Is anyone (bar results lol) really really unhappy with the progress of this squad? (THIS squad) Me? I honestly didn't think this many youngsters would be used & step up to plate. Needs to be managed carefully but it's still good news. It's also brought a "zip" to squad physically & mentally that's been missing. The basic idea is very Liverpool and for most part working on the pitch. Our better players are enjoying football again. Even our remaining oldies seem positive. Just a bit slower on the uptake lol. As another (already knew it, disappointing transition again season) we don't look lost. Manager: as much as he talks ****e to us & media at times: the players seem to believe & more importantly want to prove themselves to him, very few we've watched seem to struggle with the whole concept which was the accusation levelled at us by others when BR first came. (Mostly by jack offs) It's a long way off, but seriously it's not a cow pat.... And does anyone doubt from his selections (even if he makes tactical mistakes like all other managers) that this guy is prepared to drop or promote anyone for the good of the team?
I agree: was an attempt to fend off the "he talks Shiite" accusation. Talk the rubbish the media loves, say what really matters to the players. Sometimes it's been recently proven ....he can kill two birds with one stone.... Did I say that joe cole scored for the U21's?!!!!!!
There is plenty on the pitch to admire both in our play and individual players. Tonight we came up against a very professional team and lost due to our mistakes and two very good shots. However, before we get too carried away, let's not forget that we are losing games that we have dominated for long periods. For me the problem lies in our defensive midfield. If you push 2 men wide you will create acres of space to play in in the middle of our half. Without Lucas sitting there, we are as open as a tart's legs!
As a sea faring man, surely the women of ill repute would dander the docks on a sunny day more than in a howling gale?..... Wanders away in case Mrs Dave insists on an answer.....
Herself has gone to bed so you're quite safe! Howling gales are best avoided - if you can. The last one cost me a couple of cracked ribs. So, there's probably more punters about marinas and quays when the weather is bad.
It was a strange game last night, I haven't watched it back yet so don't want to dwell on individual errors until seeing them back again but clearly its defensively we have the biggest issues at the moment. Going forward (yet again) we could have had a hat full. Consideringthe fact we just get **** all luck I thought we had a bloody good go at least (Sterling could have had two in the short time he was on and Shelveys back post touch was freakishly unlucky). The first half was a joy to watch at times and I was almost reaching for my phone at half time to compose a post about Downing playing well shame he was back to normal second half but it was almost a positive
It's been a long time since I watched a match and felt angry at the end! We played so well for most parts but how did we concede 3 goals?? I still cannot understand it! I was afraid that without Suso or Sahin, our midfield would not click but credit to Shelvey, Allen and Henderson - thought they were excellent. Also, things went to pieces when Henderson went off and Gerrard came on - again, credit to Henderson. Individual errors cost us us yet again - I think it was Johnson's poor touch which led to the first goal (an excellent goal by the way). It wasn't his best game but I have noticed that (bar this game), he will defend brilliantly for 89 minutes but will make 1 mistake and we will be punished. Coates was almost perfect - but another mistake cost us. I thought it was a difficult cross to clear so I do feel a little sorry for Coates but felt he could have done better. Apart from that, I thought he was brilliant. Read the game well, and pretty much won every 1 on 1 duel. And then Gerrard's misplaced pass cost us the 3rd goal. As angry as I am, there were plently of positives: - We're scoring goals! Our attacking play has definitely improved. - Suarez can't stop scoring haha. - The youngsters are stepping up to the plate - The youngsters dominated an experienced Udinese side (over 60% possession). Udinese were a penalty kick away from playing in the Champions League so they're no mugs. - Coates will be a future star - Borini's running and movement. He may not have scored but I felt he was often isolated. He made some excellent runs and I think he could score a few if he had better service. - Reina played extremely well. Made a couple of good saves (one was world class) and generally looked composed. But our defence is extremely fragile at the moment. Taking Henderson off was a big mistake as it left us exposed. Please come back Lucas!!!
We were fantastic in the first half I thought, composed, patient and tidy. And let's not forget that bar reina, Allen , Johnson an perhaps borini this was our second 11. Robinson really looks the part and Coates is going to be one of the best in a few years I think. Conceding in the opening 30 seconds is hard for a team to take as all of BR's half time words go out the window after that. Second goal was really unlucky and hen the third went in I really lost my temper! (didn't think I'd get that worked up over a Europa group game) but we didn't deserve that. Battled back hard and were unlucky not to be on level terms at full time. Exciting times ahead I feel.
