Stoke game build up

[TheElephantMan]

I feel sorry for Babel at this stage. I'm not a big fan of his as a player but he has very obviously been trying hard this season. I hate to see the abuse he is getting.

If he goes I really do wish him all the best.

Trying to do what? Play football?

[Shaggy]

I feel sorry for Babel at this stage. I'm not a big fan of his as a player but he has very obviously been trying hard this season. I hate to see the abuse he is getting.

If he goes I really do wish him all the best.

I don't rate him at all and hope and pray we flog him for around £10m, but I totally agree about the abuse on Twitter, forums etc. It's not on.

[The_weatherman]

I don't rate him at all and hope and pray we flog him for around £10m, but I totally agree about the abuse on Twitter, forums etc. It's not on.

The abuse is embarrassing for everyone but every public figure on twitter, facebook etc. is leaving themselves vulnerable to it, he should maybe think about closing his account.

[Qantaga]

Babel's tweet minute ago

Hey people, I got some disappointing news, I m not travelling 2 Stoke.. The Boss left me out the squad. No explanation..

So, he's either out or bull****ting?

Could be good news. 11 young fresh faces on the pitch maybe? haha

\Q

[Guest]

The abuse is embarrassing for everyone but every public figure on twitter, facebook etc. is leaving themselves vulnerable to it, he should maybe think about closing his account.

Exactly. If you're a public figure and let people have access to your twits, and if you're thick enough to spout **** like this, then you're prone to people having a go at you.

[Marky]

I don't rate him at all and hope and pray we flog him for around £10m, but I totally agree about the abuse on Twitter, forums etc. It's not on.

Says you.

[Shaggy]

Says you.

[Mattshark]

Don't expect intelligence from Marky, he hasn't got any.

[Marky]

Uncle 'Arry offers his support to Rafa:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8462403.stm

[Shaggy]

He does my head in but that was nice to see.

[Marky]

Awk he's a little irritating but he's not the worst.

Very good manager anyway.

[-V-]

Uncle 'Arry offers his support to Rafa:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ol/8462403.stm

He does my head in but that was nice to see.

Nice words there. Hear him talking about how Rafa's record is brilliant and how the Liverpool fans are fantastic and knowledgeable. Sounds like he wants the job

[Shaggy]

One or two others sticking up for him too...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8461711.stm

And the Spaniard found an ally in Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, whose side are themselves hoping to pip Liverpool to a top-four finish this season.

When asked about Benitez's situation, Redknapp replied: "The man's record is fantastic and he doesn't need advice off me.

"Last year, Liverpool were fantastic and they're capable of being fantastic again and Benitez knows that - he's a top, top manager.

"Sometimes it's a thin dividing line (between success and failure). Everybody has those spells, the bad spells. You have to be patient and let him turn it around.

"When he gets everyone back fit they're capable of having a terrific run again for sure. Liverpool will always come back strong."

Liverpool are desperate for a win at Stoke in the 1245 GMT kick-off on Saturday to boost their hopes of finishing in the top four and reaching next season's Champions League.

Potters boss Tony Pulis says he is prepared for a Liverpool backlash after the storm of criticism that hit Benitez and his players following Wednesday's Cup loss.

"I think Rafa's been a bit unlucky this season with injuries and loss of form of key players," said Pulis. "They will have been stung by the criticism and a backlash is what I'm sure Rafa will be hoping for.

"Their players will be fired up, which will make it a more competitive and difficult game for us, and we have to be ready for that."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said he had no doubt Benitez was the best man for the Anfield job.

"I consider Rafa Benitez to be one of the best coaches in the world," said the Italian. "He has done a fantastic job and he has the quality to continue to do that job."

[-V-]

Your quotes are a bit mixed up there but yeah pleased he is getting some public support.

Pulis says he thinks our players will be fired up, but we've been hoping they would be for a few weeks now and they never are

[ronniedrew]

babels twitter ?

babel is a disgrace, he's not man enough to make it at a top club imo, doesnt have the natural desire/need to win. he has the talent but not the bottle.