Liverpool FC Forum

[red37]

Two questions
1. What impact has the departure of Paco had on the team?
2. What impact have the injuries to Agger and Alonso had on the team?

Never thought of them lad, you might be on the trail... Hang on i'll have a look through the other (x amount of) threads and see if i can find out. 

well, you wanted moderatorship, get trawling red37 

Don't have to look...too far either! 

[Judge]

Two questions
1. What impact has the departure of Paco had on the team?
2. What impact have the injuries to Agger and Alonso had on the team?

Never thought of them lad, you might be on the trail... Hang on i'll have a look through the other (x amount of) threads and see if i can find out. 

well, you wanted moderatorship, get trawling red37 

Don't have to look...too far either! 

that was a lighthearted joke matey (tongue in cheek)

[red37]

Judge I'll take me hat off to you - you lighten the place up no end.

[taff]

Judge I'll take me hat off to you - your the best lover I have ever had.

I blame Rafa for rotating Judges lovers

[red37]

Judge I'll take me hat off to you - your the best lover I have ever had.

I blame Rafa for rotating Judges lovers

 

Even if you have got a muff like a wizards sleeve..

[Judge]

Judge I'll take me hat off to you - your the best lover I have ever had.

I blame Rafa for rotating Judges lovers

  at taff and red

[stmichael]

A lot of managers are stubborn, it's a key mental strength, it only becomes problematic when the manager is stubborn to the point where they never concede their mistakes. Rafa isn't one of these, he's quick to offload failing players, GH never even had the insight to do this. When did GH ever buy players with the calibre of Agger, Alonso, Torres and the potential of Babel or the kind of frustrating genius that is Garcia? Ged had an entirely rigid formula for playing, his tactics rarely varied, he continually bought players to fit his rigid philosophy. Whilst Rafa has bought some limited players, he has also bought some footballing geniuses.

The comparisons with GH are understandable, but not especially justified in analysing what's happening. I suppose my concerns centre around the heavy use of rotation with this squad. I just don't see how it will work with these players and therefore something's got to give. As I can't see Rafa changing his philosophy, that only leaves the transfer market as a solution, in my opinion. That in itself raises another concern: his record with attacking players. Broadly speaking, it has not been good enough.

That can only be attributed to two factors, in my view: his judgement of attacking players or his judgement of how best to use his funds. He has had enough money to bring in more quality, but the fact is that he's often replaced like with like. The reason for that comes back to his heavy use of rotation (he wants as many options as possible) and as that isn't going to change, the only solution I can see is to give him heavier backing in the transfer market - like I wanted to see in the summer.

Some might argue that he needs to do better with what he's got, but I believe he's earned the right to be backed further with what he's achieved thus far at Liverpool. Unfortunately, the inevitable Anfield pressure clock is ticking and he needs to act quickly to prevent it becoming the self-fulfilling prophesy.

[Judge]

A lot of managers are stubborn, it's a key mental strength, it only becomes problematic when the manager is stubborn to the point where they never concede their mistakes. Rafa isn't one of these, he's quick to offload failing players, GH never even had the insight to do this. When did GH ever buy players with the calibre of Agger, Alonso, Torres and the potential of Babel or the kind of frustrating genius that is Garcia? Ged had an entirely rigid formula for playing, his tactics rarely varied, he continually bought players to fit his rigid philosophy. Whilst Rafa has bought some limited players, he has also bought some footballing geniuses.

The comparisons with GH are understandable, but not especially justified in analysing what's happening. I suppose my concerns centre around the heavy use of rotation with this squad. I just don't see how it will work with these players and therefore something's got to give. As I can't see Rafa changing his philosophy, that only leaves the transfer market as a solution, in my opinion. That in itself raises another concern: his record with attacking players. Broadly speaking, it has not been good enough.

That can only be attributed to two factors, in my view: his judgement of attacking players or his judgement of how best to use his funds. He has had enough money to bring in more quality, but the fact is that he's often replaced like with like. The reason for that comes back to his heavy use of rotation (he wants as many options as possible) and as that isn't going to change, the only solution I can see is to give him heavier backing in the transfer market - like I wanted to see in the summer.

Some might argue that he needs to do better with what he's got, but I believe he's earned the right to be backed further with what he's achieved thus far at Liverpool. Unfortunately, the inevitable Anfield pressure clock is ticking and he needs to act quickly to prevent it becoming the self-fulfilling prophesy.

agreed stmike. Its a hard task winning the league, per se, especially when youve been out of the frame for so long, thanks to that idiot souness. recovery is taking its time. When fergie took over at scum, it was a while before he landed a title, but as you can see, get your first and the rest will follow.

Back rafa, and wait and see. its a tough job at anfield, made no easier by backbiters. what i will say is that Hyypia has had his day now and needs to go. that is all

[ConnO'var]

From Soccernet: Oct. 27, 2007
Wenger backs Rafa rotation policy

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has warned Liverpool that crashing out of the Champions League could affect their hopes of mounting a challenge for the Barclays Premier League title. Traditional football theory suggests Liverpool will concentrate on the league if they fail to claim the three wins to reach the knockout stages of Europe's top club competition, although Wenger doubts whether this would be the case.

'You don't know the psychological consequences it can have on a team in the next five or six vital points until you bounce back and find a balance again,' said the Frenchman. If you go into the UEFA Cup it can be worse.'

Juggling the two has proved difficult as well, with a perception that Liverpool's progress in Europe has come at a price, with domestic form suffering. This season they are unbeaten in the Premier League but have dropped points at home, bringing Rafael Benitez's rotation policy into question.

Their talisman, Steven Gerrard, was substituted last week and Peter Crouch, who inspired victory against Arsenal last season, has been in and out of the team. It means Wenger has been left guessing Benitez's starting line-up ahead of Arsenal's trip to Anfield tomorrow.

Wenger would not question Benitez's policy, though.

'I agree with Rafa that it is the person who is right in May that counts,' he said. 'He has been in two European Cup finals in three years so you have to respect that. He must be doing something right. Frankly I don't like the phrase `to keep everyone happy'. What does it mean? If a player doesn't play he is not happy. It's like something has been discovered when a player isn't happy. People react surprised that there is competition but that is the essence of our job. We have to accept that. If I am a player and go to Arsenal Football Club I know it will be difficult because there is competition. I substituted Thierry (Henry), of course.'

Wenger's success, though, has come from a settled line-up. It is so settled that Gilberto Silva cannot get in the team at the moment and Jens Lehmann will have talks with Wenger over comments he made this week after losing his place in goal to Manuel Almunia. Wenger has found a team that has won eight out of nine matches difficult to disrupt - and their only dropped points came from Lehmann's blunder at Blackburn. The questions that remain include whether they can beat the other teams in the `big four', and also how they will react when they are finally defeated, with the `Invincibles' of 2004 suffering after Manchester United ended their run of 49 league matches.

Wenger said: 'There is one thing that is different. In the past we had such a long run that it was the end of an era. This is the start of a team. Should a defeat happen it will not be taken in the same way. After 49 games, nearly 18 months, the guys had been on the top of Everest and the next day you are down at the level of the sea again. Then you say `let's climb up again'. (They would say) `C'mon, give us a little breather'. The team is empty because there is nothing to go for any more.'

Meanwhile, Liam Brady, head of youth development, is among the names linked with the Republic of Ireland job but Wenger hopes he will remain at Arsenal. 'I would see that as a loss because he started to produce players now and we have the stability at youth level as well,' said Wenger. 'I like to speak to Liam about football because he has a good assessment of players, and a very fair one. He does not get carried away. He sees a similar football to my football. I don't know whether it will happen or not. I hope it will not happen.'



Pre match pscycological games or do you reckon he really means this?

[maguskwt]

Pre match pscycological games or do you reckon he really means this?

I think he really means it... it might not be his philosophy and he might not practice it but he can see the benefit and advantages behind it. If nothing he shows he respects rafa's achievements in europe probably because arsenal had never won it... now if only some of our fans show that kind of respect to rafa...

[66-1112520797]

Pre match pscycological games or do you reckon he really means this?

Like maguskwt I think he means what he said there, I dont think thats pscycological mind games atall. Wenger is probably right about the pscycologiacal effect it has on the players if they get knocked out of the CL and dumped into the uefa cup.

Mind you, conspiracy here   He may not play down too much talk of rotation as he might see it as being our main downfall. So he could be saying 'I can see where Rafa is coming from concerning rotation' so he keeps using it. The statement even conceeds that Wenger was played pretty much a settled side and players like Gilberto cant force their way in yet incase it disrupts the team.

Now, we may not have to wait until the end of the season to see whether rotation works, just compare us with Arsenal and I think it proves its own points, and shows that a settled team is better. End of arguement from me on that one, I know which one's better as does Wenger.

Remember Collymore and Fowler played most of their games in one season together and notched up I think 60 odd goals between them in that season, I dont think football has changed that drastically from yesteryear.

But TBH its a point I'm fed up with "r" and a point I think the "anti-rotationalists" are proved right on.

[liverbird07]

Does rotation work only when we win ?

Does it fail when we lose or draw?

Or is it that we have become so used to winning, we have forgoten how to lose, and therefore crisis loom, and rotation becomes a focal point for discussion.

Could it actually be that we have suffered a dip in form or does rotation make us immune to 'dips in form'

Whatever team the boss puts out, it should be capable of performing well and trying to win. The players accept it

Do they? I think Rotation has minimised our players' self esteem and confidence. When  a player such as Torres is made to sit on the bench throught a full match when he's fully fit starts to lose his confidence. Our players are under extreme pressure to perform or get dropped which is the result of our team struggling to get through the early stage of the CL. When a player like Steven Gerrard who was giving his all  during the merseyside darby which meant the world to him, is brought off for showing too much passion that hurts deep in the heart of him. I' m sorry to say Rotation didn't get us anywhere last season and it's not going to be any different this season. What we need is to decide on the best squad and stick to it and only make changes in the unfortunate event of injuries  .

[liverbird07]

A lot of managers are stubborn, it's a key mental strength, it only becomes problematic when the manager is stubborn to the point where they never concede their mistakes. Rafa isn't one of these, he's quick to offload failing players, GH never even had the insight to do this. When did GH ever buy players with the calibre of Agger, Alonso, Torres and the potential of Babel or the kind of frustrating genius that is Garcia? Ged had an entirely rigid formula for playing, his tactics rarely varied, he continually bought players to fit his rigid philosophy. Whilst Rafa has bought some limited players, he has also bought some footballing geniuses.

The comparisons with GH are understandable, but not especially justified in analysing what's happening. I suppose my concerns centre around the heavy use of rotation with this squad. I just don't see how it will work with these players and therefore something's got to give. As I can't see Rafa changing his philosophy, that only leaves the transfer market as a solution, in my opinion. That in itself raises another concern: his record with attacking players. Broadly speaking, it has not been good enough.

That can only be attributed to two factors, in my view: his judgement of attacking players or his judgement of how best to use his funds. He has had enough money to bring in more quality, but the fact is that he's often replaced like with like. The reason for that comes back to his heavy use of rotation (he wants as many options as possible) and as that isn't going to change, the only solution I can see is to give him heavier backing in the transfer market - like I wanted to see in the summer.

Some might argue that he needs to do better with what he's got, but I believe he's earned the right to be backed further with what he's achieved thus far at Liverpool. Unfortunately, the inevitable Anfield pressure clock is ticking and he needs to act quickly to prevent it becoming the self-fulfilling prophesy.

agreed stmike. Its a hard task winning the league, per se, especially when youve been out of the frame for so long, thanks to that idiot souness. recovery is taking its time. When fergie took over at scum, it was a while before he landed a title, but as you can see, get your first and the rest will follow.

Back rafa, and wait and see. its a tough job at anfield, made no easier by backbiters. what i will say is that Hyypia has had his day now and needs to go. that is all

Fair enough but who do you blame our lack of goals on?[quote]

[Judge]

according to bigmick, it a directional issue not rotational ? ? ? ?

[bigmick]

according to bigmick, it a directional issue not rotational ? ? ? ?

  Hey Judgemental, feck off back to general chat will ya?