Archive for April 2010

As Bayern Munich stomp their way closer to Champions League success, it looks like we’re going to be in for an interesting finalé as Barcelona play out that second leg against Inter tonight. Meanwhile we’re staring down the barrel of another Anfield toughy:

“Ngog has a hamstring strain as a result of a back problem which forced him off in the first leg 1-0 defeat in Madrid last week while Kuyt has a calf injury.” BBC.co.uk

Looks as though we’ve got no hope as we sling Babel right up there in lights (fingers crossed for the man with skill, but no proof of it) and look to Aquilani to drive with him. We’ve got a couple of baskets left for our eggs to cling onto, though. We’re not dead in the Prem just yet, and if Liverpool aren’t known for grinding out the last minute restul when they need it: right infront of the Kop, I don’t know what they are known for. Gerrard on his recent form is reportedly playing wide right, so let’s see what the old skip can pull out of his box of tricks for us.

For the time being there’s little more we can do than clutch our tickets/TV remotes/radios/streams and hope for the best. to distract myself I’ve pulled together a list of who I think Rafa might be looking at for the summer transfers as a move somewhere in the realms of good players/an opportunity to stay with the club/straight up financial investments:

Aleksander Kolarov
Jose Manuel Vargas
David Silva
Arda Turan – Openly admitted how much he loves Liverpool.
Benzema
Van Der Vaart – Poor man’s Kaka could save the middle.
Milan Jovanovic
Lassandra Diaara
Christoph Metzelder
Royston Drenthe

Daniel Pacheco – Youth Squad.

Rafa’s going to be promising the new owners something golden for the opportunity to dip into their savings accounts. Whilst you chew on those as an idea, I’m going to spend the rest of my time with my head under a pillow burbling as many Liverpool chants as I can remember. Come on then!!!
EDIT:: Barcelona gone! Mourinho runs about like a silver fox on heat. Inter will see Bayern Munich in the final.

I was avoiding the job of writing about the Athletico game because it was the classic ‘UEFA’ game you don’t bother watching to the end when you’re in the Champions League. Hurts to be on the other side of the coin.

One bleedin’ awful goal popped in by Diego Forlan after a totally miss-hit header. Reina spread himself well and pulled the “I’m fairly sure this is going to his me in the face” expression, but to no avail. We’ve got them at Anfield next though, so we should be able to tear them apart. SHOULD. I promise you that there is absolutely no point in looking for a highlight reel. The game was dire. 90 minutes of pond-water.

On the other hand! True to Liverpool dog-fighting form we’re starting to claw our way back up! If we can get a few favours from the other boys (namely City beating Villa, followed by City and Tottenham pulling a draw.. we have a way in to beat Chelsea, then Hull: and make our way back into that illusive 4th spot that we so deserve. Manchester United manage to hand it to City, teaching them just what you need to be to play with the big boys (my first inkling of grattitude to Fergie this side of the Millenium).

But what happened during the Burnley game, I hear you cry. Well, friends: this is a highlight reel I implore you DO watch.

Gerrard is back. All the best to a try hard Burnley, but my God did it feel good to see our Liverpool team performing. Maxi, Aquilani and Benayoun playing an excellent midfield between them. Maxi himself scoring his first goal for the club with a cool slotter into the bottom corner.  There were a smattering of hand-balls ignored by the referee (from Burnley, before you Man U fans start kicking off), and a fair few efforts from the heads of the home team. It’s not been an easy season for our boys in the midfield especially, so it’s warming to see that there’s some speculation about getting some van hire, as I mentioned before!

Van Der Vaart (the player I rave profusely about as being a poor mans Kaka) could be gracing the Red and White Kop. Watch this space!

It’s suggested that Burnley have kept a keen eye on their budgeting. Let’s hope so, as they’re going to need more than a car hire to get them to where they’re going. :’ (

What was a non-first half turned out to be a dream boat for us. 4 – 0. Bring on the Champions League 2011!