Sport Liverpool Football Club

[Commander Jameson]

Liverpool are a great club with fantastic tradition and Benitez has done miracles with them getting them to two Champions League finals but he is now undoing such good work and the truth is the team he is building now, apart from the obvious Torres and Gerrard, is very lightweight and they are in danger of having yet another poor season in the league.

Yes. That's true. Players like Reina, Agger, Carragher, Skrtel, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel, Keane are terrible really.

[DeNeo]

From the official site:

Rafael Benitez today responded to speculation linking Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt with moves away from Anfield and insisted: "Neither player will be leaving."

Benayoun is reportedly attracting interest from Italian giants Roma while Kuyt has this morning been linked with a switch to Hamburg in Germany.

The Liverpool boss has spoken with both players over the past 24 hours and is adamant each has a big part to play in the club's quest for honours this season.

He said: "It is true that Roma are interested in Yossi. I was talking with him yesterday and told him I want to keep him. He is a player with quality and has shown that during pre-season. I have no more news about Yossi - he will be staying with us.

"I also talked with Dirk Kuyt this morning. I am really pleased with him and he will be staying with us."

Nothing about Alonso

[lampkin]

Yes. That's true. Players like Reina, Agger, Carragher, Skrtel, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel, Keane are terrible really.

As is stated in the above post it seems more a case of Rafa not wanting to sell the likes of Kuyt rather than just plucking huge sums out of the air for fun. Aye, real lightweights..lol

[ca18s13]

If you get there early enough, you'll be able to bag a residential space (unlikely on a weekday, though).

There's loads of makeshift car parks that will charge a fiver within 5-10 mins walk of the ground.

Cheers, will make it an early trip and hope to find somewhere decent!

I really hope Alonso stays, and if he does go, please not to Arsenal

[Stig]

BBC are reporting that Benitez has said Kuyt and Benayoun are staying.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists that Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun will not leave the club this summer.

Dutch forward Kuyt, 28, is a target for German club Hamburg while Benitez admits Roma are interested in midfielder Benayoun, also 28.

But Benitez, after meeting with both players on Thursday, said: "Neither of them will be leaving.

"I have no more news about Yossi - he will be staying. [And] I am really pleased with Kuyt. He will be staying."

It had been suggested that the Anfield boss would let both go in order to finance a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Liverpool have had a number of bids rejected for the England international, the latest of which was believed to be just short of Villa's £18m valuation.

But Benitez has made it clear he still considers Kuyt and Benayoun part of his plans.

"I have talked to Yossi and told him I want to keep him. He is a player with quality and has shown that during pre-season," he said.

"I also talked with Dirk Kuyt this morning. I am really pleased with him."

Liverpool signed Dutch international Kuyt from Feyenoord in August 2006 in a £10m deal while Israel's national captain Benayoun joined from West Ham in July 2007 for £5m.

At present Benitez seems no nearer to concluding a deal to bring Barry to Anfield, though Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill gave the green light to the deal - if the terms are right for Villa - at the weekend.

They also included this delightful picture of Kuyt trying to Stone Cold Stunner Yossi

[dizogg]

AND THATS THE BOTTOM LINE, BECAUSE DIRK KUYT SAID SO!

*Cracks open a can of Kuytweiser*

[sid]

tonights game stream

http://www.justin.tv/widgets/jtv_live.r844...channel=hippy__

[Das]

tonights game stream

http://www.justin.tv/widgets/jtv_live.r844...channel=hippy__

Thanks, it's nearly finished!

[PinkMoon]

I really hope the guy who wrote that is a Villa fan.

The tone is far too favourable for it to have been written by a Villa fan.

[Sng]

The Kop left Benitez in no doubt about what they thought of speculation that Xabi Alonso could be sold to fund a move for Gareth Barry.

Liverpool fans chanted Alonso's name constantly during the game against a competitive Italian side, and the Spaniard responded with a fine all-action display of passing and running.

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_re...3024755,00.html

Good!

[ras el hanout]

Benitez also had words of praise for Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a superb display at the heart of the Reds' midfield.

"He was playing well," he said.

"That was positive for us. He is a good player and hopefully we will have another good player coming in soon. We can improve so we will try to improve."

Still sounds like he's going. I think Rafa Benitez would cut his nose off to spite his face.

[ras el hanout]

And Voronin was getting booed, apparently. A lot of fans are retarded.

[Hoodedclaw]

i dont think we ( as liverpool fans ) don't want Barry and they ( Villa ) want shut from what i can tell . Plz dont sell Xabi Rafa , who else will score from beyond the half way line for us

its all about havin Englishmen in your squad from what i can gather

[ras el hanout]

i dont think we ( as liverpool fans ) don't want Barry and they ( Villa ) want shut from what i can tell . Plz dont sell Xabi Rafa , who else will score from beyond the half way line for us

its all about havin Englishmen in your squad from what i can gather

You don't reckon it's only about that falling out they had at the end of last season? Because I do.

[Hoodedclaw]

remind me which falling out ?

sorry ive only just finished my first coffee

[Reynard]

There was also some, "You can stick your fucking Barry up your arse!" chants as well.

[ras el hanout]

remind me which falling out ?

sorry ive only just finished my first coffee

Liverpool's Champions League plans were in turmoil last night after Rafa Benitez banned Xabi Alonso from the side to face Inter Milan.

Alonso's Anfield future is in serious doubt after their falling-out overshadowed Liverpool's build-up to this evening's big game.

The Spaniard wanted to be with his girlfriend Nagore for the birth of his first child before travelling to Italy on a later flight than his team-mates for the crunch encounter at the San Siro.

But Benitez, frustrated and angry, ruled out the prospect of Alonso making the trip, and insisted he was ready to go with the players who travelled.

"We could not wait and hear no information," he said. "In the end we had to decide because I can't wait and wait and wait for one player right until the end, when you don't know what's going on.

"The question is, when you can't change anything, the most important thing is to think about what you do with the other players."

Benitez's actions will shock many observers who believe that Alonso has the right to attend the birth of his child.

But the Liverpool boss was adamant that nothing would disrupt his plans as he plotted his side's route into the last eight.

Tension has simmered between the pair for months as Alonso has struggled to regain his place after a lengthy absence with a broken metatarsal.

The Spanish midfielder was angry that he was overlooked for youngster Lucas Leiva, a player with lesser experience, and had several showdowns with his manager.

This new problem comes just days after it seemed Alonso had finally regained his place, after star ting in impressive victories against Bolton, West Ham and Newcastle.

[V3zna]

We need someone to take set pieces as once again ours where rubbish last night. Gerrard is the usual culprit but obviously Alonso took over against Lazio. Our corners are all too often pointless near post efforts.

[DeNeo]

God I don't think I've ever had a more frustrating night.

Ordered the tickets on Tuesday, and the ticket office said we'd have to pick them up at the match, as they hadn't printed them yet.

Left work early at half 5 to get the train from Manchester to home - of course it was 15mins late and had only 2 carriages at peak time on a Friday - then from home (Runcorn) we set off to the match. On the motorway we hit a ton of traffic going into Liverpool, but we took a couple of shortcuts in Liverpool itself, so reached the main car park at about half 7 - but for some reason it was permits only, which we didn't think it would be for a friendly, so ended up paying £10 for the privilege of parking near Goodison.

We started the walk to Anfield, and as we approached we hear the kick off had been delayed by 15mins - which was good, as it was now five past 8.

Then the fun started.

We got to the ticket office and a mass of people were there. We thought, this surely can't be the queue, must be people waiting for the kick off. It was the queue.

A couple of security guards were letting people in a gate to go to the first 6 ticket windows where there wasn't a queue - we tried to get there, thinking that much be where the advanced tickets could be picked up. But no. That was for people paying by cash - ie people who hadn't booked in advance. Those who did had to wait.

We must've moved about a metre in 20mins.

All the time we had an announcement apologising, saying they were doing all they could. Were they hell. If they wanted to do anything, they would restrict the cash payments to one window, then have all the rest for advanced tickets. But no - we waited and waited and waited. There were a ton of people there with kids, all very disappointed, crying etc. Then finally, just as half time was approaching, and just a few minutes after saying the match was a sell out, they allowed people to use the other windows - funnily enough the queue started moving rapidly.

We got in and the half time whistle went. 0-0 - at least we hadn't missed much. But then of course Torres goes off. Brilliant. Match kicks off again and we're playing 4-4-2 with Benayoun and Kuyt as wingers - argh! Look, ok, I realise we don't really need wingers if we're playing the system we played last season, but Rafa has played 4-4-2 the last few matches now, and you can see where we're lacking - we've got no one who can cross the ball. Pennant came on and his heart wasn't in it at all.

To top off the night, the announcer comes on saying the police have released a statement, pretty much saying 'sorry we had to delay kick off, but it was the in interests of safety'. Not, 'sorry to those people who missed so much of the match because it took so long to pick up tickets they reserved'.

[dogsout]

You don't reckon it's only about that falling out they had at the end of last season? Because I do.

I don't think so. Rafa must see something in Barry that he believes will bring us closer to where we want to be. In order to fund the Barry deal a player must be sold and Xabi fits the bill because he would fetch a decent price and is expendable. I like Xabi and I think he's a better player than Barry but football's not about individuals and Rafa must believe Barry could offer the team more than Xabi. That argument occurred in February and Xabi found himself back in the team afterwards, I thought it was a non-story then and I won't change my stance now. I think if that was the reason behind all of this Xabi wouldn't have played for us again and would have been gone as soon as the window opened.

[DeNeo]

Statement released on the official site just before 11 tonight:

Liverpool Football Club have today released the following press statement.

Liverpool FC Chief Executive Rick Parry said: "There has been a lot of comment today regarding our position with regards to Gareth Barry.

"This is not about questioning the Manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player. The owners have clearly demonstrated throughout the year they are willing to back Rafa in the transfer market and will continue to do so.

"It is obviously the selling club's prerogative to put whatever price they want on the player, but on this occasion Liverpool think the price quoted is too high."

The Mirror are reporting the owners and Parry only value Barry at £12m (which is probably about right).

There's no way we're getting him now.

[ras el hanout]

I don't think so. Rafa must see something in Barry that he believes will bring us closer to where we want to be. In order to fund the Barry deal a player must be sold and Xabi fits the bill because he would fetch a decent price and is expendable. I like Xabi and I think he's a better player than Barry but football's not about individuals and Rafa must believe Barry could offer the team more than Xabi. That argument occurred in February and Xabi found himself back in the team afterwards, I thought it was a non-story then and I won't change my stance now. I think if that was the reason behind all of this Xabi wouldn't have played for us again and would have been gone as soon as the window opened.

All the players who have supposedly gone against Rafa in some way or another have got back in the team and then been shipped out. Cisse, Bellamy all figured in the team after supposedly falling out, and probably others too. It's a bit of a coincidence though you must agree. As for it being a non-story, well, it is a story and there are quotes from Rafa. And the talk of him leaving kind of appeared as soon as the transfer window opened.

Like I say it could just be a coincidence but personally I think that's what's happened. They fell out and Rafa decided to get rid then. He can be a bit petulant, our Rafa.

[Hoodedclaw]

bbc were reporting a link between us and David Silva earlier , prob just rumour im sure

[dogsout]

All the players who have supposedly gone against Rafa in some way or another have got back in the team and then been shipped out. Cisse, Bellamy all figured in the team after supposedly falling out, and probably others too. It's a bit of a coincidence though you must agree. As for it being a non-story, well, it is a story and there are quotes from Rafa. And the talk of him leaving kind of appeared as soon as the transfer window opened.

Like I say it could just be a coincidence but personally I think that's what's happened. They fell out and Rafa decided to get rid then. He can be a bit petulant, our Rafa.

Cisse didn't go against Rafa, he just wasn't deemed to be good enough and it was clear that Bellamy wanted out before he was sold. As for quotes, there are also quotes of Rafa saying how important a moment the birth of your first child is. He said he has no problem with Xabi but couldn't delay the trip to Italy any longer. There's nothing wrong with that. I know you have a low opinion of the man but even you must agree that he isn't stupid. For him to sell Alonso and replace him with Barry at a net loss of £3m or more just because Alonso was unavailable for one game would be immensely stupid.

I think it far more likely that thanks to increasing pressure from the less patient fans and general cuntish media, he feels he has to deliver a sustained title challenge this season (and probably some trophies) or he'll be out the door. Perhaps he has decided that buying proven quality Premier League players at the expense of Alonso who, although very talented, struggles when he isn't allowed to dictate the pace of play, would be better for the team.

[Sng]

bbc were reporting a link between us and David Silva earlier , prob just rumour im sure

Does he play down the left?

[dogsout]

He could play anywhere in the three behind the striker.

[ras el hanout]

Cisse didn't go against Rafa, he just wasn't deemed to be good enough and it was clear that Bellamy wanted out before he was sold. As for quotes, there are also quotes of Rafa saying how important a moment the birth of your first child is. He said he has no problem with Xabi but couldn't delay the trip to Italy any longer. There's nothing wrong with that. I know you have a low opinion of the man but even you must agree that he isn't stupid. For him to sell Alonso and replace him with Barry at a net loss of £3m or more just because Alonso was unavailable for one game would be immensely stupid.

I think it far more likely that thanks to increasing pressure from the less patient fans and general cuntish media, he feels he has to deliver a sustained title challenge this season (and probably some trophies) or he'll be out the door. Perhaps he has decided that buying proven quality Premier League players at the expense of Alonso who, although very talented, struggles when he isn't allowed to dictate the pace of play, would be better for the team.

Cisse didn't stare into Rafa's eyes after coming on and scoring those two goals in that supercup final or whatever it was? And how was it clear Bellamy wanted out before he was sold? When he supposedly gave the interview saying Rafa didn't talk to him?

And it's less patient fans and the cuntish media who demand he deliver a sustained title challenge this season? Surely all fans would demand that. It's not just Alonso was unavailable for one game. Perhaps when he wasn't getting the amount of games he wanted Alonso said to Rafa "Hey, I should play more." That gets you booted out of Liverpool. I mean, it is a coincidence. Perhaps there is nothing in it but perhaps there is. I would not be surprised.

And I demand a sustained title challenge this year. The squad is strong enough. I believe Mourinho or Ferguson would mount a sustained title challenge with our squad, so our manager should too.

Last season, before the season started we had a strong squad, as the season went on it was the squad who weren't good enough, the owners, everything wasn't good enough except Rafa.

I hope this season isn't dominated by the blinkered fans just making excuses for Rafa.

[tenrou]

I agree that we should be mounting a more sustained title challenge this season. While obviously I'd like to win it, I just want to see us more compeditive in the title race. Problem is I can only say that so often. While Rafa has brought success in europe and I appreciate that, he so far has been able to mitigate league success for the sake of europe. That wont fly this year. He needs to be challenging for the title, nothing else will do.

[dogsout]

Cisse didn't stare into Rafa's eyes after coming on and scoring those two goals in that supercup final or whatever it was? And how was it clear Bellamy wanted out before he was sold? When he supposedly gave the interview saying Rafa didn't talk to him?

Yes. The briefing he gave which was subsequently divulged on air minutes before a televised match kicked off. Who cares anyway? Bellamy wasn't good enough and was sold on for a profit.

And it's less patient fans and the cuntish media who demand he deliver a sustained title challenge this season? Surely all fans would demand that.

I don't think so. I'd love a sustained title challenge and some silverware but then I'm not kidding myself about the difficulty of the task at hand. Chelsea and United are two of the best sides in Europe operating to a financial standard we can't match. Especially not with these clowns at the helm.

It's not just Alonso was unavailable for one game. Perhaps when he wasn't getting the amount of games he wanted Alonso said to Rafa "Hey, I should play more." That gets you booted out of Liverpool. I mean, it is a coincidence. Perhaps there is nothing in it but perhaps there is. I would not be surprised.

When was Alonso not playing enough? Whenever he is fit he invariably plays.

Last season, before the season started we had a strong squad, as the season went on it was the squad who weren't good enough, the owners, everything wasn't good enough except Rafa.

No it wasn't. The squad was strong but Rafa was completely undermined by the owners when it looked like we might suffer an early exit from the CL. As soon as they were done with Mourinho the media focussed their sights on Rafa and didn't let up. No other manager has had their tactics, signings or methods scrutinized in the manner Rafa has. The owners aren't good enough. I can't understand why you choose to side with the owners and give them your backing but can't extend the courtesy to Rafa when it is patently clear which of the two parties has the best interests of the club at heart.

I hope this season isn't dominated by the blinkered fans just making excuses for Rafa.

I hope this season is dominated by the small minority of ignorants that constantly second guess his tactics and methods, downplay the difficulty of the task he faces in overthrowing Chelsea and United, boo our own players (those that bother to attend games) all the while ignoring our traditions as well as the threat that these two American conmen pose to our club.

We've been here before, ramone, and it got us nowhere last time. With that in mind I won't be continuing the argument further.

[ras el hanout]

Fair enough, just answer me this. Do you think that Jose Mourinho or Ferguson or Wenger, with our squad, would do a better job in the Premiership. If the answer is no, you don't think they'd do a better job, then that's fine, we will never agree.

I believe those three would all mount a better challenge than Rafa. I believe a lot of other Premiership managers would mount a better challenge than Rafa. I don't think any other manager would have given up on a game like Rafa did at Reading.

And once again I would say that we are never going to have the financial muscle of Man U or Chelsea. The fact that that's what we're hoping for is, well. Kenwright was lambasted for saying Everton couldn't compete without a billionaire taking over. That seems to be the theme of your post.

And I know we now love talking about our NET spend, rather than our spend. Our Net spend over the last four years is similar to Man U's. Yes I know they had a more valuable squad to begin with but let's not kid ourselves Rafa has built that squad on a shoestring.

Maybe this year will be different and Rafa will get some confidence into his brilliant squad. I certainly hope so.