Two Cups Makes This Season Brilliant
Many people are slating Liverpool for having a terrible season because of their League position, and maybe they are right for a club of the stature of Liverpool Football Club.
Most football clubs would be overjoyed at winning one trophy and in the final of another competition, but at Liverpool it is still not good enough.
Liverpool’s 8th position in the League is major concern. 37 points behind leaders Manchester United and 16 points behind 4th place Newcastle who is in a Champions League place is a major problem for Liverpool.
Champions League football is where the big money is and football nowadays is all about money. Liverpool need to be in the Champions League or they will fall further behind the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
The money Liverpool miss out on is vitally important, but the other thing that is a major concern for the club is the calibre of player they can attract to the club.
All the top players want to play in the Champions League and Liverpool need the best players at Anfield if they are to challenge once again for the title.
Expectations of winning the League were very high at the start of this season, as Kenny Dalglish brought back a feel good factor and belief to the club.
Liverpool’s summer signings also boosted the belief of the supporters at the start of the season, but to be fair it would have been a massive achievement so soon into Kenny’s second spell in charge to challenge for the League.
But the wheels have really come off since the start of the year in the League as Liverpool has only won 3 League matches.
It really is very poor form and understandable why there has been much criticism.
But Liverpool’s League position does not tell the whole truth of how Liverpool has performed this season.
In many of the games this season Liverpool have dominated, but their Achilles heal has been their failure to take their chances.
The fact that they have hit the woodwork on 30 occasions this season hasn’t helped.
Many opposing goalkeepers have produced heroics and man of the match standard performances especially at Anfield this season as Liverpool have been left frustrated on numerous occasions.
The latest episode of frustration was witnessed just last Sunday as West Brom performed daylight robbery at Anfield.
This latest injustice was orchestrated by former manager Roy Hodgson who was impatiently hounded out of Anfield just last January.
Liverpool conjured up 28 attempts at West Brom’s goal and won 15 corners in the match, but like so many times this season they failed to find the visitors’ net.
It just seems to be the same story every other week this season the way games have panned out.
People say you make your own luck in football, but it really has been ridiculous some of the games this season.
But the problem for Liverpool and Dalglish is that football is a results based business and no hard luck story is going to win any prizes.
Thankfully for Liverpool has been the form in the Cup competitions this season. Winning the Carling Cup was a tremendous achievement and gave the club its first piece of silverware in 6 years.
To also get to the FA Cup Final makes it an amazing season considering the troubles in the league.
If Liverpool do win the FA Cup then this has to go down as a brilliant season. With only three competitions entered this season and winning two of them would be remarkable.
The trophy or trophies should appease the American owners for now as their quest to be the best continues.
But next season Liverpool’s focus will be on the League and Dalglish will have to get his team to do much better.
Both Dalglish and the American owners know football is a results business and there are no excuses for failure.
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Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Liverpool Are Not Far Away From Greatness
Liverpool Are Not Far Away From Greatness
Liverpool’s frustrating season goes on with another defeat, this time at home to West Brom, who won at Anfield for the first time in 45 years.
Dalglish’s predecessor Roy Hodgson and his team coming out on top with a gritty, determined, smash and grab win over Liverpool.
Like many matches at Anfield this season , the game was dominated by Liverpool , but once again the failure to take their chances came back to haunt them.
It has been a common theme all season long with only five League wins at home all season in a venue that was once heralded as “Fortress Anfield”.
So many teams have come away from Anfield this season with points and this has resulted in Liverpool being way off the pace in the race for a top four Champions League place.
But Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success in this seasons’ Cup competitions, already winning the Carling Cup and looking forward to a FA Cup Final.
The contrast in form between the League and Cup competitions is baffling all concerned at Anfield.
But in all reality Liverpool’s League position is of paramount importance for their American owners.
Maybe Kenny Dalglish will need to capture the FA Cup to keep his job as this seasons’ League campaign has been nothing short of disastrous.
Dalglish has brought in a lot of new players and spent a lot of money on them, but the jury is still out on most of his signings.
Many people ask if Liverpool have improved since Kenny took charge.
Of course they have, the squad is far stronger than before with the likes of Kuyt, Maxi, Bellamy and Jamie Carragher struggling to get into the team.
Dalglish has got the team playing a far more attractive passing style of football.
There is no hiding the fact that results have not been good enough but in many matches Liverpool have been very unlucky and the statistic of hitting the woodwork proves this point.
Another thing to remember is that Liverpool is “work in progress” and this should not be forgotten.
When Dalglish took over the reigns once again, I believed he was taking on a job similar to the task that the great Bill Shankly took on all those years ago, and it took that genius time to turn around this great club, so Dalglish should be given time.
To win silverware in his first full season back in charge, with the chance of more before the end of the season, is a tremendous achievement, considered it has been a while since Liverpool won anything.
Liverpool is not far away from getting it right. They are creating chances and at times they are playing teams off the park, but their only problem is that they are not putting away their chances.
There just needs to be a bit of fine tuning to this team, maybe a goal poacher type striker, which they lack just now.
Liverpool have proved that they can win the “big” matches, but they have struggled to win against “lesser” teams, which has crippled them for success in the League.
But the talk of getting rid of Dalglish and saying that Liverpool were a better team under the management of Roy Hodgson are nonsense.
This Liverpool team will be great again under the leadership of Kenny Dalglish and the American owners should appreciate this and be patient as there is no better man for this job.
Liverpool’s frustrating season goes on with another defeat, this time at home to West Brom, who won at Anfield for the first time in 45 years.
Dalglish’s predecessor Roy Hodgson and his team coming out on top with a gritty, determined, smash and grab win over Liverpool.
Like many matches at Anfield this season , the game was dominated by Liverpool , but once again the failure to take their chances came back to haunt them.
It has been a common theme all season long with only five League wins at home all season in a venue that was once heralded as “Fortress Anfield”.
So many teams have come away from Anfield this season with points and this has resulted in Liverpool being way off the pace in the race for a top four Champions League place.
But Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success in this seasons’ Cup competitions, already winning the Carling Cup and looking forward to a FA Cup Final.
The contrast in form between the League and Cup competitions is baffling all concerned at Anfield.
But in all reality Liverpool’s League position is of paramount importance for their American owners.
Maybe Kenny Dalglish will need to capture the FA Cup to keep his job as this seasons’ League campaign has been nothing short of disastrous.
Dalglish has brought in a lot of new players and spent a lot of money on them, but the jury is still out on most of his signings.
Many people ask if Liverpool have improved since Kenny took charge.
Of course they have, the squad is far stronger than before with the likes of Kuyt, Maxi, Bellamy and Jamie Carragher struggling to get into the team.
Dalglish has got the team playing a far more attractive passing style of football.
There is no hiding the fact that results have not been good enough but in many matches Liverpool have been very unlucky and the statistic of hitting the woodwork proves this point.
Another thing to remember is that Liverpool is “work in progress” and this should not be forgotten.
When Dalglish took over the reigns once again, I believed he was taking on a job similar to the task that the great Bill Shankly took on all those years ago, and it took that genius time to turn around this great club, so Dalglish should be given time.
To win silverware in his first full season back in charge, with the chance of more before the end of the season, is a tremendous achievement, considered it has been a while since Liverpool won anything.
Liverpool is not far away from getting it right. They are creating chances and at times they are playing teams off the park, but their only problem is that they are not putting away their chances.
There just needs to be a bit of fine tuning to this team, maybe a goal poacher type striker, which they lack just now.
Liverpool have proved that they can win the “big” matches, but they have struggled to win against “lesser” teams, which has crippled them for success in the League.
But the talk of getting rid of Dalglish and saying that Liverpool were a better team under the management of Roy Hodgson are nonsense.
This Liverpool team will be great again under the leadership of Kenny Dalglish and the American owners should appreciate this and be patient as there is no better man for this job.
Monday, 16 April 2012
Carroll Starting To Pay Liverpool Back
Carroll Starting To Pay Liverpool Back
It has taken a very long time, but on Saturday Andy Carroll might just have won over the Anfield faithful.
The heavy price tag that has weighed the big man down seems to be easing at last.
Carroll’s every move has been scrutinised since his arrival last January.
Even the former England manager Fabio Capello criticised his lifestyle.
But through all the mud thrown at Carroll, Kenny Dalglish has defended his striker resolutely.
Even many of the Liverpool supporters have questioned Carroll’s credentials as the goals have been hard to come by.
But Dalglish has shown great faith that Carroll would come good.
Saturday’s winning goal against Everton sending Liverpool to a third visit to Wembley this season has just repaid the faith Dalglish has shown.
It was a difficult start to life at Anfield for Carroll as he was injured when he arrived to the club and it took him a long time to regain his fitness.
The impact Suarez has had has maybe heaped extra pressure on Carroll to produce too.
Carroll can’t be criticised for his work rate, he has kept going and never hid.
There is no hiding the fact that Carroll has not scored enough goals for a striker.
But he works for the team, he wins a lot of headers and holds the ball up well to bring others into the game, he also helps out defensively for the team.
In most games Carroll has played in, the service from wide areas has been very poor and chances for him to score have been few.
Carroll has also been deployed as lone striker in many games which I don’t think suits him.
He looks a far better player with a strike partner to compliment his game.
I feel Dalglish has tried to protect him too much at times by not giving him a run of games or by substituting him.
It looked at times this season that Carroll was finding his form, but then he would be dropped.
But maybe now Dalglish realises that Carroll needs games as he is player that needs to keep his match sharpness.
The great thing about Carroll is he is a confident lad and never hides if things are not going for him.
Even on Saturday Carroll missed a couple of great chances but he kept going and got his reward with the winner.
What a difference a week makes with Carroll grabbing a late winner at Blackburn and then scoring an even more important winner on Saturday.
Another important thing was the fact that Carroll played the full match because in many of his appearances he has been substituted.
Carroll and Suarez have showed signs of a good partnership forming in recent games too which is encouraging for Dalglish.
Andy Carroll is also a very important player for Liverpool defending set-pieces, as he has made numerous important defensive clearances.
But with this goal on Saturday I just hope everyone gives Carroll a bit of a break.
With Carroll now starting to look like a Liverpool player, maybe now everyone should give the other new signings a bit more time to fit in to this Liverpool team.
It has taken a very long time, but on Saturday Andy Carroll might just have won over the Anfield faithful.
The heavy price tag that has weighed the big man down seems to be easing at last.
Carroll’s every move has been scrutinised since his arrival last January.
Even the former England manager Fabio Capello criticised his lifestyle.
But through all the mud thrown at Carroll, Kenny Dalglish has defended his striker resolutely.
Even many of the Liverpool supporters have questioned Carroll’s credentials as the goals have been hard to come by.
But Dalglish has shown great faith that Carroll would come good.
Saturday’s winning goal against Everton sending Liverpool to a third visit to Wembley this season has just repaid the faith Dalglish has shown.
It was a difficult start to life at Anfield for Carroll as he was injured when he arrived to the club and it took him a long time to regain his fitness.
The impact Suarez has had has maybe heaped extra pressure on Carroll to produce too.
Carroll can’t be criticised for his work rate, he has kept going and never hid.
There is no hiding the fact that Carroll has not scored enough goals for a striker.
But he works for the team, he wins a lot of headers and holds the ball up well to bring others into the game, he also helps out defensively for the team.
In most games Carroll has played in, the service from wide areas has been very poor and chances for him to score have been few.
Carroll has also been deployed as lone striker in many games which I don’t think suits him.
He looks a far better player with a strike partner to compliment his game.
I feel Dalglish has tried to protect him too much at times by not giving him a run of games or by substituting him.
It looked at times this season that Carroll was finding his form, but then he would be dropped.
But maybe now Dalglish realises that Carroll needs games as he is player that needs to keep his match sharpness.
The great thing about Carroll is he is a confident lad and never hides if things are not going for him.
Even on Saturday Carroll missed a couple of great chances but he kept going and got his reward with the winner.
What a difference a week makes with Carroll grabbing a late winner at Blackburn and then scoring an even more important winner on Saturday.
Another important thing was the fact that Carroll played the full match because in many of his appearances he has been substituted.
Carroll and Suarez have showed signs of a good partnership forming in recent games too which is encouraging for Dalglish.
Andy Carroll is also a very important player for Liverpool defending set-pieces, as he has made numerous important defensive clearances.
But with this goal on Saturday I just hope everyone gives Carroll a bit of a break.
With Carroll now starting to look like a Liverpool player, maybe now everyone should give the other new signings a bit more time to fit in to this Liverpool team.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
A Red And Blue Wembley
A Red And Blue Wembley
On a lovely sunny April day the natives of Liverpool descended on Wembley
The prize for the winners a return trip to Wembley in the FA Cup Final
The crowd was colourful the noise was passionate as both teams entered the arena
The crowd was silenced although for just a minute as respect was paid to the 96
Both sets of fans paid a moving tribute to Gary Ablett who was a Red before becoming Blue
The Reds started brightly with much possession
And Spearing went close early doors
But with nerves jangling the Reds’ defence gifted the Blues a chance
And big Jelavic slotted the Blues into the lead
The Blues were bouncing the Reds were stunned
And so the Blues took the lead at the half as the Reds huffed and puffed
But the Redmen came out for the second half with all guns blazing
With Carroll heading narrowly wide
As the Reds attacked and the Blues sat deep
But just as the Blues looked to have stemmed the tide
Distin gifted the Reds an equaliser with a short back pass to Howard
Suarez said thank you very much with a clinical finish
The Reds and the Blues were level but the Red half of Wembley sensed victory
Andy Carroll was eager to become the hero
First he smashed a shot just past the upright
Then he miss-kicked following a goal mouth scramble
But the big man would not be denied
With time running out and the match looking likely for extra time
Big Carroll rose highest to nod the Reds into the final
And break the Blues hearts
It is a long way home for the Blues
But a merry trip home for the Reds
On a lovely sunny April day the natives of Liverpool descended on Wembley
The prize for the winners a return trip to Wembley in the FA Cup Final
The crowd was colourful the noise was passionate as both teams entered the arena
The crowd was silenced although for just a minute as respect was paid to the 96
Both sets of fans paid a moving tribute to Gary Ablett who was a Red before becoming Blue
The Reds started brightly with much possession
And Spearing went close early doors
But with nerves jangling the Reds’ defence gifted the Blues a chance
And big Jelavic slotted the Blues into the lead
The Blues were bouncing the Reds were stunned
And so the Blues took the lead at the half as the Reds huffed and puffed
But the Redmen came out for the second half with all guns blazing
With Carroll heading narrowly wide
As the Reds attacked and the Blues sat deep
But just as the Blues looked to have stemmed the tide
Distin gifted the Reds an equaliser with a short back pass to Howard
Suarez said thank you very much with a clinical finish
The Reds and the Blues were level but the Red half of Wembley sensed victory
Andy Carroll was eager to become the hero
First he smashed a shot just past the upright
Then he miss-kicked following a goal mouth scramble
But the big man would not be denied
With time running out and the match looking likely for extra time
Big Carroll rose highest to nod the Reds into the final
And break the Blues hearts
It is a long way home for the Blues
But a merry trip home for the Reds
Friday, 13 April 2012
96 Red Angels
96 Red Angels
On a weekend remembering Hillsborough 23 years on
It is very fitting to have a Merseyside derby at Wembley
Where 96 angels will be
Those poor souls who never returned will never be forgotten
They had hope in their hearts and now they never walk alone
The Reds against the Blues with King Kenny in charge
Just like 23 years ago when the King led Liverpool through those dark days
The Reds triumphed for the 96 angels in the final that year
Now Dalglish and the Redmen will try and win again for the 96 angels
Just like Shankly and Paisley they will never be forgotten
Etched in the fabric that is the history of this famous club
The 96 angels have made this club stronger
The fight for justice and the truth of that fateful day
The cover up
The lies
The blame on Liverpool supporters
But this club stood firm
The family that is Liverpool Football Club is unique
With more history than any other club
There have been many triumphs and disasters
But Liverpool will go on making history
This weekend will provide another chapter
With the 96 angels in attendance down Wembley Way
You Will Never Walk Alone
On a weekend remembering Hillsborough 23 years on
It is very fitting to have a Merseyside derby at Wembley
Where 96 angels will be
Those poor souls who never returned will never be forgotten
They had hope in their hearts and now they never walk alone
The Reds against the Blues with King Kenny in charge
Just like 23 years ago when the King led Liverpool through those dark days
The Reds triumphed for the 96 angels in the final that year
Now Dalglish and the Redmen will try and win again for the 96 angels
Just like Shankly and Paisley they will never be forgotten
Etched in the fabric that is the history of this famous club
The 96 angels have made this club stronger
The fight for justice and the truth of that fateful day
The cover up
The lies
The blame on Liverpool supporters
But this club stood firm
The family that is Liverpool Football Club is unique
With more history than any other club
There have been many triumphs and disasters
But Liverpool will go on making history
This weekend will provide another chapter
With the 96 angels in attendance down Wembley Way
You Will Never Walk Alone
Thursday, 12 April 2012
COMOLLI NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR LIVERPOOL
COMOLLI NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR LIVERPOOL
Liverpool’s American owners flew into Merseyside this week meaning business. Most people would think that they would just be over to experience the atmosphere of a build up to a Merseyside derby at Wembley in the semi-final of the FA Cup. But these guys are winners, like they have shown in Boston with the Boston Red Sox baseball team, and they are over for a stewards’ enquiry at Anfield regarding the team’s poor League position.
Liverpool have already won the Carling Cup, making it the club’s first trophy in six years, and are also in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton. But this is not enough for these success thirsty Americans.
Today’s announcement that Director of Football, Damien Comolli is to leave the club has come as a shock, especially with the timing of the announcement. Comolli is leaving the club by mutual consent, and that he is leaving due to family reasons. But many believe Comolli’s record in the transfer market has resulted in the American’s sacking him.
Comolli joined Liverpool in the 3rd of November 2010 as the Director of Football Strategy after gaining an impressive reputation in the world of football working at AS Monaco, AS Saint-Etienne,Arsenal and Spurs.
Comolli came to Liverpool with the task of overseeing the recruitment of new players to Anfield. Comolli has orchestrated the signings of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in last year’s January transfer window, before signing Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Doni, Jose Enrique, Sebastian Coates and Craig Bellamy in the summer of 2011.
The new players that have arrived at Anfield in the last 18 months have had much criticism as most have struggled to fit in to their new environment, but the massive amount of money spent on these players has only intensified the scrutiny on Liverpool’s new signings.
But with Liverpool’s poor League form and the Fenway Sports Group’s demand to be the best, changes had to be made. Damien Comolli is the first victim of the Americans’ ruthless streak. But will he be the last as the owners show that they will make the necessary changes to make Liverpool the best.
Liverpool’s American owners flew into Merseyside this week meaning business. Most people would think that they would just be over to experience the atmosphere of a build up to a Merseyside derby at Wembley in the semi-final of the FA Cup. But these guys are winners, like they have shown in Boston with the Boston Red Sox baseball team, and they are over for a stewards’ enquiry at Anfield regarding the team’s poor League position.
Liverpool have already won the Carling Cup, making it the club’s first trophy in six years, and are also in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton. But this is not enough for these success thirsty Americans.
Today’s announcement that Director of Football, Damien Comolli is to leave the club has come as a shock, especially with the timing of the announcement. Comolli is leaving the club by mutual consent, and that he is leaving due to family reasons. But many believe Comolli’s record in the transfer market has resulted in the American’s sacking him.
Comolli joined Liverpool in the 3rd of November 2010 as the Director of Football Strategy after gaining an impressive reputation in the world of football working at AS Monaco, AS Saint-Etienne,Arsenal and Spurs.
Comolli came to Liverpool with the task of overseeing the recruitment of new players to Anfield. Comolli has orchestrated the signings of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in last year’s January transfer window, before signing Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Doni, Jose Enrique, Sebastian Coates and Craig Bellamy in the summer of 2011.
The new players that have arrived at Anfield in the last 18 months have had much criticism as most have struggled to fit in to their new environment, but the massive amount of money spent on these players has only intensified the scrutiny on Liverpool’s new signings.
But with Liverpool’s poor League form and the Fenway Sports Group’s demand to be the best, changes had to be made. Damien Comolli is the first victim of the Americans’ ruthless streak. But will he be the last as the owners show that they will make the necessary changes to make Liverpool the best.
Friday, 6 April 2012
A POINT TO PROVE
The moment Kenny Dalglish returned to manage Liverpool he has made one thing clear that he will always back his players.
On many occasions he has went on the defensive when questions of criticism have been directed towards one of his players.
Dalglish stubbornly defended Suarez during a very difficult time when his handling of the affair came in for much criticism.
Dalglish has shown great loyalty and belief towards his signings as many have questioned their performances, Andy Carroll being the prime target for the media, as he has struggled to find the back of the net for Liverpool.
Dalglish has steered Liverpool to their first piece of silverware for 6 years, but since then Liverpool’s League form has suffered, losing 6 of their last 7 League games, in what is their worst run since 1953.
Dalglish has been receiving some serious criticism during this run of results that has seen Liverpool drop to 8th position in the League and no chance of qualifying for a Champions League place.
But Dalglish has continued to defend his players as the media’s vultures pick on his players.
Whatever you want to say about Dalglish and his team selections or tactics and especially his signings, you have to respect the way he defends his players from the media.
But now it is time for these players that Dalglish has backed to stand up and be counted as their manager suffers severe scrutiny about his future.
Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Craig Bellamy and Jose Enrique along with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez have all arrived since Dalglish returned for a second spell at Anfield.
But only Luis Suarez, Craig Bellamy and Jose Enrique have pass marks for their performances, the rest have been questioned about being good enough to play for Liverpool Football Club.
It is now time for these players to step up and prove that they are good enough to play at this club and prove their manager’s belief in them.
Dalglish picks the team but when the players cross the line they need to show that they are worthy of wearing that Red shirt and playing with pride.
In recent weeks not enough players have shown the pride or passion or quality to play for this club and yet Dalglish has still defended them.
With a FA Cup semi-final date against Everton due up, these players will need to prove themselves fast or risk losing a manager caused by their poor performances that have resulted in poor results.
The club’s American owners could be forced into a change of leadership if results don’t pick up fast and maybe Dalglish will need a FA Cup win to keep his job, who knows.
I think Dalglish is still the right man for the job and I hope the owners think that too. At a club like Liverpool when results have been so poor there are always alarm bells, but there can be no rash decisions based on a bad run of results.
Look at Ferguson with Manchester United, he was having a wretched start to his career at United but the owner showed faith and look how they have been rewarded, and Dalglish is the right man to take Liverpool forward.
But the players now have a point to prove.
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