The Official Liverpool thread

[Punter]

I don't want to piss on your sails or anything but do you honestly think you'll get 2nd ?

I think Utd will win it BigKegman, they have world class players and play as one still but 2nd spot is definately there for the taking. It doesn't matter what signings Chelsea make, there's no harmony in the club, Jose doesnt get on with Abramo', fat Frank aint happy with his wages Drogba was gonna fcuk off if they didn't sign Malouda, nothing but negatives coming out of the club. Us, Arsenal and Spurs will finish above Chelsea this season.

[andeeeee]

Originally Posted by Kop66

To be honest, i dont remember much about him, was he the worst signing we ever made Andee? I know he didn't play many games.

there were quite afew in them days , to be honest every manager buys a duff player, houllier bought ferri.

[all_funkt_up]

Originally Posted by Bigkegman

I don't want to piss on your sails or anything but do you honestly think you'll get 2nd ?

In my honest opinion, Manchester United are (sadly) in pole position for this season. I would say its a close second between us and Chelsea. A lot of it depends on how well they cope with losing players for the African nations and with us, how well our new signings bed in.

I expect to see at least one more creative midfield player sign before the window closes - be it Babbel, Benayoun or Quaresma.

There wasnt a lot wrong with us last season and the gap between the top 2 really opened up when we put put scratch sides towards the back end of the season, with the Champions League in mind....

[all_funkt_up]

Good piece from today's Times. James Ducker - finger on the pulse.

I especially like the last paragraph.

James Ducker
ANY CONCERNS THAT Liverpool supporters had over the club’s apparent inactivity in the transfer market this summer may have been partly allayed by the record-breaking arrival of Fernando Torres, but Rafael BenÍtez, the manager, is determined to strengthen his squad still further.

Manchester United’s projected £58 million outlay on Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson, coupled with the impending arrival of Carlos Tévez from West Ham United on a two-year loan, has convinced BenÍtez that he can ill-afford to rest on his laurels as he endeavours to end Liverpool’s seventeen-year wait for the league title.

BenÍtez is hopeful of some resolution in his protracted pursuit of Yossi Benayoun this week while, at the same time, attempting to land a second winger to rival the £20.2 million capture of Torres from Atlético Madrid.

Ricardo Quaresma, of FC Porto, who would cost about £15 million, and Alessandro Mancini, the £11 million-rated AS Roma player, are thought to be under consideration, although BenÍtez has so far kept his cards close to his chest. Gabriel Heinze, the Argentina defender, is also wanted, although Manchester United are reluctant to sell him to their fierce rivals.

Related Links
The window: dead certs, decent bets, long shots
Liverpool have had two bids for Benayoun rejected by West Ham, but are hopeful that an improved third offer of £5 million will be enough to secure the Israel midfield player’s signature. Given that Benayoun is expected to be more of a squad player than a guaranteed starter, it is unlikely that the Merseyside club will go above that fee.

West Ham are digging their heels in over Benayoun, as much out of a desire to keep him as their annoyance at his decision to snub the offer of a five-year contract that he had appeared ready to sign.

“We do not need a lot more in terms of new players for next season, maybe two new faces,” BenÍtez said. “On Benayoun, we must wait and see what happens. I like him as a player, yes. Maybe we could find another player, but with him I would be happy.”

BenÍtez’s ability to spend has been boosted by the influx of cash from the £8 million sale of Djibril Cissé to Marseilles and the departure of Craig Bellamy, whose £7.5 million move to West Ham should be ratified in the next day or two, once Liverpool have resolved a contractual issue with the Wales forward. Bellamy believes that he is entitled to a payoff given that he did not ask for a transfer.

West Ham were dismayed that BenÍtez announced that the Bellamy deal was done when it had yet to be formally concluded, although it remains to be seen whether the matter will have any bearing on the Benayoun negotiations.

BenÍtez will doubtless be glad to hear that Jamie Carragher is on the verge of quitting international football so that he can concentrate his efforts on winning trophies with Liverpool and spending more time with his family.

The defender’s likely decision is thought to have been prompted by the selection of Ledley King ahead of him for England’s European Championship qualifying match against Estonia in Tallinn last month.

Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr, Liverpool’s American owners, will submit their revised plans for a new stadium in Stanley Park to Liverpool City Council on July 25.

Although the initial capacity will be about 60,000, the new plans will mean that the stadium could be expanded to seat nearer 80,000, potentially making it bigger than Old Trafford, which has a capacity of 76,000.

Our stadium is considerably bigger than yours....

[Bigkegman]

nice views guys !!

and everybody thinking Man Utd. I'll need to go and see whats the best price.

[all_funkt_up]

Keg - it really pains me to say it. I underestimated them last season and over estimated Chelsea to the same degree. United have strengthened in their perceived weak areas and have brought in some class signings. Hargreaves will keep them solid and Nani will definitely be a threat going forward.

Plus, they are the Champions and you can bet they will fight like f*ck to keep it that way. There's no way people like Scholes and GNeville (cunt) will let the Prem slip away from them easily.

Do Chelsea have the same fight and team spirit?

[Napoleon Solo]

Apparently the Benayoun deal is as good as done. £4 million for the Israeli winger, should be announced officially tomorrow!

Good signing for Liverpool AFU?

[all_funkt_up]

No doubt he's a talented player, the video below shows some cracking goals at club and International level.

YouTube - Yossi Benayoun

If we do sign him, I am confused as to Rafa's tactics next season. I have thought for a few years now that we lacked a decent left winger. Pennant had a good run towards the end of the year. He bossed Ashley Cole in the Champions League semi and I think will have an excellent year for us.

But, in my eyes, we have no one on the left that can run with pace and centre a good ball. I see Benayoun coming in off the wing and scoring goals inside and outside of the box. But I dont see him as being a player that will be happy to sit on the touchline, wait for the ball and dink a lovely pass to our number 9.

Maybe the team we go out with next season wont play a conventional 4-4-2 and be rigid in its' approach. I have an open mind but I am yet to be convinced, lets put it that way.

However, I have ultimate faith in Rafa, he knows what he's doing.

[andeeeee]

YouTube - Ryan Babel ryan babel also on his way

[all_funkt_up]

Oh and while I am on the subject, how good were Pennant's crosses the other day in the friendly against Wrexham. My lord they were on a 6-pence.

I know it's only wrexham (etc etc etc) but he showed he was sharp, looked fit and really seems to be carrying on from where he left off last season.

Couple of cracking headers from Bez too and well deserved his hat-trick.

YouTube - wrexham vs liverpool 2007 1

YouTube - wrexham vs liverpool 2007 2

YouTube - wrexham vs liverpool 2007 3

[andeeeee]

Ryan Babel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[all_funkt_up]

I bring good news folks.

Liverpool TV is due to go live on Setanta from September.

Setanta's not a bad wee package to have actually. Prem games, bundesliga, serie a, eredivisie, jock action, hurling, aussie rules, golf, sectarian TV (both rangers and celtic) and now Scouse TV. All for £15 a month

Bargain!

[andeeeee]

babel having medical as i type

[andeeeee]

Originally Posted by all_funkt_up

I bring good news folks.

Liverpool TV is due to go live on Setanta from September.

Setanta's not a bad wee package to have actually. Prem games, bundesliga, serie a, eredivisie, jock action, hurling, aussie rules, golf, sectarian TV (both rangers and celtic) and now Scouse TV. All for £15 a month

Bargain!

sure i`ve seen £10 a month quoted elsewhere and no contract

[all_funkt_up]

That's with freeview I think. But you have to have a card slot on your box, which I dont.