Topic: State of the (Scouse) Nation: The Internal Spyin' Kop part 1

[RAWK Editor]

After the high of winning our fifth European Cup in Istanbul on the 25th of May came the recent low of being knocked out of The Carling Cup by Crystal Palace. This has led to polarised opinion expressed on phone-ins and message boards with some people even suggesting it's time for a new manager.

So, in the cold light of day how are we doing? It's international week so with no opposing fans to quiz we've turned the spotlight on ourselves. Here are the views of RAWK's scribes.

There have certainly been strong opinions voiced by Liverpool fans so far this season. How do you think the season been shaping up and what do you make of all the outcry?

WOOLTONIAN: I think knee-jerk reactions have replaced calm measured responses. We’re probably all guilty of shooting from the lip at times, but whereas we used to calm down shortly after a defeat and realise it wasn’t the end of the world, today we seem to carry the baggage of a defeat into the next fixture, which does no one any good.

MichaelA:
I think that Istanbul and the aftermath has had a hangover effect on the club, the players and the fans. As a consequence, we had a lengthy preseason to qualify for the CL, and things looked quite promising. However our League form has poor, and we only seem to have sobered up in the past couple of weeks. Crystal Palace tested our Resolve, and I was really pissed off after that result.

Pheeny: I think the season is more or less the one that we could have expected really. Bit like the calm after the storm so to speak. As for the outcry that again is something I can take from match going fans but not the rest of us. Hence me keeping my mouth shut 

Victor Meldrew: I just hope that the knee-jerkers don't have metal desks. Of course, it was a horrible feeling when we got beaten by the rent-boys, but the only loss that has surprised me was Fulham. The "Rafa out brigade had a field day", whilst I sat in and watched Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson rip apart Benitez and his tactics bit by bit.

For me, we are improving, "for sure".

AdamS: I don’t think the outcry was unexpected, but it’s still disappointing. The thing is it’s always those with negative views that are first to express them. After the 3-0 win the other night we put a phone-in on the radio and all people could do was moan about Crouch. It’s kind of par for the course now.

There has been a couple of disappointing performances this season. I wonder if we had lost on penalties on May 25th would there be a bit more realism about our situation? I see gradual improvement and I will make a proper judgement much further into the season.

Spartacus: I’ve had my moments myself as far as the moaning and groaning is concerned. Thankfully over the past few weeks I’ve gotten over that and tend to have a much brighter outlook on things. Our form has been a disappointment, I would argue that it’s been disappointing in all competitions only in the CL we were still getting the right results which ultimately is all that matters for me.

After the loss to Fulham and Palace the outcry form some quarters was a little embarrassing, it wasn’t great and we were all disappointed but to hear people talk about changing manager and the like was unbelievable.

You can’t change your manager every eighteen months, the majority of people wanted the previous manager to be sacked so as far as I’m concerned they now have to live with the fact that we have a new manager who’s in his transitional period, how hard can it be to show him your support?

Hinesy: I think inevitably there would be an anti-climax after Istanbul and the team's slow start in the League has heightened the sense of deja-vu and also deepened the mood. The fact is we were never so good nor are we now so bad, but as ever, football is about passion and that passions has been vented.
I think we have be been better than last year, save for a couple of performances and I think provided we don’t have our usual awful November, then I’ll think about the season properly come Christmas.

Roper: To be fair, ive been having a few moment of late where im questioning what direction where going in. That said, I wouldnt ever voice them at games, and would leave it until in the ale house after and between matches. Its disappointing to see the players producing brilliantly one minute, and so appallingly bad the next. I think its a good thing for people to voice concerns over certain key issues as long as they have something to back up what they are trying to say. Not just ranting for ranting's sake. Also, internet forums are always going to be worse as its a faceless place to air views and you know yer not gonna take much more than some written abuse for it. I think as fans we have to take some accountability to how stale things are at times, I mean we could have the grounds bouncing before and during the games if we could be arsed - but Pompey at home for example is never gonna be one to get people on the edge of seats [ordinarily] and we have turned into a load of big time charlies in recent years - only arsed for the bigger, more meaningful games.

Olly: The outcry? It’s absolutely pathetic, and to be honest disgusting. People need to take a serious look at themselves.

Obviously the season has started slowly, but I don’t think it has started too poorly. It didn’t help that very quickly we were playing catch up after having had two games postponed due to our European commitments, and our lack of goals at the start also didn’t help. Then again we were never going to set the world alight scoring-wise, and we won’t until some decent wingers are brought in and we play to our strikers strengths.

Personally speaking I struggled with the start of our season. After the incredible high of Istanbul football just didn’t seem the same, especially when we had competitive games in July. It was almost as though I struggled to take it seriously, as I was always looking back to that monumentous night in May. It’s slowly coming back, although the huge knee-jerk reactions from some of our fans is really beginning to get to me. I never thought that our own fans would make me think twice about going to games, but recently I’ve looked around at some of the people I’m standing with at away games, and listen to comments from some of those at the homes I get angry. When a player gets jeered off the pitch away at Fulham, just 5 months after helping us win the European Cup a little part of me falls out of love with the game. It doesn’t take long for people to forget.

Filler: Last season we struggled to get draws, for months it seemed we'd either lose or win, away and home respectively, so I took some positives out of getting some draws bagged, even tho the performances weren't too pleasing. I remember Nasser Hussain saying at the beginning of his captaincy for England, that the team had to learn how to draw. Some saw that as negative, I didn't. The outcry? What outcry? Just a bunch of girls too quick to press Ctrl Alt Delete. No problem in getting upset, calling for the managers head? Sorry, they live on Mars. Or Northampton.

Rushian: Much of the outcry, as per usual, is hysterical nonsense from fans who'd struggle to recognise a football if you placed one in their hands. It's media-generated and an unfortunate side effect of the "information age". They should ban phone-ins ... and message boards. The season? It's been ok so far, nothing spectacular but nothing to get you reaching for the prozac.

What are your expectations for this season?

WOOLTONIAN: European football for next season, CL would be great, but I do not share peoples disdain for the Uefa Cup. Europe has always been the icing on the cake, and not our main basis of financial income. The difference in added income is only wide if you measure like for like progression. I’m sure this years winner of the Uefa will make more money than everton did this year in the CL.
I’d also like to see a good cup run in the FA, last years early exit was a big disappointment.
Obviously, I’d like to see us within thirty points of the winners and I still think that’s possible.

MichaelA: I had hoped to see a more resolute performance in the league. So far that hasn't really happened, so I would say that my expectations haven't been met in that respect. I also expect a couple of decent domestic cup runs, and we've already crashed out of one of them. In terms of the CL, I guess last sixteen will be still be an achievement if we escape such a tough grouping. After that, it's all there to be played for; we could go all the way to Paris. We're currently still better configured for European football, and to a degree, knock out football - which is why the Palace result hurt.

Pheeny: To get into the top 4 and win one trophy. So we’ve won the one trophy already?

AdamS: I wanted to see us get closer to the top three. I hoped we could get above Arsenal, Man Utd or both and considering how their seasons are going so far, I still see that as possible. Chelsea are on a different level for now, but with time I think Rafa can make us challenge them. After all he beat Barca and Real 2 years out of 3.

Spartacus: Originally I wanted us to close the gap (points wise) on Chelsea, to be honest I’m not to arsed about that now, rightly or wrongly I’m not even paying any attention to Chelsea, they’re playing on a different level to the rest of the league and they’ve got a bloody big advantage over us all. I don’t mind us competing with the best, Man U and Arsenal have been the best and they spent the money they earned, Chelsea just sicken me.

I’m more interested in how close we get to Man U and Arsenal, they’re still a decent bench mark and I’m convinced we can take either of them. So a top three finish and a couple of decent cup runs will do me, maybe even a little trip to Paris.
That we should consolidate our strengths and make inroads into the progress of Chelsea, and once again be an automatic top 4 club. That’s a realistic expectation and I still think it.

Roper: I'm an optimist [no, honestly!] I expect us to challenge seriously for everything we enter, and I honestly expected us to be pushing 1st to 3rd place this year. Unfortunately, things havent started as well as I, and many, had hoped. But although Villa was quite an awful match to watch at the weekend, sometimes you can start a winning sequence with a scrappy, hard fought win...and especially if it gets a bit of a run going, which that did. 3 on the bounce, lets aim for 5 then 10. I think we can definately finish top 4, and maybe even 3rd. Id be relatively happy with that. It'd be nice to be the 1st club to play in the new Wembley FA Cup final, but i can see us going out in the quarters, and if we are to loose our European crown, then i want it to be to one of the best teams about - not some porky side.

Olly: A Champions League qualifying position in the league, a decent run in one of the domestic cups and getting to the knock out stages of the European Cup

Filler: 3rd spot with a 'you never know about 2nd'. Hasn't changed. We need some momentum, and the result against Villa last week could well be seen as the most vital of the season to get it going when we look back. Hope I'm right.

Rushian: A much stronger performance in the league (70 points plus) and a long run in Europe. Though whether we'd achieve both was still debatable.

I've thought for a long time that the whole attitude of the club has been more atuned to Europe than the English League - and by this I include the coaching staff, players and fans. The team has been consistently ranked in the top 8 in Europe for the last few years often belying our league form. And just look at us lot - we have increasingly turned away from anything English, the flags, the national team etc and revelled in our European outlook and style and exotic destinations. Domestic aways? Get up early, pay £40 for a ticket, £30 for travel, £30 on scran and beer to visit another depressing part of the UK before returning home to plan spending another £100 in two weeks time.

Europe's the new bread and butter, or beurre et croissant for the footballing gourmets, though it would be nice to come down one morning and find on the plate a round of Warburton's spread with Devon's finest butter.

Have they changed from day one?

WOOLTONIAN: No, I remember the old saying, ‘once bitten twice shy’.
I remember coming crashing back to earth after the Treble winning season.
I think we all saw that as the new dawn, only to fall flat on our faces.

Victor Meldrew: No, not really. The League is still in our hands, the FA Cup is a certainty and so is the Champions League. You'll see...

Olly: Not at all. The Russian mercenaries are some way ahead of us, and despite the Corporation and Arsenal not strengthening as well as they may have hoped I’d be surprised if we were to ease past either of them. I’d expect to be a lot closer to the leaders this season though.

Filler: No, tho I hoped for a really good run in the League Cup.

Rushian: No, nothing has changed. We're looking stronger defensively in the league which should see us achieve at least 70 points (though a few more goals from the strikers wouldn't go amiss). Europe, as ever, seems to be our natural home.

Who do you think our most important player(s) are at the moment?

WOOLTONIAN: Jamie Carragher. If the lad gets injured I think we will be in deep shit. Steven Gerrard also needs an injury free season if we are to start climbing back up the league, he’s so influential.

MichaelA: It's incredibly difficult to see beyond Gerrard. The Carra, undoubtedly. I would pick Garcia for every game as well. I know he has his critics, and the criticisms are too often justifiable. But he is a match winning player, as we saw in Europe last season. And he played out of his skin against the Hammers last week.

Pheeny: Without doubt StevieG Carra & Alonso.

Victor Meldrew: Djimi Traore. He adds the perfect balance to our defence. He pops up with wonder crosses and hopefully - HOPEFULLY - he can find his way into double figures.

But my serious answer would be: Stevie Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Djibril Cisse. The "spine of our team".

AdamS: Carra! Without Carra I think we would struggle horrendously at the back. Hyppia and Traore would probably be the next partnership and that doesn’t fill me with confidence. Other players may be better to watch when on form, but none are more important. Finnan has shown once again how much we miss him when he is not there. I have been impressed with Garcia’s work rate and now his game seems to be improving too. He is always going to make mistakes, but he is making fewer and fewer in the wrong areas. Alonso & Gerrard go without saying.

Spartacus: Carra without a doubt, I hope to god he doesn’t get an injury this season because I really think we’ll struggle defensively. Alonso had a great game against West Ham and I’m hoping that continues over the next few months.

Stevie G is a given.

Hinesy: Alonso for his sense of how Liverpool could be, Carragher for his spirit, Gerrard for our perception to the rest of the world and Cisse for his potential.

Roper: Carragher, Gerrard and Alonso. Everything good comes from these 3 players. If we can just branch off them, then we could be quite a side. I dont think there are many better Centre Mid partnerships about that Gerrard and Xabi, and ive been banging Carra's drum for 4 or 5 seasons, long before the bandwagon kicked in. [arent I great!]

Olly: Carra seems to get better with every game. He’s a credit to the team, and an example to every kid playing the game now. And he seems to have earned total respect from the rest of the team. Without him, we’d really struggle.

I think for the Spanish players this season is very important. Having a chat with a mate the other day, if Morientes stays clear of injuries for a while he could be a revelation playing just off a front man. His talent is unquestionable, but as with most foreign players who join this league he needs to toughen up.

Sissoko could be the find of the season, and he’s started off superbly. For the first time in years, when Didi’s name isn’t mentioned in the first 11 I now don’t worry. If he improves his passing he could be exceptional.

And if Kewell could just find …. oh forget it.

Filler: the spine deffo, though the middle of that spine is playing wide right at the mo, but we don't look like John Merrick thanks to Sissoko and Alonso. Zak Whitbread too if one of our CB's gets injured.

Rushian: Carragher, Hyypia, Gerrard and Alonso. All world class, all playing well, all vitally important to the club.

What player(s) haven't impressed you this season?

WOOLTONIAN: Peter Crouch. I’d be amazed if anyone has been impressed.
I think he will improve when he gets his first goal, but as things stand right now, the lad seriously looks out of his depth.

MichaelA: Morientes. This guy has had the longest preseason in the history of the club. A goal midweek is hopefully a sign that he has turned a corner. Please.

And Josemi. I fail to see what he has to offer to the club. It really grates on me when I see him grinning next to Stevie on photos from Istanbul.

Pheeny: Crouch just don’t see him as a Liverpool player.

Victor Meldrew: Peter Crouch, although I am backing the lad every step of the way.

AdamS: Obviously Josemi has never lived up to his first couple of performances, but to balance things up, he doestake a good photograph. Crouch is clearly struggling for confidence (thanks Sven). He looks all wrong, but providing he can show the mental strength he has all the footballing attributes to make himself a success. To cause a bit of controversy here, I think he has far more chance of becomming a success at Liverpool than Cissé. I see Cissé as far too one dimensional, although I'll galdly be proved wrong!

Spartacus: Hmmmmmm the strikers collectively have been a disappointment, I appreciate that they rely on their team-mates for service and the like but they also have to do a little for themselves. Last night (Anderlacht) I was convinced Crouch would score and him not scoring against weak opposition when we’re playing well isn’t good. I’m hoping he’s going to bang one in any time soon and then the rest will follow. Great to see FM bag a goal but he has to push on from this and start scoring on a more regular basis.

Hinesy: I’ve enjoyed watching Crouch but he should’ve settled in now but I want to see sustained good service to him before I judge him. Zenden has only recently started looking like a mini Riise, but overall I still am not that keen on Josemi.

Roper: It's where to start. I honestly dont think that as a starting XI we are any better than 3 years ago. Its lucky for us that the nucleus of the team is solid. I was sat in my seat at the start of the season and turned to the fella next to me and said "Fuckin Morientes, still cant believe we've got him!"....but thats what it is; reputation. I can see the class but the hunger and instintiveness isnt there. Crouch im prepared to give time to - especially when we have two natural wide players to feed off him, and supply him with decent ball. Traore is not a full back - end of....he should be CB cover and thats it. Josemi, well, I just dont get it - and Rafa's blind backing sometimes is a little to Houllier-esque. Zenden is a player ive never been a fan of, dating back though the world cup in 98, and beyond - with Barca, Chelsea and Boro. Just doesnt do enough for me...too many backward balls, and not enough drive.

Olly: Zenden – he just hasn’t got going yet. He doesn’t have the pace or ability to get round a full back, and as a result struggles out wide. He’s looked far more comfortable when he is playing just inside, as he used to do at Middlesbrough, but with the competition in the middle of the park, and our lack of wide men his opportunities in his preferred position have been limited.

Oh, and Riise. At times this season he has been abymisal, and if he knocks the ball round an opponent, and tries to run round the other side of him one more time I’m going to strangle him.

I’d also mention Cisse, but I’m afraid that the Lord would strike vengeance upon me….

Filler: Cisse, yet he's bagged 13 goals in all games this season, but don't like his screaming and desire to inflict injury to goalkeepers with the ball. Having said that, I like Djib alot. Josemi ... started very brightly, tho I thought he did well at CB against Sofia, but I bet his wife issues instructions from his SatNav in the car. Good to see Finnan back, rather unsung I think. I also haven't been too impressed with Alonso (I'll get slapped for that, ha!), but he set ridiculous standards last year, and even if an average Alonso gets his boots on, he's still class.

Rushian: Riise, who I think is an valuable squad player, has looked off the pace. Traore still inspires more nerves than the dentist in The Marathon Man. And the strikers, as a collective, urgently need to find Billy's Boots.

If you had to highlight one thing that you are disappointed with since winning The Champions League what would it be?

WOOLTONIAN: Our performance in the League Cup. Call it any name you like, but it was an avenue into Europe next year.

MichaelA: Missing out on Owen returning. I know there were all kinds of nonsense involved, but somebody lost their nerve in August.

Pheeny: The price of the ticket for the Anderlecht game.

Victor Meldrew: League Cup defeat and not buying true, proven-class.

AdamS: I think as everybody else I was hoping we would do more in the transfer market, Rafa said we needed a right midfielder/winger and a centre back and not to sign players for these positions was disappointing. On the other hand I am glad we didn’t let clubs hold us to ransom over transfer fees. If we has signed Owen, Simao and Figo at the increased prices we would have shelled out £10m more than what we had previously agreed.

Spartacus: Have to admit the lack of transfer activity really disappointed me, in fact I’d go as far as to say made me feel pretty pissed off and low about the season ahead. I’ve already said that I started the season full of moans and groans, I’m over it now but that was like one major sulk.

Hinesy: The seeming lack of common understanding between the players.

Roper: The we didnt demand respect in the transfer market. We should have picked the players we wanted and got them - no fuckin about.

Olly: That we didn’t seem to take advantage of our success. Both in terms of transfers and marketing we should have been much more ruthless. There was money to be made, and players to buy but I felt we were kind of walked over in the summer.

Filler: The lack of new signings, tho I understand the desire to avoid the sharks coming in with their inflamed prices at the last minute, hopefully that strength will help us, and not undermine us. Sissoko and Zenden were excellent signings tho for different reasons. Oh, and Reina, scares the shit out of me at times, but all goalkeepers have trouble these days. Not seeing the Cup being brought out v TNS, tho I understand and applaud the forward thinking, but I was a bit sulky. The League Cup defeat, and using Potter instead of Flo wide right. Still scratching my head about that.

Rushian:The failure to buy a right winger (or two) of quality has left us desperately short of balance. The best teams have always practiced a perfect equilibrium: left balanced by right, attack balanced by defence, pace balanced by an assured reading of the game. Benitez's Valencia so evidently had this when they came to Anfield and you can see what Rafa is working towards with the present squad, but he needs that pacy, natural right midfielder.

What has pleased you the most since the victory in Istanbul?

WOOLTONIAN: Our continuing success in Europe, daft, but we once again look like a side who can progress all the way. While other teams afford us the time and space, we will punish them

MichaelA: Sissoko. He could be the next Tommy Smith/Graham Souness. I first saw him against Kaunas (or CSKA, can't remember) and he scared me. Fuck knows what he does to the opposition. He needs to develop the cultured touch of Didi Hamann, and the Didi can retire in the knowledge that he has a quality successor.

Pheeny: The way Harry has performed up to now.

Victor Meldrew: Anderlecht! They may be near the top of their Sunday-league, but they are a decent side that gave Chelsea a run for their money (no pun intended...) and we made them look ordinary. Also, too many games of this nature had ended a scrappy 1-0, when we should have had it dead and buried a while back.

AdamS: I enjoyed singing Five Times to the mancs & laughing when they sung “We are the pride of all Europe”. I suppose that even that match has had a bit of an anti climax. Going to Istanbul and being privileged to watch possibly the greatest cup final of all time is one hell of a high to come down from. I'm sure there are more great moments to come.

Spartacus: Stevie G staying – no honest.

Hinesy: Rafa’s refusal to pretend we are anything more than we are.

Roper: Gerrard resigning and being relatively honest about things. He could have totally bullshitted us, but as he knew most of it was already out - he came out and was pretty honest about the whole affair. He signed the dotted line and put the constant shite to bed. Fair play. End of.

Olly: Our new, well-informed and patient fan base.

Alright, our European performances and results have been good and as per usual most of the Euro aways so far this season have been “interesting”.

Filler: That I can wake up each morning and see a picture of SG lifting the cup on my wall and go, 'Fuck me, how did that happen?' Hearing 'Champions of Europe' being sung. Still wells me up something chronic.

Rushian: Hearing the media associate "Champions of Europe" with our name, time after time after time ...

And your feelings on the new 'Spanish flavour' Liverpool. Senor 'Rafa' Benitez and our new latin recruits?

WOOLTONIAN: It seems to be a current trend to heavily lean towards a certain flavour. I’d rather have the best Polish or the best Greek player than the second best of another nation, just because he speaks the same language as the manager. We’ve done the French route, now we seem to be becoming the Spanish second eleven. I’m an arl arse and I cannot see what’s wrong with wanting British players in a British League. I’m not saying all British, that would be just as bad. If I wanted to support a Spanish side I’d move to Barcelona or Madrid.

MichaelA: I think that it was inevitable that Rafa would bring in players that he knew, players that he could work with quickly, to effect the kind of changes that he wanted to make. He needs a nucleus that understands what he wants. I suspect that there may be more Spaniards at the club in the near future to complete his er, rafalution...

Thereafter, he will have hopefully created the playing culture that he wants, and will begin to look at adding from other countries from next summer onward.

Pheeny: Not interested in what nationality a player is so long as he gives his all for the Reds.

Victor Meldrew: I like it. People saying that they won't be able to handle the weather conditions etc may be right, but they are professionals. Not too sure about Josemi, but he is good cover and Reina could improve more. The others, though, are superb.

AdamS: Recently it’s been great to see the three amigo’s coming into form. Alonso and Garcia have already shown quite a lot, but both are improving and I think Moro is so close to hitting a massive amount of goals for us.
It’s been notable how quickly Garcia has picked up English and they seem to have fitted in brilliantly. Who can fail to be impressed when Alonso talks about the pride of wearing the Liverpool shirt?

Spartacus: I’m not arsed really if we have a Spanish flavour or not, would rather judge the players individually, if you’re good enough then you’ll do for me. Pisses me off when people use that fact that Nunez or Josemi are Spanish as stick to beat them with, who cares? I never want us to be a team full of Spaniards but talks cheap, if we’re a team full of Alonso’s and we’re kicking ass then who am I to complain?

Hinesy: Well it was likely he would bring in that which he knew, and I think in part it has been excellent, certainly helping in our European Adventures, but conversely adapating to the somewhat frenetic nature of a wet Wednesday evening game has taken a lot longer than I thought. I’d keep Xabi, Luis, Pepe (Rafa’s twin or what ?), I’d think about Mori and I’d get shot of Josemi.

Roper: I dont give a fuck where the players are from as long as they fit in the system. Simple. But I feel at times we are guilty of buying the players and then fitting them into a system they wouldnt have otherwise flourished in. As past players and managers have said, Liverpool always had the knack of buying players each year to keep it fresh without losing the balance of the system. Thats what we need to do.

Olly: The talent is obviously present, but a couple of them need to toughen up. Alonso can hurt any team, and at a times his vision is unreal, but both Morientes and Garcia need to improve. It’s pleasing to hear that they both know there are areas of their game that they need to work on, and I’m sure they’ll be a success. At times I think people expect too much from Garcia – we’ve been crying out for an inventive player for years, but now we need one who never gives the ball away, can out jump Crouch and can tackle like Souness.

I‘m going to reserve judgement on Reina. He has lightening quick reactions, and makes the goal look small, but at times he tends to rush out for a ball when he’d do better to stay put. Time will tell if his signing has improved the team.

There is no need to mention Josemi. He’s the finished article and an example of footballing perfection.

Filler: I'm in a rush, but somewhere between a plate of patatas bravas and a strong San Miguel, and the subtle smell of wee in the Barri Gotic.

Rushian: Benitez is a frustratingly good manager. Frustrating in that you expect us to win the league with him very soon but still see massive hurdles to clear - one being the size of Siberia. The Spanish players have proved to be excellent buys - great technique allied with intelligence. There'll always be the odd duffer such as Josemi (no manager has a perfect record in the transfer market) but in general it has been a positive experiment.

© RAWK 2005

for more RAWK views go to part 2

[a partridge in seat_5c]

"Hinesy: The seeming lack of common understanding between the players."

care to expand on that Hinesy? or is it a case of res ipsa loquitur ?


oh and, nobody was seriously calling for Rafa's head were they? wind-ups surely? surprised people are letting it get under their skins so much. Rafa Out Brigade? Where? Lets not create a monster before its born eh...

[Spartacus.]

oh and, nobody was seriously calling for Rafa's head were they? wind-ups surely? surprised people are letting it get under their skins so much. Rafa Out Brigade? Where? Lets not create a monster before its born eh...

Deny it if it makes you feel any better.

People were totally serious with some of their over the top criticisms and knee-jerk reactions, I know people both from the internet and in the real world who believe Rafa will be a total failure domestically and if our aim is to win the premiership then we have the wrong man at the helm.

[AdamS]

If anyone else wants a go... here are the questions

There has certainly been strong opinions voiced by Liverpool fans so far this season. How do you think the season been shaping up and what do you make of all the outcry?

What are your expectations for this season?


Have they changed from day one?


Who do you think our most important player(s) are at the moment?


What player(s) haven't impressed you this season?


If you had to highlight one thing that you are disappointed with since winning The Champions League what would it be?


What has pleased you the most since the victory in Istanbul?


And your feelings on the new 'Spanish flavour' Liverpool. Senor 'Rafa' Benitez and our new latin recruits?


What players would you
A) Like to see brought in and like to see leave in January?


B) Expect to see brought in and expect to see leave in January?


What do we think of Rafa's premiership tactics.


In your opinion, is the notion that the European Cup win has distorted expectations amongst fans to an unrealistic extent positive or negative?


If you could take your grandad to the game nowadays, what would he think?


Anfield, new stadium and groundshare - what's your view?


Question: What player, recently sold, would you bring back?


Liverpool fans have always had a "healthy" rivalry with the Bitters and the Manc Corporation. In the last couple of seasons a new beast has emerged, and most Liverpool fans now have a bitter hatred for Chelsea. Are these sorts of rivalries / feelings of emotion healthy? Or are we becoming so obsessed with other sides that we are actually losing our original focus?


What one thing would you change about LFC?


What were your top three memories of Rafa's first season in charge?

[Rizla]

Cant resist a challenge! OK, I'll give it a shot!

If anyone else wants a go... here are the questions

There has certainly been strong opinions voiced by Liverpool fans so far this season. How do you think the season been shaping up and what do you make of all the outcry?  

Well, I have always been a believer in stability at the helm, and I have always been 100% sure Rafa is the man to lead our side. However, like many I was concerned by our tactics we used at the beginning of the season which were ultra cautious and were blunting our assets...we were using formations for a team we presently dont have. Playing Crouch as a lone striker was in hindsight a big mistake as it has I feel affected his confidence...he was never equipped to do that job anyway with the paucity of width we have. I also thought the treatment of Cisse was at best insensitive. However recent switches to a more balanced 4-4-2 with Gerrard moved over to the right have improved our balance markedly. One positive for me though has been the general solidity of our back line, and the encouraging lack of injuries. However, we do need to score more goals and that could be the main problem we have going in to the rest of the season

What are your expectations for this season?  

Now, I would say 4th is a realistic possibility, but if we perform poorly in the next game, 5th or 6th at best could be the outcome as I would honestly say that it is crucial we go on a good run and dont lose our next match. 4 wins in a row and we will be making progress...a defeat to Portsmouth could be a damaging return to square one. Vital also that Sami and Carra dont get injured


Have they changed from day one?

Slightly in view of recent improvements, but after the summer came and went with no right sided midfielder I knew that we would struggle to create chances.


Who do you think our most important player(s) are at the moment?

Sami and Carra...without a doubt


What player(s) haven't impressed you this season?

Josemi I was prepared to give him a chance after missing most of last season injured but he looks to be falling short. Risse has also been poor until he was shifted back in to his strongest position for me at left back, ahead of Traore who has looked worryingly erratic again


If you had to highlight one thing that you are disappointed with since winning The Champions League what would it be?

Apart from the supporters, our club has been far too self-effacing and just hasnt really exploited the achievement in any meaningful manner for me. We really should have used the money and prestige to really improve our squad, however there was far too much fucking about at times.


What has pleased you the most since the victory in Istanbul?

The respect our club has reinforced amongst European football...largely absent in our own domestic league


And your feelings on the new 'Spanish flavour' Liverpool. Senor 'Rafa' Benitez and our new latin recruits?

One or two of them have fallen short. However in Reina, Alonso and Garcia we have gained players who have really improved our side, better I think than any of Houllier's French imports ever did. Would at the same time like to see him maybe looking in places other than Spain however


What players would you
A) Like to see brought in and like to see leave in January?

Leave: Josemi, Dudek [we dont need him any more], Potter [not up to it]

Come in: Joaquin on the right ideally, Simao probably more realistically. Also a CB that Rafa believes in. Wouldnt mind seeing Kuyt brought in, think we should have signed him when we had the chance in the summer


B) Expect to see brought in and expect to see leave in January?

Simao ought to come in however January is a difficult time to get new recruits in so I have a uncomfortable feeling we may make a mess of things again there. Dudek I think will go


What do we think of Rafa's premiership tactics.

Alluded to it earlier, thought he was chopping and changing too much initially, also was playing formations for a team we dont have. However recently he has started playing our strongest and most balanced sides more consistently which has resulted in a noticeable improvement



In your opinion, is the notion that the European Cup win has distorted expectations amongst fans to an unrealistic extent positive or negative?

possibly...I was always realistic enough to know that our squad had it's weaknesses but I had hoped the club would me more proactive in solving them. Also why shouldnt we believe in ourselves...we had beaten the best club sides in the world!


If you could take your grandad to the game nowadays, what would he think?

My Scouse Grandad was a bitter so he'd be saying 'load of foreign rubbish'! My glaswegian granddad would be saying 'so who's that spaniel poof on the wing and what's that numpty haircut yon Cisse fella on his heed?'


Anfield, new stadium and groundshare - what's your view?

Groundshare...big no no for me, overlapping revenues with the bitters can only lead to trouble. However a new stadium I think is becoming a must. You only have to look at Newcastle to see that a big attendance figure can vastly improve profits. Imagine what Rafa could do with the extra cash...


Question: What player, recently sold, would you bring back?

Owen


Liverpool fans have always had a "healthy" rivalry with the Bitters and the Manc Corporation. In the last couple of seasons a new beast has emerged, and most Liverpool fans now have a bitter hatred for Chelsea. Are these sorts of rivalries / feelings of emotion healthy? Or are we becoming so obsessed with other sides that we are actually losing our original focus?

Maybe we might be going a little bit far with the Chelsea thing, but they quite honestly stand for all that is wrong in football, and are run and have always been supported by a bunch of c*nts. Was also a bit disgusted by the 4th place trumpeting by the bitters and Moyes last year...it lacked dignity IMO



What one thing would you change about LFC?

Dont be afraid to stand up to other clubs and the footballing authorities if they threaten to fuck us over. Has happened a few times too often for my liking, we have at times been a bit too passive. Need more initiative from the men at the top I feel at times


What were your top three memories of Rafa's first season in charge?

Istanbul win
Istanbul win
Oh, and the Istanbul win!

[Robert_B]

There has certainly been strong opinions voiced by Liverpool fans so far this season. How do you think the season been shaping up and what do you make of all the outcry?  

It's been a bit frustrating. I think overall we've started ok, not great, but our away performances have been stronger than last season and our points tally doesn't reflect fairly on us considering some of the games we've had to play have come with one eye on europe and the rotation between 451 and 442 hasn't helped the situation. I'm a bit concerned by our strikers' lack of goals. Cisse's league contribution of 1 penalty and 1 from a freekick is not exactly filling me with confidence. But I think that goals from our strikers will come. We just need to not panic and continue to work hard.

The only thing i'll complain about is our set pieces. Whether it's a corner or a freekick, we seem too eagre to try come cute little trick/lay off that is 99% certain to fail. Sometimes I wish we'd just shoot from the dead ball or put the ball in from the corner direct.

The outcry is annoying, but to be expected. After winning the CL expectations were bound to be very high - too high. Hopefully they won't be too loud and we manage to keep out sanity.

What are your expectations for this season?  

I think we should be looking to secure 4th place and put the likes of Spurs, Newcastle and Bolton in their place - below us. I also think that we could maybe have an honest shout at possibly finishing above Man Utd.

Have they changed from day one?

Perhaps. I think at the start of the season I probably did get a bit too caught up with the hype and the start of the season, despite some real improvement, has brought me back down to Earth a bit and i'm a bit more realistic about our possibilities.

Who do you think our most important player(s) are at the moment?

Hard to look past Carragher. Absolute rock in the defence and would be irreplacable. Steve Finnan is also incredibly important for us at the moment, as I would trust myself at right back more than I would Josemi (and I KNOW i'm sh*t!).

What player(s) haven't impressed you this season?

Josemi and Traore - i'll put it simply: they are not good enough. The latter may have imporved over the last few years, but it's time to face facts - he will never be good enough for us if we want to be a top, top team. I have virtually no faith in him and the less we play him the better. Cisse, as I said in the first response, has alos been less than impressive. Had a decent pre-season but is not at all convincing as a striker IMO. He remains our best goal threat, however (which is a sad indictment about our attacking options) so we have to play him.


If you had to highlight one thing that you are disappointed with since winning The Champions League what would it be?

Not building on the squad as much as needed. Don't get me wrong, I think Sissoko and Reina have been good signings, but IMO the number 1, 2 and 3 targets on our transfer list had to be a right midfielder, a centreback and a left back - we got none of these.

What has pleased you the most since the victory in Istanbul?

The general feeling around the club. It has been excellent.

And your feelings on the new 'Spanish flavour' Liverpool. Senor 'Rafa' Benitez and our new latin recruits?

Very pleased with it. I feel like we have a manager who is a born winner and he's bringing in players who have the same mentality. Not wild about Josemi but other than that i'm very happy.

What players would you
A) Like to see brought in and like to see leave in January?

Like to see Josemi leave, Traore leave, Dudek leave (love you, but if we can get a bit of money for you then we'll need it plus we don't need 3 top keepers and Carson is the future!), Kirkland to leave (for the same reasons),Cisse leave (if we can get a decent price for him).

I'd like us to sign Simao for the right wing provided we can get him at a decent price (I would say Joaquin, but I know that he would be too much out fo our price range). I'd also like to see William Gallas come in as he's one of the few Chelsea players I respect and I think he is a top quality defender. Up front i'm not sure who we'd need - Fowler 8 years ago please.

B) Expect to see brought in and expect to see leave in January?

I expect us to get Simao. I think Kewell may go if he doesn't pull his funger out (although to be honest I think he has shown positive signs since coming back to the team). I think we may go for that Agger bloke - I like the sound of him as i've heard a lot of good things about him and I think the rumours have some substance to them.


What do we think of Rafa's premiership tactics.

I think they're not too bad. At times they can be very hard to work out but I think the fundamental problem is not the tactics, it's not having the personel to put on the field (which is not really Rafa's fault as we missed out on many targets in the summer who he wanted). If we can get the right players in and player with as much commitment and passion as we expect I think the tactics will work a lot better.

In your opinion, is the notion that the European Cup win has distorted expectations amongst fans to an unrealistic extent positive or negative?

I think it's negative. Obviously the optimism is great but you need more than just optimism. We played great in the CL last year and we were worthy winners, but to win the EPL or just to take the step up from where we were last season is a very tough ask and we need to accept the fact that the progress won't be made overnight and there will be more problems along the way before we actually do make that step up (I totally believe we will).

If you could take your grandad to the game nowadays, what would he think?

I really don't know how to answer that question, sorry.

Anfield, new stadium and groundshare - what's your view?

Not neccessarily a bad idea. Having a home of our own is obviously very important, but the financial realities mean that a groundshare might be needed. If it was the only way to ensure that the club's financial future is safe and we play in a state of the art stadium with a capacity that accomodates the demand then I would be for a possible groundshare. Obviously if we could go it alone with our own stadium then that would be better, but the last thing I want is for us to risk our financial future on a new stadium.

Question: What player, recently sold, would you bring back?

I'm not one of the "we should have pulled out all the stops in the summer to sign him" people, but I am going to say Owen for this question. We lack potency upfront and that is something he would bring.

Liverpool fans have always had a "healthy" rivalry with the Bitters and the Manc Corporation. In the last couple of seasons a new beast has emerged, and most Liverpool fans now have a bitter hatred for Chelsea. Are these sorts of rivalries / feelings of emotion healthy? Or are we becoming so obsessed with other sides that we are actually losing our original focus?

I think it's fine to have an enemy. We are not only Liverpool fans but also fans of football in general - and Chelsea go against the natural laws of the game.


What one thing would you change about LFC?

As I said above, stop being so cute with the set pieces and play it simple. I feel the question is actually skewed towards the club in general, so i'll also say that we should make sure that Benitez is given the time and money needed to make the changes he wants and the board to have full faith in him. The board pushing on with the Oween thing in the summer when it was clear Rafa was not overly keen on it upset me quite a bit as they should listen to Rafa when it comes to the team.

What were your top three memories of Rafa's first season in charge?

1. Winning the CL of course.
2. Breezing past Leverkusen. Simple qualification just isn't our style usually! I was epxecting to have a heart attack but in the end we did a professional job and I was very proud of the way we went about it.
3. Mellor's goal vs Arsenal. A truely magical moment (one of several last season!).

[kiwimark]

b]There has certainly been strong opinions voiced by Liverpool fans so far this season. How do you think the season been shaping up and what do you make of all the outcry?
[/b]

I think so far it's going as expected.  People are expecting us to take the CL win and make that into a Premiership wining side, which will just not work. it's almost like a Catch22 situation.  Great to win the CL, but now the pressure has doubled.

What are your expectations for this season?


Start of the season I would have said 4th.  but aftyer seeing Man U and teh Arse slip up, I think we have a real chance of breaking into 2nd or 3rd, if we get a bit of luck on the way.


Have they changed from day one?

See above.  Yes they have

Who do you think our most important player(s) are at the moment?

Same as always.  Stevie G and Carra.  Alonso as well.

What player(s) haven't impressed you this season?


haven't seen much of him, but Josemi would be the one to stand out.


If you had to highlight one thing that you are disappointed with since winning The Champions League what would it be?


Not getting signings of players we need to cover, in positions we need.

What has pleased you the most since the victory in Istanbul?

I guess the new excitment back in the fans. Now we know we can beat the best.  we just need consistence in the league now.

And your feelings on the new 'Spanish flavour' Liverpool. Senor 'Rafa' Benitez and our new latin recruits?

Overall I think it has helped.  there where a few misses, but more hits.  With Alonso and Garcia I think we have 2 gems. And Renia has showen he is a very good keeper, but has yet to be full tested.

What players would you
A) Like to see brought in and like to see leave in January?


Brought - A cover for Carra and Sami.  Not sure who, but someone young, and with potential.
Sold - Josemi


B) Expect to see brought in and expect to see leave in January?


Brough - Not sure who.  loads of talk, but I think it will be someone not already mentioned in the papers
Sold - Cisse

What do we think of Rafa's premiership tactics.


Sometimes frustrating, when we played only one up front. In europe that maywork, but premiership needs 2 up front.

In your opinion, is the notion that the European Cup win has distorted expectations amongst fans to an unrealistic extent positive or negative?

Both.  People expect more, and therefore if we don't win, Fans are frustrated.  But the postives are that the Fans can see what potential we have in the core of Liverpool.


If you could take your grandad to the game nowadays, what would he think?

...lol.  He's a rugger fan, so would proably call it a girls game.....

Anfield, new stadium and groundshare - what's your view?


I like the idea of our own stadium, and if Anfeild can not be easily renovated to increase capacity, then a new stadium needs to be built.  As long as it's not too big and the atmoshere is gone.  We need a stadium that will be full for %90 of games, so while we need a bigger stadium, going to say 80,000 is not worth the trade backs in loss of atmosphere.



Question: What player, recently sold, would you bring back?


none.  The obvious one is Owen, and I would like to see him back.  But not at 17 Million.

Liverpool fans have always had a "healthy" rivalry with the Bitters and the Manc Corporation. In the last couple of seasons a new beast has emerged, and most Liverpool fans now have a bitter hatred for Chelsea. Are these sorts of rivalries / feelings of emotion healthy? Or are we becoming so obsessed with other sides that we are actually losing our original focus?



I think the Liverpool v Man utd rivaley is a good thing.  Some of my best mates are Man Utd supporters, and part of our friendship is the gip we give each other about football.  The Chelsea rivalry is different, as they have come from no where to be the top, so I guess people hate them more. Jealous?  yes maybe that is part of it, but it is more because they suddenly have thousands of so called fans, who couldn't have cared 3 years agao.

What one thing would you change about LFC?


Nothing

What were your top three memories of Rafa's first season in charge?

* Stevie G re-signing
* Number 5 - say no more
* Carra re-signing

[Tarpaulin]

No......keep replies Scouse! 

[tomred]

"They should ban phone-ins ... and message boards."

I find this hilarious.

[Hinesy]

"Hinesy: The seeming lack of common understanding between the players."

care to expand on that Hinesy? or is it a case of res ipsa loquitur ?


oh and, nobody was seriously calling for Rafa's head were they? wind-ups surely? surprised people are letting it get under their skins so much. Rafa Out Brigade? Where? Lets not create a monster before its born eh...

i don't speak Latin so care to expand on that and I'll answer mate.

[PEEWEE]

Comedy answer of year has to be Victor Meldrew's one about our most important player.

Laughed me fuckin head off when he said Cisse was part of the spine of our team.

[Red-juvenated]

This is a massive season for us with the mantle of Champions of Europe. We are a big scalp and every team we face will play out of their skins and there are no easy games at any level. At the start of the season we had a chance to win 6 trophies - The Super Cup, Carling Cup, FAC, PL, CL and the World Cup, we have won 1 and are still involved in 4. So our squad is going to be really stretched even before we have a 'settled' side.

Rafa has a big job on his hands and has planned a strategy for the WHOLE season. It depends on how one measures success, but I think we'll finish the season with a well settled team capable of challenging for any trophies in the next year, and in the process I see us winning another 2 trophies out of the 4 competitions we are in.

[a partridge in seat_5c]

i don't speak Latin so care to expand on that and I'll answer mate.

res ipsa loquitur = the thing speaks for itself

interesting answer, just wondered what you meant, or whether it was just as simple as that

[Hinesy]

Thanks seatus 5cus

well I happen to think that with a constant rotation of the front line, things like Garcia's tricky flick ons that go nowhere; Cisse's runs that are ill timed; Riise wanting the 1-2 return pass but not getting it; Crouch nodding on to no-one and so on will persist.
Familiarity breeds content on the pitch.

Secondly on a greater note, there seems to be a lack of cohesive and concerted decision making on when to attack or when to hold the ball. I don't doubt Rafa has given the team instructions but I think some teams are there for the taking and ripping apart and when we do play pacy one touch footy, its brilliant, but there isn't enough of that.

Hyypia constantly looks up for the pass but all too frequently doesn't see the free man out wide and invariably it goes into the middle scrum. That's one example.

[a partridge in seat_5c]

There has certainly been strong opinions voiced by Liverpool fans so far this season. How do you think the season been shaping up and what do you make of all the outcry?

not convinced there has been much outcry on the net, but if people at the game are hearing talk of sacking Rafa then I am genuinely astonished at the even-by-our-standards-these-days level of stupidity and impatience

the moaners have got a case in certain instances, particularly with regard to the forwards' (note reluctance to call them strikers or goalscorers) lack of goals...the reluctance to play our likeliest source of goals requires some reading between the lines...

big disappointment for me has been the recurrence of scapegoating anyone but the Manager...Rafa seemingly is incapable of making mistakes to many so instead they blame everything and everyone else from Moores and Parry through Heighway in recent days to the tea lady...it'll be back to Souness and Evans next week on the scapegoat carousel...

What are your expectations for this season?

they were realistic IMO at the start, and have changed little...I knew a post Istanbul comedown was inevitable...can't remember making a prediction on league placing but it would have been 4th, and with our lack of a regular goalscorer I can't see us improving on that now, not even with United and Arsenal shipping points...and I've now got one eye on Spurs (yep I'm a cyclops)...

as for Europe, I thought our 'Group of Death' for want of a better expression would be difficult to get out of, and I still don't think we're there yet, I'm nervous...once through that yes we can do anything from thereonin but lack of a goalscorer will mean we are always having to perform minor miracles to get through each round...

Have they changed from day one?

oops, just answered that above

Who do you think our most important player(s) are at the moment?

I don't think there is one, it's the team that's important...most important player at the moment = whoever is playing the best at the moment IMO...it changes from match to match, one game Momo could be our most important player, the next Louey...

most important player to keep fit? OK, I'll go with the flow, Carra, Sami, Stevie, and I'd possibly add Finnan and Louey the conjuror...funnily enough I think we could cope without Xabi for a while, as we showed last season...

What player(s) haven't impressed you this season?

Reina - the jury's well out on him I'm afraid, good sweeping off his line but does it too much and yet to see much evidence of shot-stopping ability as the defence has been so well-marshalled

Finnan's been below last year's cracking form, for whatever reason

Djimi as usual, although he has had some good games as well to be fair, bit of a mixed bag

Alonso started the season slowly but is picking up

Hamann generally seems strangely off the pace and out of favour, although I made him MOTM in one of the European games, possibly the Chelsea game (but can't remember!)

most worryingly, Cissé, and even more so, Crouch
 

If you had to highlight one thing that you are disappointed with since winning The Champions League what would it be?

prob same as most, failure to capitalise (on our newfound status) in the transfer market

can I have 2 things?

getting rid of Baros (don't hear much about his poor goal return now do we) and the rather shoddy treatment of Istanbul hero Jerzy as he is trampled underfoot by fans piling onto the Reina bandwagon

What has pleased you the most since the victory in Istanbul?

continuing evidence of the coaching staff's work on the offside trap with the defence paying dividends, leading to us equalling last season's total of clean sheets already...good stuff, if not particularly exciting !

And your feelings on the new 'Spanish flavour' Liverpool. Senor 'Rafa' Benitez and our new latin recruits?

have to say I think Rafa's going too far personally. I can understand going for Spanish outfield players if they've got better technique, but goalkeepers?? not impressed by that at all, it just seems to be buying Spanish players for the sake of it. Also, we get a Welsh kid and he's called Ramon. Behave.

I am genuinely concerned that top quality players from markets that Houllier delved into, Northern and Eastern Europe, will be ignored. I can't see where the next Sami, Vlad or Milan is coming from to be honest, and with the quality produced by some of those countries, such as the Czechs, I feel we could be missing out on some quality players at quality prices (I should do adverts me)

What players would you
A) Like to see brought in and like to see leave in January?

INS

don't watch enough footie really but here goes...from the Premiership, and a total pipedream, William Gallas

would like to see some pacy players wide and up front and a couple that have impressed me in the last few years are Bulgarian leftwing Martin Petrov, who was 'only' at Wolfsburg until Barcelona (or was it Atletico Madrid) read my recommendations on the net and signed him...I guess Gonzalez will be doing this job from the summer anyway...

Maris Verpakovskis (from one of those Baltic states and one of the Moscow clubs?) has always impressed me as well, lightning pace, tricky and an eye for goal

OUTS

Kirkland - injury-prone and has been appalling when not injured

Josemi - for nicking Warnock's place on the bench in Istanbul and hogging the limelight, cheers 'mate'...oh and not being very good of course

Djimi - CBA again

Crouch - why wait for the inevitable

Cissé - don't like his attitude and don't think Rafa does either

B) Expect to see brought in and expect to see leave in January?

INS

Christ knows, couple of never-heard-ofs from La Liga probably

possibly a striker if we can get rid of Cissé

OUTS

Kirkland or Dudek

Cissé if we can get an acceptable offer to him and us

What do we think of Rafa's premiership tactics.

Cautious, but I like possession football, I think it's important to retain the ball and stop the opposition playing, and I think the lack of goals has been more due to poor technique/ability and/or form from the strikers than anything to do with Rafa's tactics. Caveat - full backs could get forward more, particularly Finnan

In your opinion, is the notion that the European Cup win has distorted expectations amongst fans to an unrealistic extent positive or negative?

negative, incredibly so

If you could take your grandad to the game nowadays, what would he think?

unless Dixie Dean (!!!woo woo!!!bluenose Grandad alert!!!) was playing and scoring 7 headers he'd think it was shite

Anfield, new stadium and groundshare - what's your view?

restricted knowing my luck

Question: What player, recently sold, would you bring back?

easy, Baros

Liverpool fans have always had a "healthy" rivalry with the Bitters and the Manc Corporation. In the last couple of seasons a new beast has emerged, and most Liverpool fans now have a bitter hatred for Chelsea. Are these sorts of rivalries / feelings of emotion healthy? Or are we becoming so obsessed with other sides that we are actually losing our original focus?

hate is never healthy, ask a doctor

What one thing would you change about LFC?

I'd be the Manager. Seriously. How badly could I do?

What were your top three memories of Rafa's first season in charge?

Can I have 6?!?!

1) Istanbul

and the next 5 in no particular order

Chelsea (Feel the pain!!), made doubly special by them getting bitter and twisted over whether the ball crossed the line or not. I always like to say I was in line with it and it didn't, just to piss them off even more
 

Juve (Sami's volley!)

Olympiakos (Mellor's perfect cushion header to Stevie and...)

Mellor's last minute stunner against Arsenal

and possibly as high as second, the kids winning on pens at White Hart Lane and going over to the travelling Reds and thanking them for their support and celebrating as one big happy family, a rarely seen sort of group hug thang, and entirely spontaneous and genuine, just wonderful and made me well up...

[J.C.]

If anyone else wants a go... here are the questions

There has certainly been strong opinions voiced by Liverpool fans so far this season. How do you think the season been shaping up and what do you make of all the outcry?

the season so far apart from Europe has been a bit disappointing. After Rafa having a season in the premiership to settle in i thought he would have realised what is needed for a premiership assault. He bought sissoko in the hope he would add steel and from what I have seen he seems a pretty good buy. However some of the regulars seem more up for Europe than the PL.

I Think the outcry is a bit too much though, and that it stems from our 5th European cup. Rafa knows Europe alot better than the PL and it shows through our results give him another year or so an hewill have more of an understanding of the PL.

What are your expectations for this season?

To get through to the knockout stages of the CL, to finish above EFC in the League, and to close the gap on Man U an Arse (not Chelsea cos they ave the money to go out and spend 50 mill on a player if they are only 3 points clear on top of the league).


Have they changed from day one?

Nope not really I'm forever an optimist where LFC are concerned

Who do you think our most important player(s) are at the moment?

1) Carra - he can stop anything thrown against him 2) Gerrard and Alonso - they both influence our matches so much 3) Cisse - they only one of our strikers that seems capable of scoring a few.

What player(s) haven't impressed you this season?

Traore - I think Warnock deserves his place in the squad ahead of him. The forwards - hey guys we really do need more goals



If you had to highlight one thing that you are disappointed with since winning The Champions League what would it be?

Lack of goals and lack of transfer activity - we still need a defender and a right winger, and maybe even a centre forward.

What has pleased you the most since the victory in Istanbul?

The respect from teams in Europe and great players. The 5 stars, blue badges, and the mancs having to come to Liverpool to see there trophy on display.


And your feelings on the new 'Spanish flavour' Liverpool. Senor 'Rafa' Benitez and our new latin recruits?

At first I had my doubts ala GH all over again, but alonso is class, Garcia has been worth the transfer fee, was disappointed with him signing Reina, cos Ive always thought that kirkland could be the best if he overcame his injuries. mori needs to show the form he had at real an Monaco. They only playters that have disappointed me are josemi and Nunez. Sissoko looks like a good buy.


What players would you

A) Like to see brought in and like to see leave in January?

Leave - josemi, Dudek (no offence lad) its obvious jerzey ain't in Rafa's plans where as josemi ain't done much so id rather get a few quid in for the both of em, an maybe even kirky.

A defender - andrade or even upson,A right winger maybe simao, wouldn't mind seeing riquelme, a decent 20 goal a season forward.


B) Expect to see brought in and expect to see leave in January?

as above


What do we think of Rafa's premiership tactics.

I think he still has a bit too learn. The results haven't gone his way, which is down to the players on the pitch or the fact the forwards couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo.

Hes has learnt alot from his first season because of the number of clean sheets we have kept. I think he hasn't done too badly but sometimes the players have let him down.


In your opinion, is the notion that the European Cup win has distorted expectations amongst fans to an unrealistic extent positive or negative?

Negative - we are now expected to win every match and to some extent be as good as Chelsea. after a couple of results that these bandwagon fans dont like, they are calling for Rafa's head. Oh and its so much harder to get tickets (don't you just hate that the network is busy message from bt).


If you could take your grandad to the game nowadays, what would he think?

He would think why the hell ain't we standing, and it was never a free kick for that challenge. He would also then start on the good old days and why ain't the manager English/Scottish.


Anfield, new stadium and groundshare - what's your view?

I would miss anfield like hell. Never ground share with everton, it just wouldn't work. However I would like to have more of a chance to gerra season ticket.

Question: What player, recently sold, would you bring back?

Owen provided we wouldn't have to pay double for what we sold him for. Shaggy - he was my fav player of that era and shouldn't have been allowed to go for nowt. God if he weren't so injury prone in fact God as some sort of striker coach.


Liverpool fans have always had a "healthy" rivalry with the Bitters and the Manc Corporation. In the last couple of seasons a new beast has emerged, and most Liverpool fans now have a bitter hatred for Chelsea. Are these sorts of rivalries / feelings of emotion healthy? Or are we becoming so obsessed with other sides that we are actually losing our original focus?

Ive never hated the bitter the only 2 games i like to see em loose is against us. I like to wind me mates up when they loose just like they wind me up. I wouldn't want them to go down because I'd miss them too much. I think it gets more an more biter each yr and i hate the way they say we made them miss out on the European cup. But as a scouser you know at least one person who is a blue who ain't bitter.

I cant stand the mancs and to me it is to do with the nevilles, 1996 fa cup final and cantonas return an the pen that should never have been.

Chelsea at the moment i hate more than the manc I think its the arrogance they have. They feel like they don't have to earn there place in the finals that they should be there. I hate fat frank, terry, but its the manager that gets up my nose most and the way the can spend 20 mill plus on a player an stick him on the bench for the rest of his life.


What one thing would you change about LFC?

That all the fans would join in with the singing, and that everyteam would still be afraid of coming to anfield. As much as i would like a standing section, I don't think it would ever happen in my lifetime




What were your top three memories of Rafa's first season in charge?

The picture in the frame at cardiff, what a craic.
Juve away - the result the fans behaviour everything about that match
Istanbul - unbelievable - the best bit when the lads realised they had won it CARRA ET AL RUNNING FROM THE HALF WAY LINE AN STEVIE LIFTIN THE CUP