Liverpool FC Forum

by **Naomi** » Sun May 20, 2007 9:09 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyQPQxheg54&mode=related&search=

Should we get him to do this before the final on wednesday? :buttrock

by **ToTinho** » Sun May 20, 2007 11:09 am

who is the referee of the match ?

by **NANNY RED** » Sun May 20, 2007 11:33 am

Ive just watched the kaka interview on sky sports concerning weds game says "we wont get as much space playing liverpool like we did against man utd" good things said about stevie g as well very humble i thought

by **66-1112520797** » Sun May 20, 2007 12:59 pm

Steven Gerrard is ready to lock horns with Gennaro Gattuso on Wednesday, but the Liverpool skipper says his focus is not solely on the tough-tackling Milan man.

Gattuso is still smarting from comments Gerrard made about the Italian in his autobiography following Liverpool's UEFA Champions League final win over Milan two years ago.

Gerrard claims Gattuso 'is as scary as a kitten' and these comments have not sat well with the Rossoneri star.

Gattuso has been handed the chance to exact revenge as the two sides will lock horns for the European Cup in Athens on Wednesday evening.

He has been making bullish noises, but Gerrard is unconcerned by the comments and is focusing on his own game.

"I am not preparing to play against Gattuso, I am preparing to play against AC Milan," Gerrard said on Sky Sports News.

"He is a fantastic player with a lot of experience, he's won the World Cup and for many years he has proved himself at the top level, but I am not going into the game worried about Gennaro Gattuso - I am worried about AC Milan and how Steven Gerrard is going to play.

"If I can get myself right, we will see if Gattuso can stop me."

You can catch all the action from Athens live on Sky Sports 1, with the build-up starting at 6pm.

by **kunilson** » Sun May 20, 2007 1:13 pm

yeah proper getting in the mood now.....3 days is too long!

watched the st.etienne 77 match the other day followed by the 2005 final in all its glory....cannot wait

by **NANNY RED** » Sun May 20, 2007 1:16 pm

looks like stevie's in the mood

by **account deleted by request** » Sun May 20, 2007 1:38 pm

Alonso sweats on Champions League place

Written by: AFP

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Xabi Alonso admits he is sweating on his place in Liverpool's side to face AC Milan in Wednesday's Champions League final after a mixed season at Anfield.

It is not that long ago that manager Rafa Benitez would write Alonso's name down first on the team sheet - so influential was the Spanish international alongside Steven Gerrard in the Liverpool midfield.

Yet Alonso's place in the engine room is no longer guaranteed as Benitez demonstrated when he opted for Javier Mascherano to start alongside Gerrard in the crucial Champions League semi-final, second leg victory over Chelsea.

The former Real Sociedad player started the league defeat at Fulham four days after Liverpool had booked their place in Athens, but again had to make do with a substitutes role as Benitez's side brought the curtain down on their league campaign with a 2-2 draw with Charlton.

Alonso took just 60 seconds to score against Charlton after climbing off the bench yet his place in the heavyweight European showdown with AC Milan is by no means guaranteed.

"We will have to wait and see what team the manager decides," said the 25-year-old, who ended his first season at Anfield by scoring the equaliser in normal time when Liverpool clawed back a 3-0 deficit to beat the Italians in the dramatic 2005 final in Istanbul.

"Of course I want to be involved. Playing in the Champions League final is one of the best things you can do as a player. I want to be involved, but this is a team game and we will see what happens.

"We have been working towards this all season and we are going to Athens to try and bring home the European Cup."

Two years ago, Liverpool conquered Milan after a dramatic penalty shoot out and Alonso is confident the Merseyside club will hold their nerve again should the final be tied after 120 minutes.

Benitez's side have been involved in two high-stakes shoot outs since then. They overcame Chelsea in the semis on penalties after the tie had ended 1-1 after winning last season's FA Cup against West Ham on spot kicks.

"This is nothing new to us," added Alonso. "We seem to do well when it comes down to penalties. It was very nervous in Istanbul two years ago, but the momentum was with us because we were 3-0 down at half-time.

"I'm confident of the same thing happening if it goes down to penalties again but I think it could be a different type of game this time."

Alonso is aware Milan are itching for revenge and believes the Serie A club pose a serious threat to Liverpool being crowned champions of Europe for a sixth time. "Milan have some excellent players," he added.

"Everyone talks about Kaka and he is definitely one of their main threats. If we're going to succeed then we have to make sure he does not have an influence on the game.

"Milan will make it extremely difficult for us, but we're confident. We've worked hard to get this far and we want to finish the season on a high. It would be so special to win the competition twice with Liverpool."

I have never been too sure about this keeping the team lineup from the players, especially before a Cup Final, nerves are already stretched and burning off vital energy, to increase players nervousness with uncertainty may further exacerbate the problem. Maybe its "old fashioned " but at the very least it must help the players to sleep better if they know the team beforehand.

by **kunilson** » Sun May 20, 2007 1:39 pm

looks like Zenden is most likely not gonna play....Link

which means Gonzo may get the green light, i hope kewell does not start. As much as i want him to feature in the final id prefer it if he came from the bench .
Riise may get pushed up, but he could start Gerrard on the left also....that way Pennant can get a starting position too. And right now Pennant is the only dependable "winger" we have off current form....
anyone heard any more news on little Luis? i heard he is kicking balls but will he get a bench seat in Athens?

by **66-1112520797** » Sun May 20, 2007 1:59 pm

Of course nobody can be sure of starting in one of Rafa's line-ups, but I'm gonna guess Alonso starts in a five man midfield.

Alonso -- Gerrard -- Mascha
Pennant Riise

I'd like that line-up, I'd obvously prefer Kewell on the left and Riise dropping back to LB. But this way is probably more sensible regarding Kewells fitness, and also he'd be great to bring off from the bench as an impact player. When those old Milan rear legs are tired Kewells skill and pace would be ideal, especially if a goal is needed.
So then I reckon Arbeloa could go left back, he has looked dodgey since his first few positive displays, but seen as Milan dont really offer any attacking width I reckon it would be a safe bet to play him.

by **66-1112520797** » Sun May 20, 2007 2:05 pm

Rafa Benitez has challenged his players to write themselves into Anfield folklore by winning the European Cup for the sixth time on Wednesday evening.
Benitez will join Bob Paisley as the only Anfield boss to win domestic football's biggest prize on more than one occasion if his side can overcome the challenge of AC Milan in Athens.

And he is using the memory of Istanbul - when the Reds had to recover from a 3-0 deficit - to inspire the Reds to more glory this time around.

"If we win in Athens, people might remember this as a significant season in Liverpool's history, with the takeover and everything. If we win, people might still be talking about it in a hundred years.

"Six weeks ago it might have been us who were the favourites but now AC Milan have beaten Manchester United and maybe people think they are favourites.

"It doesn't matter, really. We still approach the game in the same way. They have a good team, we have a good team."

He added: "I still have my notes from Istanbul - not as a souvenir but because I will use them.

"It is important to remember things, so you can correct mistakes next time. You never know when you might be playing against the same team again.

"I will be using them again, for sure and probably making some fresh ones.

"Everybody always asks me about half-time. The one thing I can't forget is the atmosphere. The supporters were magnificent. Even at 3-0 down they were always behind us.

"We all have more experience now and I don't think it will be like last time.

"If they are harder to beat it will be because their players have more experience of winning European competitions and experience of winning the World Cup.

"They will use their experience in this game but it is also the same situation for us. We have more experience now than two years ago too. From my point of view, the two teams are in a similar situation."

Benitez is also hoping victory on Wednesday night will be the perfect springboard for his players to launch a Premiership challenge next season.

Benitez said: "We need to start well next season and if we are close to the top from the beginning I think we'll be contenders.

"I think we can improve mentally and also maybe bring in some new players. I will be looking for players with character.

"We need to improve away, especially. We had hard away games at the start of the season but when you are so far off the top it is difficult to focus on winning every game.

"That's maybe why we are better in the Champions League, where you just have to win one game.

"If the question is can we improve next season, I would answer yes. If the question is will we win the title, well that depends on the others. They will be spending money and trying to improve as well."

Liverpool tv .....

by **account deleted by request** » Sun May 20, 2007 2:07 pm

Bamaga man wrote:Of course nobody can be sure of starting in one of Rafa's line-ups, but I'm gonna guess Alonso starts in a five man midfield.

Alonso -- Gerrard -- Mascha
Pennant Riise

I'd like that line-up, I'd obvously prefer Kewell on the left and Riise dropping back to LB. But this way is probably more sensible regarding Kewells fitness, and also he'd be great to bring off from the bench as an impact player. When those old Milan rear legs are tired Kewells skill and pace would be ideal, especially if a goal is needed.
So then I reckon Arbeloa could go left back, he has looked dodgey since his first few positive displays, but seen as Milan dont really offer any attacking width I reckon it would be a safe bet to play him.

I prefer Riise at full back (when the other option is Arbeloa) So my idea (and hopefully Rafa's) is

Pennant Alonso Momo Mascherano Gerrard (first half keeping it tight while Momo destroys Pirlo)

Kewell coming on second half and Gerrard moving into the centre.

Although I have just read Alonso is expecting to be on the bench! (Teamtalk so didn't think it was worth posting seperately)

by ***Juventino*** » Sun May 20, 2007 6:36 pm

News about AC MILAN from "Gazzetta dello Sport"

MILANELLO (Varese), May 20 th 2007 - we are There. Tomorrow to the 15 the Milan flies to Athens. Appointment with the ending of Champions League with the Liverpool. Kakà, with his/her says almost unnatural imperturbability the times of the withdrawal just as ago in field. Someone is sure to play, somebody else the certainty to be in field has always had her. How Kakà, the first one of the firm points of the Milan of Charles Ancelotti that tomorrow morning will direct the last training to Milanello before the departure for the Greek capital.

SERENITY - "today you/he/she is seen Also that the team is in form - you/he/she has told the Brazilian Milan Channel. We am calm, we are serene: we know what we can do. Plain Pian the things happened and the trust to arrive once more in final, to be able to win the Champions League, grew. We have arrived in final, we have the opportunity to win her/it: it is very beautiful."

DANGER CROUCH - In the training of this morning, Ancelotti has begun to try some situation tactics in sight of the challenge in Athens, with particular attention to the kicks of angle and the firm balls, considering that the Liverpool can count on the two meters of Peter Crouch: "It is a dangerous player on all the tall balls - you/he/she has added Kakà - when it is in area, it is always opportunist. We have to be careful if it plays him. Then, if it plays another, the things will be other of which should worry us."

MALDINI IS READY - Á. to deal himself/herself/themselves with Crouch there will almost certainly be Paul Maldini that today you/he/she has worked also without problems with the companions and therefore they decrease more always the doubts on his/her presence in field. It still stays uncertain, instead, the name of the attacker that will have departed since 1' because Gilardino and Inzaghi have peers possibility to play from titular. He/she will think us Ancelotti about isolvere the dilemma because "Charles is special - as you/he/she has explained Kakà - he knows how to manage the group, he knows how to manage the people, this is very important in the kick. The Milan is a team with so many champions, so many great players and it has to have such a good trainer."

MILANELLO (Varese), 20 maggio 2007 - Ci siamo. Domani alle 15 il Milan vola ad Atene. Appuntamento con la finale di Champions League con il Liverpool. Kakà, con la sua imperturbabilità quasi innaturale detta i tempi del ritiro proprio come fa in campo. Qualcuno è sicuro di giocare, qualcun altro la certezza di essere in campo l'ha sempre avuta. Come Kakà, il primo dei punti fermi del Milan di Carlo Ancelotti che domani mattina dirigerà l'ultimo allenamento a Milanello prima della partenza per la capitale greca.

SERENITA' - "Anche oggi si è visto che la squadra è in forma - ha detto il brasiliano a Milan Channel. Noi siamo tranquilli, siamo sereni: conosciamo la nostra forza e quello che possiamo fare. Pian piano le cose succedevano e la fiducia di arrivare ancora una volta in finale, di poter vincere la Champions League, cresceva. Siamo arrivati in finale, abbiamo l'opportunità di vincerla: è bellissimo".

PERICOLO CROUCH - Nell'allenamento di questa mattina, Ancelotti ha iniziato a provare alcune situazione tattiche in vista della sfida di Atene, con particolare attenzione ai calci d'angolo e alle palle ferme, visto che il Liverpool può contare sui due metri di Peter Crouch: "È un giocatore pericoloso su tutte le palle alte - ha aggiunto Kakà - quando è in area, è sempre opportunista. Dobbiamo stare attenti se gioca lui. Poi, se gioca un altro, saranno altre le cose di cui dovremmo preoccuparci".

MALDINI E' PRONTO - A occuparsi di Crouch, ci sarà quasi certamente Paolo Maldini che anche oggi ha lavorato senza problemi con i compagni e quindi diminuiscono sempre di più i dubbi sulla sua presenza in campo. Resta ancora incerto, invece, il nome dell'attaccante che partirà dal 1' perché Gilardino e Inzaghi hanno uguali possibilità di giocare da titolare. Ci penserà Ancelotti a isolvere il dilemma perché "Carlo è speciale - come ha spiegato Kakà - sa gestire il gruppo, sa gestire le persone, questo è molto importante nel calcio. Il Milan è una squadra con tanti campioni, tanti grandi giocatori e deve avere un allenatore così bravo".

Friends of the Liverpool, the Milan he is preparing in excellent way for the Ending. I beg you once more: do you them to retract!

by **kazza** » Sun May 20, 2007 9:32 pm

*Juventino* wrote: I beg you once more: do you them to retract!

Yes??

by **LFC2007** » Sun May 20, 2007 9:41 pm

*Juventino* wrote:"It is a dangerous player on all the tall balls - you/he/she has added Kakà

by **yckatbjywtbiastkamb** » Sun May 20, 2007 9:44 pm

kazza wrote:
*Juventino* wrote: I beg you once more: do you them to retract!

Yes??

i cant even order 2 beers or a plate of chips in spanish or italian so i applaud any type of effort to comunicate in a foreign tongue.
the likes of sabre and a few others who speak a foreign language to such a high standard they come on these boards and disscuss footy with the rest of us have my highest admiration, they are clever people.
a million times smarter than me.

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THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL - AC MILAN VS LIVERPOOL

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