Photos of 'Kop Comes to Asia'

Hello guys! Long time since I've updated. I'm sure many of you are here looking and scouring for the 'Kop Comes to Asia' photos and sorry for the delay. It was my honour to attend the game on Sunday and though I wasn't one of those fans that went round Singapore chasing them, many of those photos could be found in their official website and Facebook account.

Anyway here are some of the pictures taken by my friends that were there with me and as well as some shots from the official site. So sit back and enjoy!

I thought this was a nice shot

View from my position...and love the scarves and all

I'm the one in Liverpool shirt ;)

That's Rafa

And Kuyt!

And Alonsooooo!

Hope you guys enjoyed it!

Rafa's Love Story With Liverpool Continues

"My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal. I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.”

These were the words that finally give the red half of Liverpool a good sleep tonight. After a ‘hard-to-get’ game played by Benitez and Liverpool, many Reds would’ve felt the uncertainty of the direction of the club.

At long last, we could all look past those doubts and fears, continue to build on this legacy and look forward into a bright red future.

Actually, I was stoked when I saw the news. I was beaming with joy when I finally saw him put pen to that precious contract. The least said about the other 129 rough drafts of the contract the better.

It had been a rollercoaster ride for the Liverpool fans, for the owners and for Rafa himself. There were times where it seems imminent that Benitez would leave the club after seemingly being in the same situation half a decade ago at Valencia.

“I want a sofa but they got me a lampshade.” Such was his hunger for control and a say in everything, including transfers.

Robbie Keane, a major signing in the summer, was probably that lampshade. Though it was disposed off as quickly as Ronaldo going to the ground, one have to wonder if Keane was really a Benitez signing.

The doubts brought tensions within the club. Papers talked about it. Fans questions it. With each passing week, the hopes of him signing the contract seem gloomier and less probable.

We all know Benitez is a meticulous man and wants to have a hand on everything within the club. From the top to the bottom, he wants to be in control and through Liverpool’s playing style, you could see that.

As owners, surely you’d be put off by that. You want someone who manages, not being a control freak and busybody.

Yet his tactical acumen, especially in Europe, probably made Tom Hicks overlooks all of that and accepts the he is the man for this job. After seeing Liverpool steamrolled past Real Madrid last week and demolished Man Utd over the weekends, there is probably no question to his ability.

Tom Hicks, probably read Sun Tzu’s Art of War and realized that only by retreating, you’ll gain the advantage in advancing forward. He removed Rick Parry from his post a few weeks back and it was seen as a victory for Benitez.

We don’t know for sure whether Parry and Benitez had a good working relations but it seems like with the removal of Parry, the Spanish manager would have more control and say in areas such as transfers.

It has been a wonderful 8 or so days for most Liverpool fans. A place in the quarter finals of the Champions League, still in contention for the Premier League title at this stage and some exciting up and coming stars, his signing will no doubt be the icing on the cake.

But it is still only the tip of the iceberg.

I was surprised by the length of contract. 5 years it is. I was pretty adamant that he would at most sign an extension of 2-3 years. But that is an indication that he is here to stay. He might move on anytime from now to 2014 but that definitely signals his intentions.

Of course looking forward, there’s still lot of work to be done. One or two top class players are still needed and of course, contract renewals to key players need to be addressed.

Benitez’s first challenge comes only a day after the joyous occasion and that is the quarter final draw of the Champions League. He obviously have the European Cup in mind, as we’ve already been dumped out of the domestic cups and Premier League is still Man Utd’s to lose.

On the transfer scene, he is surely looking to bolster the squad, with rumours claiming that he is targeting ‘an England international’. I know, I can hear the murmurs. It’s Wayne Rooney I bet (just kidding of course).

Upfront, we need a more consistent and able cover for Fernando Torres. With the departure of Robbie Keane, the frontline looked thin at times with only Ryan Babel and David N’Gog to look to.

Both of our flanks need to be further strengthened as well. Dirk Kuyt looks capable enough but is not the final solution. Albert Riera looks promising at first but his form dwindled towards the latter half perhaps due to his fitness level.

I’ve talked too much here of course. I’m going to let Rafa Benitez do his job. Well on, Rafa, we’ll be behind you!

Show Benitez The Money

By Gareth Freeman

he Liverpool players and Benitez might claim they still have a shot at the title but I think deep down they know they’re chasing a lost cause now. After that great start I think the last couple of months have demonstrated why the board need to put more money into the team to get them challenging for the league.

In terms of a best eleven Liverpool are probably on a par with Chelsea and Manchester United but in terms of squad depth they’re a long way behind. I think the tiredness is starting to show on a lot of the Liverpool players and it was almost a good thing getting knocked out of the FA Cup as it means the players have the weekend off to prepare for the Real Madrid game.

Rafa is an absolute master when it comes to European football and the Champions League is Liverpool’s last chance to pick up any silverware this season. With Benitez in charge there is always going to be a decent chance of winning a cup competition but in the league tactical ability can only get you so far. When players are tired and a similar level of quality isn’t there to back them up the side are going to suffer and that is what is happening to Liverpool at the moment.

Whether the board will back Benitez remains to be seen. They wouldn’t fork out the £18million Aston Villa wanted for Gareth Barry, which may seem like an inflated price but when you consider the impact he has for Villa it is probably quite reasonable in the modern game. I also couldn’t imagine the Man Utd or Chelsea board telling the manager they couldn’t have that amount of money for a player the manager obviously feels will benefit the team. The fact is if Liverpool had won the league this season it would have been a mammoth achievement and Benitez needs the backing of the board to give Liverpool the best chance of taking the title.

If you’re planning on having an online football bet on the FA Cup action I can’t see any upsets and I expect Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton to progress. There is only on Premier League game this weekend between Sunderland and Tottenham so whatever the outcome it will have no bearing on Liverpool, though you should get decent odds on Spurs winning at the Stadium of Light so it might be a worthwhile soccer bet.

Keane's Saga & Rafa

By: Gareth Freeman

I’m going to take a break from my usual match previews and football betting picks for this latest article because I think he whole Robbie Keane transfer has thrown up a few questions about the way things are done at Anfield.

Cast your mind back too last summer, was Robbie Keane Benitez’s top transfer target? Nope, he wanted Gareth Barry but was told the club didn’t want to shell out the money for him. Villa wanted somewhere round the £20million mark for Barry but the board wouldn’t match that. Despite this they were totally happy to pay £18.6million for Keane.

It seems blatantly obvious to me that Bentitez never really wanted Keane and was never impressed by him when he did play. I don’t blame Keane for this, I do in fact think he is a class player and very much capable of playing for a top-side. The Irish striker just didn’t fit into Rafa’s tactics and system and if a manager never wanted a player it can be hard to break in. Keane’s stay at Anfield reminds me a lot of Andrei Shevchenko’s stay at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho never wanted him and he was left on the sidelines.

Unlike Keane, Barry was a player Benitez really wanted and as the season progresses the more I wish he’d been allowed to bring him in. Barry would have been great in the midfield and would have allowed Gerrard the space to move forward into the striker’s role as often as possible throughout a match. A midfield of Barry and Mascherano or Alonso with Gerrard given more freedom to roam would have been an extremely effective combination but unfortunately for Benitez is never materialised.

Benitez has admitted it is a bit of a gamble letting one of his forwards go, without bringing in a replacement, with Liverpool still competing for honours in the league, Champions League and FA Cup. Without Torres the forward line does look a bit light-weight but then again the Reds managed to see of Manchester United and Chelsea without Torres or Steven Gerrard earlier in the season and there is no reason why that can’t happen again.

The soccer betting odds may now have Manchester United as firm favourites for the title but Liverpool are still up there and that win over Chelsea was a very much needed three points. If Liverpool fail to win anything this season I wouldn’t place the blame on Benitez and Keane’s transfer, I’ll be looking at the board and asking why Rafa wasn’t given the backing he needed at the start of the campaign.

The Liverpool Impersonator!

Guys, this is a must watch! Look how well he impersonate Rafa, Gerrard, Owen and even... Carragher! You thought it's impossible eh! Just have a look...



I thought the Gerrard one was pretty much spot on. Heh!

Another Random Update

Guys, I'm back but not with a bang.

Well, it has been so depressing to read about Liverpool on the news nowadays because it never seemed to be for the right reasons. Seemed like our American owners have really screwed us over and now we can only wait and watch this tragedy-in-making unfold before our very eyes.

But this off field problem seemed to dissipate into the on-field matters as well because of how unprofessional and childish they acted. Yes, we know you had a high tea with Jurgen Klinsmann and had some cheese cakes but WHY do you need to put it up high on the official Liverpool website?

Is this some sort of trick to make Rafa jealous? If it is, then I think it wouldn't work on Rafa, ever. Seems to me like the American owners is like a guy who doesn't really like his current girlfriend and openly flirts with another in front of her.

Right. Quite apparent that we'll lose Benitez as well this summer IF the Americans are still on deck.

How much mess have we got into? Probably not all to blame the Hicks and Gillett as well. It was David Moores who agreed to sell Liverpool to the duo and what about Rick Parry? If everyone knew about what Hicks did to his baseball team, how on earth did the two key men NOT know that it was going to be a bad call.

Now we've been tossed and thrown in the waves of this turbulent wave of money, pride and greed. Is anybody even concerned about our club's heritage and history?

I guess in this age, nothing else but money matters anymore. For more money, everyone could do ANYTHING for it. We're a club probably made a scapegoat for these people and we don't even know.

Money, root of all evil? My arse, it's the very evil itself!

Question: If you could do something about this situation, what would you do? Remove the owners? Get DIC back in the frame? Sack Rick Parry for being totally anonymous? Tell me more about your views.

Kop Roars As Reds Keep Dream Alive

15 Goals For, 1 Against In Last 3 Games

UEFA Champions League

LIVERPOOL 4 - 1 FC Porto

Scorers:
LIV - Torres (19, 78), Gerrard (83), Crouch (87);
POR - Lopez (33);

Stormy clouds were gathering fast over the skies of Merseyside as Rafael Benitez's relations with the US owners was thought to have been broken down. It was continued to be stirred relentlessly despite the comfortable 3-0 win over Newcastle over the weekends.

But in typical Scouser fashion, Liverpool fans showed unity in strength and the willingness to overcome the odds as they sang at their top of their voices in support of their 'beleaguered' manager.

They're not willing to let slip a legend in the making.

Problems didn't stop there, really. After investing heavily in the summer, it would be a nightmare not to get into the knockout phases of the Champions League. But for the past few weeks, the nightmare was almost turning into a reality.

Whether is it doing it the hard way all the time or not, Liverpool showed enough persistency and doggedness to get their result last night against Porto. A must win game at Anfield sounds easy enough for the Reds but Porto was a test of character.

The Kop faithfuls were singing Rafa Benitez's name throughout, even prior to the game when hordes of Scousers congregated outside Anfield to give Rafa a vote of confidence. But it was another Spaniard who took centre stage and ultimately lifted a huge volume of pressure from the shoulders of Benitez.

A big money transfer from Atletico Madrid last summer, he was purchased with the expenditure provided by the US owners, Hicks and Gillett. But ultimately, Rafa believed and trusted in his ability to get goals for the club.

And he did just that.

It justified Benitez's transfer policy and it sounded as clear as an alarm to the owners that they need to put faith in someone who understands football more than they do. They opened the checkbook but Rafa picked him.

Fernando Torres grabbed a brace as Liverpool put 4 goals past Porto in a somewhat flattering manner. It was end to end stuff at times and both teams, especially the home side, looked stretched as the game went on in a break-neck tempo.

He put the Reds ahead in the 18th minute with a header from Steven Gerrard's corner kick. Dreadful defending from Porto allowed the Spanish marksman to evade the defence and planted the ball past Helton.

The great escape is alive and truly kicking.

But Liverpool took their foot off the pedal in spectacular fashion and was utterly punished, yet totally against the run of play. Despite dominating possession, the Reds didn't threaten and Porto scored from their first attempt on goal in an incisive move.

Kaz (his name is too long and difficult to be spelt) whipped in a cross after he muscled Mascherano off the ball and Porto top scorer, Lisando Lopez, got the better of Alvaro Arbeloa as he launched an acorbatic header which gave Porto the equaliser.

And Liverpool panicked. It was apparent that the goal took them by surprise and indeed, they looked shell-shocked.

For the next 15 minutes after the Porto goal, the Portugese giants took hold of the game and launched waves and waves of attack on Pepe Reina's goal. Close shaves and edge-of-your-seat moments abound and suddenly, the Liverpool fans were taken aback as to what is happening right in front of their eyes.

A draw would be the end of their Champions League campaign. It would also pile pressure on Benitez, with his job already seemingly under serious threat.

And it just didn't looked like it was their day. For the next half an hour, Liverpool toiled and found no rewards. Voronin was quiet, Benayoun off-colour and Babel disappointing. Only Torres looked threatening.

Passes were misplaced and tension was apparent. Anxiety gets the better of the players at times and frustrations led to the disappearance of composure.

Then came the turning point of the game. Rafa Benitez decided enough is enough for the trio of under-performers for this game. On came the much maligned Harry Kewell and the under-utilised Peter Crouch.

Both gave the Reds an extra option up front and no, it's not really the aerial prowess of Crouch. It was the way they held up the ball and controlled it in the spaces so tight that Harry Houdini would have problem getting out.

And it was Kewell who provided the ammunition for Torres to find the net, albeit it was a lucky one. Yet, take nothing away from the wonderful finish of the Spanish striker, as he curled it past Helton and the acrobatic defender on the line.

Anfield was in raptures. I myself jumped out of my seat with my fist pumping in the air. Just the goal we need!

Then just like how most Liverpool game goes this season, it triggered a landslide thereafter. Milan Stepanovs handled the ball under pressure from Hyypia and up-stepped Steven Gerrard to score and equal Michael Owen's European goal record.

Michael who?

Icing was on the cake finally when Gerrard's corner kick once again caught the Porto defence cold. Crouch headed the ball into an empty net after Helton decided to go for a walkabout.

Half the job is done at Anfield but Rafa's men know that what matters the most now is the result at Velodrome the next time round. A must-win game not only for Liverpool, but also the French giants, Marseille. All teams still stand a chance to qualify at this stage. What an intriguing outcome it will be!

Huge pressure lifted off the stands of Anfield and with the 90 minutes of constant singing, Rafa was pleased enough and acknowledges the fan's support. His post match interview was a heart-warming and positive one, in comparison to the one he had on Saturday.

An overwhelming win which didn't truly reflect the real complexion of the game. Yet the class of the Reds prevailed till the end.


Latest: New Stadium loan secured

Drogballs' Plea To Reds Fans

If you're in favour of supporting Rafa Benitez our manager and have full confidence in his ability and his plans for the future, please sign the following petition.

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?amg83ds&1


We have fell short for so many years and this man led us to finals after finals each passing years. Premiership might still elude us but we are really in the mood this season so my plea is that the storm will die down, owners will put their faith in Rafa and we might have a bigger chance if there isn't any off-field squabbles.

I'm not saying that it's not entirely wrong on Rafa's part for sounding like a petulant kid at times but it's not time to wreck the ship again when the ship finally looks steadied and ready to sail at full speed.

Thanks.

Benitez's Dreaded Rotation Policy

Since we've won 2 games in a row, the press are pretty quiet and discreet about coming forth to blast Benitez for rotating his players again.

But I found out that Benitez not only rotates his players on the pitch....

His infamous rotation policy also involves hotel rooms...

Fernando (Torres) is seen in the Hotel near his Spanish team-mates, although one of the advice Benitez has given him is to form relationships with all the players. As a matter of fact, in the course of the season he will share a room with most of them because the manager rotates them when they travel. He spent Tuesday night with Finnan.

If every now and then there's news about Liverpool players not getting along, it must be the rotation policy in the hotel room as well.

Well, just telling you how the press works!

Good Man Rafa!

We know his goatee is probably the best thing since sliced bread and it has been on Liverpool fan's lips for the past week but during the official unveiling of Fernando Torres, where he held a press conference, Rafa once again showed a humorous side of him and reminds us of why we love the goatee man so much.


Reporter - So are you happy for him (Bellamy) to stay?

Benitez - Who? Fernando Torres?

Reporter - No. Bellamy

Benitez - Yes, I know. I'm joking

Reporter - So??

Benitez - Yes, I am very happy for Torres to stay.


Can't help but laugh at the poor reporter....

'El Nino' Hits Anfield

Finally, one of football's worst kept secret is out.

Despite Atletico Madrid's president coming out to calm the storm in recent days, it didn't stop the 'El Nino' from hitting Merseyside. It's Fernando Torres we're talking about, a new club record signing from Spain. For the past 2 weeks, speculation had been rife and today is the day that the saga come to an end.

For a financially stable and modest club like Liverpool, it's hard to see us splashing millions around but this time round, it won't be the same. 14 million GBP was our last record and it went awry from then on.

Now, much is at stake despite the American owners bankrolling and providing Rafa the necessary cash. They'll want instant success and return for however much they're going to splash this summer and much of the spotlight will be on Fernando Torres, the new 20million GBP signing.

It's high expectation on our part while there'll be many eyes glancing this direction, whether is it from Manchester or London. Is he the one who'll bring glory back to Anfield? Will he crumble under pressure?

As a 19 year old, the management of Atletico Madrid might have seen something in him, naming him the skipper of the club. At that age, most of the footballers are probably still hanging out in pubs and having some drinks but this is the young lad with huge responsibility thrusted on his lean shoulders.

Pressure will always be there but I feel he's adequate and more than prepared to face them. Atletico might not be a bigger club than Liverpool (no offence) but to be playing in the Spanish La Liga for the past 5 or so season means that he's already considered a 'veteran' in some sense.

His arrival might spark another red revival and that we're now ready to attract some top level players rather than being stuck with the also-rans and has-beens. The price tag is also lower than expected and that if we are able to add to the ranks with some quality wingers like Ricardo Quaresma or Mancini, I'm anxious yet excited to see how the team will line up next season.



Now it's time to unleash the El Nino.

Hang On, Rafa....

Hang on, hang on! I thought Jerzy Dudek put on a sh*t load of weight over the summer and balding occured. But why on earth is he shaking Momo's hand?

Oh, it's Rafa Benitez with the new look goatee. Brilliant, looking more like a typical scouser (no offence, really).

In other news, Momo Sissoko just signed a 4 year contract with Liverpool. This means there is serious competition in the central midfield area with Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano & Lucas providing the challenge for the Malian international.

On The Backfoot Again

The day when ManYoo clinched the deal of Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani for a total cost of 50million GBP, Rafa speaks about being excited over the double swoop...... of two Hungarian youngsters nobody heard of.

The constant preaching from Rafa Benitez about how we should seal off deals as soon as possible seemed to have fallen on deaf ears and I as a fan, am getting impatient. I do not know whether they are just waiting for the right time or letting their incompetency affect the entire club.

Rumours of Rafa Benitez handling in official resignation is probably just one of the many rubbish you'll hear all summer but as it stands, maybe even Rafa himself is can't stand it anymore. Is the cash promised still not released? Are we still talking to players but not doing anything?

We do not know how it works in the boardroom but seriously, if all we can get excited about is 2 Hungarian youngsters, then I think it speaks volume about the ambition of the club. After years of signing second or third choice players, can we afford to waste further time and fall further behind?

Is it another summer where we speculate about David Villa, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Torres and all we'll get is Darren Bent and Kevin Doyle? Are we going to sign Matthew Taylor instead of David Silva or Simao?

I'm sick of this already. If this is what we want, then prepare for another few barren years. Not as if we had enough. Please sort it out.

'Carpe Diem'

The title's in Latin and it basically means 'seize the moment'. You must be wondering why I'm on this topic. Well, because it's a lesson learned from the 06/07 season as well as the Champions League final.

Opportunities arise yet we failed to capitalise it. Shame. I agree on what most of you have been saying that the final itself is a reflection of Liverpool's league campaign where we time and again, failed to kill of games while we could and then let it slipped by.

21 points behind league leaders isn't a good sign and judging from Rafa's recent outburst, he himself know that we need to keep improving and the season that has just ended was a very disappointing one.

Have we been treading water this season? I think yes, to an extent.

Yet time is against us. It's been 19 long years since the last league title and many fans are growing impatient. Fans of my generations are yet to see the glory and therefore are more forgiving but for those who've been with the team through the 70s and 80s, they'll definitely feel the disappointments.

We have had 2 major cups in Rafa's 3 seasons in charge and to me, he has done a wonderful job thus far. With limited resources, he did his best it really made us believe.

But many of us will tend to agree with Rafa on the current situation that is we need to invest big money from now on and stop settling for the second or third best.

As I've mentioned in my post match review of the finals, I believe that the upcoming summer will be a make or break period for the club. It'll either take us to a new direction or another walk round the so called 'promise land'.

The American owner's arrival at the club signals a new era in Liverpool FC's glorious history yet what we really want to see is instant impact and how, together with Rafa, will steer this wayward ship in the right direction, or some might argue, to 'fine tune' it because we're on the right track.

Big money will be splashed on players and maybe, we do not need to settle for the Pennants or Josemis anymore.

With talks surround the likes of Eto'o, Villa and Torres, I urge you fans to drop the thinking that we're playing Football Manager and move your arse back on the ground where reality hits. We might attempt to get them but I personally feel they are out of our range.

According to reliable sources, the top 3 names in Rafa's 'wanted' list are Gabriel Milito from Real Zaragoza, Simao from Benfica and last but not least, Darren Bent from the recently relegated Charlton.

So you can see the difference between what we want and what Rafa thinks we really need. Afterall, he knows what the team needs best and also, the players that suit his style and shares the same ideology.

But leave the speculations alone, we're talking about seizing the moment. We need to act fast, like what Rafa previously said. We can no longer sit around and wait anymore. With Chelsea sniffing around for anyone who has the ability to kick a football and Barcelona using their charms to seduce players, Liverpool needs to act faster like how they got Lucas from Gremio despite several other Italian clubs in the queue.

Like the Champions League final where it looked as if Mr. Benitez has a remote control on his hands, we missed the glorious chances and missed the opportunities presented to us. Just off my head, I could think of ManYoo (home), Newcastle (Away) and Fulham(Away) where we did everything but finish the game off. And that is just a few of the examples.

So I'll have to agree with Rafa and I understand his frustration with the way things have been going. We can no longer tarry and thinks that players will have Liverpool as their first choice anymore.

Time has moved on and we 'board the train' fast. We've already made the first move by letting investors into the club, not it's time to begin the second phase of 'Rafalution'.

And hey, even ladies now takes the initiative to hook up with guys, so should we. Go out and be aggressive in the market. No time to be nice anymore. Roll on the summer!

Benitez Fires Back At Valdano

We're aware of Jorge Valdano's outburst and criticism of Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez. If you haven't read, it's HERE

Today, Benitez fired the missiles back at Valdano. It was aimed that him and him alone as there was no mention of Real Madrid whatsoever. Class.

“The people at this club who are working to obtain the targets we are achieving deserve respect, a deep respect,” said Benitez.

“I believe that he has shown a lack of respect to the club and the fans and the sacred stage of Anfield. Speaking of “sh*t hanging from a stick” and other unfair comparisons show he has absolutely no knowledge of the historical reality of this organisation in world football.

“I have known Jorge Valdano for more than 20 years since my time at Real Madrid and I do not have the best professional concept of him.

“I believe that he has much to thank to people like Ramon Martinez, Cappa or Giráldez, to mention only some examples, of trainers or sporting directors he’s worked like.

“These are people who have made a bigger contribution.

“It infuriates to me that a person who has the privilege of being able to express himself in the media does not do so with honour and education and does not show, I repeat, the minimum respect to an institution like Liverpool, with it’s success and history.”

Boom boom.
RAFA'S GONNA GET YOU!

Valdano Bitchslaps Iberian Duo

I know I'm seldom a whiny person that goes around complaining what people say but it's just going worst. It's getting on my nerves.

Maybe jealous, maybe a little sour grapes. But Real Madrid legend, has came out blasting Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez for their team's extremely boring game at Anfield last week.

But I personally thought it was uncalled for and the man clearly doesn't understand that football is no longer what he think it is now.

Yes, we all could tell that it wasn't the best game on TV all season long and when Chelsea drew Liverpool, everyone probably went 'oh no not again'. It was a game of two extremely organised and disciplined side, going head to head and it was about finding the right opportunity, pouncing on opposition's mistake and punish them.

But how insulting it is to go on and say the Anfield crowd will probably cheer even if a stick with a sh*t hanging out of it? He probably needs to come down to Anfield to actually experience it himself or he's just outside looking in.

Does he not know what is the passion of football all about? Does he think that football is all about skills, flicks and tricks? Absolutely not.

Because we know in this age, money has flooded into the game and the financial implication of a loss in cup games is a huge undertaking for clubs, especially at the top level. Losing is probably never an option so teams set out to try and not lose games. It's understandable.

In Europe, you can risk and play football the 'beautiful' way and get punished. How many teams can tell you that? Ultimately, people remembers the winners, not the losers. Barcelona plays better football than Liverpool to be honest, but it's the result that matter at the end of it.
And this is of course, out of the mouth of a sporting director of Real Madrid, of all places. They've tried to build the 'galaticos' and play beautiful football but how the mighty have fallen. When was the last time they won the league 'beautifully' with all the money spent?

I'm no preacher of the negative direct football of both Jose and Rafa but I don't think anyone has the right to criticise a certain style. Formations and tactics move on with times and we no longer see the 3-4 forwards, which was commonly used back in the 60s.

We've got to understand that football tactics have evolved and with so much at stake, it's understandable as to why certain managers are more careful with their formations. As cliche as it sounds, a team usually is a the direct representation of their manager. So why is it wrong?

And the last part of it was the worst when it became a personal attack on both Jose and Rafa. He mentioned as to how both of them failed to make it big in football, as if ridiculing them for not being able to make it as footballer while he himself is a World Cup winner.

Thing is, winning you the World Cup doesn't give you the right to have a right pop at people with their style.

Probably yes, their failure previously made them who they are. But I do not think he is in any position to criticise how people should and should not deal with their team. I do not love Jose and I do not really want to defend a t**t but there's always a bigger one out there.

Yes, it's hard to watch. But welcome to 2007, where every win matters and every lost is probably something more. And I for one, can't stand what he said about our fans. We have the right to sing and be passionate about so why take it away from us?

Saying that is questioning the intelligence of the fans. We do not need some obnoxious, ignorant, self righteous and high on pedestal person to preach to us how to play football.

I hope that keeps his mouth shut, World Cup winner. But hey, even Kleberson is one!

Funny Things I Dug Out

The aftermath of the Champions League semi finals is one to savour but only if you're Liverpool or Milan fan. There are so many things flying around with even our CEO, Rick Parry coming out to have a sly dig at Chelsea having said 'I guess when you've invested £500m it's a fantastic season to win the League Cup'.

Here are two other class humour from Football365 (as always, my source):

Okay, this is really mean. Sorry ManYoo fans. But I can't help it.



Oh how about TShirt365 giving glory to our Zen Rafa. Will look really funny if you wear this out though! If there's anything funny you'll love to share, do drop me a mail or comments.

All Hail Prophet Rafa

Saw this on the RAWK forums and is a little surprised because this was taken from an article dated back in 20th February 2007.

Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool will meet Milan in this season's UEFA Champions League final.

The Spaniard has predicted that the two sides could contest the final in Athens in a repeat of the epic showpiece in 2005.

Liverpool face holders and favourties Barcelona in the last 16 and Benitez is confident his troops can cause an upset again like they did against Milan two years ago.

"I think the final will be Liverpool v Milan and that we will win again. It's sure," Benitez told Corriere dello Sport.

Liverpool face the daunting task of Barcelona this week and Benitez has hit out at critics who have ruled out his side's chances of progressing.

"In football there is nothing impossible," added Benitez. "We are ready to astonish you once again.

"Whoever sees us as victims is wrong. We were the same also against Milan in Istanbul's final and to those who see us already beaten by Barcelona, I suggest to see how that match ends."

Linkage

We understand that the players that used to work under him says he can predict the future as in how the opponents will play but this is really quite freaky!

If We Have God On Our Side....

What harm is it to have Buddha with us as well?

ohmmmmmm........

Rafa Comes To Momo's Rescue

Maybe Rafa have seen my match report on Thursday. Or perhaps he went round the fan's forum for a quick glance across the board. Because today, the manager has came out and shielded Momo Sissoko.

The reason being his recent performance, especially the one against Middlesbrough 2 days back.

The Malian international nearly went to the wrong side of town (you know what I mean) before Rafa rescued him and as cliche and like the previous 385 times, he was supposed to be the next 'Patrick Vieira'.

Judging by the number of mis-passes, which is now noted as 'his usual self', it's not difficult to see why the manager has come out to advocate for the midfielder. He even shared the blame by saying it was his mistake by placing him ahead of Mascherano, alongside Gerrard.

"The other day I tried to change things. I was using Mascherano behind Gerrard and Momo. But because the other team was playing really deep, compact and narrow, it was really difficult for him."

Judging by the quote, Rafa seemed to be experimenting with his squad and a brand new 4-1-4-1 formation which is seldom seen as his personal preference is 4-2-3-1 and also due to the influence of the English game 4-4-2 was implemented on many occasions as well.

It's hard to believe Sissoko used to play as a striker because he seemed to have no basic foundation in technique and those attributes required to be an attacking player is sadly lacking.

Against Boro, when Lee Cattermole and George Boateng doing the destructive work in midfield, Sissoko was not allowed any space or time on the ball. Adding to the fact that he lacks the technique and also the composure, he looked lost seemed confuse.

Soon after he was withdrawn, Gerrard was pushed back to central midfield just ahead of Mascherano and Kuyt ahead. That was when the formation started to work and got the result ultimately.

It's fine for Rafa to experiment and test out various systems and players as he continues to learn along the way and gather experiences. This experiment could've gone absolutely wrong if 'Boro scored and Liverpool losing the game but at least now, Rafa will understand the players, the strength and their weaknesses.

In my humble opinion, Gerrard should always start in the middle with either Alonso or Mascherano. But with the Argentinian 'monster' picking up form and now a mainstay in the team, Rafa has an extra worry and I don't know he'll hate that at all.

With Gerrard ahead of the destroyer, Mascherano, and the deep lying playmaker, Alonso, Liverpool have one of the most potent central midfield anywhere. Sissoko should be saved for games where Liverpool is expected to defend a lead or when the 'under siege' alarm lights up.

He's only 22 and still has a lot to learn but under the new ownership, if Momo continues to struggle with form and fails to do the simplest thing with effectiveness, I foresee him leaving the Spanish armada.

I have sympathy for him as he has been through two major injuries in two seasons and I understand that it'll take sometime for him to regain his 'imperious' form last season but that's reality and if you're deemed a surplus, you're out.

Come on, Momo. Show us what you're capable of! We don't call you 'Boss' for no reason!