Watching us play against Inter Milan, I can't remember the last time the whole team looked so hungry. It's quite sad comparing our performances in the big European games with our Premiership efforts. If only Rafa could motivate the lads to play like that on a consistent basis we could be genuine title contenders.
As for the players, Mascherano was as monstrous as ever, Lucas did very well on his champions league debut. Kuyt was his typical busy self, was shocked when he scored, I hope it helps with his confidence so we see more of it. Torres came close to scoring a brace and Gerrard deserved his goal.
With Materazzi & Cordoba out of the second leg, it should make it easier for us to nick a goal and seal our passage to the next round. As it stands it's merely half time and I don't want to get carried away just yet.
7 comments:
Thank god we made our extra man count in the end. Quality performance from all (even Aurelio). Benitez has built a pretty good cup team. I do not think he is capable of winning us the league though.
And who is then? Martin O'Neil? I don't think so. Only Mourinho might do better than Rafa in the PL--though, as we know, RB had the edge in Europe.,
Thanks for your positive note on Javier MASCHERANO.
I've heard some people saying he has a negative impact on the team.
While I guess by now, they should be thinking on what sauce is best to go with their humble pie :)
http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/2008/02/amazing-night-for-javier-reds.html
mascher was simply fucking amazing - if he had better english he should be captain - a born winner thru and thru. lucas is really turning in to some player - i think he is becoming better than xabi
@anon & john wallen - yeah the prospect of having to start over with a new manager isn't too good, mourinho managed to raise the bar at chelsea in just is first season, other managers generally take time, I hope we don't end up with a few more transition seasons. To be fair to Rafa he will have left our club in a very healthy position give his acquisitions (first team & youth teams).
@john & inderjit - Mascherano is fast becoming my favourite player (well alongside Torres perhaps), if only everyone else shared his work ethic, we'd walk the league.
Rafa's problem is that he thinks the same tactical approach that brings him so much success in Europe will also prosper in England. Patently, after three years of mediocre domestic form, it will not.
A cagey, chess-like approach is spot on for Europe, hence our strength here under RB. But in the Premier league you have to take the game to your opponent, impose your quality on them and let THEM worry about how to stop YOU. This is why Arse and Mancs do so well domestically, but suffer in Europe somewhat.
If only Rafa would adapt different, more cavalier tactics at home in the league, things could improve dramatically, but he's just too cautious, too negative and too downright stubborn to change. It will eventually cost him his job because he cannot continue offering such impotent league 'challenges' - irrespective of what he does in Europe.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the comment you left on my blog.
My personal opinion about Rafa s that he lacks the local knowledge of football.
That's is why LFC often do well in Europe but not in domestic competition.
To all other Kop fanatic, please come and visit my blog. If you wish to share any news or info about Masche & LFC, you are most welcome to do so.
Vamos Liverpool!!!
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