Topic: Fixture nightmare

[davidg]

After the City game on Sunday, we have got a week off until we play Charlton on the 4 of March. This is our last week off for  three weeks. Following the Charlton game, we have got another six games, finishing with Everton on the 25 March. That is seven games in three weeks! The Everton game is preceeded by the cup tie away to Brum on the 21st, and that game is preceeded by the trip to Newcastle on the 19th. This seems very arduous, especially when you consider the intensity of some of the games in that period, a trip to Arsenal, a Champions league knock-out tie, an FA Cup quarter final and a derby!
Will our squad be able to cope with this ridiculous schedule? Surely the likes of Agger, Kromkamp, Traore, Fowler, players who haven't played as much as others, will have to start more games?

[NatD]

 

At the begining of the season, we knew it was going to be a hard slog, and I would prefer more games to play than be like ManUre and out of all competitions by one!

A couple of weeks ago, the team looked fatigued, but I am confident they'll get through it no problem. The only downer of course is Sissoko, but Hamman has been used sparingly until now, so am sure will be able to cope with what is thrown at him.

[FitRobbie]

Do we really have a week off? How many will be called up for international squads, most of them I would think. Maybe the break away from each other will help, you know the saying, a change is as good as a rest. Part of Rafa's reason to sign the likes of agger, kromkamp, etc was for this very reason. Since we are nearing the end of the season, every game is now a big one and I am sure the team will be able to lift themselves for them.

[LincsRedbob]

If we are playing well then its no problem. You wont hear the players moaning as they would rather play than train.

We have a good team of coaches and the squad is big enough to cope. My only problem is finding the money to pay and watch the games!!!!

[Curva Nord '77]

After the City game on Sunday, we have got a week off until we play Charlton on the 4 of March. This is our last week off for  three weeks. Following the Charlton game, we have got another six games, finishing with Everton on the 25 March. That is seven games in three weeks! The Everton game is preceeded by the cup tie away to Brum on the 21st, and that game is preceeded by the trip to Newcastle on the 19th. This seems very arduous, especially when you consider the intensity of some of the games in that period, a trip to Arsenal, a Champions league knock-out tie, an FA Cup quarter final and a derby!
Will our squad be able to cope with this ridiculous schedule? Surely the likes of Agger, Kromkamp, Traore, Fowler, players who haven't played as much as others, will have to start more games?

The loss of Sissoko will mean Gerrard having to play more in the centre in certain games. I think the squad is looking a bit short in midfield currently with Zenden and Sissoko out. This is going to be a tough couple of months. It could all go tits up if Rafa is not careful. I'd like to see him draft one or two of the reserves in to bolster the squad currently. We can get past Benfica with a bit of luck and past Birmingham. That puts us close to two finals but we've got to keep an eye on the league too. I think to get through it all Rafa will need to field some "weakened" sides, particularly in certain league games.

[Roby Red]

I know he's been injured just recently and couldn't play in Portugal, but why has Rafa only used Agger in just one game so far? He had a nervy start against Brum, but then came into the game and looked class. I thought the whole point of getting him was to give Sami or Jamie a rest, who both clearly need it.

[Rushian]

I know he's been injured just recently and couldn't play in Portugal, but why has Rafa only used Agger in just one game so far? He had a nervy start against Brum, but then came into the game and looked class. I thought the whole point of getting him was to give Sami or Jamie a rest, who both clearly need it.

Think Rafa feels Agger needs to build himself up more so has had him in the gym doing extra work.

[Roby Red]

Be nice to see Jan K given a decent run out too - he looks a player. Maybe in right midfield.

[RedOT]

wouldnt surprise me if hammil gets a few games, he's a good lad

[redlad91]

we've been playin since July in total, tiredness is starting to creep in especially with our participation in the WCC. I think it's important we rotate the squad to give some players a rest and let the others show what they can do.

[stoz]

After the City game on Sunday, we have got a week off until we play Charlton on the 4 of March. This is our last week off for  three weeks. Following the Charlton game, we have got another six games, finishing with Everton on the 25 March. That is seven games in three weeks! The Everton game is preceeded by the cup tie away to Brum on the 21st, and that game is preceeded by the trip to Newcastle on the 19th. This seems very arduous, especially when you consider the intensity of some of the games in that period, a trip to Arsenal, a Champions league knock-out tie, an FA Cup quarter final and a derby!
Will our squad be able to cope with this ridiculous schedule? Surely the likes of Agger, Kromkamp, Traore, Fowler, players who haven't played as much as others, will have to start more games?

Sorry, but can't agree. Yes we have a lot of games, but these players are professional sportsmen and two games a week/eight games a month should not be beyond any of them individually. We also have a massive squad, and with squad rotation these days, there's really no need for the 'tired' ones to play unless we have a major injury crisis. The number of away games cannot be used as an excuse as travelling times have reduced dramatically for away games (London or the south coast is now an hour by plane rather than 4-6 hours by coach).

Lets have a look at some facts and figures from the 1983/84 season:


6 pre-season games in 12 days, in four different countries N. Ireland, Holland, Morroco and Spain.

67 competetive games, between 20th August and 30th May. (an average of approximately 7.2 games per month).

6 games between 20th December and 2nd Jan (including playing on consecutive days 26/12 & 27/12)

3 games against Everton (including two cup finals) and two against Benfica in the month of March.

13 league cup ties in total (including three which went to extra-time)

Friendlies away at Newcastle and in Israel in between our last league match and the European Cup final.

15 (yes, FIFTEEN) players only, used throughout the season.

Grobelaar, Kennedy & Hansen played every single minute of every competetive game, whilst Sammy Lee played every game, but being substituted on one occassion. A further four players played over 60 games.

26 substitutions only, made in the 67 games.


Maybe tiredness was the reason we 'only' won three cups that season?

[Carra'sPoundCoin]

Anyone know what dates the Champions league qtr finals 1st legs will be played?

[Shanklygates]

http://www.uefa.com/uefa/news/Kind=16384/newsId=306043.html

28/3 & 29/3 and 4/4 & 5/4

[smigger15]

Sorry, but can't agree. Yes we have a lot of games, but these players are professional sportsmen and two games a week/eight games a month should not be beyond any of them individually. We also have a massive squad, and with squad rotation these days, there's really no need for the 'tired' ones to play unless we have a major injury crisis. The number of away games cannot be used as an excuse as travelling times have reduced dramatically for away games (London or the south coast is now an hour by plane rather than 4-6 hours by coach).

Lets have a look at some facts and figures from the 1983/84 season:


6 pre-season games in 12 days, in four different countries N. Ireland, Holland, Morroco and Spain.

67 competetive games, between 20th August and 30th May. (an average of approximately 7.2 games per month).

6 games between 20th December and 2nd Jan (including playing on consecutive days 26/12 & 27/12)

3 games against Everton (including two cup finals) and two against Benfica in the month of March.

13 league cup ties in total (including three which went to extra-time)

Friendlies away at Newcastle and in Israel in between our last league match and the European Cup final.

15 (yes, FIFTEEN) players only, used throughout the season.

Grobelaar, Kennedy & Hansen played every single minute of every competetive game, whilst Sammy Lee played every game, but being substituted on one occassion. A further four players played over 60 games.

26 substitutions only, made in the 67 games.


Maybe tiredness was the reason we 'only' won three cups that season?

Well said, i agree totally   

[EndOfTheStorm]

We have the two new players and a very fresh Hamann. We could be a lot worse off.

And I agree with the earlier comment ......... after Sunday (when Wigan turn them over) the Manc have fu*k all to play for.

[Carra'sPoundCoin]

We have the two new players

Three actually

[theCanadian]

Think Rafa feels Agger needs to build himself up more so has had him in the gym doing extra work.

Hopefully he's got Pete doing the same thing.

[BCCC]

Sign of a successful season when you get fixture congestion at this time of year. I hope we are talking the same way next season.

[Roby Red]

Sign of a successful season when you get fixture congestion at this time of year. I hope we are talking the same way next season.

Exactly. Or would everyone rather we were out of all competitions with nothing to play for?

I'm sure the players, even if they are a bit knackered, will be right up for it.

[willss]

Been said already but the players at this level should be able to play two games every week.  I know its a different level, blah.blah,blah but 10 years ago I used to play two full 90 minute matches a weekend either side of a 10-12 pint beer drinking session.

[Sweet Silver Song]

Sorry, but can't agree. Yes we have a lot of games, but these players are professional sportsmen and two games a week/eight games a month should not be beyond any of them individually. We also have a massive squad, and with squad rotation these days, there's really no need for the 'tired' ones to play unless we have a major injury crisis. The number of away games cannot be used as an excuse as travelling times have reduced dramatically for away games (London or the south coast is now an hour by plane rather than 4-6 hours by coach).

Lets have a look at some facts and figures from the 1983/84 season:


6 pre-season games in 12 days, in four different countries N. Ireland, Holland, Morroco and Spain.

67 competetive games, between 20th August and 30th May. (an average of approximately 7.2 games per month).

6 games between 20th December and 2nd Jan (including playing on consecutive days 26/12 & 27/12)

3 games against Everton (including two cup finals) and two against Benfica in the month of March.

13 league cup ties in total (including three which went to extra-time)

Friendlies away at Newcastle and in Israel in between our last league match and the European Cup final.

15 (yes, FIFTEEN) players only, used throughout the season.

Grobelaar, Kennedy & Hansen played every single minute of every competetive game, whilst Sammy Lee played every game, but being substituted on one occassion. A further four players played over 60 games.

26 substitutions only, made in the 67 games.


Maybe tiredness was the reason we 'only' won three cups that season?

F'Fck sake, the game has changed in the last 20 years. This all occured with the introduction of the new pass back rule. Hence, the games are quicker, the ball is in play longer, and players need to be fitter. Added to this problem is the fact that now we are playing other teams who have rotated and rested their players throughout the season. Yes, by all means they should be able to play all the games thrown at them. But it won't be at the desired standard everyone expects.

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆]

I feel sorry for them, i currently don't know if i can make the Fulham game. I don't get paid if i take non holidays off etc...

Used enough holiday last year and can't afford to waste too much on more rearranged games.

[willss]

F'Fck sake, the game has changed in the last 20 years. This all occured with the introduction of the new pass back rule. Hence, the games are quicker, the ball is in play longer, and players need to be fitter. Added to this problem is the fact that now we are playing other teams who have rotated and rested their players throughout the season. Yes, by all means they should be able to play all the games thrown at them. But it won't be at the desired standard everyone expects.

Yes, the game has changed and players are fitter and faster, however, only injuries should keep the players from playing not tiredness.

[NornIron!!]

Think Rafa feels Agger needs to build himself up more so has had him in the gym doing extra work.

but its ridiculous to suggest that after 2-3 weeks he'll be a transformed figure,  it takes amin of 2 weeks work for noticable muscel development!

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆]

F'Fck sake, the game has changed in the last 20 years. This all occured with the introduction of the new pass back rule. Hence, the games are quicker, the ball is in play longer, and players need to be fitter. Added to this problem is the fact that now we are playing other teams who have rotated and rested their players throughout the season. Yes, by all means they should be able to play all the games thrown at them. But it won't be at the desired standard everyone expects.

I'd trust Stoz on any LFC matter than anyone here as a rule especially you.

Have a niceeeeeeeeeeee dayyyyyyyyyyyyy...

[willss]

I'm not one to slag off players but in the game that I saw Agger play (Birm,I think) he looked like he needed extensive football coaching not gym work.

[KevLFC]

Why has the fulham game been moved?

[Roby Red]

I'm not one to slag off players but in the game that I saw Agger play (Birm,I think) he looked like he needed extensive football coaching not gym work.

You sure it wasn't Kroldrup you were watching at Woodison?

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆]

I'm not one to slag off players but in the game that I saw Agger play (Birm,I think) he looked like he needed extensive football coaching not gym work.

He looked quite good but not fully match fit.

Give him a fucking chance?

[willss]

He looked quite good but not fully match fit.

Give him a fucking chance?

He got a chance and to me looked pretty clueless.  He now looks like he'll get another chance.  I hope he proves me wrong.  Either that or the coaching might have paid off.

[Roby Red]

What the fuck are you talking about? It was his first fucking game in a new league and he was a bit nervous to start with. He made one silly mistake with a clearance, and looked calm and assured after that all game.

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆]

He got a chance and to me looked pretty clueless.  He now looks like he'll get another chance.  I hope he proves me wrong.  Either that or the coaching might have paid off.

So from one match when he hasn't played for months you have made a decision on a player. Fucking hell are YOU Graeme Souness?

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆]

What the fuck are you talking about? It was his first fucking game in a new league and he was a bit nervous to start with. He made one silly mistake with a clearance, and looked calm and assured after that all game.

Fully agree, he fucked up that clearance and nothing after including covering for his partner.

[willss]

What the fuck are you talking about? It was his first fucking game in a new league and he was a bit nervous to start with. He made one silly mistake with a clearance, and looked calm and assured after that all game.

It wasn't any mistakes that made me worry, more his positional sense that I found curious. 

[Roby Red]

Ah right...as you're the top guy when it comes to positional sense.

[willss]

Ah right...as you're the top guy when it comes to positional sense.

Can't make any sense of that comment.

[Gnurglan]

Will our squad be able to cope with this ridiculous schedule? Surely the likes of Agger, Kromkamp, Traore, Fowler, players who haven't played as much as others, will have to start more games?

I'm sure Agger, Kromkamp and Fowler will be involved more. Hamann will play a lot too now that Sissoko is out. Again, the one problem we have is RM. We can cope in the other positions, but Garcia will have to play a lot.

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆]

Can't make any sense of that comment.

You are slagging a player off that has played for Liverpool once basically.

Bit shite if you ask me, come back in 20 games for Agger...

[TheInquisition]

How many people are gonna have the back of the shirt with the name Carra - Agger  by Summertime. My idea  ya fuckers!!....So a fuckin' {Carra} pound  minimumto HJC each timeo ne of you twats does this to your shirt{s}

[Luis Garcia scores again]

Could get worse with more FA cup and European Cup ties