Liverpool FC Forum

Seano Kop wrote:

PhiLFC wrote:Funny old game innit

I didn't enjoy that game last night even though we controlled it IMO.  The ref was getting on my nerves from the very first time he blew for a foul against Carra on Dogbreath (what is it with that soft cunt falling over at the slightest breath of air?)

Negatives... probably none really. I thought we played well and were unfortunate to concede in such a way but we've had our fair share of luck along the way so I ain't gonna complain.  I don't see anything in Chel$ki to be scared of and we'll do 'em at the Bridge.  Good luck to Chel$ki for the match against the scum I hope they fucking hammer them.

And gain confidence fo the tie against us?

Good thing about them facing Man U, is they will need to play a full strength squad. While we can rest the majority of our players. Let's make it count!!

it does appear to me that our star striker has still to find a resounding answer when teams really face him up.

bigmick wrote:In fairness I absolutely know I'm going to get slaughtered here, but while I can't abide Drogba's playacting and nonsense I didn't find Terry's treatment of Torres either surprising nor particularly annoying. It's the semi-finals of the Champions League we're talking about here, it's still a mans game despite the authorities attempts to sanitise it all the time and Terry's tactics were IMHO a legitimate ploy to unsettle a top-class striker. Infact THE one part of the whole thing which I do find a little frustrating is that like when Man Utd got into Torres on both occasions we've played them this season, it does appear to me that our star striker has still to find a resounding answer when teams really face him up.

I've said a couple of times, it's exactly how I'd set up to defend against him myself. You'd look to hound him when he's in non-dangerous areas, berate him if he goes to ground cheaply, kick him, hurt him, hold him, frustrate him and ask the question of him physically and mentally. Ask him to look into his soul and see if the desirte burns bright enough. Distract him verbally, fire him up with insults, encourage him to chase lost causes out on the wings. You'd hope that if you got into him enough, when a chance does present itself so keen would he be to bury the taunts down your throat that perhaps he'd misfire. A momentary loss of control, a fraction of hesitation or a "safe" finish, too close to the goalkeeper or not hit with enough power.

There is one certainty the way I see it. Torres can expect plenty more of the same in the second leg. What's more, unless and until he can find a more convincing answer in these huge clashes, he will find that next season other teams adopt the same tactics. Ferdinand and Vidic have unsettled him, Terry and Carvallho have got under his skin also. Sometimes the secret is a colder mental approach, to actually care less and not more. Had Torres taken one of the three or four chances he was given last night, the tie would probably be over. We must hope that if a similar opportunity presents itself in the second leg that he rediscovers his dead-eyed finishing prowess. I think he will, but you can absolutely bet that Terry will be trying to put him off while he's doing it. It's what good defenders do.