Don't take your eye off the ball reds

[desertscouser]

I really hope that all this investment talk doesn't distract Rafa and the players from getting the job done on the pitch. We can't afford to drop anymore silly points this season.

I hope all the take over talk has the opposite effect on the players, perfom or you'll be shipped out an replaced.

[IrishPaul]

Good point DS

Hopefully the players might be in the frame of mind that if the investment/takeover happens and Rafa gets more dosh then they're more likely to be replaced if they don't perform

[Eth]

If/When it happens it'll be a boost for the squad - they know that they are at a club about to take off and a manager that will drop them like a hot potato no matter how big their reputation is if they don't perform.

[IrishPaul]

If/When it happens it'll be a boost for the squad - they know that they are at a club about to take off and a manager that will drop them like a hot potato no matter how big their reputation is if they don't perform.

[desertscouser]

If/When it happens it'll be a boost for the squad - they know that they are at a club about to take off and a manager that will drop them like a hot potato no matter how big their reputation is if they don't perform.

I agree but it's all the uncertainty before it's signed and stamped which concerns me a little.

[Owen20]

I agree but it's all the uncertainty before it's signed and stamped which concerns me a little.

Me too mate.

...and this could drag on for a while.

[friedk]

I have a feeling the players will be playing for their lives, because there is a possibility now that they are all replaceable.

[bazza76]

All you have to do is listen to what Rafa said after the game to know that he himself is thinking like this, again he refuses to be drawn on anything other really than his next match. I think takeover may put Rafa under a bit more pressure aswell if it comes off, success on the field will be very important to this new owner.

[NICKZS]

All you have to do is listen to what Rafa said after the game to know that he himself is thinking like this, again he refuses to be drawn on anything other really than his next match. I think takeover may put Rafa under a bit more pressure aswell if it comes off, success on the field will be very important to this new owner.

He looked like a kid on Christmas Eve at the press conf. yesterday. If the deal goes through then there are no more obstacles in Rafa's path, and I think he knows exactly what he wants to do with the side, finance permitting.

[Mumsafan]

DS in panic and worry shocker

[desertscouser]

DS in panic and worry shocker

[bazza76]

He looked like a kid on Christmas Eve at the press conf. yesterday. If the deal goes through then there are no more obstacles in Rafa's path, and I think he knows exactly what he wants to do with the side, finance permitting.

I wouldnt say exactly.
Surely he must have budgeted for cheaper players than he now would be going for. I would think he still be going for the same youngsters. Possibly a couple more like Barnes etc. and a few argies

[NICKZS]

I wouldnt say exactly.
Surely he must have budgeted for cheaper players than he now would be going for. I would think he still be going for the same youngsters. Possibly a couple more like Barnes etc. and a few argies

I think Rafa has always targetted the more expensive end of the market and has eventually had to give up and settle for "Plan B" on almost all occassions (except in the cases of Alonso and Garcia, I would say). Even players like Agger, Kuyt, Bellamy and Crouch, who are all regulars had pricier alternatives. The amount of failed transfer bids we have had is ridiculous, and these were not small-fry dealings. Players like Simao and Alves are examples, where we were gradually exposed for our lack of funds.

Benitez has a make-shift squad in some respects at the moment, and I don't think for one minute he believes a player like Jermaine Pennant (I know, I know...) will help us to the title. I think he probably has someone in mind who will, though, and I reckon it's the finance and finance alone stopping him from finding that piece of the jigsaw.

As for the youth, I hope he does continue to try and keep our roots embedded in sustained yoth development, as he is doing at the moment, and I think he probably will. Rafa's a man of principal and I think he will keep running the club in a manner which befits the dignity and heritage of a team like Liverpool.

[Bender]

i'd like to think there professional enough to concentrate on the job

[bazza76]

welcome aboard kop.
I think Rafa is especially mentally strong enough and single minded to keep himself and the players and staff's mind on the job in hand, the ressies will want to impress tonight. am expecting a decent performance from Guthrie tonight.