Liverpool FC Forum

[maguskwt]

Why can't the senior players like carra and gerrard be called upon to play? I'm not sure Torres is fit but surely there were no injury news for gerrard and carra. And it's not like they went all the way to the world cup finals. I know they need some holiday but ffs they are also paid hundred thousands of pounds per week.

[In and Out]

Why can't the senior players like carra and gerrard be called upon to play? I'm not sure Torres is fit but surely there were no injury news for gerrard and carra. And it's not like they went all the way to the world cup finals. I know they need some holiday but ffs they are also paid hundred thousands of pounds per week.

Firstly, like any athletes they should get a substantial break to recouperate. Just because they are paid astronomical amounts of money does not make them any more superhuman than bionic man.

Secondly, I think we need to set our priorities straight from the off this season. Number 1 let's get back into the top four that alone is going to be a dog fight. And have a decent run in the domestic cups. We have Arsenal on the opening day of the season with Man City straight up after that, we'll need our best players ready for that if we want to hit the ground running. As it stands, I think it will be a tall order 'hitting the ground running' this season because of the WC. So like everyone else we are hampered with getting our players fully rested, back up to speed and match fit for the opening game of the season.

Then throw in a Europa cup tie amongst our pre-season preparations and everything starts looking unsustainable on the fitness front; especially if we're going to throw in first teamers. Personally I'm glad Hodgson HAS to play the 'kids' because IMO this competition is causing havoc and strain on the squad when our priorities lie elsewhere. Infact, Hodgson should give the 'kids' a Europa cup run this season ensuring they get more European experience while our first team can focus on its priorities.

[zarababe]

I'd prefer we crash out of this.. and concentrate on the league position

[In and Out]

I'd prefer we crash out of this.. and concentrate on the league position

We agree   

[zarababe]

This is scandelous! WTF is going on?   Roy is a first class manager and after just a few days he's already pi$$ed off enough to state in public “All we ever seem to do at Liverpool is have discussions,”

WTF?!

What is going on behind the scenes that Roy is so publically pi$$ed off?

Sweet jaysus as if this job isnt big enough already picking up the pieces after Wafa.

..... Rafa  what ever do you mean Reg..

I thought Roy looked edgey at the 'unveiling'.. stressed even - now there's a surprise !

[Owzat]

Firstly, like any athletes they should get a substantial break to recouperate. Just because they are paid astronomical amounts of money does not make them any more superhuman than bionic man.

England last played on 27th June, I think a MONTH is an adequate break. They also happen to be professional footballers capable of playing twice a week and sometimes as much as 4-5 games in 11-13 days. So they should be at the peak of physical fitness, if truly 'athletes' they should be able to cope with 90 mins proper exertion more than once a week

[bigmick]

Liverpool (possible; 4-4-1-1): D Cavalieri — M Kelly, M Skrtel, D Wilson, D Agger — D Amoo, Lucas Leiva, J Spearing, M Jovanovic — A Aquilani — D Ngog.

It's stand up and be counted time I'm afraid. Time for some extremely expensive signings, along with some much vaunted mid range signings to show their true worth. I totally agree with Reg that Roy has got a huge job on his hands making something out of what has been left behind, and it's time for the players to help him out a bit.

If these lot were as good as we were told when we signed them/we kid ourselves they are, we shouldn't have a bother.


Cavalieri- Signed for 3 million quid, a tidy sum for a goalkeeper. Came with a big reputation.

Kelly- Many were saying this week we didn't need Luke Young as this kid has it. Lets see it Martin.

Skrtel- International player, signed for in excess of 6 million quid. Decent player too, time to start rebuilding his Anfield career.

Wilson- Just signed, has Champions League experience and shouldn't be out of his depth if he's any good.

Agger- Quality player, nuff said.

Amoo- Keep hearing good things about this lad. He should be up to competing against Macedonia's finest.

Lucas Leiva- Some peoples player of the season last time, not mine but there you go, and has just broken into the Brazillian squad. Cost 5-8 million depending on whether you were a pro or an anti (GYBS had him down as costing 34p). If he is as good as some keep telling us, surely he must stand out here.

Jay Spearing- Given a new contract by the previous manager and touted for quite a while now, is probably in his make or break season. Won't lack for effort.

Jovanovic- Although free, is an International and was lined up long ago by the previous manager. Time for him to show us what he's got in store.

Alberto Aquilani-20 million quids worth of footballer (apparantly), the Italian is worth more not just than their whole squad, but probabaly than their ground as well. Should be as fresh as a daisy, and surely against these ought to look like an absolute World beater.   

David N'Gog. Young, fresh and up for it. The young Frenchman was good enough last season to convince our previous manager that he was capable of being our fist replacement for Torres. I fancy him to score a goal against these.




So there we have it. Surely Lucas and Aquilani must be a level above these and will have enough to hurt them going forward. Agger and Skrtel will be good enough surely to defend properly.

We'll have a better idea of how we stand in terms of reserves and wannabee's after this game. If the players are as good as the hype, we really ought to be OK.

[Greavesie]

Lucas Leiva- Some peoples player of the season last time, not mine but there you go, and has just broken into the Brazillian squad. Cost 5-8 million depending on whether you were a pro or an anti (GYBS had him down as costing 34p). If he is as good as some keep telling us, surely he must stand out here.

[Scottbot]

I'd prefer we crash out of this.. and concentrate on the league position

We agree   

You guys are kidding right?

I wouldn't be so certain that Fernando is sticking around just yet, it sounds positive but I'm pretty sure playing in Europe (despite it being  UEFA) is still pretty important to him and any prospective players we might be looking to buy.

It's VERY important that the club make it through to the group stages of this competition.

[Ben Patrick]

Am i the only person who is more than a little concerned about whether our players are going to be ready for Arsenal ?

I would have played a stronger side here and given Gerrard and the England lads a game, we only have 2 other games before the big ko.
I understand players need to be fit later in the season but we have one of the most difficult starts we could have had and i feel the players could end up coming back and not being sharp enough - like last season. We listen to these sports scientists too much for me.

[Scottbot]

Firstly, like any athletes they should get a substantial break to recouperate. Just because they are paid astronomical amounts of money does not make them any more superhuman than bionic man.

England last played on 27th June, I think a MONTH is an adequate break. They also happen to be professional footballers capable of playing twice a week and sometimes as much as 4-5 games in 11-13 days. So they should be at the peak of physical fitness, if truly 'athletes' they should be able to cope with 90 mins proper exertion more than once a week

On the face of it I'd agree but the sport scientists will tell you that an extended period of rest (mentally and physically) is required in order to be fully ready for the new season. i think our senior players would be capable of of playing in the match but Hodgson is clearly worried about the increased risk of injury with the opener against Arsenal so close.

Hopefully we can go out there, keep a clean sheet and nick a goal. good to see both Agger and Skrtel in the squad for this one. I'd be a lot happier if Pepe was traveling though.

[Scottbot]

Am i the only person who is more than a little concerned about whether our players are going to be ready for Arsenal ?

I would have played a stronger side here and given Gerrard and the England lads a game, we only have 2 other games before the big ko.
I understand players need to be fit later in the season but we have one of the most difficult starts we could have had and i feel the players could end up coming back and not being sharp enough - like last season. We listen to these sports scientists too much for me.

No mate! I don't see how they are going to be ready. the truth of it is our players aren't going to be properly match fit until our 3rd/4th game of the season. The only plus side is that the same will apply to a lot of our rivals.

Bet there will be a few surprise scorelines in the early weeks of the season. Always the case after a World cup.

[bigmick]

Yes I agree. Sports science is to all intents and purposes a load of b0ll0cks.

I'll give you some sports science. Only play Gerrard in one game every four, and he will feel far fresher for the experience and has less chance of getting injured. Here's another. Don't play Pepe in goal in the second half of any matches, and you will reduce the chances of him getting injured by 50% give or take, probably slightly more as added time is usually bigger in the second half (feck me I'm getting the hang of this). Don't eat fish and chips 20 minutes before the game, it'll slow you down. Don't have half a lager at half time. Although it'll relax you, it'll dehydrate you a bit as well, and make your decision making dodgy. If you smoke, try and give up. If you can't give up, cut down a bit. Don't use it as an excuse for not being very good though, Johan Cruyff smoked and he was quite good. If you aren't very good, it's a question of talent not smoke.

Sports scientists are like doctors. You listen to their advice, then go ahead and do what you were going to do anyway.

[Tim LFC]

Liverpool (possible; 4-4-1-1): D Cavalieri — M Kelly, M Skrtel, D Wilson, D Agger — D Amoo, Lucas Leiva, J Spearing, M Jovanovic — A Aquilani — D Ngog.

It's stand up and be counted time I'm afraid. Time for some extremely expensive signings, along with some much vaunted mid range signings to show their true worth. I totally agree with Reg that Roy has got a huge job on his hands making something out of what has been left behind, and it's time for the players to help him out a bit.

If these lot were as good as we were told when we signed them/we kid ourselves they are, we shouldn't have a bother.


Cavalieri- Signed for 3 million quid, a tidy sum for a goalkeeper. Came with a big reputation.

Kelly- Many were saying this week we didn't need Luke Young as this kid has it. Lets see it Martin.

Skrtel- International player, signed for in excess of 6 million quid. Decent player too, time to start rebuilding his Anfield career.

Wilson- Just signed, has Champions League experience and shouldn't be out of his depth if he's any good.

Agger- Quality player, nuff said.

Amoo- Keep hearing good things about this lad. He should be up to competing against Macedonia's finest.

Lucas Leiva- Some peoples player of the season last time, not mine but there you go, and has just broken into the Brazillian squad. Cost 5-8 million depending on whether you were a pro or an anti (GYBS had him down as costing 34p). If he is as good as some keep telling us, surely he must stand out here.

Jay Spearing- Given a new contract by the previous manager and touted for quite a while now, is probably in his make or break season. Won't lack for effort.

Jovanovic- Although free, is an International and was lined up long ago by the previous manager. Time for him to show us what he's got in store.

Alberto Aquilani-20 million quids worth of footballer (apparantly), the Italian is worth more not just than their whole squad, but probabaly than their ground as well. Should be as fresh as a daisy, and surely against these ought to look like an absolute World beater.   

David N'Gog. Young, fresh and up for it. The young Frenchman was good enough last season to convince our previous manager that he was capable of being our fist replacement for Torres. I fancy him to score a goal against these.




So there we have it. Surely Lucas and Aquilani must be a level above these and will have enough to hurt them going forward. Agger and Skrtel will be good enough surely to defend properly.

We'll have a better idea of how we stand in terms of reserves and wannabee's after this game. If the players are as good as the hype, we really ought to be OK.

So in theory Aquilani should score a hattrick? 

Haha, joking but i see where you're coming from. I would be delighted with a draw but there's no reason why we can't win them.

[Ben Patrick]

Yes I agree. Sports science is to all intents and purposes a load of b0ll0cks.

I'll give you some sports science. Only play Gerrard in one game every four, and he will feel far fresher for the experience and has less chance of getting injured. Here's another. Don't play Pepe in goal in the second half of any matches, and you will reduce the chances of him getting injured by 50% give or take, probably slightly more as added time is usually bigger in the second half (feck me I'm getting the hang of this). Don't eat fish and chips 20 minutes before the game, it'll slow you down. Don't have half a lager at half time. Although it'll relax you, it'll dehydrate you a bit as well, and make your decision making dodgy. If you smoke, try and give up. If you can't give up, cut down a bit. Don't use it as an excuse for not being very good though, Johan Cruyff smoked and he was quite good. If you aren't very good, it's a question of talent not smoke.

Sports scientists are like doctors. You listen to their advice, then go ahead and do what you were going to do anyway.

Seriously though, we have Arsenal and Manchester city in our first two games and i cant see the players being anywhere near sharp enough.

I would rather have had them playing both of these europa league games - not because i value the competition highly but because i feel the competitive games would have benefitted the players and meant they were far better placed to play 2  really tough games.

If after these games we have someone at home that we should beat, leave a couple of players on the bench then or bring them off after an hour in games that are more winnable.