The Brand New Liverpool

With Rafa departure, the Rafa-lution has all but ended. Roy Hodgson was named the new Liverpool manager.

Soon after, Milan Jovanovic signed on free transfer. The biggest coup was the capture of former West Ham and Chelsea player Joe Cole on a free transfer.

The signing of Joe Cole sent a strong message of intent by Roy Hodgson that he meant business in turning Liverpool around.

Further good news came when Steven Gerrard commit his future to Liverpool. It is still unknown if Torres and Mascherano is staying.  

Liverpool has also agreed Danny Wilson deal with Rangers.

There are more players linked to Liverpool.

If Torres and Mascherano stays, this season will be a exciting season for the Reds.

Let's hope for further signing before the season starts.

Who's Next For Liverpool?

With the departure of Rafa Benitez, many candidates are linked to the Anfield hotseat.

The following managers have been linked in recent weeks:

Roy Hogdson

Martin O'Neil

Manuel Pellegrini

Harry Redknapp

Guus Hindink

All the above are capable managers who have proved themselves in the highest level. However if I can make a decision, I will go for this man.

He is Arsene Wenger. He is a manager with great foresight and midas touch. Just look at the players he bought as an unknown and turned him into a real gem. Anelka, Overmars, Petit, Fabrages, Van Persie and many more.

It is because of his vision and know how in the transfer market, Arsenal's finanical is in the pink of health compared to the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool.

It remain to be seen who will the next Liverpool manager. The next manager to take over will have a huge task on his hand.

Good Luck to the next manager!

Rafa Sacked!

(Pay me 5 Millions and I leave!)

In what a unexpected turnaround, Liverpool ended Rafa's 5 years regin by sacking him.

This come after a disappointing season when Liverpool finished 7th in the BPL and knocked out of the Champion League group stage.

Goodbye Rafa, thank you for the wondering memories.

We will not forget the Istanbul truimph, the sweet FA Cup win and the Super Cup. We will also remember that you brought Liverpool so close t0 the title the previous season.

Wonderful memories there were but you also have a fair share of undesired decision that left us so bewildered.

It was you who forced Alonso out when you once tried to buy Barry over. It was you who brough the injured Aquilani in to replace Alonso.

While I respect you, I also have some doubts over your foresight and power.

If you have possess the foresight like Wenger, the charm of Mourhino and the power of Ferguson, you would have transform Liverpool into a fearsome team but it was not to be.

May we wish you success in your managerial career.

Thank you, Rafa.

Rafa handed a misery $5 Million Pound Transfer Kitty

Oh my, oh my. Just when Liverpool season got worse, they were handed further bad news when it was rumoured that Rafa had only $5 million to spend on new players.

(Who can I buy with such misery transfer money???)

This is certainly not good news for Liverpool who is rebuilding for next season. So far, they have brought in Jonjo Shelvey from Charlton and are negotiating to bring Danny Wilson from Rangers.

With such small transfer kitty, it is hard to see Rafa bringing in top quality players. He must now sell to buy.

Things are certainly not well for Liverpool.

It is hard to imagine Liverpool can be challenging for any title as long as the Amercian owners are in control of the club.

Rebuilding At Anfield

Liverpool endured what has been a frustrating and disappointing 2009/2010 season.

They finished seventh in the table, dumped out of Champion League knockout stage and dumped out at the semi-final stage of the Europa League, lost Torres for most of the season due to injuries and heavily in debt. These sum up Liverpool season.

This explain why I have not been updating my post until now.

Now that the season is over and players preparing for the World Cup, the question is how to strengthen the team with limited budget.

It is likely that Rafa will still be in Liverpool next season. For Rafa to buy, he must sell. It would be another tough season for Liverpool if the club is not sold to a new investor.

Who are the possible departures?

1) Fabio Aureilio - Confirmed departing

2) Ryan Babel - May used as a swap deal

3) Youssi Benayoun - Likely destination - Chelsea

4) Albert Riera - Highly likely to depart

5) Alberto Aquilani - Likely back to Italy

6) David Ngog - Bit part player who is only good for Championship side.

7) Philip Degen - Who is he? I nearly forgotten about him

I hope these players can fetch at least 20 Million pounds.

The new season is just 3 months to go. We shall await good news from Rafa and team.

For now, all eyes will be on the World Cup.

Thank You and Goodbye, Sami Hyppia

The Marking Of A Truly Great Finn.


With his move to Bayer Leverkusen confirmed next season, it marked the end of a 10 years industrious career with Liverpool where Hyppia won numerous trophies with the Reds.

I must admit that when Houllier signed him in 1999, I was saying "Hyppia who?". He was relatively an unknown centre back. I had my doubts.


Soon he formed a formidable partnership with Henchoz that set the platform for Liverpool's treble in 2000. Hyppia positioning and reading of the game is excellent. He also was a good target man for corner kicks where he scored goals with his head.


He repaid the faith and money Liverpool showed and paid for him.

As his career with Liverpool finally end, I wish Hyppia all the best and he shall remain as one of Liverpool's legend.

Hillsbrough Tragedy

As I read about how Liverpool FC and the supporters paid their respect to the 96 victims during the Hillbrough tragedy, I could not help but to recall the incident that fateful day.

I was 15 at that time. I could still remembered I was watching the telecast of the FA Cup semi-final when suddenly crowd broke into the field. Mayhem and chaos engulf. Back then, I was wondering what was happening. I could see spectators are trying to flee the place. Moments later, something was very wrong. I saw people using the advertisement board as stretchers. However I was unable to realise the seriousness of the heart broken moments.

I went through some letters written by the parents / kin / spouse on their thoughts on her children / sblings / spouse that never returned after a football match, I felt terribly upset.

Personally, I hope these people will be strong and that their love ones who perished in this tragedy will always remain in their heart.

Pictures taken from liverpoolfc.tv

I'm Sick Of Man Utd's Luck

If Man Utd is to win the BPL title this season, it is donw on pure luck.

It was certain that Man Utd are destined to drop a total of 4 points on the matches against Aston Villa and Sunderland. Then they ended up with maximum points.

The goal against Villa was scored in injury time by a certain 17 year old boy named Macheda. In the match against the Black Cats, he struck his foot out to deflect the ball into the net to deny Sunderland a point.

Man Utd was not impressive and convincing in their play. On the contrary, Liverpool played superbly to thrashed Man Utd 4-1, hammered Villa 5-0, outplayed Fulham 1-0 and beat Blackburn 4-0.

I'm really sick to see Liverpool overcome their opponent with class while Man Utd need Lady Luck to win the game for them.

Maybe it is destined that Man Utd will win the title this season. They owe the title to the boy from Lazio.

I'm just wish that this boy can disappear from Man Utd for now until the season end.

I smply have no respect for Man Utd at the way they win matches.

Liverpool is the better team now.

It's suck to see Man Utd regaining the top spot everytime Liverpool climbed to the submit.

The BPL is becoming less interesting now if Man Utd keep getting lucky.

Thr truth is : Man Utd suckssss!!

Man Utd Humiliated By Liverpool...At Old Trafford

Just look at the scoreline above.

When was the last time the Red Devils conceded 4 goals at Old Trafford?

When was the last time Man Utd was humiliated at Old Trafford?

And when was the last time Mau Utd lost to Liverpool by such margin?

Ask Old Fergie, just ask him, will you, all you Man Utd fan?

After thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 in mid week, the Anfield boys showed that they mean business by handling a footballing lesson to the arrogance boys from Old Trafford.

Mr Rooney, did you say you hate Liverpool? This is a slap on your mouth for your remarks.

Mr. Fergie, did you say you are still fuming over "Rafa Rant"? This is Rafa's response to you.

Never mind if Man Utd go on to win the title, they will always remember this humiliating defeat. So what Vidic was sent off? Mascherano was also sent off in last year corresponding fixture.

Sorry Red Devils, you were pathetic in this match. Even before Vidic was off, Liverpool was always on top. You needed a penalty to take the lead.

Hopefuly, after this defeat, Rooney will shut his mouth. Mr Fergie, you can go ahead to retire and Mr. C.Ronaldo, could you please stop opening your legs wide apart when you are taking your freekicks? It really make my day to see Old Fergie getting black faced not only once but four time last night.

Enough of Man Utd.

I guess this victory is even sweeter than the midweek game due to the margin and venue of the win.

Gerrard was magnificant, Torres was sublime and making Vidic look like novice. Aurelio and Dossena were having their better game. All the Liverpool players were simply awesome.

Indeed, Liverpool broke some record this year having ended Chelsea long unbeaten record at home and became the first team to win at Old Trafford 4-1 for a long time.

It was a vintage display from Liverpool. Credit must be given to the players and Rafa.

May this victory spur Liverpool to push for the title and may this defeat derail Fergie and his boys.

For now, let all associated with Liverpool FC savour this victory at OLD TRAFFORD.

It Is Over, Reds!

Man Utd, please pop the champange all you want. Celebrate all you want and laugh all you want. You are going to lift the BPL title come May.

Mr Rafa, what are you thinking? In a must win game, you play Sktrel on the right back, you play El Zahar who I think is a lousy player and you left Yossi on the Riera and Yossi on the bench.

After the famous at the Bernabeu, you destroy Liverpool's hope of wining their 1st BPL title in 19 years. Where was the hero on that night? Was Yossi injured? Was he tired? Why didn't you start with him in place of El Zahar? He missed a clear goal by skying the ball over. Please sell him away.

Liverpool clearly lack the strength and depth on the bench. Rafa, why did you buy Ngog? Is he a gem? If yes, why aren't other big clubs going for him? He is such a softie. He does not suit the BPL. Please offload him. Is Nemeth or Pacheo better than him?

The timing of Keane's departure is questionable. To cut on the loss, you sold Keane and not find any replacement.

What are you thinking Rafa? Say Bye Bye to your BPL title. Be beware, Chelsea and Villa may catch the team judging from last night dismay performance.

It is Man Utd for the title.

Liverpool enjoyed their best start to the season in many years. They have only lost once to-date and remain unbeaten against the other "Big 3". More importantly, they have beaten Chelsea twice which is something they could not achieve during Jose Mourhino's rein at Chelsea.

However, their best start is starting to end on a disappointing note if not a distrastous one. Knocked out in the FA Cup and Carling Cup, the Reds are 7 points behind Man Utd with 12 games to play.

History showed that Man Utd usually picked up steam at the turn of the New Year. This is especially true when they manage to turn draws into victories with those 1-0 wins against Stoke, Everton, Wigan and Sunderland. That is a massive points gained. On the other hand, Liverpool had been drawing against mid-teams. While they are impressive in making a comeback to avoid a lost, a draw is deem fatal to their title hope. Liverpool should be on the top of the table had they gained maximum points against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham, Everton, Hull and Man City. That is 12 points lost on all these games!

Benitez is a great tactican but he is no genius when buying players. Robbie Keane is a great example of a poor piece of business. What about Lucas? He is not the player needs. He is poor overall. What can I say about Babel? Not influential when called on to the pitch to make an impact. Who is Ngog and El Zahar anyway? Can they change the game for Liverpool? If Rafa think so, it must be the biggest joke he ever kid!

Without Gerrard, Liverpool cannot function. Simple as that!

Look at Man Utd, they have Rafeal or Evans who can perform exceptionally well when called upon. No Roodney? No problem. They have Berbatov and Tevez? No Torres, big problem because Liverpool has only Ngog? No Carrick or Scholes? No worry, they have Fletcher or Park. No Gerrard or Alonso? Big problem, they have only Lucas? Who is Lucas? Mascherano? He can only pass and break up attack but he cannot shoot properly.

It seems like Man Utd is going to lift the title come May.

Massive Win But Not Good Enough.

After drawing 3 successive games and surrender the top spot to Man Utd, Liverpool secured a morale boosting win against a 10 men Chelsea after Lampard was sent off at the one hour mark.


It has been a frustrating start to the New Year seeing the title challenge gradually withering away. With contracts talk for Agger and Rafa stalling, Rafa going at Man Utd's Chairman , possiblle takeover talks and the future of Keane remain unsolved, Liverpool pressing the self destruct button.

Personally, the Chelsea was billed as the match of "Winner take second." I doubt any team can catch Man Utd now looking at those 1-0 wins. The show the form of a Champion - able to grind out result when the teams played badly. It's a race for second between the Reds and Blues.


Though the win against Chelsea put the title challenge back on track, Liverpool is simply lack the match winner like Man Utd possess. Liverpool is heavily dependant on Gerrard and Torres while Man Utd have players like Ronaldo, Berbatov, Roodney, Tevez and Giggs as match winners.

What if Lampard was not sent off? Would it be another draw for Liverpool. Liverpool dominated the game but could not find the net. The lack of quality in the final third is evident.

Liverpool is just plain lucky to beat Chelsea but they will not be crowned Champion come May.

The score read Torres 2 Chelsea 0.

Rafa is losing his plot

First it was a verbal attack on Sir Alex, then on Man Utd's chairman. Liverpool followed with a goalless draw at Stoke. The following day saw Man Utd destroyed Chelsea 3-0.

I do agree with Sir Alex's comment that Rafa is disturbed. Clearly, Rafa knows his team is slowly losing the title race to Man Utd despite leading the table. He is doing everything to unsettle Fergie's team but Fergie is too smart for that.

Failing to beat Stoke home and away must be considered a terrible result for a team like Liverpool. Arsenal has been grinding result recently. If Liverpool is not careful, they might get lose in the race.

With speculation that contract talk with Rafa stall, there seems to be a little problem with Liverpool.

As current things stand, Rafa should worry about his team rather than unsettling Man Utd or others. It is Liverpool that is unsettled.

Liverpool Choke Against Stoke

(Gerrard's face says it all)

Liverpool expected to go 6 points clear from Chelsea after the Stoke game. In the end, the Reds can only master a 0-0 draw against the Potters.

The Reds started with Keane and Torres on the bench while Gerrard play the hole behind Kuyt. This move prove wrong from the start. Liverpool fail to create any real chance. Gerrard was not that his influential self, while Riera fail to add width the to left flank.

Stoke dominate the first half with a shot against the post and a goal disallowed.It was a poor first half for the league leader.

Liverpool started the game with more purpose. Torres replaced Riera at the half hour. In the end, Liverpool produce yet another lacklustre perfomance in a match which they are expected to win.

No wonder Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that Liverpool will not last the pace. Base on the last night performance, it is not difficult to see why.

Irregardless of the Chelsea v Man Utd result today, Liverpool will know that they have lost another chance to pull further from the two yet again.

Overall it was a poor poor Liverpool performance.

5 Star Liverpool

What a way to end the year 2008 on top and 3 points clear of Chelsea.

Liverpool achieved this feat with a 5-1 demolition of Newcastle at St.James Park. Liverpool displayed their ruthlessness that was lacking during that two 0-0 draws at home to West Ham and Fulham.

Had Liverpool won that two encounters, they would have sitting comfortably at the to leading by 7 points.

This has to be one of the greatest match Liverpool played this season. Any team that goes to Newcastle and banged in 5 goals must be respected.

I am a big critic of Alonso and Kuyt but both seem to be playing better. I just hope Rafa will not sell him to Arsenal or other clubs.

Liverpool will certainly be the team to beat comes 2009.

With Chelsea and Arsenal to come to Anfield. Anything can happen.

The first big match will see Chelsea meeting Man Utd, I certainly hope it end with a draw while Liverpool win at Stoke.

Go Liverpool!

The Big Four - Loving Each Other.

The EPL this season is a funny one. The Big Four seem to love each other so much that they are "giving" each other the chance to claim the title.

Never in any BPL season that the Big Four dropped points together in the same week, I did not happen once but thrice.

Just when it looked my Liverpool presented Chelsea with numerous chance to reclaim top spot with a series of draws at Anfield, Chelsea themselves also drew games.

While Arsenal has been inconsistent losing to smaller teams but winning against Man Utd and Chelsea, they fell further behind after drawing with Liverpool last week.

The greatest beneficiary got to be Man Utd. They returned from the Far East with 2 games in hand and only 7 points behind leaders Liverpool.

It has been a funny season.

Liverpool Tripped At Home Once Again

Another 2 points dropped at home again. It is 3 games without a win at home.

Hull City put up another brave performance to dent Liverpool's title credential. Liverpool had to come back from 2 goals down to draw 2-2. As past home matches, Liverpool dominated the game but Hull took the lead against the run of play.

Liverpool was lucky to draw the game from a brace from who else but Gerrard. The Reds need their skipper to save them again.

It was another frustrating evening for the Reds fans and Liverpool team. Keane's future at Liverpool is becoming bleak when Rafa refused to use him in the match when Liverpool is in search of another goal.

Chelsea will be smiling as they should top the table after their game against West Ham. Liverpool regin at the top look shortlived.

Liverpool v Hull - My Preview

Liverpool host surprise package Hull City in their final match over the "honeymoon" period. After this match, the Reds will go head to head against Arsenal away from home.

During this "honeymoon" period, Liverpool disappoint many by drawing blank against lesser teams like Fulham and West Ham at home but register away win to Blackburn and Bolton. The record for those matches read P5 W3 D2 L0. If Liverpool were to turn the 2 draws to wins, they will be riding at the top by 5 points instead of a slender 1 point lead.

Many lesser known teams seem to have found a way to frustrate Liverpool at Anfield. However Hull City will not adopt a defensive formation as evident in their away matches against Arsenal and Man Utd where they scored and conceded 5 goals. Hull City's offensive play will suit Liverpool.

Having said that, without Torres, Liverpool may again be left frustrated by creating chances but not able to score.

With 2 victories away to Blackburn and PSV, this match is a MUST win for the Reds if they are to maintain their lead at the top knowing that Chelsea will beat West Ham.

I would go for a 2-0 win for Liverpool.

Wonderful Week for Liverpool

Liverpool maintained their one point lead at the top of the BPL table by beating Blackburn 3-1 at Ewood Park.

The scoreline did not reflect the whole story. Liverpool were made to work hard by a Blackburn side in deep trouble.

The first hafl saw Liverpool failing to get the foothold of the game and ended 0-0. It was the second half when Xavi Alonso opened the floodgate. With Torres out for another few weeks or so, one would wonder where the goals would come especially when Keane is struggling to find the net on a regular basis.

Wanted away Benayoun scored Liverpool second with a superb piece of skill. Santa Cruz gave Blackburn hope before Gerrard sealed the game with Liverpool third.

I would like Rafa to give Benayoun more playing time especially Liverpool fail to find the net against Fulham and West Ham. The former Hammer will provide extra craft and vision to create goals for Liverpool with the loss of Torres.

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A second string Liverpool side produced a positive display at PSV to top the group knocking off Athletico Madrid.

Goals from Babel, Riera and Ngog was enough to see of PSV 3-1 after trailing a goal down.





With the victory, Liverpool have the advantage of playing the second leg of the knockout stage at home.

It was rather perfect 4 days for the Reds having scored 6 goals in 2 away games.

This will certainly give Rafa's team the confident of challenging for honours for both front.


With Hull coming to Anfield this weekend, Liverpool will ill afford another 0-0 soreline against the Tigers. This is an ideal chance for Liverpool to pull further from Man Utd who travel to White Hart Lane to face in form Spurs. Spurs may just nick something from that game.

It all remain to be seen if Liverpool can carry the great form into this weekend game before they face Arsenal at the Emirates next week.

Title Challenger? It's Rubbish!

First it was Stoke, then Fulham and now West Ham.

It seems Liverpool is doing charity in this season BPL title race. Just when their rivals dropped points, Liverpool simply do not know how to take advantage. They lack
the experience to challenge for the title.

Lesser known teams have found a way to play at Anfield and Liverpool do not have answers to overcome them. The greatest beneficaries from the Anfield flop is Man Utd. However Chelsea and Arsenal must also be similing brightly after this draw.

It makes little wonder Man Utd and Chelsea have rule out Liverpool in this title challenge. It is not hard to think so.

Liverpool has dropped 6 points at Anfield this season and this is real bad. The draw matches they MUST win. There is no point beating the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd but drawing against teams like Fulham, Stoke and West Ham.

Rafa clearly need one more class striker. Robbie Keane is proving to be a big flop. 20 million pounds for Keane is surely an expensive flop. He is unable to lead the frontline during the absence of Torres.

I think I'm taking a short break from watching Liverpool play. They are back to their Houllier days when they are unable to grind result necessary to win the title. What promises to be a exciting month of November and December when Liverpool play the mid-table teams now are turning into a banana skin.

Seriously, Rafa need another proven striker to replace Torres upfront. Liverpool may wish to offload Keane in the summer.

Buy Defoe, Rafa!