Liverpool FC Forum

by **NANNY RED** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:44 am

Can someone just clarify somethink for me have we defo signed this new defender or our we still waiting on Parry coming back . surely he cant sign without him being there or the yanks signature /

Whats worrying me is were well into jan Rafa has named his players he wants us to get (forget about the money for the mo) how do we go about getting these players to sign if Parry is off on another jaunt and the muppets are in the states.
Im sure faxes and copies are not allowed

Am i just being an idiot here Shall i pull my jumper over my head now

by **account deleted by request** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 2:00 am

NANNY RED wrote:Can someone just clarify somethink for me have we defo signed this new defender or our we still waiting on Parry coming back . surely he cant sign without him being there or the yanks signature /

Whats worrying me is were well into jan Rafa has named his players he wants us to get (forget about the money for the mo) how do we go about getting these players to sign if Parry is off on another jaunt and the muppets are in the states.
Im sure faxes and copies are not allowed

Am i just being an idiot here Shall i pull my jumper over my head now

Supposedly the deal with the club was sorted before Parry flew off into the night, Nanny. I think its just the details with the player that are being sorted now. Maybe that needs Parry's signature as well though? Or maybe they have taught Foster how to sign a cheque by now.

by **maguskwt** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:13 am

Dundalk wrote:Just came across this.

And for the record I dont want this to happen and am Pro Rafa.

It makes an interesting read.

How Jose Mourinho would transform Liverpool.

1. Bring in his own team of right hand men. While Benitez has been reluctant to find an adequate replacement for his assistant Paco Ayesteran, Mourinho has a team of qualified assistants that are awaiting Mourinho’s call to follow him to his next club.

2. Remove the dead wood. In quick succession, Mourinho would sell several of Liverpool’s players that are bringing the team down and are not qualified to be a part of what’s needed for a team that’s serious about winning the Premier League trophy. That means goodbye to Dirk Kuyt, John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell, Sami Hyypia and Momo Sissoko.

3. Make tough decisions on the rest of the Liverpool squad. During Benitez’s tenure as manager, the Spaniard has brought in several promising younger players who are stuck in the reserve squad and don’t seem like they have much chance of playing first team football. Mourinho needs to decide what to do with these players and whether there are some hidden pearls there that deserve more playing time. The players include Lucas Leiva, Sebastian Leto, Emiliano Insua as well as 22 players out on loan at other clubs.

4. Make tactical changes. Whether it’s key matches against the likes of Arsenal and Man United or against lesser opposition such as Wigan, Derby or Reading, Rafa Benitez’s squad has been outplayed and/or outwitted on too many occasions recently. Mourinho will bring a new lease of life to the Liverpool squad with fresh tactical ideas.

5. New players. Rather than being too reliant on players from Spain, Mourinho will bring a whole new cast of winners to Liverpool from different corners of the globe. Benitez’s record thus far of signing decent players has been below par. Mourinho would change that in short order. The first order of business would be to bring in a quality striker to partner Torres up front. Other positions that need to be filled include a new right winger and better coverage for a centre back.

6. A winning attitude. Watching Liverpool play of late, it’s easy to see that the players don’t have the confidence that they had at the beginning of the season. While they don’t admit it publicly, they’re playing like they know they’ve lost the chance of winning the Premier League trophy. Mourinho would infuse Liverpool players with a new self belief and winning attitude.

What do you think, personally I think the man has no class what so ever and should have nothing to do with Liverpool Football Club but I know a few on here would like to see him come

These points can be said for whoever comes in as a new manager... I don't know why it has to be mourinho that will supposedly DO these things... whether or not anyone manages to do these things is another matter... it's all talk and building castles in the air...

by **ConnO'var** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 10:51 am

What the hell is going on at our club?!

How can it be that we put a guy through medical and all the other necessary procedures without having 1st rubber stamped the deal at the highest levels of the club? This is getting ridiculous..... :no

From Soccernet

£6.5million Skrtel passes Liverpool medical

Martin Skrtel has moved a step closer to becoming the most expensive defender in Liverpool's history after passing his medical.

A club record £6.5million fee has been agreed with Skrtel's Russian club, Zenit St Petersburg, and personal terms have also been agreed with the player. Skrtel is now waiting for the deal to be rubber-stamped by Liverpool's owners.

The Slovakia international centre-back was manager Rafael Benitez's top target for the January transfer window, and the Reds boss is looking to get the transfer wrapped up as quickly as possible so he can incorporate Skrtel into the Liverpool squad.

But currently chief executive Rick Parry is in New York holding discussions with club owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

The meetings have been arranged to make a decision on what plan the Americans will agree on for the new stadium planned for Stanley Park.

It is also clear that talks are still going on regarding Liverpool's overall financing, with the Americans still searching for a deal to re-finance their original loans to buy the club, and to find the cash for the new stadium.

A decision is expected to be announced on the new stadium scheme on Wednesday, and it is also expected that Skrtel's transfer will also be finalised for him to be included in Liverpool's squad to play Middlesbrough on Saturday.

by **Sabre** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:50 am

I wouldn't expect to sign anything before the medical tests. If the Americans were appearing to sign some formality now, or Rick Parry for that matter, the journos would stress that Rafa has no authority to finnish deals. If they don't appear and the normal procedures are done then their absence is mentioned. As long as the deals are finnished in time and we don't lose chances, I don't need them appearing in the photo.

Well, in Madrid they are writting pro Rafa articles

BENITEZ IS THE BEST LIVERPOOL COACH IN THEIR PREMIERSHIP HISTORY

His numbers are the best

JAVIER G. MATALLANAS / Madrid

Rafa is questioned in England once again. The London press, unlike the Liverpool one who's supporting the Spaniard totally, insist that Rafa's days can be counted in Liverpool. The Campaign against Benitez cannot be considered but surprising, when you look at the numbers of the Madrid coach since he's at Liverpool,

Benitez is the better coach in the Liverpool's premier league era, and has the better stats since Graeme Souness times in 92/93

If the European numbers through out their history are reviewed, Benitez yet again is in a good position and has the best third stats, even improving the ones of the legendary Shankly, as can be seen in the below table.

From London it's said that Benitez's team doesn't play brilliantly, but those numbers are not ignored by the Liverpool supporters who totally back the manager.

Técnicos del Liverpool en EuropaEntrenadores

G W D L GF GA %

Fagan 19 13 3 3 34 10 68,42-
Paisley 61 39 11 11 140 49 63,93-
Benítez 53 31 10 12 88 35 58,49-
Shankly 65 34 13 18 114 54 52,31-
Souness 12 6 0 6 26 16 50,00

Técnicos del Liverpool en la Premier

G W D L GF GA %
Benítez 134 72 30 32 200 106 58,73-
Houllier 216 108 54 54 354 212 50,00-
Evans 172 83 46 43 280 173 48,26

----------------

Well it's a simple article, and not a deep one, but still you have to ask whether a coach that's been brilliant in Europe and not the worst whatsoever as of late deserves to be sácked. IMHO Rafa deserves to be told "come on, improve the team", but not to be sácked in summer.

Some might mention that conveniently the article makes the comparison of the league numbers in the premiership. Yes they do, but it's equally truth that the ignoring of the European merits by the London press is equally biased, this time against the Spaniard. This Spanish articles focuses on the positive, the London press on the negative. But it's equally biased.

I bring this article because despite being a cráp one, it's much better than the quotes of the rág they've been translating as of late.

by **Ola Mr Benitez** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:13 pm

I am truly confused over Benitez and I think a lot of people share my thoughts. (I'm sure I will be pulled up by some on here who don't).

My problem is I really like the guy. He obviously loves our club and wants to do his best. He is obviously a great manager, just look at what he has won. He has bought some great players that has improved both our team and our squad.

But here is the problem, I don't understand why he selects the teams he picks, as it has been said in many other posts, I don't really have a problem with his rotation although it does baffle me sometimes, but the fact our formation changes so often, which I think is the real problem.

In an ideal world, I would like Rafa Benitez to be our manager, playing a settled formation every game, not worrying about our opposition but just playing our football with a core of 9 players playing virtually every week. But will that ever happen? Its been 4 years now and we are still making the same mistakes.

Does anyone here feel he will change the way he manages?

Does anyone here think we will win the Premiership if he continues to manage this way?

I'm not sure. So what do we do? :sniffle

by **RUSHIE#9** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:20 pm

Sabre wrote:I wouldn't expect to sign anything before the medical tests. If the Americans were appearing to sign some formality now, or Rick Parry for that matter, the journos would stress that Rafa has no authority to finnish deals. If they don't appear and the normal procedures are done then their absence is mentioned. As long as the deals are finnished in time and we don't lose chances, I don't need them appearing in the photo.

Well, in Madrid they are writting pro Rafa articles

BENITEZ IS THE BEST LIVERPOOL COACH IN THEIR PREMIERSHIP HISTORY

His numbers are the best

JAVIER G. MATALLANAS / Madrid

Rafa is questioned in England once again. The London press, unlike the Liverpool one who's supporting the Spaniard totally, insist that Rafa's days can be counted in Liverpool. The Campaign against Benitez cannot be considered but surprising, when you look at the numbers of the Madrid coach since he's at Liverpool,

Benitez is the better coach in the Liverpool's premier league era, and has the better stats since Graeme Souness times in 92/93

If the European numbers through out their history are reviewed, Benitez yet again is in a good position and has the best third stats, even improving the ones of the legendary Shankly, as can be seen in the below table.

From London it's said that Benitez's team doesn't play brilliantly, but those numbers are not ignored by the Liverpool supporters who totally back the manager.

Técnicos del Liverpool en EuropaEntrenadores

G W D L GF GA %

Fagan 19 13 3 3 34 10 68,42-
Paisley 61 39 11 11 140 49 63,93-
Benítez 53 31 10 12 88 35 58,49-
Shankly 65 34 13 18 114 54 52,31-
Souness 12 6 0 6 26 16 50,00

Técnicos del Liverpool en la Premier

G W D L GF GA %
Benítez 134 72 30 32 200 106 58,73-
Houllier 216 108 54 54 354 212 50,00-
Evans 172 83 46 43 280 173 48,26

----------------

Well it's a simple article, and not a deep one, but still you have to ask whether a coach that's been brilliant in Europe and not the worst whatsoever as of late deserves to be sácked. IMHO Rafa deserves to be told "come on, improve the team", but not to be sácked in summer.

Some might mention that conveniently the article makes the comparison of the league numbers in the premiership. Yes they do, but it's equally truth that the ignoring of the European merits by the London press is equally biased, this time against the Spaniard. This Spanish articles focuses on the positive, the London press on the negative. But it's equally biased.

I bring this article because despite being a cráp one, it's much better than the quotes of the rág they've been translating as of late.

I think the fact that the London press are ignoring Rafa's European record SABRE is because it just gets in the way of what they see as a juicy story, plus the fact that the day a London journalist actually researches a story and uses truthful facts will be the day that the s*n becomes a respectable paper (that is to say never).
Another angle is the fact that London cluba aren't exactly successful when it comes to European competitions, especially the European Cup.

So Fuck 'em!!!

by **Sabre** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:28 pm

HOla Mr Benitez:

Erm, if you're at that position, sáck him. He'll get a important sum, and he'll get over it. If he survived to being underrated in his very local club from youth, I think he won't die for being sacked in Liverpool

You can't keep a manager only because he's loved. You have to look the greater good of the club. Just like the last chairman we had, he loved the club, still the club had to progress.

So the only question on the table is whether Rafa can lead us to success. I think so and I trust him. Trust is useless when things go well or after Istambul. Trust is needed now. So if someone doubts it, which is nice, then he should advocate for his sácking with not many tears in the eyes.

Rushie#9 I totally agree. I wouldn't pay much attention to them if I didn't see many Liverpool fellow fans worried because the things they say!

by **redtrader74** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:38 pm

Fergie, Wenger, O'Neill, Redknapp all have many friends in the newspaper industry, and when spoken about its usually in glowing terms and when in a tricky situation their past successes are highlighted to bolster the argument. Rafa it seems has very few personal friends as journos, they never speak as though they know him, and is therefore an easy target, maybe if he stays longer he will build these relationships, but as for now, i don't see anyone in the papers fighting his corner.

by **stmichael** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:38 pm

Dundalk wrote:4. Make tactical changes. Whether it’s key matches against the likes of Arsenal and Man United or against lesser opposition such as Wigan, Derby or Reading, Rafa Benitez’s squad has been outplayed and/or outwitted on too many occasions recently. Mourinho will bring a new lease of life to the Liverpool squad with fresh tactical ideas.

what, like playing centre back's upfront? i don't get this "mourinho is a tactical genius" nonsense. he's been well and truly found out in three semi finals against us for a start.

anyway, the guy's nailed on for barcelona next season imo. can't see rijkaard lasting beyond the summer.

by **redtrader74** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:42 pm

stmichael wrote:
Dundalk wrote:4. Make tactical changes. Whether it’s key matches against the likes of Arsenal and Man United or against lesser opposition such as Wigan, Derby or Reading, Rafa Benitez’s squad has been outplayed and/or outwitted on too many occasions recently. Mourinho will bring a new lease of life to the Liverpool squad with fresh tactical ideas.

what, like playing centre back's upfront? i don't get this "mourinho is a tactical genius" nonsense. he's been well and truly found out in three semi finals against us for a start.

anyway, the guy's nailed on for barcelona next season imo. can't see rijkaard lasting beyond the summer.

Yeah plan B for Maureen was Robert Huth up front with Charlie Hughes long ball punts. Oh and his substituting can hardly be called inspired, ffs he had £20m players sitting on the bench.

I'll let him have the motivator tag, he seemed to have that ability in bundles, but whether his brand would work long term or wear thin over time has yet to be seen.

by **Paul C** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:48 pm

If I'm honest although I like Rafa as a person my belief is starting to fade, maybe it's because I just feel like were never gonna win the Prem league in the next 5 years, I dunno

Part of me if saying give Benitez another season and part of me is saying get rid, one thing I do know is that their is no stability at the club, the managet might no be here in the summer, the owners don't seem to have the money we thought when they arrived and things have gone t1t5 up with the stadium, I know Moores wasn't loaded but at least we knew what the situation was at the club

by **Bammo** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:48 pm

It's funny how Jose is considered God by so many people (particularly the press) that his mistakes are continuously overlooked. He didn't spend much at Porto compared to Premiership teams but he did spend a simiilar or greater amount than the teams he was competing with. That's not to downplay his achievements but put it in perspective. The press portray him as taking some tiny team like Wrexham to win the Champions League. He didn't.

That article saying how he'd clear the deadwood and bring in winners

Like he's never made mistakes in the transfer market!

Tiago £10m
Boulahrouz £7m
Kalou £8m
Wright-Phillips £21m
Kezman £5m
Ferreira £13m

All players that are no better than what we already have. He's a good coach but a lot of his best players were inherited. Lampard, Terry, Cech were all signed by Ranieri, in fact Drogba was lined up to sign by Ranieri too.

As for the current happenings regarding our transfers, I wouldn't panic yet. We've already seen one player set to sign and the window has only just opened. Remember the summer, exactly the same reports (Rafa set to leave, no money for players...) then we bought Torres, Babel, Benny Noon etc.

by **account deleted by request** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:48 pm

Sabre wrote:I wouldn't expect to sign anything before the medical tests. If the Americans were appearing to sign some formality now, or Rick Parry for that matter, the journos would stress that Rafa has no authority to finnish deals. If they don't appear and the normal procedures are done then their absence is mentioned. As long as the deals are finnished in time and we don't lose chances, I don't need them appearing in the photo.

Well, in Madrid they are writting pro Rafa articles

BENITEZ IS THE BEST LIVERPOOL COACH IN THEIR PREMIERSHIP HISTORY

His numbers are the best

JAVIER G. MATALLANAS / Madrid

Rafa is questioned in England once again. The London press, unlike the Liverpool one who's supporting the Spaniard totally, insist that Rafa's days can be counted in Liverpool. The Campaign against Benitez cannot be considered but surprising, when you look at the numbers of the Madrid coach since he's at Liverpool,

Benitez is the better coach in the Liverpool's premier league era, and has the better stats since Graeme Souness times in 92/93

If the European numbers through out their history are reviewed, Benitez yet again is in a good position and has the best third stats, even improving the ones of the legendary Shankly, as can be seen in the below table.

From London it's said that Benitez's team doesn't play brilliantly, but those numbers are not ignored by the Liverpool supporters who totally back the manager.

Técnicos del Liverpool en EuropaEntrenadores

G W D L GF GA %

Fagan 19 13 3 3 34 10 68,42-
Paisley 61 39 11 11 140 49 63,93-
Benítez 53 31 10 12 88 35 58,49-
Shankly 65 34 13 18 114 54 52,31-
Souness 12 6 0 6 26 16 50,00

Técnicos del Liverpool en la Premier

G W D L GF GA %
Benítez 134 72 30 32 200 106 58,73-
Houllier 216 108 54 54 354 212 50,00-
Evans 172 83 46 43 280 173 48,26

----------------

Well it's a simple article, and not a deep one, but still you have to ask whether a coach that's been brilliant in Europe and not the worst whatsoever as of late deserves to be sácked. IMHO Rafa deserves to be told "come on, improve the team", but not to be sácked in summer.

Some might mention that conveniently the article makes the comparison of the league numbers in the premiership. Yes they do, but it's equally truth that the ignoring of the European merits by the London press is equally biased, this time against the Spaniard. This Spanish articles focuses on the positive, the London press on the negative. But it's equally biased.

I bring this article because despite being a cráp one, it's much better than the quotes of the rág they've been translating as of late.

Its also TOTALLY WRONG as well Sabre as when Shankly managed it was the European cup and you played THE BEST team i.e. THE CHAMPIONS from each country, not the top four teams. I am pretty sure if he had been up against 4th best teams it would have improved his win average, plus it was a straight knockout, you didn't get the chance to run up wins against a couple of crappy teams before the competition really started.

by **Sabre** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:48 pm

redtrader74 wrote:
stmichael wrote:
Dundalk wrote:4. Make tactical changes. Whether it’s key matches against the likes of Arsenal and Man United or against lesser opposition such as Wigan, Derby or Reading, Rafa Benitez’s squad has been outplayed and/or outwitted on too many occasions recently. Mourinho will bring a new lease of life to the Liverpool squad with fresh tactical ideas.

what, like playing centre back's upfront? i don't get this "mourinho is a tactical genius" nonsense. he's been well and truly found out in three semi finals against us for a start.

anyway, the guy's nailed on for barcelona next season imo. can't see rijkaard lasting beyond the summer.

Yeah plan B for Maureen was Robert Huth up front with Charlie Hughes long ball punts. Oh and his substituting can hardly be called inspired, ffs he had £20m players sitting on the bench.

I'll let him have the motivator tag, he seemed to have that ability in bundles, but whether his brand would work long term or wear thin over time has yet to be seen.

Pah, you're too generous conceding him the motivator tag

He's a whip motivator. If I point to you with a gun, you'll be very motivated to obbey my commands.

Mourinho has slagged off players in after match press. In my book, you don't slag off the players, because those are the ones that are going to give you glory. Mourinho motivated with the whip, but in the long term that leads to a unsettled dressroom and he's had some in that dressroom.

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