Liverpool FC

[The Baron]

http://tomkinstimes.com/2011/02/benitez-the-great-money-waster/

So how much did he actually spend and how much was recouped?

Do you think if Rafa turned a profit it means he spent Liverpool's money wisely? The bi-product of turning over loads of players is shallow roots in the club for example.

Just countering the ridiculously inaccurate figures you have previously quoted and your assertion that Rafa massively over-spent.

You talk about his turnover of players? Compared to other managers coming in to a club to turn around its fortunes, did he really do anything out of the ordinary, or just the same as other managers?

It's like the zonal-marking or his rotation policy, myths are perpetuated by the media (bye messrs Gray and Keys) and picked up by those too lazy to actually think about the situation.  In those cases, Liverpool consistently having the best or second-best defensive record in the league under Rafa, and a quick look at other club's squad rotation would show Liverpool's as nothing extraordinary.

Rafa would love to come back to Liverpool and finish what he started, but under owners who also want success and are willing to support him. I don't think it would be the right move (there are probably different avenues we should look to go down), but if the club went down that route I'd smile to see Rafa back at the helm.

Back to more pressing matters, anyone else looking forward to today's game?

Awesome post.

Yes - buzzing my tits off but we'll still get humped sigh.

[The Baron]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/too-many-broken-promises-2527352.html

Interesting take on Torres, and telling quotes from the player himself. Even if all he says is 100% true, still think he let Liverpool down in several ways (timing of move, attitude on the pitch, etc.), although under G&H and Purslow he was certainly let down by Liverpool (as were all associated with the club).

The timing of the move was fine if you believe the article. He gave Liverpool 12 days notice during a transferwindow that meant they could get more money for them than they would have got in the summer.
Attitude on the pitch? He was chasing long balls by himself when he's not that type of striker. Not his attitude that's a big problem more having a shit manager and a squad of players not strong enough to stand up to that manager when he is blatantly getting it wrong.

How long can Carra stay at Liverpool BTW? Everytime I read an interview with him I just want to punch his face in.

Sigh agreeing with most of that unfortunately. The only bad bit for me was the choice of club. Moving to Citeh I'd have understood. I'm more annoyed that we sold now rather than in summer.

100% right about Carragher I'm afraid. Didn't get on with Arbeloa, Torres & Benitez in the last few years. Wanted an English coach. Got himself a new contract based on a pretty horrendous last season. He thinks he's fuckin Raul. We need a world class centre half so badly to play alongside Agger.

[booder]

Anyway, will hopefully have  have a guess at the team for today's game soon.

FYP

No word from your "source" yet ?

[kinboshi]

Anyway, will hopefully have  have a guess at the team for today's game soon.

FYP

No word from your "source" yet ?

Nothing, sorry.

Want me to guess instead?

[77dave]

The Reds team in full is: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Kelly, Johnson, Gerrard, Lucas, Maxi, Meireles, Kuyt. Subs: Gulacsi, Aurelio, Suarez, Jovanovic, Kyrgiakos, Ngog, Poulsen.

[kinboshi]

So same formation as the last game, with slightly different personnel?

[The Baron]

I like it except for no Suarez.

[kinboshi]

I like it except for no Suarez.

Not played a lot recently, also hasn't trained much with the club.

I'm sure he'll make an appearance though.

[kinboshi]

Chelsea team: Cech; Bosingwa Ivanovic Terry Cole; Essien Mikel, Lampard; Anelka; Torres Drogba.

[kinboshi]

Formidable forward line.

[boldie]

Amazing that Chelsea -1 is only 6-5. Arsenal yesterday were 2-1 for the same against Newcastle. Admittedly they failed but surely the value is to go against Chelsea

[kinboshi]

LOL @ the 'El Nino' banner at Chelsea.  The same as the one that was at Liverpool, except in blue.  Even has the Shankly Gates design on it

[boldie]

Well at least Liverpool are not trying to spoil any Chelsea supporters enjoyment of the match by trying to make a game of it if the first 15 minutes are anything to go by.

[The Baron]

LOL @ the 'El Nino' banner at Chelsea.  The same as the one that was at Liverpool, except in blue.  Even has the Shankly Gates design on it

I noticed this. Morons.

[sweet potata!]

Pretty good first half display, pretty much bossed it imo. Maxi Rodriguez missing a 2 yard tap in with an open net was disappointing. All in all happy enough thus far.