glass half empty

[Tee]

Sack Rafa... we are getting far too entertaining......

[Joe King]

Maybe Rafa should '**** off to redcafe and support the scum'

[Icon]

Istanbul

You sound like a cool guy to be around.....

[Mattshark]

Sack Rafa... we are getting far too entertaining......

When was the last time we where the leagues top scorers with the best goal difference at this end of the season.

[Kinell]

United will be missing Scholes, Rooney, and Vidic for the Villa match as well.

[Shaggy]

When was the last time we where the leagues top scorers with the best goal difference at this end of the season.

Negative, cautious Rafa!!!!

[babylon]

Negative, cautious Rafa!!!!

I just don't get it. We had this label last season yet we scored more goals than any other top division team in all competitions.

I think with Rafa he doesn't just consider tactics for individual games, he really does play tactics over the course of a whole season, focusing his mind on the precise time to turn a screw here, turn a screw there, When to unleash hell, when to play it steady. This is really becoming evident right about now. It is a risky game to play as you rely on other teams results to a certian degree, but, hell look at this timing to reach top form, and look at the condition of the players more than three quarters of the way through the season, while other teams are wilting. Even the timing of his press conference even, most managers would start mouthing off against an opposition manager just before the two clash. Rafa does it 2 months before hand in such a way that he knows his comments will still be bubbling at the surface of the media when they came to play each other last week. All of a sudden before the MU game and since, Ferguson has taken the bait hook line and sinker and Rafa sits there quietly.

Genius.

[Neil Young]

well something tells me he will be back for the villa game and out for the international games

Isn't Man United/Villa in two weeks anyway?

[Neil Young]

I think that Martin O'Neill proved today that he is tactically inept.

Everyone knows that to play against Liverpool at Anfield means organisation, discipline, hard work and packing the midfield and defence. His team were an unorganised shambles and got what they deserved.

That proof is definitely a plus. Perhaps it will stop people calling for him to replace Rafa.

He's a dinosaur really. Yes, his up-and-at-em tactics and no rotation policy hark back to our (early) glory days under Shanks but football has moved on from then.

I heard the other day someone say that Spanish football was technical, Italian football was tactical and English football was physical. Well, English football is increasingly technical and tactical. It's not a coincidence that we have the most tactically astute coach in England in Rafa, a manager whose inspiration wasn't a Spanish coach but Arrigo Sacchi. He has brought tactical sophistication to a new level I think, in this country at least. Allied with the English league's traditional physicality and a general improvement in technique (usually attributed to the influx of foreign players), then it's not hard to see why English teams dominate the Champions League.

[Redspin]

Brad Friedle being sent off is a disappointment.

Otherwise the perfect day.

Just thought I'd bring about a bit of negativity to the forum. Thought it could do with it.

That is all.

No need for you to do this mate. We've got Craig H doing a fine job in that role. I suppose you could fill in if he has a headache

[Redspin]

When was the last time we where the leagues top scorers with the best goal difference at this end of the season.

Please pay attention. We are very cautious whereas Man Utd are an exciting, attacking team, the like of which has never been seen before in world football. The fact that we've scored more than them have a better goal difference and they're the team that has ground out loads of 1-0 wins while playing poorly is totally irrelevant. Don't you ever watch Sky Sports or read the national papers?

[Craig_H]

No need for you to do this mate. We've got Craig H doing a fine job in that role. I suppose you could fill in if he has a headache

Boring ****e as per.

I call as i see it - been very positive because my opinion is based on what happens. We dont all permanently wear red tinted specs.

Oh, and just for your information:

The team was doing well but it's true I am not totally happy because we could have scored more goals from the counter attack.

We were playing against 10 players and had three or four more chances. It's really important to take them because you never know what's going to happen with the goal difference.

Today it wasn't key but in other games it has been. I wanted more goals. It's an area we need to improve.

Don't get me wrong, I am really pleased and happy. The players did a fantastic job but you can always improve.

Maybe you want to slag Rafa off for being negative, too?

[Guest]

That proof is definitely a plus. Perhaps it will stop people calling for him to replace Rafa.

He's a dinosaur really. Yes, his up-and-at-em tactics and no rotation policy hark back to our (early) glory days under Shanks but football has moved on from then.

I heard the other day someone say that Spanish football was technical, Italian football was tactical and English football was physical. Well, English football is increasingly technical and tactical. It's not a coincidence that we have the most tactically astute coach in England in Rafa, a manager whose inspiration wasn't a Spanish coach but Arrigo Sacchi. He has brought tactical sophistication to a new level I think, in this country at least. Allied with the English league's traditional physicality and a general improvement in technique (usually attributed to the influx of foreign players), then it's not hard to see why English teams dominate the Champions League.

I don't think English football ever lacked in terms of technique. I was really dubious about that theory a long time ago and the fact that they've espoused a more traditional European way of doing things now proves my point.

Players never had time on the ball here, and it's been even more acute in recent years when fitness levels have increased immeasurably. The high tempo nature of the game here meant players were rushed into having to indulge into quicker decision making, but it was just a question of adapting and shifting emphasis on keeping the ball, rather than trying to keep the tempo up all the time. That's where the tactical acumen of foreign managers came into the equation and helped develop the English game no end.

As a team, Liverpool has always played a more continental game and been highly successful at it, even amidst the 'up and at them' nature of English football. It's all about principles and applying & modifying them and to be able to adapt within a set pattern.

[Neil Young]

I don't think English football ever lacked in terms of technique. I was really dubious about that theory a long time ago and the fact that they've espoused a more traditional European way of doing things now proves my point.

Players never had time on the ball here, and it's been even more acute in recent years when fitness levels have increased immeasurably. The high tempo nature of the game here meant players were rushed into having to indulge into quicker decision making, but it was just a question of adapting and shifting emphasis on keeping the ball, rather than trying to keep the tempo up all the time. That's where the tactical acumen of foreign managers came into the equation and helped develop the English game no end.

As a team, Liverpool has always played a more continental game and been highly successful at it, even amidst the 'up and at them' nature of English football. It's all about principles and applying & modifying them and to be able to adapt within a set pattern.

Oh I really think that's wrong. I take your point about the lack of time but some players had simply appalling technique. Think of some relatively recent England players - Carlton Palmer, Geoff Thomas, etc.

IMO Liverpool haven't always played a continental game - I take the view that was brought in by Paisley. Our subsequent European success under him was not a coincidence.

[Redspin]

Boring ****e as per.

I call as i see it - been very positive because my opinion is based on what happens. We dont all permanently wear red tinted specs.

Oh, and just for your information:



Maybe you want to slag Rafa off for being negative, too?

No mate, you're doing a fine job as it is. It's just good to see negative gits like you trying to justify their perpetual stultifying negativity when we have good results. I particularly loved your quote that you were off to watch the Man U - Fulham game and would leave posters to slap each other on the back - a phrase cram packed with overweening smugness. Anyway, do please keep it up!