to a first-team spot than this clown.

The following would probably all play in centre-midfield ahead of him:

Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Zenden
Potter
Carragher
Riise

I would put a one legged blind cat in the pecking order above Diao.

If he is on a trial with Charlton then he will defiently be coming back. Houllier in his infinitive wisdom gave Diao a 5 year contract and we are still stuck with the big waste of space.

[Jim Comic]

pool sign some greek striker called Lazaros christodoupoulos


alan green commits suicide

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/5216254.stm

[STEVIEG]

Salif Diao has returned to Liverpool after failing medical at Charlton

[homer jay]

Salif Diao has returned to Liverpool after failing medical at Charlton

doomed to be stuck with him. the legacy of ged continues...

[homer jay]

anyone see this interview on sky sports last night? clip is here

http://www.koptalk.com/detail_subtitle_list ing.php?link_id=4027&subid=2&sticky=0

[Jim Comic]

kuyt is on his way to anfield

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4801197.stm




can't say he's impressed me whenever i've seen him play

[Jim Comic]

http://soccernet.espn.go.co m/news/story?id=376113&cc=5739

[STEVIEG]

The problem with the likes of kuyt (and indeed Hargreaves and co)
Is that a lot of us would not have seen them playing week in-week out
An awful lot is being made of the World Cup but players are often played out of position there and settle differently with their national teams

Obviously, Huntelaar is a bit special but kuyt could be good too, the balancing act will be tricky though

[Sound]

These rumours aren't scurrilous enough! I dont want facts dammit, I want idle speculation and salacious gossip.

Zidane to come out of retirement and play for the reserves. You heard it here first.

[STEVIEG]

Zidane to come out of retirement and play for the reserves. You heard it here first.


Bruno Cheyrou?

[homer jay]

Bruno Cheyrou?

shudder

[Forsberg]

Apparently David Burrows and Mike Marsh are rumoured to be returning to Anfield. They were quoted as saying that Liverpool isthe only club they want to play for. Benitez was said to be impressed by this attitude.

[STEVIEG]

Jimmy Carter is said to "pleased and delighted" with his return to his former club, while Phil Babb is looking forward to his coaching role and see's it as, "the obvious next step in my career"

[Forsberg]

liverpool have sensationally pulled of the deal with Dirk Kuyt after it was revealed that Sean Dundee would like a return to his former club.

[Sound]

Eric Meijer to return as official team mascot.

[Captain Planet]

i miss the days of frode kippe

[The flourishin state]

i miss the days of frode kippe

did he ever get on the pitch??

[KolaKubes]

Benitez really has a very set style of play doesn't he. Kuyt and Crouch are Liverpool's John Carew.

Dunno, the limit of my enthusiasm for such players was ol Duncan Disorderly and in fairness to him he offered a bit with his feet too.

Kuyt will be a more rounded footballer than Crouch but, ya, not impressed me from what little of him I've seen.

Slap a tenner on him for Premiership top scorer so! :D

[Sound]

Benitez really has a very set style of play doesn't he. Kuyt and Crouch are Liverpool's John Carew.

Dunno, the limit of my enthusiasm for such players was ol Duncan Disorderly and in fairness to him he offered a bit with his feet too.

Kuyt will be a more rounded footballer than Crouch but, ya, not impressed me from what little of him I've seen.

Slap a tenner on him for Premiership top scorer so! :D

I have no idea what to think of him as I've only seen snippets. I saw a post on another board from a Feyenoord season ticket holder who was absolutely distraught to be losing him so we'll have to wait and see.

Rafa seems to see players in a very utilitarian way to fit into his system. And the system hasn't changed much. It really is a case of Valencia mark 2.

Crouch = Druncan? That's a bit of a stretch (arf!). Crouchy wouldn't exactly fill defenders with fear and he has far superior skill on the ball. Kuyt seems to be more of a poacher, which we need.

[chambers concise]

There is a lot more to benitez than his sucessful stint at valencia,tactically he is up there amongst the best managers in europe over the past few years.he has turned liverpools fortunes around in record time whilst having spending constraints to deal with.
But in saying that, if people see this liverpool side as a mirror of his past teams then i say, so what?!, they are sucessful and good to watch improving all the time

[The flourishin state]

have liverpool now got a squad to compete with the free spending chelsea? while not spending the vast amounts of money had rafa bought players like pennant, bellamy,gonzalez to match the title holders? in midfield i'm sure they are on par if not better than chelsea the holy trinity of Sissoko,Alonso and Gerrard are more than matches for Lampard, Makalele,Essien and Ballack. With Zenden being a utility player and having Gonzalez,Kewell,Penn ant and Garcia liverpool now have options out wide. Look out for youngster Paul Anderson who will be a big hit in the future. in defence the look equal with Carragher,Hyypia,Agg er and Paletta all doing well in preseason. riise and aurelio are proven class as are Finnan and Kromkamp. up front is dirk kuyt the answer to the goal poaching problems to line out with Bellamy, Crouch and Fowler.

6/1 a good bet methinks!

[KolaKubes]

have liverpool now got a squad to compete with the free spending chelsea? while not spending the vast amounts of money had rafa bought players like pennant, bellamy,gonzalez to match the title holders? in midfield i'm sure they are on par if not better than chelsea the holy trinity of Sissoko,Alonso and Gerrard are more than matches for Lampard, Makalele,Essien and Ballack. With Zenden being a utility player and having Gonzalez,Kewell,Penn ant and Garcia liverpool now have options out wide. Look out for youngster Paul Anderson who will be a big hit in the future. in defence the look equal with Carragher,Hyypia,Agg er and Paletta all doing well in preseason. riise and aurelio are proven class as are Finnan and Kromkamp. up front is dirk kuyt the answer to the goal poaching problems to line out with Bellamy, Crouch and Fowler.

6/1 a good bet methinks!

Liverpool haven't even the overall talent in their squad that Utd, Arsenal, maybe even Spurs have! God, some of the players you listed out there are as fucking mediocre.

BUT, they do have a central midfield to match any club side in the world and, being the most important part of the pitch, that gives Liverpool a big advantage. That and the sheer size of the squad. You know, I wouldn't mind someone putting a figure on just how much and what % of turnover Liverpool spend on wages. I know a few year's back Liverpool were spending almost as much as Utd on wages. I wouldn't be surprised with us having lost a lot of big earners off the wage bill this year past if that situation hasn't come around again, maybe even with Liverpool going past Utd's wage bill.

[The flourishin state]

Liverpool haven't even the overall talent in their squad that Utd, Arsenal, maybe even Spurs have! God, some of the players you listed out there are as fucking mediocre.

BUT, they do have a central midfield to match any club side in the world and, being the most important part of the pitch, that gives Liverpool a big advantage. That and the sheer size of the squad. You know, I wouldn't mind someone putting a figure on just how much and what % of turnover Liverpool spend on wages. I know a few year's back Liverpool were spending almost as much as Utd on wages. I wouldn't be surprised with us having lost a lot of big earners off the wage bill this year past if that situation hasn't come around again, maybe even with Liverpool going past Utd's wage bill.

have to totally disagree with you there Penannt i think will show why he was the most expensive teenager in history. as for the rest i think they have all shown they can cut it take kewell for instance has not been great but was flying after xmas last year, zenden was boro's player of the year and was listed in the PFA's team of the year 2 years ago. bellamy has shown he can score crouch has shown that he can score create and cause problems for defenders, fowler well do i have to tell you bout the best goal scorer in the history of the premiership? garcia - dont think chelsea juventus any big team like playing against him he always scores importnat goals

[Sound]

Liverpool haven't even the overall talent in their squad that Utd, Arsenal, maybe even Spurs have! God, some of the players you listed out there are as fucking mediocre.

BUT, they do have a central midfield to match any club side in the world and, being the most important part of the pitch, that gives Liverpool a big advantage. That and the sheer size of the squad. You know, I wouldn't mind someone putting a figure on just how much and what % of turnover Liverpool spend on wages. I know a few year's back Liverpool were spending almost as much as Utd on wages. I wouldn't be surprised with us having lost a lot of big earners off the wage bill this year past if that situation hasn't come around again, maybe even with Liverpool going past Utd's wage bill.

"Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home."

[KolaKubes]

"Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home."

Barring centre mid, Benitez would swap squads with any of his main rivals.

*cough* Fergie out *cough*.

[Philby]

When you say "barring centre midfield" you are ruling out 3 of Liverpool's most talented players, 2 of which would talk into any side in world football.

I'd also bear in mind just how effective Liverpool goalkeeper & defence were last season, breaking the clubs defensive records.

Liverpool have strength in depth in every position and have as balanced a squad as any team in the premiership. As it was built on a (relative) budget it doesn't necessarily bulge with big names and big price tags but it is a top quality, highly-integrated, highly-motivated squad led by a truly magnificent manager who is tactically superb.

If you believe that Liverpool's squad is poorer than that of Arsenal, United and possibly Spurs then you will be in for a surprise this season.

P.S. - I'd like to see the stats but I'd imagine that Liverpool's wage bill is lower than united, perhaps by quite a bit. Benitez has largely trimmed the squad of some of the dross that Houllier brought in (he also inherited some fabulous players from Houllier too) and hasn't brought in too many big names on big salaries (there are rumours that Kuyt is only on ~£30k a week which would be quite low relative to his price tag)

[The flourishin state]

i think liverpool have 2 players or more for every position

GK Reina/Carson/Dudek
RB Finnan/Kromkamp
LB Riise/Aurelio/Warnock
CB Carragher/Hyypia/Agger/Paletta
RW Pennant/Garcia/Anderson
LW Gonzalez/Kewell
CM Gerrard/Alonso/Sissoko/Zenden
ST Bellamy/Crouch/Kuyt/Fowler

I wouldnt swap that squad for any other in the premiership even Chelsea

[Langer Dan]

have to totally disagree with you there Penannt i think will show why he was the most expensive teenager in history.

yeah great, the new Mark Kennedy


as for the rest i think they have all shown they can cut it take kewell for instance has not been great but was flying after xmas last year, zenden was boro's player of the year and was listed in the PFA's team of the year 2 years ago. bellamy has shown he can score crouch has shown that he can score create and cause problems for defenders, fowler well do i have to tell you bout the best goal scorer in the history of the premiership? garcia - dont think chelsea juventus any big team like playing against him he always scores importnat goals

are you high?

Kewell, Zenden, two pricey flops.

Fowler the mst successful striker in the premiership?

No that would be Alan Shearer, even Andy Cole has a better record than ole Cokehead

Yeah Id say the big european clubs are terrified of Garcia, thats why they were all in for him in the close season.


Spoofer.

[KolaKubes]

If you believe that Liverpool's squad is poorer than that of Arsenal, United and possibly Spurs then you will be in for a surprise this season.

P.S. - I'd like to see the stats but I'd imagine that Liverpool's wage bill is lower than united, perhaps by quite a bit. Benitez has largely trimmed the squad of some of the dross that Houllier brought in (he also inherited some fabulous players from Houllier too) and hasn't brought in too many big names on big salaries (there are rumours that Kuyt is only on ~£30k a week which would be quite low relative to his price tag)

See earlier, I've no delusions about the need for a half decent centre midfield. Actually, it's at the heart of Chelsea's occasional problems with besting Liverpool in recent years, they can't bully the Liverpool midfield they way they can most.

I just think it hides the fact that you've a big squad full of very average players.

Reina's a high quality keeper. Carragher's solid. Not convinced by Finnan or Hyypia (the latter just cause he's so fucking slow). Riise IS a very good player. Kewell's a joker. Pennant potentially a disruptive influence in the squad and not talented enough to justify the risk. Bellamy, similar, but talented enough to justify the risk. He's one of these players that's like a "get out of jail free" card, guy who might get you a goal on a bad day all on his own, Liverpool have lacked that when Gerrard's been missing. Crouch is an awkward customer but no more. Kuyt can't be much of an improvement on Morientes but he's another big, athletic player in an already big, athletic team. Zenden's not great, in fairness.

I'd just worry that against a team with a midfield of similar quality, with other guys being asked to step up to the plate, whether those other guys are really good enough. I just don't think they are.

Now, in saying all that, Liverpool are the nearest club to Chelsea in the depth of their squad and Arsenal (quite starkly) and Utd (less so) can't absorb injuries the way you can. Even if Utd get Carrick and Hargreaves lined up, we could take an injury to one without much worry but if both were out you're relying on Scholes (who's always defensively slack) and one of Jones, Fletcher or O'Shea to fill the holes. Hardly inspiring stuff. I've given up on Fletcher coming good, even mostly ignoring his good form pre-season, and O'Shea's a fucking waster. Everywhere else though, we've very good options, better than Liverpool's at any rate.

[Forsberg]

i think liverpool have 2 players or more for every position

GK Reina/Carson/Dudek
RB Finnan/Kromkamp
LB Riise/Aurelio/Warnock
CB Carragher/Hyypia/Agger/Paletta
RW Pennant/Garcia/Anderson
LW Gonzalez/Kewell
CM Gerrard/Alonso/Sissoko/Zenden
ST Bellamy/Crouch/Kuyt/Fowler

I wouldnt swap that squad for any other in the premiership even Chelsea
Ah come on. That's ridiculous.

You've listed a lot of players who are unproven with a top club at the highest level... Carson, Kronkamp, Aurelio, Warnock, Agger, Paletta, Pennant, Anderson, Gonzalez, Kuyt and even Bellamy.

[Sound]

Barring centre mid, Benitez would swap squads with any of his main rivals.

*cough* Fergie out *cough*.

Chelsea would be the only one and if only for the reason you pointed out yourself- his system. He also has a penchant for a solid defence which definitely Arsenal and possibly Utd cant claim to have. To be perfectly honest with you the only players I'd be jealous of from both of those squads would be Rooney and Henry.

Anyway, this is a silly debate.

[Sound]

yeah great, the new Mark Kennedy



are you high?

Kewell, Zenden, two pricey flops.

Fowler the mst successful striker in the premiership?

No that would be Alan Shearer, even Andy Cole has a better record than ole Cokehead

Yeah Id say the big european clubs are terrified of Garcia, thats why they were all in for him in the close season.


Spoofer.

Zenden was free and he was also out for most of last season- how could that possibly be described as a flop? TBH, I think he is a squad player at best and his days as a winger are long gone but a flop? Hardly.

I've always liked Garcia despite his penchant for giving the ball away as he is capable of scoring goals that no-one else on the Pool team could countenance.

Anyway, this is still a silly debate.

[holyfeetholyfingers]

personally i think liverpool have quite a good squad. although they don't have as many brilliant players as arsenal or man utd they have general quality throughout, with each position having two or three players of about the same abilty (excluding carragher and gerrard). what i mean is i can't easily predicit who the liverpool first team will be. other teams it seems will be more dependant on a select group of the team (eg imagine the consequences if henry or van der saar got injured).
the obvious exception to all this is chealsea who are in the same position as liverpool, but at a different level (minus drogba clearly)

[The flourishin state]

Not convinced by Finnan? Are you for real? he's the best right back in the premiership and does his job akin to Denis Irwin. Hyypia is aging alright but he reads the game better than anybody if he's so poor how come he aint exploited more oftwn. Carragher has proven himself to be one of the best centre halves in the premiership as good as Terry,Carvalho anybody your coming across with a man utd bias in a big way. the facts show that from October last year Liverpool secured 75 points to Chelsea's 67. before that chelsea had 27 to liverpools 10. thats where the league was lost.

[KolaKubes]

Not convinced by Finnan? Are you for real? he's the best right back in the premiership and does his job akin to Denis Irwin. Hyypia is aging alright but he reads the game better than anybody if he's so poor how come he aint exploited more oftwn. Carragher has proven himself to be one of the best centre halves in the premiership as good as Terry,Carvalho anybody your coming across with a man utd bias in a big way. the facts show that from October last year Liverpool secured 75 points to Chelsea's 67. before that chelsea had 27 to liverpools 10. thats where the league was lost.

Finnan is the best right back in the Premiership??!!!

Mentioned in same breath as Dinny Irwin???!!!

And you accuse me of bias towards my club?

Hold up, yes, I'm unabashedly biased towards Utd but what gets my goat is Liverpool fans from across the delusional spectrum thinking they're otherwise.

Even sound, normally, well, sound, on football matters. Rooney and Henry are the only Arsenal/Utd players you'd genuinely be envious of?

For fuck's sake.

Next you'll be telling me that Jamie Redknapp's better than Scholes, hailing Danny Murphy, lauding Mark Wright or mooting that Collymore could go on to be one of the games greats.

I'm listening to this shite with 15 years from you lot. This is your chance this year, put up or shut up.

[Sound]

Finnan is the best right back in the Premiership??!!!

Mentioned in same breath as Dinny Irwin???!!!

And you accuse me of bias towards my club?

Hold up, yes, I'm unabashedly biased towards Utd but what gets my goat is Liverpool fans from across the delusional spectrum thinking they're otherwise.

Even sound, normally, well, sound, on football matters. Rooney and Henry are the only Arsenal/Utd players you'd genuinely be envious of?

For fuck's sake.

Next you'll be telling me that Jamie Redknapp's better than Scholes, hailing Danny Murphy, lauding Mark Wright or mooting that Collymore could go on to be one of the games greats.

I'm listening to this shite with 15 years from you lot. This is your chance this year, put up or shut up.

Wind yer neck in there now a bit. Genuinely where do you think Rafa would put say Ronaldo, Fabregas or RVP? He's a system man and if you dont fit the sytem then you wont play. But Henry and Rooney are special and you adapt to them. Would I swap Toure for Carra, Neville for Finnan, John 'Sheasy' O' Shea for anyone? Why bother, it's a much of muchness.

I genuinely believe that Finnan was the best RB in the PL last year if only that there was no competition. He has a far way to go to be in the Dinny mould though.

As for all the Redknapp etc stuff, you're just projecting.

I have not made a single protestation that the Pool were going to win the league- I'm far too long in the tooth for that. I do believe that they have addressed some serious deficiencies and added pace- but Utd have done similar.

All to play for.

[Lamps]

Lads, would ye stop.

The season hasn't even started and monster my teams better than yours threads are being spawned. Pace yerselves

[Sound]

Lads, would ye stop.

The season hasn't even started and monster my teams better than yours threads are being spawned. Pace yerselves

'Well hello there, Mr Pot'.

[Lamps]

'Well hello there, Mr Pot'.

How dare you compare the hilarious yet insightful SFI public service inquisition's to a tupenny hapenny Liverpool/ManYoo thread.



No wonder we chucked you out

Mockery.

[Sound]

How dare you compare the hilarious yet insightful SFI public service inquisition's to a tupenny hapenny Liverpool/ManYoo thread.



No wonder we chucked you out

Mockery.

Snigger.

[KolaKubes]

Lads, would ye stop.

The season hasn't even started and monster my teams better than yours threads are being spawned. Pace yerselves

The 2006 take on it is "we're the second best, no we're the second best".

[KolaKubes]

All to play for.

Unless you don't play at all like Liverpool on Saturday.

Dare I say, a strangely disjointed clueless performance from the Premiership's "master tactician", not helped by his decision to leave out several key players.

Duh Rafa.

What's worse is that I don't think Bramall Lane will exactly be a fortress all year either. A bad two points dropped but not as bad as those dropped by the Gooners.

Smug Kolakubes. ;)

[Sound]

Unless you don't play at all like Liverpool on Saturday.

Dare I say, a strangely disjointed clueless performance from the Premiership's "master tactician", not helped by his decision to leave out several key players.

Duh Rafa.

What's worse is that I don't think Bramall Lane will exactly be a fortress all year either. A bad two points dropped but not as bad as those dropped by the Gooners.

Smug Kolakubes. ;)

A disjointed performance due to the injuries in defence. Riise and Carra going off left a lot of new faces there and resulted in the first goal. Hulse just waltzed through. I definitely wouldn't blame any individual. On the performances I thought Kromkamp was non-descript- he doesn't do much well or much badly, Sami looked dead on his feet, Agger looked very composed and Aurelio was a mixed bag.

I thought the pen was 50/50 from the refs vantage point but that's why he has assistants.

[homer jay]

Unless you don't play at all like Liverpool on Saturday.

Dare I say, a strangely disjointed clueless performance from the Premiership's "master tactician", not helped by his decision to leave out several key players.

Duh Rafa.

What's worse is that I don't think Bramall Lane will exactly be a fortress all year either. A bad two points dropped but not as bad as those dropped by the Gooners.

Smug Kolakubes. ;)

your absolutely right, liverpool haven't a chance, mid table mediocrity in store for them. utd are clearly much better than everyone one else after thumping fulham yesterday, the trophy might as well be handed over now. chelsea will be run closely by portsmouth for that second spot. surprisingly spurs are already caught up in a relegation battle with fulham & city.

or

you could cop on and just say that it was one bad(ish) result for liverpool who have one eye on the midweek CL game. a good performance against probably the worst away side in the prem (even liverpools crappy forward line managed that score last season) by utd.

[KolaKubes]

a good performance against probably the worst away side in the prem (even liverpools crappy forward line managed that score last season) by utd.

I really enjoyed the "Fulham were so poor" comments yesterday, haven't had a Utd performance good enough to warrant that kind of nonsense with a few years now.

Fact is that some of the football Utd played yesterday was utterly scintillating and no team in the country would have lived with it. Whether they'll be able to sustain that over a season is a separate question.

The Rooney/Ronaldo/Saha/Giggs/Scholes interplay yesterday was as good football as I've seen in a very very long time. We also defended exceptionally well with Evra really showing the doubters with some brilliant stuff.

The only worry I would have is that Utd could/should have gone on and walloped them by more but our achilles' heel at centre mid was evident as O'Shea, while "ok" in that position, doesn't have the right personality and talent for really dictating the tempo and driving the game home.

Carrick will help in that respect. Who knows, maybe Hargreaves too.

[homer jay]

I really enjoyed the "Fulham were so poor" comments yesterday, haven't had a Utd performance good enough to warrant that kind of nonsense with a few years now.

Fact is that some of the football Utd played yesterday was utterly scintillating and no team in the country would have lived with it. Whether they'll be able to sustain that over a season is a separate question.

The Rooney/Ronaldo/Saha/Giggs/Scholes interplay yesterday was as good football as I've seen in a very very long time. We also defended exceptionally well with Evra really showing the doubters with some brilliant stuff.

The only worry I would have is that Utd could/should have gone on and walloped them by more but our achilles' heel at centre mid was evident as O'Shea, while "ok" in that position, doesn't have the right personality and talent for really dictating the tempo and driving the game home.

Carrick will help in that respect. Who knows, maybe Hargreaves too.

a good performance, yes. but talk of evra putting his doubters to rest is a little hasty. lets see how he (and the rest) gets on against a decent team.

[Langer Dan]

A disjointed performance due to the injuries in defence. Riise and Carra going off left a lot of new faces there and resulted in the first goal. Hulse just waltzed through. I definitely wouldn't blame any individual. On the performances I thought Kromkamp was non-descript- he doesn't do much well or much badly, Sami looked dead on his feet, Agger looked very composed and Aurelio was a mixed bag.

I thought the pen was 50/50 from the refs vantage point but that's why he has assistants.

Me bollocks.

Ye were gifted a point by an inept Referee.

One game in and the usual Liverpool fantasys lie in ruins.
More of the same please.

[homer jay]

One game in and the usual Liverpool fantasys lie in ruins.
More of the same please.

thats right, the season is only one game long. its all over lads

[Langer Dan]

thats right, the season is only one game long. its all over lads

*snigger*

http://www.cluthadc.govt.nz/Web%20Pages/Photo%20Galleries/Recreation/Angling.jpg

let ye're team do the talking and last weekends performance was a muted whimper to Uniteds Triumphant roar.

[homer jay]

let ye're team do the talking and last weekends performance was a muted whimper to Uniteds Triumphant roar.

:sleeping:

[Sound]

Me bollocks.

Ye were gifted a point by an inept Referee.

One game in and the usual Liverpool fantasys lie in ruins.
More of the same please.


See the bit where I said 'I thought'?

Righteo.

[Langer Dan]

See the bit where I said 'I thought'?

Righteo.

Jesus, spot the inherent pisstake.

Yes I genuinely believe ye're season over, ffs.

Seriously though, a bad two points dropped.

[MonTheHoops]

To the casual observer, this thread is hilarious. One week in and the Pool and United comparisons are being made and both sets of fans hoping their team will win the league.

Chelsea are dining at the table, ye're fighting for the scraps lads. Face it ;-)

[Langer Dan]

Team Pld Pts
Man Utd 1 3
Chelsea 1 3
Portsmouth 1 3
West Ham 1 3
Bolton 1 3
Reading 1 3
Everton 1 3
Newcastle 1 3
Arsenal 1 1
Aston Villa 1 1
Liverpool 1 1

[Sound]

Threadjacking bollocksology.

Back on topic, Lucas Neil has been mentioned as a free transfer in January. That should make for a lively first training session.

[KolaKubes]

To the casual observer, this thread is hilarious. One week in and the Pool and United comparisons are being made and both sets of fans hoping their team will win the league.

Chelsea are dining at the table, ye're fighting for the scraps lads. Face it ;-)

Second in England >> First in Scotland! :D

[MonTheHoops]

Threadjacking bollocksology.

Back on topic, Lucas Neil has been mentioned as a free transfer in January. That should make for a lively first training session.


Lucas Neill?

Wouldn't tough him with one of those poles for pushing barges. He's a rotten human being. Kevin Muscat with a bit of a conscience.

[MonTheHoops]

Second in England >> First in Scotland! :D


Celtic will be very lucky to finish first. At the moment this Celtic side is not much better than Wigan. But Rangers aren't all that good either. It makes for fascinating watching. Shite all the same though.

[Sound]

Lucas Neill?

Wouldn't tough him with one of those poles for pushing barges. He's a rotten human being. Kevin Muscat with a bit of a conscience.

Carra wouldn't be his bestest mate either what with that whole leg-breaking incident.

[KolaKubes]

Celtic will be very lucky to finish first. At the moment this Celtic side is not much better than Wigan. But Rangers aren't all that good either. It makes for fascinating watching. Shite all the same though.

I'm intrigued by Ferguson sending the two young Utd lads to Rangers on loan. On the one hand, makes sense with Le Guen being a good manager and them getting experience in front of a big crowd but I can't help feeling he's just trying to do his bit to help fuck up his buddy Gordon's season! ;)

They're two good lads actually. Bardsley has a bit of a reputation, from Southport in Manchester which is supposed to be rough and he can definitely mix it. Suspect he'll relish a derby.

[MonTheHoops]

I'm intrigued by Ferguson sending the two young Utd lads to Rangers on loan. On the one hand, makes sense with Le Guen being a good manager and them getting experience in front of a big crowd but I can't help feeling he's just trying to do his bit to help fuck up his buddy Gordon's season! ;)

They're two good lads actually. Bardsley has a bit of a reputation, from Southport in Manchester which is supposed to be rough and he can definitely mix it. Suspect he'll relish a derby.

Neck on the line time here.

Le Guen seems to have picked these lads on the basis of their "performance" against Celtic in the friendly. I think LeGuen is a fantastic coach, one of the best in Europe but don't know how good a manager he is. Time will tell. I wouldn't wish him any ill as he seems like a nice guy. Unfortunately for him I don't think they have the money to spend. We have very little too but it is there if talk of Hesselink's fee is to be believed.

I have no problem with Ferguson trying to get one over on Strachan as people's patience is wearing out with him now anyway. He's a funny guy and great for a soundbyte but it's not fun watching him manage the club you support.

I'll change my mind if Gravesen, Kadlec, Lbojla & Hesselink arrive. Then we'll be better than Wigan.

Agathe training at Villa right now.

[KolaKubes]

Neck on the line time here.

Le Guen seems to have picked these lads on the basis of their "performance" against Celtic in the friendly. I think LeGuen is a fantastic coach, one of the best in Europe but don't know how good a manager he is. Time will tell. I wouldn't wish him any ill as he seems like a nice guy. Unfortunately for him I don't think they have the money to spend. We have very little too but it is there if talk of Hesselink's fee is to be believed.

Well, Utd won't sell Martin because he's very very highly rated (rightly so from what I've seen of him) but he'll definitely be a quality option for Le Guen. Nothing wrong with his eye for a player if he picked Martin out from that friendly. I'm sure he'll have made some enquiries about him elsewhere before approaching Utd.

Bardsley, with his Scottish family connections, might just stay up there longer. He's a good player and I'd be happy with him starting a game for Utd to be honest but he's maybe not quite good enough and he's being really squeezed by a younger lad called Danny Simpson that's just an outstanding prospect and probably a more natural full back.

Utd are a good club to be picking up players from like that, plenty of talent, well coached and Utd tend to be quite fair in the fees they ask for these guys.

[Jim Comic]

mellor's signed for preston today

[Jim Comic]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N153341060831-1203.htm

[Sound]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N153341060831-1203.htm


Accrington Stanley? Who're dey?

Exactly!

[General Michael Collins]

Now being linked with Lucas Neal!Wonder what Carra would have to say to him if he joined?

[Sound]

Now being linked with Lucas Neal!Wonder what Carra would have to say to him if he joined?

Welcome to Tuesday.

[Actin The Sham]

Welcome to Tuesday.


If you had said "Wednesday" we could have started off with a load of puns about Paul Sturrock.


Ah well.........

[Langer Dan]

Now being linked with Lucas Neal!Wonder what Carra would have to say to him if he joined?

'Dont hurt me, please'

[Paddy Wagon]

Wonder what Carra would have to say to him if he joined?
Hi this is my brother has he met your mam?

[Sound]

Hi this is my brother has he met your mam?

:lol:

[Jim Comic]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N153343060831-1913.htm

[raZor]

Kromkamp is gone best news of the day!

[Jim Comic]

Kromkamp is gone best news of the day!


played 18 games (started 7) and heads off back to holland with fa cup and charity shield medals in his pocket, dowtcha Jan boi!!!

[Sound]

LIVERPOOL GIVEN STADIUM GO-AHEAD
Posted 08/09/06 14:55EmailPrintSave



Liverpool's projected new 60,000-capacity stadium has been given the green light by the city council.

Plans for a new all-seater arena in Stanley Park have been in the pipeline for some time and on Friday council leaders approved a lease for land close to Anfield.

Now the club must demonstrate to the city council they are able to fund the new stadium.

Senior councillors were told the Reds' board must come up with concrete evidence by the end of next week.

That will give European and government officials enough time to decide if they will hand over £15m of taxpayers' money at a crucial meeting at the end of the month.

A package of grants will pay for the regeneration of the community around Stanley Park, without which Liverpool will not be allowed to build a stand-alone stadium.

Cllr Flo Clucas sits on the Objective One committee which will decide whether to give a £10m handout towards the scheme.

She told The Liverpool Echo: "The stadium is regarded by our European colleagues as absolutely vital. Without it, there will be no European funding.

"That has been said loudly and clearly to the club."

[STEVIEG]

Like a bad cold you just can't shake off


"Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has criticised Salif Diao for rejecting a move to Recreativo de Huelva"

Source-bbc.co.uk

[parrotbait]

No really a scurrilous rumour but pretty much fact. Someone in the Liverpool is quite pissed off with Benitez- only about 3 people it can be, anyone know who it is or have what the board member actually said?

From football365 - http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_1637575 ,00.html

BENITEZ COMES OUT FIGHTING
Posted 27/10/06 15:18
EmailPrintSave


Liverpool have closed ranks around manager Rafael Benitez after an astonishing attack by an unnamed director.

Benitez discovered savage words attacking his regime in the Friday morning media, and chose to make a dignified, calm response ahead of the tough home clash with Aston Villa.

Liverpool have made no attempt to rubbish the media report, and believe they know which of their seven-man board is involved.

And it is believed that the club were tipped off at the beginning of the week that this particular attack was being prepared, which suggests that Benitez, too, has known for several days what was coming.

His management skills, transfer policy and rotation system were criticised in the article, which has angered club chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry.

Benitez said: "I know that I have the support of the chairman, chief executive and the board.

"I have seen the words written, and people have to write, and talk about football. I was surprised, but I would prefer to talk about football. I prefer to think about Aston Villa and how to beat them.

"I was taught by John Toshack at Real Madrid when to say 'no comment'."

He added: "I have too much respect for this club, the fans and board, to want to discuss these things further in public."

Parry launched a strong defence of his manager on the club's website Liverpoolfc.tv: "We understand the expectations at Liverpool but we are clearly moving in the right direction under Rafael Benitez.

"We unquestionably have a better squad than we did last year so it is not about making judgements at this stage. There are no trophies handed out at the end of October, with the exception of the Community Shield which we have already won. You can only judge our performance over the course of a full season.

"We all knew there was a sizeable job to do when Rafa was appointed and that is why we have never laid down any timescales or imposed unrealistic pressures. What is important is continuous year on year improvement.

"The wins in Istanbul and Cardiff were great achievements which we celebrated together. Some of the early results in the league have not gone as well as we would have wanted which is why we have a collective responsibility to pull together and work even harder to improve things on the pitch."

A search has now started to discover the identity of the 'mole' whose position is now clearly untenable. Of the seven man board, clearly Moores and Parry can be ruled out as well as the two virtual 'sleeping partners' from Granada, who are the club's second largest shareholders.

Although Benitez will not be dragged further into the debate, apart from saying: "This has not disrupted my preparation for the Villa game, nor has it caused any worries for the players" he is privately more than capable of defending himself.

Prior to the Carling Cup victory over Reading he launched a lengthy, passionate defence of his management at Anfield and in hindsight it seems that he was aiming those words at what he may well have known was about to break over Anfield.

He pointed out the league positions, victory in the Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup and Community Shield, while also pointing out the difference in transfer spending he has compared to Chelsea and Manchester United.

The unnamed director also questioned the values of players bought and how difficult it is to off-load them. But Benitez has made few mistakes in the transfer market - Fernando Morientes is clearly one - and has been saddled with a dozen or more players from the Gerard Houllier regime that have been hard to sell on, causing considerable losses.

Benitez said: "The answer to this is to win on Saturday against Villa. The chairman has not spoken to me about this, but I know I have his support."

Benitez will face Villa with injury worries over Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt, Fabio Aurelio and Mark Gonzalez. He is expected to retain Robbie Fowler in the side alongside Peter Crouch as Liverpool bid to recover from their disastrous defeat at Manchester United last weekend.

[Philby]

I'm very dissapointed if this turns out to be true. Only the most short-sighted of people can't see that Rafa is a top-rate manager and frankly we are lucky to have him.

Rafa has tough skin and this will roll right off him but at the same time I'd hope that Moores & Parry have a word in this person's ear & pull them into line. Really suprised because usually the Liverpool board staunchly back the management in public and keep any issues in-house. This is decidedly amateuristic.

[Jim Comic]

Liverpool have joined Juventus in the chase for West Ham's Argentine flop Javier Mascherano. (Daily Express, Daily Mirror)

[Philby]

I don't see any legs in the Mascherano rumour. While I think he's a quality player (despite not going great guns at West Ham) Liverpool are well-stocked for quality central midfielders. If they do make a purchase in that area to provide cover it'll be a far smaller name imho.

Has anyone been following Juve's season in Serie B? Do they look likely to gain promotion?

[Jim Comic]

Has anyone been following Juve's season in Serie B? Do they look likely to gain promotion?


not at the mo'

[homer jay]

david villa was was getting the VIP treatment in the directors box at anfield for the bolton game yesterday.

[Teknique]

Surely thats random and scurrilous ?

[homer jay]

Surely thats random and scurrilous ?

fierce cloak and dagger stuff altogether

[Philby]

Still far from anything concrete to indicate that he is going to sign though I think. Many spanish players (including Raul) have come over in the past few years to visit players and see both Melwood & Anfield. Benitez clearly rates him but it's a big jump from that to making a deal happen.

[Coin]

not at the mo'
They're unbeaten all season and have only conceded 8 goals in 17 games. They'd be 8 clear by now if it wasn't for the -9 they started with. I'd be surprised if they didn't end up in one of the top three spots.

[wat_boy]

http://www.timesonline.co.u k/article/0,,17249-2529786,00.html

[Philby]

Thierry Henry will be coming to Liverpool!!!!!













...for an FA tie this saturday. FACT.

[parrotbait]

Got a nice chuckle from this one
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=43922 8&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=2&title=Crouch+in+Juve ntus+link
First Boumsong now Crouchy,Deschamps is going mental. English international playing in the Italian second division!!

[ho chi feen]

Macherano on his way then?

http://football.guardian.co .uk/News_Story/0,,1983319,00.html

[Sound]

Shameless cut n' paste alert but this is the best post I've ever seen in a sports forum of any stripe. Whatever about the sentiment, just enjoy it:

'It needs saying loud and clear. Don't let anybody fool you. Ignore the media. They know not what they say. Ignore your fellow forumites - a bigger gang of clueless buffoons you couldn't wish to meet. Ignore the voice in your head which says "Maybe we shouldn't get carried away. Maybe we should take each game as it comes." What the fuck is that voice in your head doing trying to dampen down the optimism that you are right to hold. This is football, not real life and in football right now, you know, I know you know, that it's on.

You began to suspect it maybe on when we cruised past Bolton. You just thought, the way they're playing, something could be on here. Then Arsenal happened. And deep down you knew it was on when we got beat 6-3. You got to thinking. This season wouldn't be this weird without there being some sort of payoff. Listen to the confederacy of idiots denounce Rafa. Denounce rotation. Dismiss us against Barca and domestically. And there, deep in your bones you thought, it's on this. The Paul Mersons of the world simply don't get away with this shit. It has to be on.

Saturday, it's fair to say, the captain knew it was on. The best right back in the League knows it's on too. Dirk knows it's on. Look at him. Blonde locks bounding about as he chases every scrap, every loose ball. That's why it's on. Chasing every avenue down means it's on. Hard work means it's on and while it is on, the way it goes off is if that graft stops. That graft isn't going to stop though. Chelsea knew it was on too. It frightened them. They looked at each other and while it wasn't as momentous, as raucous as Luis Garcia's night, that fateful night, it was clear for whom it was on.

And then today. Relaxed. What more can we do? We needed Arsenal just as Arsenal need us. Like the chasing pack of a marathon these two noble runners will push each other towards the leading group. Thierry Henry last minute. United looking tired and you looked at the screen and you looked at each other and you couldn't contain it because, well, it's on isn't it? Arsenal may well think it's on as well and they may well be right. Don't dismiss them. But relax. Know that because Arsenal need us and we need Arsenal them thinking it's on can only be a good thing. The momentum's with us. It's on.

Take heart and sleep well. Your last thought before you go to bed should be "we have a league to win". Your first thought in the morning as your spring out of bed is that, well, it's on.

[Forsberg]

What is it that's on? ;)

[homer jay]

heh heh heh, thats very good. :mrgreen:

lets get it ON

http://i16.tinypic.com/2rxgym0.jpg

[ho chi feen]

Shameless cut n' paste alert but this is the best post I've ever seen in a sports forum of any stripe. Whatever about the sentiment, just enjoy it:

'It needs saying loud and clear. Don't let anybody fool you. Ignore the media. They know not what they say. Ignore your fellow forumites - a bigger gang of clueless buffoons you couldn't wish to meet. Ignore the voice in your head which says "Maybe we shouldn't get carried away. Maybe we should take each game as it comes." What the fuck is that voice in your head doing trying to dampen down the optimism that you are right to hold. This is football, not real life and in football right now, you know, I know you know, that it's on.

You began to suspect it maybe on when we cruised past Bolton. You just thought, the way they're playing, something could be on here. Then Arsenal happened. And deep down you knew it was on when we got beat 6-3. You got to thinking. This season wouldn't be this weird without there being some sort of payoff. Listen to the confederacy of idiots denounce Rafa. Denounce rotation. Dismiss us against Barca and domestically. And there, deep in your bones you thought, it's on this. The Paul Mersons of the world simply don't get away with this shit. It has to be on.

Saturday, it's fair to say, the captain knew it was on. The best right back in the League knows it's on too. Dirk knows it's on. Look at him. Blonde locks bounding about as he chases every scrap, every loose ball. That's why it's on. Chasing every avenue down means it's on. Hard work means it's on and while it is on, the way it goes off is if that graft stops. That graft isn't going to stop though. Chelsea knew it was on too. It frightened them. They looked at each other and while it wasn't as momentous, as raucous as Luis Garcia's night, that fateful night, it was clear for whom it was on.

And then today. Relaxed. What more can we do? We needed Arsenal just as Arsenal need us. Like the chasing pack of a marathon these two noble runners will push each other towards the leading group. Thierry Henry last minute. United looking tired and you looked at the screen and you looked at each other and you couldn't contain it because, well, it's on isn't it? Arsenal may well think it's on as well and they may well be right. Don't dismiss them. But relax. Know that because Arsenal need us and we need Arsenal them thinking it's on can only be a good thing. The momentum's with us. It's on.

Take heart and sleep well. Your last thought before you go to bed should be "we have a league to win". Your first thought in the morning as your spring out of bed is that, well, it's on.


Eh? It's on?

What, there's a four way chase for the title, or something?

Daft.

I hearby state, and you can have this on hand to drag up, if Arse or the Pool muscle their way into top two places come last day of the season, I'll eat my spleen.

[Paddy Wagon]

Eh? It's on?

What, there's a four way chase for the title, or something?

Daft.

I hearby state, and you can have this on hand to drag up, if Arse or the Pool muscle their way into top two places come last day of the season, I'll eat my spleen.

Now thats what I call confidence... (Others may call it stupidity);)

[STEVIEG]

Shameless cut n' paste alert but this is the best post I've ever seen in a sports forum of any stripe. Whatever about the sentiment, just enjoy it:



Jesus is this for real
You could have at least credited Philby

It's on!!!!!!

[RonnyB]

Now thats what I call confidence... (Others may call it stupidity);)

I call it realism.

[homer jay]

Eh? It's on?

What, there's a four way chase for the title, or something?

Daft.

I hearby state, and you can have this on hand to drag up, if Arse or the Pool muscle their way into top two places come last day of the season, I'll eat my spleen.

do you want fries with that whoosh?

[ho chi feen]

Jesus is this for real
You could have at least credited Philby

It's on!!!!!!

Move over, oh flogged 'as good as it gets?' line. We have a new Champion.

It's on!

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6312803.stm

[Sound]

Oh, it's even more on!

[STEVIEG]

Gerrard-It's on!

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard wants The Reds to be even more consistent if they are to mount a title challenge.

The Merseysiders have won their last four Premiership outings, but still trail leaders Man Utd by 11 points following a slow start to the season.

Gerrard is pleased with Liverpool's current form and hopes Rafa Benitez's troops can maintain their hot-streak in order to put the pressure on the leading duo.

"Our current form is Championship-winning form," stated Gerrard. "It's just about consistency, and we're got to be even more consistent.

"This time last year we went on a fantastic run of 10 or 11 wins from 12 games and that's the type of run we're going to need to go on from now until the end of the season.

"We've got to concentrate on winning. We have to be ready to capitalise on any little slip-ups they make."

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=44491 5&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=3&title=Gerrard+wants+ consistency

[homer jay]

cover for finnan, but at a hefty price

Liverpool have clinched a deal for Spanish defender Alvaro Arbeloa, according to Deportivo la Coruna boss Joaquin Caparros.

Reports in Spain claim that The Reds are ready to pay €4million (£2.64million) for the former Real Madrid full-back who only moved to Depor at the start of the current season.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has always been keen to reinforce at right-back as Steve Finnan's position is largely unchallenged at Anfield at present.

The former Valencia boss has held a long-term interest in Sevilla star Daniel Alves, but Arbeloa now looks set to make the move from the Primera Liga before the close of the transfer window on Wednesday night.

Caparros has admitted that the Spanish club have sanctioned the sale of the player who cost €1.3million (£860,000) from Real in the summer.

"It's a good option for the club [Deportivo] and I'm sure they'll sell him for more than they bought him for five months ago," Caparros told a news conference.

Liverpool are also close to tying up a deal for Malaga starlet Francis Duran as they continue to exploit Benitez's nous in the Spanish transfer market.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=44497 2&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=2&title=Rafa+to+raid+D epor+for+defender&channel=football_hom e&

[Sound]

Oh, it's on like King Kong!

[homer jay]

cover for finnan, but at a hefty price

apparently real madrid get half the transfer fee

[Sound]

Lucas Neill injured for a month.

Arf!

[homer jay]

Lucas Neill injured for a month.

Arf!

good ol' karma, gotta love it.

[legend76]

Lucas Neill injured for a month.

Arf!

check this out

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Neill


Lucas Neill
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Lucas Neill (born March 9, 1978 in Sydney, Australia) is an Australian football (soccer) player who currently plays for West Ham United, and most often plays at right-back. He is a regular member of the Australian national team and was a member of the Australian squad which competed in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Lucas is currently injured and maybe out of action for West Ham for up to 3 weeks. He suffered an ankle injury on his debut against Watford. Shame! Although most people would agree that he deserved it, as it is obvious that he is a man who puts money before everything.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Liverpool have been given the green light from UEFA to sign Mascerano.
Good signing for them if they go through with it.

[Sound]

Liverpool have been given the green light from UEFA to sign Mascerano.
Good signing for them if they go through with it.

18 months loan as well.

Jawb!

[Coin]

I wonder how Benitez feels he will be able to keep Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko and Mascherano happy with playing time?

Unless he's already planning on letting at least one of them go.

[Sound]

I wonder how Benitez feels he will be able to keep Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko and Mascherano happy with playing time?

Unless he's already planning on letting at least one of them go.

Anything that keeps Zenden out is alright by me. And it just means that whingy bollocks will have to go back out to the right.

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6316199.stm



in the unlikely event of liverpool winning the league this season i can see plenty of complaints about the 'special dispensation' here should he play even a small role in it

[KolaKubes]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6316199.stm



in the unlikely event of liverpool winning the league this season i can see plenty of complaints about the 'special dispensation' here should he play even a small role in it

At least ye're honest about it like.

Although Liverpool are still a good bit back, I'm inclined to think that Utd are well due a dodgy spell so this could all get very tight by the end. If it comes down to it, Liverpool or Chelsea for the title? Hmmmm. I might have to swallow it. Even though I know even now ye'd be unbearable.

[RonnyB]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6316199.stm



in the unlikely event of liverpool winning the league this season i can see plenty of complaints about the 'special dispensation' here should he play even a small role in it

Its a joke. Plain and simple. Now they'll have to re-write the rules again.

I'm not being bitter because its the pool but if a rule exists then it shouldnt really be amended.

[Jim Comic]

At least ye're honest about it like.

Although Liverpool are still a good bit back, I'm inclined to think that Utd are well due a dodgy spell so this could all get very tight by the end.

unless chelsea get their act together soon i can see the 'pool pipping them for second as liverpool's run-in looks, on paper, fairly straight-forward (as much as these things ever are), it would take a major wobble by utd at this point to let liverpool catch them, though stranger things have happened

basically it'll boil down to the two big games at anfield v utd and arsenal as to how the red mens season will end up

[homer jay]

At least ye're honest about it like.

Although Liverpool are still a good bit back, I'm inclined to think that Utd are well due a dodgy spell so this could all get very tight by the end. If it comes down to it, Liverpool or Chelsea for the title? Hmmmm. I might have to swallow it. Even though I know even now ye'd be unbearable.

didn't you know it was 'ON'?

[Pez123]

Its a joke. Plain and simple. Now they'll have to re-write the rules again.

I'm not being bitter because its the pool but if a rule exists then it shouldnt really be amended.

Thats true, but he was 'desperate to leave the club'......

[KolaKubes]

didn't you know it was 'ON'?

Well second spot is certainly.

In any case, of the leading candidates to win it this year, we're going to be left with fairly average champions anyway I reckon.

Let the least mediocre prevail! :D

[RonnyB]

Thats true, but he was 'desperate to leave the club'......

I understand that & I feel sorry for the guy because he's a cracking player but this 'having your rights owned by a company' rather than a football club is a joke & I cant believe FIFA allow it to happen (then again Blatter being in charge explains a lot).

As for the Pool signing him I dont know how long Sissoko is out for but can Benitez keep the 4 centre midfielders happy if Mascherano signs permanantly? We all know he likes to play Gerrard wide right but he moaned like a bitch earlier in the season about playing there added to Liverpool's form has improved since his move to the middle.

Nice option to have I suppose rather than fretting over keeping a certain ginger fit until May.

[Sound]

didn't you know it was 'ON'?

You knows it!

[Forsberg]

didn't you know it was 'ON'?


I heard that was the explanation Benitez gave to FIFA when they asked hiim for the reason why special dispensation should be given . How could they say no to that?

[Philby]

Its a joke. Plain and simple. Now they'll have to re-write the rules again.

I'm not being bitter because its the pool but if a rule exists then it shouldnt really be amended.

I agree that this deal probably shouldn't have happened but you can't blame Liverpool for chancing their arm. Maybe other teams who were interested but weren't as persistent will grow to regret it.

I'm very keen to find out what the financial arrangements are for this 18th month loan - are Liverpool paying the same amount of wages that West Ham were for instance? Is there an option to buy clause?

Rules though can't & shouldn't stay static forever and a precedent has now been set (ala Bosman) so this type of activity should now be open to all clubs/player who find themselves in this situation.

[Forsberg]

This is also intersting considering there are rumours going about that Eerton won't be allowed to sign Manuel Fernandes because of the exact same rule

[Philby]

I understand that & I feel sorry for the guy because he's a cracking player but this 'having your rights owned by a company' rather than a football club is a joke & I cant believe FIFA allow it to happen (then again Blatter being in charge explains a lot).

As for the Pool signing him I dont know how long Sissoko is out for but can Benitez keep the 4 centre midfielders happy if Mascherano signs permanantly? We all know he likes to play Gerrard wide right but he moaned like a bitch earlier in the season about playing there added to Liverpool's form has improved since his move to the middle.

Nice option to have I suppose rather than fretting over keeping a certain ginger fit until May.

- Liverpool's form at the back end of last season was amazing. Gerrard was playing wide right

- Gerrard has gone on record as saying that, while CM is his preferred position, he's willing to play anywhere as long as it's for the good of the team. This "b1tching & moaning" thing is as much a press invention as anything else

- I had a 2-0 (Dirk first goal) backed at 22/1 last night. Standing in the crowd with 40 odd minutes to go kinda wanting to see the ball remain largely in the centre circle is a horrible feeling ;-)

[Philby]

This is also intersting considering there are rumours going about that Eerton won't be allowed to sign Manuel Fernandes because of the exact same rule

Interesting or comical?

To be honest I'd be shocked if the deal fell through due to FIFA playing hard-ball on this rule.

[Jim Comic]

'Pool's last few league games of the season


everton (h)
newcastle (a)
sheff utd (h)
man utd (h)
villa (a)
arsenal (h)
reading (a)
middlesborough (h)
man city (a)
wigan (h)
portsmouth (a)
fulham (a)
chartlon (h)


couple of potential relegation dogfights there (charlton, wigan, etc) but other than the 2 big ones every game is, in theory, easily winnable

[Philby]

Jesus is this for real
You could have at least credited Philby

It's on!!!!!!

Ah come off it, even I'm not that bad. While I think our early season form means that the title has long since sailed I do think that second place is a reasonable target to aim for but it'll be a right struggle with Arsenal also in great form and Chelsea capable of going on a long unbeaten run esp. with Cech & Terry re-installed at the heart of their defence.

You gotta love this kinda maniacal cheerleading though especially when it's done with tongue firmly in cheek as I suspect the above was.

It's SEMI-on! ;-)

[RonnyB]

- Liverpool's form at the back end of last season was amazing. Gerrard was playing wide right

Fair enough.

- Gerrard has gone on record as saying that, while CM is his preferred position, he's willing to play anywhere as long as it's for the good of the team. This "b1tching & moaning" thing is as much a press invention as anything else

Possibly but he looked to be in a right sulk (pardon the pun) during the league game at OT this season because he was out there. Any time I see Gerrard play for the Pool its like he's under the impression he's bigger than the team. Thats a separate issue anyway.


- I had a 2-0 (Dirk first goal) backed at 22/1 last night. Standing in the crowd with 40 odd minutes to go kinda wanting to see the ball remain largely in the centre circle is a horrible feeling ;-)

I know the feeling.

[Philby]

Gerrard spent the night before the United game in a hospital with his 8 month old daughter who had a meningitis scare. I think that was at the forefront of his mind, not whether he was playing a bit wide for his liking.

Gerrard is a sulky looking f*cker at the best of times (have you ever seen how uncomfortable he looks when smiling?) and I wouldn't expect him to look overjoyed when his side is getting outplayed by their biggest rivals.

In the past Gerrard has been surrounded by too many players who simply weren't up to his level, as a result he seemed to take too much onto himself & try to force things too much.

With the captaincy came added maturity and with Rafa's careful moulding of the team came a realisation that he had quality players around him who could do their fair share of the work.

I honestly don't get the feeling off Gerrard that he's "under the impression he's bigger than the team" - he is simply so obsessed with making the team a success that he's willing to do whatever it takes to make it a reality.

Check out the article below. It's a bit maudlin in parts but it does convey just how much the club means to him..Gerrard would gladly play in goals if it meant Liverpool were back to the level they were at in the 80's.

And if Gerrard is proven correct and Rafa does lead Liverpool to title glory, the skipper can already picture in his mind what it'll be like.

"I can imagine it all," he added. "I can picture Anfield now and I can imagine the feeling I would get if I got to lift the Premier League trophy there because this is the one the fans want.

"And I can imagine the parade through Liverpool and everyone going absolutely wild. I dream of lifting that Premier League trophy and I dream of seeing the expressions on the fans' faces.

"It could be 10 times better than when we won the European Cup because of what it would mean to the fans.

"It's the only one left and it's going to be the hardest one to get. The European Cup was an unbelievable achievement and everyone knows how difficult it is to win with the standard of the teams competing.

"To be the best team in your country over 38 games is a really tough challenge. But I'm determined to give everything I've got to help Liverpool achieve it. It's the one trophy I'm missing and the one I'm desperate to get hold of.

"It's been too long. As a Liverpool fan and a Liverpool player, it's been too long. The cup wins we have had over the last seven years have been fantastic experiences, but the league is the one we all want.

"It has been frustrating looking at the table and the end of each season and seeing that you're 15 points or 30 points behind. You feel that you've failed, even though the teams above you have been better.

"The gap has been embarrassing from a Liverpool point of view, but we feel we are slowly changing things."

[lionelhutz]

I agree that this deal probably shouldn't have happened but you can't blame Liverpool for chancing their arm.

Rules though can't & shouldn't stay static forever and a precedent has now been set (ala Bosman) so this type of activity should now be open to all clubs/player who find themselves in this situation.

haven't read much about this deal other than the bare details in the press. i gather they may have had the threat of a few legal arguments to back them up. certainly if the guy was a national of an EU country a strong argument could be made regarding a breach of free movement of workers like bosman. i presume he doesn't have an EU passport but there could be other arguments in the area of competition law, international conventions, retraint of trade etc depending on a number of factors. the cross jurisdictional issue would make it quite complex and maybe fifa caved to get rid of the thing. id like to see the actual rule. was there provision for fifa to use discretion based on the facts of a particular case before this decision? if so then the rules have not been changed as such.

[STEVIEG]

Maybe other teams who were interested but weren't as persistent will grow to regret it.



Who?

Juve is the only one i can think of that were interested in him

[Philby]

Who?

Juve is the only one i can think of that were interested in him

They were the only club that I remember being open about their interest but I think he was probably on the radar of a lot of clubs who decided to side-step due to the associated complications (3 clubs in one season rule, complicated contract ownership).

[STEVIEG]

They were the only club that I remember being open about their interest but I think he was probably on the radar of a lot of clubs who decided to side-step due to the associated complications (3 clubs in one season rule, complicated contract ownership).

yes indeed


What's the story with Tevez btw , is he staying?

[legend76]

yes indeed


What's the story with Tevez btw , is he staying?

He's over in Lucas Neill's gaff playing Pro Evo

[ho chi feen]

Heh heh heh heh

Breaking The Law, and British Steel


Paul Doyle and Rob Smyth
31 January 2007

LIVERPOOL TEAR FIFA A NEW LOOPHOLE

If the Fiver ever goes completely postal - in the Michael
Douglas/Falling Down sense rather than through your letterbox - it'll
know what to do. Hire Liverpool FC to defend it. Because the uppity
Anfield outfit appear to have a unique ability to twist the long arm
of the law. Last season they pestered Uefa into giving them a Big Cup
berth they weren't entitled to and today their incessant whining has
forced Fifa into letting them sign Javier Mascherano, despite the
rules clearly stating that no player can play for more than two clubs
in a single season.

Mascherano has already turned out for Corinthians and West Ham this
term but Fifa has, for the first time ever, agreed to waive the rule.
"Particular emphasis was given to safeguarding sporting integrity and
the crucial element of overlapping sports seasons between
associations, notably in cases in which a sports season starts prior
to, and ends beyond, July 1," explained a Fifa flunkey, possibly
after expressing his relief at finally being able to remove the
industrial strength earplugs he felt compelled to buy earlier this
month.

What Fifa didn't explain, of course, is why a club that employs Xabi
Alonso and Momo Sissoko think they need a central midfielder who is
below Nigel Quashie and Hayden Mullins in the West Ham order of
merit. Is Rafa Benitez trying to suggest Alan Curbishley doesn't know
a top player when he sees one? If so, the Spaniard surely nodded
knowingly this afternoon when he heard that, having already had two
bids rejected, the Hammers' head had submitted an GBP8m offer for
Matthew Upson. Seems the fumes from the fire in his pocket have gone

[ho chi feen]

I agree that this deal probably shouldn't have happened but you can't blame Liverpool for chancing their arm. Maybe other teams who were interested but weren't as persistent will grow to regret it.

I'm very keen to find out what the financial arrangements are for this 18th month loan - are Liverpool paying the same amount of wages that West Ham were for instance? Is there an option to buy clause?

Rules though can't & shouldn't stay static forever and a precedent has now been set (ala Bosman) so this type of activity should now be open to all clubs/player who find themselves in this situation.

So, basically, what you're telling us is... it's ON?

[ho chi feen]

haven't read much about this deal other than the bare details in the press. i gather they may have had the threat of a few legal arguments to back them up. certainly if the guy was a national of an EU country a strong argument could be made regarding a breach of free movement of workers like bosman. i presume he doesn't have an EU passport but there could be other arguments in the area of competition law, international conventions, retraint of trade etc depending on a number of factors. the cross jurisdictional issue would make it quite complex and maybe fifa caved to get rid of the thing. id like to see the actual rule. was there provision for fifa to use discretion based on the facts of a particular case before this decision? if so then the rules have not been changed as such.

He's got dual Argentinian/Italian citizenship, as far as I'm aware.

[Philby]

So, basically, what you're telling us is... it's ON?

I think that's the only logical conclusion - don't you?

[ho chi feen]

I think that's the only logical conclusion - don't you?

FUCK YEAH!

Oh...

Wait...

Mascherano not a Liverpool player ... yet


West Ham midfielder must wait for Premier League approval

Staff and agencies
Thursday February 1, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano will have to wait for Premier League approval before completing his move to Liverpool.
The Argentina international has already played for two clubs competitively this season - West Ham and Brazilian side Corinthians - but yesterday was given special dispensation by Fifa to complete the transfer despite it being outside of the rules.

Liverpool submitted the player's registration documents to the Premier League ahead of the midnight transfer deadline but they cannot, as yet, call the player their own.


"The Premier League can confirm that, in accordance with its rules, Javier Mascherano's registration documents were received from Liverpool FC prior to the transfer window closing," said a Premier League statement.
"While Liverpool have met the required deadline the Premier League Board, consistent with its powers in this matter, has decided to take time to satisfy itself with the proposed arrangements before the registration can be effected and the player permitted to play for Liverpool FC. The board will consider the terms of the registration as quickly as possible and notify the parties involved of its decision accordingly."

There were no such hitches for the Anfield outfit in the signings of defender Alvaro Arbeloa from Deportivo La Coruña, for a fee believed to be £2.65m, and Malaga 18-year-old Francisco Manuel Duran. Former Real Madrid player Arbeloa admitted the move to Anfield had taken him by surprise.

"Until Tuesday I wasn't sure whether I was going to leave or not," he told the Liverpool website. "For me this is a beautiful challenge and I hope everything goes well. It's a huge leap for me."


There's a small possibilty that it might not be ON afterall. :(

[lionelhutz]

FUCK YEAH!

Oh...

Wait...



There's a small possibilty that it might not be ON afterall. :(

if hes got italian citzenship then he'll get through. premier league should just rubberstamp it without mucking around

[ho chi feen]

if hes got italian citzenship then he'll get through. premier league should just rubberstamp it without mucking around

That's only AFAIK, btw. I'm open to correction on that.

Actually, I think it has to be- Juve couldn't even have considered signing him otherwise, as (again, AFAIK) serie B teams aren't allowed to sign non-EU players from non-Italian clubs.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Actually, I think it has to be- Juve couldn't even have considered signing him otherwise, as (again, AFAIK) serie B teams aren't allowed to sign non-EU players from non-Italian clubs.

If that's true, it's an excellent rule and should be adopted in England.

[ho chi feen]

If that's true, it's an excellent rule and should be adopted in England.

Agreed.

[Paddy Wagon]

If that's true, it's an excellent rule and should be adopted in England.

Never heard of it, but its a very good idea...

[ho chi feen]

Never heard of it, but its a very good idea...

AFAIK (again) in Serie A, the rule allows for only one non-EU player from outside Italy tto be signed per season (again, I'm open to correction on this).

Luckily, my flatmate's Italian, so I'll confirm this all shortly.

[Jim Comic]

almost had a coronary when i saw this headline, thought it was that ex-chelsea donkey


http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N154871070202-1037.htm

[Philby]

Interesting background to the Mascherano deal...


The Argentinian affair: Rafa's remarkable wooing of Mascherano

How Liverpool's manager won the heart and mind of a World Cup star. Now Anfield must await the approval of the Premier League

By Jason Burt

Published: 04 February 2007



A few weeks ago Javier Mascherano had dec-ided to try to end the madness of his short, surreal career at West Ham United and join Juventus. Even though the Italian club, given their own dramatic travails, could hardly be described as a bastion of sanity, they appeared an attrac-tive haven for the miserable young Argentinian midfielder - and perhaps one more suited to his style of play. The Old Lady had charmed El Jefe (The Chief).

Then Mascherano received a knock on the door of his apartment in London's Docklands. It was Rafael Benitez. The Liverpool manager turned up unannounced and wanted to know why Mascherano had chosen the Stadio Delle Alpi ahead of Anfield. Over the next four hours Benitez talked to Mascherano as no coach had talked to him before, and the 22-year-old was utterly mesmerised. He also changed his mind. He would now try to join Liverpool.
During the conversation Benitez had sat leaning over the coffee table and enthusiastically using the decorative stones placed on it to represent Liverpool players, just as a father might improvise with salt and pepper pots to explain the game to his son. Benitez told Mascherano exactly where he fitted into the Liverpool team - apparently alongside Xabi Alonso, holding in the centre of midfield, with Steven Gerrard on the right.
It is a story that suggested the nightmare would turn into a fairytale for Mascherano. But that would be far too simple an outcome for the extraordinary saga that started last August, on the final day of the summer transfer window, when it was announced that Mascherano and Carlos Tevez, two of the hottest talents in world football, had joined West Ham. And without a transfer fee being paid.
No one could quite believe it. West Ham crowed how they had beaten off other clubs for the signatures, but it soon became apparent that no one else would have accepted the prohibitive terms under which the two players had arrived in England. Those terms have dogged proceedings ever since.
On another deadline day, the end of the January window last Wednesday, Kia Joorabchian, the Argentinians' mentor and the man who appears to control their "economic rights", was pacing his executive box at the Emirates Stadium. On the pitch, Arsenal were playing Tottenham Hotspur for a place in the League Cup final. Off it, Joorabchian was waiting for the mobile call to tell him that the Premier League had ratified the paperwork to allow Mascherano to move. It didn't come.
The documents were signed and delivered but Joorabchian, the 35-year-old Anglo-Iranian entrepreneur who had fronted a bid to buy West Ham and is looking to acquire another Premiership club, was told nothing would be agreed until the player's contract was scrutinised the following day. Such is the mad sequence of events that when Joorabchian asked where Mascherano, who he had hoped to sell for 25m euros (£16.5m) but is moving on an 18-month "loan", should report for training the next day - West Ham or Liver- pool - nobody knew the answer.


http://sport.independent.co .uk/football/premiership/article2214799.ece

[STEVIEG]

"Then Mascherano received a knock on the door of his apartment in London's Docklands. It was Rafael Benitez. The Liverpool manager turned up unannounced and wanted to know why Mascherano had chosen the Stadio Delle Alpi ahead of Anfield. Over the next four hours Benitez talked to Mascherano as no coach had talked to him before, and the 22-year-old was utterly mesmerised. He also changed his mind. He would now try to join Liverpool.
During the conversation Benitez had sat leaning over the coffee table and enthusiastically using the decorative stones placed on it to represent Liverpool players, just as a father might improvise with salt and pepper pots to explain the game to his son."

The sexual tension in the air was said to be incredible as sparks flew between the middle-aged Spanish Boss and his young Argentine lover

[Forsberg]

The sexual tension in the air was said to be incredible as sparks flew between the middle-aged Spanish Boss and his young Argentine lover

heh heh.


No doubt some very dim lighting and a Julio Iglesias CD played a vital part

[Sound]

"Then Mascherano received a knock on the door of his apartment in London's Docklands. It was Rafael Benitez. The Liverpool manager turned up unannounced and wanted to know why Mascherano had chosen the Stadio Delle Alpi ahead of Anfield. Over the next four hours Benitez talked to Mascherano as no coach had talked to him before, and the 22-year-old was utterly mesmerised. He also changed his mind. He would now try to join Liverpool.
During the conversation Benitez had sat leaning over the coffee table and enthusiastically using the decorative stones placed on it to represent Liverpool players, just as a father might improvise with salt and pepper pots to explain the game to his son."

The sexual tension in the air was said to be incredible as sparks flew between the middle-aged Spanish Boss and his young Argentine lover

It wasn't said.

Words weren't necessary.

They both knew that it was most definitely ON.