Liverpool FC Forum

[NANNY RED]

Smart move by Rafa that imo letting Sammy come out to take the pre match. In other words hes telling the drunk an his sidekick , That  Rafa is not going on the bash

[Greavesie]

Usually when a long standing top ranked performer in any sport falls, it's not suddenly. It happens bit by bit, the ropes have to be slung over the statues shoulders first, fires lit underneath the feet to weaken the very foundations upon which the castle is built. Like Federer in the tennis, gradually the up and comers are not just asking questions, they don't respect your guns anymore and they storm the ramparts. You begin to realise that what was easy is harder as straight sets wins are won in four sets, what was difficult sometimes becomes impossible.

It happens too in boxing. Routine title defences become much harder, the pavements littered with cast away betting slips which predicted early round wins. Often it can be that the writing is on the wall long before final curtain. Look carefully and you'll see the glances at the corner, the pauses for extra breath which were previously unnecessary.

It takes a wee bit of time though. The seasoned pro can move the young buck around the court with his subtlety, his know how of many hours in the higher echelons of combat enabling him to win matches and contests which perhaps he shouldn't. The aging boxer can hold off the challenger for one more big payday, hitting inside, staying on his stool for a fraction of a second extra to maximise his breathing space.

And so it is with Ferguson. He looks to me like a man who is glancing at his corner, wondering how many seconds are left in this particular round. He has the look of a man who knows he may make it through this particular tie break, but the future ones may present questions for which he increasingly struggles to find answers. There is a weariness in his speech, the fire and desperate will to win replaced by a bitterness and eagerness not to lose. The attacking football filled with verve which even his fiercest of rivals have had to admit has often been uber easy on the eyes is increasingly being replaced by dour functionality as the Champion holds for one extra breath.

He may yet make it through this particular last round. He may cling on, land enough blows inside and use the know-how built up over many years to finish with enough of a flurry to swing the final verdict. My guess is though that this time there'll be no triumphalism, no laps of honour for him round Old Trafford. Ferguson is many things, but a fool isn't one of them. My guess is that if they manage to hold us off and win the title, this season will be his last. He will know in his heart of hearts that his time is almost up, and those who look closely enough will agree with him. The touchline tantrums were of a different kind to the ones we've seen before, like the jibes against our manager last week they had a hint of desperation, almost a sadness about them.

The ropes are over the shoulders, the fires have been lit and the pulling from side to side has begun. Already there are discernable wobbles, soon there will be a mighty crash. That doesn't mean they're finished of course, it just means he is. They'll then have to find another who is in someway comparable to Ferguson. Much as I can't stand the fella, it won't be easy.

thats why I missed you mate 

[Effes]

He may yet make it through this particular last round. He may cling on, land enough blows inside and use the know-how built up over many years to finish with enough of a flurry to swing the final verdict. My guess is though that this time there'll be no triumphalism, no laps of honour for him round Old Trafford. Ferguson is many things, but a fool isn't one of them. My guess is that if they manage to hold us off and win the title, this season will be his last . He will know in his heart of hearts that his time is almost up, and those who look closely enough will agree with him. The touchline tantrums were of a different kind to the ones we've seen before, like the jibes against our manager last week they had a hint of desperation, almost a sadness about them.

Im not so sure Mick.

I think his mission from day one was to knock us off our fukkin perch, as he so eloquently put many years ago.

I cant see him walking away yet - IF, and I mean if, he gets ahead in League titles then he may consider retiring.

[Big Niall]

funny that both sam and alex have sons who have had questionable reputations as agents?

they both have issues with the bbc as a result.

[Big Niall]

johnny giles on RTE usually tells it as it is. he pointed out that big sam is hardly a shrinking violet and is a bully himself and that ferguson and him have obviously colluded and that ferguson, with his great achievements, is bringing down the image of managers as it has nothing to do with him.

I'd be amazed if the match of the day boys have the balls to slag off ferguson.

[Sabre]

Usually when a long standing top ranked performer in any sport falls, it's not suddenly. It happens bit by bit, the ropes have to be slung over the statues shoulders first, fires lit underneath the feet to weaken the very foundations upon which the castle is built. Like Federer in the tennis, gradually the up and comers are not just asking questions, they don't respect your guns anymore and they storm the ramparts. You begin to realise that what was easy is harder as straight sets wins are won in four sets, what was difficult sometimes becomes impossible.

It happens too in boxing. Routine title defences become much harder, the pavements littered with cast away betting slips which predicted early round wins. Often it can be that the writing is on the wall long before final curtain. Look carefully and you'll see the glances at the corner, the pauses for extra breath which were previously unnecessary.

It takes a wee bit of time though. The seasoned pro can move the young buck around the court with his subtlety, his know how of many hours in the higher echelons of combat enabling him to win matches and contests which perhaps he shouldn't. The aging boxer can hold off the challenger for one more big payday, hitting inside, staying on his stool for a fraction of a second extra to maximise his breathing space.

And so it is with Ferguson. He looks to me like a man who is glancing at his corner, wondering how many seconds are left in this particular round. He has the look of a man who knows he may make it through this particular tie break, but the future ones may present questions for which he increasingly struggles to find answers. There is a weariness in his speech, the fire and desperate will to win replaced by a bitterness and eagerness not to lose. The attacking football filled with verve which even his fiercest of rivals have had to admit has often been uber easy on the eyes is increasingly being replaced by dour functionality as the Champion holds for one extra breath.

He may yet make it through this particular last round. He may cling on, land enough blows inside and use the know-how built up over many years to finish with enough of a flurry to swing the final verdict. My guess is though that this time there'll be no triumphalism, no laps of honour for him round Old Trafford. Ferguson is many things, but a fool isn't one of them. My guess is that if they manage to hold us off and win the title, this season will be his last. He will know in his heart of hearts that his time is almost up, and those who look closely enough will agree with him. The touchline tantrums were of a different kind to the ones we've seen before, like the jibes against our manager last week they had a hint of desperation, almost a sadness about them.

The ropes are over the shoulders, the fires have been lit and the pulling from side to side has begun. Already there are discernable wobbles, soon there will be a mighty crash. That doesn't mean they're finished of course, it just means he is. They'll then have to find another who is in someway comparable to Ferguson. Much as I can't stand the fella, it won't be easy.

What a beautiful analogy with other sports, what a beautiful way to describe the decline, what good prose, beautiful it is.

And it bashes Ferguson. Bring more of that Mick 

In the background of it I notice a respect to his career. As much as I hate the fella I have to admit he's a winner too.

Winning the league could be a double bless for us, because I don't see a winner retiring after not winning the league. I think Ferguson hates to leave Manchester in hands he doesn't truly trust. If we win the league, we could see he's real decline, rather than a dignified retirement.

[KennyisGod....still]

Reminds me of Cloughie as he approached the twilight of a remarkable career, stumblin forward an tryin to rescue a sinkin ship. I dont see them quite implodin so badly (dream I must admit) but he's startin to look desperate, clutchin at any straw he can. I think he could well give it up if he dont win the CL or PL or both this season, I'm certain he dont wanna be pushed an that could well appen next season if things go awry. We take this title, they're suddenly 2 behind again an I really dont see him lastin 2 more seasons at this rate.

Serve the cnut rite for tryin to break a dynasty like this one!!

[Reg]

Maybe this explains why Whiskyface is kissing Fat Sams :

"Roque Santa Cruz has revealed that he has already told Blackburn that he wants to leave the club this summer. "

The Paraguayan star was the subject of more than one bid from Manchester City in January - but Rovers stood firm and shunned the offers.

A host of clubs are continually being linked with the former Bayern Munich man - who has confirmed that he will defintley be looking to leave the club.

The 27-year-old is currently recovering from knee surgery and he told the media in his homeland that he would be looking to quit Ewood Park - whether they stay up or not.

"I have already told them (Blackburn) and they know that before the transfer window closes I would like to continue my career at a bigger, more ambitious team," he told Radio Nanduti.

"Even though I haven't heard anything, I haven't changed my mind."

Season over
Santa Cruz admits he may struggle to play for Rovers again this season, admitting that he could very well have already played his final game for the club.

"I think it will be very difficult for me to play again this season because of the recovery. Our last league match is on May 24 and I also need a couple of days for my knee to physically recover," he said.

"I had to clean the zone where I had the cruciate ligament operation I had three or four years ago because there was some liquid there.

"When I had the tendonitis in the left knee, it made the other leg overwork. That's why it got worse and I needed the surgery.

"Now, it is up to the knee. The recovery time is between four and six weeks and I will not hurry. The most important thing is to play without any problems.

"I will wait for my knee to be perfect, no matter how long it takes."

[tubby]

He may yet make it through this particular last round. He may cling on, land enough blows inside and use the know-how built up over many years to finish with enough of a flurry to swing the final verdict. My guess is though that this time there'll be no triumphalism, no laps of honour for him round Old Trafford. Ferguson is many things, but a fool isn't one of them. My guess is that if they manage to hold us off and win the title, this season will be his last . He will know in his heart of hearts that his time is almost up, and those who look closely enough will agree with him. The touchline tantrums were of a different kind to the ones we've seen before, like the jibes against our manager last week they had a hint of desperation, almost a sadness about them.

Im not so sure Mick.

I think his mission from day one was to knock us off our fukkin perch, as he so eloquently put many years ago.

I cant see him walking away yet - IF, and I mean if, he gets ahead in League titles then he may consider retiring.

Also Fergie was actually quoted as saying the other day if he can 'win a few more European cups' over the next few years he would 'definatley quit'. He wants to get on par with our 5 more than anything.

[Reg]

April 21, 2009

Rafael Benitez's silence speaks volumes

Rafael Benítez's absence from one of the most eagerly awaited press conferences of the season yesterday was put down to “business meetings” to attend to, but the Liverpool manager's no-show in itself spoke a thousand words.

It was a warning to Sir Alex Ferguson, his Manchester United counterpart, that, as far as Benítez is concerned, the time for talking has stopped.

Ferguson may have accused Benítez of being contemptuous, arrogant and lacking in humility last week, but by refusing to rise to the United manager's goading, the Spaniard played a blinder and he can only hope that his players do the same against Arsenal at Anfield this evening.

It is perhaps the ultimate irony that Benítez said more by saying nothing than either he or Ferguson have managed in their increasingly venomous war of words, one that has provided a riveting if rather childish sideshow to a title run-in that has gone from a procession to an enthralling nip-and-tuck race in a matter of weeks.

For the third week running, Liverpool will have the opportunity to leapfrog United at the top of the table should they defeat Arsenal and to listen to Sammy Lee, who filled the breach in Benítez's absence yesterday, there is the conviction that they can pull off one of the great comebacks and deny United the title that would draw the league leaders level with the Merseyside club's record haul of 18 championships.

“When I look at the players, I see belief,” Lee, Benítez's assistant, said. “Belief and, in that, determination and a will and desire to go on and be the best they can be.

“That is not making any false or silly promises. They have done it all season and hopefully they will continue to do that over the last six games.”

Steven Gerrard, the captain, will be missing again because of his troublesome groin strain, but even in the absence of their talisman, it is easy to see why Liverpool are infused with self-belief.

They have scored 25 goals in their previous nine matches, compared with only ten in the nine games before that, and rather than be dismayed by their elimination from the Champions League last week, have actually taken great heart from the manner of their performance in the scintillating 4-4 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson was at it again yesterday, reacting to rumours that Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, may field a weakened team against Liverpool by saying “no matter what team he puts out, they will always try because Arsène is a winner”, but Lee and Liverpool appear unconcerned by anything that the United manager has to say.

That said, Lee refuted Ferguson's claims that Benítez was arrogant by describing the Liverpool manager as “driven, astute, learned and educated” and expressed surprise that Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn Rovers manager with whom he worked at Bolton Wanderers, had not conveyed his dismay about Benítez's controversial “cut” gesture immediately after his side's 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

“I was certainly surprised because we sat together after the match and he [Allardyce] said nothing about it,” Lee said. “If he felt that strongly I thought he would have said something to me because we have a good working relationship. I am not getting involved in a slanging match with Sir Alex, but we know what our gestures are meant for - they are meant for our players and affecting what we do.”

Liverpool (possible; 4-2-3-1): J M Reina — Á Arbeloa, M Skrtel, J Carragher, F Aurélio — J Mascherano, X Alonso — D Kuyt, Y Benayoun, A Riera — F Torres.

Arsenal (possible; 4-5-1): L Fabianski — E Eboué, K Touré, M Silvestre, K Gibbs — T Walcott, Denilson, F Fàbregas, A Song, A Arshavin — N Bendtner.

Referee: H Webb

[LegBarnes]

April 21, 2009

Rafael Benitez's silence speaks volumes

Rafael Benítez's absence from one of the most eagerly awaited press conferences of the season yesterday was put down to “business meetings” to attend to, but the Liverpool manager's no-show in itself spoke a thousand words.

It was a warning to Sir Alex Ferguson, his Manchester United counterpart, that, as far as Benítez is concerned, the time for talking has stopped.

Ferguson may have accused Benítez of being contemptuous, arrogant and lacking in humility last week, but by refusing to rise to the United manager's goading, the Spaniard played a blinder and he can only hope that his players do the same against Arsenal at Anfield this evening.

It is perhaps the ultimate irony that Benítez said more by saying nothing than either he or Ferguson have managed in their increasingly venomous war of words, one that has provided a riveting if rather childish sideshow to a title run-in that has gone from a procession to an enthralling nip-and-tuck race in a matter of weeks.

For the third week running, Liverpool will have the opportunity to leapfrog United at the top of the table should they defeat Arsenal and to listen to Sammy Lee, who filled the breach in Benítez's absence yesterday, there is the conviction that they can pull off one of the great comebacks and deny United the title that would draw the league leaders level with the Merseyside club's record haul of 18 championships.

“When I look at the players, I see belief,” Lee, Benítez's assistant, said. “Belief and, in that, determination and a will and desire to go on and be the best they can be.

“That is not making any false or silly promises. They have done it all season and hopefully they will continue to do that over the last six games.”

Steven Gerrard, the captain, will be missing again because of his troublesome groin strain, but even in the absence of their talisman, it is easy to see why Liverpool are infused with self-belief.

They have scored 25 goals in their previous nine matches, compared with only ten in the nine games before that, and rather than be dismayed by their elimination from the Champions League last week, have actually taken great heart from the manner of their performance in the scintillating 4-4 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson was at it again yesterday, reacting to rumours that Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, may field a weakened team against Liverpool by saying “no matter what team he puts out, they will always try because Arsène is a winner”, but Lee and Liverpool appear unconcerned by anything that the United manager has to say.

That said, Lee refuted Ferguson's claims that Benítez was arrogant by describing the Liverpool manager as “driven, astute, learned and educated” and expressed surprise that Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn Rovers manager with whom he worked at Bolton Wanderers, had not conveyed his dismay about Benítez's controversial “cut” gesture immediately after his side's 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

“I was certainly surprised because we sat together after the match and he [Allardyce] said nothing about it,” Lee said. “If he felt that strongly I thought he would have said something to me because we have a good working relationship. I am not getting involved in a slanging match with Sir Alex, but we know what our gestures are meant for - they are meant for our players and affecting what we do.”

Liverpool (possible; 4-2-3-1): J M Reina — Á Arbeloa, M Skrtel, J Carragher, F Aurélio — J Mascherano, X Alonso — D Kuyt, Y Benayoun, A Riera — F Torres.

Arsenal (possible; 4-5-1): L Fabianski — E Eboué, K Touré, M Silvestre, K Gibbs — T Walcott, Denilson, F Fàbregas, A Song, A Arshavin — N Bendtner.

Referee: H Webb

Game on !!!!     

[Effes]

Rafa is told by LMA: Time to apologize to Mr Ferguson and then quit.

By Matt Lawton
Last updated at 10:57 PM on 20th April 2009

The League Managers Association have attempted to broker a peace agreement between Mr. Ferguson and Rafa Benitez in a bid to end the escalating war of words between the bitter title rivals. They have sent a written request, on Manchester United headed notepaper, that Benitez resigns with immediate effect and that Liverpool FC withdraw from their final six league games and concede the Premier League title to Ferguson's United.

Richard Bevan, the LMA chief executive, contacted the managers of Manchester United and Liverpool over the weekend after Ferguson made a brilliantly thought out and well executed observation about the contemptuous and arrogant Benitez. He stated that unless the wishes of the LMA, which Mr Ferguson had advised them of earlier today, were complied with, he would have no alternative but to implement a new law, which would be retrospective, to allow them to have Benitez shot out of a cannon in the general direction of Madrid.

Ferguson accused the Spaniard of 'arrogance' and showing Sam Allardyce 'contempt' when Liverpool scored their second goal against Blackburn the previous weekend. Allardyce, who has done such sterling work for the LMA in recent years, made a complaint at the time for the gesture which was completely ignored by the Liverpool Manager, who would not even attend the compulsory after match drinks and nibbles party. Benitez might well have said that he was directing the gesture at his players, but we will never know because he refused to attend the press conference that Mr Ferguson had granted him. He may well have been off somewhere celebrating Hitler's birthday. Hitler was a man who was full of disrespect and hatred, who wasn't interested in tradition and only cared about European domination, so he may possibly be a bit of an idol to Benitez. He chose instead to send Sammy Lee to the conference, in a show of further hostility and repugnance towards our Knight of the Realm in Manchester.

One senior member of the LMA said: 'It's an emotional time of the season, getting ready to celebrate Manchester United's impending victories, but Alex has taken the time from his extremely hectic schedule to have seized on something that was completely true and relevant. These things do happen when we have foreign managers coming over here to try and steal Manchester United's Premier League trophy. It is not a healthy situation and, hopefully, the LMA can help Liverpool draw a line through Benitez's contract and send him home. They should replace the Spaniard with a decent English manager, approved by His Graciousness Lord Ferguson, possibly the sterling LMA worker Mr Allardyce. Or maybe Ian Dowie.'

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee came to Mr Ferguson's defence yesterday, saying: 'I am surprised Rafa never listened to me on the Sunday morning. I told him that Sam clearly mentioned how upset he was when the two of us had a drink after the game. Rafa didn't come though, saying something about leaving his wallet at home and was worried that a thieving Scouser would break in and steal it.

'I'm fairly sure that, if Rafa felt that strongly about treating Sam with the respect a man of his character and achievements in the game deserves, he would have made an immediate apology to him, and at the same time, he could have sent an apology up to Mr Ferguson in case he was upset in any way. But there wasn't a single word. I think I might have heard Rafa mutter "I have nothing but contempt for him." I might be wrong. But I'm probably not.

"What surprised me more than anything was that everyone on the bench thought we knew what the gesture was about. We assumed that it concerned something we thought should be done out on the pitch, but thanks to Lord Ferguson's keen eye, we now know it wasn't. It still resulted in a goal so, naturally, there were a few repugnant smiles from Benitez. And then he whispered "Game over Fat Head" with real scorn in his voice.

Everybody knows that Benitez does not celebrate goals. He's a foreigner, and they just don't understand the strong tradition of overt displays of jubilation, as witnessed yesterday when Mr Ferguson was so excited and happy that Mike Riley didn't award a penalty and give his team an unfair advantage. So straight away we knew something was different. When he asked for his factor 15 sun tan lotion and a glass of sangria, I knew that he thought the game was over, and that he did not consider Blackburn a threat or a big team. It was shocking that he didn't pay closer attention to the aerial dominance and goalscoring prowess of Christopher Samba. If we haven't managed to get rid of him by the time we play the team that wasn't quite big enough for Big Sam, Newcastle, let's hope he doesn't treat Shola Ameobi with the same disdain.

Hopefully, the LMA can 'act quickly to get him out of our club, let His Highness Ferguson appoint a successor, and help return us to our rightful place below Chelsea and Arsenal. They may have foreign managers, but they're different. His eminence Mr Ferguson likes them."


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport....TO=1490

[ste123lfc]

Thats a classic, about time slur alex was made to look a c*nt.

[bunglemark2]

Nice wee story that....any truth in it ?

[inglis5]

It just makes me laugh... Yesterday, Rafa said nothing. Today, Ferguson says that he stands by what he says but that he will from today say nothing else about it. Headline on SSN - 'Fergie Calms Feud with Rafa'!!! !!! No, sorry you dumb f*cks, Rafa calmed feud with Fergie by not rising to the bullsh*t that the old tw*t has been spouting for the past couple of days. It absolutely beggars belief.