It's often tempting to think that Liverpool fans are only in the UK and Ireland, but we truly have a global fanbase (most are outside UKI). You can always find a home away from home whenever you want to watch the match.
For example, I watched the Chelsea match in South Africa (got married on Saturday), as for tonights game against Portsmouth, I'm watching it in Mauritius. I've met loads of LFC fans here, which makes me almost forget I'm away from home and the atmosphere watching the games is just the same.
It amazes me that so many different cultures share the same love of LFC. I imagine it must be the same for anyone who has visited all sorts of other countries and found themselves at home surrounded by LFC fans ?
Archives for October 2008
October 29, 2008
October 26, 2008
Top of the table feels so good
Chelsea had been undefeated at home in the Premier League for far too long. To be the team to change all that, makes the victory so much sweeter. The manner in which we won makes it even better, tactics were spot on and the effort of most of our players can't be faulted.
To be top of the table and to have also beaten both Manchester United and Chelsea in the process, will inevitably be much talk about how we're genuine title contenders. Contenders yes we are, but it's how we handle the next few games against easier opposition, which will determine if the lads possess the required mentality mount a realistic title challenge.
To be top of the table and to have also beaten both Manchester United and Chelsea in the process, will inevitably be much talk about how we're genuine title contenders. Contenders yes we are, but it's how we handle the next few games against easier opposition, which will determine if the lads possess the required mentality mount a realistic title challenge.
October 21, 2008
Premier League preferred to Champions League
In the past Rafa has been accused of preferring the Champions League. But a win tomorrow night allows us to coast through the remaining group games, which in turn allows us to focus all our attentions on the Premier League.
Atletico have got plenty of attack minded players who are more than capable of either creating or scoring goals. But their form has been poor lately (thrashed by Barca and beaten by Real). It remains to be seen whether that poor form carries over to Europe or if we'll get to see them play to their potential.
Anything less than a victory against Atletico means we'll have to continue to juggle between the 2 competitions. Hopefully our own good form will carry us to a victory which should make our upcoming fixture list that little bit easier.
Atletico have got plenty of attack minded players who are more than capable of either creating or scoring goals. But their form has been poor lately (thrashed by Barca and beaten by Real). It remains to be seen whether that poor form carries over to Europe or if we'll get to see them play to their potential.
Anything less than a victory against Atletico means we'll have to continue to juggle between the 2 competitions. Hopefully our own good form will carry us to a victory which should make our upcoming fixture list that little bit easier.
October 19, 2008
The mental strength of Agger shines through
Agger might have been a little rusty and it certainly showed at the start of the game against Wigan, but his cock up turned out to be a blessing in disguise. How he reacted to it speaks volumes about his attitude, he didn't hide, he went out and tried to make amends.
Agger truly adds a whole new dimension to our attacking play, no one brings the ball out of defence better than he does. His play which led to our first goal was world class. After that he oozed confidence and strutted around the pitch for the second half.
It seems all the more apparent that we need to be securing his long term future with LFC. I firmly believe Agger and Skrtel are our best defenders and would love to see them form a world class partnership in a few months.
Agger truly adds a whole new dimension to our attacking play, no one brings the ball out of defence better than he does. His play which led to our first goal was world class. After that he oozed confidence and strutted around the pitch for the second half.
It seems all the more apparent that we need to be securing his long term future with LFC. I firmly believe Agger and Skrtel are our best defenders and would love to see them form a world class partnership in a few months.
October 17, 2008
Rafa Benitez has never beaten Steve Bruce
(in the Premier League)
There's something different about the Reds this season as we've overcome a number of hurdles we couldn't handle previously (United and poor form/good results). This weekend could be time to overcome another hurdle, as we play Wigan who are managed by none other than Steve Bruce.
We'll be missing Torres, Babel, and Skrtel, not to mention Mascherano & Lucas are unlikely to play after travelling half way round the world. Hopefully all the recent form and confidence gained before the international break will still be with the rest of the squad. We need 3 more points from this home fixture.
There's something different about the Reds this season as we've overcome a number of hurdles we couldn't handle previously (United and poor form/good results). This weekend could be time to overcome another hurdle, as we play Wigan who are managed by none other than Steve Bruce.
We'll be missing Torres, Babel, and Skrtel, not to mention Mascherano & Lucas are unlikely to play after travelling half way round the world. Hopefully all the recent form and confidence gained before the international break will still be with the rest of the squad. We need 3 more points from this home fixture.
October 16, 2008
Babel & Torres are missing in action
To hear a doctor say that Torres has intense pain in the back of his leg, is not exactly music to the ears. Whether he suffered a strain or tear in his hamstring remains to be seen, but what is clear is that he will be out for at least the next 10 days (Atletico & Chelsea).
Dutch authorities are remaining quite about the extent of Babels ankle injury so we'll have to wait another day or so to find out. Torres is obviously the bigger loss and the timing sucks but that's always the risk with our players when they're on international duty.
Dutch authorities are remaining quite about the extent of Babels ankle injury so we'll have to wait another day or so to find out. Torres is obviously the bigger loss and the timing sucks but that's always the risk with our players when they're on international duty.
October 14, 2008
It's the innocent fans who suffer the most
It's fair enough that UEFA should take steps to help eradicate racism from the game but their latest attempt seems ill-timed. They've decided to hand Atletico Madrid a 2 match stadium ban, which prevents their home games with Liverpool & PSV Eindhoven being played within 300km of Madrid.
About 3,000 Liverpool fans are going to the game, but most of them will now have to endure the expense of completely changing their travel arrangements. Also Atletico have until Sunday to appeal the decision which means fans will have to wait before making new arrangements.
It's probably better for Liverpool if the game is played at a neutral venue, but it's a shame that no consideration appears to have been given to the innocent fans who are affected by this.
About 3,000 Liverpool fans are going to the game, but most of them will now have to endure the expense of completely changing their travel arrangements. Also Atletico have until Sunday to appeal the decision which means fans will have to wait before making new arrangements.
It's probably better for Liverpool if the game is played at a neutral venue, but it's a shame that no consideration appears to have been given to the innocent fans who are affected by this.
October 09, 2008
International breaks have become a waiting game
A month ago our form was simply terrible. The international break arrived at just the right time to provide a distraction for the players. After that, the manner in which we beat both United & City is something which has acted as a significant confidence booster for the players.
That should've been a catalyst for an extended run of good form. But alas we're in the midst of yet another international break and this time it's not a welcome distraction. Now that we've got the momentum going, the last thing I think any of us would want is for that momentum to be lost.
But there's no way of knowing what mindset the players will come back in (due to injury, fatigue, etc). All we can do is wait and see what happens to our players over the next week.
That should've been a catalyst for an extended run of good form. But alas we're in the midst of yet another international break and this time it's not a welcome distraction. Now that we've got the momentum going, the last thing I think any of us would want is for that momentum to be lost.
But there's no way of knowing what mindset the players will come back in (due to injury, fatigue, etc). All we can do is wait and see what happens to our players over the next week.
October 06, 2008
Time to let other teams worry about us
While the first half belonged to Manchester City who were deservedly beating us. The second half exemplified the belief and character present in our team to come back and win 3-2.
Comebacks are becoming a recurring theme for us this season. At times we didn't deserve them. But recently we've started playing attractive attacking football. Also Rafa has shown his tactical nous by making appropriate changes during the game to effect a positive outcome.
In the past it has made perfect sense for Rafa to set up stall to negate the strengths of our opponents (especially the big teams). But with the quality and confidence in the squad we've got now. Maybe we should focus more on our own game and let other teams worry about our strengths.
Comebacks are becoming a recurring theme for us this season. At times we didn't deserve them. But recently we've started playing attractive attacking football. Also Rafa has shown his tactical nous by making appropriate changes during the game to effect a positive outcome.
In the past it has made perfect sense for Rafa to set up stall to negate the strengths of our opponents (especially the big teams). But with the quality and confidence in the squad we've got now. Maybe we should focus more on our own game and let other teams worry about our strengths.
October 05, 2008
No joke for Skrtel this time round
Last time Skrtel got injured was for something minor, so I decided to have a little fun with it. Over 30,000 people have checked out the "Unthinkable / Chuck Norris" post (link) and left over 330 comments (so far).
But this time round, it's no laughing matter. With only a few minutes left of the match against Manchester City the guy ended up twisting his knee, which is going to lead to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
At least Agger is fit again, and should be eager to make an impression. It just goes to show that having 3 world class defenders and a solid veteran is necessary to cover all the injuries we invariably experience.
But this time round, it's no laughing matter. With only a few minutes left of the match against Manchester City the guy ended up twisting his knee, which is going to lead to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
At least Agger is fit again, and should be eager to make an impression. It just goes to show that having 3 world class defenders and a solid veteran is necessary to cover all the injuries we invariably experience.
October 03, 2008
A timely vote of confidence in Agger
Too many unsettling rumours have been doing the rounds over the last week concerning Aggers future, with Real Madrid his main suitors. It's one thing for a player to say he's happy at a club and wants to stay but it's another thing for the manager to reinforce that.
Agger himself has said that he's not happy with his lack of playing time but he also fully accepts that he has to fight for us place. Although he's got the quality to displace both Carragher & Skrtel, the fact remains that both those players are on top form at present.
Fortunately Rafa decided to make a statement on the official LFC site today, in which he insists that Aggers future [a long one] is at Anfield and nowhere else. If he can back that up with a contract extension (18 months left) then we can be sure to retain Aggers world class services.
Agger himself has said that he's not happy with his lack of playing time but he also fully accepts that he has to fight for us place. Although he's got the quality to displace both Carragher & Skrtel, the fact remains that both those players are on top form at present.
Fortunately Rafa decided to make a statement on the official LFC site today, in which he insists that Aggers future [a long one] is at Anfield and nowhere else. If he can back that up with a contract extension (18 months left) then we can be sure to retain Aggers world class services.
October 01, 2008
His name is not f**king Keano, Robbie Keane
How nice of Torres to return the favour he was gifted at Goodison Park, and set up Robbie Keane for his first ever goal for Liverpool. It was a pretty cool goal as well, under pressure (both on and off the pitch) yet he placed it beautifully into the bottom corner.
He can't be faulted for his workrate which was impressive up and down the pitch. But what's with that celebration though, it really sucks, wish he had left it behind at White Hart Lane. Get something new lad, we've got loads of new songs for you (link), so give us some new celebrations ;-)
He can't be faulted for his workrate which was impressive up and down the pitch. But what's with that celebration though, it really sucks, wish he had left it behind at White Hart Lane. Get something new lad, we've got loads of new songs for you (link), so give us some new celebrations ;-)
It was Men (LFC) against Boys (PSV)
It's shocking just how easy a game this was for us. You wouldn't think this was supposed to be the Champions League at all considering the gulf in class. In fact it was so easy for the Reds that it was almost boring to watch.
At least there was a couple of standout moments, the obvious ones being Keane scoring his first (link), and Gerrard scoring his 100th. Typical he should score his 100th at the Kop and in such stunning style, the sheer joy on his face was plain for all to see.
Speaking of Men against Boys, it's great to see how much Gerrard appears to have matured this season. He's holding his position, breaking up play, far more effective in his passing and dictating games more. The all new mature captain is what I'd long hoped for, and long may it continue.
At least there was a couple of standout moments, the obvious ones being Keane scoring his first (link), and Gerrard scoring his 100th. Typical he should score his 100th at the Kop and in such stunning style, the sheer joy on his face was plain for all to see.
Speaking of Men against Boys, it's great to see how much Gerrard appears to have matured this season. He's holding his position, breaking up play, far more effective in his passing and dictating games more. The all new mature captain is what I'd long hoped for, and long may it continue.
Benchwarmers are back from injury
The starting line up against PSV is unlikely to be affected by news that both Mascherano & Benayoun are back from injury. But it does mean Rafa will have a full squad to choose from for tonights game. In reality though they've only had 2 days of training so I doubt either will be starting against PSV.
Mascherano has become a pivotal player for us and it had gotten to the stage whereby I'd be a bit weary if he wasn't available to start. But if recent games are anything to go by, it looks like Alonso looks is getting back to his best. Having 3 world class midfielders available is a very reassuring thing.
Mascherano has become a pivotal player for us and it had gotten to the stage whereby I'd be a bit weary if he wasn't available to start. But if recent games are anything to go by, it looks like Alonso looks is getting back to his best. Having 3 world class midfielders available is a very reassuring thing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
