Yeah with a few more dodgy decisions going their way (DP=Disallowed goal. Luis garcia goal against chelsea) and playing crap teams like benfica. I fancy theior chances too.
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Liverpool Fc Fans!! (12 Viewers)
- Thread starter KOPITE
- Start date
Yeah with a few more dodgy decisions going their way (DP=Disallowed goal. Luis garcia goal against chelsea) and playing crap teams like benfica. I fancy theior chances too.
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Enron said:
That post would have been better placed in the EPL thread thank you very much.
This thread is for Liverpool supporters not discreditors.
This thread is for Liverpool supporters not discreditors.
Forza Everton! lol
Interesting Report:
Reds agree African link-up
By Peter ORourke - Created on 8 Feb 2006
Liverpool have agreed a link-up with Ghanaian side Ashgold as they look to explore the African market.
The European Cup holders came to the arrangement after holding talks with Ashgold officials last week.
The agreement could see Ashgold becoming a feeder club for Liverpool allowing them first refusal on signing any young talent that comes through the ranks at the Ghanaian outfit.
The partnership could be similar to the deals Manchester United have with Royal Antwerp and Arsenal with Beveren.
Ashgold chief executive Kudjoe Fianoo was delighted with the partnership with the Premiership titans.
"We are thrilled by the offer Liverpool have made us and we hope that opportunities can be explored to the benefit of both clubs and also Ghanaian footballers," Fianoo told Ghanaweb.
"We are in this relationship for as long haul as possible.
"We will strive to tap the enormous knowledge and networking at the disposal of Proton for the benefit of not only Ashgold but also Ghanaian and African football at large," Fianoo said.
Reds agree African link-up
By Peter ORourke - Created on 8 Feb 2006
Liverpool have agreed a link-up with Ghanaian side Ashgold as they look to explore the African market.
The European Cup holders came to the arrangement after holding talks with Ashgold officials last week.
The agreement could see Ashgold becoming a feeder club for Liverpool allowing them first refusal on signing any young talent that comes through the ranks at the Ghanaian outfit.
The partnership could be similar to the deals Manchester United have with Royal Antwerp and Arsenal with Beveren.
Ashgold chief executive Kudjoe Fianoo was delighted with the partnership with the Premiership titans.
"We are thrilled by the offer Liverpool have made us and we hope that opportunities can be explored to the benefit of both clubs and also Ghanaian footballers," Fianoo told Ghanaweb.
"We are in this relationship for as long haul as possible.
"We will strive to tap the enormous knowledge and networking at the disposal of Proton for the benefit of not only Ashgold but also Ghanaian and African football at large," Fianoo said.
REDS TRAIL AGAINST THE RUN OF PLAY
Mark Platt 08 February 2006
Despite dominating for long periods Liverpool have failed to convert their possession into goals at The Valley and are amazingly trailing 2-0 at the break.
Two goals against the run of play in the final three minutes of the first half have left the Reds reeling in South East London.
Djibril Cisse, Fernando Morientes and Peter Crouch all went close for the visitors during an otherwise impressive opening 45 minutes.
Marcus Bent opened the scoring from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Jerzy Dudek and Liverpool's misery was doubled on the stroke of the whistle when Luke Young added a second.
Mark Platt 08 February 2006
Despite dominating for long periods Liverpool have failed to convert their possession into goals at The Valley and are amazingly trailing 2-0 at the break.
Two goals against the run of play in the final three minutes of the first half have left the Reds reeling in South East London.
Djibril Cisse, Fernando Morientes and Peter Crouch all went close for the visitors during an otherwise impressive opening 45 minutes.
Marcus Bent opened the scoring from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Jerzy Dudek and Liverpool's misery was doubled on the stroke of the whistle when Luke Young added a second.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC 2 - 0 LIVERPOOL
Wednesday 08 February 2006 20:00 , Barclays Premiership
REDS SUNK BY QUICK-FIRE TWO-GOAL BLAST
It's now a worrying four Premiership games without a win for Liverpool after they slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic at The Valley.
Despite a dominant first half performance two goals against the run of play on the stroke of half-time did the damage as a glorious chance to close in on second place went begging.
A 42nd minute penalty from Darren Bent was quickly followed by a Luke Young strike and the shell-shocked visitors were unable to recover.
Having not won in the league since mid-January this 'game in hand' was of paramount importance in terms of the Reds' pursuit of Manchester United and they started brightly under the floodlights in south east London.
Djibril Cisse and Fernando Morientes were both recalled to the first eleven after starting on the bench against Chelsea and they fired early warning shots at the Charlton goal before Peter Crouch saw a headed effort go wide.
The traffic was all one way and the intricate passing football from the visitors a joy to watch in opening stages.
Despite their goal-shy performance at Stamford Bridge four days previous the Liverpool strike-force appeared rejuvenated and were playing efficiently as the first line of defence as the home side found themselves pinned in their own half.
Maybe it was the spectre of Robbie Fowler on the bench that did the trick or a rousing pre-match team-talk from the boss. Whatever it was, it was a welcoming sight for the Liverpudlian hordes that were once again out in force in the capital.
Of some concern though was that possession was again not being transformed into goals and Liverpool were to pay the ultimate price for their lack of killer instinct in front of goal just before the break.
Totally undeserved, they suddenly found themselves trailing. Champions League hero Jerzy Dudek, making his first start since Istanbul, was controversially accused of bringing down Bent in the box and the Addicks striker dusted himself down to tuck the resultant spot-kick home with ease.
If that was a shock to the system the second goal, which followed just three minutes later, had the white shirts reeling. An Alexi Smertin pass found Young and with a thumping right foot finish he doubled the advantage.
This quick-fire two goal blast not surprisingly lifted home spirits and Liverpool could easily have found themselves four goals down early in the second period when within another frenzied three-minute spell Bent hit the bar and his namesake Marcus struck the upright.
Benitez had by now introduced Fowler, in place of Crouch but there was to be no divine intervention from God. A mini-revival saw Morientes force Thomas Myhre into a rare second half save but that was as close as Liverpool got to a consolation goal on a night that promised so much but again ended in bitter frustration.
Teams
Liverpool: Dudek, Traore, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Kewell, Alonso, Sissoko, Cisse, Crouch, Morientes. Subs - Carson, Fowler, Kromkamp, Hamann, Riise
Charlton Athletic: Myhre, Hreidarsson, Spector, Perry, Young, Thomas, Smertin, Hughes, Kishishev, Bent, Bent. Subs - Anderson, Euell, El Karkouri, Ambrose, Bothroyd
Referee: Andrew Mariner
Conditions: Cold
Attendance: 27,111
Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Xabi Alonso
Breakdown
20:02 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get the match underway attacking their vast travelling support
2 mins : Finnan concedes a corner which Thomas floats to the far post and which Liverpool clear
3 mins : Kewell shows good speed down the left to win Liverpool their first corner of the match
5 mins : Cisse runs towards goal and slides a low shot wide of the far post
6 mins : Morientes volleys straight at Myhre after Finnan picks him out with a well delivered right wing cross
9 mins : Sissoko and Morientes try to work a one two outside the box but lose control of the ball and Charlton clear
12 mins : Cisse crosses from the right and find Crouch who heads an effort wide of target
14 mins : Crouch misses a golden chance in the area when he chests the ball down but can't fire in a shot before the home defence clears
15 mins : Dudek shows great composure to dribble the ball past Bent inside his own area
19 mins : Good skill by Cisse down the right to turn Spector and win the Reds another corner
20 mins : Alonso's corner finds the head of Hyypia but the Finn's header is deflected for another corner
23 mins : Smertin volleys wide of goal after Dudek's punch had cleared the box
24 mins : Alonso curls a free kick from a dangerous area into the box but the ball evades everyone and rolls out of play
26 mins : Sissoko flicks the ball towards Hyypia in the area but Charlton clear the danger. We're dominating the game so far but need a goal
29 mins : Kewell crosses for Crouch in the area and the striker goes down under a challenge looking for a penalty
36 mins : Sissoko tries to charge down the right side but concedes a free kick
38 mins : Kewell comes within inches of sliding Crouch through on goal as Liverpool continue to press
39 mins : Alonso sends Cisse clear with a brilliant goal and Charlton are forced to defend desperately from the Frenchman's cross
42 mins : Booking: Jerzy Dudek:
42 mins : Penalty Scored! Darren Bent: Bent scores from the spot after Dudek had hauled him down in the box
43 mins : Booking: Jamie Carragher:
43 mins : Booking: Jerome Thomas:
45 mins : GOAL! Luke Young: Young smashes the ball into the far corner to double the home side's lead
20:50 GMT : Half Time Reached
21:06 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Charlton get the second period of the game underway
47 mins : Booking: Chris Perry: Foul on Cisse
48 mins : Bent requires treatment on the edge of the area after taking a knock
50 mins : Crouch brings the ball down nicely on the edge of the box but Charlton's defence reacts quickly to clear their lines
54 mins : Bent faces Carragher down the right and delivers a brilliant cross to the far post where his namesake can't quite get on the end of it
56 mins : Alonso curls a long range free kick over the wall and well over the goal
57 mins : Traore launches a cross to the far post but Crouch is penalised for a foul on Myhre
60 mins : Alonso curls the ball to the far post but it's over-hit
60 mins : Substitution: Robbie Fowler for Peter Crouch:
61 mins : Darren Bent gets in behind Hyypia and smashes a shot off Dudek's bar with the goalkeeper beaten
64 mins : Marcus Bent hits the post this time as Liverpool's defensive line is once again beaten. Lucky to be just two down now
66 mins : The ball falls kindly to Sissoko outside the box but he fires well wide
69 mins : Cisse charges down the right but his cross is poor and the ball goes out of play
69 mins : Substitution: John Arne Riise for Sami Hyypia:
73 mins : Cisse sets up Morientes but Myhre makes a fine save and Kishishev clears over his own goal
78 mins : Substitution: Jan Kromkamp for Djibril Cisse:
79 mins : Substitution: Darren Ambrose for Jerome Thomas:
82 mins : Ambrose skips past three players in the area and goes to ground but that's no penalty
83 mins : Substitution: Talal El Karkouri for Alexi Smertin:
90 mins : Three extra minutes to be played. Two goals needed.
21:54 GMT : Match Over
Wednesday 08 February 2006 20:00 , Barclays Premiership
REDS SUNK BY QUICK-FIRE TWO-GOAL BLAST
It's now a worrying four Premiership games without a win for Liverpool after they slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic at The Valley.
Despite a dominant first half performance two goals against the run of play on the stroke of half-time did the damage as a glorious chance to close in on second place went begging.
A 42nd minute penalty from Darren Bent was quickly followed by a Luke Young strike and the shell-shocked visitors were unable to recover.
Having not won in the league since mid-January this 'game in hand' was of paramount importance in terms of the Reds' pursuit of Manchester United and they started brightly under the floodlights in south east London.
Djibril Cisse and Fernando Morientes were both recalled to the first eleven after starting on the bench against Chelsea and they fired early warning shots at the Charlton goal before Peter Crouch saw a headed effort go wide.
The traffic was all one way and the intricate passing football from the visitors a joy to watch in opening stages.
Despite their goal-shy performance at Stamford Bridge four days previous the Liverpool strike-force appeared rejuvenated and were playing efficiently as the first line of defence as the home side found themselves pinned in their own half.
Maybe it was the spectre of Robbie Fowler on the bench that did the trick or a rousing pre-match team-talk from the boss. Whatever it was, it was a welcoming sight for the Liverpudlian hordes that were once again out in force in the capital.
Of some concern though was that possession was again not being transformed into goals and Liverpool were to pay the ultimate price for their lack of killer instinct in front of goal just before the break.
Totally undeserved, they suddenly found themselves trailing. Champions League hero Jerzy Dudek, making his first start since Istanbul, was controversially accused of bringing down Bent in the box and the Addicks striker dusted himself down to tuck the resultant spot-kick home with ease.
If that was a shock to the system the second goal, which followed just three minutes later, had the white shirts reeling. An Alexi Smertin pass found Young and with a thumping right foot finish he doubled the advantage.
This quick-fire two goal blast not surprisingly lifted home spirits and Liverpool could easily have found themselves four goals down early in the second period when within another frenzied three-minute spell Bent hit the bar and his namesake Marcus struck the upright.
Benitez had by now introduced Fowler, in place of Crouch but there was to be no divine intervention from God. A mini-revival saw Morientes force Thomas Myhre into a rare second half save but that was as close as Liverpool got to a consolation goal on a night that promised so much but again ended in bitter frustration.
Teams
Liverpool: Dudek, Traore, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Kewell, Alonso, Sissoko, Cisse, Crouch, Morientes. Subs - Carson, Fowler, Kromkamp, Hamann, Riise
Charlton Athletic: Myhre, Hreidarsson, Spector, Perry, Young, Thomas, Smertin, Hughes, Kishishev, Bent, Bent. Subs - Anderson, Euell, El Karkouri, Ambrose, Bothroyd
Referee: Andrew Mariner
Conditions: Cold
Attendance: 27,111
Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Xabi Alonso
Breakdown
20:02 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get the match underway attacking their vast travelling support
2 mins : Finnan concedes a corner which Thomas floats to the far post and which Liverpool clear
3 mins : Kewell shows good speed down the left to win Liverpool their first corner of the match
5 mins : Cisse runs towards goal and slides a low shot wide of the far post
6 mins : Morientes volleys straight at Myhre after Finnan picks him out with a well delivered right wing cross
9 mins : Sissoko and Morientes try to work a one two outside the box but lose control of the ball and Charlton clear
12 mins : Cisse crosses from the right and find Crouch who heads an effort wide of target
14 mins : Crouch misses a golden chance in the area when he chests the ball down but can't fire in a shot before the home defence clears
15 mins : Dudek shows great composure to dribble the ball past Bent inside his own area
19 mins : Good skill by Cisse down the right to turn Spector and win the Reds another corner
20 mins : Alonso's corner finds the head of Hyypia but the Finn's header is deflected for another corner
23 mins : Smertin volleys wide of goal after Dudek's punch had cleared the box
24 mins : Alonso curls a free kick from a dangerous area into the box but the ball evades everyone and rolls out of play
26 mins : Sissoko flicks the ball towards Hyypia in the area but Charlton clear the danger. We're dominating the game so far but need a goal
29 mins : Kewell crosses for Crouch in the area and the striker goes down under a challenge looking for a penalty
36 mins : Sissoko tries to charge down the right side but concedes a free kick
38 mins : Kewell comes within inches of sliding Crouch through on goal as Liverpool continue to press
39 mins : Alonso sends Cisse clear with a brilliant goal and Charlton are forced to defend desperately from the Frenchman's cross
42 mins : Booking: Jerzy Dudek:
42 mins : Penalty Scored! Darren Bent: Bent scores from the spot after Dudek had hauled him down in the box
43 mins : Booking: Jamie Carragher:
43 mins : Booking: Jerome Thomas:
45 mins : GOAL! Luke Young: Young smashes the ball into the far corner to double the home side's lead
20:50 GMT : Half Time Reached
21:06 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Charlton get the second period of the game underway
47 mins : Booking: Chris Perry: Foul on Cisse
48 mins : Bent requires treatment on the edge of the area after taking a knock
50 mins : Crouch brings the ball down nicely on the edge of the box but Charlton's defence reacts quickly to clear their lines
54 mins : Bent faces Carragher down the right and delivers a brilliant cross to the far post where his namesake can't quite get on the end of it
56 mins : Alonso curls a long range free kick over the wall and well over the goal
57 mins : Traore launches a cross to the far post but Crouch is penalised for a foul on Myhre
60 mins : Alonso curls the ball to the far post but it's over-hit
60 mins : Substitution: Robbie Fowler for Peter Crouch:
61 mins : Darren Bent gets in behind Hyypia and smashes a shot off Dudek's bar with the goalkeeper beaten
64 mins : Marcus Bent hits the post this time as Liverpool's defensive line is once again beaten. Lucky to be just two down now
66 mins : The ball falls kindly to Sissoko outside the box but he fires well wide
69 mins : Cisse charges down the right but his cross is poor and the ball goes out of play
69 mins : Substitution: John Arne Riise for Sami Hyypia:
73 mins : Cisse sets up Morientes but Myhre makes a fine save and Kishishev clears over his own goal
78 mins : Substitution: Jan Kromkamp for Djibril Cisse:
79 mins : Substitution: Darren Ambrose for Jerome Thomas:
82 mins : Ambrose skips past three players in the area and goes to ground but that's no penalty
83 mins : Substitution: Talal El Karkouri for Alexi Smertin:
90 mins : Three extra minutes to be played. Two goals needed.
21:54 GMT : Match Over
ROBBIE WILL BE JUDGED ON PERFORMANCES
Rick Parry 10 February 2006
Robbie Fowler's return to Anfield surprised the football world, although I'm aware that in Liverpool itself rumours about a possible deal were circulating for a full two weeks before he walked back through the Shankly Gates to put pen to paper.
It all happened very quickly in the end. It was not an option that Rafa and I had talked about at length.
In a bizarre way, those rumours possibly helped to give the transfer some momentum although it was Robbie's commitment that eventually swung it.
People have described it as a "no lose" deal. That is a lack of respect to Robbie. We haven't done it simply because we don't think there is a down side. We've done it because we believe there is an upside. His passion for the club and his and commitment shone through when we met him.
We know all about Robbie's ability and goalscoring record. What we were interested in was his desire and hunger. Was it still there? I have never seen a player so happy to be signing a deal. It was heartfelt and genuine.
The reaction from the fans when he came off the subs' bench against Birmingham was remarkable. I know many people would have been thinking about the young Fowler and the great goals he scored in a Red shirt.
However, time has moved on. Our only question was: "Can he still do a job for us?" We believe he can. Robbie knows that he won't be judged by Rafa on his passion for the club or what he achieved in the past. He will be judged by his performances on the pitch now.
Parry on Robbie
Our only question was: "Can he still do a job for us?" We believe he can. Robbie knows that he won't be judged by Rafa on his passion for the club or what he achieved in the past. He will be judged by his performances on the pitch now.
He understands that he won't be assessed on memories. I thought he showed good movement when he came on against Birmingham. He went desperately close to celebrating with the goal he clearly wanted to thank the fans for their welcome.
A hard time to buy in January
The transfer window has closed again. This particular opportunity will never be straightforward. Most clubs have settled squads. By definition, people are not going to release players who are part of their plans. They want to hang on to their best stars.
Obviously we made four signings - Daniel Agger, Robbie Fowler, Jan Kromkamp and David Martin - which is a big number in January.
We managed to get Daniel because Brondby are out of Europe. They were still reluctant to let him go.
Because clubs always want to retain their best players, you have to be careful when people suddenly come on the market. You have to question why they are up for grabs.
Once again, we were looking at right-sided options. Some people were available, but they came with questions. In the end, Rafa decided to go with what we've got for now.
Fantastic Cup challenge
The FA Cup draw conjured up an absolute classic when it paired us at home against Manchester United.
For sure, it's one to look forward to. It will be a fantastic occasion.
Parry on Europe
It seems a long time since we started out in the qualifying stage against TNS. It was July 13 to be exact.
It's something we need to reflect on. We have already played 41 games in all competitions, which is a phenomenal number when you think that a fullPremier season is based around 38.
Now we step up the pace again with that exciting European challenge in our sights. There are tired legs. That's not an excuse. It's a reality and the reason why a big squad is crucial.
This is a meeting that will sum up the passion of the Cup and the rivalry between us. Put the two together and you've got a special fixture, but let's keep it to sensible rivalry with all the action on the pitch.
Champions League starts again
Tickets for the Benfica sale have been on sale, initially to Season Ticket and Fan Card holders. It reminds us that Europe is around the corner again.
It seems a long time since we started out in the qualifying stage against TNS. It was July 13 to be exact.
It's something we need to reflect on. We have already played 41 games in all competitions, which is a phenomenal number when you think that a full Premier season is based around 38.
Now we step up the pace again with that exciting European challenge in our sights. There are tired legs. That's not an excuse. It's a reality and the reason why a big squad is crucial.
It means that in the second half of the season Rafa will have to use his resources very carefully.
New deal means new designs
A formal announcement has just been made confirming a change of official kit sponsor from Reebok to adidas. There have been some frustrations for fans with the European kit not available although we have got home kit and away kit in stock.
If you start to run out of a particular strip, you can't simply pick up a phone and order thousands more. The lead-in times from suppliers are extremely long and it's always a frustration.
We are pleased that adidas have confirmed that the change is definite. New kits will ultimately emerge and they will already be looking at designs.
Congratulations Rafa
Rafa Benitez is the new Merseyside Sports Personality of the Year. The prestigious Liverpool Echo award went to Jamie Carragher last year.
The names on the trophy read like a "Who's Who" of Merseyside Sport. The very first winner was Howard Kendall as Everton captain back in 1972. Our first recipient followed 12 months later when Liverpool fans got behind Ian Callaghan. Down the years, Anfield winners have included the likes of Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard.
Gerard Houllier was saluted after our treble success. Now Rafa has been rewarded for the impact he has made over the past 12 months.
We would like to congratulate him. The honour is well deserved and reflects the respect and admiration of the fans who voted for him.
Rick Parry 10 February 2006
Robbie Fowler's return to Anfield surprised the football world, although I'm aware that in Liverpool itself rumours about a possible deal were circulating for a full two weeks before he walked back through the Shankly Gates to put pen to paper.
It all happened very quickly in the end. It was not an option that Rafa and I had talked about at length.
In a bizarre way, those rumours possibly helped to give the transfer some momentum although it was Robbie's commitment that eventually swung it.
People have described it as a "no lose" deal. That is a lack of respect to Robbie. We haven't done it simply because we don't think there is a down side. We've done it because we believe there is an upside. His passion for the club and his and commitment shone through when we met him.
We know all about Robbie's ability and goalscoring record. What we were interested in was his desire and hunger. Was it still there? I have never seen a player so happy to be signing a deal. It was heartfelt and genuine.
The reaction from the fans when he came off the subs' bench against Birmingham was remarkable. I know many people would have been thinking about the young Fowler and the great goals he scored in a Red shirt.
However, time has moved on. Our only question was: "Can he still do a job for us?" We believe he can. Robbie knows that he won't be judged by Rafa on his passion for the club or what he achieved in the past. He will be judged by his performances on the pitch now.
Parry on Robbie
Our only question was: "Can he still do a job for us?" We believe he can. Robbie knows that he won't be judged by Rafa on his passion for the club or what he achieved in the past. He will be judged by his performances on the pitch now.
He understands that he won't be assessed on memories. I thought he showed good movement when he came on against Birmingham. He went desperately close to celebrating with the goal he clearly wanted to thank the fans for their welcome.
A hard time to buy in January
The transfer window has closed again. This particular opportunity will never be straightforward. Most clubs have settled squads. By definition, people are not going to release players who are part of their plans. They want to hang on to their best stars.
Obviously we made four signings - Daniel Agger, Robbie Fowler, Jan Kromkamp and David Martin - which is a big number in January.
We managed to get Daniel because Brondby are out of Europe. They were still reluctant to let him go.
Because clubs always want to retain their best players, you have to be careful when people suddenly come on the market. You have to question why they are up for grabs.
Once again, we were looking at right-sided options. Some people were available, but they came with questions. In the end, Rafa decided to go with what we've got for now.
Fantastic Cup challenge
The FA Cup draw conjured up an absolute classic when it paired us at home against Manchester United.
For sure, it's one to look forward to. It will be a fantastic occasion.
Parry on Europe
It seems a long time since we started out in the qualifying stage against TNS. It was July 13 to be exact.
It's something we need to reflect on. We have already played 41 games in all competitions, which is a phenomenal number when you think that a fullPremier season is based around 38.
Now we step up the pace again with that exciting European challenge in our sights. There are tired legs. That's not an excuse. It's a reality and the reason why a big squad is crucial.
This is a meeting that will sum up the passion of the Cup and the rivalry between us. Put the two together and you've got a special fixture, but let's keep it to sensible rivalry with all the action on the pitch.
Champions League starts again
Tickets for the Benfica sale have been on sale, initially to Season Ticket and Fan Card holders. It reminds us that Europe is around the corner again.
It seems a long time since we started out in the qualifying stage against TNS. It was July 13 to be exact.
It's something we need to reflect on. We have already played 41 games in all competitions, which is a phenomenal number when you think that a full Premier season is based around 38.
Now we step up the pace again with that exciting European challenge in our sights. There are tired legs. That's not an excuse. It's a reality and the reason why a big squad is crucial.
It means that in the second half of the season Rafa will have to use his resources very carefully.
New deal means new designs
A formal announcement has just been made confirming a change of official kit sponsor from Reebok to adidas. There have been some frustrations for fans with the European kit not available although we have got home kit and away kit in stock.
If you start to run out of a particular strip, you can't simply pick up a phone and order thousands more. The lead-in times from suppliers are extremely long and it's always a frustration.
We are pleased that adidas have confirmed that the change is definite. New kits will ultimately emerge and they will already be looking at designs.
Congratulations Rafa
Rafa Benitez is the new Merseyside Sports Personality of the Year. The prestigious Liverpool Echo award went to Jamie Carragher last year.
The names on the trophy read like a "Who's Who" of Merseyside Sport. The very first winner was Howard Kendall as Everton captain back in 1972. Our first recipient followed 12 months later when Liverpool fans got behind Ian Callaghan. Down the years, Anfield winners have included the likes of Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard.
Gerard Houllier was saluted after our treble success. Now Rafa has been rewarded for the impact he has made over the past 12 months.
We would like to congratulate him. The honour is well deserved and reflects the respect and admiration of the fans who voted for him.
FOWLER HAPPY WITH FIRST START UNDER RAFA
Paul Rogers 12 February 2006
Robbie Fowler might still be waiting for his first goal since rejoining Liverpool in January but the 30-year-old striker believes it's only a matter of time before he finds the net again.
The former England international made his first start under Rafael Benitez at the JJB Stadium on Saturday and while it was Sami Hyypia who grabbed the winner in a hard-fought contest with Wigan, Fowler was relatively happy with his own performance.
"It's been a long time since I started, but I felt I didn't play too badly," he said of his 66-minute perfomance. "Although I did tire, I was happy with what I put into the game.
"I've done my fair share of training, probably no more than the rest of the lads in terms of quantity, but I have been putting that extra in in terms of quality. I've felt sharp, although with me virtually not playing since May, it was fairly obvious I was going to tire. But it was just great to be back, although I'm desperate to get that first goal, and I'm confident in what I can do.
"If I'm not scoring and the team is winning, I'm very happy with that, but as a forward you always want to score goals, and I'm no different. The important thing was the win and the clean sheet because we have been on a bit of a bad run.
"There had been a bit of a blip, and that's not down to anyone in particular. Maybe the lads are tired with the run they've had, but the three points are a boost. Thankfully that blip is behind us, and we have to look forward."
Paul Rogers 12 February 2006
Robbie Fowler might still be waiting for his first goal since rejoining Liverpool in January but the 30-year-old striker believes it's only a matter of time before he finds the net again.
The former England international made his first start under Rafael Benitez at the JJB Stadium on Saturday and while it was Sami Hyypia who grabbed the winner in a hard-fought contest with Wigan, Fowler was relatively happy with his own performance.
"It's been a long time since I started, but I felt I didn't play too badly," he said of his 66-minute perfomance. "Although I did tire, I was happy with what I put into the game.
"I've done my fair share of training, probably no more than the rest of the lads in terms of quantity, but I have been putting that extra in in terms of quality. I've felt sharp, although with me virtually not playing since May, it was fairly obvious I was going to tire. But it was just great to be back, although I'm desperate to get that first goal, and I'm confident in what I can do.
"If I'm not scoring and the team is winning, I'm very happy with that, but as a forward you always want to score goals, and I'm no different. The important thing was the win and the clean sheet because we have been on a bit of a bad run.
"There had been a bit of a blip, and that's not down to anyone in particular. Maybe the lads are tired with the run they've had, but the three points are a boost. Thankfully that blip is behind us, and we have to look forward."
REDS HAPPIER AS HYYPIA STRIKES
Liverpool will be relieved to get back to winning ways after Sami Hyypia's first goal of the season gave them a vital 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic in today's Premiership clash at the JJB Stadium.
The Reds came to Wigan today desperate to get back to bounce back from a mini slump that suggester their early start to the season is beginning to take its toll. But anyone who has seen their recent defeats will know that the problem maybe isn't that serious. The Reds have dominated for large periods of those losses, but failing to score when on top has perhaps been the route to their downfall.
They didn't make that mistake today though and Sami Hyypia's 30th minute opener, his first of the season, was as little as the Reds deserved for another dominant first half display.
Rafa Benitez has been lamenting his side's failure to hit the net when they've hit top gear and the inclusion of Robbie Fowler today, albeit though it might have been because Peter Crouch was injured, was clearly an attempt to ensure a failure to score didn't give the opposition the confidence it has been doing.
We'd had just 15 minutes when Robbie almost delivered that much sought after first goal, not just for him, but in the context of a game. Fowler exchanging passes with Fernando Morientes before darting into the box and forcing Pollitt into a save as he connected with Nando's cross with a header that was heading for the corner.
Liverpool have had to contend with some pretty terrible pitches on their travels recently and it was no different today as Wigan's JJB pitch began to cut up almost from the first whistle. To their credit though, the Reds weren't about to let that bother them and they took a deserved lead through an unlikely scorer before half time.
Wigan will have thought they had cleared the danger as the ball drifted area from their box, but Carragher was there to hook it back into the danger area to find Sami Hyypia furthest forward; and he beat Pollitt with a low shot to his left.
Whatever Paul Jewell said to his players at half time, Wigan were a different side in the second half. They came out and gave it a real go and Johansson forced Dudek into a brilliant one handed save with a firm header on 49 minutes.
Liverpool responded with a good chance of their own when Gerrard forced Pollitt to save with a good shot from 12 yards, but Wigan continued to cause problems and De Zeeuw twice had us holding our breath as he powered two headers towards Dudek's goals.
Wigan never came closer to equalizing than in the 57th minute when we almost saw Sami Hyypia score for both sides. The danger came when Matt Jackson drilled a cross to the near post and as Hyypia tried to clear, he deflected the ball goalwards and it took a great save from Dudek to keep the lead.
Liverpool's failure to kill the game meant that we'd continue to be nervous right until the end, but they should be given great credit for bouncing back today. They might not have been at the best, but that wont matter when you look at the league table and see they're still sitting pretty in third.
Liverpool will be relieved to get back to winning ways after Sami Hyypia's first goal of the season gave them a vital 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic in today's Premiership clash at the JJB Stadium.
The Reds came to Wigan today desperate to get back to bounce back from a mini slump that suggester their early start to the season is beginning to take its toll. But anyone who has seen their recent defeats will know that the problem maybe isn't that serious. The Reds have dominated for large periods of those losses, but failing to score when on top has perhaps been the route to their downfall.
They didn't make that mistake today though and Sami Hyypia's 30th minute opener, his first of the season, was as little as the Reds deserved for another dominant first half display.
Rafa Benitez has been lamenting his side's failure to hit the net when they've hit top gear and the inclusion of Robbie Fowler today, albeit though it might have been because Peter Crouch was injured, was clearly an attempt to ensure a failure to score didn't give the opposition the confidence it has been doing.
We'd had just 15 minutes when Robbie almost delivered that much sought after first goal, not just for him, but in the context of a game. Fowler exchanging passes with Fernando Morientes before darting into the box and forcing Pollitt into a save as he connected with Nando's cross with a header that was heading for the corner.
Liverpool have had to contend with some pretty terrible pitches on their travels recently and it was no different today as Wigan's JJB pitch began to cut up almost from the first whistle. To their credit though, the Reds weren't about to let that bother them and they took a deserved lead through an unlikely scorer before half time.
Wigan will have thought they had cleared the danger as the ball drifted area from their box, but Carragher was there to hook it back into the danger area to find Sami Hyypia furthest forward; and he beat Pollitt with a low shot to his left.
Whatever Paul Jewell said to his players at half time, Wigan were a different side in the second half. They came out and gave it a real go and Johansson forced Dudek into a brilliant one handed save with a firm header on 49 minutes.
Liverpool responded with a good chance of their own when Gerrard forced Pollitt to save with a good shot from 12 yards, but Wigan continued to cause problems and De Zeeuw twice had us holding our breath as he powered two headers towards Dudek's goals.
Wigan never came closer to equalizing than in the 57th minute when we almost saw Sami Hyypia score for both sides. The danger came when Matt Jackson drilled a cross to the near post and as Hyypia tried to clear, he deflected the ball goalwards and it took a great save from Dudek to keep the lead.
Liverpool's failure to kill the game meant that we'd continue to be nervous right until the end, but they should be given great credit for bouncing back today. They might not have been at the best, but that wont matter when you look at the league table and see they're still sitting pretty in third.
BENITEZ: NEXT 10 DAYS WILL SHAPE SEASON
Paul Rogers 12 February 2006
Rafael Benitez has spoken about Liverpool's grueling domestic and European schedule over the next 10 days and stated that the outcome of the next three matches could determine the quality of players he'll be able to bring in this summer.
The Reds face Arsenal in the Barclays Premiership on Tuesday, Manchester United in the FA Cup on Saturday and Benfica in the Champions League next week and Benitez believes the results will have a direct impact on his transfer budget.
"We take each game as it comes along but yes, this priod coming up is very important to us," claimed the Liverpool boss. "To finish in the top four is very important financially for us as well as Arsenal. We know what finishing in the top four, staying in the Champions League and doing well in the FA Cup means in terms of money.
"It is a vicious circle. To gain access to the best players you have to be in the top four and in the Champions League, otherwise they will not come. We do our best not to think about these things because it will add to the pressure, but the reality is that only if we win and keep winning will we have the money we need to improve.
"These games are going to be difficult for us, but the important thing is that at least we are involved in big games at this stage of the season. After playing Arsenal, Manchester United and Benfica, we will have a clear idea of how our season will go."
Paul Rogers 12 February 2006
Rafael Benitez has spoken about Liverpool's grueling domestic and European schedule over the next 10 days and stated that the outcome of the next three matches could determine the quality of players he'll be able to bring in this summer.
The Reds face Arsenal in the Barclays Premiership on Tuesday, Manchester United in the FA Cup on Saturday and Benfica in the Champions League next week and Benitez believes the results will have a direct impact on his transfer budget.
"We take each game as it comes along but yes, this priod coming up is very important to us," claimed the Liverpool boss. "To finish in the top four is very important financially for us as well as Arsenal. We know what finishing in the top four, staying in the Champions League and doing well in the FA Cup means in terms of money.
"It is a vicious circle. To gain access to the best players you have to be in the top four and in the Champions League, otherwise they will not come. We do our best not to think about these things because it will add to the pressure, but the reality is that only if we win and keep winning will we have the money we need to improve.
"These games are going to be difficult for us, but the important thing is that at least we are involved in big games at this stage of the season. After playing Arsenal, Manchester United and Benfica, we will have a clear idea of how our season will go."