Liverpool FC Forum

[account deleted by request]

Probably got him a better deal from all the rumours though mate

[Emerald Red]

So, that's one in the f*cking eye for all those bullsh*t artists out there. Kilnsmann joins Bayern. Happy days, then. Those journo's can all get f*cked. Same goes for the w@nkers that came in here the other day and wanted him to replace Rafa. Tw@ts.

[Bad Bob]

Well, it sounds as though the owners aren't quite skint yet, seeing as Gillett can afford to take some no mark Canadian journo and his camera man 'across the pond' with him and let them live large for a week on his dime.  Here's the absolutely cringe-worthy blog from sportsnet.ca:

Louis Jean

December 12, 2007
Part 1: Who wants to be a billionaire?

Every day I thank my lucky stars for having the privilege of working in the sports industry. As a kid I dreamed of being a professional hockey player. The next best thing was to earn a living covering the game.

I've had many memorable moments throughout my seven plus years in the business but my current assignment takes the cake.

About eight months ago I pitched a story idea to my boss thinking there was no way in hell he'd go for it. I told him I wanted to go to the UK to do a story on George Gillett, the owner of the Liverpool FC. Gillett, who also owns the Montreal Canadiens and is part-owner of the Gillett-Evernham team in the NASCAR series has become one of the most influential persons in the sports scene worldwide.

Not only did George Gillett agree to give us exclusive behind the scenes access but he also offered to let us travel with him.

Last Monday we left from Montreal on his private jet and traveled to Marseille France for the FC's do-or-die tilt versus L'Olympique. My cameraman Hugo Regimbal and I were pinching ourselves. We couldn't believe the VIP treatment we were getting. It was like nothing we had ever experienced and probably never will again. We definitely could get used to the billionaire's lifestyle.

After being entertained by George Gillett for seven hours we arrived in Marseille. Hugo and I hit the ground running to get scenics of the city. It was absolutely breathtaking. Later that night, we attended the Champions League game. It was an amazing atmosphere in spite of the fact Liverpool was in command 11 minutes in.

Now I've had the privilege to attend Stanley Cup Finals and covered a Super Bowl but nothing, absolutely nothing compares to what I experienced at Stade Velodrome last night. The fans sang the entire game supporting their team. They danced, lit flares and partied like there was no tomorrow.

Needless to say I won't soon forget my 24 hours in Marseille. I gotta go now. We're off to England getting set for the biggest game of the year. Manchester United will clash with their arch rivals at Anfield on Sunday. But before we make it to Liverpool, we'll spend the day in London. Stay tuned for more on our dream assignment.

December 13, 2007
Part 2: Lovin' Liverpool

As marvelous as our 24-hour trip to Marseille was, our visit to London would be equally as amazing.

Wednesday morning we left the south of France on way to London, England. George Gillett had some important business there before heading over to Liverpool. The 90 minute trip aboard the private jet was quite remarkable. It was truly a sight-seeing voyage. We flew over Paris and could see L'Arc de Triomphe, Les Champs Elysee and the Eiffel Tour. The view as we descended upon England was truly breathtaking.

We landed at a private airport in Farnsborough and drove one hour to London. Pulling up at our hotel was like arriving at Buckingham Palace. Claridge Hotel is one of the most prestigious hotels in all of London, and it's also one of the most expensive. A lot of the big stars, politicians and dignitaries stay there during their visit to England. Case and point: the Queen of Spain and U2's famous guitarist The Edge were on hand during our 24 hour stay.

After they begged me to have a bite with them to catch up on lost times, Hugo (my cameraman) and I rushed off to get some scenics of the city to incorporate in our report. We saw Buckingham Palace, the London Tower and the Tower Bridge, the Museum of Modern History and Big Ben.

After a few hours of running around town, we returned to the hotel to accompany Gillett to his meeting at the Premier League headquarters. We sat in for some of the discussions with Richard Scudamore, the EPL Chief Executive, but when things got a little more serious we had to leave. Afterwards, we got beautiful images of London under the lights and called it a day.

On Thursday morning we hopped back in a plane en route to Liverpool. Once we arrived, Gillett took us over to Anfield the home of his FC Liverpool squad. From there we went to the teams 90-year-old practice facility. I was expecting Liverpool to be a grey, run-down, blue collar town, but to my surprise it's absolutely beautiful. While most of Gillett's entourage headed back to the hotel to catch a little shut eye Hugo and I went to the southern part of town to see the Beatles old stomping ground.

We shot some visuals of the Penny Lane, Win Bar and drove around the Fab Four's former neighbourhood. On our way back to the hotel, Dave our driver stopped by Paul McCartney's old house -- I'm told the basement is exactly the way his parents left it.

The Edge, the Queen of Spain, the Beatles all in one day! My head is spinning. As Gerry Dobson the host of Soccercentral put it, this is the trip of a lifetime. He was right. It is truly a magical and we're just halfway through.

December 17, 2007
Part 3: Officially converted

Last Monday I embarked on a weeklong trip that would take me to France and the U.K. to follow George Gillett, the owner of the Montreal Canadiens and the Liverpool FC.

I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of European football nor of North America's watered down version. I always thought the players were fakers and the game was boring. But I can assure you I was wrong and have since developed a new appreciation for the sport.

I attended two games. A Champions League tilt in Marseille and an English Premiership derby in Liverpool.

Gillett had told me to prepare to be amazed and he was absolutely right. The Liverpool supporters are the most passionate, most intense I've ever seen. My cameraman Hugo and I were standing in the famous Kop just before kickoff while the diehard fans sang the club's theme song "You'll never walk alone." It was magic. I had goose bumps all over.

The atmosphere was electric on Grand Slam Sunday. Archrivals Manchester United with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Owen Hargreaves in a hostile environment going up against Steven Gerrard and his Liverpool FC. It was the game of the year. A star-studded affair.

The game was intense and to my suprise very physical. The 44,000 fans were boisterous and stuck behind their team through thick and thin. The entire experience was out of this world.

On top of following Gillett around, Hugo and I drove around town and got to see some of the famous Liverpool landmarks. The Liverbuilding, the skyline, the famous port and most importantly Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane and the Cavern Club where the Beatles used to play.

We felt like royalty traveling on a private jet from city to city. We had a personal chauffeur driving us around. We got to briefly visit Marseille, London and Liverpool and saw The Edge from U2 and the Queen of Spain.

But nothing will compare to the adrenaline rush I got from watching those two matches. I never thought I'd say this but I'm converted. I will no longer knock European football.

----
Well, that's one more glory-hunter added to the ranks from the looks of things.  Seems pretty happy clappy, though, so I suppose I shouldn't complain?

[account deleted by request]

Klinsmann was offered Benitez's job
EXCLUSIVE By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 22:30pm on 11th January 2008

Rafa Benitez's worst fears were confirmed last night when it emerged that Jurgen Klinsmann was offered the Liverpool manager's job before agreeing to join Bayern Munich.

The Anfield boss has sensed for weeks that the axe was hovering and his misgivings seem wellfounded after a remarkable twist to Klinsmann's unveiling as Ottmar Hitzfeld's successor this summer.


According to senior sources at Bayern and the German FA, Klinsmann was presented with a 'detailed offer' to take over at Liverpool and was seriously considering it when the Bundesliga leaders made their move.

Sportsmail revealed this week how the former Germany coach topped Liverpool co-owner George Gillett's wanted list and was in line to be Anfield's next manager as pressure continued to mount on Benitez.

As Klinsmann faced the media in Munich yesterday, it became clear he could have been heading for Merseyside instead but for topranking Bayern officials hearing of Liverpool's interest and reacting to it swiftly.

Though Hitzfeld is staying until the end of the season, Bayern quickly made contact with Klinsmann at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday and hastily wrapped up a deal with a speed that caught even seasoned Munich observers by surprise. Klinsmann did his best to play down the Liverpool link, but he smiled broadly when asked about any approaches from England. He said: 'There have been offers but I was happy to accept Bayern's.'

Significantly, despite denying reports last November that they had contacted Fabio Capello about taking over, Liverpool simply refused to comment this time, leaving Benitez to ponder how much longer he can stay in a position that is beginning to look untenable.

The absence of another obvious candidate suggests he may be given longer to win over Gillett and Tom Hicks, and he remained defiant as he reflected on the latest uncertainty ahead of today's game at Middlesbrough.

Asked whether he might have expected his American owners to publicly support him after their meeting with chief executive Rick Parry on Tuesday, Benitez said: 'I cannot control everything. If I can prepare the team properly for Middlesbrough and Luton in the FA Cup, and make sure we get the right results, it will be a step in the right direction for me. If we keep doing that every week, maybe it will become easier to find answers to these sort of questions.

'I would rather concentrate my efforts on getting the best out of the players. I have been a manager for 21 years. That has helped me learn to cope with things like this. It has helped me realise there is no problem with my ability, just as there is no doubt about the quality of our squad.

'After so many years at Real Madrid, where second place was a disaster, I know all about the importance of finishing top of the pile — and that is still my aim for this club.'

Benitez yesterday completed the signing of Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel, from Zenit St Petersburg, in a £6.5million deal.

[maguskwt]

Klinsmann was offered Benitez's job
EXCLUSIVE By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 22:30pm on 11th January 2008

Rafa Benitez's worst fears were confirmed last night when it emerged that Jurgen Klinsmann was offered the Liverpool manager's job before agreeing to join Bayern Munich.

The Anfield boss has sensed for weeks that the axe was hovering and his misgivings seem wellfounded after a remarkable twist to Klinsmann's unveiling as Ottmar Hitzfeld's successor this summer.


According to senior sources at Bayern and the German FA, Klinsmann was presented with a 'detailed offer' to take over at Liverpool and was seriously considering it when the Bundesliga leaders made their move.

Sportsmail revealed this week how the former Germany coach topped Liverpool co-owner George Gillett's wanted list and was in line to be Anfield's next manager as pressure continued to mount on Benitez.

As Klinsmann faced the media in Munich yesterday, it became clear he could have been heading for Merseyside instead but for topranking Bayern officials hearing of Liverpool's interest and reacting to it swiftly.

Though Hitzfeld is staying until the end of the season, Bayern quickly made contact with Klinsmann at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday and hastily wrapped up a deal with a speed that caught even seasoned Munich observers by surprise. Klinsmann did his best to play down the Liverpool link, but he smiled broadly when asked about any approaches from England. He said: 'There have been offers but I was happy to accept Bayern's.'

Significantly, despite denying reports last November that they had contacted Fabio Capello about taking over, Liverpool simply refused to comment this time, leaving Benitez to ponder how much longer he can stay in a position that is beginning to look untenable.

The absence of another obvious candidate suggests he may be given longer to win over Gillett and Tom Hicks, and he remained defiant as he reflected on the latest uncertainty ahead of today's game at Middlesbrough.

Asked whether he might have expected his American owners to publicly support him after their meeting with chief executive Rick Parry on Tuesday, Benitez said: 'I cannot control everything. If I can prepare the team properly for Middlesbrough and Luton in the FA Cup, and make sure we get the right results, it will be a step in the right direction for me. If we keep doing that every week, maybe it will become easier to find answers to these sort of questions.

'I would rather concentrate my efforts on getting the best out of the players. I have been a manager for 21 years. That has helped me learn to cope with things like this. It has helped me realise there is no problem with my ability, just as there is no doubt about the quality of our squad.

'After so many years at Real Madrid, where second place was a disaster, I know all about the importance of finishing top of the pile — and that is still my aim for this club.'

Benitez yesterday completed the signing of Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel, from Zenit St Petersburg, in a £6.5million deal.

not good for team morale... and not good for the manager to be working under this kind of condition...

[Ciggy]

Klinsmann was offered Benitez's job
EXCLUSIVE By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 22:30pm on 11th January 2008

Rafa Benitez's worst fears were confirmed last night when it emerged that Jurgen Klinsmann was offered the Liverpool manager's job before agreeing to join Bayern Munich.

Fuckin lying b@stards, I was watching a German news channel last night and Klinnsman said he hadnt even been approached by Liverpool and only wanted to come back into management with a German club.

Im swerving these articles from now on because they are full of lies and bullsh!t to ruin our club.

[Emerald Red]

Klinsmann was offered Benitez's job
EXCLUSIVE By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 22:30pm on 11th January 2008

Rafa Benitez's worst fears were confirmed last night when it emerged that Jurgen Klinsmann was offered the Liverpool manager's job before agreeing to join Bayern Munich.

Fuckin lying b@stards, I was watching a German news channel last night and Klinnsman said he hadnt even been approached by Liverpool and only wanted to come back into management with a German club.

Im swerving these articles from now on because they are full of lies and bullsh!t to ruin our club.

!00%

And it's what I was saying to a mate earlier, who's an Arsenal supporter, that the press are just a pack of scum that are doing nothing but writing and printing about Rafa and the club. Rafa should hit these b@stards where it hurts and take them to the courts. It's nothing but slander and I refuse to take anything that comes out of the press seriously. This is why I've never quoted them or pasted anything I've read. The b@stards need shooting.

[Ciggy]

If Im correct Chris Bascombe started this rumour didnt he?

[Emerald Red]

If Im correct Chris Bascombe started this rumour didnt he?

He did mention it, yes. I think I first heard it coming from the Daily Mirror. I suppose the leeches have to feed off whatever they can get their slimmy paws on.

[inglis5]

This is what infuriates me about the British Media.

Jurgen Klinsmann clearly says - "no offers from English clubs" - and how is it reported the next day in the press? That he was offered the Liverpool job! Why, because of mysterious 'high-level' contacts within Bayern? Who? Beckenbauer? Rummenigge? Hopfner? Probably the c*cking tea lady more like!

F*cking hate it...

It appears to be a journalist in this country all you have to do is make stories up!

I know that we should ignore it and I've always thought the 'press hate us' gang a little bit paranoid but... this season it seems to be true! The problem is, if enough of them run the story, it becomes a proper story. Even reputable sources are running it.

(Although, that said, the owners, the CEO and, to a lesser extent, the Manager probably haven't helped.)


I know there is no smoke without fire but what constitutes the truth nowadays?

[account deleted by request]

Klinsmann was offered Benitez's job
EXCLUSIVE By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 22:30pm on 11th January 2008

Rafa Benitez's worst fears were confirmed last night when it emerged that Jurgen Klinsmann was offered the Liverpool manager's job before agreeing to join Bayern Munich.

Fuckin lying b@stards, I was watching a German news channel last night and Klinnsman said he hadnt even been approached by Liverpool and only wanted to come back into management with a German club.

Im swerving these articles from now on because they are full of lies and bullsh!t to ruin our club.

Its NOT Klinsmann that appears to have said he was approached Ciggy, from most of the articles I have been reading its Bayern the club (or sources close to the club?) that have been saying it. Maybe they want to make Klinsmann appear more desirable and acceptable to their fans, or maybe its like you said and its just the newspapers?

[Dundalk]

Its getting to the stage were the owners need to come out and back Rafa if he is the man they want. There silence is deafening.

All this talk of Klinsmann or Mouriniho isnt  doing anyone any favors and must be unsettling the team.

[redtrader74]

Klinsmann was offered Benitez's job
EXCLUSIVE By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 22:30pm on 11th January 2008

Rafa Benitez's worst fears were confirmed last night when it emerged that Jurgen Klinsmann was offered the Liverpool manager's job before agreeing to join Bayern Munich.

The Anfield boss has sensed for weeks that the axe was hovering and his misgivings seem wellfounded after a remarkable twist to Klinsmann's unveiling as Ottmar Hitzfeld's successor this summer.


According to senior sources at Bayern and the German FA, Klinsmann was presented with a 'detailed offer' to take over at Liverpool and was seriously considering it when the Bundesliga leaders made their move.

Sportsmail revealed this week how the former Germany coach topped Liverpool co-owner George Gillett's wanted list and was in line to be Anfield's next manager as pressure continued to mount on Benitez.

As Klinsmann faced the media in Munich yesterday, it became clear he could have been heading for Merseyside instead but for topranking Bayern officials hearing of Liverpool's interest and reacting to it swiftly.

Though Hitzfeld is staying until the end of the season, Bayern quickly made contact with Klinsmann at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday and hastily wrapped up a deal with a speed that caught even seasoned Munich observers by surprise. Klinsmann did his best to play down the Liverpool link, but he smiled broadly when asked about any approaches from England. He said: 'There have been offers but I was happy to accept Bayern's.'

Significantly, despite denying reports last November that they had contacted Fabio Capello about taking over, Liverpool simply refused to comment this time, leaving Benitez to ponder how much longer he can stay in a position that is beginning to look untenable.

The absence of another obvious candidate suggests he may be given longer to win over Gillett and Tom Hicks, and he remained defiant as he reflected on the latest uncertainty ahead of today's game at Middlesbrough.

Asked whether he might have expected his American owners to publicly support him after their meeting with chief executive Rick Parry on Tuesday, Benitez said: 'I cannot control everything. If I can prepare the team properly for Middlesbrough and Luton in the FA Cup, and make sure we get the right results, it will be a step in the right direction for me. If we keep doing that every week, maybe it will become easier to find answers to these sort of questions.

'I would rather concentrate my efforts on getting the best out of the players. I have been a manager for 21 years. That has helped me learn to cope with things like this. It has helped me realise there is no problem with my ability, just as there is no doubt about the quality of our squad.

'After so many years at Real Madrid, where second place was a disaster, I know all about the importance of finishing top of the pile — and that is still my aim for this club.'

Benitez yesterday completed the signing of Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel, from Zenit St Petersburg, in a £6.5million deal.

Sounds like a load of old bollox, having been shown up so quickly by Klinsmanns signing for Bayern, they write another unsubstantiated piece that 'proves' their original story was true, but that Klinsmann rejected it.

[/B]JOURNALISTS ARE LYING [B]

[HacksawJimDuggin]

This is what infuriates me about the British Media.

Jurgen Klinsmann clearly says - "no offers from English clubs" - and how is it reported the next day in the press? That he was offered the Liverpool job! Why, because of mysterious 'high-level' contacts within Bayern? Who? Beckenbauer? Rummenigge? Hopfner? Probably the c*cking tea lady more like!

F*cking hate it...

It appears to be a journalist in this country all you have to do is make stories up!

I know that we should ignore it and I've always thought the 'press hate us' gang a little bit paranoid but... this season it seems to be true! The problem is, if enough of them run the story, it becomes a proper story. Even reputable sources are running it.

(Although, that said, the owners, the CEO and, to a lesser extent, the Manager probably haven't helped.)


I know there is no smoke without fire but what constitutes the truth nowadays?

It was Hitler (back from the dead) who is trying to stoke the fire here lads 

He is the one within Germany who is making up these vicious rumours in an attempt to start a war between our 2 nations again   

[account deleted by request]

Benitez left exposed
By David Maddock 12/01/2008
Rafa Benitez (DM)
Rafael Benitez's worst fears were realised last night, as news emerged that his job had been offered to Jurgen Klinsmann.

The former Germany boss was yesterday installed as the next coach of Bayern Munich, but senior officials at the Bavarian club confirmed they moved so swiftly because Klinsmann had been the subject of an official approach by Liverpool.

One high-ranking official admitted: "There was a detailed proposal made to Jurgen by Liverpool, just waiting for his signature."

would have been relieved yesterday to hear Klinsmann had chosen to resume his coaching career in his native country.

But that relief will have barely had time to register, before the full horror of the situation dawned on him.

Klinsmann it seems, was not only sounded out as a possible Anfield manager, but had a contract on his desk waiting for him to sign following negotiations in America.

While it means that the Spaniard is safe at Anfield for the time being, it also suggests that Benitez's position at the club is virtually untenable.

Liverpool declined to comment on the offer to Klinsmann last night, but their refusal to deny it is confirmation of what has been apparent for some months - that American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett want a new manager.

Benitez will continue until the end of the season, but he becomes almost a lame duck manager, with the knowledge that his bosses are clearly so keen to replace him as soon as possible.

Benitez yesterday proudly backed his ability to produce results at Anfield, but it would probably take the miracle of a Premier League title win for him to survive.

Martin O'Neill and Jose Mourinho now appear the main candidates to take over.

Benitez, though, was yesterday allowed to complete the signing of £6million Slovakia international centre-back Martin Skrtel from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg.

Benitez said:

"His qualities are similar to Jamie Carragher's, in that he's aggressive, good in the air and with pace."

I am just not sure what the fk is going on. It sounds like all the cr@p that Martin Jol endured at Spurs to me. Rumours of offers for his job. Then denials followed by yet more rumours. Its time that waste of space Parry came out and told us whats really going on instead of making non-statements.