Liverpool FC Forum

[red37]

Dudek set for sentimental return
By Andy Hunter

The independent: 24 November 2006

The luxury of having nothing to play for in Istanbul, in stark contrast to the European Cup on his last visit, will reveal a hitherto hidden sentimental streak in Rafael Benitez next month when he hands Jerzy Dudek a rare start in the stadium where the Poland international secured his place in Liverpool folklore.

With victory over PSV Eindhoven sealing first place in Group C Liverpool can head for the Ataturk Stadium, the home of Galatasaray and scene of their Champions' League triumph in 2005, on a nostalgia trip. As such, the emphasis will be on youth and rotation for the Liverpool manager, although he will also use the relaxed occasion to reward Dudek for his professionalism since losing his place to Jose Reina.

In what is sure to be the goalkeeper's final season at the club Benitez has warmed to the idea of offering him a fitting farewell. "He's a very good goalkeeper and a great professional," said the Spaniard.

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will this finally be the season when we say a fond farewell to Jerzy Dudek?  for all his faults, he has taken his rightful place in Anfield folklore due to that  night. And will remain forever legendary in my estimation because of the heroics he performed in helping the side achieve their wildest of dreams...Personally im expecting Carson to return at the end of this season, leaving even less opportunity for him.  It goes without saying,  it would be a fantastic gesture for Rafa to play him against Galatasaray im sure you'd agree.

[azriahmad]

It's a fantastic gesture for a special hero.

I just hope the Galatasary players don't give us more injury problems.

[supersub]

I've no doubt Dudek will play in that game.

[67-1161385641]

Dudek really lived up to his name, he was a dude and he decked some Everton player a few months ago, I don't really want him to go because he's a good keeper, but he needs to be playing first team football. It's a great gesture though, perhaps Gala will buy him so he can do an Istanbul every game for them. 

[Ace Ventura]

I havent heard any complaints coming from Jerzy this season despite the fact he has hardly played and Reinas poor early season form.
Rafa was right to stick with Reina who on Wednesday looked like he was getting his confidence back, but with our place as group winners secured it is only right that fringe players and some of the youth team are given a go. It will allow the first team players a rest so they can concentrate on climbing the league.

Just one question though.....does the club recieve a lump sum for every game/point in the champions league...if so how much is it ?

[red37]

Just one question though.....does the club recieve a lump sum for every game/point in the champions league...if so how much is it ?

the only thing i can suggest Ace is having a mooch in here:

http://www.uefa.com/uefa/KeyTopics/Kind=16384/index.html

there was a brief comment on revenue in the PSV thread.

The 16 teams playing in the first knockout round will receive
€2.2m, the eight quarter-finalists €2.5m each and the four semi-finalists €3m each. The UEFA Champions League
winners will receive €7m, and the runners-up €4m.

sorry im not much use today 

[Leonmc0708]

I hope he does play Dudek, and every other reserve/sub type player possible against Galatasary, we shoudl send all the kids.

The people on here with the rose tinted glasses on though should take them off.

Jerzy had a good game at the Ataturk, but he was poor most of the time otherwise. A legend is a bit much, definitly a cult hero, but would you bracket him with Digger, Kenny, Souness, Liddell, Emlyn, Shanks..... I dont think so.

[red37]

Jerzy had a good game at the Ataturk, but he was poor most of the time otherwise. A legend is a bit much, definitely a cult hero, but would you bracket him with Digger, Kenny, Souness, Liddell, Emlyn, Shanks..... I dont think so.

True.. with the likes of the names mentioned there, he doesnt hold a candle to any  of them realistically.  Perhaps the term 'Legendary' was used loosely i agree. Dudek though for all his faults - and there are several in his make-up;  at the end of his time here will be considered very much along mediocre lines.  but in terms of the sheer impact his influence had on that Final and to the victory. You have to say, the double-save in Extra-time alone was worthy of such distinction....to this day and beyond, you will not witness a 'snapshot' in time of more critical significance. That's what i wanted to say m8.

[Ace Ventura]

Jerzy had a good game at the Ataturk, but he was poor most of the time otherwise. A legend is a bit much, definitely a cult hero, but would you bracket him with Digger, Kenny, Souness, Liddell, Emlyn, Shanks..... I dont think so.

True.. with the likes of the names mentioned there, he doesnt hold a candle to any  of them realistically.  Perhaps the term 'Legendary' was used loosely i agree. Dudek though for all his faults - and there are several in his make-up;  at the end of his time here will be considered very much along mediocre lines.  but in terms of the sheer impact his influence had on that Final and to the victory. You have to say, the double-save in Extra-time alone was worthy of such distinction....to this day and beyond, you will not witness a 'snapshot' in time of more critical significance. That's what i wanted to say m8.

In that case Smicer is also a 'legend' then 

I see what your saying really mate, by the way dont write m8 on your posts or jonnymac goes mental 

[crouchaldinho]

Quote (Leonmc0708 @ Nov. 24 2006,09:15)
Jerzy had a good game at the Ataturk, but he was poor most of the time otherwise. A legend is a bit much, definitely a cult hero, but would you bracket him with Digger, Kenny, Souness, Liddell, Emlyn, Shanks..... I dont think so.

True.. with the likes of the names mentioned there, he doesnt hold a candle to any  of them realistically.  Perhaps the term 'Legendary' was used loosely i agree. Dudek though for all his faults - and there are several in his make-up;  at the end of his time here will be considered very much along mediocre lines.  but in terms of the sheer impact his influence had on that Final and to the victory. You have to say, the double-save in Extra-time alone was worthy of such distinction....to this day and beyond, you will not witness a 'snapshot' in time of more critical significance. That's what i wanted to say m8.

Here, here

[alessandromagno]

I am very sad that he's leaving. He is Liverpool's best keeper.

[jkop]

I am very sad that he's leaving. He is Liverpool's best keeper.

He is good, but Liverpools best i dont know about that, dont forget those keepers out on loan which are doing a fine job.

[Leonmc0708]

I am very sad that he's leaving. He is Liverpool's best keeper.

Shut up and pass that crack pipe.

[Ace Ventura]

I am very sad that he's leaving. He is Liverpool's best keeper.

He is good, but Liverpools best i dont know about that, dont forget those keepers out on loan which are doing a fine job.

We only have one keeper out on loan now mate, Kirkland has left.
Dudek is not as good a keeper as Reina or Carson. We are fine in that area imo.

[WhIpLaSh]

I agree that he should be rewarded. Legend is probably a bit over the top but at the VERY least for that ONE night, he was a legend beyond compare.

I like his professional attitude towards being sidelined this season. With so many primadonnas in the game today, it's good to see that there are still players like Jerzy that realise his career is far from over and he has more to gain from being professional than from being a whinger.

I wish him all the best in his future career.

Kudos to Jerzy.