The Red Cauldron: 2006-08-06

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Friday, August 11, 2006

The 3 Lost Lions?

After a rather disappointing World Cup, England looked to move on from Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign as manager and appointed Steven McClaren. Before I start with all the strange and absurd decisions, let me point out that I'm not an England fan and I can choose not to write anything. But as a football fan, it's kinda disappointing to see that England might just be going in a round-about rather than moving forward. I'll also have to take off my red-tinted glasses off and look at this with a neutral perspective, from a football fan's view rather than a Liverpool fan.

1) Managerial Choice

I stumbled across a piece of news today that is the former England manager, Sven, will be paid up to £3.6million till June 2007. That would mean the English FA will have to continue paying him his regular salary, even though he isn't even in charge of England! You really have to wonder how on earth can a manager earn that sort of money, especially it's so much easier than club football's manager. More so for Sven, he regularly picks the same old 25 players, go for games and sit in the dug out with his legs folded and looking clueless. You have to wonder what warranted him that sort of salary.

Then he left, as England stepped up the search for a new manager before the World Cup. How long did the whole process took? 2 whole weeks if I'm not mistaken, and that is laughable. The attempt to try and lure Big Phil Scolari from the Portugese set up is embarassing and without a doubt, got turned down, as he led Portugal to triump over England months later. It was widely known that the way England 'interviewed' managers and to me, it's just plain wrong. If you want a manager, eye him, let him know, and get him. What a farce.

Then they found the candidate in Steven McClaren, who's Sven's assistant manager during his reign in England. He's also the manager of the mid table regulars, Middlesbrough. He's not a bad manager, but was never a really good one. Who would've forgotten about him getting thrown a season ticket after losing a match against Aston Villa. If you wanna look at his managerial style, just have a look at Middlesbrough. Not having a dig at the midlanders, but they are extremely inconsistent. They can beat ManYoo 3-1, Chelsea 3-0 and yet lose to teams like Aston Villa and Birmingham. It's laughable and although he did a great job by leading them to the UEFA Cup finals, he made a mistake by naming an unfit Mark Schwarzer as his team crashed to a 4-0 defeat by Sevilla.

Club managerial profile aside, if England really wants to move on from the Sven era, why did they appoint McClaren then? After all, he's part of the team and he might have just picked up a few traits from Sven from time to time and I personally don't call that 'moving on' from England, I call that plain lazy and maybe more to the fact that nobody wants the job (other than Fat Sam that is). As we all know, England's a nation were much hope are being placed upon the football team to succeed and for the past 40 years, they have failed time and again. The Italia 90 was the closest they went and although they've been named as a superpower in football terms, they'll never match that in terms of success and trophies. Will McClaren be the one to carry them from mediocrity to prosperity? I personally think not.

2) Captaincy Choice

"John has all the attributes an international captain needs: leadership, authority, courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept second-best. He has been an inspiration for Chelsea and is at his best in adversity." McClaren on John Terry

After reading those words, I thought I was reading about him describing Steven Gerrard. But no, he's talking about the Chelsea captain, who probably had a troubled past and wanting people to forget about it. Of course, as a football fan, I have to give credits to John Terry for being a wonderful defender, albeit a little lack of pace. He's always seen shouting and commanding his team from the back and is a passionate footballer. As a core member of Chelsea, he won't be too bad, isn't it?

But can Terry really be compared to Steven Gerrard, in terms of almost all the points given by McClaren? To me, maybe not. We do understand that fluctuation of performance are not rare as they change their club kits for the nation colours. Steven Gerrard was so awe-inspiring and magnificent for Liverpool in recent times and yet he looked a different player in the England shirt. But the point is, whether his performance had been affected by the manager's tactics, as to accomodate a certain Frank Lampard, he had to drop deeper into the defensive midfielder position, which is not the position which he could shine, but still does his jobs well.

Looking at John Terry, he did have a troubled past. He was charged with assault back in 2001 and was given a ban by the English FA and a temporal ban from the national team. He was made Chelsea captain by Claudio Ranieri and has grown from strength to strength.

But if we compare both men in terms of captaining their club, I would have to say Steven Gerrard is a finer captain, and fits the bill perfectly. Is there another player more dynamic, more influential, more imposing than Gerrard? I personally think there is not much players in modern day football that is in that Gerrard mould anymore. He's a more natural talented footballer rather than the technical player you see in Frank Lampard. He's the player that is able to grip the game by the neck, pull a rabbit out of a hat and does the spectacular.

He's the player that sparked the most amazing comback in sports history (to me) and who could've forgotten the moment after he scored, he flailed his arms, encouraging his team mates and lifted the team up when everyone was down and out. When we had no right-back, he was there to switch from his midfield position and drop back, defending.

Then he was at hand for yet another comeback when Liverpool were trailing West Ham 2-1 in the FA Cup Finals. He smacked home the equaliser and his reaction was a 'bring it on' handsign and little did he knew that he was to become a hero once again, when we're 3-2 down in the 90th minute mark. He had no other choice but to give it a go and smashed an unstoppable shot and the rest as said, was history.

John Terry had his moments of course, twice lifting the Premiership title. But how inspiring he can become when he's playing as a defender, is yet to be seen. I for one thinks that a captain should be a midfielder, fully involve in the action, leading by example, sticking in for the team and of course score some goals. Right or wrong choice, time will tell.

Team Selection:

Ir's only a friendly, I know. But maybe we should take a close look at the announced England squad.

Robinson (Tottenham), Kirkland (Liverpool), Foster (Man Utd); Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Arsenal), Dawson (Tottenham), Ferdinand (Man Utd), G Neville (Man Utd), P Neville (Everton), Terry (capt, Chelsea), Young (Charlton); Downing (Middlesbrough), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Richardson (Man Utd), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea); Ashton (West Ham), Bent (Charlton), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Tottenham).

Surprise! Nobody noticed? England idol cum ex-captain David Beckham was missing from the list! Yes, he might be a superstar rather than a world class player, but it's really mind-boggling. Is McClaren already surrendering to the media under pressure and drop the golden balls? Nobody knows.

You wondered why there are a few names with bold character. I tell you what, I don't bloody know how that few players still managed to get into the national team. Look, who's Forster? Ah, Ben Forster from ManYoo, on loan at Watford last season and had a great season. But is he worthy of England number 3? I have my doubts. He couldn't even break into the ManYoo squad.

Then you have Phillip Neville. I think his presence just means that McClaren needed a 'jack of all trades, master of none' player in the team. What position is Neville gonna play? Left-back? Right-back? Defensive midfielder? No bloody idea, dude.

Jermaine Jenas' inclusion. Oh dear how this decision beggars believe. Why on earth is he ALWAYS picked ahead of players like Scott Parker and Nigel Reo-Coker? They are much better footballers and are not prone to missing open goals to be honest. Sh*t decision, again.

Wright-Phillips? He'll be comfortable sitting in the dug out of Chelsea no doubt. Oh, maybe a handfull of reserve game experience helps too!

Thursday, August 10, 2006

GOALS FROM LAST NIGHT'S ACTION

Craig Bellamy:

Mark Gonzalez:

ENGLAND CAPTAIN DILEMMA

LATEST: Terry Appointed England Captain, Gerrard Vice Captain

Steve McClaren has named Chelsea captain John Terry as his England captain.

The new England boss chose the Chelsea skipper ahead of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, who will become England vice-captain.

He said it was because of Terry's inspirational qualities and the leadership skills he had shown at his club.

McClaren said: "Choosing a captain is one of the most important decisions a coach has to make.

"I'm certain I've got the right man in John Terry. I'm convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had.

"John has all the attributes an international captain needs: leadership, authority, courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept second-best.

"He has been an inspiration for Chelsea and is at his best in adversity.

"Over the five years I've been involved with the England coaching set-up I've seen first hand the respect that John has among his fellow players.

"There are a number of strong leaders in the squad and he will not lack support on and off the pitch.

"Steven Gerrard was a strong candidate for the captaincy and he will be my vice-captain. He is an outstanding player and another superb club skipper who also leads by example.

"I told Steven when I spoke to him today that I'm sure he will also get the chance to lead his country while I'm head coach."

Chelsea centre-half Terry is proud to be asked to succeed David Beckham, who stood down after the World Cup.

Terry said: "It is the ultimate honour to be the captain of your country and I am very proud to be given this great opportunity.

"It is an incredible challenge and one I am looking forward to very much."

Terry and Gerrard will meet in Cardiff on Sunday when they lead their clubs into the FA Community Shield.

Gerrard said: "I would like to congratulate John on being appointed England captain.

"I'm sure he'll do a great job. He's a tremendous leader for Chelsea and has all the qualities required to do the role.

"I'm also pleased to have been appointed vice-captain by Steve McClaren today.

"I am grateful that Steve took the time to call me and inform me of his decision.

"There are a number of captains in the England squad and I know we will all be giving 100 per cent support to Steve and John."

Meanwhile...

From the BBC website:

'England fans are split over who should become the new captain of the national team, according to a poll by the BBC Sport website and Radio Five Live.

'John Terry gained 51% of the votes, with Steven Gerrard polling 46%.

'Gary Neville was third with 2%, Frank Lampard polled 1% and former skipper David Beckham gained one vote.'

Hands up. Who voted for Becks?

YOU KNOW YOU CAN'T BE A ROBBER WHEN...

You Sleep During Your Robbery 'Mission':-

'A drunken man who tried to rob a bank as a "joke" fell asleep while waiting on his money, a court has heard.

'At Glasgow Sheriff Court, Derek Burns, 47, admitted a breach of the peace at a branch of Lloyds TSB in Glasgow's south side on 4 November, last year.

'He had threatened workers with a can of deodorant in a bag portrayed as a weapon but when cash was refused he fell asleep, prompting staff laughter.

'Prosecutor Derek Buchanan said: "Burns produced a blue carrier bag and held it in such a way that something long and cylindrical could be seen.

'"He tried to push the bag through the counter tray. He said 'give us your money, give us your money'."

'Staff activated the panic alarm.

'The bank manager spoke with Burns and told him he was not getting any money.

'The court heard how Burns remained in the bank, sat down and fell asleep.'

There are billions of people on earth and some stories are just bizarre. Humans, tsk tsk tsk!

COMEBACK KINGS AT WORK, AGAIN !

Advantage Liverpool As Two Debutants Came To The Rescue

UEFA Champions League
3rd Qualifying Round

Anfield, Liverpool

LIVERPOOL 2 - 1 MACABBI HAIFA

Scorers:
LIV - Bellamy (33min), Mark Gonzalez (88min);
MAC - Boccoli (29min);

We edged closer and closer to an embarassing one all draw with Israelian side, Maccabi Haifa. We're left with 4 minutes and many things gone through my mind. 'What about Gonzalez on for a rather lethargic Riise and just go for it and leave the 3 defenders at the back?' I thought to myself.

Finally, I saw number 11, our new signing from Chile, Mark Gonzalez, stripping off his training gear and putting on the awesome red jersey for the first time since his transfer from Albacete last year. But when the electronic board went up, I was incensed, at the same time bermused. Gerrard coming off for Gonzalez? What the h*ll is Rafa thinking?! The person whom rescued Liverpool from 3-0 down in 2005 Champions League finals and 05/06 FA Cup final, was being replaced! The only player I could ever think of if we're to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

But, this happened.....

Quite unbelievable. Hands up if you're one of those Liverpool fans whom lost all hope when you saw Gerrard being hauled off. I think I'm one of them and I was pretty anxious at that time as well. But seriously, what a way to score on your debut. This goal is gonna be a platform for Mark as he continues to find his feet and adapt to the pace of the English game. It's gonna be a morale booster for the youngster, who probably had a couple of poor performance over the last 2-3 friendly matches. But when he's ready to step up and take responsibility, he took it well with calm and composure, and showing years of maturity that is beyond his age.

But I have to admit that we're plucky and lady luck was smiling at us this time, just like the many times she had smiled on us. Macabbi put up a strong fight and defended valiantly, but couldn't do anything as Xabi Alonso placed a wonderful chip over the head of the Macabbi Haifa defenders for Mark Gonzalez, who cut in from the left and arrived just in time. His touch was poor as he left the ball behind, but this is when his flair and technique shows as he picked his spot and fired the ball into the top corner of the net. A wonderful finish and heart break Macabbi Haifa.

Not to be outshone, Craig Bellamy and Jermaine Pennant, the other 2 debutants for Liverpool, were lively and productive. I was pleased that Bellamy didn't take as long as Peter Crouch to break the duck and scores for Liverpool.

We went 1-0 behind when some defensive errors and misjdugement from Xabi leads to an opening for the Israelian side. He should've at least caused a foul as Carragher and Hyypia were scrambling back, after being caught off position. But Boccoli then used his pace and outran Riise before firing past hapless Pepe Reina.

But the new Liverpool spirit, inculcated by none other than Rafa Benitez himself, was ever present, as Liverpool fought back once again, just like they did for the past few occasions. Pennant was impressive as he hugged the touchline before cutting in and placing the ball for Gerrard, who in turn flicked the ball masterfully for Sissoko. Momo, still searching for his first ever goal for Liverpool, smacked the ball hard and th goalkeeper saved it, but could only parry into the path of the onrushing Bellamy, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net. In the process, he pushed Gerrard away as well, as they both went for the loose ball.

Talking about Mohamad Sissoko (pictured above), he was colossus last night. He covered every inch and blade on the field, ran his heart out and was unlucky not to score at least once. His role as a destroyer is a blessing to every team as of ManYoo having a Roy Keane and Arsenal having Paddy Vieira. Now we have a 21 year old Malian, who ran like a 'crazy ostrich' as I've always nicknamed him and I was quite surrised how much improvement he has made over the past few months. He's now more composed then he was months back and his passing has improved vastly.

His midfield partner, Xabi Alonso was disappointing though. It seemed like he was well off the pace and had several miscued passes and surrendered possesion to the opponent. His reaction was slower than usual, as Macabbi Haifa actually had a man marking Alonso for much of the match, neutralising his playmaking ability from the back, and wearing him out as well, knowing that players returning from World Cup are still not the freshes of fishes.

I have a question for Rafa though, that is why he's so stubborn when it comes to tactics and formations. I was really surprised as we started out with a 4-5-1 with Bellamy the lone striker. Obviously Bellamy (the shortie above) is not the type of lone striker that's effective and therefore in the first half, we're pretty poor, as Gerrard and Alonso could only keep trying to find spaces behind the defence, which is pretty difficult considering how well they defended.

Then when we really had the score goals, he replaced Bellamy with Crouch (the tall bamboo stick above). Why not just stick both of them upfront and see how things works. It was stubborness on his part, but at least the trick went right and we won the game. I could imagine if Mark Gonzalez did not score the winner and the newspaper will surely have a field day on why Rafa replaces Gerrard when Liverpool needs him the most.

Poor performance really. I was expecting more from the team. But seeing how some players are still recuperating from the World Cup, they'll have to get their fitness back fast. We'll be playing the Chelscums this Sunday and it's never gonna be an easy game, eh?

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

TIME TO BE A LITTLE PATRIOTIC?

DROGBALLS WISHES SINGAPORE.....

A WONDERFUL 41ST BIRTHDAY !

I'm not the most patriotic person here in Singapore. But just a heartfelt message to our beloved 'island home'. 41 years since independence and we have came a long way to be honest. But I believe through it all, God's hands has always been upon this small nation and he has put in place a capable group of people to lead and direct us. We might not have the natural resources like other nations, but we're protected from most natural disasters and we have been safe from wars all these years.

We can all complain about the rising cost of living yadah yadah (Singaporeans are reknown for complaining if you don't know), but let's be thankful for just one day shall we. Thanks for a safe place to live, a roof over our family's head and a place where we can have fun.

Okay I'm having goosebumps now. Getting a little touchy, eh?

Drogballs wishes Singapore a fantastic year ahead. Peace, joy, harmony and prosperity upon the island city.

DREAMS COME TRUE..

Stumbled on another fan made video of our European success back in 2005. Not only focused on the finals, but in other matches as well. Great vid.

Come on, Liverpool. Make us dream again! The journey for our 6th European cup will begin tonight at Anfield against Macabbi Haifa. Let us relive those European nights at Anfield and put up a good show. I'm pretty worried actually, but let's just wish the team good luck and all the best!

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

WHINGING MAUREEN

Mourinho In 'I-Spout-Rubbish' Shocker

Chelski boss Jose Mourinho fears his star-studded squad could suffer a disastrous start to the new season due to their World Cup exertions.

The Premiership champions have just returned to England after a pre-season tour of the USA but Mourinho believes his squad will require as many as seven games before they are able to match their domestic rivals.

Following the 1-0 defeat to the MLS All Stars on Saturday, Mourinho complained to The Sun: "After our first friendly match you can see we're still far behind and not ready for the new season.

"It's disturbing but that is the truth. We are paying for contributing more players to the World Cup.

"My players were heavy, slow and not sharp. I am disturbed but we have to work hard and play more friendlies. We will need up to seven more games to begin to find our range - it's that bad."

"Because we had so many players at the World Cup, we start at a disadvantage to every other club. Other people have had matches, but I have had just 12 days to prepare my players to compete against a team such as Arsenal, who have had many weeks."

Drogballs: Oh, why don't you just shut the hell up, Mourinho. I'm getting sick and tired of the whining Portugese and sometimes it's as if he can't sleep at night if he didn't make a controversial statement or have a dig at rival clubs. It's getting a little embarassing, really.

I'm not an Arsenal fan so of course. But I shall just say that this pr*ck here is talking absolute boll*ks. He claimed that he only had 12 days to prepare his squad for the upcoming season. But according to Football365, Chelsea's "marketing drive" over at the US began 24 days before the season starts. So either he doesn't know how to count, or he's just a wind up merchant.

And do I have to point out Arsenal's playing Dinamo Zagreb TONIGHT without Theirry Henry and several key players? He claimed that his players will suffer the effect of the post-World Cup syndrome and will suffer a 'disastrous' start to the season. Open up your eyes and see, Maureen, that you're about as blind as Wenger himself. Does other teams not have players taking part in the World Cup as well?

Now look, almost all the big teams had players playing for the World Cup and since he's having a dig at Arsenal, F365 pointed out that both Arsenal and Chelsea actually had the same number of players that took part in the World Cup.

Why bitch and whine, Jose. You have all the cash on the world to buy whatever players you want and still whine about it. Why not sell all your 'tired' and then go on to buy another few in to replace them? Since Frank Lampard looked so out of form and knackered during the World Cup, just sell him and throw a few million at some kid and most likely they'll join anyway.

I know he's taking the pressure of his team, but whatever the case, what a pr*ck.

Monday, August 07, 2006

ANOTHER 2 PLAYERS ON THE WAY OUT?

Le Tallec & Sinama To Be Offloaded?

Out of favour French youngsters Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle are set to leave Liverpool this week, three years after signing for the club.

Neither player has been able to break into the first team regularly since being signed by former Reds boss Gerard Houllier in 2003.

The club have been forced to loan both players out in the past, and now Rafael Benitez is looking to offload the 21-year-olds who are not part of his plans.

Le Tallec looks set to sign for French side Sochux. He impressed in the French league at St Etienne during a loan spell there last year.

And striker Sinama-Pongolle has attracted the interest of Spanish outfit Osasuna after a good loan spell at Blackburn Rovers towards the end of last season.

With Pongolle set to leave, Benitez will step up the pace on signing a new striker in time for the new season with only Peter Crouch, Craig Bellamy and Robbie Fowler his first team forwards.

Drogballs: I couldn't be bothered with that Anthony Le Tallec to be honest. He's an ALRIGHT player with some potential. But rumours has it that he has a pretty shitty attitude. Whatever the case, he might be better off with Sunderland.

Sinama-Pongolle on the other hand, I for one will be pretty sad to see him leave. He's not bad actually, mobile, fast and nimble. Before you think about the millions we're about to get from his sale, always bear in mind what he did in that match against Luton. Without him, we'll be mightily embarassed and without him, could we have even reached the FA Cup finals?

Whatever the case, all the best lads. You'll Never Walk Alone...

GREAT NEWS !!!

Skysports.com can reveal Liverpool defender Djimi Traore is undergoing a medical at Charlton.

The French (I think he is a Malian) defender has travelled to London to begin talks and take a medical after Charlton agreed a fee with Liverpool for Traore.

Charlton have been chasing Traore for the last few weeks as they look to bolster their squad and are close to finalising a deal.

Liverpool have decided to let Traore leave Anfield after bringing in Fabio Aurelio from Valencia earlier this summer.

The player's agent Willie McKay confirmed Traore was in London having a medical at Charlton before tying up the move to The Valley.

"Djimi is currently at Charlton having a medical and all should be tied up soon," McKay told skysports.com.

"Djimi is looking forward to the prospect of joining Charlton and playing regularly."

Charlton boss Iain Dowie is hopeful of completing a deal for Traore and Newcastle midfielder Amdy Faye with the Senegalese international also undergoing a medical at The Valley.

Drogballs: Not much to comment, right? The faster Jimmy go, maybe the better.... Okay I'm pretty mean...

POOR MAN'S ASTON, MARTIN

'The AV06 consortium looking to take over Aston Villa have pledged new boss Martin O'Neill a £50 transfer kitty.' - News of the World

Please spend the money wisely, Martin. It's really not a lot....

Sunday, August 06, 2006

FOR THE MOTHERLAND!

Chelski's Impact On The Biggest Nation On Earth!

You'll need to know a little football to at least understand these pictures, heh.

In Other News....

MAJOR LEAGUE "SOCCER" XI 1 - 0 CHELSEA

I know it's not nice to have a dig at other teams when your team lost 5-0 over the weekends. But seriously, losing to a team that don't even play football..........

joke...

IF WE'RE TO CHANGE OUR CLUB CREST.....

Recently, I've been reading a thread on the RAWK forums regarding our cub crest. They think that it looked a little too complicated and we should move on with time and design a new badge for future uses. Teams like Arsenal and Tottenham have recently changed their badges as well as Chelsea. Should we have a change too? I know it sounds like we're following the crowd, but some of the talented photoshoppers and artist on the forum made me think otherwise. They came up with some pretty decent designs and I picked a few from the large selection and let you have a look and decide. Here are the few selected designs...

The Original Liverpool Crest:

Okay, if all along you thought the one on my banner is the actual Liverpool crest, then sorry, this is the real deal. Actually it looked pretty damn good, just that it's a little too complicated in terms of design. And some complained, TOO MUCH GREEN!

Okay I'll place the next few designs according to my preferences.

Design 1:

Okay, this is my favourite, because the original designed seemed to remain intact and not much changes being done. Yet at the same time it looks much, much more refined and simple. Maybe a font change and it'll be near perfect.

Design 2:

Now, this design looks real grand. It fits Liverpool well, as we're reknown for our glorious past. As Paul Tomkins descirbed, the Golden past and the Red future, this design seriously looks good. One thing about this design compared to the previous is that it has included the Shankly gates in the design. But I believe we should integrate the club name INTO the club crest itself.

Design 3:

You want simple designs, you got it. This looks really orginal, as in the original badge even before our current one, with only the Liverbird. Now we've won the 5th European crown, we should be proud to display the 5 stars and the eternal flame should not be missing. Simple, sophiscated and I reckon it looks brilliant on jerseys!

Design 4:

It's not a bad design AT ALL. But I found the crest a little.. too broad at the top and the badge looks weird with that shape. Don't really like the LFC as well, it looks.. weird on a badge.

Ya, anyway whatever it is, all credits due to the forum posters over at RAWK for the hardwork and hope you guys don't mind me using your stuff over here without permission! Just sharing and yes, brilliant work no matter what. I don't have the talent to do all this to be honest with ya. So what's your point of view then? Do drop a comment or two!