Liverpool F.c.

[Merangue]

Just how many strikers has Benitez bought in the past four years, and they lost form almost immediately after signing?

Keane is just the latest in a long line of "failures" in a red shirt

The NEXT signing should be a manager, as i feel Benitez has taken the team as far as he can, is too defensive minded, and tactics obsessed.

Results like the other night are the ones that you look back on come May, and think what might have been season wise.

Penkoprod

don't be fuc_king ridiculous.

Truth hurts, does it?

And, before you start, yes i AM a liverpool supporter and have been for over 40 years

Now in answer to your "fuc_king ridiculous" claim heres a few FACTS, and are just the ones off the top of my head, but i cant be arsed finding the many more examples

List of strikers: Anelka, Bellamy, Morientes, Kuyt, Voronin, etc, etc, most of whom were bought at a premium, and then resold at a loss

Even the players bought in as wingers like Pennent, Babel, Benayoun and Riera look like they no longer "enjoy" their football

I think he has bought nearly 60 players in his 4 year tenure so far.......and always moaned about the purse strings being too lean, <deleted> !!!!!

All the sheer joy of the game seems to have been coached out of the players. Benitez stands on the touchline like a tic-tac man, waving his arms about to puzzled players.

THAT'S no way to inspire a team to greatness

NOW who's being fuc_king ridiculous ??????

Penkoprod

Erm if you are a fan for 40 years how is it you managed to get your 'facts' so utterly wrong?

Anelka Had him on Loan under Houllier

Bellamy bought for 6 million sold 18 months later for 7.5 million.

Morientes We got for 6 million and sold for approx 4 million 18 months later. Not a total loss but could not hack it in the premiership.

Kuyt........... Err as far as i am aware he is still playing for us and while not a prolific goal scorer still a very valuable player for us. Supposedly we were offered 15 million for him in the summer which would be a profit.

Voronin Was on a free and so cannot make a loss.

Of the 4 wingers mentioned only Pennant is likely to go and that is more due to his antics off the field than on. Babel and Benayoun seemed reasonably happy tonight. Riera, barring a couple of games, has been excellent this season.

As for the joy being coached out of the team. Well if a team that is sitting top of the league, already qaulified for the champions league is joyless i would REALLY love to see a joyful team under Benitez.

[StevieH]

all we can do is keep on winning. one game at a time thanks very much.

thought sami was great, xabi was as good as ever and insua looked really comfortable. got high hopes for that lad.

[mrbojangles]

That goal when injury time was already up, lost me six points in the comp.

[The Vulcan]

all we can do is keep on winning. one game at a time thanks very much.

thought sami was great, xabi was as good as ever and insua looked really comfortable. got high hopes for that lad.

And lets hope we get a good price for Keane (Man City?) in the January window then we can buy a real striker!

[StevieH]

And lets hope we get a good price for Keane (Man City?) in the January window then we can buy a real striker!

more and more i don't understand why we signed keane. gerrard's best position, whatever he or the media might say, is off the front man. he's devastating there, teams don't know how to handle him. signing keane buggered up that which was working so well last season.

i wouldn't object to signing heskey in january. he'd be a better alternative as a lone front man than owen would.

[mrbojangles]

all we can do is keep on winning. one game at a time thanks very much.

thought sami was great, xabi was as good as ever and insua looked really comfortable. got high hopes for that lad.

And lets hope we get a good price for Keane (Man City?) in the January window then we can buy a real striker!

Hey, lay off our money. We don't want him !!

[bkkjames]

And lets hope we get a good price for Keane (Man City?) in the January window then we can buy a real striker!

more and more i don't understand why we signed keane. gerrard's best position, whatever he or the media might say, is off the front man. he's devastating there, teams don't know how to handle him. signing keane buggered up that which was working so well last season.

i wouldn't object to signing heskey in january. he'd be a better alternative as a lone front man than owen would.

So Harry will take him off your hands for only a 15 million Pound loss

[StevieH]

do you believe everything you read in the sunday tabloids, james? like anderson buggering off to inter in january?

[bkkjames]

do you believe everything you read in the sunday tabloids, james? like anderson buggering off to inter in january?

Haha, no, but I do believe the one about CR committing his future to MU.

[StevieH]

Haha, no, but I do believe the one about CR committing his future to MU.

he looked committed on saturday alright when he decided to substitute himself.

[bkkjames]

Haha, no, but I do believe the one about CR committing his future to MU.

he looked committed on saturday alright when he decided to substitute himself.

unlike others from that part of the world, he plays hurt all the time.

[Devil]

all we can do is keep on winning. one game at a time thanks very much.

thought sami was great, xabi was as good as ever and insua looked really comfortable. got high hopes for that lad.

And lets hope we get a good price for Keane (Man City?) in the January window then we can buy a real striker!

Keane - after only 4 months here we are asking for his head? whats with that? beyond me really... Same mentality as some fans asking to replace Raffa? I would of expected at least a season to see how he does... If he comes good before then...well that would be great. And I thought he has performed well when given the chance and look at his work rate and passion.

I also noticed the media haven't said a thing about his old strike partner 'Berbatov' , same amount of goals since leaving Spurs, I think? Only reason I can think of is because we are top of the League now! oh and Keane cost 10 Mil less than Berb...

Anyone remember Crouch took until this part of the season to even get his first goal.

I for one know to get behind players!!! WHO WEAR OUR RED if they show heart and passion on the pitch. And let the boss get on with it after all I wouldn't change a thing if we stay top come May!

Alonso, Kuyt, Arbeloa were other players being called not worthy and expected to go last season!

YNWA

Devil

[bkkjames]

all we can do is keep on winning. one game at a time thanks very much.

thought sami was great, xabi was as good as ever and insua looked really comfortable. got high hopes for that lad.

And lets hope we get a good price for Keane (Man City?) in the January window then we can buy a real striker!

Keane - after only 4 months here we are asking for his head? whats with that? beyond me really... Same mentality as some fans asking to replace Raffa? I would of expected at least a season to see how he does... If he comes good before then...well that would be great. And I thought he has performed well when given the chance and look at his work rate and passion.

I also noticed the media haven't said a thing about his old strike partner 'Berbatov' , same amount of goals since leaving Spurs, I think? Only reason I can think of is because we are top of the League now! oh and Keane cost 10 Mil less than Berb...

Anyone remember Crouch took until this part of the season to even get his first goal.

I for one know to get behind players!!! WHO WEAR OUR RED if they show heart and passion on the pitch. And let the boss get on with it after all I wouldn't change a thing if we stay top come May!

Alonso, Kuyt, Arbeloa were other players being called not worthy and expected to go last season!

YNWA

Devil

I actually don't mind Keano and suspect he will be going nowhere soon. Kuyt and Alonso are keepers but Macho-rano for me doesn't make the grade.

[StevieH]

Keane - after only 4 months here we are asking for his head? whats with that? beyond me really... Same mentality as some fans asking to replace Raffa? I would of expected at least a season to see how he does... If he comes good before then...well that would be great. And I thought he has performed well when given the chance and look at his work rate and passion.

I also noticed the media haven't said a thing about his old strike partner 'Berbatov' , same amount of goals since leaving Spurs, I think? Only reason I can think of is because we are top of the League now! oh and Keane cost 10 Mil less than Berb...

Anyone remember Crouch took until this part of the season to even get his first goal.

I for one know to get behind players!!! WHO WEAR OUR RED if they show heart and passion on the pitch. And let the boss get on with it after all I wouldn't change a thing if we stay top come May!

Alonso, Kuyt, Arbeloa were other players being called not worthy and expected to go last season!

YNWA

Devil

keane's too talented a player not to come good, i just don't really see where he fits in in the formation. our squad is best suited to a lone front man with gerrard off him, and keane's no alternative to torres, just not remotely the same type of player. i hope and think he will stay, in fact there's no doubt that he'll stay, but can see him becoming a bench player when everyone is fit.

FWIW i don't agree with kneejerk calling for new signings to be sold, but i can still see dossena being shipped or loaned in january. insua starting ahead of him on saturday and looking far more comfortable could be a big pointed.

I actually don't mind Keano and suspect he will be going nowhere soon. Kuyt and Alonso are keepers but Macho-rano for me doesn't make the grade.

you don't rate the best defensive midfielder in the world and newly-appointed captain of argentina? you really should stop embarrassing yourself in this way, james.

[bkkjames]

Keane - after only 4 months here we are asking for his head? whats with that? beyond me really... Same mentality as some fans asking to replace Raffa? I would of expected at least a season to see how he does... If he comes good before then...well that would be great. And I thought he has performed well when given the chance and look at his work rate and passion.

I also noticed the media haven't said a thing about his old strike partner 'Berbatov' , same amount of goals since leaving Spurs, I think? Only reason I can think of is because we are top of the League now! oh and Keane cost 10 Mil less than Berb...

Anyone remember Crouch took until this part of the season to even get his first goal.

I for one know to get behind players!!! WHO WEAR OUR RED if they show heart and passion on the pitch. And let the boss get on with it after all I wouldn't change a thing if we stay top come May!

Alonso, Kuyt, Arbeloa were other players being called not worthy and expected to go last season!

YNWA

Devil

keane's too talented a player not to come good, i just don't really see where he fits in in the formation. our squad is best suited to a lone front man with gerrard off him, and keane's no alternative to torres, just not remotely the same type of player. i hope and think he will stay, in fact there's no doubt that he'll stay, but can see him becoming a bench player when everyone is fit.

FWIW i don't agree with kneejerk calling for new signings to be sold, but i can still see dossena being shipped or loaned in january. insua starting ahead of him on saturday and looking far more comfortable could be a big pointed.

I actually don't mind Keano and suspect he will be going nowhere soon. Kuyt and Alonso are keepers but Macho-rano for me doesn't make the grade.

you don't rate the best defensive midfielder in the world and newly-appointed captain of argentina? you really should stop embarrassing yourself in this way, james.

I don't rate him, too many times in big games he doesn't show up and when he does his big mouth and 'latino' bravado gets him into hot water. Best defensive mid-fielder in the world? Sorry wrong again. Give me old Paul Scholes any day of the week.

[StevieH]

I don't rate him, too many times in big games he doesn't show up and when he does his big mouth and 'latino' bravado gets him into hot water. Best defensive mid-fielder in the world? Sorry wrong again. Give me old Paul Scholes any day of the week.

absolute rubbish james. one example of losing his head against you lot last season does not a habit make.

scholes isn't a defensive midfielder by the way. i know you haven't been watching united that long like, but check out his goalscoring record.

[bkkjames]

I don't rate him, too many times in big games he doesn't show up and when he does his big mouth and 'latino' bravado gets him into hot water. Best defensive mid-fielder in the world? Sorry wrong again. Give me old Paul Scholes any day of the week.

absolute rubbish james. one example of losing his head against you lot last season does not a habit make.

scholes isn't a defensive midfielder by the way. i know you haven't been watching united that long like, but check out his goalscoring record.

Haha, funny their stevie - the guy didn't even want the Argentine captaincy. BTW, I guess you think Javier rates over Essien too?

Sorry what's that, Essien scores goals so he can't be a defensive midfielder either? Ah ok.

[bkkjames]

Don't take my biased word for it Stevie, seems your kind is not that high on him either...

http://forums.liverpoolecho.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=57392

[StevieH]

good gods james, the echo website is second only to the official club site for attracting muppets and blerts. i wouldn't trust the majority of posters on there if they told me rain is wet.

[bkkjames]

good gods james, the echo website is second only to the official club site for attracting muppets and blerts. i wouldn't trust the majority of posters on there if they told me rain is wet.

So when they post something you agree with, it's ok.

[StevieH]

Haha, funny their stevie - the guy didn't even want the Argentine captaincy. BTW, I guess you think Javier rates over Essien too?

Sorry what's that, Essien scores goals so he can't be a defensive midfielder either? Ah ok.

essien isn't a defensive midfielder, any more than gerrard is.

[StevieH]

So when they post something you agree with, it's ok.

if someone posts something that's clearly stupid then i'll generally say so. there's a legitimate case to be made that we don't always need mascherano to start in home games, particularly against teams outside the top four or five who will sit deep with ten and eleven men behind the ball against us, but to say that he's not a top, top class player and arguably the best in the world in his very specialist position is just idiotic. his performances against united and chelsea this season were outstanding and one of the main reasons we won both games.

[bkkjames]

So when they post something you agree with, it's ok.

if someone posts something that's clearly stupid then i'll generally say so. there's a legitimate case to be made that we don't always need mascherano to start in home games, particularly against teams outside the top four or five who will sit deep with ten and eleven men behind the ball against us, but to say that he's not a top, top class player and arguably the best in the world in his very specialist position is just idiotic. his performances against united and chelsea this season were outstanding and one of the main reasons we won both games.

I won't argue that your midfield outplayed us on the day but one lucky deflection and a Giggsy giveaway should hardly have you jumping over the moon. Wasn't it Mascherano that left his man on our first goal?

Anyways, I would be more worried about Torres' 5 hamstring in a year and a half.

[Devil]

Chance to win our group tonight.

Nice to see a couple of the academy players in the squad (regulations of course) inc reserve defender Martin Kelly, plus local boys Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing.

Tonight's Squad:Reina, Cavalieri, Kelly, Dossena, Agger, Riera, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Keane, Arbeloa, Babel, Lucas, Carragher, Ngog, Spearing, Darby.

1-0 please

[StevieH]

Chance to win our group tonight.

Nice to see a couple of the academy players in the squad (regulations of course) inc reserve defender Martin Kelly, plus local boys Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing.

Tonight's Squad:Reina, Cavalieri, Kelly, Dossena, Agger, Riera, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Keane, Arbeloa, Babel, Lucas, Carragher, Ngog, Spearing, Darby.

1-0 please

i don't really care tonight dev, i'll take us against anyone over two legs in the knockout stages. tonight i've more than one eye on hull on saturday. so:

cavalieri

darby carr agger dossena

benayoun lucas spearing riera

keane ngog

dead rubber this as far as i'm concerned. plus i don't expect atletico to get anything in the velodrome.

[The Vulcan]

Liverpool reserves strong enough to secure top spot in Champions League group stages

PSV Eindhoven (1) 1 Liverpool (1) 3

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...s-Football.html

Just the sort of headlines I like - maybe we should play our "reserves" a little more often!

Well done lads

[Devil]

Well group winners so we may get the benefit of that. Good second half performance especially the likes of Lucas and Keane impressed me.

Also I thought all 3 youngsters that came on didn't look out of place at all... To be honest PSV looked a very weak side though.

Its going to be interesting to see who we get drawn against! I see Inter and Chelsea came second in their group.

[bkkjames]

Interesting comments from someone who is / has just signed a really big extension contract ..

Rafael Benítez has effectively written off Liverpool's title chances even though his team lead the Premier League after 16 matches in which they have lost only once. Benítez's side have defeated both Manchester United and Chelsea during a promising opening to the season as they chase the club's first championship since 1990 but the manager is downbeat about their chances of lasting the pace.

"For us to win the league we need Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal to mess up their season," he was quoted by the Sun. "It is very rare that three teams all mess up. So there's no point waiting for our direct adversaries to slip up because it won't happen. They all have a lot greater financial means than us."

Would be interested to get the thoughts from LP supporters. Is it just a case of him trying to take some pressure off the squad or do you read more into it - like Torres injury is more serious than being reported and hence the gloom and doom?

[Devil]

Interesting comments from someone who is / has just signed a really big extension contract ..

Rafael Benítez has effectively written off Liverpool's title chances even though his team lead the Premier League after 16 matches in which they have lost only once. Benítez's side have defeated both Manchester United and Chelsea during a promising opening to the season as they chase the club's first championship since 1990 but the manager is downbeat about their chances of lasting the pace.

"For us to win the league we need Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal to mess up their season," he was quoted by the Sun. "It is very rare that three teams all mess up. So there's no point waiting for our direct adversaries to slip up because it won't happen. They all have a lot greater financial means than us."

Would be interested to get the thoughts from LP supporters. Is it just a case of him trying to take some pressure off the squad or do you read more into it - like Torres injury is more serious than being reported and hence the gloom and doom?

The Sun... come on!

James you appear spend so much time finding anything negative about LFC regardless of the source, it makes me wonder?...

BENITEZ is determined Liverpool will still be top of the Premier League when they return to Champions League action in February.

“We now have almost three months to concentrate on the Premier League, and the FA Cup,” he says. “We would want to go back into Europe next year still top of the table.

“We have qualified for the next stage in Europe, we are top of the Premier League, and now we concentrate on domestic considerations. We do not want to give up top spot, if we are still there when we start up again in Europe, the chances of a really good season will be obvious.”

Daily Post Dec 11 2008 and Sky Sports...

[Devil]

Having read this again...

He's (Raffa) not far wrong as Man U and Arsenal have messed up their season anyway

Edited December 12, 2008 by Devil