Liverpool 2010/11 Season Thread

[Tetsuo]

I believe Benitez has (in the most part) got the best out of the players that he's had at his disposal, and our style and quality of football has steadily improved since his arrival. I'm as happy as I can reasonably expect, with the way the team plays football. I can't see how any other manager could do his job better, to be honest.

What you must be suggesting, nakamura, is a complete overhaul of the team and staff, and with the situation at the club as it is, that's not going to happen any time soon, is it?

But you're right about Reina. He's either brilliant (ball distribution) or completely useless (especially when the defense isn't working). Rarely dives, too, anyone notice that?

[Supergoal]

I just realised even more than ever, why I hate international football. How come both Torres and Gerrard are out injured after coming back from international duty.
How unlucky can you get, and lose both of your top players.

Really pi#$es me off big style.

[hudson]

Aye. Gonna be fun tomorrow.

[saif]

International injuries affecting Liverpool: Jamie Redknapp

He was so good.

We are still wating for our big summer signing too. Think Agger may be ready though.
Maybe he could try Masch & Lucas (returned late from S American qualifiers - but not much choice there now...), Yossi in the hole, Riera and Dirk on the flanks and Ryan "run fast in a straight line" Babel up front. At least he would run to the goal instead of the byeline if he was central.

[SharkSkin-Man]

Adductor trouble for Gerrard again too, worried he will need more surgery on it if these little tears keep happening.

[abigsmurf]

You're probably doing to have to deal with a hard defending Sunderland tomorrow who'll only try and hit you on the counter attack. If they get the first goal, it'll be very hard getting two past them for the win.

[nakamura]

I believe Benitez has (in the most part) got the best out of the players that he's had at his disposal, and our style and quality of football has steadily improved since his arrival. I'm as happy as I can reasonably expect, with the way the team plays football. I can't see how any other manager could do his job better, to be honest.

You say at his disposal but didnt he choose half of them? When he first took over Liverpool became exciting once again but to me i feel they are slipping back again. As steakman said he refusal to back down on using zonal marking is a joke. Its like his own arrogance is costing the team because he cannot admit something he likes is perhaps not the best choice.

Steakman as for Reina you can post as many clean sheet stats as you want but liverpools amazing record up until last 6-12 months has been down to the defense rather than the keeper. Carragher was an absolute rock at centre back and Agger when fit is excellent.
Shay Given is arguably the best around in the last 10 plus years but all that time in front of a crap newcastle defense gave him very few clean sheets.

[saif]

Zonal marking works.
Liverpool have had some of, if not the, best records of defending set-pieces. The problem is, they will often literally give no chances *other* than set pieces away so they concede a high proportion of their goals from them. But a low ratio in terms of total set pieces.
Also, the media always say that is because of the zoonal. Same as man-to-man, one weakness will cause a team weakness, if one player does not do their job, it is not the system's fault, it is the player.

[Steakman]

You say at his disposal but didnt he choose half of them? When he first took over Liverpool became exciting once again but to me i feel they are slipping back again. As steakman said he refusal to back down on using zonal marking is a joke. Its like his own arrogance is costing the team because he cannot admit something he likes is perhaps not the best choice.

Steakman as for Reina you can post as many clean sheet stats as you want but liverpools amazing record up until last 6-12 months has been down to the defense rather than the keeper. Carragher was an absolute rock at centre back and Agger when fit is excellent.
Shay Given is arguably the best around in the last 10 plus years but all that time in front of a crap newcastle defense gave him very few clean sheets.

Can't really argue with you there the defense is definately a major factor and Given is a class act. When you look back through our keepers over the last decade or more though there really is no one that even comes close to being as good as Reina between the sticks. Wouldn't trade him for many.

[hudson]

So Reina's getting shunned for the goals gone in this season so far? I think the defence is just not defending well enough.

[prinnysquad]

You're probably doing to have to deal with a hard defending Sunderland tomorrow who'll only try and hit you on the counter attack. If they get the first goal, it'll be very hard getting two past them for the win.

How dare your sir. We play swashbuckling, cavalier football.

[nakamura]

Can't really argue with you there the defense is definately a major factor and Given is a class act. When you look back through our keepers over the last decade or more though there really is no one that even comes close to being as good as Reina between the sticks. Wouldn't trade him for many.

Yeah I will agree with that. I think I am a little harder on him than most since Benitez came out with the best keeper in the league comment.

[saif]

Chelsea should change their marking system. Ancelotti is too stubborn, man-to-man just does not work.

[saif]

Amazing scenes at the Stadium of Light, where Darren Bent meets Andy Reid's cross with a shot that cannons off a stray balloon, past Pepe Reina, and into the net. The Liverpool players protest to referee Mike Jones, but the goal stands and Sunderland lead.

[abigsmurf]

Complaining a bit that the goal shouldn't be allowed but I believe the rules treat stuff like this as the same as holes and puddles influencing the ball. Was a liverpool balloon anyway apparently.

As I said before, it's gonna be tough now, Liverpool will have to deal with 9 men in the box for most of the match.