Arsenal's mouthpiece reckon he's accepted that his £40m clause is bunk.
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Arsenal's mouthpiece reckon he's accepted that his £40m clause is bunk.Last edited by Kenneth; 31-07-13, 10:09 PM.Trey Nyoni: countdown to stardom-2 years1year0.5 years -
Haha...keep up mateOriginally posted by Kenneth View Post
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'Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple.'
Bill Shankly.Comment
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Gerrard on a mission to convince Luis Suarez to stay at Liverpool
By James Pearce
31 Jul 2013 23:00
Liverpool captain believes the Reds must hold on to last season's 30-goal top scorer if they are serious about competing for a Champions League spot this term
Steven Gerrard is on a mission to convince Luis Suarez to stay at Anfield as the skipper insisted Liverpool can't afford to sell him to Arsenal regardless of the offer.
The midfielder believes the Reds, who rejected an improved bid of £40million plus £1 from the Gunners last week, must hold on to last season's 30-goal top scorer if they are serious about competing for a Champions League spot this term.
“I've spoken to Luis loads and of course I'm trying to get him to stay,” Gerrard said.
“We will have to wait and see if I have any joy. It's a difficult one from a team-mate's perspective as you've got to show a player respect. Luis is his own guy and makes his own decisions. But Luis Suarez knows what I want him to do, don't worry about that.
“He's the third best player in the world. You've got Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who are on a different planet then you've got Suarez and Gareth Bale.
“It's difficult to finish in the top four because of the power the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment. The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available.
“Where we sit right now all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult for Liverpool. It's that simple.
“If we get the couple of marquee signings we need and keep Luis that will give me confidence that we can compete. Keeping Luis could be our best signing of the summer.”
Suarez has informed Liverpool he wants Champions League football but Gerrard has urged him to stick around for another 12 months and achieve that ambition with Brendan Rodgers' side.
Gerrard admits the prospect of losing the prolific frontman would be easier to take if either Real Madrid or Barcelona were trying to lure him away.
However, Arsenal are still the only club to have tabled an offer and Gerrard says allowing him to move to the Emirates is unthinkable – even if they match Liverpool's £55million valuation.
“If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that bit more difficult,” he said. “It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table.
“Luis wants Champions League but so do I. If he was to stay around for 12 months and we achieved a top four finish, there is no better place in the world to play Champions League football than in front of an Anfield crowd.
“You only have to walk around this training ground to see some of the quotes from top players and top managers around the world when they talk about atmospheres on a Champions League night. Surely, you want to play Champions League with Liverpool rather than anyone else.
“If he was to go abroad to a Real Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American and from a family point of view, it's where they all want to be.Some of the top players I've played – Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso - their dream was to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
“If I was Luis I would wait for one of those two clubs because I think he's good enough to play for either of them.”
Gerrard is confident that if Liverpool do refuse to sell their prized asset, Suarez will knuckle down and maintain the standards he has set since his arrival from Ajax in January 2011.
Suarez is expected to play a part in his captain's testimonial against Olympiacos on Saturday. It would be the first time he has graced Anfield since he bit Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in April and was hit with a 10-game ban.
“I think he will get a very good ovation because the fans will want to show him how much they want to keep him,” Gerrard added. “You can understand the frustration because they don't want to lose a top player. It's similar to when they didn't want to lose Fernando Torres. It hurts them a lot.
“If Luis does move on to another club everyone connected to the club will be hurt because he's a top player.
“But if we manage to keep hold of him for that bit longer he will continue to be the phenomenal player he has been since he came in here.
“Giving 100% is in his make up. If Luis Suarez was to go and have a game of football with a gang of kids he would want to beat them. He's very similar to Wayne Rooney. They are street footballers. Whether they are playing two aside in the street or playing 11 against 11 in the Champions League they will give everything they have got to win.
“It's great to have him on your team, I wouldn't like to play against him. He comes alive when he goes on the field. His will to win is frightening.”Thanks very much for being ‘This Mornings’ Farmer’Comment
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Stevie
The times they are a changin'.Comment
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Luis Suarez must stay loyal to boost Liverpool's chase for Champions League football, says Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard’s loyalty to Liverpool will be celebrated on Saturday with a sold-out testimonial against Olympiakos at Anfield with the £1 million proceeds going to charity.
Many eyes will be on Luis Suárez, the unsettled striker coveted by Arsenal, but Gerrard hopes he can convince “the best footballer I’ve ever played with” to stay loyal, helping him to chase Champions League football.
“I’d say to Luis: ‘Give it one more year, see if we can achieve that’,’’ Liverpool’s captain said.
Gerrard also wants Liverpool to invest heavily in a world-class defender and attacker. “This club needs to make one or two big signings if we are to compete for the top four – and keep Suárez.
"Alongside Gareth Bale, Luis is the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luis and Bale are the two hottest properties out there at the moment.
"When you’re in that position, you’re going to get all kinds of teams wanting to pull you away, especially when you are at a club not in the Champions League. It’s nothing to do with the British media [criticising Suárez]. Knowing the guy as I do that’s probably the thing on his mind: wanting to be in the Champions League.’’
Olympiakos have been chosen as Saturday’s guests because they were the opposition on an unforgettable 2004 Champions League night when a Gerrard piledriver sent Anfield into raptures.
“If Luis experiences Champions League football here he’ll love it. They’ll be some of the best nights in his career. To play Champions League football in front of our fans is special. It’s an awful lot bigger than doing it at other clubs.
"I don’t think Arsenal is a step up. Us, Arsenal and Tottenham are fighting for one of the Champions League places. In an ideal scenario we keep Suárez, make one or two more signings and Tottenham lose Bale.
“Of course, we’re slightly behind the big three [Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea], who are powerhouses at the moment.
I don’t want to disrespect Arsenal. They’re a wonderful club with a manager who I’ve an awful amount of respect for and they have talented players throughout the team. But so have we. We’ve got just as good a chance of achieving things as Arsenal have.’’
Gerrard has been impressed with Brendan Rodgers’s summer signings, particularly Simon Mignolet.
“The keeper’s been superb. He’s made some unbelievable stops in training. To fill Pepe Reina’s shoes is going to be a big challenge because Pepe is world class. I’ve liked what I’ve seen of Simon so far.
"With the two Spanish boys [Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto] it’s going to take a bit of time, they’re young, learning the language, and it’s a big change for them culture-wise, but they’ve certainly strengthened the squad because they have ability.
"Kolo [Touré] has come in and done well: he’s a leader, very vocal, experienced. Maybe we do need one more defender who can play all across the back.
“We need that one exciting marquee signing who can play in one of the attacking positions [working with Suárez]. That’s why we are talking along the lines of keeping Luis because if the club lose Luis we take a step backwards. He’s the best footballer I’ve ever played with.
"Internationally, Rooney, Scholes, Lampard are all top players. John Terry and Rio Ferdinand at the back, all world-class footballers. Suarez is on a different planet to most footballers.’’
As for Suárez’s assorted misdemeanours, Gerrard said: “Luis has come out and apologised for what he’s done in the past. He’s serving his punishment, getting on with it. Everyone knows it wasn’t good what he did. For me, around the place, he’s fine, absolutely no problem.’’
The chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Gordon Taylor, spoke this week about the need for the errant members of his union to be more professional.
“There will always be certain individuals who let the game down and unfortunately everyone gets tarnished with the same brush,” said Gerrard.
“There are tons of good people in football who do an awful lot of good things on the pitch and also off it. A close mate of mine, Jamie [Carragher], has his own foundation; he’s done tons across this city. Craig Bellamy does stuff. So does Didier Drogba.
"There’s the England Footballers’ Foundation. The players get asked to do hours and hours of work, spend time with kids, and they do it without complaining. The effect that has on the children is unbelievable. Not much gets mentioned. We don’t want credit. A lot of people say that footballers are not good people. I disagree.’’ Gerrard has his own foundation helping disadvantaged children.
“We’ve been helping keep certain charities above water, helping individuals in need. We need to make a decision after the testimonial when we get the big money in. Alder Hey is one of the biggest children’s hospitals in the country. It would be nice to add to what’s already there.’’
Now 33, the Huyton-born Gerrard remains grounded. “It helps where I come from. I’m a council-estate boy. I’ve got family and friends around me. They wouldn’t let me take my feet off the ground.’’
He made his debut against Blackburn Rovers 15 years ago. “It’s gone in a blur. It’s been a journey full of highs and lows. I’ve got loads of regrets with Liverpool: the Champions League final in 2007, the 2012 FA Cup final against Chelsea, an own goal against Chelsea in the 2005 Carling Cup final.
"But the bad memories help you strive for good times. I’m totally proud of the career I’ve had so far.
“I cherish every moment. I know sooner rather than later I’ll be sitting here, and my boots will be hung up, and I won’t be going on a football pitch again. It does scare me because I love it so much. I’m more hungry now. I’ve got more of a buzz for this coming season than I’ve had before. I realise there will not be many left.’’
Carragher has retired. “Jamie had a fantastic career. It’s been a strange pre-season without Jamie. Not hearing his voice around. I’m really close to him. I’ve got to move on without him.’’
Will two such home-grown loyal players emerge again? “It’ll be rare. But of course it will happen again. Maybe not at this club for a while. It’ll certainly happen at other clubs. A lot of clubs are putting a lot of time and money to make sure the academies work.
"It’s different now for kids. They have so much more going on in their lives. I didn’t have Twitter or Facebook, PlayStation, iPads, iPhones [as an aspiring footballer]. I didn’t even have a mobile phone. It does distract some of them but it won’t stop top players coming through. With the right guidance and coaching we can still get top players through.
“We’ve had a few disappointing tournaments [with England] which are fresh in everyone’s memory, so it’s easy to say ‘there are problems from top to bottom’ and ‘English football’s in a state’. Hopefully in the not too distant future we can change that round, do well and prove to people that English football is going in the right direction.’’
England’s captain takes particular encouragement from Jack Wilshere. “He’s a fighter, got a good attitude and his talent excites me. I’ve never really had a run of games in the England team with him. Hopefully that will happen this season.
"With everyone fit and available I’m confident we can qualify for this World Cup. For me this is last-chance saloon to try and have some more good memories with England.”
He believes good times could also come under Rodgers. “He’s a good guy, down to earth, his man-management skills are fantastic. The atmosphere and the team spirit he creates are really healthy and positive.
"If you look at our form after Christmas, once Brendan settled in, it was really positive and that’s what gives me belief going forward. We have regular chats. We have a really good relationship.”
Talking of managers, Gerrard smiles at the mention of Jose Mourinho’s return. “I love Jose. I love him as a manager. I love what he brings to the English game. I love watching his interviews.
"When we’ve played against Chelsea I’ve managed to have a couple of conversations with him and he’s a top guy. I’m a big fan, but from a biased point of view I’m not too happy he’s back – Chelsea are one of the favourites for the league.
I know they had issues with managers at certain times over the last 12 months but now it looks as if they’re going to be really settled again under Jose. Everyone knows he’s a winner.
“I don’t think anyone will run away with the league. As a Liverpool fan and captain I hope Manchester United have a little bit of a wobble. But I think they’ll be fine.
"They have too many big players, top players, too many important people at the club, for them to have too big a wobble. I don’t think they’ll have it as easy as last year. The clubs just outside the Champions League are going to push the big teams all the way.’’
As for Joey Barton’s possible arrival at Everton, Gerrard said: “I like Joey as a player. He’ll strengthen Everton and certainly add a bit more spice to the Derby. If that happens it will certainly be a game I look forward to even more.” Especially if Suárez stays.Comment
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Gerrard
The times they are a changin'.Comment
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Nice words from Stevie about Suarez but means nothing unfortunately. A fully focused Suarez, Sturridge, Coutinho & a few marquee signings really would be nice.Last edited by danperkins; 31-07-13, 11:14 PM.Comment
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Surely even the people that want him gone can't deny that our team looks so much stronger with Suarez in it.The times they are a changin'.Comment
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Originally posted by Gibbo View Post
no doubts... just pushing for the move has got some peoples backs up...he wasn't exactly squeaky clean even before this debacle.
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Everything that Rodgers and now Gerrard have said recently has been spot-bollock on.
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So why the **** are we not signing that Marquis or two.
Are we winning?Comment
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There's still time yet, but the signings so far haven't strengthened us much if at all. We've lost Reina and Carragher and brought in Mignolet and Toure and then on a positive note I think Aspas might be a decent player. I really hope that we've got some really good players lined up otherwise we're going to fall further behind the top clubs. Before we know it we will become the next Aston Villa. The top teams are strengthening (apart from Spurs if they lose Bale) and we haven't so far. We really need a couple of top class players.Comment
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You absolute legend Stevie.
"Its not about the long ball or the short ball, its about the right ball." Bob PaisleyComment
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Exactly! If he could just give us another year to help us get 4th spot! We'd all forget about this summer and he'd be a hero. And he'd get the Champions League football he covets so much. It would be a dream for everybody."Luis wants Champions League but so do I. If he was to stay around for 12 months and we achieved a top four finish, there is no better place in the world to play Champions League football than in front of an Anfield crowd."
The crop of footballers who do eventually get us back into the Champions League will no doubt be beloved. Even though they have a totally different perspective than the fans, I can't imagine any member of the squad that put Liverpool back in Europe not finding the experience exceptionally rewarding. Is that too unrealistic? There's more glory and adoration in that achievement than going to some massively successful team and perpetuating the status quo...Comment
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As it stands I just can't see us achieving top 4 next season. If we keep Suarez we'll be in the same **** this time next year.We come not to play.Comment
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