Liverpool F.c.

[BlueScouse]

Any match report for the Reading match?

[ThaiPauly]

Any match report for the Reading match?

I can report that you lost 3-1

Strange game, Raffa bemoaning penalty decisions that did not go his way, but Reading taking their chances well., this was a BIG BIG win for Readng and the first time we have beaten a "Top Four" team

Pool conceded the game after 70 minutes when 3-1 down they substituted Gerrard in readiness for Tuesday

[BlueScouse]

Lost 3-1?

I am devstated,distraught etc.

And Everton won as well!

Woe is me.

[Jockstar]

OOps. No scousemouse report this week. Was he out with mrtoad last night?

[scousemouse]

OOps. No scousemouse report this week. Was he out with mrtoad last night?

I was out last night ( still continuing birthday celebrations ) though not with mrtoad , that night out is next sunday.

Though after watching the Liverpool and Man U games last night I'm not as confident about Bangkok football beer night 3 as I should be .

[scousemouse]

Any match report for the Reading match?

I can report that you lost 3-1

Strange game, Raffa bemoaning penalty decisions that did not go his way, but Reading taking their chances well., this was a BIG BIG win for Readng and the first time we have beaten a "Top Four" team

Pool conceded the game after 70 minutes when 3-1 down they substituted Gerrard in readiness for Tuesday

Congrats on the win TP.

A truly strange game . Liverpool played well enough , Reading looked good , about 5 penalty decisions , 4 goals , we hit the woodwork twice , we took our 2 best players off with 20 mins left , though all in all Reading did deserve the victory.

I just hope this is our last game that goes like this .

[ThaiPauly]

Magnanamous in defeat Scouse...a true gent.

Sure I reckon you had at least one stomewall penalty....and ours was duious..fair enough.

But T\this was our BIGEST RESULT EVER. and you gotta admit the last goal was a PEACH..please do blame me for ceebrating it...it means so much more to us Reading fans than it does to you.

I will be cheering you on in the CL league... somewhere Reading are never gonna go in my lifetime. We are never gonna be a top 4 side like yourselves

Chock Dee na Krap

[scousemouse]

Magnanamous in defeat Scouse...a true gent.

Sure I reckon you had at least one stomewall penalty....and ours was duious..fair enough.

But T\this was our BIGEST RESULT EVER. and you gotta admit the last goal was a PEACH..please do blame me for ceebrating it...it means so much more to us Reading fans than it does to you.

I will be cheering you on in the CL league... somewhere Reading are never gonna go in my lifetime. We are never gonna be a top 4 side like yourselves

Chock Dee na Krap

Cheers TP , the last thing from me regarding the Reading game is we had better bloody beat Marseille now and I can see Reading being in the premiership for a few more seasons yet .

Plus the defeat for the gooners softened the 3 defeat to the Royals some what .

[scousemouse]

Benitez dismisses talk of Reading ‘surrender’

RAFAEL BENITEZ has dismissed the notion he surrendered Liverpool’s unbeaten Premier League start by substituting Steven Gerrard on Saturday – and believes his protective stance could help earn a place in the Champions League knockout stages.

The Anfield manager replaced his skipper after 71 minutes at Reading, shortly after the visitors had fallen 3-1 behind.

Gerrard had been Liverpool’s best performer, having equalised Stephen Hunt’s contentious 17th-minute penalty with a well-worked striker 11 minutes later and striking the woodwork in the second half.

But after two goals in seven minutes midway through the second half by Kevin Doyle and James Harper sent Reading on their way to a first-ever win over Liverpool, Benitez substituted Gerrard for Ryan Babel.

Liverpool face a make-or-break Champions League decider in Marseille tomorrow night, and Benitez admitted that became his priority once Reading had taken a two-goal lead.

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But the Spaniard baulked at suggestions he had given the game up, and said: “I try to win every game. But sometimes when it is not easy and you have options on the bench and you can protect key players, then you have to.

“It was clear some players were tired. We knew it would be a difficult game at Reading and wanted to change some players because we knew they were tired and it could be a risk. The pitch was heavy, but 3-1 down and time running out I thought we needed fresh legs and to protect our key players. If we are fit and have fresh legs, then maybe we can score the winning goal in the last 10 minutes in Marseille.”

Fernando Torres was also replaced in the second half as a precaution after sustaining an ankle injury, although the striker is expected to be fit and will travel with the squad to France this morning.

Benitez also substituted Jamie Carragher late on having already rested Sami Hyypia to the bench, and he added: “When you take decisions it is because you believe it is the best. In this case, I was trying to protect the players.

“I know Steven wants to play to the end of every game, the same with Carra and Torres, but I needed to think about whether I could change things in the game and, if it’s difficult to do that, I start thinking about the next one.

“Some of our players have been playing a lot of games in a row. Sami Hyypia is 34 years old now and was really tired, so as a manager you need to make decisions because you know your players. I was thinking about what is best for my players.”

After controversially awarding Reading a penalty despite Jamie Carragher fouling Brynjar Gunnarsson outside the area, referee Andre Marriner then waved away two strong penalty claims when Torres was felled by Reading centre-back Ibrahima Sonko.

However, Benitez said: “I am not happy with the decisions but we didn’t take our chances and that was maybe the key.

“We had a lot of confidence before the game. I think that the key in this kind of game is to take your chance against opposition that has a very good team spirit, pressed and played a physical game.

“We needed to move the ball, pass the ball and take our chances and it would have been easier for us, but we couldn’t do it.”

[mrtoad]

Looking forward to next Sunday, table booked and ready for United to extend the points difference to 9.

[scousemouse]

Looking forward to next Sunday, table booked and ready for United to extend the points difference to 9.

Wrong toadie , when we win our game in hand and beat you the gap is down to 1 point .

[mrtoad]

Looking forward to next Sunday, table booked and ready for United to extend the points difference to 9.

Wrong toadie , when we win our game in hand and beat you the gap is down to 1 point .

All ifs and buts.

[scousemouse]

Looking forward to next Sunday, table booked and ready for United to extend the points difference to 9.

Wrong toadie , when we win our game in hand and beat you the gap is down to 1 point .

All ifs and buts.

.........and buts and ifs

[scousemouse]

A nice piece from the Times on a meeting between Fernando Torres and Kenny Dalglish

LFC LEGENDS WITH STRIKING SIMILARITIES

No comparisons. The Kid makes it very clear. He does not want to be compared to the King. "As of right now, I haven't done anything," Fernando Torres says. "To tell the truth, I'm almost embarrassed to be here. Please, no comparisons."

And what about "King Kenny"? How does it feel when, for half your life, people have called you a legend and treated you as a footballing deity? And what do you do when you come face to face with your supposed heir apparent?

"You're only a legend in someone else's mind," Kenny Dalglish says. "As long as you're not a legend in your own mind, there's no problem. As for Fernando, people like to put you in pigeonholes, to categorise you, to compare you. But the most important thing is to be yourself."

That is easier said than done because you cannot help but draw comparisons. To appreciate something you need a context, a frame of reference. And as you sit and share a table with these two talented men, you cannot help but notice the common ground.

It is not only that both are strikers, both have the star sign Pisces, both were Liverpool's record signings, both have the ability to turn the Kop into a frenzied hive of humanity. Or even that, less than 24 hours earlier, against Bolton Wanderers, Torres had delivered a finish that was uncannily similar to Dalglish's famous match-winner against FC Bruges in the 1978 European Cup final: the same timed run, the same right-foot caress, the same gentle bounce just before crossing the goalline, the same helpless goalkeeper.

Torres and Dalglish are torchbearers for the same 115-year-old tradition. They may bristle at comparisons – whether through modesty or good manners – but they understand the responsibility. "We are the ones who carry out the dream," Dalglish says. "The dream that the supporters will never achieve because they can't play. So they live through us.

"But we have dreams we can't realise too," he adds, after a quick glance at Torres's wide eyes. "I always wanted to stand on the Kop. But I could never go there. I could only go there when it was empty. It's funny, my son got to stand on the Kop. I left him with someone who took him in, looked after him and he got to stand there during a game. He got to achieve a dream that I never could."

The words wash over you. You think about how a man such as Dalglish could miss something as mundane as a Saturday afternoon in the stands supporting his team. And then Torres pipes up, almost wistfully: "I've stood on the Kop. But also only when it was empty. And I would love it if, by the time I retire, I, too, will also be unable to go stand on the Kop."

His grin is sheepish, but with a touch of mischief. The "no comparison" rule? It has gone. But then he knows all too well why he was asked to come here today.

Having studied the game for 50-odd years – as a fan, player and manager – Dalglish is content to sit back and let the game be just that: a game. And maybe that is why he seems to be enjoying his time with Torres. The Spaniard's disarming humility and confidence has brought him some joy. And, maybe seven years after leaving the sport for good, it feels good to reconnect, even for just a few hours.

As for Torres, there is more than a little of the student facing up to the master in his demeanour. He may have been embarrassed before arriving, but he is glowing at the connection that has been made.

"I learnt many things today," Torres says when it is time to go. "I like the way Kenny is so accessible, he's a normal person. He says he doesn't feel like a legend, but the fact is that he is and that's why his 'normality' is so shocking to me. You guys brought me here even though I told you that I'm not anywhere near his level. But I'm very proud that I've been able to spend time with him. And I'm honoured that he took the time to talk to me. Seeing someone like him makes me even more hungry to continue to work hard and, perhaps, some day, reach his level."

Their eyes lock. Dalglish knows that it is his turn to impart some wisdom. "Today, footballers are criticised for the money they earn and for their lifestyles," he says. "But Fernando seems to appreciate everything he gets.

"Fernando, this is a special club with special fans." Dalglish is now talking directly to the young man. They may as well be alone in the room. "They love people who love to wear their shirt. But they're not daft, they know when it's real and when it's just for show, kissing the badge and all that. They love to identify with people on the pitch. And I think they will identify with you very, very easily."

[scousemouse]

A big , big interview with Jan " i'm a scouser " Molby :

Your first taste of life at Liverpool was during a 10 day trial. Did you expect that at the end of it, you would end up signing for the club?

I wasn't sure. A footballer going on trial was kind of unheard of in the mid-80s and considering I was a full international and had played a couple of seasons at Ajax, it was unusual. But I did think of it as my big chance. The football went quite well and although the majority of it was training, there was one pre-season game in Dublin. After that match I remember sitting with Ronnie Moran, who was a coach at the time, and I said: "Ronnie when we fly back to Manchester could I just fly straight on to Amsterdam instead of going all the way to Liverpool?" And he said: "No I think they've got bigger plans than that." I thought to myself that it sounded good.

What did that feel like to hear him say that?

Well it was great. You know playing for Ajax is fantastic but it was well known that my time there was up, even though I was only 20 years of age. I needed to move on. You look around and think what clubs might be interested and I was very close to joining Sheffield Wednesday. But the next thing I knew was that the best team in Europe had come along. Although I had to go to the trial, once I knew they wanted to sign me it was only a case of agreeing terms. It was a fantastic because I think a lot of people at Ajax and even back home in Denmark thought: "Hmm, I think he's taken on a bit more than he can handle here." But in the end it worked out well.

Was there a night out after your pre-season game in Dublin?

Yes, surprisingly (laughs). It was actually a tribute dinner to Phil Neal. It was his testimonial and we stayed, as all good pros do, for about an hour and then we went and did our own thing. It was fantastic because when you are on trial at a football club it's very awkward because you've got the players who are settled and part of the team, and you're not. But after that game and that night, I started to feel that this is my home now.

Did you settle in quite quickly then?

You had no choice but to. The first time I went to watch them play was at Wembley in the Charity Shield against Everton and we went straight to the airport after it to fly to Dublin and the first thing somebody did was to go straight to the bar and order 20 pints of Guinness. That's what you drink, not only when you go to Ireland but when you're on your way to Ireland, so it was the first and only time I've ever had Guinness!

Was it a bit of a culture shock coming over to England from Holland?

At Liverpool everything was geared towards the games. It was about making sure you were fresh and making sure you were ready. At Ajax we trained extremely hard and I was as fit as I'd ever been. But it didn't have the same warm feel as at Liverpool Football Club.

You mention Ajax, what about the players you played alongside there?

Playing at Ajax was obviously a fantastic experience. Marco Van Basten in his early years, Frank Rijkaard, Ronald Koeman and another four or five Dutch players who were part of that great team that won the European Championships in 1988. And of course, there was also Johann Cruyff. To play with Cruyff for one season is a memory that will live with me until the day I die.

What were your teammates at Ajax like compared to the ones at Liverpool?

We were teammates more than friends and because it was my first taste of professional football I thought well that's the way it is. Even though seven of the players lived in an apartment block we had very little to do with each other outside of football. But three or four days into the Liverpool trial, Bruce Grobbelaar, who I only knew from television, knocked on my hotel door to take me for a drink. It made me realise that the boys here had a bit more about them, a bit more to give and they made sure everybody felt at home.

Molby on van BastenPlaying at Ajax was obviously a fantastic experience. Marco Van Basten in his early years, Frank Rijkaard, Ronald Koeman and another four or five Dutch players who were part of that great team that won the European Championships in 1988. And of course, there was also Johann Cruyff. To play with Cruyff for one season is a memory that will live with me until the day I dieCan you confirm that your surname is pronounced "Melboo"?

Yes it is. The 'O' in my surname has a line through it, which makes it 'Melboo.' A few of the lads tried it when we went to Scandinavia on pre-season tours, but they were pathetic attempts.

How good was your English when you moved to England?

It was okay, but it wasn't 'scouse!' I could speak English when I came over because I had spoken a fair bit of English when I was in Holland - until I learned Dutch. I picked 'scouse' up quickly. Staying in a city centre hotel and talking to the staff and getting changed in the dressing room next to Sammy Lee definitely made a difference. Sammy really tried to look after me the best he could, you know every morning making sure I was okay, making sure I was happy. And every time I heard words said that I'd never heard said that way before, I had to ask and as a result I kind of developed a 'scouse' accent.

When you signed everyone said you were a replacement for Graeme Souness - was that a daunting prospect for you?

Well if somebody had said to me while I was in Holland that Liverpool were planning to sign me as a replacement for Graeme Souness I don't think it would have raised my eyebrows a great deal. I knew I was a fine player but when I came to Liverpool and all the talk was, he's the guy who is going to take over from Graeme Souness, I realised what an important player he was and the high esteem in which he was held by the fans. So it became a bit of a challenge but also a pain in the neck because I wasn't the type of player Souness was and I had to develop my own style and it took a while to win the fans over.

Did you find it difficult to adapt to English football?

I did. I didn't find the training tough though, because we did the things I was good at, like playing 5-A-side. It was all about technical ability, passing the ball and I could do that. But in the games the majority of opponents would try to rough Liverpool up and that was a side to the game that I hadn't experienced a great deal of in Denmark or Holland. So it took me 12 months to get used to that.

What do you remember about the FA cup win in 1992?

By the time of the fifth round we realised we weren't going to win the league, so it was kind of the last thing we had to play for. We drew 0-0 at Portman Road against Ipswich and earned a replay at Anfield. They were 2-1 up and we got a free-kick on the edge of the box and I remember we'd just brought on the Hungarian Istvan Kozma. He stood behind me and said: "I take." And I turned around and shook my head, saying: "No, no, I take," (laughs) and I went on and scored. But it was one of those pressure situations because we weren't playing well and I thought this might be t that stage you must be close to being the best import there has been. Take Thierry Henry for example, he's a great player and is highly thought of in the English part of the world but now he's trying to make a name for himself in the Spanish speaking part of the world and he's finding it hard.

For a lot of fans it comes down to who you like beating most - Everton or Manchester United. Who was it for you?

Everton. In the 1980s we were the top two sides and we were always playing each other to win trophies. I remember my first derby in 1984 when Graeme Sharp scored that offside goal for Everton. The build up to that whole week made me think how it was as big a game as I've ever been involved in. I then spent 90 minutes just watching it. I never got a kick it was just 120mph stuff. But it changed as we moved into the Premier League because Manchester United started to become the team to beat and so they probably became the bigger rival for us.

Have you ever said to anyone, "Do you know who I am?"

Yes! You do things like that when you are young don't you? You want to get into places where there is a queue or something - but it's a long time since I used that line!

Molby on THAT goalI think the fans thought this kid can play a bit, but you still need the rest of the country to start thinking that. That game was the perfect opportunity and so to come away with a goal like that was great. I won the ball off Norman Whiteside about 75 yards from goal went past about five of them and hit a screamer from 35 yards that flew into the top corner.Did you always get in?

Well, it wasn't a case of "Do you know who I am" but more a case of "I play for Liverpool." Yes, it opened a few doors.

Do you wish you were a footballer today?

Yes of course. I wish my career had never ended. That goes back to when I was five years old and I still love football as much as I did then, but unfortunately we can't do it on the big stage anymore. If I could change one thing it would be the ability to play until you are 60 instead of 35.

And finally, what three words best describe Jan Molby?

Erm. You've put me on the spot now! (big pause) How about the Great Dane!

[mrbojangles]

Good luck tonight boys. Do or die eh?

[scousemouse]

Good luck tonight boys. Do or die eh?

Cheers Mr b , I fancy us to win by the odd goal .

[mrbojangles]

Good luck tonight boys. Do or die eh?

Cheers Mr b , I fancy us to win by the odd goal .

Hope you do buddy.

I've always had a soft spot for Liverpool, since i lived on Walton Breck Road, years and years ago. Used to have a pint in the Albert and Salisbury. I used to pop in and watch a match every now and then but haven't been since they trounced The Mighty Dale 7-0 in the FA Cup

[scousemouse]

Good luck tonight boys. Do or die eh?

Cheers Mr b , I fancy us to win by the odd goal .

Hope you do buddy.

I've always had a soft spot for Liverpool, since i lived on Walton Breck Road, years and years ago. Used to have a pint in the Albert and Salisbury. I used to pop in and watch a match every now and then but haven't been since they trounced The Mighty Dale 7-0 in the FA Cup

Both nice pubs Mr b .

The Salisbury was were we used to meet up before heading on to the Arkles , top pubs for a Liverpool fan .

[scousemouse]

It's a shame we won't be beating your boys in the 3rd round Chavy , but I am a bit of a superstitious lad and the last time we beat Luton in the 3rd round of the F.A cup we won it :

REDS TO FACE LUTON IN CUP

Liverpool will travel to Luton Town in the FA Cup third round after the southerners beat Notts Forest on Tuesday night. The tie will take place at Kenilworth Road on Sunday, January 6 at 4pm.

The game is a repeat of the third round tie in 2005-06 when Xabi Alonso scored from his own half to seal a 5-3 win.

[mrtoad]

This is another good bit of PR for Scousers

Raiders target Gerrard's mansion

Steven Gerrard has become the sixth Liverpool football player to be burgled while playing away from home.

The 27-year-old's wife Alex Curran, who was in the property at the time of the incident, was left shaken following the raid in Formby, Merseyside.

Merseyside Police have described the incident on Tuesday night as a "confrontational burglary".

The England star was away playing in the Champions League against Marseille at the time of the incident.

It is not known if the player's children were in the property when the raid took place.

The incident is the latest burglary targeting members of the Liverpool team while they are away playing for the club or on international duty.

Three weeks ago, striker Dirk Kuyt's home in Woolton was targeted by thieves while he was away on international duty with Holland.

The Merseyside home of former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, was raided during the Champions League final penalty shoot-out in June 2006. Current goalkeeper Pepe Reina was also burgled while he played for Liverpool in last May's Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

His Porsche was taken during the raid and later found burnt-out in west Derby.

Defender Daniel Agger had his home in Caldy, Wirral, burgled in September last year and striker Peter Crouch's house in Alderley Edge was targeted in the same month while he was on England duty.

Sorry Scouse, no offence intentioned in this post.

Edited December 12, 2007 by mrtoad

[scousemouse]

Good luck tonight boys. Do or die eh?

Cheers Mr b , I fancy us to win by the odd goal .

...........or 4

[scousemouse]

This is another good bit of PR for Scousers

Raiders target Gerrard's mansion

Steven Gerrard has become the sixth Liverpool football player to be burgled while playing away from home.

The 27-year-old's wife Alex Curran, who was in the property at the time of the incident, was left shaken following the raid in Formby, Merseyside.

This is just not cricket at all .

[scousemouse]

I've just finished reading a report from the Liverpool Echo and it sickens me that scum like that can get away ( so far ) with what they've done.

Gerrards missus and a friend were confronted and threatened after the gang of 4 had smashed their way into the house ( it has not been said as to wether his kids were at home ). They ended up stealing jewellery thought to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Gerrard is the sixth Liverpool player in the last 18 months to be burgled , so I cant help thinking it must be the same crimanal gang doing this . A lot of scousers probably know who is responsible ( same with that 11 year old lad who got shot , Rhys Jones )

.

[mrtoad]

I've just finished reading a report from the Liverpool Echo and it sickens me that scum like that can get away ( so far ) with what they've done.

Gerrards missus and a friend were confronted and threatened after the gang of 4 had smashed their way into the house ( it has not been said as to wether his kids were at home ). They ended up stealing jewellery thought to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Gerrard is the sixth Liverpool player in the last 18 months to be burgled , so I cant help thinking it must be the same crimanal gang doing this . A lot of scousers probably know who is responsible ( same with that 11 year old lad who got shot , Rhys Jones )

.

Yeah, it sounds like it is the same lot, and they are targewtting places when the players are away. I wonder if this lot are linked to the lot that tried to rob Duncan Ferguson.

[scousemouse]

I've just finished reading a report from the Liverpool Echo and it sickens me that scum like that can get away ( so far ) with what they've done.

Gerrards missus and a friend were confronted and threatened after the gang of 4 had smashed their way into the house ( it has not been said as to wether his kids were at home ). They ended up stealing jewellery thought to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Gerrard is the sixth Liverpool player in the last 18 months to be burgled , so I cant help thinking it must be the same crimanal gang doing this . A lot of scousers probably know who is responsible ( same with that 11 year old lad who got shot , Rhys Jones )

.

Yeah, it sounds like it is the same lot, and they are targewtting places when the players are away. I wonder if this lot are linked to the lot that tried to rob Duncan Ferguson.

At least Duncan Disorderly caught the scum at the act , gave them a good kicking and held them 'till the police arrived . Not bad for a bluenose .

I reckon Steven Gerrard will be wishing he could have caught the scum in the act .

[mrbojangles]

I reckon Steven Gerrard will be wishing he could have caught the scum in the act .

Maybe a good job he didn't. Tackling 4 burglars could have left him severly injured. At least women don't usually pose a threat to burglars, so they usually don't harm them. <deleted> scum

[scousemouse]

Good look digger :

BARNES ACCEPTS SUNDERLAND JOB

Anfield legend and LFC TV presenter John Barnes has agreed to become a Caribbean scout for Sunderland. Barnes, who was born in Jamaica, will hold coaching clinics and offer trials at the Stadium of Light to young players who will then have to impress Black Cats boss Roy Keane.

He said: "I will be choosing the best players to go to Sunderland.

"They recognise that, although Africa is saturated with scouts the Caribbean is the next place they are going to get the talent to hopefully grace the Premier League."

Sunderland already have Trinidad and Tobago internationals Dwight Yorke, Kenwyne Jones and Carlos Edwards in their squad.

[mrbojangles]

Good luck tonight boys. Do or die eh?

Cheers Mr b , I fancy us to win by the odd goal .

Hope you do buddy.

I've always had a soft spot for Liverpool, since i lived on Walton Breck Road, years and years ago. Used to have a pint in the Albert and Salisbury. I used to pop in and watch a match every now and then but haven't been since they trounced The Mighty Dale 7-0 in the FA Cup

Both nice pubs Mr b .

The Salisbury was were we used to meet up before heading on to the Arkles , top pubs for a Liverpool fan .

Yep, some good night where had in there.

Nowadays, if i go to meet "The Scouser" in Liverpool i never get past the Crown just outside Lime Street

[scousemouse]

Good luck tonight boys. Do or die eh?

Cheers Mr b , I fancy us to win by the odd goal .

Hope you do buddy.

I've always had a soft spot for Liverpool, since i lived on Walton Breck Road, years and years ago. Used to have a pint in the Albert and Salisbury. I used to pop in and watch a match every now and then but haven't been since they trounced The Mighty Dale 7-0 in the FA Cup

Both nice pubs Mr b .

The Salisbury was were we used to meet up before heading on to the Arkles , top pubs for a Liverpool fan .

Yep, some good night where had in there.

Nowadays, if i go to meet "The Scouser" in Liverpool i never get past the Crown just outside Lime Street

As long as you stay in the Crown it'll be a good night ( Lime street is NOT soi 4 ).