Don't want to say much about tonight's defeat. Tomorrow's papers will be saying enough about the continuing crisis at our club.
With attention now shifted away from the conduct of our owners, appalling as it remains, pressure will now mount on Rafa Benitez especially after a performance and defeat like tonight's at Upton Park.
I must admit that for the first time my patience with the boss is being tested by this latest debacle but whatever flak Rafa takes, the players deserve just as much. Too many of them just aren't doing enough. People like Harry Kewell and Dirk Kuyt have been consistently bad all season. Jamie Carragher has not been far behind and even tonight Steve Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres were all very poor. Not good enough from players we have come to expect consistency from.
Under Gerard Houllier we rued missed chances just as we seem to be doing lately. Le Boss quoted statistics about shots on goals and corners much to our annoyance. At least Rafa doesn't quote such stats but he knows where the problem is and he's got to rectify soon.
We're now seventh, Everton are in fourth and it's not a nice feeling. The sooner we get back to winning ways the better but performances like tonight's don't fill me with the confidence to say that it will be anytime soon and that's the most worrying thing of all.
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Sunday 27 January 2008
Havant a laugh and other rubbish puns
Rarely will a five goal win at Anfield induce so much apathy among Liverpool fans but such was the standard of opposition yesterday afternoon the fact we twice went behind only serves as a moral victory for them and damaged pride for us.
In the end Havant & Waterlooville were seen off with minimum fuss in the second half but it was a surreal first half at Anfield in which the Reds looked a side shell shocked by the plucky visitors who were clinical with their chances and had they had a little more discipline might well have produced the biggest cup upset of all time.
As Rafa Benitez noted afterwards, there were few positives from the game only the hat trick of Yossi Benayoun, a player who has very much lived up to his tag as a replacement for Luis Garcia. His overall play hasn't been good of late but he's scored some crucial goals and it's goals that are the most important thing in football which makes him a valuable asset despite many people's doubts about his overall ability at this level.
Lucas Leiva was off the mark for the first time as he continues his promising progress. More chances are likely to come his way now that Momo Sissoko has been all but sold to Juventus. Debut boy Martin Skrtel will want to forget that game in a hurry having been caught out more than once. We'll put it down to debut nerves but against a side like Havant it doesn't reflect well on him at all.
Ryan Babel remains in an enigma. Great in some games, shocking in others. He's still learning of course but the clamour for him to start tends to recede once he does actually start. He remains, for the time being, most potent when coming off the bench.
Really not much more to say on this. It was a shocking first half performance, slightly better in the second. Ultimately the job was done. Havant got their moment in the limelight, shocked the nation for 45 minutes but we are in the last sixteen and must feel that if we can get our act together, a trip to Wembley is not out of the question.
Tom Hicks was predictably on the PR offensive today as he spoke to Radio Five Live about the events of the last few weeks. There was nothing new to report except that he is "absolutely" prepared to endorse the Mascherano transfer and he insists that there was never a serious possibility of the club being sold to DIC despite what I and many others have been informed to the contrary.
On the silence of Gillett there was little to say except that they get along fine. Interestingly he also said that: "We have never turned down Rafa's request for money on any player he has asked for." This is despite the Liverpool Echo reporting last November when it all kicked off that G and H had refused Rafa the money, around £4m, to buy Kahka Kaladze from AC Milan.
As Hicks was charming the boys at Five Live there was an interesting story in today's Sunday Mirror about how back in 1999 a Texas based firm partly owned by Hicks bought into Brazilian giants Corinthians promising the sun, moon and stars including a brand new stadium only for it to all end in tears and with no new stadium. Sounds eerily familiar...the promises at least.
In any case Hicks today called for everybody to move on from the frenzy that has engulfed the club these last few months. "We are on our way," he said. But where to?
In the end Havant & Waterlooville were seen off with minimum fuss in the second half but it was a surreal first half at Anfield in which the Reds looked a side shell shocked by the plucky visitors who were clinical with their chances and had they had a little more discipline might well have produced the biggest cup upset of all time.
As Rafa Benitez noted afterwards, there were few positives from the game only the hat trick of Yossi Benayoun, a player who has very much lived up to his tag as a replacement for Luis Garcia. His overall play hasn't been good of late but he's scored some crucial goals and it's goals that are the most important thing in football which makes him a valuable asset despite many people's doubts about his overall ability at this level.
Lucas Leiva was off the mark for the first time as he continues his promising progress. More chances are likely to come his way now that Momo Sissoko has been all but sold to Juventus. Debut boy Martin Skrtel will want to forget that game in a hurry having been caught out more than once. We'll put it down to debut nerves but against a side like Havant it doesn't reflect well on him at all.
Ryan Babel remains in an enigma. Great in some games, shocking in others. He's still learning of course but the clamour for him to start tends to recede once he does actually start. He remains, for the time being, most potent when coming off the bench.
Really not much more to say on this. It was a shocking first half performance, slightly better in the second. Ultimately the job was done. Havant got their moment in the limelight, shocked the nation for 45 minutes but we are in the last sixteen and must feel that if we can get our act together, a trip to Wembley is not out of the question.
Tom Hicks was predictably on the PR offensive today as he spoke to Radio Five Live about the events of the last few weeks. There was nothing new to report except that he is "absolutely" prepared to endorse the Mascherano transfer and he insists that there was never a serious possibility of the club being sold to DIC despite what I and many others have been informed to the contrary.
On the silence of Gillett there was little to say except that they get along fine. Interestingly he also said that: "We have never turned down Rafa's request for money on any player he has asked for." This is despite the Liverpool Echo reporting last November when it all kicked off that G and H had refused Rafa the money, around £4m, to buy Kahka Kaladze from AC Milan.
As Hicks was charming the boys at Five Live there was an interesting story in today's Sunday Mirror about how back in 1999 a Texas based firm partly owned by Hicks bought into Brazilian giants Corinthians promising the sun, moon and stars including a brand new stadium only for it to all end in tears and with no new stadium. Sounds eerily familiar...the promises at least.
In any case Hicks today called for everybody to move on from the frenzy that has engulfed the club these last few months. "We are on our way," he said. But where to?
Friday 25 January 2008
A new Anfield?
Our ever popular owners launched what is likely to be an extended PR blitz this morning by unveiling photos of our new stadium It followed much thought and consideration of two new designs from American firm HKS and Manchester based AFL but what is exactly different about the HKS chosen design from the plans that the same firm unveiled in the summer?
Well according to the official blurb it is "an improved stadium design that meets the objective of a cost-effective, supporter-friendly design." Fantastic. Added to our shiny new stadium, well no sorry, pictures of our shiny new stadium is a promise that Javier Mascherano will be signed on a permanent basis and an announcement is expected that will soon confirm that the club is £105m in new debt with the securing of the £350m refinancing deal that will release £60m for work to begin on the new stadium. One wonders where exactly is the rest of the money for the stadium going to come from...
Interesting to note also that while shiny new pictures have already been released there's no official confirmation of the loan having been secured as Tony Barrett speculates in today's Echo. BBC says the deal is all but confirmed. Two very reliable sources telling two slightly different stories. It worries me a little.
You'll have to excuse my skepticism about the whole charade that is Gillett and Hicks and the general running of our club. It's just that according to Rick Parry in 2002, we should by now be a good season and half into playing at our new home and more recently according to George Gillett we should have had the shovel in the ground around March of last year as he stated when they tookover. Now fair enough they decided to rip up the plans and start again and that is an immense photgraph up there but that's all it is, a photograph.
There's a new promise today to have the stadium up and running in time for the start of 2011/12 season. I'll believe that when they start digging up Stanley Park.
So far Gillett and Hicks have consistently lied to us, some fancy pictures isn't going to change my view of them nor I suspect will it change the view of many other supporters.
Monday 21 January 2008
Reds 2-2 Villa
Crisis off the field inevitably leads to a crisis on it. Liverpool have drawn 10 of their 22 league games this season, six of these draws have been at Anfield and that is where our problem lies.
Credit to the team for pulling the game back from the brink of defeat but we should never have been in that position in the first place. Two sloppy goals from Villa when our normal defensive solidity and concentration had switched off.
We should have been out of sight after Yossi Benayoun's opener but the kind of ruthlessness we needed just wasn't there and not for the first time either as draws at home to Spurs and Wigan have shown.
They've all been very different draws. From the unjust (Chelsea at home), the rescued (Spurs and now Villa at home) and the frustrating (Birmingham at home). But they're draws, they're two dropped points each time and they have cost us dearly.
It was a great show by the fans tonight who made they're thoughts about the owners clear to Rick Parry and David Moores who were both there tonight. Credit to Setanta Sports too for giving ample coverage to the many banners around the ground that showed our distaste for Hicks and Gillett.
But ultimately a winning performance on the pitch would have been the best way of sending a message to our owners. But it seems what's happening behind the scenes is having an affect on performances as Stevie Gerrard intimated afterwards
And as it is with each poor result that we pick up the more the Americans will feel justified in pulling the plug on the Rafalution in the summer.
And that's the most worrying part of it all.
Sunday 20 January 2008
Earn our respect Gillett and Hicks!
A quiet past few days thanks largely to the fact we don't play until Aston Villa visit Anfield tomorrow evening. It's been a long time since we've had a Monday night game and this one is pretty important. Ex-Red Ronnie Whelan, one of the master pundits at stating the bleeding obvious, has really earned his pay by telling .tv that we need to beat the Villains to stay in the title race...thanks for that Ronnie....
Of course there has been the increasing speculation of DIC making another bid for the club having previously failed in attempt to buy 15% of the club last October as Tom Hicks revealed in that extraordinary interview with the Echo. To be honest, I don't think it's big until they actually make a bid and we hear what G and H have to say but all the indications are that the Yanks don't want to sell the club and are almost all set to receive that loan from RBS for the stadium. Which all means more debt and more uncertainty over Benitez will continue.
There's an excellent article in today's Irish Sunday Independent in which Dion Fanning, an excellent writer, a staunch critic of Gerard Houllier but a firm supporter of Benitez, says that the boss has all along suspected things might end up the way they have.
In Fanning's words, Benitez saw through the bullshit that accompanied the Americans' press conference when they tookover and their media interviews in the run up to the European Cup final last May and that in someways it's been a good week for him as he now firmly has the fans and even the media it would seem on his side.
In the Sunday Mirror, Benitez's friend Paco Lloret, who wrote the excellent book, Rafa Benitez - The Authorised Biography, says that the boss wont surrender to the owners unfair and undermining treatment and walk away from the club. He will have to be sacked. Something Gillett and Hicks have little justification for doing right now other then their own personal views of the Spaniard.
As fans we need answers from G and H which is why a Liverpool FC Supporters Network has been established by those from the most popular Liverpool fans forums like YNWA and RAWK in order to put some legitimate questions to the owners about why they seem to be reneging on their promise to uphold the traditions of this great club.
When Gillett and Hicks tookover last February, Gillett in particular was very vocal about the need to talk with the fans. He promised to earn our respect. Well he'd earn a little bit more if he and his partner answered some of these reasonable questions.
Of course there has been the increasing speculation of DIC making another bid for the club having previously failed in attempt to buy 15% of the club last October as Tom Hicks revealed in that extraordinary interview with the Echo. To be honest, I don't think it's big until they actually make a bid and we hear what G and H have to say but all the indications are that the Yanks don't want to sell the club and are almost all set to receive that loan from RBS for the stadium. Which all means more debt and more uncertainty over Benitez will continue.
There's an excellent article in today's Irish Sunday Independent in which Dion Fanning, an excellent writer, a staunch critic of Gerard Houllier but a firm supporter of Benitez, says that the boss has all along suspected things might end up the way they have.
In Fanning's words, Benitez saw through the bullshit that accompanied the Americans' press conference when they tookover and their media interviews in the run up to the European Cup final last May and that in someways it's been a good week for him as he now firmly has the fans and even the media it would seem on his side.
In the Sunday Mirror, Benitez's friend Paco Lloret, who wrote the excellent book, Rafa Benitez - The Authorised Biography, says that the boss wont surrender to the owners unfair and undermining treatment and walk away from the club. He will have to be sacked. Something Gillett and Hicks have little justification for doing right now other then their own personal views of the Spaniard.
As fans we need answers from G and H which is why a Liverpool FC Supporters Network has been established by those from the most popular Liverpool fans forums like YNWA and RAWK in order to put some legitimate questions to the owners about why they seem to be reneging on their promise to uphold the traditions of this great club.
When Gillett and Hicks tookover last February, Gillett in particular was very vocal about the need to talk with the fans. He promised to earn our respect. Well he'd earn a little bit more if he and his partner answered some of these reasonable questions.
Wednesday 16 January 2008
Morale boosting win
After the stupid antics of Dumb & Dumber in their dealings with Raffa, a 5-0 demolition last night in the 3rd round replay of the FA Cup against Luton Town is just what the fans and players needed.
To have a hat trick by our captain on a night that celebrated 500 games by Jamie was just icing on the cake.
Hell even Sami managed to get his name on the score sheet............at the right end of the pitch this time!
But back on to the antics by those 2 really stupid people who now (unfortunately) own Liverpool Football Club. How dumb are they, they have but most probably don't realise it, one of the best managers that has ever graced Anfield, this is a man who lead Liverpool out to 2 European Championships Finals in 3 years, has won the FA Cup and kept us in the top four in most seasons, in addition we have one the strongest teams we have had for many a year.
Then they admit to talking to some Kraut who I admit was a very good player, even if he did do a lot of diving! led his national team to some level of glory in the World Cup and then what?
Absolutely nothing!
We can all recall the 4 years earlier both Japan and Korea doing exactly the same as having home advantage certainly does bring the best out in some teams.
Would you really consider a man who has absolutely no track record at all at league level even consider putting him in charge of Liverpool. Just proves to me that dumb & dumber know nothing about football and even less about respect.
I am pleased that Liverpool won last night, really pleased that Stevie got a hat trick and Jamie celebrated 500 games but absolutely delighted that Raffa conducted himself in a manner that the 2 plonkers from across the Alantic could never reach.
Good on you Raffa!
To have a hat trick by our captain on a night that celebrated 500 games by Jamie was just icing on the cake.
Hell even Sami managed to get his name on the score sheet............at the right end of the pitch this time!
But back on to the antics by those 2 really stupid people who now (unfortunately) own Liverpool Football Club. How dumb are they, they have but most probably don't realise it, one of the best managers that has ever graced Anfield, this is a man who lead Liverpool out to 2 European Championships Finals in 3 years, has won the FA Cup and kept us in the top four in most seasons, in addition we have one the strongest teams we have had for many a year.
Then they admit to talking to some Kraut who I admit was a very good player, even if he did do a lot of diving! led his national team to some level of glory in the World Cup and then what?
Absolutely nothing!
We can all recall the 4 years earlier both Japan and Korea doing exactly the same as having home advantage certainly does bring the best out in some teams.
Would you really consider a man who has absolutely no track record at all at league level even consider putting him in charge of Liverpool. Just proves to me that dumb & dumber know nothing about football and even less about respect.
I am pleased that Liverpool won last night, really pleased that Stevie got a hat trick and Jamie celebrated 500 games but absolutely delighted that Raffa conducted himself in a manner that the 2 plonkers from across the Alantic could never reach.
Good on you Raffa!
Tuesday 15 January 2008
Rafa falling foul of owners who don't understand
These are dark says for Liverpool Football Club, make no mistake about it. The way in which our owners have operated is not the Liverpool Way. Hell, it's not even the way most English clubs would conduct their matters off the field.
I'm sure you know the story now. If not then the full gory details of George Gillett and Tom Hicks' actions late last year in attempting to lure Jurgen Klinsmann to Anfield were for all to see in yesterday's Liverpool Echo.
This morning the national sports pages went big on it. A good summary of articles is available on RAWK but the basic gist of all of them seems to be in support of Benitez and rightly so. This writer feels a little silly at having lashed out last week at The Daily Mail's coverage but then I was only going on what I had read and I suppose on the belief that such a thing couldn't and wouldn't happen. But it did.
And any doubts in any fan's mind were expelled by Hicks' extraordinary statements yesterday. The silence from Benitez is deafening. He must be fuming. Who could blame him. So horribly undermined by his bosses and Hicks even has the nerve to try and turn it on him suggesting they held talks with Klinsmann because of the danger Benitez might go to Real Madrid.
Let's get one thing straight. Rafa Benitez has never had any intention of leaving the club. He loves the city, the fans, the club, the lot, he has said as much on countless occasions. He is very settled in what WAS an excellent working environment and in restructuring the club's youth system he had the intention of being here for many years to come.
A couple of poor results and a disagreement over transfer funds and the Americans feel the need to make sure everyone knows whose boss. As I've said it's not the Liverpool Way. Few clubs bar maybe Spurs would even act in this manner and that makes it all the more painful and embarrassing.
Ever dignified Rafa's silence at least gives no further ammunition to Gillett and Hicks or just Hicks who seems to be doing all the talking these days. Gillett's silence is interesting to say the least. All we've heard from him in fact is the backing that he gave to the boss at a past players dinner following the Man United game in December. Is he more reluctant to be as rash as Hicks is or is he just as guilty having taken part in the meeting with Klinsmann? It's hard to tell.
In any case, hopefully the boss can let his team do the talking at home to Luton tonight. We need a good win to restore some confidence and the guard of honour for Mr 500 Jamie Carragher should get the fans going. That and the undoubted feeling that despite the owners continued attempts to undermine the manager we trust and respect they need to once more be made aware that this kind of attitude and behaviour cannot be tolerated.
I'm sure you know the story now. If not then the full gory details of George Gillett and Tom Hicks' actions late last year in attempting to lure Jurgen Klinsmann to Anfield were for all to see in yesterday's Liverpool Echo.
This morning the national sports pages went big on it. A good summary of articles is available on RAWK but the basic gist of all of them seems to be in support of Benitez and rightly so. This writer feels a little silly at having lashed out last week at The Daily Mail's coverage but then I was only going on what I had read and I suppose on the belief that such a thing couldn't and wouldn't happen. But it did.
And any doubts in any fan's mind were expelled by Hicks' extraordinary statements yesterday. The silence from Benitez is deafening. He must be fuming. Who could blame him. So horribly undermined by his bosses and Hicks even has the nerve to try and turn it on him suggesting they held talks with Klinsmann because of the danger Benitez might go to Real Madrid.
Let's get one thing straight. Rafa Benitez has never had any intention of leaving the club. He loves the city, the fans, the club, the lot, he has said as much on countless occasions. He is very settled in what WAS an excellent working environment and in restructuring the club's youth system he had the intention of being here for many years to come.
A couple of poor results and a disagreement over transfer funds and the Americans feel the need to make sure everyone knows whose boss. As I've said it's not the Liverpool Way. Few clubs bar maybe Spurs would even act in this manner and that makes it all the more painful and embarrassing.
Ever dignified Rafa's silence at least gives no further ammunition to Gillett and Hicks or just Hicks who seems to be doing all the talking these days. Gillett's silence is interesting to say the least. All we've heard from him in fact is the backing that he gave to the boss at a past players dinner following the Man United game in December. Is he more reluctant to be as rash as Hicks is or is he just as guilty having taken part in the meeting with Klinsmann? It's hard to tell.
In any case, hopefully the boss can let his team do the talking at home to Luton tonight. We need a good win to restore some confidence and the guard of honour for Mr 500 Jamie Carragher should get the fans going. That and the undoubted feeling that despite the owners continued attempts to undermine the manager we trust and respect they need to once more be made aware that this kind of attitude and behaviour cannot be tolerated.
Sunday 13 January 2008
Anguish at Anfield
Monday mornings seem to have fallen into a similar pattern at the moment, it appears to be about missed opportunities for Liverpool, while Arsenal and Man. Utd go tit for tat at the top.
In addition, yet another managers name has been added to the list of ones waiting to replace Raffa and in case that wasn't enough our new owners G & H seem to be struggling to find enough money for a cup of coffee, let alone fund a new stadium!
With poor performances both on & off the pitch, it is indeed torrid times for Liverpool FC, its players and its army of loyal fans.
In attempting to separate the problems, the on field is being caused by too many players playing well below form and I am well aware that a good player can't be become a bad player overnight, however there have been a couple of games, Luton in particular were it definitely proved we are a 2 man team, if it wasn't for Gerrard & Torres I am sure we would be in mid table by now.
Too many of our players are what are often referred to as "squad players" only a few are genuine players of real class, the 2 I mentioned before plus Mascherano and Reina, Agger when he returns will move into that group and Alonso on his day also, but the others..................?
This problem is something that Raffa has to sort out, the purchase of a new defender in Skrtel is a step in the right direction, but to mount a serious challenge on the top 3 we need more of the same.
The problems off the pitch is to my way of thinking greater, G & H according to some sections of the media, appear to be on the way out with DCI waiting on the wings, every time there is mention about the new stadium, it gets smaller, to such a point, I can just see the headlines one day. LIVERPOOL TO REMAIN AT ANFIELD, TURNSTILES TO BE UPGRADED. I certainly hope that is not the case, but I am yet to be convinced that G & H are here for the long haul.
The saving grace may be that new owners would for once an all, kill off these constant rumours about Raffa, what a position to be in, waking up every day to hear that yet another Managers name has been added to the list to replace you. I am awe of his ability to deal with this daily crap and focus on the task of getting Liverpool to be mounting a challenge, even though it may be far too late for the Premiership, we need to be cementing our position in the top 4.
Difficult times indeed for the supporters, particularly when there was so much hope before the season started that at last we would have a team that would mount a serious challenge on the top 3 and finally bring back the only trophy we have not yet secured. Unfortunately not all fairy story's have a good ending and this is the case with Liverpool this season. Promised so much - delivered so little.
In addition, yet another managers name has been added to the list of ones waiting to replace Raffa and in case that wasn't enough our new owners G & H seem to be struggling to find enough money for a cup of coffee, let alone fund a new stadium!
With poor performances both on & off the pitch, it is indeed torrid times for Liverpool FC, its players and its army of loyal fans.
In attempting to separate the problems, the on field is being caused by too many players playing well below form and I am well aware that a good player can't be become a bad player overnight, however there have been a couple of games, Luton in particular were it definitely proved we are a 2 man team, if it wasn't for Gerrard & Torres I am sure we would be in mid table by now.
Too many of our players are what are often referred to as "squad players" only a few are genuine players of real class, the 2 I mentioned before plus Mascherano and Reina, Agger when he returns will move into that group and Alonso on his day also, but the others..................?
This problem is something that Raffa has to sort out, the purchase of a new defender in Skrtel is a step in the right direction, but to mount a serious challenge on the top 3 we need more of the same.
The problems off the pitch is to my way of thinking greater, G & H according to some sections of the media, appear to be on the way out with DCI waiting on the wings, every time there is mention about the new stadium, it gets smaller, to such a point, I can just see the headlines one day. LIVERPOOL TO REMAIN AT ANFIELD, TURNSTILES TO BE UPGRADED. I certainly hope that is not the case, but I am yet to be convinced that G & H are here for the long haul.
The saving grace may be that new owners would for once an all, kill off these constant rumours about Raffa, what a position to be in, waking up every day to hear that yet another Managers name has been added to the list to replace you. I am awe of his ability to deal with this daily crap and focus on the task of getting Liverpool to be mounting a challenge, even though it may be far too late for the Premiership, we need to be cementing our position in the top 4.
Difficult times indeed for the supporters, particularly when there was so much hope before the season started that at last we would have a team that would mount a serious challenge on the top 3 and finally bring back the only trophy we have not yet secured. Unfortunately not all fairy story's have a good ending and this is the case with Liverpool this season. Promised so much - delivered so little.
What the papers say
The Sunday papers , whilst reporting gloomily on yesterday's draw at Middlesbrough, also have conflicting stories about the future of George Gillett and Tom Hick's ownership of the club.
The Observer says that the American duo could be bought out by Dubai International Capital, the Arab investment group we shunned for Statler and Waldorf last year. The paper suggests there may be a £500m offer on the table that would provide Hicks and Gillett with a hefty walk-away fee and money for the club to invest in the stadium and the team...hmm haven't we heard that before? This report follows a few notable rumours of Hicks and Gillett seriously struggling in their repayments to the Royal Bank of Scotland whom they used a loan from to buy the club last February and to fund our summer spending.
But there's a more positive story, for Gillett and Hicks at least, in The Sunday Times which says that they are close to striking a loan deal with the banks to allow work on the new stadium to proceed. Jonathan Northcroft adds that despite all the speculation, Hicks and Gillett are not keen on cutting their losses despite the speculation to the contrary.
The bottom line to me seems that there is going to be more debt, and debt in whatever situation is never good. I'm rubbish at financial stuff but I know that much at least. It's all a far cry from the positive picture we were given when G & H, as they are now simply known, tookover last year. Money for stadium, money for players, money for all they said. No mention given to loan or debts or indeed the fact loans would be needed just to even buy a few players.
What is likely to be our sole acquisition this January is defender Martin Skrtel for around £6.5m. I wonder where this money has come from? It's quite a hefty fee for a central defender, the most we've ever paid in fact. Is there more of it or is that all Rafa will get? I suspect the latter.
Skrtel is a much needed addition but when the deficiences of the team going forward have become increasingly obvious in recent weeks it doesn't offer much optimism for the months ahead that we are unlikely to add anybody else to the squad.
And in the meantime the uncertainty off the field will go on...
The Observer says that the American duo could be bought out by Dubai International Capital, the Arab investment group we shunned for Statler and Waldorf last year. The paper suggests there may be a £500m offer on the table that would provide Hicks and Gillett with a hefty walk-away fee and money for the club to invest in the stadium and the team...hmm haven't we heard that before? This report follows a few notable rumours of Hicks and Gillett seriously struggling in their repayments to the Royal Bank of Scotland whom they used a loan from to buy the club last February and to fund our summer spending.
But there's a more positive story, for Gillett and Hicks at least, in The Sunday Times which says that they are close to striking a loan deal with the banks to allow work on the new stadium to proceed. Jonathan Northcroft adds that despite all the speculation, Hicks and Gillett are not keen on cutting their losses despite the speculation to the contrary.
The bottom line to me seems that there is going to be more debt, and debt in whatever situation is never good. I'm rubbish at financial stuff but I know that much at least. It's all a far cry from the positive picture we were given when G & H, as they are now simply known, tookover last year. Money for stadium, money for players, money for all they said. No mention given to loan or debts or indeed the fact loans would be needed just to even buy a few players.
What is likely to be our sole acquisition this January is defender Martin Skrtel for around £6.5m. I wonder where this money has come from? It's quite a hefty fee for a central defender, the most we've ever paid in fact. Is there more of it or is that all Rafa will get? I suspect the latter.
Skrtel is a much needed addition but when the deficiences of the team going forward have become increasingly obvious in recent weeks it doesn't offer much optimism for the months ahead that we are unlikely to add anybody else to the squad.
And in the meantime the uncertainty off the field will go on...
Saturday 12 January 2008
Boro 1-1 Reds: More draws, more woes
Fernando Torres saving our skin is becoming an all too familiar story but even today it was not enough to hide another draw, another poor result and another chance missed to catch up on the top three. Instead we find ourselves fourth but on the same points as Everton, Villa and Man City below us and at the moment looking more likely to be involved in a a scrap for the final Champions League spot instead of the title challenge we expected and hoped for after such a great start.
The autumn of promise has very much turned into a winter of discontent. On and off the field there is uncertainty about the future and that is certainly not helping things. Nor is the poor form of a number of players and the sheer lack of quality in the likes of Andriy Voronin and John Arne Riise who, lets face it, bar some periods of good form has never quite matched his debut season at the club six years ago. Harsh, but in hindsight, I think it's true.
We can look forward to the return of Daniel Agger, on the bench today, and Jermaine Pennant, although he's been mysteriously absent these last two games. But the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch (when played), Harry Kewell, and even Steve Finnan and Jamie Carragher are playing below the level we have to come to expect from them.
In Torres we have a genuine golden boy who can do great things but he can't do it all on his own and nor can Steven Gerrard. We need more goals coming from midfield and better distribution and final balls from the likes of Ryan Babel, whose introduction at Boro did change the game but his final ball is really lacking. It will come in time, but we don't have time.
As the newspapers and media concentrate all their powers on unsettling Rafa with Allardyce now gone it will become harder and harder for the team to perform when there's such uncertainty. Same goes for Rafa, how can he be expected to perform to his best as a manager when he doesn't know whether or not he'll be here next summer? It's an interesting question that not many have raised. He says it's not bothering him but subconsciously it must surely be having an affect.
These are uncertain times. With two home games coming up against crisis club Luton Town in the FA Cup on Wednesday and high flying Aston Villa in the league on Monday week there is a perfect opportunity to restore some stability and some confidence to the side but there was nothing inspiring about yesterday's result which makes me all the more nervous about these games.
Atrocious journalism undermining Rafa
Take a moment to look at the following two articles from that great bastion of truth The Daily Mail. I'm sure we've all heard the rumours about Jurgen Klinsmann replacing Rafa Bentiez in the last few days, rumours largely reported by both The Mail and The S*n.
Well this afternoon Klinsmann was confirmed as Bayern Munich's new manager and The Mail had this to report from the press conference. Klinsmann says that there were no offers from England before he took the Bayern job so that really does dispell all the rumours doesn't it?
Except The Daily Mail had this to say this evening. That's right, the same paper that brought you actual quotes from the press conference this time runs an article by "journalist" (In the loosest sense of the word) John Edwards with one brief quote and lots of citing of "senior sources" at Bayern and the German FA saying that Klinsmann had received a detailed offer from Liverpool. Same paper, two completely different, contradictory stories. Amazing.
What would the German FA have to do with Bayern appointing a new boss anyway or was Edwards merely throwing that in for a bit of weight to the story? Probably. There's either a serious breakdown in communication at the Mail's sports desk or else it's being run by a bunch of brainless idiots who have nothing better to do then make up stories in order to sell papers, the kind of rubbish that gives journalism a bad name. With Mourinho and now Allardyce gone, attention will shift firmly to Benitez and making him as unsettled as possible.
Respected Spanish football pundit and a man pretty close to Benitez's inner circle at Anfield Guillem Balague said as much earlier in the week when talking about the possibility of Benitez replacing Bernd Schuster at Real Madrid. This the Bernd Schuster who has given Real their best start in yonks and who recently masterminded a 1-0 win over nearest rivals Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Of course it is Real but they aren't about to sack a manager who has done nothing wrong so far and appears to have got Real playing the way the fans and the directors want.
Sure there has been problems between Rafa and the owners in the last few months but all indications are that things are a lot calmer now. Whether that will be the case come the summer I don't know, no one does. But until then we could do without the mindless speculation and the shoddy journalism. It undermines Rafa and makes journalists like John Edwards look like idiots.
Well this afternoon Klinsmann was confirmed as Bayern Munich's new manager and The Mail had this to report from the press conference. Klinsmann says that there were no offers from England before he took the Bayern job so that really does dispell all the rumours doesn't it?
Except The Daily Mail had this to say this evening. That's right, the same paper that brought you actual quotes from the press conference this time runs an article by "journalist" (In the loosest sense of the word) John Edwards with one brief quote and lots of citing of "senior sources" at Bayern and the German FA saying that Klinsmann had received a detailed offer from Liverpool. Same paper, two completely different, contradictory stories. Amazing.
What would the German FA have to do with Bayern appointing a new boss anyway or was Edwards merely throwing that in for a bit of weight to the story? Probably. There's either a serious breakdown in communication at the Mail's sports desk or else it's being run by a bunch of brainless idiots who have nothing better to do then make up stories in order to sell papers, the kind of rubbish that gives journalism a bad name. With Mourinho and now Allardyce gone, attention will shift firmly to Benitez and making him as unsettled as possible.
Respected Spanish football pundit and a man pretty close to Benitez's inner circle at Anfield Guillem Balague said as much earlier in the week when talking about the possibility of Benitez replacing Bernd Schuster at Real Madrid. This the Bernd Schuster who has given Real their best start in yonks and who recently masterminded a 1-0 win over nearest rivals Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Of course it is Real but they aren't about to sack a manager who has done nothing wrong so far and appears to have got Real playing the way the fans and the directors want.
Sure there has been problems between Rafa and the owners in the last few months but all indications are that things are a lot calmer now. Whether that will be the case come the summer I don't know, no one does. But until then we could do without the mindless speculation and the shoddy journalism. It undermines Rafa and makes journalists like John Edwards look like idiots.
Friday 11 January 2008
Fancy a drink from the Poisoned Chalice?
With 8 Premiership managers already left for greener pastures, the latest being Big Sam who left troubled Newcastle Utd. 2 days ago, who wants that job or indeed any managers job?
In reviewing the departure of Sam Allardyce, its begs the question "what ever happened to loyalty?" particularly from the respective clubs board of directors or owners?
Do clubs, in this case Newcastle really expect overnight success. Allardyce had always stated he needed 2 - 3 years, which when you view the history of the club, was quite a reasonable request. In fact he got just over 8 months, what made it worse, was only 2 days before he got sacked the board openly stated "we are 100% behind our manager" with friends like that who needs enemies?
Liverpool's manager faces the same problem, the new owners are expecting success, now don't get me wrong, so do the majority of supporters, however I would suggest that the average Liverpool fan has a much better understanding of what it takes to win the Premiership that our new owners do.
Unfortunately it has a lot to do with money, just look what Chelsea have achieved over the past few years, Man. Utd and Fergie have never been shy in spending lots of money to get the players they want. While Liverpool may have spent a lot, by their standards, it still pales when compared to the others.
It is interesting to see the polls on some web sites about who is the next manager to be shown the door, and it is really disappointing to see Raffa's name amongst them. He deserves more than that and if offered a drink by Hicks or Gillette from a chalice should refuse!
In reviewing the departure of Sam Allardyce, its begs the question "what ever happened to loyalty?" particularly from the respective clubs board of directors or owners?
Do clubs, in this case Newcastle really expect overnight success. Allardyce had always stated he needed 2 - 3 years, which when you view the history of the club, was quite a reasonable request. In fact he got just over 8 months, what made it worse, was only 2 days before he got sacked the board openly stated "we are 100% behind our manager" with friends like that who needs enemies?
Liverpool's manager faces the same problem, the new owners are expecting success, now don't get me wrong, so do the majority of supporters, however I would suggest that the average Liverpool fan has a much better understanding of what it takes to win the Premiership that our new owners do.
Unfortunately it has a lot to do with money, just look what Chelsea have achieved over the past few years, Man. Utd and Fergie have never been shy in spending lots of money to get the players they want. While Liverpool may have spent a lot, by their standards, it still pales when compared to the others.
It is interesting to see the polls on some web sites about who is the next manager to be shown the door, and it is really disappointing to see Raffa's name amongst them. He deserves more than that and if offered a drink by Hicks or Gillette from a chalice should refuse!
Thursday 10 January 2008
Welcome to Talking Reds
If you are slightly confused. Then please click here.
Now we've cleared that up, welcome to Talking Reds!!!
Despite closing LFC 365 I wanted to continue writing about Liverpool and so felt a blog would be the best way to do it even if it's not the most original idea! Together with Bernie Doyle, he of Premier League Preview and View From Down Under fame on LFC 365, we aim to bring you news and analysis on the latest Anfield happenings as well as thoughts and opinion on what's happening in the football world.
We'll endeavor to keep the site as up to date as possible and will hopefully offer supporters a new angle and differing views on what's happening at Anfield and on the football scene.
We hope you enjoy it and please leave your comments, good or bad!
Now we've cleared that up, welcome to Talking Reds!!!
Despite closing LFC 365 I wanted to continue writing about Liverpool and so felt a blog would be the best way to do it even if it's not the most original idea! Together with Bernie Doyle, he of Premier League Preview and View From Down Under fame on LFC 365, we aim to bring you news and analysis on the latest Anfield happenings as well as thoughts and opinion on what's happening in the football world.
We'll endeavor to keep the site as up to date as possible and will hopefully offer supporters a new angle and differing views on what's happening at Anfield and on the football scene.
We hope you enjoy it and please leave your comments, good or bad!
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