Released in time for Christmas, ‘Hard Case’, the autobiography of former Liverpool midfielder Jimmy Case, much like the player himself, demands your attention through its content.
John Blake Publishing, 2014
Case, who retired at the grand old footballing age of 41 due to injury, conjures through this book the feeling of invincibility and hope that the formidable Liverpool side of the late 1970s, which was studded with stars such as Kevin Keegan, John Toshack, Phil Thompson and Kenny Dalglish.
Keegan provides a foreword, describing Case as “someone who has living his dream” playing for Liverpool, as a Liverpool supporter, and that is what makes this autobiography so endearing.
“He is just the person you would want with you in the trenches in a war…you’d look to your right and see Jimmy Case.”
Case speaks with an honestly and humility that comes from a local-lad who is substantially grateful for the position he was blessed with.
Across its 261 pages, Case regales the reader with anecdotes both comic and blue, in a rewarding read.
The midfielder was joined by the likes of Terry McDermott and Steve Heighway in the starting line-up, of a game which Case describes as “the big one.”
“This is what I had dreamed about as a kid playing in the streets of Liverpool: walking out at Wembley Stadium to take part in an FA Cup final and, best of all, in a Liverpool strip. They had been my team for as long ago as I could remember.”
Liverpool lost that tie, and Case flashes forward to 1983 where, now as a Brighton & Hove Albion player, he lined up against Newcastle’s Keegan and McDermott in the third round of the competition.
Brighton won that game and later advanced to the final, defeating Liverpool on the way, but Case’s side eventually lost out, ironically, to United once more.
Paired with these tales of hope, and McDermott’s note-perfect Paisley impression, Case reveals the heartache that followed that final—the death of his mother.
“Success and the rewards that come with it are all well and good, but they don’t amount to that much if the people you love aren’t there to share it.”
This encapsulates Case’s storytelling, the joy of footballing success underlined with a nostalgic realism as hard-edged as stance on the pitch.
Most interesting are his tales of starting out as Liverpool triallist, and his path into the first-team set-up.
Firstly, how he vowed to keep things simple and not tailor his game—a quality he was held in high regard, and rightly, for. Case links this with the recent success of Barcelona, who “got it right: when you have the ball, pass it to team-mate, and when you lose it, get it back as quickly as you can.”
He tells of training sessions, with Ray Clemence up front and Paisley in goal: “Paisley would always wear gloves and any shots that came in, he always punched them away, double-fisted.”
On the ‘This is Anfield’ sign, he remembers: “It wasn’t put there as a welcome to visitors but as a statement: You are here now and you had better be ready…and I was!”
These are tales that provide an intriguing insight into life beyond Anfield match-days, and can prove a rewarding companion for any Liverpool fan.
Importantly, too, Case brings this into present day. The Reds legend is measured in his praise of current manager Brendan Rodgers’ fortunes in charge of Liverpool, and provides an interesting perspective on the events of last season, and moving forward.
The 2013/14 season was the closest most, younger Liverpool fans will have got to the triumphant days Case enjoyed in the side, and which Case concedes “took me back to those great European nights of the seventies.”
He suggests that Liverpool would have won the Premier League with the calming, organising Jamie Carragher in defence.
He bemoans the lack of a ‘Plan B’ that season, even claiming “now [Brendan Rodgers] has signed Rickie Lambert…I wonder if he was listening to me!”
He recognises the importance a thriving youth system, noting the rise of Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan; Flanagan, perhaps most like Case in terms of attitude within this current Liverpool squad, would surely take heart from reading this book.
Having won so much with Liverpool, and played in such a successful side overall, you would be hard-pressed to argue with Case.
Overall, ‘Hard Case’ serves as an amusing, in-depth, must-read detailing of a career which enjoyed some of the best days in the history of Liverpool Football Club.
Jimmy Case’s defining quality, beyond his endurance, was a remarkable shooting technique, which Kevin Keegan describes as “ten out of ten.” In his book, the former midfielder shoots hard and precise, and comes up with a winning blow.
.
Released in time for Christmas, ‘Hard Case’, the autobiography of former Liverpool midfielder Jimmy Case, much like the player himself, demands your attention through its content.
John Blake Publishing, 2014
Case, who retired at the grand old footballing age of 41 due to injury, conjures through this book the feeling of invincibility and hope that the formidable Liverpool side of the late 1970s, which was studded with stars such as Kevin Keegan, John Toshack, Phil Thompson and Kenny Dalglish.
Keegan provides a foreword, describing Case as “someone who has living his dream” playing for Liverpool, as a Liverpool supporter, and that is what makes this autobiography so endearing.
“He is just the person you would want with you in the trenches in a war…you’d look to your right and see Jimmy Case.”
Case speaks with an honestly and humility that comes from a local-lad who is substantially grateful for the position he was blessed with.
Across its 261 pages, Case regales the reader with anecdotes both comic and blue, in a rewarding read.
The midfielder was joined by the likes of Terry McDermott and Steve Heighway in the starting line-up, of a game which Case describes as “the big one.”
“This is what I had dreamed about as a kid playing in the streets of Liverpool: walking out at Wembley Stadium to take part in an FA Cup final and, best of all, in a Liverpool strip. They had been my team for as long ago as I could remember.”
Liverpool lost that tie, and Case flashes forward to 1983 where, now as a Brighton & Hove Albion player, he lined up against Newcastle’s Keegan and McDermott in the third round of the competition.
Brighton won that game and later advanced to the final, defeating Liverpool on the way, but Case’s side eventually lost out, ironically, to United once more.
Paired with these tales of hope, and McDermott’s note-perfect Paisley impression, Case reveals the heartache that followed that final—the death of his mother.
“Success and the rewards that come with it are all well and good, but they don’t amount to that much if the people you love aren’t there to share it.”
This encapsulates Case’s storytelling, the joy of footballing success underlined with a nostalgic realism as hard-edged as stance on the pitch.
Most interesting are his tales of starting out as Liverpool triallist, and his path into the first-team set-up.
Firstly, how he vowed to keep things simple and not tailor his game—a quality he was held in high regard, and rightly, for. Case links this with the recent success of Barcelona, who “got it right: when you have the ball, pass it to team-mate, and when you lose it, get it back as quickly as you can.”
He tells of training sessions, with Ray Clemence up front and Paisley in goal: “Paisley would always wear gloves and any shots that came in, he always punched them away, double-fisted.”
On the ‘This is Anfield’ sign, he remembers: “It wasn’t put there as a welcome to visitors but as a statement: You are here now and you had better be ready…and I was!”
These are tales that provide an intriguing insight into life beyond Anfield match-days, and can prove a rewarding companion for any Liverpool fan.
Importantly, too, Case brings this into present day. The Reds legend is measured in his praise of current manager Brendan Rodgers’ fortunes in charge of Liverpool, and provides an interesting perspective on the events of last season, and moving forward.
The 2013/14 season was the closest most, younger Liverpool fans will have got to the triumphant days Case enjoyed in the side, and which Case concedes “took me back to those great European nights of the seventies.”
He suggests that Liverpool would have won the Premier League with the calming, organising Jamie Carragher in defence.
He bemoans the lack of a ‘Plan B’ that season, even claiming “now [Brendan Rodgers] has signed Rickie Lambert…I wonder if he was listening to me!”
He recognises the importance a thriving youth system, noting the rise of Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan; Flanagan, perhaps most like Case in terms of attitude within this current Liverpool squad, would surely take heart from reading this book.
Having won so much with Liverpool, and played in such a successful side overall, you would be hard-pressed to argue with Case.
Overall, ‘Hard Case’ serves as an amusing, in-depth, must-read detailing of a career which enjoyed some of the best days in the history of Liverpool Football Club.
Jimmy Case’s defining quality, beyond his endurance, was a remarkable shooting technique, which Kevin Keegan describes as “ten out of ten.” In his book, the former midfielder shoots hard and precise, and comes up with a winning blow.
.
Gary Neville believes Liverpool's struggles this season can be put down to them not spending enough money over the summer.
The Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United defender was discussing the Merseyside club’s failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League following Tuesday night’s disappointing draw with Basel.
And ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford to face their bitter rivals on Super Sunday, he says the summer outlay of over £100million is small fry when you take into account the money they received for the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.
He said: "They obviously sold Luis Suarez for £65m and spent (around) £100m on five or six players, so they spent £40m. That’s not even touching the sides of what the big European teams do, and are spending when they’re really going for it.
"When you’re talking about a big club and Liverpool winning European Cups over the last 30 years, building a new 65,000-seater stadium; £40m net is not 'going for it'.”
Brendan Rodgers paid large fees for Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Alberto Moreno, Lazar Markovic, and the injured Mario Balotelli over the summer, but none of those players started against Basel.
And while Neville says the manager must take responsibility for the signings, he says Rodgers hasn’t been given the budget that many of his rivals, including Louis van Gaal, have enjoyed.
He added: "Man United have done it, City have done it, Chelsea have done it, Real Madrid will do it.
"If you want to go big, go big, and that’s not big! So the idea that he’s spent a lot of money in great club terms, he’s not. He’s spent £40m.
"They took a star off Brendan Rodgers and he’s got five in return and he’s obviously picked them so he has to take responsibility for that. And he’ll accept that I’m sure.
"Big is going to sign a player for £80m. He hasn’t gone big; he’s touched the sides a little bit. The net spend is £40m, and I don’t see that as big net spend for Liverpool Football Club.
"If they measure themselves in terms of a club winning the Champions League, then they need to spend like one. Then they’ve got to enter that level and that level is not £40m net spend."
Gary Neville believes Liverpool's struggles this season can be put down to them not spending enough money over the summer.
The Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United defender was discussing the Merseyside club’s failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League following Tuesday night’s disappointing draw with Basel.
And ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford to face their bitter rivals on Super Sunday, he says the summer outlay of over £100million is small fry when you take into account the money they received for the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.
He said: "They obviously sold Luis Suarez for £65m and spent (around) £100m on five or six players, so they spent £40m. That’s not even touching the sides of what the big European teams do, and are spending when they’re really going for it.
"When you’re talking about a big club and Liverpool winning European Cups over the last 30 years, building a new 65,000-seater stadium; £40m net is not 'going for it'.”
Brendan Rodgers paid large fees for Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Alberto Moreno, Lazar Markovic, and the injured Mario Balotelli over the summer, but none of those players started against Basel.
And while Neville says the manager must take responsibility for the signings, he says Rodgers hasn’t been given the budget that many of his rivals, including Louis van Gaal, have enjoyed.
He added: "Man United have done it, City have done it, Chelsea have done it, Real Madrid will do it.
"If you want to go big, go big, and that’s not big! So the idea that he’s spent a lot of money in great club terms, he’s not. He’s spent £40m.
"They took a star off Brendan Rodgers and he’s got five in return and he’s obviously picked them so he has to take responsibility for that. And he’ll accept that I’m sure.
"Big is going to sign a player for £80m. He hasn’t gone big; he’s touched the sides a little bit. The net spend is £40m, and I don’t see that as big net spend for Liverpool Football Club.
"If they measure themselves in terms of a club winning the Champions League, then they need to spend like one. Then they’ve got to enter that level and that level is not £40m net spend."
With Liverpool’s season in serious danger of completely derailing, we look at three realistic signings who could help transform the Reds’ season in January.
The January transfer window is fast approaching, and although Brendan Rodgers claims he won’t be signing any new players, there are areas of the squad that need addressing sooner rather than later.
Liverpool’s Champions League exit on Tuesday night was another low point in a dismal 2014/15 campaign so far, and looking at the current side, finishing in the Premier League’s top four or winning the Europa League, either of which would see them qualify for next year’s prestigious competition, looks very unlikely at present.
With that in mind, here are three players who would add immediate quality to the Reds’ side in January. With these three potential signings, plus the return of Jon Flanagan and Daniel Sturridge from injury, The Reds would be transformed.
ASMIR BEGOVIC
The Bosnian has been linked with a move to Anfield for a while, he was reportedly considered in 2012 when the club signed Simon Mignolet instead – with the Belgian continuing to struggle, a new goalkeeper is absolutely essential.
Begovic is one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League, and has been for several years now. He is consistent, imposing and, unlike Mignolet, unruffled.
With no disrespect to Stoke, surely the lure of joining one of the country’s elite clubs would be too good to turn down. The 27-year-old would add a great amount to the side, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Reds’ leaky defence suddenly look more assured with him between the sticks.
YOHAN CABAYE
Cabaye has had a frustrating time of things since moving from Newcastle to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in January.
It looked as though the 28-year-old had made the perfect next step in his career at the time, but he has been little more than a squad player at Parc des Princes, with Blaise Matuidi, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta always the preferred options in midfield.
A move to Anfield would surely suit the France international down to the ground, with more first-team football guaranteed. He would be a terrific signing.
Cabaye is a classy footballer who can star either in a deep-lying midfield role or as a box-to-box player. He has excellent creativity, can score goals but is also very adept defensively.
According to Squawka, he had a pass completion rate of 91 per cent in 2013/14, and 89 per cent this season. This proves how neat and tidy he can be in the middle of the park, which on recent showings has been a real achilles heel for Liverpool.
18 goals in 93 appearances was also a good return during his time at St James’ Park, while he made no defensive errors during his last two seasons at the club.
In many ways, the former Newcastle man is a combination of all the midfielders the Reds currently have at their disposal. He has Steven Gerrard‘s guile, Jordan Henderson‘s energy and Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen‘s understated reading of the game.
At 28, he is very experienced but also young enough to be at his peak for a few years still, and his quality and competitive edge would add so much to a functional-looking Liverpool midfield.
XHERDAN SHAQIRI
Like Cabaye, Shaqiri is someone playing at one of Europe’s top clubs, but failing to get anywhere near the playing time he would like.
The Bayern Munich man, who is seen as one of the most promising young wide men around, has two of the world’s best wingers in Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery ahead of him in the Bayern pecking order, and with Marco Reus rumoured to be moving to Allianz Arena next summer, his chances will continue to be limited.
The 23-year-old was of genuine interest to Liverpool in the summer but the move didn’t materialise. They should definitely make a January bid for his services.
Shaqiri, who has already scored 15 goals in 41 appearances for Switzerland, would add pace, trickery and goals in wide areas, which is something only Raheem Sterling is offering in the current Reds squad.
There are likely to be a few top teams keeping an eye on the Swiss star’s current situation, and if Rodgers managed to bring him to Anfield, it would give his side an extra attacking dimension.
January XI
Here is how Liverpool’s first-choice starting lineup could ideally look in January.
All three of the aforementioned players would add so much to the current side, whether it be shoring up the defence, adding creativity in the middle of the park or guaranteeing more of a threat in the final third.
Mamadou Sakho has to return to the side when fit, while youngsters Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno must be preferred to Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique.
Cabaye’s inclusion makes it easier for Gerrard to become more of a squad player, with the Frenchman bringing the vision lacking when the skipper is out, while a front three of Shaqiri, Raheem Sterling and the returning Sturridge has a devilish look about it.
Whether Rodgers does delve into the transfer market in January remains to be seen- it would be mad for him not to- but acquiring Begovic, Cabaye and Shaqiri would allow Liverpool to make a real push for a top-four finish and a Europa League run.
Who would your three ideal Liverpool signings be in January (within reason)? Let us know in the comments section.
.
With Liverpool’s season in serious danger of completely derailing, we look at three realistic signings who could help transform the Reds’ season in January.
The January transfer window is fast approaching, and although Brendan Rodgers claims he won’t be signing any new players, there are areas of the squad that need addressing sooner rather than later.
Liverpool’s Champions League exit on Tuesday night was another low point in a dismal 2014/15 campaign so far, and looking at the current side, finishing in the Premier League’s top four or winning the Europa League, either of which would see them qualify for next year’s prestigious competition, looks very unlikely at present.
With that in mind, here are three players who would add immediate quality to the Reds’ side in January. With these three potential signings, plus the return of Jon Flanagan and Daniel Sturridge from injury, The Reds would be transformed.
ASMIR BEGOVIC
The Bosnian has been linked with a move to Anfield for a while, he was reportedly considered in 2012 when the club signed Simon Mignolet instead – with the Belgian continuing to struggle, a new goalkeeper is absolutely essential.
Begovic is one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League, and has been for several years now. He is consistent, imposing and, unlike Mignolet, unruffled.
With no disrespect to Stoke, surely the lure of joining one of the country’s elite clubs would be too good to turn down. The 27-year-old would add a great amount to the side, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Reds’ leaky defence suddenly look more assured with him between the sticks.
YOHAN CABAYE
Cabaye has had a frustrating time of things since moving from Newcastle to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in January.
It looked as though the 28-year-old had made the perfect next step in his career at the time, but he has been little more than a squad player at Parc des Princes, with Blaise Matuidi, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta always the preferred options in midfield.
A move to Anfield would surely suit the France international down to the ground, with more first-team football guaranteed. He would be a terrific signing.
Cabaye is a classy footballer who can star either in a deep-lying midfield role or as a box-to-box player. He has excellent creativity, can score goals but is also very adept defensively.
According to Squawka, he had a pass completion rate of 91 per cent in 2013/14, and 89 per cent this season. This proves how neat and tidy he can be in the middle of the park, which on recent showings has been a real achilles heel for Liverpool.
18 goals in 93 appearances was also a good return during his time at St James’ Park, while he made no defensive errors during his last two seasons at the club.
In many ways, the former Newcastle man is a combination of all the midfielders the Reds currently have at their disposal. He has Steven Gerrard‘s guile, Jordan Henderson‘s energy and Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen‘s understated reading of the game.
At 28, he is very experienced but also young enough to be at his peak for a few years still, and his quality and competitive edge would add so much to a functional-looking Liverpool midfield.
XHERDAN SHAQIRI
Like Cabaye, Shaqiri is someone playing at one of Europe’s top clubs, but failing to get anywhere near the playing time he would like.
The Bayern Munich man, who is seen as one of the most promising young wide men around, has two of the world’s best wingers in Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery ahead of him in the Bayern pecking order, and with Marco Reus rumoured to be moving to Allianz Arena next summer, his chances will continue to be limited.
The 23-year-old was of genuine interest to Liverpool in the summer but the move didn’t materialise. They should definitely make a January bid for his services.
Shaqiri, who has already scored 15 goals in 41 appearances for Switzerland, would add pace, trickery and goals in wide areas, which is something only Raheem Sterling is offering in the current Reds squad.
There are likely to be a few top teams keeping an eye on the Swiss star’s current situation, and if Rodgers managed to bring him to Anfield, it would give his side an extra attacking dimension.
January XI
Here is how Liverpool’s first-choice starting lineup could ideally look in January.
All three of the aforementioned players would add so much to the current side, whether it be shoring up the defence, adding creativity in the middle of the park or guaranteeing more of a threat in the final third.
Mamadou Sakho has to return to the side when fit, while youngsters Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno must be preferred to Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique.
Cabaye’s inclusion makes it easier for Gerrard to become more of a squad player, with the Frenchman bringing the vision lacking when the skipper is out, while a front three of Shaqiri, Raheem Sterling and the returning Sturridge has a devilish look about it.
Whether Rodgers does delve into the transfer market in January remains to be seen- it would be mad for him not to- but acquiring Begovic, Cabaye and Shaqiri would allow Liverpool to make a real push for a top-four finish and a Europa League run.
Who would your three ideal Liverpool signings be in January (within reason)? Let us know in the comments section.
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Reports on Thursday claim Raheem Sterling will turn down a new contract offer from Liverpool – despite a pay rise of £40,000 per week being offered.
The attacker, who turned 20 on Monday, will play his 100th game for the club at Old Trafford on Sunday and is The Reds’ most used outfield player this season.
The Telegraph‘s Henry Winter writes: “Sterling, whose current deal has more than two years left to run, is on roughly £30,000 with assorted first-team appearance bonuses. Liverpool’s new offer is understood to be £70,000 a week with handsome bonuses for progress in the major competitions.”
Winter quotes a source close to the negotiations saying they are “nowhere near any agreement “on a new contract.
That the report comes from Winter, rather than a Liverpool correspondent such as Chris Bascombe or Tony Barrett suggests this report is leaked from Sterling’s representatives, not anyone at Liverpool.
It appears to be an attempt from Sterling’s representatives to further get more for their talented client.
Two months ago, when similar reports emerged in the media, Jamie Carragher made his thoughts on the subject very clear via twitter, being critical of Sterling’s advisors:
Sterling joined Liverpool from QPR for an initial £500,000 fee as a teenager back in 2010. He made his debut for the club aged 17 in March 2012.
He signed a new deal in December 2012, which expires in 2017 and is heavily incentivised with bonuses relating to his playing time and performances.
.
Reports on Thursday claim Raheem Sterling will turn down a new contract offer from Liverpool – despite a pay rise of £40,000 per week being offered.
The attacker, who turned 20 on Monday, will play his 100th game for the club at Old Trafford on Sunday and is The Reds’ most used outfield player this season.
The Telegraph‘s Henry Winter writes: “Sterling, whose current deal has more than two years left to run, is on roughly £30,000 with assorted first-team appearance bonuses. Liverpool’s new offer is understood to be £70,000 a week with handsome bonuses for progress in the major competitions.”
Winter quotes a source close to the negotiations saying they are “nowhere near any agreement “on a new contract.
That the report comes from Winter, rather than a Liverpool correspondent such as Chris Bascombe or Tony Barrett suggests this report is leaked from Sterling’s representatives, not anyone at Liverpool.
It appears to be an attempt from Sterling’s representatives to further get more for their talented client.
Two months ago, when similar reports emerged in the media, Jamie Carragher made his thoughts on the subject very clear via twitter, being critical of Sterling’s advisors:
Sterling joined Liverpool from QPR for an initial £500,000 fee as a teenager back in 2010. He made his debut for the club aged 17 in March 2012.
He signed a new deal in December 2012, which expires in 2017 and is heavily incentivised with bonuses relating to his playing time and performances.
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Dan Holland has a look at the baffling case of our manager who seems to have gone backwards rather than building on last season’s incredible performances.
I don’t want to dwell too much on the result and performance from Tuesday, let just sum it up – an abhorrent first 45 minutes, shocking refereeing, and a stiff fight back when down to 10 men. The damage unfortunately had already been done in the previous 5 ties.
What I want to focus on is a man I revered last season, sitting in close proximity to the dugout I was often in awe of his attention to detail, his relationship with the players, his small tactical tweaks during and before a game but ultimately sticking to his principles and his seemingly calm demeanour. That man is obviously Brendan Rodgers, this season he looks the same (maybe a few pounds lighter) but is a million miles away from the man I and many others saw as the new Bill Shankly.
This isn’t a witch hunt or a call for his head because you don’t become a bad manager over night, I know he won’t read this but it is a request to go back to what you believe Brendan, stop panicking, stop changing things around and stop being so bloody stubborn!
Let’s start with the system that we play. Last season our best performances were unarguably when we adopted the diamond shape in midfield with two centre forwards who were constantly on the move, pulling defences left right and centre and creating a wealth of space and opportunity for those in and around them.
This season we have barely seen this tried and trusted formation. Yet last season when at home to Chelsea it called for a change of tactics, Rodgers refused to and stuck to his principles, possibly costing us the title.
Why the change this season? Yes we have lost one centre forward and are missing the other but that doesn’t mean it won’t work.
The midfield four, who, where and why?
Last season the holding role went to the skipper, he did ok, nobody earmarked him as an issue last season. Yes in the last few games he’s proved his worth in a more attacking role so it’s debateable at which point of the diamond he fits.
The ‘wide’ options in the diamond are Hendo, Coutinho, Lallana and Allen. I personally would rule Allen out of that on the basis he has rarely impressed in a Liverpool shirt, good squad player but no more than that.
Hendo is a shoe in due to his energy and passion, a must when pressing constantly as we used to do. Coutinho is my choice as he has the ability to unlock any team at any moment but Lallana is a more than worthy replacement.
Raheem Sterling needs to operate in the hole, outside he is wasted and often finds himself crowded out. That leaves Stevie back in the holding role with Emre Can a very willing and able back up. Lucas? He’s had his day, constantly giving away free kicks and far too slow when going forward.
This leaves us with our nervous looking defence.
Johnson – I have never witnessed such a sharp decline in form. Skrtel – looks excellent when the rest of the defence is on their game, if one is slightly off colour he gets dragged down with them. Sakho – looked brilliant in the summer for France never reached that level with us. Toure – surely just a back up, born winner and a leader, good to have in a dressing room.
Lovren – was impressive for Southampton last season and look steady in the World Cup, a bad defender over night? I don’t think so. Manquillo and Moreno – brought in as huge prospects, seen only glimpses of that promise so far. Enrique – Before last night I would have said a steady performer but everyone has an off day. Flanno – badly missed.
These are all defenders with potential and ability to perform at the top level, is Brendan capable enough in the defensive department? I would suggest not as there seems no other reason for these list of players to all perform so under par. Brendan, swallow your pride and get in some help, somebody who can coach the defensive side of the game.
Rodgers has also lost his calm persona, seemingly panicking during games with his substitutions. Yes Lambert had a ‘mare on Tuesday but playing a false nine when you needed two goals to go through? Would Lambert not have had a better chance of converting that late chance than Martin Skrtel? Of course he would. There are other examples but I think you get my point.
The players are also appearing to question him, when he whistled from the touch line last season the players hung on his every word and would sprint to take further instructions. Just recently they are arguing back and questioning his judgement.
His signings also smack of desperation. Is, whatever you think of him, Balotelli a Rodgers kind of player? No he isn’t, this isn’t even up for debate. He doesn’t track back, he doesn’t press, and he doesn’t even move with his man from set pieces, he doesn’t subscribe to the team ethic – he is an individual. A baffling decision!
In summary, take a deep breath Brendan, look at your notes from last season, pick eleven players that best suit ‘our’ system, not our best eleven players and fit them into a system. Go back to basics and get someone in to help our defence, as without Suarez and Sturridge we are not going to score four a game so one or two a game will have to do so obviously need to concede less.
.
Dan Holland has a look at the baffling case of our manager who seems to have gone backwards rather than building on last season’s incredible performances.
I don’t want to dwell too much on the result and performance from Tuesday, let just sum it up – an abhorrent first 45 minutes, shocking refereeing, and a stiff fight back when down to 10 men. The damage unfortunately had already been done in the previous 5 ties.
What I want to focus on is a man I revered last season, sitting in close proximity to the dugout I was often in awe of his attention to detail, his relationship with the players, his small tactical tweaks during and before a game but ultimately sticking to his principles and his seemingly calm demeanour. That man is obviously Brendan Rodgers, this season he looks the same (maybe a few pounds lighter) but is a million miles away from the man I and many others saw as the new Bill Shankly.
This isn’t a witch hunt or a call for his head because you don’t become a bad manager over night, I know he won’t read this but it is a request to go back to what you believe Brendan, stop panicking, stop changing things around and stop being so bloody stubborn!
Let’s start with the system that we play. Last season our best performances were unarguably when we adopted the diamond shape in midfield with two centre forwards who were constantly on the move, pulling defences left right and centre and creating a wealth of space and opportunity for those in and around them.
This season we have barely seen this tried and trusted formation. Yet last season when at home to Chelsea it called for a change of tactics, Rodgers refused to and stuck to his principles, possibly costing us the title.
Why the change this season? Yes we have lost one centre forward and are missing the other but that doesn’t mean it won’t work.
The midfield four, who, where and why?
Last season the holding role went to the skipper, he did ok, nobody earmarked him as an issue last season. Yes in the last few games he’s proved his worth in a more attacking role so it’s debateable at which point of the diamond he fits.
The ‘wide’ options in the diamond are Hendo, Coutinho, Lallana and Allen. I personally would rule Allen out of that on the basis he has rarely impressed in a Liverpool shirt, good squad player but no more than that.
Hendo is a shoe in due to his energy and passion, a must when pressing constantly as we used to do. Coutinho is my choice as he has the ability to unlock any team at any moment but Lallana is a more than worthy replacement.
Raheem Sterling needs to operate in the hole, outside he is wasted and often finds himself crowded out. That leaves Stevie back in the holding role with Emre Can a very willing and able back up. Lucas? He’s had his day, constantly giving away free kicks and far too slow when going forward.
This leaves us with our nervous looking defence.
Johnson – I have never witnessed such a sharp decline in form. Skrtel – looks excellent when the rest of the defence is on their game, if one is slightly off colour he gets dragged down with them. Sakho – looked brilliant in the summer for France never reached that level with us. Toure – surely just a back up, born winner and a leader, good to have in a dressing room.
Lovren – was impressive for Southampton last season and look steady in the World Cup, a bad defender over night? I don’t think so. Manquillo and Moreno – brought in as huge prospects, seen only glimpses of that promise so far. Enrique – Before last night I would have said a steady performer but everyone has an off day. Flanno – badly missed.
These are all defenders with potential and ability to perform at the top level, is Brendan capable enough in the defensive department? I would suggest not as there seems no other reason for these list of players to all perform so under par. Brendan, swallow your pride and get in some help, somebody who can coach the defensive side of the game.
Rodgers has also lost his calm persona, seemingly panicking during games with his substitutions. Yes Lambert had a ‘mare on Tuesday but playing a false nine when you needed two goals to go through? Would Lambert not have had a better chance of converting that late chance than Martin Skrtel? Of course he would. There are other examples but I think you get my point.
The players are also appearing to question him, when he whistled from the touch line last season the players hung on his every word and would sprint to take further instructions. Just recently they are arguing back and questioning his judgement.
His signings also smack of desperation. Is, whatever you think of him, Balotelli a Rodgers kind of player? No he isn’t, this isn’t even up for debate. He doesn’t track back, he doesn’t press, and he doesn’t even move with his man from set pieces, he doesn’t subscribe to the team ethic – he is an individual. A baffling decision!
In summary, take a deep breath Brendan, look at your notes from last season, pick eleven players that best suit ‘our’ system, not our best eleven players and fit them into a system. Go back to basics and get someone in to help our defence, as without Suarez and Sturridge we are not going to score four a game so one or two a game will have to do so obviously need to concede less.
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It’s the competition nobody wanted to be in, but Liverpool fans must face up to life in the Europa League after the dismal Champions League exit this week.
Liverpool will enter the Europa League as and unseeded side in the last-32.
They’re joined by Roma, Ajax and Anderlecht (unseeded), plus Olympiakos, Sporting, Zenit St Petersburg and Athletic Bilbao (seeded).
The Reds will be at home in the first leg of their last-32 match, to be played on Thursday 19th February. The away leg will be a week later.
Joining the Champions League dropouts will be the group winners and runners-up from the 12 Europa League groups.
Already qualified are; Red Bull Salzburg, Dynamo Moscow, Inter Milan, Everton, Fiorentina, Celtic, PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham, Besiktas, Feyenoord, Napoli, Dynamo Kiev, Legia Warsaw and Tranzonspor.
The draw for the round of 32 takes place on Monday.
Draw procedure
They will be drawn against the 12 group runners-up and the remaining third-placed UEFA Champions League sides.
No team can play a club from their group or a side from the same association. Games will be played on 19 and 26 February.
That means Liverpool cannot face Roma, Anderlecht, Ajax, Celtic, PSV or any other side who finishes second in their group.
No side can be drawn against another team from the same country at this stage either, meaning Everton and Tottenham aren’t possible opponents – yet.
We’ll update here after the final round of Europa League games on Thursday night.
Road to Warsaw
The final will be played on 27 May 2015 at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw, Poland.
Round of 16: Draw 27 February, matches 12 & 19 March
Quarter-finals: Draw 20 March, matches 16 & 23 April
Semi-finals: Draw 24 April, matches 7 & 14 May
Final: Wednesday 27 May, Tenth Anniversary Stadium, Warsaw
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It’s the competition nobody wanted to be in, but Liverpool fans must face up to life in the Europa League after the dismal Champions League exit this week.
Liverpool will enter the Europa League as and unseeded side in the last-32.
They’re joined by Roma, Ajax and Anderlecht (unseeded), plus Olympiakos, Sporting, Zenit St Petersburg and Athletic Bilbao (seeded).
The Reds will be at home in the first leg of their last-32 match, to be played on Thursday 19th February. The away leg will be a week later.
Joining the Champions League dropouts will be the group winners and runners-up from the 12 Europa League groups.
Already qualified are; Red Bull Salzburg, Dynamo Moscow, Inter Milan, Everton, Fiorentina, Celtic, PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham, Besiktas, Feyenoord, Napoli, Dynamo Kiev, Legia Warsaw and Tranzonspor.
The draw for the round of 32 takes place on Monday.
Draw procedure
They will be drawn against the 12 group runners-up and the remaining third-placed UEFA Champions League sides.
No team can play a club from their group or a side from the same association. Games will be played on 19 and 26 February.
That means Liverpool cannot face Roma, Anderlecht, Ajax, Celtic, PSV or any other side who finishes second in their group.
No side can be drawn against another team from the same country at this stage either, meaning Everton and Tottenham aren’t possible opponents – yet.
We’ll update here after the final round of Europa League games on Thursday night.
Road to Warsaw
The final will be played on 27 May 2015 at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw, Poland.
Round of 16: Draw 27 February, matches 12 & 19 March
Quarter-finals: Draw 20 March, matches 16 & 23 April
Semi-finals: Draw 24 April, matches 7 & 14 May
Final: Wednesday 27 May, Tenth Anniversary Stadium, Warsaw
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As promising substitute Lazar Markovic was red-carded against Basel on Tuesday, this embodied Liverpool’s Champions League failings, writes Jack Lusby.
Liverpool saw their Champions League dreams dashed with a 1-1 draw at home to Group B opponents FC Basel on Tuesday night, with the Swiss champions advancing to the knockout stages along with group-leaders Real Madrid.
For large portions of the contest Liverpool were second best—drab and lifeless—and manager Brendan Rodgers can have no complaints as his side now face Europa League contention.
One bright spark was provided by half-time substitute Lazar Markovic, but his vibrant cameo was cut short after receiving a red card on 60 minutes.
Nevertheless, Markovic’s 15-minute intervention should have proved a lot to Liverpool’s board, and hopefully Rodgers himself—it should serve as an It’s A Wonderful Life-style provision of clarity.
The Starting Line-Up
However, the manager went totally off the scale with his approach to this game.
After talking of “folklore” before the game, and attempting to absolve Steven Gerrard of responsibility, Rodgers looked to lean on his most experienced players.
The line-up of Simon Mignolet, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Jose Enrique, Lucas, Joe Allen, Raheem Sterling, Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Rickie Lambert was of an average age of 27.2.
This is over a year older than the 25-man squad’s average age of 25.9.
Furthermore, it saw underperformers like Johnson, Lovren and Enrique favoured, with better options Javier Manquillo, Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno either on the bench or in the stands.
More alarmingly, 32-year-old Lambert was playing his sixth game in 16 days, with no established centre-forward back-up on the bench.
There’s no surprise this selection struggled at Anfield on Tuesday night.
The Attacking Changes
In criticism of Rodgers’ approach after the game, former Reds manager Roy Evans was very vocal on matters concerning both the starting line-up and the manager’s tactics:
The way we approached the game was a bit negative for me. We started the game—a game we needed to win—with a really low tempo. We didn’t put them under pressure and I’m thinking, ‘go for them’. If you need to win, why not put them under pressure from the word go?
Rodgers’ starting line-up may have been wise if Liverpool were in Basel’s position.
The Swiss side needed just a point to secure their qualification from the group, given Ludogorets were always doomed to fail against Real Madrid.
But fielding Liverpool’s worst possible back four in Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren and Enrique, along with both Lucas and Allen in similar holding positions, and Gerrard behind an extremely fatigued Lambert invited pressure from the opposition.
This was evident with Fabian Frei’s opener, with Liverpool’s midfield absent.
Rodgers clearly noticed this, and at half-time introduced Markovic in place Lambert, along with bringing Moreno on in place of the dire Enrique.
Markovic and Moreno are arguably the club’s paciest players, along with Sterling, and would have offered Rodgers a more intensive attacking flexibility from the start.
Operating in an attacking midfield role, with Gerrard moving into a bemusing false-nine position, Markovic was a revelation—bold, driving, intelligent and creative.
However, 45 minutes in and one goal down, this proved too late.
Too Little,Too Late
Just as swiftly had Markovic’s substitution helped perk up a flagging Liverpool side, the No. 50 was dealt a harsh blow with his red card on 60 minutes.
An errant thrash of his right arm caught the face of Basel defender Behrang Safari who, albeit lightly, fell to the ground clutching his nose. While it is considered a controversial decision, Markovic was well aware of Safari’s position before acting, and a red card was arguably just.
Markovic left the field, to his bemusement, and effectively consigned the Reds to defeat—unable to commit wholly to attack with 10 men, Liverpool struggled.
This 15-minute cameo, and its subsequent derailment, serves as a picture of Rodgers’ approach to the Champions League this season.
A more ambitious team should have started at Anfield on Tuesday night.
As described, the clash was tactically set out for Liverpool to dominate offensively, as the performance of Markovic proved, as this was a must-win.
Rodgers, unfortunately and bizarrely, opted for a reticent approach, and this failed.
His opportunity to make amends for this came at half-time, and the introductions of Markovic and Moreno helped to turn the tie in Liverpool’s favour. However, this proved too late both on the night and in the competition.
Liverpool’s approach to the Champions League in general this season has seen a tactical naivety in Rodgers, and a stubbornness in his selecting particular personnel; the manager arguably threw the towel in at the Bernabeu.
Markovic’s individual display was unfortunate to be curtailed, but must now stand as a catalyst for Rodgers.
Under immense pressure heading into Sunday’s Premier League encounter with rivals Manchester United, Rodgers must use this promising glimpse as a basis for his tactical layout.
No more favouritism, no more defensive naivety, and a return to swashbuckling attacking form.
How should Liverpool approach this weekend’s visit to Manchester United? Let us know in the comments below.
.
As promising substitute Lazar Markovic was red-carded against Basel on Tuesday, this embodied Liverpool’s Champions League failings, writes Jack Lusby.
Liverpool saw their Champions League dreams dashed with a 1-1 draw at home to Group B opponents FC Basel on Tuesday night, with the Swiss champions advancing to the knockout stages along with group-leaders Real Madrid.
For large portions of the contest Liverpool were second best—drab and lifeless—and manager Brendan Rodgers can have no complaints as his side now face Europa League contention.
One bright spark was provided by half-time substitute Lazar Markovic, but his vibrant cameo was cut short after receiving a red card on 60 minutes.
Nevertheless, Markovic’s 15-minute intervention should have proved a lot to Liverpool’s board, and hopefully Rodgers himself—it should serve as an It’s A Wonderful Life-style provision of clarity.
The Starting Line-Up
However, the manager went totally off the scale with his approach to this game.
After talking of “folklore” before the game, and attempting to absolve Steven Gerrard of responsibility, Rodgers looked to lean on his most experienced players.
The line-up of Simon Mignolet, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Jose Enrique, Lucas, Joe Allen, Raheem Sterling, Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Rickie Lambert was of an average age of 27.2.
This is over a year older than the 25-man squad’s average age of 25.9.
Furthermore, it saw underperformers like Johnson, Lovren and Enrique favoured, with better options Javier Manquillo, Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno either on the bench or in the stands.
More alarmingly, 32-year-old Lambert was playing his sixth game in 16 days, with no established centre-forward back-up on the bench.
There’s no surprise this selection struggled at Anfield on Tuesday night.
The Attacking Changes
In criticism of Rodgers’ approach after the game, former Reds manager Roy Evans was very vocal on matters concerning both the starting line-up and the manager’s tactics:
The way we approached the game was a bit negative for me. We started the game—a game we needed to win—with a really low tempo. We didn’t put them under pressure and I’m thinking, ‘go for them’. If you need to win, why not put them under pressure from the word go?
Rodgers’ starting line-up may have been wise if Liverpool were in Basel’s position.
The Swiss side needed just a point to secure their qualification from the group, given Ludogorets were always doomed to fail against Real Madrid.
But fielding Liverpool’s worst possible back four in Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren and Enrique, along with both Lucas and Allen in similar holding positions, and Gerrard behind an extremely fatigued Lambert invited pressure from the opposition.
This was evident with Fabian Frei’s opener, with Liverpool’s midfield absent.
Rodgers clearly noticed this, and at half-time introduced Markovic in place Lambert, along with bringing Moreno on in place of the dire Enrique.
Markovic and Moreno are arguably the club’s paciest players, along with Sterling, and would have offered Rodgers a more intensive attacking flexibility from the start.
Operating in an attacking midfield role, with Gerrard moving into a bemusing false-nine position, Markovic was a revelation—bold, driving, intelligent and creative.
However, 45 minutes in and one goal down, this proved too late.
Too Little,Too Late
Just as swiftly had Markovic’s substitution helped perk up a flagging Liverpool side, the No. 50 was dealt a harsh blow with his red card on 60 minutes.
An errant thrash of his right arm caught the face of Basel defender Behrang Safari who, albeit lightly, fell to the ground clutching his nose. While it is considered a controversial decision, Markovic was well aware of Safari’s position before acting, and a red card was arguably just.
Markovic left the field, to his bemusement, and effectively consigned the Reds to defeat—unable to commit wholly to attack with 10 men, Liverpool struggled.
This 15-minute cameo, and its subsequent derailment, serves as a picture of Rodgers’ approach to the Champions League this season.
A more ambitious team should have started at Anfield on Tuesday night.
As described, the clash was tactically set out for Liverpool to dominate offensively, as the performance of Markovic proved, as this was a must-win.
Rodgers, unfortunately and bizarrely, opted for a reticent approach, and this failed.
His opportunity to make amends for this came at half-time, and the introductions of Markovic and Moreno helped to turn the tie in Liverpool’s favour. However, this proved too late both on the night and in the competition.
Liverpool’s approach to the Champions League in general this season has seen a tactical naivety in Rodgers, and a stubbornness in his selecting particular personnel; the manager arguably threw the towel in at the Bernabeu.
Markovic’s individual display was unfortunate to be curtailed, but must now stand as a catalyst for Rodgers.
Under immense pressure heading into Sunday’s Premier League encounter with rivals Manchester United, Rodgers must use this promising glimpse as a basis for his tactical layout.
No more favouritism, no more defensive naivety, and a return to swashbuckling attacking form.
How should Liverpool approach this weekend’s visit to Manchester United? Let us know in the comments below.
.
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