Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has moved quickly to play down speculation linking Liverpool with forward Alexis Sanchez.
Quite the tenuous link, Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star suggested this week that Liverpool had targeted the Chilean international, with £18 million being touted as their potential offer.
Speculation over Sanchez’s future was blown up even more when he didn’t appear in Barcelona’s promotion photos for next season’s kit:
But Barcelona officials insist Sanchez is not for sale.
“He’s not on the market. He has an active contract,” Bartomeu told Spanish sports newspaper Marca .
“[He] is in our plans for next season. We’ve always needed him because he’s very highly valued as a player at this club.”
Sanchez made 34 appearances for the Catalan giants in La Liga last season, scoring 19 goals.
He created 47 goalscoring chances for teammates, and had a 59% shot accuracy record for the season, according to stats website Squawka.
Sanchez’s teammate at the Camp Nou, Pedro, has also been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.
Both players will be in action in this summer’s World Cup, with Sanchez’s Chile taking on Pedro’s Spain in one of their group matches.
Recently on This Is Anfield, Henry Jackson noted five reported Liverpool transfer targets to look out for when the World Cup gets underway in Brazil on Thursday, June 12th.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has moved quickly to play down speculation linking Liverpool with forward Alexis Sanchez.
Quite the tenuous link, Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star suggested this week that Liverpool had targeted the Chilean international, with £18 million being touted as their potential offer.
Speculation over Sanchez’s future was blown up even more when he didn’t appear in Barcelona’s promotion photos for next season’s kit:
But Barcelona officials insist Sanchez is not for sale.
“He’s not on the market. He has an active contract,” Bartomeu told Spanish sports newspaper Marca .
“[He] is in our plans for next season. We’ve always needed him because he’s very highly valued as a player at this club.”
Sanchez made 34 appearances for the Catalan giants in La Liga last season, scoring 19 goals.
He created 47 goalscoring chances for teammates, and had a 59% shot accuracy record for the season, according to stats website Squawka.
Sanchez’s teammate at the Camp Nou, Pedro, has also been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.
Both players will be in action in this summer’s World Cup, with Sanchez’s Chile taking on Pedro’s Spain in one of their group matches.
Recently on This Is Anfield, Henry Jackson noted five reported Liverpool transfer targets to look out for when the World Cup gets underway in Brazil on Thursday, June 12th.
Pepe Reina has admitted he is unsure of where he’ll be playing his football next season, as he prepares to return to Liverpool.
Pepe Reina during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 1st Leg match against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Spanish goalkeeper spent 2013/14 on-loan at Napoli, but has two years left on his current deal at Anfield.
Reina was sent on-loan when Brendan Rodgers opted to replace him with Belgian international Simon Mignolet last summer.
“Right now I’m only thinking of La Roja (Spain’s national team),” Reina said to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, with quotes picked up by The Independent .
“With regards to a new club, I will first have to speak to Liverpool.
“My season on loan at Napoli has been very positive and I thank the Napoli people and the club.”
Reina had been a long-term target for Barcelona and was tipped to replace Victor Valdes at the Camp Nou last year until Valdes extended his stay at the Catalan giants for another year.
Now Reina admits he has no chance of re-joining Barcelona, or La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.
He added, “With Barcelona there is nothing, they have just acquired (German goalkeeper) Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, hence they have that role covered.
“I haven’t had any contact either with Atletico Madrid, I think they will do all they can to keep (Thibaut) Courtois.
“I will return to be a Liverpool player but I think I’m not in the coaching plans.”
Reina is currently training with the Spanish squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup which kicks off in Brazil on Thursday, June 12th.
Reina spent eight years as Liverpool’s first-choice shot-stopper between 2005 and 2013 after being signed from Villarreal by former boss Rafa Benitez.
What next for Reina? Let us know your thoughts on how Liverpool should handle his return this summer in the comments below.
Pepe Reina has admitted he is unsure of where he’ll be playing his football next season, as he prepares to return to Liverpool.
Pepe Reina during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 1st Leg match against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Spanish goalkeeper spent 2013/14 on-loan at Napoli, but has two years left on his current deal at Anfield.
Reina was sent on-loan when Brendan Rodgers opted to replace him with Belgian international Simon Mignolet last summer.
“Right now I’m only thinking of La Roja (Spain’s national team),” Reina said to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, with quotes picked up by The Independent .
“With regards to a new club, I will first have to speak to Liverpool.
“My season on loan at Napoli has been very positive and I thank the Napoli people and the club.”
Reina had been a long-term target for Barcelona and was tipped to replace Victor Valdes at the Camp Nou last year until Valdes extended his stay at the Catalan giants for another year.
Now Reina admits he has no chance of re-joining Barcelona, or La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.
He added, “With Barcelona there is nothing, they have just acquired (German goalkeeper) Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, hence they have that role covered.
“I haven’t had any contact either with Atletico Madrid, I think they will do all they can to keep (Thibaut) Courtois.
“I will return to be a Liverpool player but I think I’m not in the coaching plans.”
Reina is currently training with the Spanish squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup which kicks off in Brazil on Thursday, June 12th.
Reina spent eight years as Liverpool’s first-choice shot-stopper between 2005 and 2013 after being signed from Villarreal by former boss Rafa Benitez.
What next for Reina? Let us know your thoughts on how Liverpool should handle his return this summer in the comments below.
Simon Wilkes and Richard Garnett step up in the 2014 TEAMtalk Soccers ceremony to present the inaugural award for the Moment of the Season.
When sifting through the nominations for our Moment of the Season, there was a landslide winner, so much so it was quite a task to find any serious rivals.
With that in mind, we threw it out into the TEAMtalk Towers office and recalled some other magic moments from a fantastic season, mainly revolving poor old David Moyes.
The Chosen One's season slowly went from bad to worse - but it was fantastic theatre as he celebrated Manchester United's Champions League win over Olympiakos like he'd conquered Europe, chased a ball-boy during the defeat to West Brom and watched a plane carry the message 'Wrong One - Moyes Out' over Old Trafford before a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
Andros Townsend's starring roles in two Wembley wins which booked England's trip to Brazil this summer live long in the memory, while Dani Alves must be applauded for his reaction to the idiotic racists who threw a banana at him - he picked it up and took a bite - during a Villarreal v Barcelona match.
In Europe, meanwhile, there were few more dramatic moments than when Sergio Ramos powered in a header for Real Madrid to send the Champions League final against Atletico into extra-time.
But the following moments were the stand-out candidates as voted for by our army of TEAMtalk readers.
5. Atletico crowned kings of Spain
Due to Gareth Bale's big-money switch to Spain, there was a huge amount of interest in the La Liga title race, which was once again expected to be a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona, who had exchanged titles for the previous nine seasons that followed Valencia's coronation in 2003-04.
Diego Simeone's men did not read the script, however, and flew out of the traps with a seven-match winning streak powered by Diego Costa's goals.
Their biggest test came on September 28 when they travelled to the Bernebeu - but Costa was the main man in a 1-0 win which sent the message that a new gladiator had entered the arena.
Atletico did not taste defeat until October 19 when they lost 1-0 at Espanyol - but they kept their momentum going all the way to a titanic tussle for the title at the Nou Camp, where Diego Godin powered home an equalising header to ensure they got across the finishing line with a 1-1 draw with Barca.
4. Sunderland end Jose's home record
The return of the 'Special One' to the Premier League also meant the return of his special record at Stamford Bridge on the domestic front.
Sunderland had been given a glimmer of hope in their survival fight after holding Manchester City to a 2-2 at The Etihad - but when Samuel Eto'o put the Blues 1-0 up after 12 minutes it looked set to be another routine win for the hosts.
Connor Wickham had different ideas, though, and levelled matters six minutes later, laying the foundations for a dramatic finish which saw Sunderland awarded a penalty eight minutes from time after Jozy Altidore was fouled.
On-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini kept his composure to drill home the spot-kick and inflict a first home league defeat in 78 games on Mourinho, who kept his calm as coach Rui Faria saw red on the touchline.
It was a massive moment for Gus Poyet's battlers, who went on to win their next three games against Cardiff, Manchester United and West Brom to pull off a Great Escape.
3. Pardew sticks the nut on Meyler
Everything seemed rosy for Newcastle after 72 minutes of their away game with Hull City on March 1, as they were 3-1 up and cruising to victory.
Then something quite extraordinary happened. David Meyler chased the ball out of touch and shoved Magpies boss Alan Pardew out of the way as he tried to get it for a quick throw-in. It was a petty thing of Meyler to do, but no one expected the reaction as Pardew lunged at Meyler's face with his head like a rutting stag.
It proved costly for Pardew, who was fined £100,000 by his club before being handed a £60,000 fine and a seven-match ban by the FA.
2. Gerrard's teamtalk
The week of the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster was always going to be an emotional period, but it also served up arguably the best match of the season between the Premier League's top gunslingers at Anfield.
A classy tribute to the 96 from both sets of supporters preceded a match of high quality, which ebbed and flowed in the manner only a great game does.
Having wiped out Liverpool's 2-0 lead in a blistering second-half spell, Manchester City's captain Vincent Kompany uncharacteristically sliced a clearance into the path of Philippe Coutinho, whose first-time strike gave Liverpool victory and sent Anfield into joyous celebration.
The match ended with an emotional Steve Gerrard rallying his troops in the middle of the pitch. "This does not slip. We go again", he cried.
The huddle filled Liverpool supporters with a sense of unity and pride, reinforcing the belief that the league title was finally on its way back to Anfield.
1. Gerrard's slip at Anfield
Football is a cruel game. If Gerrard's mantra for Premier League success had become 'this does not slip' then fate had decided otherwise.
Still top of the league with only three games to go, Chelsea went to Anfield and showed little appetite to leave the edge of their penalty area straight from kick-off.
As unattractive a tactic as it was, it was one the footballing gods had decided would be effective.
With half-time approaching, Gerrard miscontrolled and then slipped in his deep-laying midfield position, and with the centre-backs split, left Demba Ba with a free hit at goal, which he duly converted.
Liverpool's season never recovered. Chelsea went on to win the match 2-0 and the destiny of the league title changed course for a definitive time.
For the fans that had revelled in an incredible 11-game winning streak it was like a sudden blow to the stomach.
But no one will have hurt more than the stricken Liverpool captain who, in the run-in, gave everything he had to push his team to Premier League glory.
So often matches and trophies are decided by the fine details and this was another one of those moments, perhaps the most significant of all.
Simon Wilkes and Richard Garnett step up in the 2014 TEAMtalk Soccers ceremony to present the inaugural award for the Moment of the Season.
When sifting through the nominations for our Moment of the Season, there was a landslide winner, so much so it was quite a task to find any serious rivals.
With that in mind, we threw it out into the TEAMtalk Towers office and recalled some other magic moments from a fantastic season, mainly revolving poor old David Moyes.
The Chosen One's season slowly went from bad to worse - but it was fantastic theatre as he celebrated Manchester United's Champions League win over Olympiakos like he'd conquered Europe, chased a ball-boy during the defeat to West Brom and watched a plane carry the message 'Wrong One - Moyes Out' over Old Trafford before a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
Andros Townsend's starring roles in two Wembley wins which booked England's trip to Brazil this summer live long in the memory, while Dani Alves must be applauded for his reaction to the idiotic racists who threw a banana at him - he picked it up and took a bite - during a Villarreal v Barcelona match.
In Europe, meanwhile, there were few more dramatic moments than when Sergio Ramos powered in a header for Real Madrid to send the Champions League final against Atletico into extra-time.
But the following moments were the stand-out candidates as voted for by our army of TEAMtalk readers.
5. Atletico crowned kings of Spain
Due to Gareth Bale's big-money switch to Spain, there was a huge amount of interest in the La Liga title race, which was once again expected to be a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona, who had exchanged titles for the previous nine seasons that followed Valencia's coronation in 2003-04.
Diego Simeone's men did not read the script, however, and flew out of the traps with a seven-match winning streak powered by Diego Costa's goals.
Their biggest test came on September 28 when they travelled to the Bernebeu - but Costa was the main man in a 1-0 win which sent the message that a new gladiator had entered the arena.
Atletico did not taste defeat until October 19 when they lost 1-0 at Espanyol - but they kept their momentum going all the way to a titanic tussle for the title at the Nou Camp, where Diego Godin powered home an equalising header to ensure they got across the finishing line with a 1-1 draw with Barca.
4. Sunderland end Jose's home record
The return of the 'Special One' to the Premier League also meant the return of his special record at Stamford Bridge on the domestic front.
Sunderland had been given a glimmer of hope in their survival fight after holding Manchester City to a 2-2 at The Etihad - but when Samuel Eto'o put the Blues 1-0 up after 12 minutes it looked set to be another routine win for the hosts.
Connor Wickham had different ideas, though, and levelled matters six minutes later, laying the foundations for a dramatic finish which saw Sunderland awarded a penalty eight minutes from time after Jozy Altidore was fouled.
On-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini kept his composure to drill home the spot-kick and inflict a first home league defeat in 78 games on Mourinho, who kept his calm as coach Rui Faria saw red on the touchline.
It was a massive moment for Gus Poyet's battlers, who went on to win their next three games against Cardiff, Manchester United and West Brom to pull off a Great Escape.
3. Pardew sticks the nut on Meyler
Everything seemed rosy for Newcastle after 72 minutes of their away game with Hull City on March 1, as they were 3-1 up and cruising to victory.
Then something quite extraordinary happened. David Meyler chased the ball out of touch and shoved Magpies boss Alan Pardew out of the way as he tried to get it for a quick throw-in. It was a petty thing of Meyler to do, but no one expected the reaction as Pardew lunged at Meyler's face with his head like a rutting stag.
It proved costly for Pardew, who was fined £100,000 by his club before being handed a £60,000 fine and a seven-match ban by the FA.
2. Gerrard's teamtalk
The week of the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster was always going to be an emotional period, but it also served up arguably the best match of the season between the Premier League's top gunslingers at Anfield.
A classy tribute to the 96 from both sets of supporters preceded a match of high quality, which ebbed and flowed in the manner only a great game does.
Having wiped out Liverpool's 2-0 lead in a blistering second-half spell, Manchester City's captain Vincent Kompany uncharacteristically sliced a clearance into the path of Philippe Coutinho, whose first-time strike gave Liverpool victory and sent Anfield into joyous celebration.
The match ended with an emotional Steve Gerrard rallying his troops in the middle of the pitch. "This does not slip. We go again", he cried.
The huddle filled Liverpool supporters with a sense of unity and pride, reinforcing the belief that the league title was finally on its way back to Anfield.
1. Gerrard's slip at Anfield
Football is a cruel game. If Gerrard's mantra for Premier League success had become 'this does not slip' then fate had decided otherwise.
Still top of the league with only three games to go, Chelsea went to Anfield and showed little appetite to leave the edge of their penalty area straight from kick-off.
As unattractive a tactic as it was, it was one the footballing gods had decided would be effective.
With half-time approaching, Gerrard miscontrolled and then slipped in his deep-laying midfield position, and with the centre-backs split, left Demba Ba with a free hit at goal, which he duly converted.
Liverpool's season never recovered. Chelsea went on to win the match 2-0 and the destiny of the league title changed course for a definitive time.
For the fans that had revelled in an incredible 11-game winning streak it was like a sudden blow to the stomach.
But no one will have hurt more than the stricken Liverpool captain who, in the run-in, gave everything he had to push his team to Premier League glory.
So often matches and trophies are decided by the fine details and this was another one of those moments, perhaps the most significant of all.
When Jamie Carragher retired at the end of the 2012/13 season he took the rest of Liverpool’s defence with him. At least, that is how it seemed at times over the months that followed.
Thankfully, while Liverpool may have missed Carragher on the football field he didn’t disappear from our lives completely, giving us a whole batch of new highlights in his weekly column for the Daily Mail, and on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football with Gary Neville.
With the season now over let’s take a look back at some of those highlights, and reflect on the promise of more ‘Carra moments’ to come.
August 10, 2013
Carra’s first opinion piece was published for the Daily Mail, and it wasn’t what most Liverpool fans wanted to read.
With his former club battling to hold onto their star player, Luis Suarez, the last thing anyone wanted was an article by the previous season’s vice-captain explaining why the player concerned was too good for the club. Under the provocative (part) title “Why Suarez is too good for Liverpool (and Arsenal)…” he at least acknowledged in headline and content what the rest of us were thinking. Why Arsenal?
August 19, 2013
Monday Night Football returned on Sky with Carragher partnering former Mancunian nemesis Gary Neville. During an analysis of Manchester United’s win over Swansea, Carragher elaborated on Robin Van Persie’s movement master class, by explaining how the Dutch striker had similarly outplayed him at Anfield during the 2011-12 season.
This set up some amusing banter between the two pundits. When Neville observed that Van Persie’s movement was akin to having “a burglar in your house” Carragher quickly retorted that Neville would be hiding “under the bed.”
Not to be outdone, Neville quipped “You’d be the burglar” with obvious allusions to the thieving Scouse stereotype.
When the program’s focus switched to Arsenal’s performance against Aston Villa, Carragher’s summed up the gunners transfer policy with the dry observation that “There’s only one section of people overspending at Arsenal – the supporters.”
September 16, 2013
Despite winning rave reviews for their analysis, it was inevitable that Carragher and Neville would cross swords at some point.
When the pair were asked to rank three England legends (Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes), club loyalties were always going to come to the fore. When Carragher suggested that Gerrard and Lampard were better than Scholes, because of their impact in big games, it was hardly surprising that Neville might come out in defence of his old team mate Scholes.
Not exactly a highlight for the pair given the inane nature of the task but a memorable moment nonetheless. It was a moment however that was later eclipsed by Carragher’s finest quote as a media pundit.
After offering his view that full backs are either failed wingers or failed centre backs, his observation that “No-one wants to be a full back as a kid. No-one wants to grow up and be a Gary Neville,” left everyone, including Neville in laughter.
December 27, 2013
Christmas came and went, with Liverpool on top of the table, exceeding everyone’s wildest expectations in the process. Despite the club’s great form though the team looked anything but solid at the back. So, when Carragher revealed in his Daily Mail column that Brendan Rodgers had asked him, during preseason, to stay on one more year, Liverpool fans around the globe were left to wonder on the impact of Carra’s fateful decision to say no.
Even worse, under the title ‘If I knew Liverpool would be in the title race I wouldn’t have retired’ Carragher revealed that he had knocked Rodgers back not once, but twice (the first time when Rodgers joined the club and asked Carra to consider joining his coaching staff).
28th April, 2014
In the aftermath of the game that decided the title, Carragher and Neville received more applause for their analysis of Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Anfield. Carragher, for his part, acknowledged the Gerrard mistake for what it was (despite many fans and pundits attempts to downplay this fact), but followed up with the much more interesting observation that Sakho had the space to come forward and pass to Flanagan (instead of Gerrard). In Carragher’s view this is something that a more confident ball player such as Agger would have done.
Another interesting insight was in the way that Chelsea distributed the ball in a direct manner from stoppages to avoid playing the ball into the midfield where Liverpool were so strong. Most importantly of all though he defended the Chelsea game plan and acknowledged that he himself had been required to do similar things when playing for Liverpool.
On the lighter side, a Neville speech “I have a thought process…” was quickly interrupted by Carragher. “You do?” he asked, “when did that happen?”
5th May, 2014
The title race was already over but many of us refused to admit it. At least, that is until Liverpool played Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and threw away a three goal lead. This collapse provided Carragher with the opportunity to analyse an area of the park that he knows best.
Alongside Gary Neville, the two former players dissected Liverpool’s shaky defence and the reasons for the capitulation. For Carragher, no one was spared. Our centre backs were weak mentally. There was a lack of leadership on the pitch. The decision making poor. Some players, Skrtel and Johnson, looked tired.
Perhaps the worst criticism though was saved for Mamadou Sakho whom Carragher observed, always seems to be going backwards in any match that he plays. The French international, Carragher admitted, is a player that always makes him nervous. Many Liverpool fans would probably agree.
What Next?
In partnering Carragher with Neville, Sky have created a punditry team that is sure to be gracing our TV screens for some time. While Carra’s column might not have reached the same heights – whether he is comparing Suarez to Cantona, offering his thoughts on Andy Carroll or advocating Rafael Benitez for Tottenham – his column is nevertheless worth a read due to the personal relationship he has with many of those he is discussing.
If that is not enough meat for your potatoes, you could always amuse yourself by reading the Carra hating comments, written by small minded Manc and Smurf fans, which generally follow any article containing the Carragher name. The man himself might not be playing anymore but rival fans vitriol has no such retirement date.
Born in the UK and raised in Australia, currently based in Melbourne, Andrew is an international Liverpool member who has been following the pool since the days of Craig Johnston.
When Jamie Carragher retired at the end of the 2012/13 season he took the rest of Liverpool’s defence with him. At least, that is how it seemed at times over the months that followed.
Thankfully, while Liverpool may have missed Carragher on the football field he didn’t disappear from our lives completely, giving us a whole batch of new highlights in his weekly column for the Daily Mail, and on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football with Gary Neville.
With the season now over let’s take a look back at some of those highlights, and reflect on the promise of more ‘Carra moments’ to come.
August 10, 2013
Carra’s first opinion piece was published for the Daily Mail, and it wasn’t what most Liverpool fans wanted to read.
With his former club battling to hold onto their star player, Luis Suarez, the last thing anyone wanted was an article by the previous season’s vice-captain explaining why the player concerned was too good for the club. Under the provocative (part) title “Why Suarez is too good for Liverpool (and Arsenal)…” he at least acknowledged in headline and content what the rest of us were thinking. Why Arsenal?
August 19, 2013
Monday Night Football returned on Sky with Carragher partnering former Mancunian nemesis Gary Neville. During an analysis of Manchester United’s win over Swansea, Carragher elaborated on Robin Van Persie’s movement master class, by explaining how the Dutch striker had similarly outplayed him at Anfield during the 2011-12 season.
This set up some amusing banter between the two pundits. When Neville observed that Van Persie’s movement was akin to having “a burglar in your house” Carragher quickly retorted that Neville would be hiding “under the bed.”
Not to be outdone, Neville quipped “You’d be the burglar” with obvious allusions to the thieving Scouse stereotype.
When the program’s focus switched to Arsenal’s performance against Aston Villa, Carragher’s summed up the gunners transfer policy with the dry observation that “There’s only one section of people overspending at Arsenal – the supporters.”
September 16, 2013
Despite winning rave reviews for their analysis, it was inevitable that Carragher and Neville would cross swords at some point.
When the pair were asked to rank three England legends (Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes), club loyalties were always going to come to the fore. When Carragher suggested that Gerrard and Lampard were better than Scholes, because of their impact in big games, it was hardly surprising that Neville might come out in defence of his old team mate Scholes.
Not exactly a highlight for the pair given the inane nature of the task but a memorable moment nonetheless. It was a moment however that was later eclipsed by Carragher’s finest quote as a media pundit.
After offering his view that full backs are either failed wingers or failed centre backs, his observation that “No-one wants to be a full back as a kid. No-one wants to grow up and be a Gary Neville,” left everyone, including Neville in laughter.
December 27, 2013
Christmas came and went, with Liverpool on top of the table, exceeding everyone’s wildest expectations in the process. Despite the club’s great form though the team looked anything but solid at the back. So, when Carragher revealed in his Daily Mail column that Brendan Rodgers had asked him, during preseason, to stay on one more year, Liverpool fans around the globe were left to wonder on the impact of Carra’s fateful decision to say no.
Even worse, under the title ‘If I knew Liverpool would be in the title race I wouldn’t have retired’ Carragher revealed that he had knocked Rodgers back not once, but twice (the first time when Rodgers joined the club and asked Carra to consider joining his coaching staff).
28th April, 2014
In the aftermath of the game that decided the title, Carragher and Neville received more applause for their analysis of Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Anfield. Carragher, for his part, acknowledged the Gerrard mistake for what it was (despite many fans and pundits attempts to downplay this fact), but followed up with the much more interesting observation that Sakho had the space to come forward and pass to Flanagan (instead of Gerrard). In Carragher’s view this is something that a more confident ball player such as Agger would have done.
Another interesting insight was in the way that Chelsea distributed the ball in a direct manner from stoppages to avoid playing the ball into the midfield where Liverpool were so strong. Most importantly of all though he defended the Chelsea game plan and acknowledged that he himself had been required to do similar things when playing for Liverpool.
On the lighter side, a Neville speech “I have a thought process…” was quickly interrupted by Carragher. “You do?” he asked, “when did that happen?”
5th May, 2014
The title race was already over but many of us refused to admit it. At least, that is until Liverpool played Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and threw away a three goal lead. This collapse provided Carragher with the opportunity to analyse an area of the park that he knows best.
Alongside Gary Neville, the two former players dissected Liverpool’s shaky defence and the reasons for the capitulation. For Carragher, no one was spared. Our centre backs were weak mentally. There was a lack of leadership on the pitch. The decision making poor. Some players, Skrtel and Johnson, looked tired.
Perhaps the worst criticism though was saved for Mamadou Sakho whom Carragher observed, always seems to be going backwards in any match that he plays. The French international, Carragher admitted, is a player that always makes him nervous. Many Liverpool fans would probably agree.
What Next?
In partnering Carragher with Neville, Sky have created a punditry team that is sure to be gracing our TV screens for some time. While Carra’s column might not have reached the same heights – whether he is comparing Suarez to Cantona, offering his thoughts on Andy Carroll or advocating Rafael Benitez for Tottenham – his column is nevertheless worth a read due to the personal relationship he has with many of those he is discussing.
If that is not enough meat for your potatoes, you could always amuse yourself by reading the Carra hating comments, written by small minded Manc and Smurf fans, which generally follow any article containing the Carragher name. The man himself might not be playing anymore but rival fans vitriol has no such retirement date.
Born in the UK and raised in Australia, currently based in Melbourne, Andrew is an international Liverpool member who has been following the pool since the days of Craig Johnston.
Liverpool will start their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Preston North End for the second season in succession.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side will travel to Deepdale for the friendly on July 19th, 3pm kick off.
The two sides contested the ‘Bill Shankly Shield’ last July in a match that Liverpool won 4-0 courtesy of goals from Philippe Coutinho, Jordon Ibe, Raheem Sterling and Iago Aspas.
The match takes place just a week after the World Cup Final, meaning any of Liverpool’s players taking part in the tournament won’t be involved. It could be the first glimpse of any new signings though.
Reports over the weekend claim that The Reds will conclude their pre-season preparations with a high-profile friendly against German side Borussia Dortmund at Anfield.
Full Pre-Season Dates
Liverpool will start their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Preston North End for the second season in succession.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side will travel to Deepdale for the friendly on July 19th, 3pm kick off.
The two sides contested the ‘Bill Shankly Shield’ last July in a match that Liverpool won 4-0 courtesy of goals from Philippe Coutinho, Jordon Ibe, Raheem Sterling and Iago Aspas.
The match takes place just a week after the World Cup Final, meaning any of Liverpool’s players taking part in the tournament won’t be involved. It could be the first glimpse of any new signings though.
Reports over the weekend claim that The Reds will conclude their pre-season preparations with a high-profile friendly against German side Borussia Dortmund at Anfield.
Full Pre-Season Dates
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