Liverpool FC Forum

by **The Manhattan Project** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 7:59 am

According to Manhattan's sources, Ronaldinho will definately miss both legs of the match against Liverpool.

He's scheduled to undergo dental work on January 1st.

His recovery time is estimated at around six to seven....years.

by **Barca Murph** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:13 am

I think all the talk of atmosphere having any bearing on this match is rubbish. Are you saying that the Liverpool players need the crowd in order to have a chance to beat us? Because Barca can play anywhere in any atmosphere and win.

by **Ciggy** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:21 am

Liverpool fans' hearts may have sank as their ball was pulled out to face Barca, but there are sound reasons to suggest they may be the team to stop Frank Rijkaard's hugely-gifted side retaining the trophy.

And the tactical acumen of manager Rafael Benitez, as he prepares to return to Spain, will give Liverpool their main cause for optimism.

Benitez has proved himself a master of the two-legged European tie, most crucially in the Champions League triumph of 2005.

He will go back to his homeland armed with the knowledge that it was his superbly-drilled Valencia side that broke the cartel of Barca and Real Madrid that carved up La Liga before Benitez's departure for Liverpool.

Benitez knows what it takes to win at the Nou Camp, and will prepare Liverpool accordingly.

The Spanish coach's previous success will aid him in the psychological warfare that almost inevitably takes place before any big game at the Nou Camp.

Benitez will hope to keep Barcelona in range for the second leg, before relying on Anfield's unique atmosphere to potentially push his players over the line.

Barcelona have the brilliance of Ronaldinho, Deco, Lionel Messi and the likely return of Samuel Eto'o.

They will be firm favourites and rightly so, but to write Liverpool off would be foolish.

The occasion will be made for Steven Gerrard, and the enigmatic Luis Garcia - a former Barcelona player - has a happy knack of scoring crucial Champions League goals.

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is another Barca old boy, while Xabi Alonso is another member of Liverpool's Spanish contingent with a huge incentive to impress.

The smart money is on Barca, but the smart money was also on Juventus, Chelsea and AC Milan when Liverpool last lifted the trophy against all odds.

Benitez put the game plan into place to beat Juventus and Chelsea before victory in an admittedly freakish final.

Barcelona will be wary of the wily Benitez and the local knowledge he is sure to utilise to the full.

by **Barca Murph** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:54 am

Ciggy wrote:He will go back to his homeland armed with the knowledge that it was his superbly-drilled Valencia side that broke the cartel of Barca and Real Madrid that carved up La Liga before Benitez's departure for Liverpool.

Although Benitez is regarded as the most successful coach ever at Valencia, i think the previous work of Hector Cuper should be fully recognised. Cuper lead Valencia to CL runners up in both 2000 and 2001. And it was his team that Benitez took over. It was the change to a more attacking formation that lead them to glory.

Benitez won la liga in 2002, but the following year they struggled in 5th (a full 18 points off the lead). But he regained it in 2004 along with the Uefa Cup.

As a manager in England i think he's failed to live up to what was expected. Yes i know that sounds strange considering he won you the CL in 2005. But his way of football only seems to suit the European game. I'm not convinced he's the man to lead you to your 1st Premiership title.

by **Barca** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 11:03 am

Si, Maudes not look good coach Liverpool. :sleepy:

by **FRfanatic** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 11:58 am

Benitez/Alonso/Garcia/Kuyt..... - Rijkaard/Brockhorst/Messi.....
IMO great tie, 2 sites with great mutual respect and they know each other very well. I think LFC will be on top as Spanish teams can not cope with physical strong teams.
Pred. 2-1 Camp Nou - 3-0 Anfield
Reds through :idea

by **Ciggy** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 11:58 am

Barca wrote:Si, Maudes not look good coach Liverpool.

Whos Maudes?

by **Barca** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:00 pm

rafael benitez maudes.

by **Ciggy** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:05 pm

It will be a great game, it wont be like Barca's games against Chelsea with the bitterness and rivalry, norwill it be the same one that was at Anfield.
There is very much mutual respect for both clubs, and some fantastic players come to Anfield, cant wait wish it was next week. :buttrock

by **Barca** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:22 pm

Why Anfeld no big?

by **account deleted by request** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:47 pm

If we play Gerrard and Alonso in the centre against Barca we risk another AC Milan first half thrashing. Only Eto'o IS better than Crespo and Ronaldinho is better than Kaka. Either Momo has to play or Stevie has to show much more discipline. My opinion is that Gerrard is playing better not because he has moved back in the centre, but because he is regaining form, and would perform just as well now on the right.

Gerrard Momo Alonso Gonzales is a much stronger midfield 4 than Pennant Gerrard Alonso Gonzales.

As we have a few ex Barca players (Reina, Garcia Zenden ) in the squad I am sure they will help our players prepare for the game over there, and Rafa will know all about Barca's tricks and diving Tactics. Sammi/Agger/Carra will have to be on their toes and wide awake against them. Snatch an early goal and hang on like grim death is my hope lol.

I just hope its not all over before we get them back to Anfield, If we lose an early goal we need to keep our shape over there and not go chasing the game.

by **dward** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 1:03 pm

Barca are losing to Internacional.

by **112-1077774096** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 1:14 pm

yeah its just finished, i watched the game and barca were not allowed to play, the south americans looked comfortable to be fair and scored a late winner

by **red37** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 1:19 pm

These intercontinental 'play-offs' are a b.ugger for the European sides to win. How many have we lost ...is it 3 now?

by **Pietro** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 1:22 pm

There is any possibilite to us lose the game against Barcelona. Barcelona is just crowd of clowns.

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