Stewart Downing - West Hahahaham player

[BobTheCharmer]

It's not really about whether the criticism is justified, it's about criticising players in public. Hodgson was criticised for that, as well as for the substance of his comments on players like Johnson and Agger.

I'm not defending Downing's performances or the fee we paid, let alone Bronto Bodge, but it seems to me that the attacks on Downing for responding to the manager's public criticism in a fairly muted way are unfair. You've just confirmed it - you, like most people here, don't mind the manager going public so long as you agree with it. That's your (and their) prerogative but let's not hear too much about keeping things in-house or "the Liverpool way" any more.

well said Neil. If the results don't pick up people will soon turn on Brenda speaking so openly.

[danperkins]

fair enough.

I think he's far from an embarrassing footballer. Just wish he had a pair of balls he bought to every game. He's shown on occasions he has. Just not anywhere often enough. It's obvious he'll be leaving, so it will be good if we can get some more performances like Thursday out of him. Regardless of what some thought but that was a perfectly acceptable level of play to enable him to assist the team.

The way i see it is this get has been given a chance to play for LFC (god only knows how!!!!), he is on massive money. The least he can...the very least is break his bollocks for the team and for the supporters. IMO that's the very least any footballer can do, even if their not that talented or simply having a bad game. I think it is quite obvious that Downing is lazy and a wimp, this traits don't go down well with supporters yet alone someone like Rogers.

Anyways personally i find it insulting that a guy like Downing has got such a wonderful opportunity in life to play professional football and at LFC and not only does he not bother his fat arse to make an effort in 99% of games.. he gives us his hard done by story to the press every few weeks.

As regards Rogers comments i have no problem with them when their directed at Downing, although Brendan has his own problems and should concentrate on getting results! Everyone was saying how improved his performance was but yet he was too lazy to track his man and was at fault for 2 goals...which cost us the game.

[Neil Young]

He didn't cost us the game.

[Shaggy]

The difference is that Hodgson criticised someone like Glen Johnson, one of our best players at the time (and still is).

Rodgers has criticised Downing and Enrique...enough said.

Downing hasn't helped himself in his response, talking about tackling when it's obvious he means the pressing game. If he can't or won't do it, then there's no place for him.

[Phoenix07]

It's not really about whether the criticism is justified, it's about criticising players in public. Hodgson was criticised for that, as well as for the substance of his comments on players like Johnson and Agger.

I'm not defending Downing's performances or the fee we paid, let alone Bronto Bodge, but it seems to me that the attacks on Downing for responding to the manager's public criticism in a fairly muted way are unfair. You've just confirmed it - you, like most people here, don't mind the manager going public so long as you agree with it. That's your (and their) prerogative but let's not hear too much about keeping things in-house or "the Liverpool way" any more.

I'm not arsed about Downing responding, it's what he's said which confirms he doesn't understand what is being asked of him.

And that is how Rodgers works. He's been under the wing of Mourinho and watched Van Gaal. It's a technique the latter two use as a major kick up the arse. If they don't respond, they'll be dropped. If they continue not to respond, they'll be shown the door. Hodgson did it at the worst possible time to two first team players. Rodgers is doing it when Suso, Wisdom, Sterling and Robinson have played really well, thus displacing Downing and Enrique. They haven't responded, so he's using a technique to get them to. I don't think either of them have long to be honest.

No one here is quoting the Liverpool Way either. If you'd like to talk about it, we can start from the very top and show why it's not being adhered to throughout the club rather than single out Rodgers.

[danperkins]

He didn't cost us the game.

Certainly doesn't help when he was at fault for 2 goals, track his man and they don't happen.

[BobTheCharmer]

Certainly doesn't help when he was at fault for 2 goals, track his man and they don't happen.

Is that more to do with Rodgers system that the player? How many wingers over the years have tracked every run, tackled and then had enough energy to do damage in a forward position? Barnes wouldn't have been as effective. Sterling does it as he's young and full of energy. Yet is taking from something at the other end? Who knows for sure. We use wingers like wing backs, having to cover for the full back and in this case Johnson going walkabout. Downing did work hard and make tackles, but very few wingers in the world will cover every run from an opponent. I think it's a failing slightly of our system. But if Rodgers wants that then he must go find them.

[Neil Young]

Certainly doesn't help when he was at fault for 2 goals

He wasn't any more at fault than anyone else, and less so than some. But having considered it carefully I can now fully see the logic of your position.

Johnson and Gerrard both give the ball away and the goals that result are solely the responsibility of Downing because he alone failed to rescue their mistakes...

[danperkins]

Is that more to do with Rodgers system that the player? How many wingers over the years have tracked every run, tackled and then had enough energy to do damage in a forward position? Barnes wouldn't have been as effective. Sterling does it as he's young and full of energy. Yet is taking from something at the other end? Who knows for sure. We use wingers like wing backs, having to cover for the full back and in this case Johnson going walkabout. Downing did work hard and make tackles, but very few wingers in the world will cover every run from an opponent. I think it's a failing slightly of our system. But if Rodgers wants that then he must go find them.

He definitely doesn't suit Rogers system that's for sure. But sure he was a lazy ****er in Kenny's system too. Downing simply didn't track his man, elementary in football & we paid the price...twice.

To be honest it's not even that particular game, he just accepts no responsibility on the field whatsoever and seemingly judging by his numerous comments the the press.. he doesn't accept any responsibility off the field either.

Lousy attitude the guy has. His demeanor and body language on the pitch is insulting to every LFC supporter, especially people who pay to for season tickets every year.

[yamiedo]

Hatred for one of our own players. ****ing hell by all means dislike him for playing **** but I just don't get this hatred. Is it the fee that is adding to this? If he cost a mill would you feel better? People should not read so much into articles or comments printed in the press from players. They're hardly ever taken in right context. Players and managers can't win ever these days. If they comment it's wrong and if they say nothing they don't care.

It's his attitude for me. If he starts showing fight and aggression to play for us like against Udinese then i'll have no problems.

[Neil Young]

He definitely doesn't suit Rogers system that's for sure. But sure he was a lazy ****er in Kenny's system too. Downing simply didn't track his man, elementary in football & we paid the price...twice.

To be honest it's not even that particular game, he just accepts no responsibility on the field whatsoever and seemingly judging by his numerous comments the the press.. he doesn't accept any responsibility off the field either.

Lousy attitude the guy has. His demeanor and body language on the pitch is insulting to every LFC supporter, especially people who pay to for season tickets every year.

I was clearly imagining things when I saw him make covering tackles at least twice when Johnson was out of position (which isn't necessarily a criticism of Johnson by the way).

And the fact he made one goal and laid on other chances... He did more than Assaidi. But somehow it was all Downing's fault we lost.

I give up. See what you want to see.

What a colossal waste of time.

[danperkins]

He wasn't any more at fault than anyone else, and less so than some. But having considered it carefully I can now fully see the logic of your position.

Johnson and Gerrard both give the ball away and the goals that result are solely the responsibility of Downing because he alone failed to rescue their mistakes...

No he was at fault because he didn't track his man for the first goal and Johnson compounded this by his own mistakes. The third goal Downing literally let Pasquale run right by him and Pasquale scored.

Everyone makes mistakes that's not the issue, it's about working for the team. Johnson had a stinker for sure but breaks his bollocks in every game and makes an effort... this laziness by Downing is not an isolated incident.

[el matador]

Downings not lazy but hes not strong enough in the tackle.

[Mostar]

Translation: Dont even dream of trying to sell me off in a cut price deal. I will need my full salary paid.

I am surprised he had the stomach for such an interview. Most likely he drove to the Echo office at full speed, parked in the lot, then called Enrique who then conveyed the message to the reporter.

[danperkins]

I was clearly imagining things when I saw him make covering tackles at least twice when Johnson was out of position (which isn't necessarily a criticism of Johnson by the way).

And the fact he made one goal and laid on other chances... He did more than Assaidi. But somehow it was all Downing's fault we lost.

I give up. See what you want to see.

What a colossal waste of time.

If i was alone in your assessment you might have a point but i'm not, many on here have said the same time and time again that his attitude is appalling. And clearly our manager saw things a bit closer to my thinking than yours, so 'see what you want to see' seems to me a bit closer to home for you neil, i also give up Stuart Downing has taken up way too much of my Sunday