Saturday, September 02, 2006

A Chat With Rafa The Gaffa


Liverpoolfc.tv: At what point in your life did you realise that management was the route you wanted to take?

It's difficult to say exactly but at 13 years of age I was writing down the team-sheets for the team I was playing in and giving my team-mates notes. At 16 and 17 I was training and playing and then at 23 I was just interested in training.

How do you compare the current Liverpool squad to your title winning Valencia side?

The other team was stronger in all the areas. We have been really good in defence and now we are good in attack but at Valencia we had the balance that you are normally looking for.

What has been the most memorable match in your managerial career?

Maybe Istanbul and the final against AC Milan.

Who are your daughters' favorite Liverpool players?

Sami Hyypia and Steven Gerrard.

How are the kids' Scouse accents coming along?

They are doing well and they speak really good English. I can't understand the little one sometimes when she speaks English. It's not easy for me and it's the same when she speaks Spanish because she now speaks better English than Spanish.

Which signing do you consider to be your most important since taking over at Liverpool?

I think we have signed some good players in Alonso, Reina, Garcia, Crouch and Sissoko. It's difficult to say which one is the best. They are all good players and good professionals.

Do you think whoever wins the Premiership this season will need to gain at least 90 points?

Maybe, if you analyse the last two seasons, but I think it will be more difficult for the top sides to win every game this year. We can talk about West Ham, Tottenham and Blackburn as well now who are all difficult teams to beat.

You now have over 20 very good players who will all be hoping for a regular place in your first team. How do you hope to keep them all content with life at Anfield?

It's not easy but the only thing I can say is they must think about the whole season and know they will all have opportunities. We will play 60-65 games and it's important they all keep training hard and be as fit as possible to play as many games as they can. I always use the example of Smicer and the Champions League final. We were talking about the fact that he wasn't playing much but we said he could score the most important goal of his life in the next match and that's what happened. He was always training well, he was a good professional and was always fit for any game.

If we had a 90th minute penalty in the last game of the season to secure the Premiership title, who would you want to take it?

We have some good players but I think I would choose Robbie (Fowler).


This is your third season in charge of the Reds now. Do you think you have achieved what you set out to do so far and has it been harder then you expected?

I am really happy with what we have achieved but you can always do more and win more titles. It was hard because you know you can speak English but need to improve, but there's no time to learn. Sometimes it's difficult to understand players or to tell them what you want. It was harder than I thought.

When selecting your team for any given match – what is the most important thing you consider - who is in form, levels of fitness or who the opposition is?

The form of the players is the first thing, then the chemistry and understanding between them and then the opposing team. You have to put all three things together and come up with the team you think is right for the match.

What do you think is the most important quality in a modern football side?

Game intelligence. You need clever players who are quick and that means they have good game intelligence.

You’ve mentioned Gabriel Paletta as a player for the future. Should we expect to see much of him this year?

I was watching him today in the training session and he scored some good goals. You could say it's a surprise for a centre back because he could turn, he could shoot and he could pass. He's a player who will improve a lot and if he progresses learning English he will settle down properly. He can certainly strike the ball as hard as Daniel Agger, who last weekend scored one of the best goals in the 100 years of the Kop's history.

As a coach at the beginning of my career, I would like to know what advice you would give to anyone wishing to progress in football coaching and management?

I would say you have to keep going and keep working. Sometimes you can lose games and be disappointed or lose confidence but you have to keep going, analyse every situation and every game and try to find solutions.

If you could change one thing in football, what would it be and why?

I don't like the violence. I don't like to see players with the attitude of 'this is my space so be careful'.

Is it a hard job being the manager of Liverpool?

It's hard but I enjoy it, especially because we have a good atmosphere at the club and supporters who are fantastic.

Would you prefer to win 2-0 or 4-2?

4-0



If you lose your temper during training or during the actual game, is it in Spanish or English?

A mix. I try in English but sometimes I have to say something in Spanish. The other day I was shouting something to one of the players but he couldn't hear me so I thought I'd need a megaphone. I told him in Spanish afterwards because he couldn't understand me properly.

Many Premiership managers get involved in "wars of words" with other managers and officials both before and after games. It is refreshing that you seem to avoid this. Is this a reflection of your personality and the way you manage the team?

I dot think it's good. Sometimes I think I must say something but then I decide it's more important to stay focused on my team because that's the most important thing. Sometimes I want to say something but it's better to instead think about the team and the club.

Were you academically strong? What were your favourite subjects at school and what would you have been if football did not have a place in your heart?

I wasn't the best but I wasn't bad. I studied physical education at university and I liked physiology and psychology. I was decent.

Do you do all your work for Liverpool at Melwood and Anfield or do you find you end up taking your work home?

I have a lot of problems because I take my job home and work at home a lot. Sometimes I don't have time at Melwood to watch a video so I take it home and my daughter will say ‘switch off the TV, no more football, no more football’. It's not easy.

Will you be giving the youth stars such as Paul Anderson and Adam Hammill amongst others a chance to shine in the Carling Cup this season?

I always say it depends on the player. If they are playing well and progressing then we can use them in the first team. We are playing a lot of games and if the young players are doing well then why not?

What made you spend that much money on Dirk Kuyt when you looked at so many other forwards? What made him stand out?

He's a different kind of player. We had Crouch who is good in the air while Robbie, Luis and Bellamy are runners or second strikers. We needed another player with more power who is stronger than them who can intimidate the defenders. Hopefully the others can benefit.

I was just wondering how many watches are you planning on buying Montse this year?

I have spent big money on watches but I'm really happy because it means we have been winning trophies. I hope to buy her a very expensive watch at the end of the season because it means we have won the Premier League.

Do your children think it’s normal now to see their Dad with a trophy at the end of a season?

They don't understand. For the last seven years they have seen me with trophies and my seven year old has seen me with lots of them. She doesn't understand how hard it is to win one!


Friday, September 01, 2006

Hello, I'm On Newspaper...

(Click for bigger, clearer and better picture)

No idea when it was posted up on The Guardian over in the UK (Yes, UNITED KINGDOM), but very much appreciated, especially you people on here for the support alright. I'll keep up the standards and bring you insights as well sharing interesting stuff I found on the net with you people.

Cheers guys, and thankyou MysticDollarRedemption for spotting it and your fanatical support for our club mascot, Peter Crouch. I'll find out if he has 6 packs or not, no worries :D

FAO: ManYoo Fans...

You might be interested in this....


CLICK HERE!


Hahahahahahahaha................

Javier Mascherano & Carlitos Tevez's Transfer To West Ham..

A Major Transfer Coup? Or A Conspiracy?

I know many of you were absolutely stunned by the fact that the Argentinian duo of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano joined West Ham Utd. So was I. Both this players shone in the recent 2006 FIFA World Cup and surely their performances would have been watched by the likes to AC Milan and Manchester United. So why West Ham, you ask. I was pretty curious about what happened to them and upon further 'investigation', this is more than meets the eye. It's not so simple.

First, I must say that if I misinterpreted anything, don't blame me. But anyway let me give you a rough idea of of what happened to the duo and why on earth would they choose West Ham over ManYoo or Milan.

A company named MSI (Media Sports Investment) were thought to have casted an eye Brazillian football and therefore, they kinda signed an agreement with a Brazilian club named Corinthians. The owner of MSI is Kia Jurabchian, an Iranian business man and is known to be Roman Abramovich's (Chelsea owner) good friend. It was a controversial deal that will last for 10 years and that enabled Corinthians to bring in quality players like Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Boca Juniors of Argentina.

And as we know this, Abramovich apparently, have some stakes in the company, MSI, which means Corinthians will more or less, be somesort of a feeder club to who else but Chelsea, Abramovich's play-toy. Everyone in the football world somehow or rather, surrendered and given up on the Argentinian duo, as they'll most likely move to Chelsea due to the agreement.

But now it stunned the football world, Fergie taken aback. They decided to join up with West Ham, a London rival of Chelsea themselves. Why on earth would they do it? Are they out of their mind? Or is there something going on at the back which is not known to the public.

Now, let's take a look at the signings West Ham made this season. They signed the likes of Carlton Cole from Chelsea and also Lee Bowyer. Hardly world beaters eh? Not the point. They're all bought under the price of 2 million and that's normal for a club like West Ham. They don't spend big due to financial constraints. So I would like to know, HOW ON EARTH CAN WEST HAM AFFORD BOTH OF THEM? Look this way. They performed well enough during the World Cup and both of their evaluated price MUST have soared above 30 million and ABOVE. How? It's really fishy.

After reading much, I have actually came to a conclusion that West Ham will now go on to become another part of MSI, which means that a takeover is imminent, and both Tevez and Mascherano are the pawns. West Ham are to agree on the takeover bid so that they could get T & M at Upton Park. Therefore the reason why it was an 'undisclosed' fee, because it's so low that nobody will believe, therefore not announcing it openly will make it sound more..realistic.

So if MSI is really somehow or rather, connected to Chelsea, then why not bring them over to Stamford Bridge. My guess would be the squad size over at Chelsea is too big and adding this 2 players, Mourinho will have a real hard time trying to fit them in. So therefore, West Ham has officially became Chelsea's 'feeder' club. Sad state huh, talking about monopolising the football world. Who would've thought a Russian would wield his unlimited power in the Premiership and now it has really disrupted the balance of things.

Another point I would like to make, is that both T & M are players NOT contracted under a CLUB, but contracted under MSI. In a word, they are the 'slaves' of MSI, taking the word from Jose Mourinho himself. They play wherever MSI wants them to and now MSI wants them to be part of West Ham, so they have no choice, but to join. Did they signed a pact with the 'devil' ? I don't know, but it certainly doesn't sound good.

But of course these are just MY analysis and might be wrong. But all these conspiracy theories are brought up everywhere on the forums and mailboxes, it's hard to ignore it. One day this might all come to null, but it's just too good to be true, and it's really hard to believe that players with that sort of pedigree would join West Ham (no offence, Hammers) of all clubs.


Once again, MONEY has disrupted the balance of planet football and it's getting out of hand. I'm pissed. Why can't we get back on track with the game we love instead of all this money laundring and the monopoly of the club with the biggest 'sugar-daddy'. Until we get to know the truth, I will stand by MY point.



Crazy, Frentic Last Day Deals

This is what I call last minute deals. It all happened just a few hourse before the 12mn deadline. Some crazy transfers, major coupes and also the 'WTF' deals. Here are the last minute major transfers.

William Gallas + 5mil = CAsh-ley Cole To Chelsea


The most long-winded, boring and shittiest transfer saga by a mile. It stretched on from 26 JANURARY 2005, yes 2005, after Chelsea 'tapped' him up and Cole expressing his desire to leave the club that brought him up and cultivated him into one of the best, if not THE best left back in business currently.

CAshley will now join London rivals, Chelsea while seeing French international, Gallas moving the opposite direction. Reports claimed it involved a fee of 5mil as well. If it's true, then I think Arsenal has been ripped off. Ashley is a young and talented defender with years ahead to prove himself. Whereas Gallas, being a really good defender, has hit his peak and it's not long before he starts hitting the 30 mark and then go down hill. You got merk'd, L'Arse...


Spanish T**t Loaned To Real Madrid; Julio Baptista Move Opposite Direction

Finally, the whinging cry-baby of Spain, Reyes finally moves to his 'dream team' and will now stop crying week in week out on radio about how he love to play for Real Madrid yada yada. Anyway now this seemed to be a coup by Arsenal, better luck this time round eh.

Arsenal lacks an imposing central figure in the team with only Rosicky, Gilberto and Fabregas in the middle. Julio 'The Beast' Baptista will be able to fit right into the team with his physical approach and he's a versatile player, being able to play in the heart of midfield, getting stuck in whereas he could play where he did at Real Madrid, a striker. Not at his best form, but if he could regain the form he had at Sevilla, then Wenger would be pleased.


Jan Kromkamp Move To PSV Eindhoven

Our back-up right back for Steve Finnan has move on and back to his homeland, Holland. He didn't quite settle down in Merseyside, just like his days at Villarreal. He was noted to be a very soft spoken player and 'always on the phone'. Maybe the detachment from his team mates and also the language barrier made his life a little difficult. His on-field performance wasn't the best, but thanks for everything Jan, all the best and I'm sure you'll do really well back in Holland. YNWA.


Deadline Deals Summary By Football365




Even Funnier Football Mascots...

Thanks for the tip off from fellow football blogger, I found that the Championship is filled with weirder mascots than the Premiership. Again, let's take a look!


Plymouth
Pilgrim Pete


Luton Town
Harry the Hatter

He's coming to get ya! Coming to get YA!


Southend Utd
Sammy The Shrimp

Oh...sh*t...


Barnsley
Toby Tyke

Okay, I know Barnsley is trying to scare away the children, but seriously, the single most hideous mascot EVER. Ugly as fook! HAHAHA


Sheffield Wednesday
Bazz - Ollie - Ozzie

Threesome for tonight, eh? Oh..3 owls!



And..Wait for it...


Liverpool FC
Crouchinator aka. Crouchy the Giraffe!



:D



Thursday, August 31, 2006

Transfer Deadline Day Latest!

*Latest - Jan Kromkamp To Sign For PSV

I have just heard it on Sports Centre. According to report, it'll be 2 million GBP. That looks like Neill is about to join us. Look below for more information.

Tevez & Mascherano To West Ham On Loan

Argentina World Cup forward Carlos Tevez claims he is about to join West Ham along with national team colleague Javier Mascherano.

The double signing would represent a massive - and expensive - coup for the Hammers if it was to come off as both players were among Argentina's most impressive performers in Germany.

A statement on Tevez's personal website: "Carlitos Tevez, along with his team-mate Javier Mascherano, signs a contract to play for West Ham United of England."

Both have been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea over the summer with Arsenal also apparently in the running to bring Tevez from Brazil.


Drogballs: I know what's on everyone's mind. What the hell? Yea, but anyway I kinda understand why he went to West Ham on loan, instead of going to Chelsea or ManYoo on permanent deal. I think both of them wanted to settle down in England in a mid table club that's on the rise, with them trying to find their feet in their English game and adapt to the fast and furious pace of the Premiership. Good on you, West Ham. A team that plays wonderful flowing football with a group of talented youngsters, Pardew's the man.


Lucas Neill On The Brink?

LUCAS NEILL today expected the go-ahead to complete his transfer to Liverpool - as Rafa Benitez considered whether to allow Stephen Warnock to move in the opposite direction.

Blackburn rejected Liverpool's first bid for the 28-year-old Aussie, but negotiations continued overnight with Mark Hughes demanding a fee plus Warnock.

Benitez instantly dismissed that proposal. Warnock is just 24 and a recent England international.

However, as talks progressed today, if a cash deal couldn't be agreed there was a possibility Liverpool would sanction a straight swop for Warnock.

Despite Rovers' reluctance to sell Neill, the mood at Anfield today was optimistic a deal would be thrashed out before midnight.

The Aussie defender has made it clear to his club he's desperate to move.

And despite Blackburn trying to claim as much as £4m for Neill's signature - way beyond Liverpool's valuation - they know they risk receiving nothing if the day passes without agreement.

Neill is entering the last year of his contract and is sure to leave on a Bosman next summer if his move to Liverpool is blocked.

Alternatively, having turned 28, Neill could activate a new FIFA ruling and leave by buying out the remainder of his Ewood Park contract at a cost of £1.2m.

Drogballs: So a dedicated Scouser + some money for an absolute nutter? No doubt Neill is a good defender. Everyone could see that during the World Cup, he is capable of playing anywhere across the back 4 and is versatile. But his temperament is the downside of him and I don't know how many legs is he gonna break.


While Salif Diao Being A Complete Idiot

There was a setback as Salif Diao's move to Spain collapsed because he couldn't agree personal terms.

Diao was handed a staggeringly lucrative contract when he joined Liverpool in 2002 and would rather earn his money on Merseyside than leave for regular football.

It's highly unlikely he'll move before the end of the day

Drogballs: I'm getting really, really agitated by this Senegalese 'bag of s**t' bought by no other than Gerard Houllier. I must say it's not a racist comment, but seriously, if you think that by sitting there in the reserves and eating up the wage bill, then I think you have lost all credibility and respect from all Liverpool fans. Have a great time in the reserves and hope you get off our back ASAP, idiot.


Others:

Sinama-Pongolle to Recreativo Huelva (LOAN)
Jonathan Woodgate to Middlesbrough (LOAN)
Andrew Cole to Portsmouth
Malbranque to Tottenham
Routledge to Fulham

Rumours:

Jose Reyes to Real Madrid (YAWNNN)
Ashley Cole to Chelsea (YAWWWWWWWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN)
Ronaldo to Real Madrid
Adriano to Inter Milan


Frentic, frentic stuff my friends. I'm a little slow here, so I guess I'll do the transfer round up tomorrow, as the transfer window closes tomorrow at 7AM Hong Kong GMT.


Wednesday, August 30, 2006

2 Days To The Window Shutting!

Mellor Joins Preston North End

Mellor is now fit again after being plagued by injury problems over recent months but with Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch and Robbie Fowler ahead of him in the pecking order at Anfield, first team opportunities were clearly going to be limited for the 23 year old this season.

Despite not playing as much football as he would have liked during his time at Anfield, Mellor will never be forgotten by the Liverpool fans after netting one of the three 'comeback' goals against Olympiacos and sending Arsenal crashing to defeat with a memorable last minute strike in the Premiership at Anfield.


Drogballs: Good luck, son. All these years past and I personally think that if there's a player from the Academy that deserves a place in the squad, then it's Mellor. He's hardworking, dedicated and his nickname was....'Ste Gerrard's evil twin brother'. And who will ever forget...



And don't forget about the Olympiakos match, where he was the catalyst, sparking the comeback with a goal and that assist for Steven Gerrard to score the 'YOUUUU BEAUTTYY!' shot. Thanks for everything, all the best! YNWA.


Lucas Neill Bid Rejected

Blackburn have rejected a bid from Liverpool for their Australian full-back Lucas Neill.

The Reds contacted Blackburn this week and made an offer for the 28-year-old, who can play at either right-back or left-back, but have had their bid knocked back.

It is understood Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is determined to hold onto Neill, who joined Rovers from Millwall in 2001.

Thank God. I don't wish Liverpool to become the institute of mental health for footballers, or even worst, a half way house for players like Pennant and Bellamy.


Kromkamp, Harry And Sinama Out?

Meanwhile there could be four players on their way out of Anfield before Thursday night's transfer deadline, according to The Liverpool Echo.

Full-back Jan Kromkamp, who has failed to nail down a first-team berth since signing from Villarreal, is expected to return to his native Holland with Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven.

Meanwhile Spurs could be set to bid for winger Harry Kewell, and Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Salif Diao are expected to join newly-promoted Spanish La Liga side Recreativo de Huelva.
Sorry LadyLala! Maybe Harry is really on his way out with Riise, Gonzo and Aurelio around, not forgetting Zenden is a winger as well. Kromkamp never truly settled down and don't seemed to be an able replacement for Finnan in my opinion, but I hope we keep him for at least till January, since Neill's bid was rejected and we couldn't land Dani Alves.

Sinama, well..his exit seemed imminent after we signed Bellamy. Rafa doesn't seemed to rate him that well, but we know what this little French is capable of.

Whatever happens in the next 48 hours, I'm happy with the current squad.


Premiership Club's Mascots...

I was curious and went to search for various club's mascots. Here they are...


Chelsea's
Stamford Lion


Aston Villa's
Hercules Lion


ManYoo's
Fred the Red


Fulham's
Terry Bytes - WTF?


Portsmouth's
Frogmore the Frog


Charlton's
Floyd & Harvey


Sheffield United's
Captain Blade

HAHAHAHA!!


Watford's
Harry the Hornet


Reading's

Kingsley


Man City's
Moonchester

Sh*tty name to be honest...


Arsenal's

Gunnersaurus Rex


Tottenham Hotspur's

Chirpy Cockerell

Reminds me of the KFC mascot, Chicky? HAHAHA



West Ham Utd's
Herbie the Hammer

Now, this is what I call, weird....


Bolton's
Lofty Lion


Newcastle Utd's

Monty Magpie


Middlesbrough's

Roary Lion


Blackburn's
Roar Lion

Base on picture, should be named whiny lion...


NEverton's
Mr Toffee

Don't try it. It bounds to be really bitter....



Maybe Liverpool need a mascot as well..

Oh there's Peter Crouch already...



Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Congrats, Dirky !

Yesterday Dirk Kuyt got voted the best football player of last season. The reward is a golden boot. The boot was presented to him by his seriously ill father. Kuyt was moved to tears and said it was the best present he ever got from his dad. He praised his father for coming on stage to present the trophy short before undergoing a heavy operation. He added that his dad was the most important man in his life and that he loved him.

Good lad, Dirk. Hopefully you do your papa proud by becoming a true Liverpool legend. Uhm, moved to tears...pretty touchy, eh?


Tags:

Fact Of The Day

'Researchers have revealed that the size and shape of a person's lips determines their personality. Ashley Cole's large mouth and full lips suggest he is an expressive and emotional man with expensive tastes. Wayne Rooney's small mouth and thin lips show independence and a strong will' - The Daily Star.

Uhm so, Thierry Henry must be a really expressive and emotional man...IT MUST BE!

Early Impression

3 games has been played already and some players are certainly on fire. They've impressed me over this 2 weeks and I think they deserves some mention. Here are the names:


Jimmy Bullard!

He's the man! Already 2 goals scored for Fulham so far, Wigan must be crazy to sell him. Scored an excellent free kick over the weekends and should've scored another if the ball didn't swerve as much and hitting the post.








Ryan Giggs

Already getting on with his age, but apparently his form has been great so far this season and looks like he has primed again. Used to see him dribble past 2 or 3 players in the past, now he contributes more to the game with his fantastic crosses and movement off the ball. One of the reason why ManYoo are on fire currently.







Olof Mellberg

The former Villa captain found his form this season with 3 impressive displays so far. Scored the first goal at Emirates Stadium then held on valiantly to draw with Arsenal. Against Newcastle, he was rock solid and marked Obafemi Martins out of the game.









Nwankwo Kanu

Used to joke a lot with that name. Canoe..you know. But wow, already 4 gaols scored this season and maybe Harry really knows how to get the best out of him, after a rather disappointing few seasons with West Brom.







Ed: Thank you for pointing out Bobby Zamora and Darren Bent. To me, Zamora looked extremely fortunate to score what, 4 goals? Most of them are mis-hit shots and his contributions in the match left much to be desired...

Darren Bent scored a couple as well, but looking at the highlights, when Charlton hosted Bolton, he dived for that penalty. Nobody brought it up? Because he's English.

Oh, Boro...

Yesterday my pal asked me for football betting tips. Quoting him:


Him: Eh, who'll win tonight?

Me: Pompey (Portsmouth), lah. It's Boro you know. After defeating Chelski, they'll probably lose it big time.

Him: Sure or not, beat Chelsea, leh. Playing at home as well.

Me: Then buy Boro at your own peril.


Results:

BORO 0 - 4 PORTSMOUTH


Hate to say this, but I told you so!

Monday, August 28, 2006

Jimmy Bullard !!!

You Gotta Love The Man...

I think everyone who watches football and especially Wigan Atl. last season would've notice this certain player by the name of Jimmy Bullard. Well, to me he's a pretty special player, not in terms of technical ability or scoring deflected goals, but how he actually enjoyed playing football and those funny moments he was involved in.

Enjoy! He's a class act!


Bullard vs Big Dunc




Bullard Doing The 'Jump over the crowd' Trick (My Favourite!)







Bullard Messng With Team Mates In Dressing Room!





"Sorry Posh Fans!":






Haha what a player. Oh yes, he always reminded me of a certain ESPN football presenter named PJ Roberts (Nokia Football Crazy). The curly locks and they looked pretty similar!


PJ Roberts


Jimmy Bullard

Oh, yes, he does resembles a LITTLE like Dirk Kuyt...just A LITTLE.


Sunday, August 27, 2006

Remember The Night....

When We Brought Roof Of Anfield Down

I think many Liverpool fans like me will still reminisce the day when we finally beat the Russian Chel-Moneybag-ski at Anfield last year. It was the Champions League Semi finals and we're held 0-0 at Stamford Bridge. The returning leg at Anfield will go down as the night when we shook the whole of Europe and with the songs and the cheers. John Terry even admitted he was intimidated by the atmosphere at Anfield.

As usual was clicking around over at YouTube and I've found this really, special video. Taken after the win, it still bring tears to my eyes and the spine chilling rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" makes my hair stand (not literally, la). Enjoy:



One day, I MUST set foot on Anfield, by hook or by crook. What an atmosphere, and that "COME ON!" by Gerrard at the end of the video sums it all up.

What the players and fans were not aware of course, was what is to happen at Ataturk, Istanbul.