Talk is cheap

[The Glove]

i'm not having a go at them.

am i the only one who's feeling a little uncomfortable with our players coming out in the press and shouting the odds about the title race?

Gerrard, carragher, now riera, have all done media articles in the last few days, shouting from the rooftops about winning the league. Even rafa himself.

looks like to me and everyone else

[Craig_H]

Christ, have we reached the point where people arent intelligent enough to tell the difference between a suggestion/concern, and having a go?

[dww]

So, just to clarify, you started a thread about the odd quote that broadly speaking you are indifferent about and don't care about anyone elses opinion on and expected an intelligent debate?

[Craig_H]

So, just to clarify, you started a thread about the odd quote that broadly speaking you are indifferent about and don't care about anyone elses opinion on and expected an intelligent debate?

I'm just worried that some of these comments, misconstrued by the media often, could well stoke the fires a bit at Old Trafford and motivate them a little more to get their eyes on the ball and recover their form. Just like when stuff comes out of OT, we're all saying about pin it up in the dressing room, it could work the other way too. Whereas if we dont say anything, there's nothing for the press to sensationalise.

If nobody else is worried, fair enough. Delete the thread.

[Chris]

I'm just worried that some of these comments, misconstrued by the media often, could well stoke the fires a bit at Old Trafford and motivate them a little more to get their eyes on the ball and recover their form.

Do you honestly believe that happens though? It's like when Messi called us boring and RAWK was filled with comments about how it will motivate our players even more, err hang on we were playing Barcelona, the current European Champions in the biggest club competition in the world, isnt that motivation enough?

Their motivation will be equalling our league titles and a battering ringing in their ears from their manager, I very much doubt Albert Riera saying "Liverpool are playing well" registers in their team talks.

If people have room for being motivated because an opposing player made a comment in the press they shouldnt be playing at this level anyway.

[Kenneth]

It's certainly true that the thread started with a very hyperbolic assessment of the media statements from LFC players but it has sensibly moved on to the fact that the media are desperate to report anything they can on what is turning out to be a very exiting title race. Our players would have to refuse all comment if this were to be avoided, but I fear even this approach would be spun one way or another. This kind of high stakes banter just comes with the territory because we're in a good position to challenge. It probably won't have a major impact on the title run in.

So no, not that worried.

[PTP]

i just think that, if the players/management - did as you say/want and didn't say anything, you would probably have started a thread saying you are worried about the lack of noise from anfield and it must be because the players don't think they are capable of a title challenge and thats how it will be percieved by the press who will sensationalise the fact we aren't saying anythng and that you would prefer it if one of two of them came out with something positive to say to show we are up for the fight rather than staying quiet!

[Craig_H]

Do you honestly believe that happens though? It's like when Messi called us boring and RAWK was filled with comments about how it will motivate our players even more, err hang on we were playing Barcelona, the current European Champions in the biggest club competition in the world, isnt that motivation enough?

Their motivation will be equalling our league titles and a battering ringing in their ears from their manager, I very much doubt Albert Riera saying "Liverpool are playing well" registers in their team talks.

If people have room for being motivated because an opposing player made a comment in the press they shouldnt be playing at this level anyway.

I think it CAN make a difference, if just a small one. But in a title race, even the slightest little difference can be decisive.

I'm not having a go at any of the players, or criticising them, despite what agenda-seekers might think. I'm just a little nervy about the situation and how tight it is in this title race, and maybe i'm worrying about nothing, but i'd just like us to not give them even the slightest thing to get fired up about.

Like i said, it's more about how the media report the comments, than the comments themselves, but if they say nothing, the media wont have an interview to twist. That's all i was saying.

Take me off to the gallows now.

[Vermilion]

i just think that, if the players/management - did as you say/want and didn't say anything, you would probably have started a thread saying you are worried about the lack of noise from anfield and it must be because the players don't think they are capable of a title challenge and thats how it will be percieved by the press who will sensationalise the fact we aren't saying anythng and that you would prefer it if one of two of them came out with something positive to say to show we are up for the fight rather than staying quiet!

I know what your saying, and whatever our players say or do or don't say or do it will be interpreted differently, especially by the press, and in a way that sells newspapers most likely.

[Craig_H]

i just think that, if the players/management - did as you say/want and didn't say anything, you would probably have started a thread saying you are worried about the lack of noise from anfield and it must be because the players don't think they are capable of a title challenge and thats how it will be percieved by the press who will sensationalise the fact we aren't saying anythng and that you would prefer it if one of two of them came out with something positive to say to show we are up for the fight rather than staying quiet!

I really wouldnt have.

Look back through my posts if you like, but i've always been one who favours the 'talking on the pitch' approach. The media can do one.

[calvoboy]

Ordinarily I would agree with you, but I think it's just that we know that we've got right under their skin at the moment and don't want to allow them to go away for a fortnight for the international break and come back re-charged. So we keep reminding them again and again that we are breathing down their necks and they are wobbling.

Wouldn't surprise me if Rafa has given them instructions, it seems to be one a day

And true to form, looks like it's Arbeloa's turn today!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo....html?ITO=1490

[Kenneth]

Craig's right to an extent, but there's a balance. Say enough to keep some kind of pressure on Utd, don't sound too cocky that it gives them an extra motivation. I think we've got the balance right at the moment.

[Kenneth]

And true to form, looks like it's Arbeloa's turn today!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo....html?ITO=1490

And what he actually said:

"Arbeloa said: 'It is really important to score as many goals as we can because you never know what the situation will be at the end of the season.

'At the moment, we are playing well and scoring goals so now we have to keep on going and see what happens.'".

Perfectly sensible comments, silly sensationalist headline.

[Craig_H]

And what he actually said:

"Arbeloa said: 'It is really important to score as many goals as we can because you never know what the situation will be at the end of the season.

'At the moment, we are playing well and scoring goals so now we have to keep on going and see what happens.'".

Perfectly sensible comments, silly sensationalist headline.

That's the problem - the headline (accurate or not) is all that's needed to be used as a motivational tool.

[BFG]

And what he actually said:

"Arbeloa said: 'It is really important to score as many goals as we can because you never know what the situation will be at the end of the season.

'At the moment, we are playing well and scoring goals so now we have to keep on going and see what happens.'".

Perfectly sensible comments, silly sensationalist headline.

You didn't scroll down past the picture though but they're still perfectly acceptable things to say.

'He (Torres) wanted to score, of course, but it didn’t happen for him on the day,' said Arbeloa, 'But Stevie came through with a hat-trick and Dirk and Albert both scored also which is a good sign for us because it is important that we have possibilities to score goals throughout the team.'