RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/16/2007 4:10:41 AM
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azinorum
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On this day in Liverpool history - 16th January
Red trebles
Robbie Fowler bagged a treble eight years ago today as we secured our best ever Premiership win, thrashing Southampton 7-1 at Anfield, with future loanee Paul Jones in the Saints’ goal. Michael Owen, Dominic Matteo, David Thompson and even Jamie Carragher were also on target.
On this day in 1909, inside-left Ronald Orr netted three as we beat Lincoln City 5-1 in an FA Cup First Round tie at Anfield. Joe Hewitt and Jack Parkinson nabbed the others.
In comes Roy
Roy Evans signed for the reds on the newly introduced ‘B’ form on this day in 1964, a precursor to a full apprenticeship. He became one of the club’s greatest servants, serving as fan, left-back, reserves coach, Assistant Manager and then finally the top job for four years.
Xabi Alonso eat your heart out
Reds left-back Donald Mackinlay scored from ten yards inside his own half, as we beat West Ham United 2-1 at Upton Park on this day in 1926. Tom Scott grabbed the other.
European defeat
We lost 2-0 at Juventus on this day in 1985 in the UEFA Super Cup, with Zbigniew Boniek grabbing both the goals.
Happy birthdays
Goalkeeping coach José Ochotorena is 46 today. He had previously coached the goalkeepers under Rafael Benítez at Valencia as well as for the Spanish national team.
Scottish wing-half Tommy Fairfoul was born on this day in 1881. He played 71 reds games before being suspended for the match rigging scandal against Manchester United in 1915. He then became a taxi owner in Liverpool.
Four against
George Brown scored four goals for Aston Villa as they thumped us 6-1 at Villa Park on this day in 1932. Harold Barton grabbed our consolation.
Yet another defeat on the road
We suffered our twentieth straight away League defeat on this day in 1954, as we lost 2-1 at Preston North End. Unsurprisingly, this remains a club record. Inside-forward Kevin Baron struck his 32nd goal in his 153rd and final reds game.
Seeing red
Ex-blue Dave Hickson was sent off as we beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Anfield in a First Division fixture on this day in 1960. Roger Hunt bagged a brace, with Jimmy Melia also on the scoresheet.
Beating the Blues
We defeated Everton 2-1 in a Wartime League match at Anfield on this day in 1943, with Jack Balmer and Cyril Done on target.
Beating the Wearsiders
We have twice beaten Sunderland 2-1 at Anfield in the First Division on this day in history. Sam Raybould and Jack Cox were on target in 1904, with Tom Miller and Fred Pagnam netting in the final minutes eleven years later.
Digger for the League
On this day in 1991, John Barnes represented the Football League in a game against an Italian League side in Napoli.
Dio-Dio’s final farewell
The reserves lost 3-1 to Sunderland at the Academy four years ago today. Bernard Diomède scored a penalty in his last appearance in a reds shirt.
Terry Mac for England
Future red Terry McDermott won his only Under-23's cap on this day in 1974 as England were held to a goalless draw by Wales at Ashton Gate.
Prudhoe on the move again
Future reds loanee keeper Mark Prudhoe joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Walsall twenty years ago today. He did not make a first-team appearance while at Hillsborough, as was the case when he arrived at Anfield in November 1994.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/16/2007 11:13:57 AM
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azinorum
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Liverpool takeover unlikely to be completed until February
dpa German Press Agency
Published: Tuesday January 16, 2007
London- The takeover of Liverpool by Dubai International Capital may not be completed until the beginning of February, according to reports in the British media Tuesday.
Although there is not believed to be any specific problem beyond the complicated nature of the due diligence procedure, several media outlets quoted a source close to the club warning of the probable delay.
"Due diligence is continuing and going very well but no formal offer can be made until that is completed," the source was quoted as saying.
"Everything is on track and everyone is working towards completing the process by the end of the month.
"Speculation that a board meeting was being held on Tuesday to finalise matters is inaccurate."
The news will come as a blow to those who hoped the 450-million pound (883-million dollar) takeover might release significant funds for signings in the January transfer window.
< Message edited by azinorum -- 1/16/2007 11:19:00 AM >
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/16/2007 11:21:14 AM
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azinorum
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BELLAMY: WATFORD WIN IS WHAT WE NEEDED
Steve Hunter 16 January 2007
Craig Bellamy said it was important for Liverpool to bounce back to winning ways against Watford and insisted there is still a lot to play for this season.
While the Welsh international admitted it was disappointing to lose the two cup matches against ****nal he still feels the Reds' Premiership form shows that Liverpool are progressing well.
Bellamy also feels the reaction that followed the cup defeats was a little over the top but said the team responded in the right way by letting their football do the talking on the pitch at Watford.
"I'm lucky in a way, because that kind of reaction isn't new to me,” claims Bellamy. "Whenever we lost at Newcastle it was a bit similar.
"There were certain people who always liked to whip it up after a defeat, but nowhere near to the same extent you seem to get at Liverpool. I'm used to this at a big club, and you learn quickly as a player to just think about getting on with the next game and make sure you perform as well as possible. Fortunately, that's what we did against Watford.
"People quickly forget how well we've done in the league in the last few months. We've only lost once, and you've also got to look at what happened last week and say that although it’s not good to lose to anyone, it was ****nal who beat us. They are a top side, not mugs.
"We've gone out to a team that could easily go on and win those two competitions, so disappointing as it was to all of us, sometimes you have to just say they were the better side over the two games.
"We knew we needed a performance like we showed at Watford, and the formation worked really well. To be fair, the first 15 minutes were scrappy, but when we got our chances we were able to build from there.
"We had to adapt to three up front, and maybe that meant we started a bit slowly, but after that we were always in control. It was bit different, but we've got quality players here who can adapt when needed."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/17/2007 5:48:20 AM
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azinorum
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Can Rafa Benitez win Liverpool the Premier League?
Wed, Jan 17, 07 06:24
The Anfield success machine is three or four quality players short of competing with Manchester United and Co.
I raise this question as Liverpool are now in the season a lot of us thought would be the one which would see us making a strong challenge for the prize we want the most.
Well, we are in January and are 14 points off the pace, which is too big a gap to claw back. The reasons we are in this position are down to the board and the manager. After last season, Rafa Benitez identified we needed more width and pace so he set about looking for players. I believe he identified the calibre of player he needed but was not backed financially so had to settle for lower quality imports.
Due to lack of money he has bought these players whom I believe will never help Liverpool win the league. Jermaine Pennent, Mark Gonzalez, Boudewijn Zenden, Fabio Aurelio to name but a few. I will put this point to you fans out there. If Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, ****ne Wenger and Benitez sat down together to play a card game and used players instead of cash, Benitez would only be able to gamble with Steven Gerrard, Craig Bellamy and Xabi Alonso as his other players are not good enough to get into the other managers' teams.
Ferguson (much as I hate to say it) is the most successful manager in the league and even he tried to see if he could get away with signing cheaper players (Eric Djemba Djemba, Kleberson, etc) and they were not good enough. So he had to go back to spending bigger to obtain better quality.
Don't get me wrong, the players we have will get you a top four finish, maybe even win a cup - but they will never win the league over 38 games. We are a team that lack pace all over the park. Without pace you will always find it hard to hurt top-quality teams, hence our lack of victories in the league against the top three.
So I say until Benitez, Rick Parry and David Moores see the real picture and address it, we will stay as frustrated as we are now. We are just three or four quality signings away from challenging for the league - but we need to spend proper money to obtain that calibre of player.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/17/2007 5:49:41 AM
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azinorum
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On this day in Liverpool history - 17th January
A treble for the King
Kenny Dalglish scored a hat-trick on this day in 1978 as we won 3-1 at Wrexham in a Fifth Round League Cup tie. We went all the way to the Final that season, for the first time, where we lost to Nottingham Forest after a replay. Phil Thompson debuted his dodgy perm in this game!
Babbel on his way
Seven years ago today, Markus Babbel signed a pre-contract agreement to join the reds from Bayern München that summer. He became a vital member of the treble-winning team, until he was struck down by Guillain-Barré syndrome.
A thousand up
We played our 1,000th League game on this day in 1925, with Frank Roberts scoring four times for Manchester City as they trounced us 5-0 at Maine Road. Our other two meetings with City on this day in history both resulted in 1-0 away wins. Ian Rush struck at Maine Road twenty years ago today, while we were beaten at Anfield in 1953.
Jonah’s farewell
Paul Jones played his second and final reds game three years ago today as we lost 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur. A Harry Kewell strike was not enough to give us any points after Igor Bišcan had given away a penalty, netted by Robbie Keane, and a second Spurs goal from Helder Postiga, his only Premiership goal.
Happy birthdays
Ex-reds reserve defender Frode Kippe turns 29 today. He made just two first-team appearances while at Anfield, both from off the bench in the Worthington Cup, and is now back with Lillestrøm in his native Norway.
Defender Arnaud Bühler is 22 today. He apparently signed for the reds in summer 2003, but is currently playing for Sochaux-Montbéliard, having joined them from Swiss side FC Aarau in June 2005.
Tiny’s last goal
Centre-half Tom ‘Tiny’ Bradshaw netted his fourth and final reds goal on this day in 1934, a late leveller in our FA Cup Third Round replay at Fulham. Alf Hanson had also scored as the game ended 2-2 after ninety minutes, with Syd Roberts grabbing the extra-time winner.
Big Cup win
We thumped the Gunners 4-1 at Highbury in a First Round replay on this day in 1923, after the first game at Anfield had ended goalless four days earlier. Harry Chambers bagged a brace, with Donald Mackinlay converting a penalty and Dick Johnson also on target, while reds keeper Elisha Scott saved a spot-kick from Robert Turnbull.
Bye-bye Dio-Dio
Four years ago today, Bernard Diomède joined AC Ajaccio on loan, two and a half years and just five appearances after signing from Auxerre for £3m.
Derby despair
Everton left Anfield with a 2-1 Wartime League win on this day in 1914, with Arthur Metcalf grabbing our consolation.
Joy against the Blades
We have twice faced Sheffield United in First Division matches on this day in history, without being beaten. Tom Miller and Harry Lewis netted as we won 2-0 at Anfield in 1920, while we were held to a goalless draw at Bramall Lane on this day in 1976.
Tommy’s run
Keeper Tommy Lawrence played in his 116th consecutive League appearance on this day in 1970, with Chris Lawler notching in a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion at Anfield. He then lost his place to Ray Clemence.
Steven and Luis honoured
Steven Gerrard and Luis García were both named in the prestigious UEFA team of 2005 after attracting the most votes in their respective position, with Jamie Carragher just missing out.
Boss against boss
Future reds boss Don Welsh played as England beat Scotland 3-0 in a Wartime international at Wembley Stadium on this day in 1942. The Scottish line-up included reds half-back Matt Busby and Bill Shankly.
Djibril on target
Future red Djibril Cissé struck on his debut for France Under-20’s six years ago today as they beat Yugoslavia 2-0 in a friendly at Clairefontaine. Grégory Vignal also won his first cap at this level.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/17/2007 5:53:13 AM
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azinorum
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RIISE: MIDFIELDER WILL GIVE US A BOOST
Jimmy Rice 17 January 2007
John Arne Riise claims the imminent return of Momo Sissoko will give the Reds a huge boost in their pursuit of Champions League and Premiership success.
Sissoko, who has not played since dislocating his shoulder against Birmingham on November 8, has earmarked the Merseyside derby at Anfield in just over two weeks for his comeback.
And Riise said: "Before he got injured he was maybe our best player. He is so hard to play against because he never stops running and never stops being at your heels.
"The only thing missing is him getting a goal! We all hope he gets one soon. The amount of work he does for the team is very important for us. If he's back then it will boost the team a lot."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/17/2007 10:42:53 AM
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azinorum
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Croatian ace interests Reds Wed, Jan 17 2007 14:24
Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu claims Liverpool are one of handful of clubs interested in signing Croatia midfielder Dario Srna.
The 24-year-old, who was believed to have been the subject of a Liverpool bid last summer, played for his country at the World Cup and has spent the last four years with Shakhtar having started his career with Hadjuk Split.
Srna is seen as the possible solution to the Reds right-sided problems, heightened by the recent injuries to Luis Garcia and Mark Gonzalez.
Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu revealed: "There have been a number of clubs who have shown interest in Srna; Liverpool, PSG and Monaco. All those clubs must realise that the asking price is ?10million.
"Had such a player featured in any of the top five European leagues he would have cost at least ?15million."
Meanwhile on the outgoing side of things, Reds youngster Adam Hamill is to join Dunfermline on loan until the end of the season. The midfielder is yet to make a first-team start for Liverpool but we gain some much needed experience with the SPL strugglers.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/17/2007 10:50:38 AM
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azinorum
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KUYT: I WANT TO DO A CROUCH
Jimmy Rice 17 January 2007
Dirk Kuyt claims he is desperate to emulate strike-partner Peter Crouch when it comes to scoring spectacular goals.
The Dutchman admits he was surprised to see such a tall player net goals like the scissor kicks against Galatasaray and Bolton. And now he wants a piece of the action himself.
"When you are so tall with such long legs it's unbelievable that Crouchy can score those kind of goals," Kuyt told LFC Magazine.
"They were amazing and he showed the world that the first time wasn't a fluke by doing it again. I scored with a scissor kick during my time at Feyenoord and hopefully can do it here too."
Kuyt, who's bagged eight goals so far this term, also revealed he is confident of becoming the 20-goal a season frontman Liverpool fans have been craving.
"I think I can reach that target. For the last five seasons I've scored at least 20 goals. I know Holland is different to the Premiership but I still believe I can reach that again.
"I've never been the type of player who says at the start of the season that I'll score 30 goals. My aims are always to win trophies and if you do that then it usually means you score goals along the way."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/17/2007 10:52:38 AM
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azinorum
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XABI: OUR HEARTS ARE WITH LUIS
Jimmy Rice 17 January 2007
Xabi Alonso has spoken of his distress at seeing countryman Luis Garcia sidelined for up to six months.
The midfielder watched from the bench as Garcia ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against ****nal last week.
"I'm sorry for him, it's a big shame. Of course he has all the support of the club and every one of his teammates," said Alonso.
"I spoke with him before he had his surgery and also after it. Everything has gone really well and now he will be at home in Barcelona for a few days before he can start physiotherapy.
"The moment he knew it was the cruciate ligament he was down but he is a positive guy. He always tries to have a smile on his face and so now already he is really focussed on his recovery.
"It's a major loss both for him and for the team."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 4:08:46 AM
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azinorum
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The Squarefootball 'It'll Never Happen' Game: Liverpool vs Chelsea
The Liverpool versus Chelsea clash on Saturday brings with it a lot of baggage; and so to help you through the game here is a cut-out-and-keep guide to the match with a simple game to keep you occupied during the dull bits. How to play is simple enough, glance at the potential scoring opportunities and try to predict how many points you will get - and then see how close you get during the game. Alternatively play in a group by using the age-old bagsie methos where the highest score wins - but every event has to be baggsied.
(10) Lifelong Red Apollo Creed to be introduced to the crowd before the game. Creed dances around Jose, shadow-boxing and shouting 'you next Jose, you next' before being squashed by a powerful Russian who never speaks.
(2) Steven Gerrard threatening row Z and a commentator recalling shots from that distance that went in in 'recent cup finals'
(1) Ricardo Carvalho opening his arms and doing his 'awww ref, I never touched him' thing after clattering into Alonso.
(1) Jermaine Pennant beating his man and not sending the cross into the crowd.
(2) Frank Lampard scores with a free-kick that deflects off at least two home players
(3) A Jermain Pennant goal assist
(2) Didier Drogba performing a restrained goal celebration.
(3) Any shot on goal that isn't immediately followed by a 'reaction shot' of the attacking team's bench.
(10) If Chelsea lose Jose Mourinho saying 'United missed a big, big chance in not playing today - they are still only six points clear, but if they had played they could be nine points clear'.
(3) Benitez and Mourinho chatting amiably before the game but refusing to shake hands afterwards.
(5) A 6-6 draw (judging by the state of both side's defences). All six Chelsea goals deflected in off Jamie Carragher after tame Frank Lampard shots.
(2) John Terry warming up two hours before the match in pointless Ellery Hanley-style will-he/won't-he play charade.
(1) Splinter-collecting post-match reaction by Nigel Spackman
(1) First example of Mourinho turning puce
(1) Each laconic arms out shrug by Benitez
(5) On the bench, Bellamy turns to Crouch and smiles at 3-0 to Chelsea
(2) Every camera shot of the two managers where the commentator discusses the distance between them
(5) Any attempt to quote Shakespeare by a commentator - even if you merely suspect it.
(1) Every mention of Roman Abramovich
(1) Every mention of the 2005 Champions' League semi-final second leg
(10) Ashley Cole being cheered by the home fans
(1) Every suggestion that Alex Ferguson may have just 'spilt some red wine' as a result of a Chelsea goal
(1) Every suggestion that Alex Ferguson will be cheering as a result of a Liverpool goal
(1) In fact, every reference to Ferguson
(2) Any attempt to show/discuss some kind of league table 'as things stand' because no-one can wait a few minutes for the real one
< Message edited by azinorum -- 1/18/2007 4:11:25 AM >
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 4:13:02 AM
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azinorum
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Liverpool's Pennant rejects West Ham
tribalfooball.com - January 17, 2007
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has rejected a move to West Ham United.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley made an enquiry to Liverpool chief Rafa Benitez for the former England Under-21 winger with a view to a £7million bid.
But the Reds knocked back Curbishley's interest and Pennant is also said to be determined to make an impact at Liverpool after a disappointing start to his Anfield career.
Pennant joins Shaun Wright-Phillips, Freddie Ljungberg, Ashley Young, Scott Parker and Joey Barton among the long list of failed bids by Curbishley
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 5:01:01 AM
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azinorum
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KUYT EYES LONG LIVERPOOL STAY
Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt has hinted that he'd like to stay at Liverpool for the rest of his career.
The former Feyenoord hitman, signed for £10million last summer, has notched eight goals since his move to Merseyside.
And after settling into Premiership life impressively, he's looking forward to a long stay at Anfield.
The 26-year-old told Liverpool's official website: "You never know what is going to happen in football but it would be perfect if I could stay here for a -long, long time.
"I'm really happy here and I'm not the kind of player who wants to move to a new club every two years. I'm at the best club in England and one of the biggest in the world so why would I want anything else?
"It's also great for me that I have such a good relationship with the supporters. The respect we have for each other means a lot.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 8:12:06 AM
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azinorum
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Preview of Liverpool v Chelsea Clash
If you remember back to the last time Chelsea played Liverpool, the goal that separated the two sides was a wonderful twist and volley by Didier Drogba back on September 17th. Liverpool dominated most of the first half and hit the crossbar, but their finishing wasn't clinical in front of goal.
In some ways, not much has changed since that match. Chelsea's form is still way below par of what they achieved last year. Liverpool is still suffering from the same problems of not scoring when it matters.
But for Saturday's early kickoff (which you can join in on during the 7:45am ET EPL Talk Chat), this match means much more than earlier in the season. A loss for Chelsea combined with a Man United win at the Emirates could write off Chelsea's chances of winning the Premiership title three years in a row. A loss for Liverpool and a win by ****nal against Man United would push the Reds down into fourth place and would give ****nal the confidence to solidify their third spot over Liverpool.
The key for Liverpool this Saturday will depend on whether Jermaine Pennant will play on the right wing. And if he does, whether he can stretch Chelsea's width opening up spaces near the middle to allow Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy or Peter Crouch more room to score. If you remember from the Chelsea against Liverpool match at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, the Blues had a very difficult time closing down Pennant who was a constant threat during the first half.
Speaking of Liverpool, I don't always agree with Rafa Benitez's team selection and formation when the Reds play Chelsea. In previous matches, he's resorted to a 4-5-1 formation which stifles Chelsea's midfield but allows for few attacking options for Liverpool. I feel Liverpool would be better off playing a 4-4-2 and playing more adventurous against a Chelsea side which is feeling pretty vulnerable right now.
Chelsea could put this match out of Liverpool's reach within the first 30 minutes if they select the right formation and players. I'd prefer to see Chelsea storming out of the gates and playing the type of football they're most dangerous at -- attacking with venom and using the wings to open up defenses.
With Drogba as centre forward, Arjen Robben on the left wing and Shaun Wright-Philips on the right, this will allow Chelsea to pull apart the Liverpool defense which has looked particularly weak in matches against ****nal and Everton (earlier in the season). Chelsea knows it must win this match to have a chance to lift the trophy this season. A more conservative formation of 4-5-1, which they've been playing for much of the season, could self-destruct against a Liverpool side.
Prediction: Liverpool 0 - 2 Chelsea
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 2:38:51 PM
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azinorum
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XABI ALONSO: THE BIG INTERVIEW
Jimmy Rice 18 January 2007
Xabi Alonso talks to liverpoolfc.tv about life at Melwood, his thoughts on Player of the Season and why he tries to avoid Momo Sissoko on the pitch…
What's the mood in the camp right now, Xabi?
It was important to have a good win after two defeats at home. It was quite a strange few days beforehand because we didn't expect to lose two home games against the same team in the cups. Suddenly it changed everything. We needed a convincing win away and we performed well. We did what we had to do and in the end we won easily.
Were you surprised when Rafa picked three strikers against Watford?
I wasn't because we were working on it during the week. Also, at Wigan we played with three centre-backs and three strikers, and it worked quite well. It's an interesting tactic to play.
Does Rafa ever surprise you with his selections and formations?
Yes, you never know what he's going to do. You can't be 100 per cent sure he will do anything, but that is working very well.
Obviously the Watford game helped erase memories of those ****nal defeats, but one thing the fans will never forget, certainly from the FA Cup game, is the atmosphere. What did the players make of it?
It was really special. The way the fans showed their support to the 96 people who died was amazing. They carried out their protest in front of the BBC cameras live for all the country to see, which was the best way. During those six minutes we had very strange feelings. I couldn't speak with my teammates because it was so noisy, and I think it was almost like the players were respecting those six minutes before they started the game.
Do you get anything like that in Spain?
No, nothing like that. The mosaic was pretty well done! It was a strong and determined protest.
Unfortunately, those games were also responsible for Luis Garcia's injury. He'll be out for six months; how is he and have you spoken to him?
I'm sorry for him, it's a big shame. Of course he has all the support of the club and every one of his teammates. I spoke with him before he had his surgery and also after it. Everything has gone really well and now he will be at home in Barcelona for a few days before he can start physiotherapy. He is out for the long-term but he has to cope with that, we are all professionals. It's a major loss both for him and for the team. The moment he knew it was the cruciate ligament he was down but he is a positive guy. He always tries to have a smile on his face and so now already he is really focused on his recovery.
I think you had a long-term injury in the Champions League season; what advice would you give Luis?
I think he has to be focused on doing things properly. He shouldn't rush too much because that's not always the best way. He needs to respect what his knee is saying to him.
How happy have you been with your own form this season?
I think if the team is playing well, we all feel better about our own performances. I've been feeling better in the last few weeks and I think there's been some good football. I've really enjoyed the past few months.
Do you have to adapt your game depending on whether you're playing in the middle with Stevie or Momo?
Yes, of course. Each of us has our own qualities but you know it's going to be different playing with Steven, Momo or with Bolo also. With Steven, he has such power to get in the box and to run all over, so sometimes you need to let him have the freedom to go forward. But then that also means he can get back as soon as possible. I think the team has balance and is working well at the moment. Me and Steven are feeling good playing together and playing good football. It depends on the game but with Momo he's all over the pitch, so I try to go where he is not!
Your dad Periko was a midfielder too, wasn't he? Was he similar in style to you?
He was a central midfielder who was really strong and powerful. He had a good shot.
He won La Liga twice with Real Sociedad; does that make you even more determined to get a few league titles under your belt?
No, not because my dad won them. He was privileged to win two straight titles but for me, when you win a few things, that's what makes you want to get the Premiership. The league becomes the one you want because that is the one which proves you are the best over a whole season.
Are you better than him?
[Laughs] Different. I don't like to compare!
Did he encourage you and your brother Mikel to play football?
Not encourage, but he has always supported us. After he retired he was a manager, so football has always been there, but he wanted us to concentrate on our studies as well as sport because you never know what will happen. We didn't need to be encouraged to play football anyhow!
Does he ever ring you with advice after watching you play?
No, not really advice. Obviously we speak about the club and the games. There are always comments but it's not like, You must do this, or, You must do that. He will just tell me to be professional and committed with what I'm doing. That's the best advice you can get.
I don't know if you have any plans to be a father, but if and when you have kids, will you encourage them to play football?
I would like kids in the future but not at the moment. I'd like them to do what they want. It's always good to do some kind of sport and if they want to play football, obviously I would like that.
Moving on to life at Melwood and in Liverpool; we always ask the players to pick their LFC five-a-side team. Who'd be in yours?
[Long pause] Pepe, Sami, Stevie, Momo – is that all?
One more – are you not putting yourself in? Everyone else picks you…
[Laughs] Right: Pepe, Sami, Stevie, me and a striker. I will go for Luis.
Is there a Liverpool player you wouldn't fancy going into a tackle with?
Stephen Warnock. He is strong.
Who's the best player you've played alongside?
I would say Valeron in the Spanish team, he was brilliant. He was really shy but when he got on the pitch he'd do everything, so it was a pleasure to play with him. He was brilliant with the ball.
What kind of things do you do in your spare time?
We play so many games, so you just want to relax in your spare time. I try to enjoy the city. I'll go for a coffee or try to find new things. I always try to be interactive with the city and meet people. I read the paper too and look on the internet.
Which paper do you get?
The Times. I also try to go to the cinema.
Are you going to see Rocky?
I haven't seen it yet. The last one I saw was The Perfume and I've also seen James Bond. I go with my girlfriend. At the beginning I struggled a little with the English and I would have to get DVDs so I could have subtitles; but now I am confident going to the cinema.
Do you get to experience much of the nightlife in Liverpool?
There are a lot of places to go and not much time to enjoy them!
Which Liverpool players do you have in your mobile phone?
Most of them, I think.
Do the boys have a nickname for you?
In football, no. But with my mates, yes. It's Bone. It is a Basque thing but it doesn't really mean anything. There are 10 of us who are friends and each of us has a nickname that doesn't really mean anything.
Are you friends with any footballers outside of LFC?
Yes, of course. I'm friends with Arteta and Fabregas. Obviously it's more with the Spanish lads I knew from La Liga and the national team.
Is it right you persuaded one of your Spanish mates to come play in England?
Juan Ugarte? Yes, we've known each other for a long time because he was at school with me, though he was in my brother's class because he's one year older. They always played together, and with me sometimes. He ended up going for a trial at Wrexham and did really well, but he's not playing at the moment because he's injured. He often comes to Anfield – he's a Liverpool supporter.
How does the Premiership compare with La Liga?
At the moment I'd say the Premiership is better. I really enjoy playing here because the relaxed atmosphere during the week means you can train and be focused on what you're doing at Melwood, which doesn't always happen in Spain. But then come the weekend it is the total opposite: the atmosphere and the stadiums are great, for me.
Any idea yet who you're going to vote for in Player of the Season?
I'll have to wait but at the moment I think Ronaldo is in good form and Giggs has played some of his best football.
I wanted to ask you about the Beckham transfer? Is that something you'd ever consider, going to the US?
For him, he's 31, so it could be a good change for him and his family. Why not? He's got a good contract, not bad money!
But do you see yourself staying at Liverpool long-term?
Yes, sure. At the moment I'm feeling really good. Sometimes I miss home. I've just been back for two days and you really enjoy it, but I feel very welcome here.
Obviously the Champions League draw means you'll return home again soon; how did you feel when Barca came out of the hat?
Excited. It's going to be a massive tie. We're looking forward to it, though we've got a few games coming up before.
Do you know any Barca players?
Yes. I have had a couple of texts from Puyol and Xavi. We are meeting soon with the national team, so I'm sure we'll chat about it. They are also looking forward to coming to play at Anfield. I am really struggling for tickets actually – everyone wants to come over! If we get a good result in Barcelona I think the second leg will be pretty special.
How have you got on against Barca in the past?
I've beaten them twice at home, one draw. I've always lost away!
Do you think we can win the Champions League again?
Why not? We have a lot of experience from what we did in 2005. But really we are not thinking about that. We have to play Barca and if we're lucky enough to progress, we'll take it step by step.
So you're not booking any holidays for the end of May yet?
[Laughs] No, no, definitely not!
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 2:41:32 PM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
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The Ludicrous World of Football
David Beckham, the world’s best-paid sportsman. Or is that celebrity? This week, he claimed that he is going to America in order to raise the profile of the game over there, not for the money; well, I’m sure the game needs help in Africa too. Why didn’t he go there? Luckily, his farcical new deal stole the early-week headlines away from the ‘crisis’ which was stirring at Anfield, with shifty details of a rift between Benitez and the board leaking through after ****nal thrashed us in the two domestic cup competitions, on our own ground, within a matter of days. Now, Mourinho, the man who has delivered back-to-back titles since arriving at Chelsea, is being hideously undervalued by his club, who are forcing him and his ego out by not allowing him any money. The past week proves that seven days is a long time in football – and that we always need to take a step back before we judge or berate people for mistakes.
The fact that things change so hectically and frantically means that people are just as quick to demand heads on poles at any opportunity. A couple of weeks back, any suggestion that Mourinho would be leaving, or that Chelsea would ‘run out’ of (or refuse to supply) transfer funds would probably be easily dismissed. This week, both are real possibilities. Who’d have thought that Beckham would one day, still quite young in footballing terms, be playing for LA Galaxy, a team which played its inaugural match in the mid-90’s? Losing twice to ****nal and conceding 9 in the process was inconceivable. Benitez being on the end of extremely harsh criticism and headlines seemed remote last week, when our league form was looking exemplary. Things move so fast that we don’t even stop to think about them.
The disaster on Tuesday was pretty horrific. Saturday is best forgotten. Benitez’s mistakes were clear. Reina should have started both matches, but then the boss would not have kept his word. Our team on Tuesday was weak considering the Carling Cup was our final chance at silverware. Kids were put in there and they were out of their depth. Then, people compared our youth team with ****nal’s and understandably concluded that ours pales next to theirs.
But Rafa has been here only 3 years and Wenger has invested very heavily in foreign talents, buying out contracts and even being allowed £10 million for Theo. Our youth team is full of English Academy players and cheap foreign lads. Two first team players were injured the other night and Warnock bruised his ribs. What is Benitez had played other first team lads and they’d got injured, but we went through? As a result, our league form would suffer drastically. If we didn’t win the Cup, which was very possible, Benitez would get criticism. What if Alonso or Carragher got injured and missed the Barca game. Garcia, a cert to start that tie, is enough of a loss. Benitez tried to balance injury and victory in the least important competition, alongside the fact that we still have two to fight for. OK, the boss got it a bit wrong, but we must see how difficult his situation was on Tuesday night.
So pause, and just have a think before you start to turn against our boss. As I write this, we are hammering Watford. We need to keep that relationship strong between the fans, the team and the manager, because it is the key to our success in my opinion. In a week where plenty of weird stuff happened, our mini-crisis was insignificant, and the sooner we all forget it, the sooner we can move on and catch up with the dithering Chelsea.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 3:08:48 PM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
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PART ONE
Anfield Forever : Alan Edge presents the case against the move.
The arguments FOR leaving Anfield
The pro-movers' reasons for moving can be broadly summarised as follows:-
The arguments AGAINST leaving
Has the time come to move on?
Do we need a 70,000 capacity stadium?
Do we need to "compete" with Manchester United? If so, do we need a new 70,000 seater stadium to do that? What's more, can we afford it?
Can we expand at the current location ?
Are we being sentimental and emotional for wanting to stay?
Has the time come to move on?
"We need to move on."
A convenient catchphrase from the pro-move lobby within the club. One that invokes images of the go-getter; of thinking big and keeping one step ahead of the pack. Above all, of finally entering the Millennium.
"If you stand still you move backwards."
And yet another one from the same stockpile. At once, Liverpool fans worldwide are being persuaded into believing a move to a new stadium is a panacea for any ills we may have suffered throughout the past decade. It is almost as if we are courting failure if we don't move.
This, as far as we at A4E are concerned, is the core confusion and misrepresentation at the heart of the pro-movement campaign. Muddled thinking. Ill-founded ideals. Dare we go so far as to say deception too? At heart, anyway, a paucity of logic and a blandness to chill the souls of those who really do bother to think the whole thing through.
The reality, of course, is startlingly different. A brand new stadium guarantees nothing. It is a hollow undertaking to the fans. A promise of goods to be delivered that is actually more likely to fail than it is to succeed.
In football, success is not about new stadia or expansion or even expansion of existing stadia. It is about good management and good players. By all means the two concepts can be fused, if appropriate and timely, with the requisite stadium redevelopment. However, for anybody to project a new stadium as pivotal to any success story we crave means they have taken their eye off the ball. If indeed it was ever focussed. Scrutinised, such dogma is as misleading as it is preposterous.
Witness the resurrection of this club's fortunes this past year or so. To what precisely do we owe this resurgence? The prospect of a sparkling new stadium as expounded by the likes of Rick Parry? Or Gerard Houllier's expert guidance and the emergence of genuine talent and sensible transfer dealing at our current home?
Notwithstanding such upturns in fortune, we must also ask ourselves just what it is that a football club is about at the end of the day. Well, we'll tell you. At the end of EVERY day, a football club is about heritage, continuity and tradition. Ultimately, all else we hold dear about a club stems from the base those ingredients provide. That also includes any great players and managers and any success that may ensue. Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson included.
The "moving on", about which we have been consistently regaled, is actually a betrayal of the core values these latest saviours represent. The current boardroom custodians of our heritage - which we need to remember is all such people as Rick Parry are - have neither the right nor the mandate to enact a move from our home. Unless faced with no other possible choice, a move should NOT even be considered. Apart from being too drastic, irreversible and risk-laden it is completely unnecessary, as we shall go on to demonstrate.
Do we need a 70,000 capacity stadium?
Whatever else is said, it is clearly evident that Liverpool Football Club DO need to increase capacity from the current 45,500. This current capacity is insufficient for the most attractive fixtures and affords little pricing flexibility other than for the less attractive games.
That said, the crucial questions still need to be asked - DO WE ACHIEVE THIS INCREASED CAPACITY BY MOVING TO A NEW 70,000 STADIUM AND IF WE DO SO CAN WE ATTRACT 70,000 FOR EVEN THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS FIXTURES LET ALONE ON A REGULAR BASIS? IF NOT, THEN WHAT INCREASED CAPACITY IS ACTUALLY NEEDED?
Let us first look at the pro-movers' representation of the current demand situation:-
We have an average league crowd of around 44,000 in a ground holding only 45,500. We also have a further 10-14,000 on the season ticket waiting list champing at the bit to get in.
The clear insinuation here is that if the aforesaid 44,000 are not quite all season ticket holders then they certainly represent the guaranteed minimum base upon which we need to build for the future.
Add the 10-14,000 waiting list to the 44,000 and that gives a virtually guaranteed catchment of 54-58,000. Throw in a further 2,000 -12,000 casual visitors depending on the attractiveness of the particular game and there is your magical 60-70,000 regular attendance.
Many Reds appear to have bought this convenient idealogy. Local "luminaries" such as the Liverpool Echo's Ken Rogers and Tommy Smith, definitely have. What's more they have expounded on it in print. Repeatedly.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 3:10:35 PM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
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PART 2
Needless to say, the facts are significantly different. Alarmingly so:-
Liverpool Football Club currently restricts its season ticket holders to around 29,000. The season ticket waiting list is claimed to be 10-14,000. It is suspected that the real waiting list figure is closer to half that due to multiple applications, "officially unsanctioned" ticket inheritance arrangements, long-term drop-outs etc. Indeed, Rick Parry himself has recently hinted at it being nearer half the originally perpetrated figure. Discounting away supporters the rest of the regular 44,000 attendance is composed of around 12,000 specific match day ticket applications.
[Incidentally, it should be stated here that the reason for the club restricting the number of season ticket holders and maximising the match-day applications is to balance the make-up of the clientele attending Anfield thereby satisfying the lucrative day-tripper following which in turn helps to sustain club shop turnover.]
Back to the argument, the crucial point as far as the optimum capacity issue is concerned, is that the 12,000 match day applications effectively account for the whole of the season ticket waiting list demand.
YES, you heard right.
In other words for a run-of-the-mill league fixture there is NO FURTHER DEMAND OF ANY REAL SIGNIFICANCE to be tapped into. Thus, the forty odd thousand that is currently Liverpool's average attendance happens also to be - moreorless - Liverpool's maximum regular attendance OTHER THAN FOR the most attractive fixtures.
This submission is borne out both HISTORICALLY and by reference to THIS SEASON'S ATTENDANCES at the aforesaid run-of-the-mill league games and also cup games where the possession of a season ticket is not required.
The highest average attendance in our club's entire history is around 48,000. That came at a time when our club was eminently successful and capacity was nudging 56,750. That record average comprised several games at - or almost at - capacity such as Everton, United, Chelsea, Leeds but reveals several lesser fixtures struggling to break past 38,000.
Correspondingly, most of the less attractive league fixtures THIS season have failed to attract full capacities whilst attendances for cup-ties - apart from the most attractive European ties and the finely balanced domestic Semi-Final against Palace with their large away support - have been SIGNIFICANTLY below capacity.
Staying on this point, the attraction of European games is often cited as a reason for a significantly greater capacity. Yet, the reality does not bear this out. Apart from the recent Roma and Barcelona ties the attendance at every European tie this past decade or so has fallen significantly below capacity or has barely reached capacity. And, contrary to unsubstantiated rumours, even for the Roma and Barcelona ties it is unlikely whether there remained that much unquenched demand - certainly from supporters who could by any stretch of the imagination be branded as core supporters. And taking this point even further how many such fly-by-night supporters will pledge their support if such fixtures were ever to become run-of-the-mill in the Champions League as opposed to one-off mouthwatering affairs?
All this prompts the question - if we just about manage to pack in forty odd thousand at Anfield on such occasions how on earth would we ever hope to fill a 70,000 stadium, particularly once the novelty of such a prestigious move has evaporated?
We would justifiably ask. Where are all these mythical legions of supporters to be found? The ones cited by so many as the reason behind the move? The ones who so vociferously support the idea of the new stadium and who vow so adamantly that they will fill it?
We must stress that we are not setting out deliberately to goad here. The fact is hard-hitting, soul-searching questions simply demand to be asked AND ANSWERED before the club begins even to entertain the possibility of quitting our beloved home.
We at A4E have been Anfield regulars for many many years. We've seen the fickle souls come and go. Surely what we are saying does at least prompt the need for more serious thought than has to date been given into the reasoning behind the move and the assessment of our realistic regular active drawing power.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/18/2007 3:12:01 PM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
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PART 3
If at some such games we sometimes struggle to amass 20,000 of our own kind - such as has been the case so often these past few years - how the hell on earth can we then seriously look in the eye the prospect of a stadium with almost four times that capacity?
Let's be brutally honest, it simply doesn't stack up.
And for those who point in mitigation to the difficulty in obtaining tickets for ordinary league games, we would say this. The reasons behind such failure often have more to do with Anfield's restricted ticket CREDIT CARD HOTLINE capacity rather than its restricted GROUND capacity. It is important the two problems are not confused. Other than the most popular fixtures, prompt postal application or personal attendance at the ground invariably produce successful applications for MOST games. Tickets are often still available right up to the day of the match.
There is another interesting paradox to be considered here.
If Liverpool were to move to a 70,000 seater stadium, the demand for season tickets would in all likelihood be significantly reduced. How many ordinary fans would bother forking out £400-00 or £500-00 up-front for a season ticket when guaranteed entry without one? After all, what else is a season ticket purchased for? Essentially it is for the guarantee of admission. So what happens? Supply of seats goes up. Demand for season tickets goes down. You pick and choose your matches and obtain a ticket on the day or pay at the gate. And for cup finals? Well, simply take your chances in the same way as everybody else will likely end up doing.
So in that event, how many WITHOUT season tickets will then turn up on a cold slushy New Years Day to admire the silky attraction of Southampton? Would the 38,000 actually managed this season be repeated or would a sub 30,000 crowd have been more likely? It is another crucial question that needs addressing by Rick Parry and the pro-movers.
Of course, one of the misconceptions in this debate is that we have an active support - ie those that actually go as opposed to simply making loud and concerted noises about going - to equate with that of Manchester United.
People watch United comfortably filling their 67,000 capacity stadium for every league game and, more pertinently, for every domestic cup and Champion's League fixture. They then automatically assume that we could do the same if we possessed a stadium of comparable capacity.
Sadly, as much as it might hurt us to say, that is simply not the case.
United have since the war been able to boast a significantly bigger following than ourselves. Whilst we may lay claim to be quite comfortably the second biggest, United regrettably are out on their own.
Now it is true that part of this does arise from their greater ground capacity. There are, though, other more significant factors at work.
Contrary to the popular perception, the reason for United's greater volume of active support is not down to busloads of Cockneys and Devonians. Nor is it down to the hordes of native Mancunians or Salfordonians either.
No, the reason why United have no trouble whatsoever filling their stadium on a regular basis is because they just so happen to be at the heart of the most fervent footballing hotbed in the entire world. The inestimable football devotees of the North West and Lancashire look inwards to Manchester United as their favourite team. The North West represents United's hinterland. It is akin to the numerical support that Barcelona can draw upon in Catalonia. Or, we daresay, the carve-up of virtually ALL Scottish and Ulster support between Rangers and Celtic.
Only Merseyside, arguably THE most football-crazy part of the very same region, significantly bucks the distinctly United-flavoured Lancastrian trend.
None of this is easy for Liverpudlians to stomach. Unfortunately, it is the way it is. Whether we on Merseyside like it or not. Many vicarious followers our club may boast but when it comes down to getting actual bums on seats on a regular basis, United simply have a hell of a lot more bums. Fact!
Moving quickly on to the wider slightly longer term picture. It may currently be BOOM time for soccer. How long will it last, though? Even the most optimistic forecasts predict the vogue has reached its zenith in Europe.
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