Topic: Rodgers and the current squad

[Suareznumber7]

You know this for sure? You reckon BR won't ever play 352, 460, or even the dreaded 442 when warranted? Get off your anti Kenny high horse and talk football. Look at Martinez, Del Bosque, look at Guardiola, Di Matteo. Do they have a rigid sytem? Are you saying BR has a rigid system a la Hodgson that he does not veer from?

If you don't think the constant changing of systems and players last year was a big reason why we struggled than I don't know what to tell you.  We were clearly not a settled side.  And while I am sure we will make subtle changes to the side and to tactics throughout the year it will be nothing like what we saw last year. 

And seriously lumping Martinez and Di Matteo in with Del Bosque and Guardiola is a bit rich don't you think

[vivabobbygraham]

Gerrard is part of the reason that England had 30-40% possesion in each of the 4 games. He just can't play in the middle of the park. He just can't dictate the game. It's funny because a 33 year old Pirlo showed Gerrard how you dictate a game from midfield so it's nothing to do with losing his legs. He just doesn't have that intelligence.

Aquilani can do this for us more than Gerrard can. Gerrard needs to play off the striker or we need to think about the future and start phasing him out like we have done other older players liek Dirk and Maxi.

Who never made the Italian squad?

[vivabobbygraham]

If you don't think the constant changing of systems and players last year was a big reason why we struggled than I don't know what to tell you.  We were clearly not a settled side.  And while I am sure we will make subtle changes to the side and to tactics throughout the year it will be nothing like what we saw last year. 

And seriously lumping Martinez and Di Matteo in with Del Bosque and Guardiola is a bit rich don't you think

CL winning manager and a coach we were pursuing?

Two finals, one won seems pretty constant to me but not you so I digress. Let's have it right, mate you have no idea how the new boss is gonna line up this season so why pretend you do? His philosophy may be constant but his tactics will vary is what I'm saying. You poo pooed 352 as if you knew it would never be implemented. Check back on Rodgers teams from Swansea and Reading then get back to me on that. If you need help I'll guide you as to his tactics.

[SirCliveWolfe]

Gerrard is part of the reason that England had 30-40% possesion in each of the 4 games. He just can't play in the middle of the park. He just can't dictate the game. It's funny because a 33 year old Pirlo showed Gerrard how you dictate a game from midfield so it's nothing to do with losing his legs. He just doesn't have that intelligence.

Aquilani can do this for us more than Gerrard can. Gerrard needs to play off the striker or we need to think about the future and start phasing him out like we have done other older players liek Dirk and Maxi.

To be fair the England team was absolutely shocking... apart from the defense;

Scott Parker is the most overrated player on the planet... even if you told me that Ngog was better than Messi, you still would not be overating him as much as Parker is

Ashley Young just constantly gave the ball away as did Rooney who was abject... he should have netted 4 or 5

Wellbeck scored one fine goal and little else, Carroll won flick-on's to no-one as everyone stayed back

In fact England's best midfielder (apart from Gerrard) was Milner who was solid defensively, but offered little going forward... and he was totally out shone by Johnson!

So while Pirlo has good players to pass to and plenty of time on the ball, Gerrard had absolute dross to pass to, who then excelled in giving the ball to the Italians

[LFC_4_life]

Who never made the Italian squad?

The only reason he never made the Italian squad was because he got injured in January and when he returned, Milan didn't play him so that they avoided activating the buyout clause seeing as hey were getting Montelivo for free. It's called smart business, something we seem completely incapable of doing.

[Rouge]

Who never made the Italian squad?

In the last 2 pages you have shouted down anybody who has a bad word against Downing because he is still a LFC player but then you attack LFC player who most people rate as a better player. 

I don't understand, your logic.

 

[Wirral1]

To be fair the England team was absolutely shocking... apart from the defense;

Scott Parker is the most overrated player on the planet... even if you told me that Ngog was better than Messi, you still would not be overating him as much as Parker is

Ashley Young just constantly gave the ball away as did Rooney who was abject... he should have netted 4 or 5

Wellbeck scored one fine goal and little else, Carroll won flick-on's to no-one as everyone stayed back

In fact England's best midfielder (apart from Gerrard) was Milner who was solid defensively, but offered little going forward... and he was totally out shone by Johnson!

So while Pirlo has good players to pass to and plenty of time on the ball, Gerrard had absolute dross to pass to, who then excelled in giving the ball to the Italians

Ah...so it was everyones else's fault.......again.....Gerrard, absolutely titanic......unsinkable.

[SirCliveWolfe]

Ah...so it was everyones else's fault.......again.....Gerrard, absolutely titanic......unsinkable.

Not at all, but you've got to admit that England were shocking. My point is that we'll probably never know if Gerrard could control a game in the way Pirlo did, because of the dross that played with him in Poland/Ukraine.

The fact is that the 'back 5' could of had a chance of progressing further if the 'front 6' were not so bad.

[vivabobbygraham]

The only reason he never made the Italian squad was because he got injured in January and when he returned, Milan didn't play him so that they avoided activating the buyout clause seeing as hey were getting Montelivo for free. It's called smart business, something we seem completely incapable of doing.

Oh, fucking please get your head down. Suppose it was all Kenny's fault.

The irony of this is I hope Aqua now realises his own countrymen don't rate him so he may as well stay at Liverpool, give his all, see out his contract and mentor his fellow Countryman who does get English football. Borini's enthusiasm might rub off on him?

[Wirral1]

Not at all, but you've got to admit that England were shocking. My point is that we'll probably never know if Gerrard could control a game in the way Pirlo did, because of the dross that played with him in Poland/Ukraine.

The fact is that the 'back 5' could of had a chance of progressing further if the 'front 6' were not so bad.

England were shocking because they were a collection of shocking players....excluding nobody.

[steveeastend]

The irony of this is I hope Aqua now realises his own countrymen don't rate him so he may as well stay at Liverpool..

Do you really think that´s the way a professional footballer thinks?

We need both, Aquilani and Gerrard. And the whole point in this debate was that we could have needed Aquilani last season as well for football reasons and nothing else. Glad that there seem to be some football sense back at the club, clever enough to realise that one player for atttacking midfield won´t work for an entire season.

[SirCliveWolfe]

England were shocking because they were a collection of shocking players....excluding nobody.

Meh... Johnson played well and the Terry/Lescott partnership worked ok, Cole was a little shaky, but passable while Heart was solid. You can't really fault the English defense too much... the midfield and attack however...

back on topic, I think Aqua and Gerrard have parts to play this season, but I suspect that aqua is more of a BR player than Gerrard

[Semi Skimmed]

Ah...so it was everyones else's fault.......again.....Gerrard, absolutely titanic......unsinkable.

The fucking irony of you preaching to everyone about 'supporting Liverpool FC, not Gerrard FC'... yet the only thing you ever comment on is to have a bash at him.


Pathetic.

[rocco]

Ah...so it was everyones else's fault.......again.....Gerrard, absolutely titanic......unsinkable.

Show some respect .

[Wirral1]

The fucking irony of you preaching to everyone about 'supporting Liverpool FC, not Gerrard FC'... yet the only thing you ever comment on is to have a bash at him.


Pathetic.

So why don't you try supporting Liverpool.? is that pathetic?

[Wirral1]

Show some respect .

Respect is earned. Not for what you did 5 years ago, but for what you do today.

[shizzledizzle]

Respect is earned. Not for what you did 5 years ago, but for what you do today.

No you are wrong respect is earned for all you given for your football club, ad stevie gave us a lot...

Cant see how people are really going against Gerrard here, he was clearly the best player in the England team who had no game and no plan because the manager is Hodgson, I think that he showed everyone that when he isfit he is still one of the world's best, be proud to have a player like that in our club, who is the captain for club and country...

[Bobby Ffowler]

Respect is earned. Not for what you did 5 years ago, but for what you do today.

Andy, is that you?

[rocco]

Respect is earned. Not for what you did 5 years ago, but for what you do today.

Has be earned and not just 5+ years ago

[Wirral1]

Meh... Johnson played well and the Terry/Lescott partnership worked ok, Cole was a little shaky, but passable while Heart was solid. You can't really fault the English defense too much... the midfield and attack however...

back on topic, I think Aqua and Gerrard have parts to play this season, but I suspect that aqua is more of a BR player than Gerrard

My lad is a poor football player. He has 2 left feet. He plays in defence for his local team and he doesn't do badly, maybe you don't need to be a great player to play in defence.

English footballers have been poor technically and tactically (when compared with the better leagues of Europe and South America) since the seventies at least. The England performances in Euro 2012 were re-runs of English performances for the last 40 years. Yet according to the likes of Sky we have had a 'Golden generation' of players who could take on the world.

I think its time we in Britain stopped believing the hype surrounding english players. England is full of Latin players, Germans, Dutch, Slovenian, Africans.......how many of their leagues are full of english players?

I don't know how Aquilani would do if he came back...there were few enough games to judge him the first time he was here. I know only that we should judge ALL players on what they do on the pitch and not on some media generated reputation.

[Wirral1]

Has be earned and not just 5+ years ago

Yes hes been majestic the last two seasons. I've lost count of all the matches he's won for us with all those outstanding 10/10 performances. Pity we only had shit like Lucas to back him up.

[Wirral1]

No you are wrong respect is earned for all you given for your football club, ad stevie gave us a lot...

Cant see how people are really going against Gerrard here, he was clearly the best player in the England team who had no game and no plan because the manager is Hodgson, I think that he showed everyone that when he isfit he is still one of the world's best, be proud to have a player like that in our club, who is the captain for club and country...

Emu....head....sand

[rocco]

Yes hes been majestic the last two seasons. I've lost count of all the matches he's won for us with all those outstanding 10/10 performances. Pity we only had shit like Lucas to back him up.

His best days are more than likely behind him but hopefully under Rodgers we see a great finish to his career.

Your remarks IMO are short sighted mate

Seems your just looking at recent times and putting  him out to graze already

[Wirral1]

His best days are more than likely behind him but hopefully under Rodgers we see a great finish to his career.

Your remarks IMO are short sighted to say the least ,

I hope you're right...If he plays great thats fine by me.

If we just see re-runs of his performances of the last two years he must be dropped....and quick.

[rocco]

I hope you're right...If he plays great thats fine by me.

If we just see re-runs of his performances of the last two years he must be dropped....and quick.

Not a excuse but injuries have taken a lot from Stevie's game over the last couple of years

[vivabobbygraham]

Do you really think that´s the way a professional footballer thinks?

We need both, Aquilani and Gerrard. And the whole point in this debate was that we could have needed Aquilani last season as well for football reasons and nothing else. Glad that there seem to be some football sense back at the club, clever enough to realise that one player for atttacking midfield won´t work for an entire season.

Sorry, mate I didn't get we were going backward in this debate. I thought we were going forward with it. Aqua has been used and abused by two of his own clubs, Is that correct? If so, should he not give us and by default his own Countryman the courtesy of staying and fighting for his place. Or was Rafa, who after all bought him, right all along about him?

[LondonRedMan]

Show some respect .

[Wirral1]

Not a excuse but injuries have taken a lot from Stevie's game over the last couple of years

The problem was...he kept getting picked....because reputation counted more than his performance on the pitch.

If he doesn't produce top class football this coming season, Rogers should drop him.....but then Rogers will get it in the neck from all those fans, such as many on here, who only see the reputation and not the truth of what happens on the pitch. And Rogers, like any manager these days, knows he needs to keep the fans on-side. It's going to be a tricky balancing act for him.

[Hazell]

Not a excuse but injuries have taken a lot from Stevie's game over the last couple of years

True BUT the club should have managed him better and perhaps he should look at managing himself more carefully - maybe not playing for England a la Scholes and not playing every single minute of every single game for us. If we build a team that doesn't have to include Gerrard and view him being fit as a bonus and then use him carefully, then that would be best for him - in terms of his longevity and fitness - and for us.

[Beninger]

Respect is earned. Not for what you did 5 years ago, but for what you do today.

Ridiculous comment.  And what of our great managers and players of the past? 

[steveeastend]

Sorry, mate I didn't get we were going backward in this debate. I thought we were going forward with it. Aqua has been used and abused by two of his own clubs, Is that correct? If so, should he not give us and by default his own Countryman the courtesy of staying and fighting for his place. Or was Rafa, who after all bought him, right all along about him?

I think there is just too much negativity surrounding Aquilani. For some reason it didn´t work out so far and this season we could benefit from him. Just like Pachecho.

[rocco]

True BUT the club should have managed him better and perhaps he should look at managing himself more carefully - maybe not playing for England a la Scholes and not playing every single minute of every single game for us. If we build a team that doesn't have to include Gerrard and view him being fit as a bonus and then use him carefully, then that would be best for him - in terms of his longevity and fitness - and for us.

I'd like nothing better than to stop playing for England but that's Gerrards choice not ours , team has to be built around the likes of Suarez and Lucas IMO and a team that functions as well with or without Gerrard but a Gerrard that brings something special as often as possible .

If a lot of faith Rodgers will do what's best for the team and not the player

[vivabobbygraham]

I think there is just too much negativity surrounding Aquilani. For some reason it didn´t work out so far and this season we could benefit from him. Just like Pachecho.

I'm with you on this. I want him to stay. But stay and get on board with what we are trying to achieve here. Not under protest.

[Wirral1]

Ridiculous comment.  And what of our great managers and players of the past? 

All respected...for what they did in the past......how many of them still expect a place in the team?

[Beninger]

All respected...for what they did in the past......how many of them still expect a place in the team?

That's not what you said though is it?  I don't think anyone expects Rush or Kenny to lace their boots up, but what does that have to do with respect?  Once it's earned, it's to be given.  Doesn't matter at all if they aren't as good as they used to be.  If you don't think he warrants a place in the team anymore then fine.  That has nothing to do with respect.

[lorenzo23]

Gerrard is part of the reason that England had 30-40% possesion in each of the 4 games. He just can't play in the middle of the park. He just can't dictate the game. It's funny because a 33 year old Pirlo showed Gerrard how you dictate a game from midfield so it's nothing to do with losing his legs. He just doesn't have that intelligence.

Aquilani can do this for us more than Gerrard can. Gerrard needs to play off the striker or we need to think about the future and start phasing him out like we have done other older players liek Dirk and Maxi.

NO no no just no reason Pirlo ran the games was he had 2 donkeys doing work for him and played in deeplying role and had all time in world. Gerrard played in stupid 442 and was out numbered in middle, come on man i hate seeing Gerrard in middle but don't make stuff up if Gerrard was playing in 433 would been whole different story.

[Beninger]

Pirlo proved that when you give someone with his sort of class, that sort of time, to do whatever the fuck he wants to, you will get punished.  That is Hodgson's fucking fault, not Stevie's.

[lorenzo23]

You know this for sure? You reckon BR won't ever play 352, 460, or even the dreaded 442 when warranted? Get off your anti Kenny high horse and talk football. Look at Martinez, Del Bosque, look at Guardiola, Di Matteo. Do they have a rigid sytem? Are you saying BR has a rigid system a la Hodgson that he does not veer from?

Martinez and Di Matteo  can't be serious comparing them with Del Bosque and Guardiola if so world football is gone mad.

[Wirral1]

That's not what you said though is it?  I don't think anyone expects Rush or Kenny to lace their boots up, but what does that have to do with respect?  Once it's earned, it's to be given.  Doesn't matter at all if they aren't as good as they used to be.  If you don't think he warrants a place in the team anymore then fine.  That has nothing to do with respect.

Not if you still want a place in the team......then you must earn your respect with every game you play.

When Gerrard retires, I'll respect what he did during his career, as an ex-player like Kenny and Rush.

While he's still playing...he has to earn it anew each week.......otherwise Kenny and Rush WOULD still be playing.

[vivabobbygraham]

Martinez and Di Matteo  can't be serious comparing them with Del Bosque and Guardiola if so world football is gone mad.

I wasn't comparing them with each other. I was using them all to make a wider point. Have you read the thread? If not, do so and then come back to me.