Now I accept that Spain was the adopted team for this web site, however even the most one eyed supporters would agree that they were worthy winners and deserved to be crowned Champions of Europe.
The fact that Torres scored a most wonderful goal was icing on the cake. He has really elevated himself to the point of being considered amongst the best strikers in the world.
Throughout the whole tournament, Spain were quite outstanding, winning every game, which included putting 7 goals past a good looking Russian side. The string of wins was made even better by knocking out the current World Champions Italy, which really got people focused and agreeing how good this Spanish side is.
Besides Torres we had Alonso who played some really outstanding footballs, this was particularly highlighted when in the final he came on and replaced a tiring Fabregas, he then shored up the midfield and played a major role in ensuring Germany never got into the game.
Got to honest, really can not understand why Raffa appears to be so keen on moving Alonso out to bring Barry in?
While Barry is a very good player, not sure if he is in the same class as Alonso. Me, personally like to see Alonso stay and get Raffa to look another striker, assuming that Crouch goes to ???????????? any number of clubs that seemed to be interested in him.
Monday 30 June 2008
Thursday 26 June 2008
We'll believe it when we see it
It was with some surprise that we learned earlier this week of enabling work beginning on the club's new ground on Stanley Park.
Contractors Laing O'Rourke removed a few shrubs and set down the bollards in preparation for the building of a stadium we were once promised we'd be playing in two seasons ago.
With Tom Hicks and George Gillett apparently on talking terms again and Gillett doing his best to woo the fans with personal appointments the Americans may feel they have weathered the storm of discontent and anger towards their ownership among fans. We certainly hope that's not actually the case.
In his meeting with a Reds fans holidaying in the States, Gillett apparently was adamant that the stadium would be complete by the beginning of 2011/12 and insisted that discussions with Jurgen Klinsmann last year were only regarding football, not replacing Rafa (Yeah George pull the other one for fucks sake!)
The builders may be in but the stadium is far from built and the money is far from available to get it built. As the man from SOS said: “We will believe it when we see it, when the new Kop is there in front of us.”
Spain to beat Russia tonight. Torres finding his goalscoring touch to put Villa in the shade!
Monday 23 June 2008
Do we need Gareth Barry?
The last few weeks have been pretty quiet on the Anfield front. John Arne Riise has left for Roma (rumours of him failing a medical due to lack of a right foot were unsubstantiated).
Gareth Barry remains at Aston Villa and Xabi Alonso remains a Liverpool player. I wouldn't be too disapointed if it stayed that way to be honest. Villa want £18m for Gareth Barry and that just isn't right for a player of his undoubted but not spectacular quality.
Alonso is a fans favourite, a top professional (Despite the speculation over his future he has been fantastic for Spain when given an opportunity at the Euros) and a key player whose work does go unnoticed in my view.
Those with a keen statistical eye (I don't count myself among them but I have noticed this particular stat) will know that it is often Alonso who covers the most ground in our games.
While his passing may not be as phenomenal as in those early months of his first season in 2004/05 his tactical awareness and the calm I believe he brings to the midfield is often a perfect compliment to the all action style of Stevie G and the marauding Javier Mascherano.
If Alonso were to leave and Barry to arrive it would be interesting to see how it works in midfield. But the way I feel about it is that we just won't gain much out of selling the Spaniard and bringing in the Villa captain.
It won't be like selling Craig Bellamy and buying Fernando Torres, that's for sure. And if we're looking to advance to the next level and challenge for the Premiership and I mean really challenge then that is surely what we need to be doing.
Sunday 22 June 2008
The joy of the Euros
Euro 2008 has flown by and with great games a plenty and goals galore its been hard to keep up. Spain's progression to the semi finals at the expense of Italy on penalties in Vienna tonight brought 15 days of non stop football to an end and what a 15 days it's been.
My prediction that the winners would come from Germany, Spain or Holland was not too far off the mark with the former two potentially facing off in the final in Vienna next Sunday.
That said it has been the march of the smaller nations, Turkey and Russia (small only in football terms I hasten to add) that has been the most impressive aspect of the tournament so far.
Russia's sparkling display against Sweden in their final group game is perhaps the tournament highlight so far given it caught the eye of even people I know who are totally apathetic towards football.
That and their disposal of hot favourites Holland on Saturday night. Had they been more clincal, Guus Hiddink's side would have finished off his fellow countrymen long before extra time and their ultimate 3-1 victory.
Whilst Spain fought hard to see off the world champions and Germany were impressive in beating a Portugal side hotly fancied before Phil Scolari's new job at Chelsea and Cristiano Ronaldo's wet dreams about Real Madrid ultimately undermined their chances both are suspect at the back and it is the Russian's incisive attacking which may be both nation's undoing in the end
Russia are certainly miles away from their opening game defeat to Spain and will provide a much tougher test for Luis Aragones' side in the second semi final in Vienna on Thursday.
Finally, Turkey are the real fairytale of the tournament. Not given much notice beforehand, their unlikely but stunning comeback against the Czech Republic in the last group game spurred them on to another stunning turnaround against hotly fancied Croatia last Friday.
That was without six of their squad unavailable through injury or suspension. That list has grown in the lead up to Wednesday's semi against the Germans meaning they are even more of an underdog now but then so were an extremely limited Greece (whose defence of their title must be the most pathetic we've seen in any major tournament) in 2004 and we all know what happened then.
It's been a fantastic tournament so far. Let's hope it continues.
My prediction that the winners would come from Germany, Spain or Holland was not too far off the mark with the former two potentially facing off in the final in Vienna next Sunday.
That said it has been the march of the smaller nations, Turkey and Russia (small only in football terms I hasten to add) that has been the most impressive aspect of the tournament so far.
Russia's sparkling display against Sweden in their final group game is perhaps the tournament highlight so far given it caught the eye of even people I know who are totally apathetic towards football.
That and their disposal of hot favourites Holland on Saturday night. Had they been more clincal, Guus Hiddink's side would have finished off his fellow countrymen long before extra time and their ultimate 3-1 victory.
Whilst Spain fought hard to see off the world champions and Germany were impressive in beating a Portugal side hotly fancied before Phil Scolari's new job at Chelsea and Cristiano Ronaldo's wet dreams about Real Madrid ultimately undermined their chances both are suspect at the back and it is the Russian's incisive attacking which may be both nation's undoing in the end
Russia are certainly miles away from their opening game defeat to Spain and will provide a much tougher test for Luis Aragones' side in the second semi final in Vienna on Thursday.
Finally, Turkey are the real fairytale of the tournament. Not given much notice beforehand, their unlikely but stunning comeback against the Czech Republic in the last group game spurred them on to another stunning turnaround against hotly fancied Croatia last Friday.
That was without six of their squad unavailable through injury or suspension. That list has grown in the lead up to Wednesday's semi against the Germans meaning they are even more of an underdog now but then so were an extremely limited Greece (whose defence of their title must be the most pathetic we've seen in any major tournament) in 2004 and we all know what happened then.
It's been a fantastic tournament so far. Let's hope it continues.
Thursday 12 June 2008
Transfer bullshit and Euro roundup
Lets first deal with the never ending transfer saga, which comes round at the time of year, while there is a slight distraction due to Euro 2008, we still find the papers full of the same old bullshit every morning.
It is very difficult to pick out what is real or what is just pure fantasy!
No doubt (I suspect) about Gareth Barry and his desire to move to Liverpool, however his manager appears to have attached a price tag on him that may well force Raffa to look else where. The reports have stated that 10 million was offered up front and now his value (placed on him by Villa) has reached a minimum of 15 million. I am starting to get my doubts about this one, if Raffa can utilize Carson in some way to offset the price it may well still go ahead but a straight cash deal is looking more unlikely.
Crouch, Pennant, Alonso, Riise and Finnan are look to be leaving Anfield. Clearly Raffa has not been given the funds he wants from our American owners and has to become a bit a of a "horse trader" if he wants to bring in some higher quality players.
As to other players who may join Liverpool, the list is endless and grows every day. Only yesterday on one football site it stated that Raffa had bid 15 million for SWP, honestly I ask you!
David Villa's name is now splashed all over the papers, especially after his hat trick against Russia, his partnership with Torres is bound to lead to rumors and there is no doubt he is a star player and I for one would love to see him in a (Liverpool) red shirt. However his three goals have now given him a price tag that may be out of Raffa's reach, it is reported that Chelsea now under Big Phil are considering a bid in excess of 30 million.
My view for what it's worth is it is wide positions that we appear to be lacking class, Pennant was I always thought a knee jerk reaction and never destined to be a long term member of the team, if the chance comes along to move him out, I am sure Raffa will take that opportunity. Much has been stated about Bentley from Blackburn and Milner from Newcastle, both good players but are they any better than what we already have.
In midfield, we have an abundance of riches, to such a degree we can consider selling Alonso and then bringing in Barry, seems to me that the only advantage is that Barry is English and if the rules do change in regards to the number of home grown players he would assist.
I am sure over the next few weeks, rumors will continue to grow, the list of players coming to Anfield will grow even longer and we will witness more of the transfer merry go round!
On to Euro and since our last report Spain have thumped Russia and high flying favourites Germany have crashed. Croatia have stamped their mark with 2 wins and now look certain to move through to the knock out stages, whilst Germany must win in their next match against Austria to guarantee progress into the next stage. In Group A Portugal with 2 wins out of 2 games have also booked their place in the next stage.
Tonight Italy fight to stay in the competition, they face Romania who I thought looked pretty ordinary against France the other night and you would think that they will win. Which means the real stand out game is Holland vs. France. Quiet a difference here, Holland were quite outstanding in taking apart Italy while France looked ordinary against Romania. Very interesting to see the outcome of both these games from the group nicknamed Group of Death. I expect Italy and Holland to win, which means France (once considered amongst the favourites) going home early as their last game will be against Italy and nothing less than a win would see them qualify.
Clearly a lot of football yet!
It is very difficult to pick out what is real or what is just pure fantasy!
No doubt (I suspect) about Gareth Barry and his desire to move to Liverpool, however his manager appears to have attached a price tag on him that may well force Raffa to look else where. The reports have stated that 10 million was offered up front and now his value (placed on him by Villa) has reached a minimum of 15 million. I am starting to get my doubts about this one, if Raffa can utilize Carson in some way to offset the price it may well still go ahead but a straight cash deal is looking more unlikely.
Crouch, Pennant, Alonso, Riise and Finnan are look to be leaving Anfield. Clearly Raffa has not been given the funds he wants from our American owners and has to become a bit a of a "horse trader" if he wants to bring in some higher quality players.
As to other players who may join Liverpool, the list is endless and grows every day. Only yesterday on one football site it stated that Raffa had bid 15 million for SWP, honestly I ask you!
David Villa's name is now splashed all over the papers, especially after his hat trick against Russia, his partnership with Torres is bound to lead to rumors and there is no doubt he is a star player and I for one would love to see him in a (Liverpool) red shirt. However his three goals have now given him a price tag that may be out of Raffa's reach, it is reported that Chelsea now under Big Phil are considering a bid in excess of 30 million.
My view for what it's worth is it is wide positions that we appear to be lacking class, Pennant was I always thought a knee jerk reaction and never destined to be a long term member of the team, if the chance comes along to move him out, I am sure Raffa will take that opportunity. Much has been stated about Bentley from Blackburn and Milner from Newcastle, both good players but are they any better than what we already have.
In midfield, we have an abundance of riches, to such a degree we can consider selling Alonso and then bringing in Barry, seems to me that the only advantage is that Barry is English and if the rules do change in regards to the number of home grown players he would assist.
I am sure over the next few weeks, rumors will continue to grow, the list of players coming to Anfield will grow even longer and we will witness more of the transfer merry go round!
On to Euro and since our last report Spain have thumped Russia and high flying favourites Germany have crashed. Croatia have stamped their mark with 2 wins and now look certain to move through to the knock out stages, whilst Germany must win in their next match against Austria to guarantee progress into the next stage. In Group A Portugal with 2 wins out of 2 games have also booked their place in the next stage.
Tonight Italy fight to stay in the competition, they face Romania who I thought looked pretty ordinary against France the other night and you would think that they will win. Which means the real stand out game is Holland vs. France. Quiet a difference here, Holland were quite outstanding in taking apart Italy while France looked ordinary against Romania. Very interesting to see the outcome of both these games from the group nicknamed Group of Death. I expect Italy and Holland to win, which means France (once considered amongst the favourites) going home early as their last game will be against Italy and nothing less than a win would see them qualify.
Clearly a lot of football yet!
Tuesday 10 June 2008
Euro 2008 comes to life
After a slow start Euro 2008 has really come to life just as Liverpool's interest in the competition grows.
Last night we saw Dirk Kuyt play a big part in the Netherlands destruction of World Champions Italy as today sees Talking Reds' adopted team Spain make their entrance in the competition.
While Xabi Alonso, who has put talk of his Liverpool future on hold until after the Championships, will be hoping to start we are unlikely to see Pepe Reina or Alvaro Arbeloa in action today against Russia.
Kuyt, I thought, was excellent for the Dutch last night, not only playing a part in two of their three goals but his overall play was very much in the vain of his performances for Liverpool in the closing half of the season which underlines his value to any side.
It may not be an attractive job that he does on that right hand side but it is an important one and his crossing ability is excellent as evidenced by Holland's third and some of Liverpool's goals this past season.
The Dutch must now be favourites for Euro 2008 having dispatched of the world champions with relative ease in Bern last night. But Germany were equally as impressive against Poland on Sunday even if the opposition weren't up to much.
Perennial favourites Spain get underway today as mentioned and with an extremely talented bunch of players including the phenomenal Torres it really is time to stop the underachievement and finally deliver.
If ever there was a time it is now. An aging France were very poor against Romania yesterday and a similarly old Italy side look in big trouble. Neither should be written off totally at this point but it isn't looking good. At the moment you would have to say the winners will come from Germany, Netherlands or Spain.
There is unlikely to be another Greece, who get underway today, like four years ago. The smaller nations haven't looked great so far. Even dark horses Croatia laboured against Austria and the Czech Republic are a shadow of that great side that could have gone all the way in Portugal four years ago.
Back in Liverpool it's been a little quiet even on the transfer front. Negotiations have opened with Roma over the possible sale of John Arne Riise but it appears that the asking price is a sticking point.
This is likely to be the same problem when it comes to off loading Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant and already is a problem with Xabi Alonso. But with such a limited budget not helped by owners who claimed over a £1m in expenses in the past year Benitez must sell before buying.
The action in Switzerland and Austria is proving a welcome distraction from an otherwise dull summer interjected by transfer wranglings likely to drag on at Anfield in both the sale and purchase of players right until the end of the summer.
But despite all this, thank god for Rafa and his complete commitment to the club, we really would be up the swanee without it.
Monday 2 June 2008
Money Talks
After a long trip into Europe which included a visit to Euro 2008 hosts Austria, clearly I was in the right place, but my timing was a few weeks adrift, it is back home and an eagerness to talk about what is happening to our beloved club.
Again we are witnessing Raffa attempting to compete in the transfer market on a budget that Chelsea and Manure would scoff at. Only today in a number of the football sites it mentions about Utd are reportedly about to break yet another transfer record as they attempt to sign the 20 year old free scoring forward from French club Lyon. The fee should the move go ahead will be in the region of 30 Million Pounds.
Raffa in the meantime has reportedly been given only 20 million with the rest to be made up by selling members of the 1st team squad.
How in heaven's name we are expected to compete at the highest level is beyond me and I expect most Liverpool supporters. Utd last year spent a Kings ransom on Anderson, Nani and Hargreaves and it proved to be well worthwhile winning both the Premiership and being crowned Kings of Europe.
Chelsea will no doubt dig deep into their coffers and (again only my view) completely rebuild the side that came second in three competitions, clearly just not good enough for their owner who made his intentions quite clear by sacking the manager only 3 days after coming second for the 3rd time this season.
So what about Liverpool, personally I can't see another Torres joining us this year, there is simply not enough money. Will Raffa sell Crouch, Carson, Pennant, Riise and Alonso to raise funds to strengthen the squad?
If he does then my only request is, please don't buy any more squad players, buy player even if it is only 1 but 1 that will hopefully improve the side.
Again we are witnessing Raffa attempting to compete in the transfer market on a budget that Chelsea and Manure would scoff at. Only today in a number of the football sites it mentions about Utd are reportedly about to break yet another transfer record as they attempt to sign the 20 year old free scoring forward from French club Lyon. The fee should the move go ahead will be in the region of 30 Million Pounds.
Raffa in the meantime has reportedly been given only 20 million with the rest to be made up by selling members of the 1st team squad.
How in heaven's name we are expected to compete at the highest level is beyond me and I expect most Liverpool supporters. Utd last year spent a Kings ransom on Anderson, Nani and Hargreaves and it proved to be well worthwhile winning both the Premiership and being crowned Kings of Europe.
Chelsea will no doubt dig deep into their coffers and (again only my view) completely rebuild the side that came second in three competitions, clearly just not good enough for their owner who made his intentions quite clear by sacking the manager only 3 days after coming second for the 3rd time this season.
So what about Liverpool, personally I can't see another Torres joining us this year, there is simply not enough money. Will Raffa sell Crouch, Carson, Pennant, Riise and Alonso to raise funds to strengthen the squad?
If he does then my only request is, please don't buy any more squad players, buy player even if it is only 1 but 1 that will hopefully improve the side.
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