SHOULD CAPELLO REPLACE KENNY AT ANFIELD?

With the sad departure of Kenny Dalglish from Liverpool today, Liverpool’s owners FSG are looking to appoint a new Manager as soon as possible.

Among the early candidates are:

1. Roberto Martinez of lowly Wigan.
2. Paul Lambert of Norwich.
3. Brendan Rogers of Swansea.
4. Rafa Benitez, former Reds boss.
5. Fabio Capello, highly successful manager.

While it is sad to see Kenny Dalglish go, he is, to some extent, the author of his own downfall.
The failure to bring in a quality forward in the January transfer window when the team badly needed one is possibly the biggest mistake in his 18 months in charge.
He persevered with Andy Carroll at the cost of goals, wins and points that would have guided Liverpool up the table and would have kept Dalglish in his job.

The fact that Carroll, belatedly found his form is of no consequence to Kenny now.

Anyway, looking to the next Liverpool Manager, the 4th in 2 years, I would go for Fabio Capello.

His CV as a manager is impeccable, he has won the League title with every club he has managed.
He won 4 Seria A titles with AC Milan and a Champion’s League v Barcelona in 1994.
He joined Real Madrid and they won La Liga in his first season there.
He then went to AS Roma and won them their first League title in 18 years.
He won the League twice with Juventus.
He returned to Real Madrid and they won the League again in 2006.

He has amassed Seven Titles in 16 years around Europe and said only last week that he would love to return to England and manage in the Premier League again.

So John and Tom, if you are watching, sign Capello up to the Liverpool job as swiftly as possible.

JORDAN RHODES THE STRIKING SENSATION ON LIVERPOOL’S RADAR

As Liverpool’s seasons problems in the term just gone were clearly in not scoring enough goals, a ready-made solution may lay in the shape of Huddersfield Town hot-shot, Jordan Rhodes.The 22 year old is scoring goals for fun with 60 in 105 games f…

LIVERPOOL PLAYERS HEADING TO EURO 2012

The European 2012 Championships are just around the corner, beginning in June, so what is always an enthralling and memorable
Tournament should feature plenty of Liverpool’s players at this year’s competition  Euro 2012 Betting  lets hope for good performances from the men from Liverpool in the Euro’s.

Liverpool players appearances and goals:

It is clear to see that Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s Captain is by far the best player we have in terms of games played and goals scored, 19.
There is intense speculation that he will be made England Captain under new England boss and former ill-fated Reds manager Roy Hodgson.

The new England Manager will announce his squad and Captain on Wednesday on  BBC Sport .

So Gerrard, Downing, Johnson and now Andy Carroll will surely make it into England’s squad.
Lets not forget Pépe Reina of Spain and Daniel Agger who will be representing his home country of Denmark at the finals.

England play The Ukraine, Sweden and France in their group, which isn’t bad when you compare Ireland’s group including Spain, (the holders), Italy and Croatia.

Can’t wait for the Championships to begin.

TORRES MUST REGRET LEAVING ATHLETICO MADRID

After watching his home-town club win their second Europa League Trophy in two years, former Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres must be regretting his decision to ever leave Spain.The player, disillusioned by years of failure at Athletico Madrid, where…

LIVERPOOL DESTROY CHELSEA 4-1 AT ANFIELD

Revenge was in the air tonight at Anfield.
Kenny Dalglish’s team were determined to make Chelsea pay for the FA Cup Final defeat at Wembley last Saturday.

The home side attacked Chelsea from the start, a big change in approach from the weekend, and it paid off after 19 minutes when Luis Suarez ran into the box from the right and crossed the ball which Michael Essien deflected into his own net to give Liverpool the lead.

Six minutes later John Terry slipped to allow Jordan Henderson run through to score his second League goal of the Season with a crisp drive past Ross Turnbull.

Liverpool’s Carroll and Suarez were tormenting the Chelsea rear-guard and Andy Carroll headed on a corner to Daniel Agger to head home his first Premier League goal of the Season on 29 minutes, to leave Liverpool 3-0 up after half an hour.

The Reds totally dominated the first half and should have made it four after Andy Carroll was fouled in the box by Ivanovic to concede a penalty.
Strangely, Stuart Downing stepped up to take the kick in injury-time, and he duly blasted the ball against the bottom of the upright with Turnbull going the other way.

The second-half began brightly, but it was Chelsea who scored with that man , Ramires scoring from a Chelsea corner to send a few shivers up Anfield spines on 50 mins.

However, Liverpool continued to charge forward and a disasterous kick by Chelsea goal-keeper Ross Turnbull fell to Johnjo Shelvey 30 yards out and he made no mistake with a great volley into an empty net for his first Premier League goal for Liverpool on 61 minutes making it 4-1 to the home-team.

Liverpool continued to make all the running defending well, dominating midfield and putting the Chelsea defence under all sorts of pressure refusing to their opponents a chance to get back into the game.

Kenny Dalglish made two substitutions in the 83rd minute; Kuyt replaced Downing and young Raheem Sterling came on for Maxi, who graciously waved goodbye to the croud as he came off, the Argentine showing that he will be moving on at the end of the season.

17 year-old Sterling nearly came up with his dream-goal but his snap-shot flew high and wide.

There was still time for Andy Carroll to get the goal his all-round display deserved, but he shinned a great cross by Glen Johnson wide.

So, 4-1 it ended infront of the Anfield crowd and even though we are only eighth in the League, it is nice to be able to report on a great performance by Liverpool! 

"CHANGES MUST BE MADE AT ANFIELD"

A time for change at Anfield:

Guest writer: Pat McGuinness

Check out Pat’s interesting blog:

Pat’s Football Blog

“I’m not quite sure what to make of Saturday’s game; the right team won on the day but the officials got the Carroll decision wrong – footage of the header will show that there was no view of the incident from directly on the goal-line, but fractionally in front of it.

Getting down to it, it is surely time for Reina to pack his bags; your correspondent has never been a huge fan of his(as the editor of this blog will testify).
 Ramirez’s goal was just a collective howler involving the Liverpool rearguard and goalkeeper.
 Enrique had a poor game on Saturday, but he was far from alone. Spearing at least showed plenty of spirit and will improve.
Downing was nervy, but did reasonably well when he got going. Henderson was in and out, and really needs to improve; personally, I think he should be shown the door as he is just not up to scratch. He could maybe keep the door open for Charlie Adam on the way out.

Should Kenny Dalglish follow Henderson and Adam out the door? Not yet; he should be given another season, and if there is still no improvement in league form, then his contract should then be terminated.
 It’s funny that many of those who opposed Roy Hodgson’s appointment as Liverpool manager are now turning their backs on Dalglish.

 Hodgson, as any rational person will tell you, didn’t have a prayer as Liverpool manager, much less time to settle in to the job.
 And now, with delicious irony, he has become the new England manager, and he will not disgrace himself.

 There is a lesson for those Liverpool fans who are currently disgruntled with Dalglish – be careful what you wish for.
 Benitez for a return to the High Temple of English Football?
 I’d rather ask Fergie to amputate my hands with a Stihl saw..

DALGLISH’S DEFENSIVE TACTICS COST LIVERPOOL THE CUP

Liverpool came within milli-metres of drawing with Chelsea in today’s FA Cup Final.

However, it was the negative team selection and cautious tactics in the first half that handed the initiative to Chelsea and they duly took advantage with Ramires easily beating Pepe Reina after mistakes by young Jay Spearing and the out-of-form Jose Reina.

Liverpool were ponderous and lethergic in the first half with Suarez isolated up-front as the lone-striker.
Meanwhile Gerrard, Spearing and Henderson were all sat too deep to support Suarez in any meaningful way.

It took a second goal for Chelsea by Didier Drogba to finally change the tactics and personnel with Andy Carroll coming on for Spearing and the Liverpool team instantly looked more threatening.

Carroll soon got Liverpool back in the match with a well-taken goal on 64 mins and was less than an inch away from an equaliser when his header was somehow stopped right on the line by Cech.

That was as close as it got for the Reds who lost 2-1 to Chelsea.
Yet they can take great comfort in their second half performance when they totally dominated Chelsea and deserved extra-time, at least.

If only Kenny had started with Carroll and Suarez upfront and  didn’t start the game so defensively.

ITS SUAREZ V TORRES IN THE FA CUP FINAL

Under-performing Liverpool face over-achieving Chelsea in a mouth-watering FA Cup Final at Wembley today.

The Reds face an uphill task against an ever-improving Chelsea under Roberto Di Matteo at the refurbished old ground in London.

With both Suarez & Torres scoring hat-tricks for their clubs in the Premier League last week, all eyes will be on these two men in the Final.

Luis Suarez has scored 15 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this Season,including a glorious hat-trick against Norwich despite an unfair eight-match ban.

While Fernando Torres, who ditched Liverpool for Chelsea in January 2010 has scored just 7 goals in the League, including a recent hat-trick against QPR.

It could be argued that both strikers are hitting a rich vein of form at just the right time for both clubs, but which team will triumph at Wembley remains to be seen.

As long as Liverpool pick the right team, plays to its attacking strengths and defends resolutely then we have to believe that Liverpool will beat Chelsea 2-1 or more, I hope! 

LIVERPOOL HAVE WON JUST FIVE LEAGUE GAMES AT ANFIELD THIS SEASON

Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Final with Chelsea, Manager, Kenny Dalglish opted to give a run-out to some of the squad members for the game against Fulham at Anfield.

In came Doni, Coates, Kelly, Shelvey, Maxi and Aurelio.

After Captain for the night, Martin Skrtel’s unfortunate own-goal, the game never really got going.

Liverpool never dominated the game and even though they did have alot of posession, they never really looked liked winning the game which I tried to watch on the internet, as painful as the performance.

Dalglish did not mince his words afterwards:
 ”Our attitude and approach was wrong, our desire was poor.
One or two did well but it was not a good night for us.”
said the beleagured boss,
“We gave everybody an opportunity for Saturday, maybe I was wrong” added the downbeat Liverpool Manager.

Dalglish must now try to pick up his players for the Season-Defining showdown with a rampant Chelsea side who will crush any weaknesses in Liverpool’s team.

Liverpool’s Premier League Home results 2011/2012:

Teams we Beat;

1. Bolton 3-1
2. Wolves 2-1
3. QPR     1-0
4. Newcastle  3-1
5. Everton    3-0

Shocking stats, new players need to be brought in for next season.

Minimum Qualifications to Make 2012/13 Liverpool FC Season Considered a Success

Posted by Alisha Weiss: Guest Writer on Friends of Liverpool

 As the 2011/2012 Premier League, FA Cup, and Carling Cup season comes to a close a lot of Reds fans will be looking to next season to see what’s next.
We’ll have a new kit sponsor in Warrior Sports, new signings, the Europa League, and best of all, hope for a better season.
  But with two Cup Finals this year, what are the expectations for next year?

 The main objective will definitely be a return to the Champions League, but what about the Premier League? The Premier League duel between Manchester United and Manchester City seem to have dominated the headlines. Is it realistic to see LFC challenging for the title for next season?

  I guess that depends on how you view the team…if we’re a couple missing players short of being a contender or further off. I’m of the belief that the longer that this team plays together and gels and learns the system, the better we’ll be. While all signings might not be long-term assets, each has a part to play.
The biggest thing that I’d like to see next year is a return to dominance at Anfield.

Losing points is one thing, but losing at home consistently is another.
 Anfield is supposed to be the the Bastion or Fortress of ‘Invincibility’ and that’s what Liverpool football is all about.
 Anfield is a special place and having visited there and seen the ins/out’s it’s the spiritual center of the team.
 We need 3 points from every match at our home ground. Champions League football. Players dream about and the truth is that it attracts better footballers to CL teams.

  We’ve been out of the Champions League for too long, and as Stevie G once said, Liverpool belongs in the Champions League.
  So, in the end, I see only a couple targets to put the next season as a huge success:

My 2012/13 targets:
1. Dominance at Anfield
2. Return to Champions League Football
3. Contend for the 2012/13 Premier League Title

VIDEO: SUPER SUAREZ HAT-TRICK DOWNS NORWICH

Luis Suarez produced a master-class in goal-scoring by getting all three goals in Liverpool’s welcome victory at Carrow road over Norwich City.With goals on 24, 28 and a spectacular shot from near the halfway line, the little Uraguayan sealed a gr…

STEVIE G IN IRISH TV EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Liverpool’s  Captain Steven Gerrard was in Ireland this weekend to promote, not the team, but a charity for Autism.

THE STEVEN GERRARD FOUNDATION

The Anfield legend appeared on Ireland’s longest running chat show ‘The Late late show’ where he talked about his Liverpool career, how he was given his first-team start under Gerrard Houllier at the age of 18.
 ”It blew me away, making me first team debut under Houllier in front of 40,000 screaming reds.”

“I grew up watching John Barnes, John Aldridge and Robbie Fowler all playing for Liverpool.”

On getting the captaincy of Liverpool FC, Stevie G said to RTE’s Ryan Tubridy: “Sammi Hyppia was disappointed to lose the captaincy but there were no hard feelings, it gave me more responsibility and I came out of my shell more.”

On Istanbul and the infamous winning of the Champion’s League Final, Gerrard said: “I never get bored talking about it, it was a huge fulfillment, we did get a half-time dressing down,
 but it was the fans who drove us on to try and win the Final, they never stopped singing and supporting the team to win.”

Finally, Steve Gerrard was asked about the upcoming FA Cup Final against Chelsea at Wembley:
“I am confident, I believe we are gonna win the FA Cup.”

Steven Gerrard’s Golf Tournament for Autism Ireland & the UK will be held at the Druid’s Glen Golf-club on the 6/7th July this year in Wicklow.

LIVERPOOL GO TO NORWICH BEFORE FA CUP FINAL

Liverpool travel to Carrow road for the first time in seven years to face Paul Lambert’s Norwich team in the Premier League since 1995.
Liverpool were 2-1 winners on that day, 3rd January and the two sides have only met once since then with the Canaries gaining a point at Anfield in a 1-1 draw back in October.

In total, the meetings between the two sides have produced 29 wins for Liverpool, 14 wins for Norwich City & 14 draws, down the years.

So, history and statistics would suggest that Liverpool are favourites to win the game, however, with the season Liverpool are having, anything could happen away to Paul Lambert’s side.

They are just behind us in the League table and its another ‘must-win’ game for Kenny Dalglish’s side ahead of the FA Cup Final on Saturday week, May 5.

It maybe that Dalglish will rest some key players ahead of the Wembley Final and that more of the squad-players will get a run-out at Carrow road this Saturday evening.

Expect Jamie Carragher, Johnjo Shelvey, Maxi Rodriguez, Craig Bellamy and Jonjo Flanagan to all start as Kenny looks to give the full squad a start.

Some Norwich v Liverpool stats:

HOW ARE WE GOING TO BEAT CHELSEA AFTER THAT RESULT?

So Chelsea did the unthinkable at the Nou Camp, drawing 2-2 with the mighty Barcelona and they are now in the Champions League Final.

Despite playing with ten men for most of this enthralling fixture thanks to ‘Mr. Nice-guy’ John Terry kneeing Sanchez in the back,
Roberto Di Matteo’s side withstood the homeside’s domination of the game to emerge with a creditable draw meaning they won the semi-final 3-2 on aggregate.

Indeed some credit must go, begrudgingly, to Chelsea and Di Matteo for the improvement in their results since the sacking of Villas Boas.
They have lost only once in all competitions and as we face them in FA Cup Final on the 5th of May, you have to ask, just how will we beat them on the day.

Chelsea have improved markedly of late, defensively, they are very strong and they also have the knack of scoring vital goals throughout the team with Didier Drogba(when he stops diving), Frank Lampard, Sturridge and others.

Make no mistake, Liverpool will have to be at their very best on FA Cup Final day to win the coveted trophy.

Liverpool will hope that Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll are at their sharpest in front of goal while the midfield and defence will need total concentration to stop Chelsea from scoring.

Expect a very tough encounter at Wembley Stadium in a few weeks time, lets hope we win.

Liverpool v WBA Head-to-Head

Head-to-head Liverpool have won all five previous Premier League meetings with West Brom at Anfield without conceding a goal. Albion’s last victory at Anfield was exactly 45 years before the day of this fixture. They have since gone 24 league and cup…

CHELSEA A TOUGH PROPOSITION AGAIN UNDER DI MATTEO

It looks like Chelsea are on the rise again, beating Barcelona 1-0 at the Bridge with diving Didier Drogba scoring the only goal of the game on 46mins.Roberto Di Matteo, the Interim-Manager has galvanized the Chelsea team, reinstalling the established …

CARROLL’S GOAL PUTS LIVERPOOL INTO FA CUP FINAL

Liverpool showed great pride, commitment and dogged determination to win this FA Cup semi-final against Everton at the new Wembley Stadium yesterday.Faced with David Moyes’ pirihana’s, Liverpool had it all to do.But do it they did, after a mix-up …

TEN MAN LIVERPOOL FIGHTBACK TO WIN AT BLACKBURN

I suppose I better eat my words, at least for this game where Liverpool’s ten men beat Blackburn Rovers 3-2 thanks to an injury-time header from Andy Carroll.

Without further ado, Liverpool’s second-string raced into a 2-0 lead after 15 mins thanks to two goals from prolific midfielder Maxi Rodrigues.

Then unlucky goal-keeper Alexander Doni got sent off for fouling a Blackburn player in the box, he now misses the FA Cup semi-final v Everton.

Inexperienced young full-back John Flanagan was hauled off as the sacrificial lamb, (yes it is still lambing season) to be replaced by Brad Jones who saved Yakubu’s resultant penalty.

However, Yakubu made amends minutes later from a David Dunn free-kick as he headed a goal on 36 mins.

Then early in the second-half, Liverpool players were again guilty of passing the ball back to the keeper when in attacking positions and replacement goalie Brad Jones was very lucky not to also be sent-off when he fouled The Yak, he got a yellow and Yakubu levelled the game with his second penalty attempt of the night.

So Liverpool were looking down and out again at 2-2 having lost a two-goal lead and were a man short, it looked like another capitulation was on the cards.
But full credit to the team that played last night, they came out fighting and Andy Carroll scored Liverpool’s winner with a headed goal in injury-time.

It was just rewards for a resilient Liverpool performance, despite being reduced to ten men for over an hour, they still found it within themselves to overcome a team fighting for their lives in Blackburn Rovers.

Special mention for Andy Carroll who worked tirelessly on his own upfront, defended well at set pieces and scored the all-important winner for Liverpool.
I have been his biggest critic all season, but well done against Blackburn Andy Carroll.

Man of the Match: Andy Carroll 

KENNY’S REPORT TO TOM & JOHN: WHAT HE MIGHT SAY!

With Liverpool owner’s John Henry and Tom Werner due in England later this week for the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Everton on Saturday, it is believed that there will be something of a show-down between the owners and Manager Kenny Dalglish.

An end-of-season report is required of the Anfield boss by FSG, who must be very concerned at Liverpool’s dismal Premiership performances this Season.

Here is what Kenny may say in his defence of his reign:

1. I have engaged in a major re-building process, bringing in good young British players who will stand us in good stead in future years.
2. A lot of my key players have been injured for long parts of the Season; Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly and Charlie Adam.
3. We have had some very bad luck, hitting the wood-work 34 times this year.
4. Luis Suarez being harshly banned for eight games didn’t help us.
5. If we win two cups, it will have been a sucessful Season.
6. I need more funds to buy new players to finish the rebuilding job here at Liverpool.

This may well be a convincing argument to keep the job at Anfield, however the owners of Boston Red Sox demanded 4th place as ‘a minimum requirement’ for this Season.

With Liverpool sitting joint 8th alongside Fulham and Norwich, which is totally unacceptable, Kenny may aswell just hold up his hands and say:
“Sorry John and Tom, I wasted £100 million on crap players.”

LIVERPOOL PLAYER-RATINGS VERSUS ASTON VILLA

Liverpool got a much-deserved draw with Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Indeed, the total dominance of the home-side should have ensured all three points, but at least Liverpool have stopped the rot and managed to draw against a very defensive Villa side.

Player Ratings:

• Doni: 6/10 Flapped at the cross for Herd’s goal, did well thereafter
• Enrique: 5/10: Tried a few things going forward, not at his best
• Carragher: 6/10: Worked hard all day, had a mainly quiet day
• Skrtel: 7/10: Tenacious at the back again
• Flanagan: 7/10: Did well, the young lad
• Gerrard: 7/10: Captain still getting back to fitness, made the cross for the goal
• Shelvey: 6/10: The youngster drifted in & out of the game
• Downing: 7/10: Provided plenty of width & crosses for the team
• Henderson: 6/10: Tried his best but didn’t have a great game
• Suarez: 7/10: Was lively throughout, capped it with a goal
• Kuyt: 6/10: Was wasteful in front of goal when he should have scored.