Liverpool FC - "You'll never walk alone...!!!

[goleador2000]

@Pinturicchio, SpionKop, Ianrush:

Sehr interessante Diskussion. Endlich kommt wieder ein wenig Belebung in den Thread und es wird sachlich gefachsimpelt - für sowas bin ich immer zu haben und dazu ist der Thread neben Statistiken & News natürlich von mir ins Leben gerufen worden - nur weiter so

Wie Pinturicchio freue ich mich ebenfalls schon auf das brisante Duell gegen die Bianconeri - und das 20 Jahre nach der Heysel-Tragödie...ich hoffe, beide Fangruppen gedenken dieser "schwarzen Stunde" für beide Vereine und es kommt zu einem friedlichen, fairen CL-Duell, das der bessere gewinnen möge !!!

Traditionsgemäß folgt von mir in Kürze eine kleine Vorschau aufs CL-Viertelfinale, wo ich beide Teams - die Trainer, die Spieler, ihre Stärken und Schwächen, derzeitige Form, erwartete Stammformationen etc. - in Kurzform analysieren werde und so hoffentlich eine richtige Einstimmung auf den CL-Knaller liefern werde. Ich hoffe, ich werde dann sachlich kritisiert, vielleicht kommt es sogar zu einer weiteren interessanten Diskussionsrunde bzw. der eine oder andere von euch 3 oder ein anderer User gibt einen Kurzkommentar und eine eigene Meinungen zum bevorstehenden Champions-League Kracher ab oder macht eine ähnliche Analyse !!! Wäre toll und würde mich freuen !!!

Es ist aber noch ein wenig Zeit bis zu den Juve-Spielen- es steht noch ein immens wichtiges Heimspiel gegen die Trotters aus Bolton ins Haus das angesichts des Verletzungspechs immens schwer wird, in dem für den FC Liverpool gegen den unmittelbaren Tabellennachbarn und Konkurrenten um den 4. Platz viel auf dem Spiel steht. Dieses Spiel sollten wir daher mMn genau so wichtig nehmen wie die beiden Spiele gegen Juve in der CL !!! Die Trotters sind ein starker Gegner und dürfen unter keinen Umständen auf die leichte Schulter genommen werden - wir müssen genau so zielstrebig und aggressiv zu Werke gehen wie gegen Everton, dann bin ich sehr zuversichtlich und guter Dinge

bearbeitet 25. März 2005 von goleador2000

[Pinturicchio]

Mit mir kannst du rechnen goleador2000.

Werde entweder die Mannschaftsteile oder die einzelnen Spieler, die gegeneinander spielen (z.B. Baros- Cannavaro oder Riise - Camoranesi), gegenüber stellen.

Premiere wird das Spiel Bolton - Liverpool nicht zeigen, oder?

Sollte es im Admiral gezeigt werden, versuche ich es zu sehen, sofern ich nicht selbst Match habe.

[goleador2000]

Transfer-News

BAYERN IN FOR KEWELL

Daily Mirror 26 March 2005 

Bayern Munich are planning a move for Liverpool's Harry Kewell. 

The German Champions League quarter-finalists have been watching with interest as Kewell's relationship with manager Rafael Benitez has hit rock-bottom. Now Bayern are preparing a summer bid for the Aussie and could get him for as little as 2.5 million pounds.

 

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and general manager Uli Hoeness have started sounding out potential replacements and Kewell is top of their list.

 

Rummenigge did not wish to comment on his interest at this stage, saying: "There is no answer to this question at this moment. We will be discussing these things in the next month and will not comment on speculation at this time."

 

It is understood Bayern have made polite enquiries about Kewell's availability.

 

The only stumbling block to a move could be Kewell's wage demands as he is currently on 60,000 GBP per week. The Bavarian giants will not pay over the odds for a player whose career has gone backwards since arriving from Leeds two seasons ago.

www.liverpoolfc.tv

Es wäre sehr schade, würde uns Harry Kewell im Sommer verlassen. Aber der Australier hat in Liverpool einfach nicht die Form und Klasse gezeigt, die ihn bei Leeds United ausgezeichnet hat. Das Verhältnis mit Coach Benitez ist auch nicht mehr das beste und sein Konkurrent im linken Mittelfeld - John-Arne Riise spielt eine Traumsaison für die Reds und hat Kewell zum Statisten degradiert. Vielleicht wäre es für beide Seiten besser, wenn Kewell im Sommer einen neuen Verein findet, eine neue Herausforderung sucht und einer der teuersten Spieler von der Lohnliste des FC Liverpool kommt...

KOP IN RIGHT METZ

Press Report 27 March 2005 

Liverpool are eyeing up a 3 million move for German defender Christoph Metzelder. 

The international centre half has been plagued by injuries for the last 18 months but has recently made a comeback to the Borussia Dortmund side.

 

The Bundesliga club are in massive debt and will have to unload at least half a dozen frontline players this summer to try and survive.

 

Kop boss Rafael Benitez is desperately short of top quality defenders and heads the queue for Metzelder.

www.liverpoolfc.tv

Sollte uns die Verpflichtung von Christoph Metzelder gelingen, wäre ich sehr happy mit dem Transfer. Vom deutschen Abwehrspieler, der sowohl links als auch zentral agieren kann, halte ich sehr viel. Er kommt nach seiner langen Verletzung langsam wieder in Form, bringt die nötige Klasse mit und wäre auf Dauer ein Super-Ersatzmann für Sami Hyppiä, der langsam in die Jahre kommt. Metzelder ist groß, kopfball- und zweikampfstark, technisch versiert - Marke "spielender Verteidiger" und wäre eine Bombenverstärkung für die Abwehr des FC Liverpool !!!

[ianrush]

The following is an extract from "Golden Past, Red Future"

A very subtle but paradoxically seismic shift took place over the course of 2004/05. Almost unnoticed, with a stealthiness unassociated with his all-action, vocal performances, Jamie Carragher –– man for all positions, but, until Benítez took charge, total master of none –– became the Kop's number one idol. It first became clearly evident around Christmas 2004. Steven Gerrard's position as Local Hero had been tainted by his flirtation with Chelsea and ongoing refusal to rule out leaving Anfield, and suddenly a boyhood Blue was succeeding a boyhood Red as the fans' favourite. Despite the enduring absence of a suitable chant with which to show their appreciation, Liverpool fans had, all the same, finally fully warmed to Carra after years of admiration coloured with nagging doubt, and a tendency to take him for granted. An unsung hero who, to all intents and purposes, remains unsung by the Kop choir (much to his own disappointment, it has to be said), but one whose crucial importance to the team is no longer unspoken. As with Fowler before him, a boyhood Evertonian ended up epitomising the Kop's desire, and, in the No.23 shirt, ran out at Anfield as the fans' favourite.

  Bootle-born Carragher had finally transcended the adverbs that had been tied like tethers to his ankles throughout his career –– compliments that somehow also seemed to damn with faint praise: dependable, reliable, versatile. It made him sound like a mid-range Skoda.

  Suddenly he was remarkable, colossal, indispensable. Commentators in the national media began, somewhat belatedly, to take note. He was suddenly named amongst the very best central defenders in the land, while still never having the cachet of someone like Rio Ferdinand, whose exorbitant transfer fees and assorted outrageous hairstyles (and periodic tabloid notoriety) turned him into a 'superstar'; or John Terry, whose regular goals ensured he grabbed headlines for his actions at both ends of the field.

  Carra's winning mentality was never in doubt from the moment he made his debut in 1997 as a raw and somewhat ungainly midfielder, who, at home to Aston Villa, misled us by scoring a goal on his first start –– something he'd repeat only once in the next 300+ starts. Years earlier, Ronnie Moran –– who had seen and done it all at Liverpool –– suggested Carragher would be best suited to centre back, but like all young players in that position, mistakes dogged his early career in that role. Gerard Houllier later converted him to full-back, with considerable wisdom. It was in this position that he was spoken of as one of the 'old school', a throwback to days when defenders simply defended: equally prepared to enter into a 50-50 with a skinny winger or a Panzer Tank. But full-back, while highlighting Carra's old-fashioned defensive qualities and never-say-die spirit, also exposed his weaknesses: the absence of a trick or two to go past opposing full-backs when overlapping, and the inability to whip in a decent cross. Even now, everything with Carra involves an exaggerated use of the instep: the side-foot pass is all he knows, as if his legs are not assembled like other players', but instead permanently set into 'block tackle' mode: foot placed at 90º like a golf putter. Attacking moves lost all momentum when the ball reached his feet, as he stopped, looked around, turned back and played a square pass.

  As fans we crave exciting full-backs who double-up as wingers. It is only once we are faced with an attacking full-back who cannot actually defend that our cravings for an exponent of the 'basics' returns. But the ideal full-back remains a combination of the two, with the best recent example being Markus Babbel during the Treble season, when –– despite not being the flashiest of players –– he exuded quality and effectiveness at both ends of the pitch. (Steve Finnan, now Carragher has finally moved infield, has started to show the form that made him so highly rated by his peers, although I know I am not alone in wondering how Rob Jones would be faring had his career not been so prematurely curtailed by injury. Given he would still only be 33, it would be interesting to see Jones, if still fit and playing to the peak of his abilities, in a Benítez  team –– age not a barrier to making into the Spaniard's defence, given he won the 2004 La Liga title with a 39-year-old, Amedeo Carboni, at full-back; the Italian featuring in 33 of the 38 league games. Jones was the apotheosis of the modern full-back, and while famously he never scored for the Reds, his attacking instincts were very strong.)

  Since moving to centre back Carra's passing has proven to be surprisingly accurate and incisive: no doubt down to the option of being able to look both left and right –– whereas previously, being on the wing meant he could only look infield, or back. He's also proven that he can go past players with a drop of the shoulder or a quick dragback (nothing much more fancy than that –– he's not taken to nutmegs or elaborate Ronaldinhoesque flicks over opponents' heads). Much of this is down to forwards' challenges tending to be a cross between 'token effort' and a hedging of bets, where they gamble on the defender making a mistake. In committing themselves it offers a cool centre back the chance to turn out of trouble. Carra is especially adroit at this. He seems to play himself into trouble by trying to control the ball (and therefore the situation) in a tight area, and then, without breaking sweat, turn in the opposite direction and, now with time and space, release a pass into midfield. It's a part of his game that is still developing apace, and like Tony Adams before him, he is a supposed clodhopper turned libero; the footballing equivalent of ugly duckling turned swan. There can also be no doubt that while Benitez doesn't permit his centre backs to needlessly over-elaborate around with the ball, he does encourage more composure at the back than his predecessor, who was more than happy to see his defenders 'get rid' as early as possible, and as far as possible. In the most recent Mersey derby, Carra showed just how composed he has become. As Everton launched long ball after long ball, Carra was seen strolling around with the ball at his feet as the tackles flew in. He was rightly voted Man of the Match.

Not your average road-sweeper

Erstwhile Southampton manager, Lawrie McMenemy –– a man whose south coast side put up a hard-fought challenge to Liverpool for the league title in 1984 –– came up with the best analogy about the different types of player you need to win football matches: concert violinists and road-sweepers. The former category, amongst others, includes Dalglish, Barnes, and now Xabi Alonso: those who make the game look effortless, and beautiful to watch. You pay money to hear the music –– the harmonious note that chimes –– when they strike a football. But they are nothing without the workers who scurry to clean up around them: the road-sweepers.

  McMenemy said that whenever a 'road-sweeper' came into his office looking for a pay rise, he'd open the window to the street outside and shout "send up another road-sweeper, will you?"; the clear implication being that these types of players are ten-a-penny, and instantly replaceable. You need a number of them in your side, of course, but there were always plenty going spare; their identity wasn't crucial. It also draws to mind Eric Cantona's disparaging description of his (highly decorated) colleague Didier Deschamps as a mere 'water carrier'.

  It's fair to say that, going on this analysis, Jamie Carragher is more of a road-sweeper than a concert violinist. You'd certainly never pay to watch him try to make sweet music with a football. It's also true: road-sweepers are ten-a-penny. But not road-sweepers like Carra. He is the kind of man that, if an actual road-sweeper, would, if not supplied with an adequate broom, get down on his hands and knees to pick up the rubbish with his bare hands, or his teeth. Hell, he'd even head battered old tin cans into his refuse bag.

  The credit of Carra's ascent belongs mainly to three people: the player himself, as no one else puts the effort in for him, either in training or in matches; Rafael Benítez, for recognizing that the time was right for the player to move to centre back, and encouraging his development; and Gerard Houllier, whose faith in the player was unshakable, and who, in 2000, foretold of the transformation now taking place; stating that, with more experience, he would make a top class centre back. "He'll be our Marcel Desailly", said the Frenchman, although it took a Spaniard to prove the point.

  Carragher's early days at centre back –– once it was clear he didn't quite have the wherewithal for central midfield –– were blighted by the mistakes all young players make in that position, when the inexperience shows, and the slightest slip gets punished. He scored as many own goals against Manchester United in one Anfield game as he has managed to date at the correct end during his Liverpool career. It didn't help that he was surrounded by a collection of fairly incompetent defenders in those early days. In the summer of 1999 Houllier went out and signed two older, more experienced defenders of a similar ilk: Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz, who went on to form a formidable partnership together over the next few seasons. Carragher shifted to right back, but then, the following summer, Houllier signed Markus Babbel, the highly-accomplished German international, on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Babbel arrived with a massive reputation, and didn't disappoint. Yet again Carragher's days were listed as numbered, and yet he was reborn at left-back, and had an absolutely inspired time in that position as the team went on to win the cup treble in 2001. Babbel's serious illness –– a      year spent seriously incapacitated with Guillaume-Barre Syndrome –– meant a return to right-back for Carra until, in 2003, Houllier signed the Irish right-back, Steve Finnan –– previously selected by his peers in a Premiership team of the season, and seen as a more complete footballer than his Scouse counterpart. The attack-minded Irishman was not bought as cover, and again conventional wisdom suggested the demise of Carra; but 'JC' was back in the team at left-back –– Houllier simply couldn't omit him. The only full-back who could successfully dislodge Carra from the Liverpool side played for Blackburn: Lucas Neill, whose reckless high tackle broke Carra's leg in September 2003.

  Maybe –– and somewhat perversely –– we can also thank Lucas Neill. It hurt Carra in more than a physical way. He couldn't stand not being part of the team, and having to watch from the sidelines –– this is a man who, by all accounts, eats, drinks, sleeps and breathes football –– drove him barmy. There was a detectable difference when he returned later that season; even more hunger in his play, if that was possible, and an improvement in the quality of his distribution, not to mention some scalding long-range efforts on goal, one of which came within inches of winning the Anfield derby. Or maybe it was us –– the fans –– who came to notice what the team would be like without Carragher.

  We didn't like what we saw. Absence made our large, red, collective heart grow fonder.

Eleven Carraghers

Gerrard Houllier once stated that he would "win the league with eleven Carraghers". While it was surely said simply to highlight the then-underrated and under-appreciated Carra's importance, it is also clearly not true –– not least because you need players who average more than one goal every five years, and who have some sort of creative power in the final third. In other words, you need your concert violinists, too. But where Houllier was utterly correct is that the kind of mentality Carragher has is what all the best sides need.

  Houllier deserves a lot of credit from turning Carra from a typical English kid –– one who would famously shame himself and the club at a Christmas party –– into a man whose professionalism and dedication marked him out as an inspiration to others.

  While the doubts about Carra have largely dissipated, a couple remain. Perhaps it depends on who he is partnered with, as any weaknesses in one central defender can be counteracted by the man playing alongside him. While not sluggish, Carra is also far from the quickest defender around. When there was a chance that he'd start England's first game in Euro 2004, as cover for injured Sol Campbell and suspended Rio Ferdinand (a spot that eventually went to Spurs' much-improved Ledley King), TV stations, with a fear bordering on the hysterical, showed a clip where Thierry Henry gave Carra five yards on the Anfield flank and overtook him in ten. Despite it being slightly misleading, as Carra also had to change direction while Henry had already built up a head of steam, there's also little doubting that Carra is not a defender like Chelsea's William Gallas, who can keep pace with the most jet-heeled attacking talents.

  It says a lot that when Djimi Traore was not in the side, Carragher was the club's quickest defender during 2004/05, and this highlights a major problem with the personnel Benítez inherited. Houllier had tried the tall and pacy Igor Biscan at centre-back the previous season, with mixed results: the big Croat was sensational at times, but looked lost at others, and was ultimately (somewhat harshly) ridiculed whenever he put made the slightest mistake, in contrast to the way someone like Rio Ferdinand can cost him team goals and still do no wrong. For all Biscan's good games (and there were more good ones than bad), it was clear he lacked the concentration and consistency to play at the heart of the defence at a top club, where pressure is greatest. It was an interesting experiment, but one which ultimately failed. A year later, and Carra was partnering the canny but sluggish Sami Hyypia. If Carra could compensate for Hyypia's statuesque running style (at times the Finn appears like an ice sculpture), it was only a partial compensation. Neither are sprinters. While an advanced reading of the game can compensate on most occasions, nothing can beat the kind of cover Mark Lawrenson so famously provided, where anyone clean through on Liverpool's goal could be caught.

  The other weakness with Carragher is that while he is superb in the air, and as brave as a lion, he is not as tall as many centre backs. If Hyypia is ever replaced by a smaller, quicker player, the Achilles Heel of aerial inadequacy that dogged the club during the 1990s could return. Where Carra's reasonable pace gets Sami out of some tight spots, Sami remains the defender who can deal with 6ft 5" strikers. Carragher used to be given a torrid time by Everton's Duncan Ferguson, whereas Hyypia usually won the dual, to the point where Ferguson's elbows would flail with deliberate movements toward his marker's head, as his frustration grew. Perhaps the English game moves ever-further away from the big target man, with Shearer and Ferguson close to retirement, and the hugely-effective Niall Quinn having already hung up his boots. The modern game involves almost every team utilising a speed merchant (a fast runner, not a drug dealer) who plays on the last shoulder of defenders, or drops deep and sprints at them. But just when you think it'll be all sophisticated interplay and balls into feet, or perfectly-weighted passes into space, promoted clubs bring their own brand of direct football, or players like Southampton's Peter Crouch emerge as if from some genetic experiment gone horribly awry –– 6ft 7" of lanky beanpole. It seems the English game will always involve at least some use of the long ball to the big striker.

As good as Ayala, as sound as a pound

Perhaps the greatest compliment comes from his current club manager. Midway through his first season, Rafael Benítez said of Carragher: "I have worked with some great defenders at Valencia such as Marchena, Pellegrino and Ayala. If you say to me that Ayala was the best then I would say Carragher is not a worse player than Ayala.

  Speaking on BBC's Football Focus in March 2005, John Terry, Chelsea's defensive lynchpin, claimed Carragher to have been the best central defender in the Premiership over the course of the season. It has taken time, but word is slowly spreading. Pundits are taking note. Unfortunately, people form quickly-cemented opinions on players, and leave themselves little leeway to reassess, so it takes time for some players to get their dues.

  When Carragher himself was interviewed –– by Sky TV, prior to the Everton game at Anfield –– he was asked if he would ever consider leaving the club. (How often must any player be asked this question?). "You could join a bigger club and win more medals –– why stay at Liverpool?" asked Jeff Shreeves. Jamie, having none of that, gave a snort of contempt that shook his pinned-on microphone. "Bigger than Liverpool? Are you kidding? Who's bigger than Liverpool?" he asked with a barely-suppressed smirk, turning the tables on his interviewer.   You see, to Jamie Carragher –– avid student of the rich history of the club –– there remains no English club to have won more league titles, or more European Cups. If Liverpool were now in the footballing backwaters, that would perhaps be slightly less relevant –– after all, Nottingham Forest's two European Cups, while momentous achievements that will never be forgotten, will not save them from financial impoverishment and further relegation. But the interview in question was conducted days after Liverpool won through to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League.

  He is aware that, of the five domestic and European trophies that teams can win –– League title, FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup and UEFA Cup –– only the record amount of FA Cup wins eludes Liverpool. Eighteen league titles remains a clear record.  Seven League Cup wins remains a clear record. Four European Cups remains a clear record for an English club, as does the UEFA Cup tally of three.

  Any additions to those figures over the next half-dozen years will almost certainly be in no small part down to Jamie "sound as a pound" Carragher.

redandwhitekop.com

We all dream of a team of Carraghers. He is sound, he is scouse, he will twat you with a pound !

bearbeitet 28. März 2005 von ianrush

[ianrush]

Es wäre sehr schade, würde uns Harry Kewell im Sommer verlassen. Aber der Australier hat in Liverpool einfach nicht die Form und Klasse gezeigt, die ihn bei Leeds United ausgezeichnet hat. Das Verhältnis mit Coach Benitez ist auch nicht mehr das beste und sein Konkurrent im linken Mittelfeld - John-Arne Riise spielt eine Traumsaison für die Reds und hat Kewell zum Statisten degradiert. Vielleicht wäre es für beide Seiten besser, wenn Kewell im Sommer einen neuen Verein findet, eine neue Herausforderung sucht und einer der teuersten Spieler von der Lohnliste des FC Liverpool kommt...

Kewell sollte man definitiv halten. Was er zu leisten vermag, auch bei uns, sah man, als er im ersten Halbjahr seiner ersten Saison 11 Tore machte. Ihn jetzt, mit mehr oder weniger, Schimpf und Schande aus Anfield zu verjagen hätte in meinen Augen keinen Sinn. Vorallem, da man ihn wahrscheinlich "verschenke" müsste. Klar, er kassiert eines der höchsten Gehälter bei Liverpool, aber das ist er auch wert. Alleine seine geniale Aktion gegen Olympiakos mit der er den Umschwung einleitete hat uns heuer viel Geld durch die CL Einnahmen gesichert.

Sollte uns die Verpflichtung von Christoph Metzelder gelingen, wäre ich sehr happy mit dem Transfer. Vom deutschen Abwehrspieler, der sowohl links als auch zentral agieren kann, halte ich sehr viel. Er kommt nach seiner langen Verletzung langsam wieder in Form, bringt die nötige Klasse mit und wäre auf Dauer ein Super-Ersatzmann für Sami Hyppiä, der langsam in die Jahre kommt. Metzelder ist groß, kopfball- und zweikampfstark, technisch versiert - Marke "spielender Verteidiger" und wäre eine Bombenverstärkung für die Abwehr des FC Liverpool !!!

Metzelder brauche ich dafür wieder überhaupt nicht. Er hat zwar definitiv Potential, aber ist in meinen Augen einfach zu verletzungsanfällig. Ähnlich wie Kewell. Damit er die 18 Monate in denen er ausfiel wieder aufholt müsste man ihm wahrscheinlich eine ganze Saison Zeit geben und einen anderen IV auf die Bank setzen. Will man das Hyppia wirklich in einer seiner letzten Saisonen antun ? Denn Carra steht wohl durch seine Leistungen ausser Zweifel. Lieber wäre mir hier ein Spieler, der schon in der Premier League gezeigt hat was er leisten kann. Wir werden ja öfters mit Upson ins Gespräch gebracht, den könnt ich mir schon sehr gut vorstellen... Als Ersatz für Samy und Ergänzung für Carragher bräuchten wir halt einen wirklich verlässlichen schnellen und auch kopfballstarken Spieler. Möglicherweise wärs Metzelder, aber die Verletzungen schrecken mich eben ab. Siehe Novotny bei Leverkusen...

bearbeitet 28. März 2005 von ianrush

[SpionKop]

Mein Wunschspieler für die IV kickt bei den Spurs und ist für uns wahrscheinlich nicht zu bezahlen!

[goleador2000]

Premiere wird das Spiel Bolton - Liverpool nicht zeigen, oder?

Sollte es im Admiral gezeigt werden, versuche ich es zu sehen, sofern ich nicht selbst Match habe.

Nein, leider. Sie zeigen Charlton Athletic - Arsenal London - Beginn: Sa. 2.4.2005 - 13:40 h

[Savio]

Premiere wird das Spiel Bolton - Liverpool nicht zeigen, oder?

Sollte es im Admiral gezeigt werden, versuche ich es zu sehen, sofern ich nicht selbst Match habe.

Nein, leider. Sie zeigen Charlton Athletic - Arsenal London - Beginn: Sa. 2.4.2005 - 13:40 h

Also hier kann es sich nur um Charlton Athletic - Manchester City handeln.

bearbeitet 29. März 2005 von Savio

[goleador2000]

Premiere wird das Spiel Bolton - Liverpool nicht zeigen, oder?

Sollte es im Admiral gezeigt werden, versuche ich es zu sehen, sofern ich nicht selbst Match habe.

Nein, leider. Sie zeigen Charlton Athletic - Arsenal London - Beginn: Sa. 2.4.2005 - 13:40 h

Also hier kann es sich nur um Charlton Athletic - Manchester City handeln.

Ja.Natürlich, sorry

[Gampern]

Werter Herr Rush, es lebt sich schön in der Vergangenheit, nicht?

Das Spiel gegen Bolton wird in Wien im Charlie P's und im Flanagans gezeigt!

[ianrush]

Werter Herr Rush, es lebt sich schön in der Vergangenheit, nicht?  

Muss ich da jetzt verstehen auf welchen Beitrag sich das bezieht ? Ich und in der Vergangeneheit leben ? NIE !!!

Bolton kommt auch auf Star Sports .

bearbeitet 31. März 2005 von ianrush

[goleador2000]

Goleador's Vorschau auf Liverpool - Bolton:

In einem immens wichtigen PL-Spiel empfangen die Reds heute die Trotters aus Bolton, eine der Überraschungsmannschaften der Saison.

Die Trotters sind nur 5 Punkte hinter Everton, die noch den 4.Platz, der zur CL-Qualifikation berechtigt, innehaben und 1 Punkt hinter dem FC Liverpool. Der Sieger des Duells könnte einen entscheidenden Kick für den weiteren Meisterschafsverlauf bekommen - für Liverpool wäre in Hinblick auf die kommende Hürde in der CL - Juventus Turin wartet bekanntlich - ein voller Erfolg doppelt wichtig, aber Rafa Benitez hat große Probleme und Sorgen...

Denn nach seinem dummen Aussetzer im Derby gegen Everton sah Milan Baros leider Rot und fehlt den Reds die nächsten 3 Partien...nachdem auch Morientes, Warnock, Luis Garcia und Didi Hamann gegen die Toffees mit Verletzungen vom Platz mußten, standen dem Coach nach dem Spiel buchstäblich die Haare zu Berge und er war sehr geknickt...

Die Pause hat uns gut getan

Doch endlich hatte der FC Liverpool in dieser Saison einmal Glück. Die Länderspielpause kam zur rechten Zeit und die Jungs konnten an ihren Wunden lecken und regenerieren. Auch Harry Kewell, Xabi Alonso und Dauerpatient Chris Kirkland stehen wieder im Training - für sie kommt das Spiel aber wohl noch zu früh...Die beste Nachricht für alle Reds-Fans: Djibril Cissé, der mit einem Schien- und Wadenbeinbruch seit Saisonbeginn ausfällt, soll diese Saison noch spielen können - Wahnsinn !!! Er könnte im Meisterschaftsfinish und vielleicht auch in der CL (die Hoffnung stirbt bekanntlich zuletzt !!!) noch immens wichtig für den FC Liverpool werden...

Gegen die Bolton Wanderers stehen Rafa Benitez aber lediglich wieder Fernando Morientes, Stephen Warnock, Luis Garcia sowie der länger verletzt gewesenen Linksverteidiger Djimi Traore personalmäßig zur Verfügung bzw. scheinen im Kader für das Spiel auf. Didi Hamann muß mit einer Seitenbandverletzung noch 3 Wochen pausieren und wird schmerzlich vermisst, da seine Formkurve in den letzten Wochen steil anstieg ... Ob alle der obig erwähnten Spieler von Beginn an auflaufen können, wird sich weisen, aber immerhin hat der Coach sehr gute Alternativen für das so wichtige Spiel gegen die Trotters...

Meine vermutete Aufstellung und Taktik Benitez':

Mauricio Pellegrino, der zuletzt sehr gut in der Innenverteidigung spielte und großen Anteil hatte, das wir die Toffees besiegen konnten, wird mMn beginnen - in Hinblick auf die CL-Partie wird Benitez wieder rotieren und einen IV schonen, Vladimir Smicer konnte in Reserve-Matches im Angriff überzeugen und ich schätze mal Benitez bringt ihn als hängende Spitze hinter Morientes...ich tippe mal auf folgende Aufstellung und hoffe auf 3 Punkte:

FC Liverpool:

(4-4-1-1)

Morientes

Smicer

Riise - Gerrard - Biscan - Luis Garcia

Traore - Pellegrino - Carragher - Finnan

Dudek

Subs: Carson - Warnock, Hyppiä, Nunez, Le Tallec

bearbeitet 2. April 2005 von goleador2000

[goleador2000]

FC Liverpool besiegt Bolton durch ein Biscan-Tor !

Hier der Matchbericht:

BISCAN TAKES REDS ONE POINT BEHIND BLUES

Paul Eaton 02 April 2005

 

Liverpool are just one point behind Everton in the race for fourth following a late Igor Biscan header against Bolton at Anfield. 

The Croatian struck just five minutes from time from Djimi Traore's deep cross to send Anfield into ecstacy.

 

It had looked for so long as though the breakthrough was never going to come as Liverpool struggled to break down a stubborn Bolton back line but Biscan, so often criticised during his Reds' career, was in the right place at the right time at the back post to give the Reds a vital win in the race for Champions League football next season.

 

The result means Liverpool now lie just one point behind Everton ahead of the Blues' visit to the Midlands on Sunday to face West Bromwich Albion.

 

Liverpool struggled to cope with Bolton's direct style of play in the early stages and almost conceded an opening goal after just five minutes when Steve Finnan somehow headed Stelios' goalbound shot off his own line.

 

It was the visitors' making all the running early on as the Reds tried to become accustomed to their new team set-up, which saw John Welsh and Igor Biscan in the centre of midfield and Steven Gerrard playing just behind Luis Garcia in attack.

 

It was Gerrard who went closest to scoring for the home side in the first half when his low drive from a 25 yard free kick was well kept out by Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal.

 

Antonio Nunez came close to giving the Reds a dream start to the second half when his well struck shot on the volley from John Arne Riise's deep cross forced the Bolton 'keeper into a smart save at his near post.

 

Liverpool went even closer after 56 minutes when Riise got on the end of Nunez's cross and saw his low shot from a tight angle scrambled off the line by Bolton defender Ben Haim.

 

Benitez used all three substitutes during the second half, introducing Anthony Le Tallec, Vladimir Smicer and Fernando Morientes in a bid to find a goal, but as the minutes ticked by it looked like it wasn't going to be the Reds' day.

 

Then, with the clock showing 85 minutes, Traore dribbled along the goal line before chipping to the far post for Biscan to head home.

 

Full time: Liverpool 1-0 Bolton

www.liverpoolfc.tv

Mein Fazit:

Die Aufstellung für dieses wichtige Spiel war in etwa vom System her so wie ich es mir vor dem Spiel gedacht hatte, nur die Stammformation, die Rafa Benitez für dieses Spiel (gezwungenermaßen) im Kopf hatte, war doch die eine oder andere kleine Überraschung. Wie erwartet spielte Mauricio Pellegrino nach zuletzt guten Leistungen in der Innenverteidigung neben Jamie Carragher – eine wieder einmal sehr kluge Entscheidung des Spaniers, da er für die CL-Spiele ohnehin nicht berechtigt ist ein ausgeruhter und topfitter Sami Hyppiä für das Juventus-Spiel dringend von Nöten sein wird . Auch Jerzy Dudek kam von der Länderspielreise mit einer kleinen Blessur zurück. Benitez wollte kein Risiko eingehen, setzte den Polen auf die Bank und Scott Carson kam so zu seinem 2. PL-Match von Beginn an. Fernando Morientes fehlt ebenfalls nach seiner Verletzung noch die Kraft für ein 90minütiges schweres Spiel wie jenes, daß gegen die Trotters anstand und so sollte er lt. Benitez als Joker für die letzten 15 Minuten kommen, was später auch geschah. Ebenfalls eine gute Überlegung des Spaniers. Luis Garcia agierte als einzige Spitze (Baros ist bekanntlich für 3 Spiele gesperrt worden ), Steven Gerrard in einer offensiven Mittelfeldrolle, wie er sie schon öfters in dieser Saison mit Bravour und Klasse spielte und die ihm mMn immer besser zu liegen scheint , dahinter. Igor Biscan und der Youngster John Welsh, seines Zeichens U21-Nationalspieler und ein großes Talent im defensiven Mittelfeld, sicherten den Captain ab. Auf den Flügelpositionen agierten Antonio Nunez und der etatmäßige Linksaussen John-Arne Riise. Djimi Traore feierte in der Linksverteidigung ein gelungenes Come-back.

Rafa Benitez hat wieder mal alles richtig gemacht. Er hat gegen einen defensiv sehr gut organisierten Gegner, der ein Abwehr-Bollwerk aufzog eine sehr homogene, zweikampfstarke Aufstellung geboten, viel riskiert und der Erfolg gibt ihm Recht. Er kommt nach anfänglichen Anpassungsproblemen immer besser mit den Gegebenheiten des englischen Fußballs und mit den Anforderungen der PL zurecht, ist wie ich immer gesagt habe, ein unglaublich guter Fachmann und ein Taktikgenie. Die Spieler stehen voll hinter ihm und geben ihm das Vertrauen, das er in sie setzt, langsam Stück für Stück zurück. Die Mannschaft wächst immer besser zusammen und erfüllt die Anforderungen des Coaches. Nach einem 0:0 zur Halbzeit riskierte der Spanier und brachte mit Le Tallec, Smicer und Morientes 3 neue frische Offensivkräfte. Besonders freut mich natürlich Biscan's Tor , er ist ein guter Spieler und ich hoffe immer noch, daß er bei Liverpool einen neuen Vertrag erhält. Im Gegensatz zu einigen vorangegangenen Spielen der PL, wo er einige für die Fans unverständliche Auswechslungen vornahm, hat Rafa auch hier dazugelernt – die Bolton Wanderers sind ein starkes PL-Team, schwer zu schlagen und deshalb ist dieses 1:0 auch wenn es vom Ergebnis her nicht so aussieht, ein toller Erfolg das dem gesamten Team für die Juventus-Spiele große Zuversicht und großes Selbstvertrauen geben sollte. Zu Hause braucht sich der FC Liverpool vor keiner Mannschaft Europas zu fürchten. Benitez macht die Anfield Road langsam aber sicher wieder zu einer uneinnehmbaren Festung und die Fans bekommen sehr guten, attraktiven Fußball mit Herz, Einsatzwillen und Spieler mit Charaker und Siegermentalität zu sehen, das wird die Fans am meisten freuen !!! Danke, Mr. Benitez !!!

Premier League – 31. Spieltag

FC Liverpool – Bolton Wanderers 1:0 (0:0)

FC Liverpool: Carson – Finnan, Carragher, Pellegrino, Traore – Nunez (Morientes 79.), Welsh (Smicer 73.), Biscan, Gerrard, Riise (Le Tallec 60.) – Luis Garcia

Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen – Hunt (Okocha 50.), N’Gotty, Ben Haim, Candela – Hierro (Ivan Campo 83.), Speed, Nolan, Giannakopoulos (Pedersen 64.), Gardner – Davies

1:0 Igor Biscan (86.)

Anfield Road – 43 755 – SR: Bennett

FC LIVERPOOL - YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE !!!

3.4.2005 - goleador2000

[goleador2000]

Alles, aber wirklich alles zum bevorstehenden CL-Kracher FC Liverpool - Juventus findet ihr im Europacup-Thread !!!

Hier aber noch eine der letzten höchsterfreulichen News für alle Liverpool-Anhänger !!!

Alonso in squad for Juve match

Added by Matt Ladson on 4 April 2005

Xabi Alonso   - feiert unsere Nr. 14 nach seinem Knöchelbruch bereits morgen gegen Juventus ein Come-back ???  

Midfielder Xabi Alonso will take his place in the Liverpool squad for the Champions League quarter final with Juventus after a speedier than expected recovery from injury. However, the Spaniard will only be on the subs bench as he has yet to play even for the reserves.

Alonso has been training with the first team for a week and is scheduled to play for the reserves on Wednesday. He broke his ankle on New years day against Chelsea and it was initially feared he would be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Manager Rafael Benitez said on Monday "The good news is that Alonso is on the list. He won't start but I may use him (as a substitute). He's a good passer and has a good mentality"

Liverpool's injury worries seem to be finally easing, with Alonso nearing a comeback, Djibril Cisse back in training, Fernando Morientes fit for the next match and Djimi Traore back fit.

www.thisisanfield.com

bearbeitet 4. April 2005 von goleador2000

[Marcelinho]

Möglicherweise wird der Vertrag mit Igor Biscan verlängert

New deal for Biscan

Story by Al Campbell

Igor Biscan is set to be offered a new contract after impressing manager Rafael Benitez with his recent displays.

Biscan's current contract expires at the end of the season and he was expected to leave during the summer. However, recent performances from the Croatian have persuaded Benitez to offer him a new one year deal with the option of a second year.

Benitez said: "I have talked with Igor in the last week about my idea, and he knows my idea.

"Igor is a good player but he needs confidence. If you aren't playing all the time, then you need a strong mentality and to work hard in training and he has done that.

"I think he'll play in a lot of the games between now and the end of the season, especially with Dietmar Hamann being injured.

"I read in an interview he was saying he is happier now playing in central midfield, and I think that is his real position."

German side SV Hamburg are still hopeful of signing Biscan on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Quelle: myfootballnews.co.uk

bearbeitet 5. April 2005 von Marcelinho