Sport Liverpool Football Club

[DeNeo]

Who cares? You only think we should have him because other teams have bid for him. Don't be a sheep! You've probably never seen him play apart from about 20mins in the FA Cup final have you?

I think the point was that we can't even compete when it comes to buying a player likely to be costing £5million. Though only the Utd bid is the definite - BBC Sport is the one saying Arsenal is the other club. A Cardiff fansite is saying it's Liverpool. Then again, a Chelsea fansite is saying Benitez has made it known he wants to join Chelsea...

It's far too quiet on our transfer front, considering Benitez wanted all the deals done before the Euros. I knew it wouldn't happen though Just seems to be all the big speculation is linking players away from us (Barry excluded).

[dizogg]

How sweet would it be if we knocked out Mourinho's Inter in next seasons UCL?

[Nate Dogg III]

So Ramsey is off to either Man U or Arsenal is the understanding? 3 teams bidded, 2 were accepted.

Christ we just can't compete it's pretty pathetic!

Probably because Benitez offered two players he transparently doesn't think are very good and a packet of wine gums. And some dreams.

Sad state really but he clearly hasn't got a pot to piss in. Echoes of José last year imo, he'll end up signing a bunch of players on Bosmans and anything else will have to be funded by sales.

[V3zna]

Didn't you guys have the chance to buy Ronaldo at something like 4/5 million, and look what happened there!

That's not true. Houiller and Thompson where fully aware of Ronaldo's talents but where pretty surprised when Man Utd suddenly bought him for mega bucks when his asking price to Liverpool was apparently 4 or 5 million.

[V3zna]

Probably because Benitez offered two players he transparently doesn't think are very good and a packet of wine gums. And some dreams.

Sad state really but he clearly hasn't got a pot to piss in. Echoes of José last year imo, he'll end up signing a bunch of players on Bosmans and anything else will have to be funded by sales.

It's important to remember that we had to shell out £18 million for Mascherano and £6 million for Skrtel in January.

[phresh]

That's not true. Houiller and Thompson where fully aware of Ronaldo's talents but where pretty surprised when Man Utd suddenly bought him for mega bucks when his asking price to Liverpool was apparently 4 or 5 million.

Eh? Surely if that was the asking price then you had the chance to buy him for that much?

[Kelthink]

We had/have Rick Parry. That's why we didn't get him. And a host of other players. He (Rick) is such a fuckwit.

[V3zna]

Eh? Surely if that was the asking price then you had the chance to buy him for that much?

Liverpool where watching him. Before they knew it he was snapped up by Man Utd.

[dogsout]

It's not all doom and gloom; apparently Dossena will complete his medical tomorrow.

I'm sure I've made my stance on the owners of this club perfectly clear but I have to say I'm not that worried about the summer window. Rafa seems far too calm to me. I can't help but think if things were as bad as they seem he'd be talking about the need for change, as he has done in summers past. He's been much more like the old Rafa in recent interviews, mischievous smile and all. I think he knows something we don't and I'm just going to put my faith in him again, kick back and enjoy the summer instead of wasting loads of time checking up on transfers or the takeover.

[Takizawa]

It's not all doom and gloom; apparently Dossena will complete his medical tomorrow.

I'm sure I've made my stance on the owners of this club perfectly clear but I have to say I'm not that worried about the summer window. Rafa seems far too calm to me. I can't help but think if things were as bad as they seem he'd be talking about the need for change, as he has done in summers past. He's been much more like the old Rafa in recent interviews, mischievous smile and all. I think he knows something we don't and I'm just going to put my faith in him again, kick back and enjoy the summer instead of wasting loads of time checking up on transfers or the takeover.

Exactly how I feel

[DeNeo]

Andrea Dossena is delighted to become the first Italian international to play for Liverpool

The Udinese left-back will complete his move to Anfield in the coming days after undergoing a medical on Merseyside earlier this week.

Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello revealed his client's delight at signing for Liverpool.

"I understand he is the first Italian international to play for Liverpool - a great opportunity for him and he is really happy," Pastorello revealed.

Dossena is expected to finalise his transfer in the next 48 hours before being unveiled by The Reds next week in a deal believed to be worth around £7million.

"He had his medical on Wednesday and we are just awaiting the formalities of that but we would think everything will be signed very shortly," he continued.

"An agreement between the clubs was hard, but we all found it and everything is now ready."

The 26-year-old had a tremendous campaign with Udinese, which included his debut for Italy, and Pastorello admits Liverpool beat a number of clubs to seal his signature.

"There were many teams interested in him," he confirmed.

"He was the best left-back in Italy last year, arguably along with the boy [Juan]Vargas at Catania.

"So it was natural that there will be interest in the best left-back in Serie A, but to have the chance to work with a coach like Rafa Benitez was something he could not turn down.

"That was an important aspect of his decision and he cannot wait to get started."

Looks like it's almost done then, and apparently a deal for Barry is close. According to the Daily Post, next up after that is Bentley.

If we sell the players who've been linked with a move away (to pay for the new recruits ) then I reckon we'd still be at least one short. Namely a left winger/attacker/striker. I can understand why Benitez is going for Barry and Bentley - Premiership experience and English in case that Fifa rule goes through - but it doesn't exactly fill me with confidence we can go on and win the title next season. Especially with having to sell Alonso

[Kelthink]

I think we've really got to be brutal and ruthless with regards to Xabi. We shouldn't let sentimentality get in the way of victory, and if we were to get £15 million+ for him, especially compared to how he's played recently, it would be a steal. People have been wanting to get rid of Pennant, but he's barely had a chance to prove himself at all - he was constantly improving in his first season and was severely hampered by an injury last season, but the same people who let Xabi off with that excuse ignored it for Pennant. He'll probably go too, which I still think is a shame. Even if he is a bit thick.

[ras el hanout]

I think we've really got to be brutal and ruthless with regards to Xabi. We shouldn't let sentimentality get in the way of victory, and if we were to get £15 million+ for him, especially compared to how he's played recently, it would be a steal. People have been wanting to get rid of Pennant, but he's barely had a chance to prove himself at all - he was constantly improving in his first season and was severely hampered by an injury last season, but the same people who let Xabi off with that excuse ignored it for Pennant. He'll probably go too, which I still think is a shame. Even if he is a bit thick.

Because Alonso has proved he can cut it, Pennant hasn't.

[dogsout]

That's a good point, Kelthink. I'm a big fan of Xabi but I do think getting £16m for him would be good business for both teams. What ramone is saying is right, though. Form is temporary, class is permanent etc. I do think Alonso's contribution to the team has been overlooked in the last few seasons because it's not as eye-catching as his displays in 2005.

I don't believe that we're in for Bentley. We'd do just as well to keep Pennant IMO. I mean, why sell Pennant for £5m and spend £12m on a marginally better player that won't suit the system we play? We don't need a traditional winger to play wide behind Torres, we need a sort of wing forward. Somebody like Babel or Robinho or Pandev or Nasri or Ben Arfa or Arshavin or Palacio or Jefferson-Farfan or... I'm sure you get my point. The fullbacks provide most of the width in this system. There would be little point in the fullback overlapping Bentley because he's always going to cross early, as opposed to looking to play the fullback into space and get forward in support of his striker.

[PinkMoon]

Looks like it's almost done then, and apparently a deal for Barry is close. According to the Daily Post, next up after that is Bentley.

If we sell the players who've been linked with a move away (to pay for the new recruits ) then I reckon we'd still be at least one short. Namely a left winger/attacker/striker. I can understand why Benitez is going for Barry and Bentley - Premiership experience and English in case that Fifa rule goes through - but it doesn't exactly fill me with confidence we can go on and win the title next season. Especially with having to sell Alonso

1. The way your club has conducted itself re: Gareth Barry has been absolutely disgusting, $tevie G in particular. What the fuck has the transfer or Barry's career got to do with Gerrard? Nothing that needs to be spoken about to the press, that's for sure. Cunt.

2. Liverpool could spend £100m outright this summer and still not come close to winning the title.

[DC]

*pulls up a chair*

[Dom B]

1. The way your club has conducted itself re: Gareth Barry has been absolutely disgusting, $tevie G in particular. What the fuck has the transfer or Barry's career got to do with Gerrard? Nothing that needs to be spoken about to the press, that's for sure. Cunt.

2. Liverpool could spend £100m outright this summer and still not come close to winning the title.

Ouch!

Don't forget the Patrik Berger bit!

[PinkMoon]

Ouch!

Don't forget the Patrik Berger bit!

He's less of an actual cunt, just a bit simple.

[dogsout]

Yeah, either that or a realist.

[PinkMoon]

Yeah, either that or a realist.

Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea coming in for Barry wouldn't upset me nearly as much as Liverpool doing it. Or rather, I could far easier understand Barry getting his head turned by these teams; I think their position at the top of the table and as Champions League regulars is more or less guaranteed for the next few years.

Liverpool are a different matter. They spent most of last season suffering from (and whining endlessly about) the Hicks/Gillette/Parry drama. Only in the last 8-10 games of the season did they manage to sort their shit out and finally pull away from Everton, Villa and Portsmouth, who paid the price for smaller squads, cup runs etc. Before that, they were dreadful. Gerrard spent most of his time whining about how the boardroom troubles were affecting them on the pitch; once they put a decent run together, he mysteriously shut the fuck up about it, despite the troubles actually getting more ridiculous by the week. So what's it going to be, $tevie? Surely you can't just admit that you're not (collectively) that good after all? Probably not, there's always got to be something to pin the mediocrity on. Liverpool's place in the top four is pretty precarious if you ask me. Everton were excellent last season. Villa have been rejuvenated in the last two years and are getting better all the time. Manchester City are awash with money and on a roll. Portmouth can beat nearly anyone on their day. Spurs and Newcastle can only improve too.

Anyway, I'm ranting. Enough.

Barry clearly wants to go, so it's as good as a done deal. I think he's making a mistake and can't bring myself to wish him well, but what can you do? My original point remains though - representatives of Liverpool have behaved disgustingly over this whole affair.

[V3zna]

Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea coming in for Barry wouldn't upset me nearly as much as Liverpool doing it. Or rather, I could far easier understand Barry getting his head turned by these teams; I think their position at the top of the table and as Champions League regulars is more or less guaranteed for the next few years.

Liverpool's place in the top four is pretty precarious if you ask me. Everton were excellent last season. Villa have been rejuvenated in the last two years and are getting better all the time. Manchester City are awash with money and on a roll. Portmouth can beat nearly anyone on their day. Spurs and Newcastle can only improve too.

Liverpool are officially the no.1 team in regard to European competition in the recent released rankings.

Man Utd are being sidetracked by the neverending Ronaldo saga. Chelsea have no manager and need a clear out. Arsenal have more going out that coming in. I see no reason why Liverpool FC's position in the top four should be under threat. I hear this every year and yet under Benitez we make a little bit of progress every season and qualify for the Champions League. We needed new fullbacks and we've already signed two. We are replacing Alonso with a player that statistically makes more assists and scores more in the Premier League. Alledgedly a new forward is to come in. We're still moving in the required direction.

I remember last season Spurs where going to take Arsenal's top four spot. Hmmm, that worked out well.

[dogsout]

Liverpool are a different matter. They spent most of last season suffering from (and whining endlessly about) the Hicks/Gillette/Parry drama. Only in the last 8-10 games of the season did they manage to sort their shit out and finally pull away from Everton, Villa and Portsmouth, who paid the price for smaller squads, cup runs etc. Before that, they were dreadful. Gerrard spent most of his time whining about how the boardroom troubles were affecting them on the pitch; once they put a decent run together, he mysteriously shut the fuck up about it, despite the troubles actually getting more ridiculous by the week. So what's it going to be, $tevie? Surely you can't just admit that you're not (collectively) that good after all? Probably not, there's always got to be something to pin the mediocrity on.

It didn't happen like that at all. Up until November (coincidentally when all of the nonsense with the owners kicked off) we were doing quite well. The manager's job security was threatened for the first time in his tenure and the players reacted badly. It took some time to steady the ship but we finished the season quite well giving most of us Liverpool fans a shred of hope for the future. I doubt we're in danger of falling out of the top four any time soon but I suppose that depends on the situation with the owners. Similarly if these problems are addressed and the new stadium actually gets built allowing the manager to compete financially with our rivals then we'd be in a very strong position.

Barry clearly wants to go, so it's as good as a done deal. I think he's making a mistake and can't bring myself to wish him well, but what can you do? My original point remains though - representatives of Liverpool have behaved disgustingly over this whole affair.

The only thing that has seemed out of the ordinary about this transfer saga is O'Neill's reaction to it all. Gerrard was asked what he thought of Barry and he probably should have just said he's a good player and left it at that. However, saying what he did doesn't make him a cunt. It seems to me that some Villa fans are scared of losing their captain and are lashing out. That's perfectly natural but perhaps it would be more appropriate to do so in the Villa thread rather than in here. I doubt many Liverpool fans are that arsed about the 'disgusting' behaviour of the club when all it has done is make an offer for a player and admitted to wanting him.

Perhaps you're right and the club has acted inappropriately. If that is the case please provide some evidence because everything I've seen so far just seems like the normal jazz that goes with a transfer.

[PinkMoon]

It didn't happen like that at all. Up until November (coincidentally when all of the nonsense with the owners kicked off) we were doing quite well. The manager's job security was threatened for the first time in his tenure and the players reacted badly. It took some time to steady the ship but we finished the season quite well giving most of us Liverpool fans a shred of hope for the future. I doubt we're in danger of falling out of the top four any time soon but I suppose that depends on the situation with the owners. Similarly if these problems are addressed and the new stadium actually gets built allowing the manager to compete financially with our rivals then we'd be in a very strong position.

The only thing that has seemed out of the ordinary about this transfer saga is O'Neill's reaction to it all. Gerrard was asked what he thought of Barry and he probably should have just said he's a good player and left it at that. However, saying what he did doesn't make him a cunt. It seems to me that some Villa fans are scared of losing their captain and are lashing out. That's perfectly natural but perhaps it would be more appropriate to do so in the Villa thread rather than in here. I doubt many Liverpool fans are that arsed about the 'disgusting' behaviour of the club when all it has done is make an offer for a player and admitted to wanting him.

Perhaps you're right and the club has acted inappropriately. If that is the case please provide some evidence because everything I've seen so far just seems like the normal jazz that goes with a transfer.

Balls, just typed a reply to this only to have the forum lose it.

In summary:

From the point of view of an outsider, Liverpool seem far and away the most vulnerable of the current top four; only superlative performances by Gerrard and Torres last season really helped keep them above the chasing pack. A little injury here or there could have made a huge difference.

As for the integrity of Liverpool's behaviour, it's just a question of perception; clearly it's not going to offend you if Rafa gets his man and he makes you a better team. But O'Neill is in a similar position now with Gareth Barry and Liverpool as Alex Ferguson is with Ronaldo and Madrid; things have been said which shouldn't be said - according to the rules, never mind common decency - until fees have been agreed. (An aside: I'd have more sympathy for Ferguson if he wasn't one of the most vicious 'tappers' of recent years...) As for Gerrard - you're right, he should have kept his mouth shut; it's absolutely none of his business. And yes, admittedly I'm not 100% sure whether his comments alone render him a cunt though - on further consideration, I think they were just the icing on the big fat cunty whining diving cake.

With respect to my choice of spleen-venting thread, I thought this was the perfect place. Barry's as good as gone in my eyes, so it's not really a Villa issue any more. Just as long as we get all the Alonso cash plus another couple of million, it's good business as far as I'm concerned.

[Das]

O'Neill is a fucking cunt

[PinkMoon]

O'Neill is a fucking cunt

Ah yes, but he's our cunt!

[Takizawa]

Balls, just typed a reply to this only to have the forum lose it.

In summary:

From the point of view of an outsider, Liverpool seem far and away the most vulnerable of the current top four; only superlative performances by Gerrard and Torres last season really helped keep them above the chasing pack. A little injury here or there could have made a huge difference.

You mean like pretty much a whole season without arguably our best centre back and left back? Does that count?

Performance wise, where would United have been without Ronaldo and Tevez? Arsenal without Cesc and Adebayor? Chelsea without Cech and Essien?

No but you're right, we should feel bad about having two absolute world class players in our squad.

[PinkMoon]

You mean like pretty much a whole season without arguably our best centre back and left back? Does that count?

Performance wise, where would United have been without Ronaldo and Tevez? Arsenal without Cesc and Adebayor? Chelsea without Cech and Essien?

No but you're right, we should feel bad about having two absolute world class players in our squad.

All three of those teams have quality (and goals) all over the pitch - and greater strength in depth - than Liverpool. That's why they finished above you.

And where did I say you should feel bad about having Gerrard and Torres? You're understandably delighted, I'd reckon - you'd have been *fucked* without them.

[Takizawa]

All three of those teams have quality (and goals) all over the pitch - and greater strength in depth - than Liverpool. That's why they finished above you.

And where did I say you should feel bad about having Gerrard and Torres? You're understandably delighted, I'd reckon - you'd have been *fucked* without them.

I think you'd find the distribution of goals from the likes of Chelsea and United would be less than Liverpools, but I highly doubt you've done any research to back up and of your comments.

[V3zna]

And where did I say you should feel bad about having Gerrard and Torres? You're understandably delighted, I'd reckon - you'd have been *fucked* without them.

We finished third in the previous season WITHOUT Torres. I'll not mention the fact that Reina has now won the Premier League Golden Gloves award for the third season in a row. Yes, we are definitely a two man team and I'm sure Reina, Agger, Skrtel and Mascherano will be glad their immense contributions have gone completely unnoticed. Ah well, beats being called a one man team like we where in the Gerrard days.

You sound like a journalist from The Sun.

[Reynard]

You sound like a journalist from The Sun.

Or one of your typical fans who merely respouts whatever the 'expert' pundits come out with.