Liverpool FC Forum

[redbeergoggles]

Courtesy of The Liverpool Echo

I STILL believe in Rafa Benitez and Im convinced he will secure a top four finish for Liverpool this season.

However, a number of his players have got to have a long, hard look at themselves.

When I saw Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher walking off at Portsmouth on Saturday they looked upset and annoyed.

After a defeat like that I want to see that in all 11 of them because it should hurt them all, not just a few.

Some players have got to be mentally stronger.

Big expectations come with playing for Liverpool Football Club and that goes back to the standards set years ago by Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

We arent reaching those standards at the moment and too many are struggling to handle the pressure.

I thought Carragher was fantastic on Saturday. The effort he put in on his 600th appearance was immense. If only everyone was like him.

The manager said the sending off of Javier Mascherano changed the game but I dont think it made a big difference to the outcome.
What concerned me most was the lack of creativity. We only had two shots on target and when you are playing against a club like Portsmouth thats just not good enough.

I really felt for the fans on Saturday because it was a bitterly cold day and most had left Merseyside in the middle of the night to get to the south coast for lunchtime.

Its been a really tough few months but as ever the supporters have been fantastic and remained behind the team.

Thats all we can do because there is nothing to be gained from slagging people off. The end of the season is the time to ask whether weve progressed and if not why not?

The critics are having a field day at the moment but Liverpool are right to keep faith with Benitez.

Everyone is dropping points in a very open league this season and if we can put a run of wins together well soon climb the table.

With Aston Villa and Spurs to come in the league after the visit of Wolves on Boxing Day, weve got the ideal chance to force our way back into contention in the race for fourth spot.

Ian Rush not sitting on the fence in any capacity ,I would like to place particular emphasis on this line ,or pearl of wisdom if you like ,make your own minds up  :

Thats all we can do because there is nothing to be gained from slagging people off. The end of the season is the time to ask whether weve progressed and if not why not?

[parchpea]

Rush is a guy that will ALWAYS remain on the fence regarding Liverpool and you will never hear him saying a bad word against anyone at the football club. Frankly you can take his words with a pinch of salt because hes not one to speak candidly about the situation lets face it.Who next to be wheeled out, Alan Kennedy? another in the Rush mould, never speaks his mind and wont upset the applecart at Anfield.Maybe the Echo could interview someone who is honest and straight talking about the debacle but I doubt we can expect that anytime soon so I guess its possible they are not keen to report any negative about the current regime.

[Reg]

Theres no pleasing some people is there?

Parchpea, I know its fashionable to be a manic depressive on this forum but are negative comments always necessary?

[LFC2007]

Rush is a guy that will ALWAYS remain on the fence regarding Liverpool and you will never hear him saying a bad word against anyone at the football club. Frankly you can take his words with a pinch of salt because hes not one to speak candidly about the situation lets face it.Who next to be wheeled out, Alan Kennedy? another in the Rush mould, never speaks his mind and wont upset the applecart at Anfield.Maybe the Echo could interview someone who is honest and straight talking about the debacle but I doubt we can expect that anytime soon so I guess its possible they are not keen to report any negative about the current regime.

He seems like an honest enough guy to me.

[redbeergoggles]

Another gem : courtesy of The Liverpool Echo and Ian Rush


Manchester City wrong to sack Mark Hughes

IM really disappointed with Manchester Citys decision to sack Mark Hughes.

Mark is a good friend of mine and a talented manager, who was doing a decent job.

City are sixth in the league, in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and have only lost two games all season.

What more did the club expect?

It took Alex Ferguson four years to win a trophy at United, but at a top club now youre lucky to get five months before you are under intense pressure.

The demands for instant success are unrealistic.

You have to build something up and that's what Mark was doing.

Im glad that things are done differently at Liverpool.

You cant keep chopping and changing and you have to stick with someone.

The Liverpool tradition is to give every manager the chance to turn things around and that's what makes the club so special




Well I was under the distinct impression them valued traits still existed ,I love the word SPECIAL don't you ?