The OFFICIAL Liverpool Supporters thread

[corn02]

Sorry for the spelling in my post by the way, quickly typed.

[Gabriel_Hurl]

As a matter of interest, how many points are we better off this season than last, in relation to our own performance. I see f*ck all improvement, except that United and Chelsea were worse than usual in the first few months. Liverpool will finish +10 behind United.

After an hour searching - here was the table on Jan 13, 2008 (after a 1-1 draw away to Middlesboro - incidentally also 3rd league draw in a row -  we went on to draw the next one and then lose at West Ham)

1 Man Utd 22 51
2 Arsenal 22  51
3 Chelsea 22  47
4 Liverpool 21 39

[corn02]

Overall things could not be more disappointing, there was a chance there and Rafa needs to turn things around. As I say I like him and I will support him until he goes, but his stock value is dropping.

I have time for him too, but I think he is just wired that way, and he's not going to change.

I will support any man who puts on the Liverpool jersey, or who is involved with the team. That doesn't mean I suspend my option to criticise if they are bad, or if I think silly things are being done. It's only my opinion, I doubt Rafa gives a spanish shite, but I don't think he can or will make the required changes in his attitude for Liverpool to win a title. Cups, yes, it's obvious why. English titles, nope, I don't think so.

Hard to disagree.

Started the season with a more attacking brand and while we were playing poor, we were getting lucky and getting the results.

Litle by little he reverted to his old style and while the performance level has been the same, the results just aren't coming.

[corn02]

As a matter of interest, how many points are we better off this season than last, in relation to our own performance. I see f*ck all improvement, except that United and Chelsea were worse than usual in the first few months. Liverpool will finish +10 behind United.

After an hour searching - here was the table on Jan 13, 2008 (after a 1-1 draw away to Middlesboro - incidentally also 3rd league draw in a row -  we went on to draw the next one and then lose at West Ham)

1 Man Utd 22 51
2 Arsenal 22  51
3 Chelsea 22  47
4 Liverpool 21 39

f**k that is a litlle bit of cheer on a horrible night.

[AZOffaly]

So there's a bit of progress points wise. When you factor in the wins against United and Chelsea, versus the results last year, it's probably the difference.

[Gabriel_Hurl]

I'm off to get drunk 

[corn02]

One extremely minor positive - the reaction from Keane when he came on - trying to rally the troops. well in lad.

[Armamike]

So is it the players or the way they are being asked to play ?
I believe its the latter

Real Laoislad - a bit of both really. I'm not sure if another manager could do much better with some of these players. There's not enough quality down the wings, from full backs and wide midfielders. Having said that, Benitez brought these players in and as others have said his footballing philosophy is a bit too cautious. There's a lack of real support from midfield going forward and a lack of movement (e.g. the likes of Alonso and Lucas are pretty static and never get forward to open up teams), which is probably a reflection of the manager's view on the game.  I would love to know how Benitez really views all these draws and what he sees as the cause.

[RedandGreenSniper]

People say he is too conservative but a look through United's stats shows that Ferguson has also took off attacking players for more conservative when leading narrowly. (Villa, Middlesborough and Wigan).

Yeah Ferguson might have done it but a couple of things on that. Firstly Ferguson doesn't do it as quickly. Secondly United can hold onto a 1-0 lead, they've mastered it this year. Liverpool on the other hand Liverpool have clearly struggled to hold onto a lead when they go into protect the lead mode. I think a lot of the reason for this is that United, because they have more attacking players starting off, won't be restricted as much if they take off one player like Rooney or Berbatov because they'll still have the likes of Ronaldo, Giggs, Scholes, Carrick etc on the field to push forward to relieve the pressure. Plus they have players that can attack and defend equally well.
When Liverpool take off Torres or Gerrard, they become the most conservative team in the country. When both are off - well they might as well forfeit the three points. Liverpool have the right balance for defending a lead when these two are on the field. When they don't, they tend to sit back too much with inevitable consequences

[AZOffaly]

He's getting dogged. I hope he stays. He's worth perservering with, but he needs to be given time to try and play with Torres. Rafa, of course, won't do that. Maybe when we're 8 points behind, but reasonably safe for4th spot, he'll let Robbie Keane play the role he bought him for.

[The Real Laoislad]

People say he is too conservative but a look through United's stats shows that Ferguson has also took off attacking players for more conservative when leading narrowly. (Villa, Middlesborough and Wigan).

Yeah but Slur Alex also throws on players to try and win a match when behind or drawing with ten minutes to go..

[corn02]

People say he is too conservative but a look through United's stats shows that Ferguson has also took off attacking players for more conservative when leading narrowly. (Villa, Middlesborough and Wigan).

Yeah but Slur Alex also throws on players to try and win a match when behind or drawing with ten minutes to go..

Well Raf has done simliar really. There has been a few exceptions , Stoke and I am sure a few of them draw against Fulham and West Ham.

[The Real Laoislad]

People say he is too conservative but a look through United's stats shows that Ferguson has also took off attacking players for more conservative when leading narrowly. (Villa, Middlesborough and Wigan).

Yeah but Slur Alex also throws on players to try and win a match when behind or drawing with ten minutes to go..

Well Raf has done simliar really. There has been a few exceptions , Stoke and I am sure a few of them draw against Fulham and West Ham.

So you disagree with me then give me reasons why I might be right 
Throw Hull City and Arsenal into that lot and we are seeing a fairly familiar pattern emerging

[GalwayBayBoy]

If Rafa puts on a striker it's usually at the expense of another striker or another forward oriented player.

If they need a goal Ferguson will often throw in one even two strikers but he won't haul off whatever forward they already have on the pitch. And it works more often than not.

He goes for it all out. Rafa doesn't. Too scared to risk one point by going for all three.

[corn02]

People say he is too conservative but a look through United's stats shows that Ferguson has also took off attacking players for more conservative when leading narrowly. (Villa, Middlesborough and Wigan).

Yeah but Slur Alex also throws on players to try and win a match when behind or drawing with ten minutes to go..

Well Raf has done simliar really. There has been a few exceptions , Stoke and I am sure a few of them draw against Fulham and West Ham.

So you disagree with me then give me reasons why I might be right 
Throw Hull City and Arsenal into that lot and we are seeing a fairly familiar pattern emerging

To be honest I don't know what the f**k I am saying, Rafa will be gone in the summer and it looks like the majority of fans will be happy - I won't be.