Its Liverpool's Knee

Fernando Torres' 81 Liverpool Goals 2007/2011

2012-02-03T02:06:00.003+08:00

Luis Suarez 4 - 0 Chile

2011-11-13T00:59:00.000+08:00

Goosebumps - Michael Owen 2-1 Arsenal, FA Cup Final 2001

2011-10-25T21:53:00.001+08:00

LeBron's Visit

2011-10-22T09:50:00.000+08:00

Harry van Oranje: Luis Suarez

2011-10-14T11:46:00.000+08:00

Liverpool FC stars take the 188BET Skills Challenge

2011-10-11T14:09:00.000+08:00

Rafa Benitez receives honour in Madrid

2011-10-06T15:16:00.002+08:00

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October 5, 2011 by Jim Boardman | 2 Comments

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez received the Silver Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit at a ceremony in Madrid this morning. The presentation was made by Her Royal Highness Infanta Doña Cristina.

Rafa was given the news last month in a letter from Spain’s Minister for Sport and President of the Sports Council, Albert Soler Sicilia, in which he was told it was “in recognition of the achievements, circumstances and contribution by you in popular sport”. The letter went on to say that “such a deserved distinction is in recognition of his outstanding professional career which has served as a decisive national and international projection of Spanish sport.”

The presentation was made at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Activities of INEF (National Institute for Physical Education) which is where Rafa did his degree in the 1980s and where Benitez was awarded another medal in May 2010, the “Agustin de Betancourt”, the highest award given out by the Polytechnic University of Madrid (of which the Faculty is part).

On hearing of his award Rafa said he was “grateful, honoured and delighted” and “excited because I am going back to my home city and to INEF where I started my career and where I made so many good friends which I still have to this day.”

Rafa with some of his awards and medals - RafaBenitez.com

The honour from his homeland, while clearly received with much pride, seems unlikely to sway him and his family from their immediate plans, which revolve around staying in the UK and in particular in their Wirral home.

Last week saw the launch of the Montse Benítez Foundation, set up by Rafa and his wife Montse with the aim of helping local charities, in particular smaller charities that tend to receive no funding from government.

Rafa left Liverpool FC last summer after six years at the helm that saw him bring Liverpool their fifth European Cup and the FA Cup, as well as finishing runners-up in both the 2009 Premier League and the 2007 Champions League. All of this was achieved in the midst of some of the bitterest in-fighting in Liverpool’s history, his reign ending after the banks had given the club five months to find new owners or face the consequences.

He spent the latter half of last year as manager of Inter Milan, winning the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He felt let down by broken promises from the Internazionale hierarchy about strengthening the successful but aging squad and publicly suggested that if they weren’t going to back him in the forthcoming January transfer window they might be better finding another coach. They chose the latter and Rafa and his family returned to England and the home they’d grown so fond of, not to mention the friends they’d made, during his time as Liverpool boss.

Rafa is understood to have received offers and expressions of interest from other clubs since leaving Italy, including Premier League clubs, but won’t be rushed into joining the wrong club. He wants a club that shares his ideas, a club that shares his ambition, a Premier League club, and as much as he wants to get back into management sooner rather than later he feels he can afford to wait until that opportunity arises.

In an exclusive interview with The Anfield Wrap Rafa spoke about his time since his return to England. The family had been homesick in Italy (for England) and with Benítez seemingly set on staying in this country it seems that he might be putting his family first, ahead of his career, something that isn’t often seen in football. “I’m not sure my wife will agree!” he said, putting on an impression of a wife tired of her husband watching the match all the time: “’You’re always watching games!’” It’s a voice familiar to many of us.

He went on: “I explain to her, as a manager you have to see games, you have to watch games, and analyse games, at the same time you try to spend some time with your family. To be fair, when you play two games a week, when you play in Europe, you have to go to (say) Russia and then you come and you have to go and play against Sunderland you don’t have too much time for your family.

Rafa Benitez at the Indigo last week

“At this time I am not managing a team so I can spend some time with the website, with the foundation and with the family. I try as much as possible to go with them, but always they want more and more! You can’t (give them that) but at least you try.”

How long Rafa will stay in England, how long he’ll be content with the work for the foundation and his website and spending time with his family, remains to be seen. But he certainly looks happy and very much in control of his own life.

Rafa also spoke to The Anfield Wrap about his attempts to get control of the Academy, attempts that he feels may have been somewhat misrepresented by the media:

“I think the fans know that when I was fighting some of the press said, ‘Oh, he’s fighting for the power.’
“I was not fighting for the power. I didn’t need more power. I was fighting for the future of the club.”

You can hear the rest of what Rafa Benitez said on the latest episode of The Anfield Wrap podcast, available to download – free – now.

Longest Headed Goal Ever

2011-09-28T19:06:00.001+08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo Tested To The Limit

2011-09-13T10:52:00.001+08:00

Lucas v. Bolton August 27th, 2011

2011-08-29T09:36:00.001+08:00

There’s plenty of reason for positivity at the current moment, with yesterday’s victory furthering the belief that Liverpool could be on the way to being a force in English football again. The team as a whole was marvelous at times, defending well (until that lapse in final minute), linking play and finding a fluidity going forward that left Bolton overwhelmed at the back and fortunate not to have conceded six. And as I mentioned yesterday, there were a host of individual performances worth picking out—each of the summer signings had a discernible impact, Luis Suarez continued to draw rave reviews, and the midfield was once again marshaled expertly by the man that’s increasingly become the standard by which central midfielders of his type should be measured.

With apologies to Jordan Henderson, who had easily the best performance of his young Liverpool career and capped it with a well-taken opener, we’re unable to resist the temptation of highlighting another dominant midfield performance from Lucas. It was, at times, a clinic—holding up play and distributing smartly when in possession, and disrupting Bolton’s attack with a number of perfectly timed challenges. He wasn’t as involved in attack as he was against Arsenal last week, but his partnership with Charlie Adam once again flourished as the Scot continues to find his footing. After picking up a knock at the end of the first half, he could have been forgiven for not getting as involved in the second. As it turned out, though, he continued to fling himself about and cover plenty of ground, cementing the victory for Liverpool as part of a collective that were nearing top form.

So you might not be as big a fanboy as we are, and that’s fine. But it’s probably time to let go of the idea that he’s really not that influential, or that his performances add nothing to the squad, or that he’s only around because Liverpool don’t have anyone better right now. Just give in already.

Kenny Has LFC Back At Rafa’s Level

2011-08-28T23:26:00.001+08:00

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Kenny Dalglish – the man who, along with Damien Comolli, ‘wasted millions of pounds’ this summer – has put the smile back on our faces.

Aside from those of us who thought it, who’d have thought it?

As one pundit on Sky’s Sunday Supplement put it just a couple of weeks ago, the Reds ‘collapsed’ under Dalglish at the end of last season (losing two games; the world’s smallest ever collapse?), and the club overpaid on a load of average players this summer. And remember, preseason results were sure to have us doomed.

So to have seven points in August – when it took until the end of October last season to reach that mark – is a sign of the club being back on track. And to my mind, that means being back at the level that Rafa Benítez had the club for the majority of his time at the helm.

As ever, some vindictive things were said in the media in relation to Liverpool’s recent history. A fine win against Bolton was used by the ESPN commentator John Champion to criticise Benítez; in reference to a woman in the crowd who was caught yawning near the end of the game, he said “under Rafa, she’d have been asleep 60 minutes ago”.

Benítez was also criticised for failing to get the best out of Lucas, never mind that he bought him as a 20-year-old for just £6m and persisted with him when those too blind to see his quality (i.e. not most of this site’s members) had it in for the lad; not to mention that – funnily enough – young players get better with time and experience (and with the exit of players with bigger reputations, out of whose shadow they can emerge).

Had a player Arsene Wenger bought evolved in the same way, then even had the manager left the club, Wenger would be labelled a genius for finding and helping to develop that talent. Lucas is now some player, and Rafa deserves a large chunk of credit.

By contrast, to the mass media, when it comes to Liverpool’s recent history, Roy Hodgson simply never existed; at least as far as criticism is concerned. He worked miracles at West Brom last season in a short space of time, and fully deserved all the plaudits he got for a remarkable turnaround; but he managed Liverpool for a longer period of time, and yet that gets brushed under the carpet as ‘too little time to make a difference’. Except he did make a difference, for all the wrong reasons.

A more obvious comparison for John Champion to make would have been thelast home game against Bolton, less than nine months ago, to show the dramatic change. On New Year’s Day, at the same late stage in the game, Liverpool were only drawing 1-1 against the Trotters, in front of 10,000 empty seats on one of the traditionally best-attended days in the football calendar. Joe Cole nudged the ball an inch over the line at the death, but it was only papering over the cracks. People weren’t yawning; they simply weren’t attending.

Interestingly, it’s like Hodgson never existed at Liverpool, either. Not one of his six summer 2010 signings has made the starting XI in the Premier League, with most either up for sale, or already sold. Only Raul Meireles – now a squad player – remains part of Kenny’s plans, although he was his only relatively expensive signing. (That said, he did try to get Joe Cole, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen into his first XI.)

This season’s side – and indeed, the match-day 18 – has been comprised of roughly a 50-50 mix of Benítez and Dalglish purchases. Bought by the former were Reina, Agger, Kuyt, Lucas, Skrtel, Maxi, Shelvey, with Spearing and Kelly given debuts by the Spaniard a few years ago. When fit, Glen Johnson will slot back into the XI.

That said, this is clearly becoming Kenny’s team. In have come Suarez, Carroll, Adams, Downing, Enrique, Doni and Henderson.

All the good results since January, and we’ve yet to see Steven Gerrard beyond a handful of the manager’s games. If he can find his old form, then how he links with the incredible Suarez will be fascinating to watch.

Jamie ‘Literally, Top Top Top Literally’ Redknapp is another whose first post-match words of analysis about Liverpool almost always refer back to Benítez; he “overcomplicated” the game, said a man who gives the impression that a lot of things (including finding trousers that fit) are too complicated for him. (Note: it may be that, as a bald 40-year-old, I’m just jealous of his looks. This is true. Of his intelligence, not so much.)

I fully agree that we need to constantly refer back to the recent past to make comparisons. But surely it’s only right to do so with accuracy and fairness? – after all, we’ll never know how far we’ve come if we cannot work out our starting point.

This notion that Liverpool fans were bored by Benítez continues to irritate me. At times, yes, the team could be below par, just as any team can be, and clearly not every fan bought into his approach. (Those who believed the mass media, mostly.)

However, the idea of negativity at home – as espoused by Champion and Redknapp – is belied by the fact that the Reds hold the record winning margin in the Champions League (8-0), and also put four past Real Madrid and Arsenal at Anfield in the same competition. Do dull, methodical teams really do that?

Of course, this was in the Champions League; Benítez ‘wasn’t very good at the domestic stuff’. (Never mind that he averaged 72 points a season, an improvement of seven points a season on his predecessor.)

At times Rafa’s teams took their foot off the gas in league games when winning, but with tough midweek European games coming thick and fast, the need was to balance resources that were not as deep as those of the richer big clubs. That was never going to be a concern against Bolton this weekend, although, of course, Luis Suarez needed removing for his own good (as part of not overdoing it post-Copa America).

Having researched Liverpool’s home goalscoring record since 1998, it’s interesting to see patterns that totally correlate with my preconceived ideas, and, surprise surprise, seem to go against those of the mass media: that Benítez and Dalglish had/have the team scoring lots of goals at home, and that Houllier and Hodgson (whose approaches were similar to one another) performed far worse in this regard.

The samples are still quite low for Hodgson (10 home league games) and Dalglish (11). But as 10 games is more than half a season’s worth of home matches, it’s not insignificant.

It’s fascinating to see that Hodgson and Houllier have identical records: an average of just 1.7 goals per game at home. (Houllier’s record starts from 1999/00, his first full season in charge.)

Another identical record is that of Benítez from 2006 to 2010 (his last four seasons) and Dalglish since his return: 2.18 goals per game.

Both men took over teams that were averaging 1.7 goals a game and improved the scoring rate by a massive 30%.

If most managers improved their team’s home scoring record by 30%, you’d expect them to be lauded. Dalglish is receiving a lot of praise, and quite rightly so.

Of course, this is just 2006-2010 for Benítez; add his first two seasons (in which the Champions League and FA Cups were won) and the home league goals tally drops; his full six-year average is 2.01 goals per game. (Still a 20% improvement on Houllier’s record.)

(As a quick aside, Benítez lost key goalscorer Michael Owen before his first league game, and inherited Djibril Cissé and Milan Baros, two unpredictable strikers. His first expensive striker signing was Torres in 2007, three years into the job. Houllier made his first expensive striker signing in 2000 – Heskey – and Dalglish made two in his first transfer window. In his defence, Hodgson did not get to buy an expensive striker, but did inherit Fernando Torres, who up until then had a terrific scoring record. In today’s money (TPI©), Heskey, Cissé and Torres cost in between the £22.8m paid for Suarez and the £35m paid for Carroll.)

What’s also interesting is that the home league goalscoring record in all six of Benítez’s seasons is identical to Arsenal’s in their five most recent seasons.

Arsenal are seen by all and sundry as the paragons of attacking football, and although they were not at their pre-2004 best in that time, they continued to gain plaudits for their style.

As both Liverpool and Arsenal had squads of similar value – well below those of Chelsea and Manchester United – then the comparison seems valid. (Of course, when Benítez pitched up, Arsenal were miles ahead of the Reds. Liverpool scored just 31 home games in Houllier’s final season, at 1.63 per game, and just 32 the season before that.)

Right now, Liverpool are back in the goalscoring groove at home. My overriding sense that the Reds were in fact far more tedious under Houllier and Hodgson is borne out by the stats. They were the managers whose style was too cautious.

Apparently it’s easy to forget how good Liverpool’s attacking play was with Torres, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun and Kuyt tearing holes in defences. Thankfully, while there are some differences in the style, it’s a joy to once again see footballers at the top of their game dragging centre-backs out of position and passes cutting right into the heart of the opposition back line.

It’s not just the scoring of goals. If Liverpool fans were yawning under Benítez, how did he improve the club’s home points haul so significantly? Unsurprisingly, the ability to score goals correlates quite nicely with the ability to win games, even though in theory you could need just 19 goals to win all 19 home games.

In fairness to Hodgson, he wasn’t that much of a disaster at Anfield; it was away where most of the horrors occurred, with just a single win (again, against Bolton).

But even so, Hodgson’s average of 2.oo was worse than Benítez’s poorest season (2.11), and nowhere near the Spaniard’s best (2.53). It was better than Houllier’s worst (1.79 in his final season), but yet again, the two H-men are virtually identical with their overall average: 2.00 of Hodgson to 1.97 of Houllier. Is this all coincidence?

At the moment, Dalglish is averaging 2.40 points per home game, which is not quite up with Rafa’s best of 2.53, but slightly better than his six-year average of 2.29.

The problem under Benítez was the away form, which was inconsistent. A couple of the seasons were poor, although another couple (2005/06 and 2008/09) were amongst the very best in the club’s history (2008/09 equalled the club record for number of wins, 13 games).

Resurgence

As has been documented, Dalglish has spent quite a lot of money to provide this resurgence, but it’s not been without losing good players, too, to help rebuild. If he’d spent £100m but been able to keep Torres as well (and had him scoring goals at the three-in-five rate the Spaniard briefly delivered under him), then you’d have more right to expect a title challenge.

As it is, Chelsea, Man United and Man City have been spending lots of moneywithout recouping much from sales. They’ve been strengthening without losing anything, although United did prune the squad of some older stars and lose their goalkeeper. I stagger to think what City’s wage bill is right now, but it’s something Liverpool cannot get remotely close to. In time, with the club now being better run, and the FFP rules due to arrive, things might level out a bit.

All Liverpool can do is look to improve, and that’s what the Reds are doing. The new signings are playing their part.

Despite apparently ‘overpaying for his services’, Stewart Downing has looked excellent in every game he’s played. Liverpool ‘needed the winger they lacked under Benítez’, but it’s been his ability to move infield that has caught the eye, rather than anything near the touchline. (Lee Dixon, one of the few pundits I tend to agree with, praised Downing for constantly drifting into areas the full-back hated to travel into. So, rather than supply width, he’s been an out-to-in winger.)

Downing has popped up in central or inside-left and right goalscoring positions on numerous occasions, and forced great saves against Arsenal and Bolton, and hit the bar against Sunderland. But in tandem with the equally impressive Enrique, it seems that one area where the Reds are now better than in recent memory is on the left flank.

(A major journalist, who just happens to have been one of Rafa’s biggest critics, labelled Enrique as slow when Dalglish purchased him. This is also someone who said that Hodgson would turn Liverpool into a great attacking team to banish the boredom seen under Benítez. For the record, Enrique chose football over becoming an Olympic sprinter.)

The good news is that, just as they were for almost all of Rafa’s tenure, the Reds are back in the top four, and look capable of putting up a good fight to stay there.

Liverpool had their faults under Benítez, just as they did under all of their managers (even Shankly). But being boring at home was surely not one of them.

In Rafa’s final three seasons the Reds averaged 2.23 goals a game at Anfield, scoring more than 40 in each campaign and never winning fewer than 42 points, and we’d all settle for that this season.

2011-08-25T23:07:00.001+08:00

Source Part 1

Part 2

Guest writer Ryan McCarthy explores the influence and ideological impact of club legend Kenny Dalglish since his return to the managerial hotseat at Liverpool Football Club.

“He didn’t just build great teams, he built up a club full of great people at every level. He was the people’s man, and he made Liverpool the people’s club which I still think it is today. He identified with the people who pay to come here, and the people who come have never lost that strong identity with the club”.

This assessment of the architect of the modern Liverpool FC and the clubs greatest manager Bill Shankly comes from the lips of one of the club's greatest players and eases us into the psyche created in a small room, the philosophy of Shankly, Bob Paisley, Ronnie Moran, Joe Fagan, Roy Evans and perhaps the last of the bootroom boys, Kenny Dalglish.

When Dalglish returned to the club last January it is possible that at no other time in English football was the role of ‘Caretaker Manager’ more aptly named. The club that had remained at Dalglish’s core throughout his adult life had been bruised by the worst battles of all, the battles from the inside, with each bruise leaving the club looking almost unrecognisable from the one that Shankly built.

Something jarred with seeing Liverpool FC giving SKY News their main on-going news story throughout October 2010 - the victory that was won in Room 16 and then celebrated on the steps of the High Court was a horrible beauty; the story’s ending was welcomed but the re-building process looked more the revival of a club that had long drifted into a coma.

At every corner there lay an obstacle: those loyal to former manager Rafa Benitez, the loving father of The Kop who perhaps never quite managed to master the art of natural affection to his favourite dressing room sons; those who could and would never accept the appointment of Roy Hodgson - the quintessential English gentlemen - to rule over people who were not English but Scouse, and the scars still open from the boardroom battle involving the roundly despised Hicks and Gillett.

Liverpool FC wasn’t just the search for a route to the top of the Premier League or away from the front pages of the nations daily newspapers, it was a club involved in the battle to regain its own soul.

The appointment of Dalglish gave Liverpool something that the club hadn’t the claim to since he left: a manager upon whom the mantle of Liverpool manager lay easy. The harder Souness tried the harder he failed; for all the soul that Evans gave, the job robbed the soul from him; Houllier’s final steps to glory went down the wrong path and for Rafa, the intensity of feeling of what he brought was only matched by watching it slowly and painfully being taken away from him.

Reasonably, there were those that feared Dalglish’s return to the job was an incalculable risk considering the time he had spent out of football, but it failed to acknowledge that football had never left him. The basic principles of good management; how to treat people, and how manage the club, had been gleaned by Shankly’s childhood in his Glenbuck home and passed from generation to generation in that bootroom. For anyone worrying what hand the age of modern football would deal Dalglish, they need not have worried - Dalglish did what all good managers do, he saw it coming and dealt with it first.

The shrewd appointment of Steve Clarke as first team coach was an immediate show of Dalglish’s strength, acknowledging a weakness and dealing with it efficiently gave an immediate sense of calm to Liverpool supporters. The message was clear: Liverpool’s manager was quietly going about his work.

It was in the unlikely setting of Molineux that Dalglish would give the clearest indication that things at Liverpool were returning to the ways they had always been done, i.e. the Liverpool Way. Following a defeat by Wolves, Sky’s matchday reporter Andy Burton - self styled ’on the edge of the game’ modern reporter - enquired about the progress of a transfer bid for Charlie Adam. Burton ended his enquiry by stating that“a lot of fans watching the show today would like to know that if that is getting closer”.

From the moment Burton’s mouth opened and the microphone dangled in front of Dalglish’s lips one could almost detect the predator in Dalglish; he could have been wearing the No 7 shirt hovering in the hole behind the front man, but here we was waiting for the chance to put this reporter in his place like a two yard tap-in. The question gave Dalglish his chance, and like so often on the Anfield turf, Dalglish’s reaction was instinctive, clinical and accurate:

“It’s a bit sad when you spin it on to the fans. We know more about our fans than what yourselves do, so we know how they want to be treated and they know what we want and they want to treat them with respect and they want us to treat them the way that Liverpool fans have always been treated by the club and that’s if we have business to do we’ll do it behind closed doors. Once we have a story to tell about anybody then we’ll let you know, but we have no stories to tell about anything but I know what’s going on and it doesn’t mean to say I have to tell you”.

If Shankly’s spirit had been disturbed by events of the previous three years then this was a moment for it to settle and to see it revived by man almost born to follow in his footsteps. Shanks built it, Dalglish was re-building it, but they both worked from the same plans.

Since then Liverpool FC has returned to the back pages and true to his word Dalglish has done Liverpool’s business behind closed doors. He has known what's going on, as evidenced by chauffeuring Adam to Melwood once the deal was finally agreed, but as Liverpool fans we have felt the respect of being the last to know.

___________________________________

In the second part of this two-part article, Guest writer Ryan McCarthy continues to explore the influence and ideological impact of club legend Kenny Dalglish since his return to the managerial hotseat at Liverpool Football Club.

These days it has become common practice for television cameras to zero in on Dalglish for his reaction when Liverpool score, which is usually arms rising to the heavens; a smile as wide as the Mersey; caught up in the infectious unbridled, childlike joy of the moment. No matter how predictable that reaction though, it betrays the iron behind the smile that has allowed tough decisions to be made when necessary.

When faced with the departure of Fernando Torres before the transfer deadline it was Dalglish who sanctioned the move and took the decision to spend £35 million on Andy Carroll. It is Dalglish who, in the face of criticism for paying big fees for British talent, has entered the marketplace with a clearly defined plan – to buy British, to buy young and create a British core at the club again. He is willing to be judged on his plan, and by the huge cheques signed in order to implement that plan.

Dalglish’s overhaul of the squad has focused on sales as well as purchases, and this part of his plan has often been overlooked. Dalglish has consistently praised the effort in training and the professionalism of those players out of the first team, such as Joe Cole, and he's also said he will be perfectly happy to welcome back players on loan, such as Aquilani. During pre-season he focused on giving time to players that were clearly not part of his first team plans, such as Poulsen, Insua, Cole and Aquilani, speaking of his duty to ensure that all players were fit for the season ahead.

All players trained as one squad at Melwood, no players were excluded or asked to train with the reserves or youth team. Dalglish’s respect for every professional under his management has ensured that even at a time of unprecedented squad overhaul, stories of unrest or dissatisfaction have been practically non-existent. Departing players have left with a dignified silence, mirroring the respect that has been shown to them by Dalglish.

Dalglish has also not shied away from the toughest of decisions. He decided to promote Steve Clarke and recruit a new first team coach and give Pep Segura more responsibility as Reserve Team manager. Then, long-time Liverpool servant Sammy Lee was let go and John McMahon, brother of Steve, Dalglish’s first ever signing as Liverpool manager was relieved of his post. Managers of top clubs live or die by their decisions and in this respect Dalglish has also displayed his ruthless streak.

Such is the focus on a club in this day and age that even clips of the youth teams games often end up on You Tube. One cursory glance at the highlights of the U18s 7-0 win over Preston sees Dalglish on the sideline in his red club training jacket, speaking to Mike Marsh, U18s manager. You get the feeling that Dalglish knows as much about young players such as Brad Smith or David Moli as he does the first team players. He also gives the impression that when we wakes up in the morning his first thoughts are about Liverpool FC, and in the same way, when his head hits the pillow he’s planning for the next day. It feels, once again, as if the manager knows everyone from tea lady to Chairman.

The reconnect with the people who pay good money to see the team has been the most vital. Overseas supporters are just as important to the future of a club as the local support in the modern age, but the Scousers stood on the Kop are vital when it comes to maintaining the local soul of the club.

Dalglish has not been afraid to promote from within, with Jack Robinson, Conor Coady, Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom all tasting life with the first team squad. Dalglish’s message to the fans has been that Liverpool has young talent the equal of any other club and he won’t be afraid to use it. The inferiority complex supporters have felt for a while about our youth system has been dispelled.

Dalglish spoke of the need for hard work and unity almost from the first moment he was appointed manager and no-one has worked harder than Dalglish to lead the way. He has overhauled the first-team coaching and playing staff with a clearly defined plan; he has treated players and fans with respect; he has reconnected with the Liverpool Way and his dealings with the press have been first class. Dalglish is managing the club from top to bottom and painting it in the reddest shade of Shankly’s red.

It is no exaggeration to say that Dalglish has given Liverpool fans back their club; and the return to the Liverpool Way of doing things reminds us that now is the time for the fans to offer patience and support whilst King Kenny works hard to re-establish Liverpool as a force in domestic and European football.

The Last Time Dalglish Rebuilt The Liverpool Side

2011-07-29T19:14:00.001+08:00

Reds back at Melwood

2011-07-16T11:09:00.000+08:00

Thierry Henry bringing violence to the MLS

2011-06-23T19:31:00.000+08:00

Thierry Henry, what a violent thug he is since moving to the MLS. What would the American's think watching this barbaric display?

Ferguson vs Dalglish 1960-2011

2011-06-12T14:48:00.001+08:00

Luis Suarez Magic by ElAlonso

2011-05-28T13:00:00.000+08:00

The King's speech

2011-05-14T11:39:00.000+08:00

Jan Molby's Goal vs Man United

2011-05-12T01:48:00.001+08:00

The fantastic missing wonder goal because the TV cameramen went on strike, but the United staff videoed the game for training purposes and Big Jan got his hands on a copy. He's had it in his loft for quarter of a century!

Rafa Benitez exclusive: Blame, lies and broken promises at Liverpool

2011-04-11T00:44:00.002+08:00

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By ROB DRAPER Last updated at 9:02 PM on 15th March 2011

Rafa Benitez will get up this morning, take in the magnificent views of the Dee estuary from his home on the Wirral and spend time with his wife, Montse, and daughters, Claudia and Agata. Then he will sit down in his living room to watch Liverpool take on Manchester United in the Premier League - and spend the entire match analysing his former team. It is a habit that, for Benitez, is impossible to break.

Having been an intrinsic part of the biggest fixture in English football for six years, his absence from the cast list seems odd but Benitez, who has returned with his family to England after what became an acrimonious six-month stint at Inter Milan, is adjusting to a new life. When he watches Liverpool, however, he reverts to type.

Life's a beach: Benitez shows off his ball skills on the Wirral

'The other day I was watching a Liverpool game with my wife and I was saying, "Now this player will kick the ball long, this one short",' he says, as he nurses a soft drink at his local restaurant. 'With one player, I was right four times in a row. But it was very easy because I know the team so well.'

It is eight months since he left Liverpool following six years at the club that are still the cause of contention. A glorious Champions League victory, another final, an FA Cup win and a UEFA Super Cup and consistent qualification for the Champions League are to his credit; some dubious signings and a backdrop of endless infighting between owners and the executives register on the debit side.

Yet, for now, the Spaniard is content with his life.

With his family back in their English home - eightyear- old Agata barely knows any other - he is enjoying his first extended break from the game in 13 years. Even so, the job is never truly far away. As he talks in the restaurant, he appropriates salt and pepper pots to demonstrate the virtues of zonal marking.

'It's really strange to be relaxed but now I'm watching games in a different way,' he says. 'You are trying to take notes, analyse things, but it is not the same as when you need to be ready for the next game. You can enjoy the football a little bit more. But you know you have to be ready, because we have had some offers from abroad, though for now it is better to be calm and choose the right team.'

There are, of course, constant reminders of his status in English football. On Tuesday night he took in Chelsea's game against Manchester United and witnessed Sir Alex Ferguson's verbal assault of referee Martin Atkinson. For a man almost as famous for what became known as Rafa's rant as for his Champions League heroics, it was a familiar moment.

Critic: Gerrard accused Benitez of being too distant

When Benitez launched his now notorious attack on Ferguson, just over two years ago, his side were top of the table, mounting the club's most credible title challenge for 18 years.

And Benitez's principal fear was that Ferguson was escaping punishment for undermining referees.

'I knew that they [United] had some problems, that we were winning and top of the league and they were under pressure,' says Benitez. 'I just wanted a level playing field until the end of the season. But, now in football, the more you shout the more famous and more important you become and the more people seem to take notice of you.

'I think we have to have respect. The example we give to the children is really important. If you are a referee, it's not easy because everyone wants to win and so there will be cheating. The problem is that the people who are doing the right thing [by respecting referees] have to have some benefit. And to the people who are not doing this, someone has to say: "Enough is enough".'

Pointing out the dominance of Ferguson in English football - and the fear the authorities appear to have of punishing him - can be a dangerous business, inviting further hostility. Benitez dismisses the theory that his attack on United's manager marked a turning point in the race for the league title that season, which in the end saw Liverpool finish second, four points behind United. But he adds wryly: 'Before then, I had a good relationship with him.'

Changing faces: Rafa Benitez on his first day as Liverpool manager and six years later on the touchline

That, of course, was before Benitez became a threat. Yet it was a threat that could not be sustained. Following Liverpoool's second place, hopes were raised higher than at any time since Liverpool's last title win in 1990. But the club endured a debacle of a season, finishing seventh, their lowest position for 11 years. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, Benitez attempts to address the myriad issues that undermined that campaign.

A persistent complaint throughout his reign was his managerial style, which was reputedly cool towards his players. Benitez is genuinely bemused by that claim. Yet the tales have become legend.

Steven Gerrard, having produced a performance in an FA Cup final comparable to Stanley Matthews, joked that he still failed to get a 'well done' from Benitez. Fernando Torres wrote that a day after the birth of his first daughter he received belated congratulations from Benitez, only to realise the praise was for attacking the post at a corner rather than for his new fatherhood.

'I was surprised that they said I was too distant,' says Benitez. 'Every day at Liverpool I spent 15 minutes in the physio room talking to players who were injured. I know what it means to be injured and spend six months training on your own.

'But I [also] say, "You can do better". I push, I push, I push. It's my style and I think that Gerrard, Torres, Reina, these players can always give something more because they are top-class players, mentally, physically and technically. So I try to push them. The approach with other players is different. When they don't have that level you have to say, "OK, fine, well done". But with top players you have to push them.'

High point: Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez with the European Cup after beating Milan in 2005

The Torres anecdote upsets Benitez. 'It's not true,' he insists. 'We had been practising a movement, where we attacked the near post. Then against Chelsea, he attacked the near post and we scored. Straight after the game - straight after the game, not a day later - I went to see him and said, "Well done. Attacking the near post!"

'In his book, he says it was a day later, not after the game. I asked Fernando, "Why did you write this?" They changed the time of when I said this but it gets repeated and repeated and people think it's true.'

Of the team he left, the one inherited first by Roy Hodgson and now by Kenny Dalglish, he is bullish.

Although he admits there were mistakes in the transfer market, he says they were due to the risks he had to take because of the financial squeeze on the club. In 2008 Liverpool's interest payments on the club's debt had risen to £36.5million; by the next year they were £41m. The club were making huge losses.

Benitez says: 'We had the confidence we could win the league but you have to wheel and deal. You cannot bring in two or three top-class players if you don't have the money. You have to sell. We sold Xabi Alonso and bought Glen Johnson, Alberto Aquilani and Sotirios Kyrgiakos. We [should have] had money but I couldn't use it because we had to meet the interest payments.

'We had one top-class player who was our target, Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic. As far as I was concerned, we had the money for him in our budget. But then the owners said: "No, no, we don't have the money". Then he scored against us in the Champions League to help knock us out!

Best of enemies: Sir Alex Ferguson and Benitez

'If you have your budget and you know that is happening, fine. But my budget was always given to me as a net figure [after taxes] for wage negotiation. But in the last year it was gross - a massive difference - but I didn't know. No one told me it had changed.'

Senior players quickly cottoned on to the financial restraints and some became disillusioned. Torres, whose form collapsed because of injury and frustration, was among them. 'I was very clear and honest with him,' says Benitez. 'And to be fair, he was telling me, "If we don't spend money, we cannot compete against the top sides".'

Torres has since spoken of broken promises that drove him to leave Liverpool for Chelsea and Benitez says: 'Obviously the things that the owners were telling me, I'm sure that they were telling to Fernando and Gerrard. If they have this feeling it must be because someone was telling them something.'

Still, he believes the players he had were capable of challenging for the top four. Hodgson's suggestion, when he took over the job, that they were not annoys Benitez. 'You should defend what you have or will have, not attack the former manager,' he says.

'Everything was "Blame Rafa". But now, with Dalglish in charge, and without new players, because Carroll hasn't played and Suarez has hardly played, the same group of players are doing much better [than under Hodgson].

'Two years ago they were finishing second. In football it is a question sometimes of the mentality, understanding the players, the atmosphere, the confidence.'

Throughout the latter part of his reign he had to maintain an often Kafkaesque dialogue with the owners. He says:

'Sometimes you were talking with [co-owner] George Gillett and it was fine; sometimes you were talking with Tom Hicks and it was fine. Sometimes one was saying the opposite of the other. The problem was when they say to you one thing and then it changes.'

His regrets are limited: some signings perhaps, but principally that he did not take full control of the club's youth academy for the final year. It is a mistake that he would like to rectify when he works again.

He is eager for a project where he can demonstrate that he can build a club combining a thriving academy with the transfer market. Given his record - even his mixed six months at Inter gained him the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA World Club Cup - he will not be waiting long.

'My job is to analyse clubs and say, "I know how we can improve this team, we can spend money here or spend money there". Right now I'm preparing projects for different options and different clubs because it could be this one, it could be that one. The main thing will be the transfer targets, as it depends on the potential of the club. But I want to work in England.'

For now, though, there is the diversion of this afternoon's match and a possible debut for a £35m Liverpool signing. Benitez is optimistic for Carroll.

'If he is there, even on the bench, he will be a massive presence because he's a different player,' says Benitez. 'He will have the passion and the fans will all be behind him.'

And the prospect of another famous Liverpool victory? 'Always I say the 11 starters of Liverpool are at the same level as the others,' he says.

'Over nine months, it's not easy if you have injuries and you can suffer more than the other top sides. But for me Liverpool are a top side in terms of their 11 starters.'

He will not be there, of course. His television will have to suffice for now. It will be a while before Benitez takes charge of a game at Anfield again. But perhaps not that long.

Rafa on Football Focus

2011-04-11T00:35:00.001+08:00

How to Become a Famous Football Pundit

2011-03-10T18:10:00.000+08:00

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Posted on 10. Mar, 2011 by Liam Tomkins in Blog

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As I sat watching Barcelona dismantle Arsenal on Tuesday night, I couldn’t help but salivate over their perfectly polished game. Of course, it’s easy to appreciate and respect them for the way they play, but it takes a certain level of intelligence to actually understand it.

Football is a very cosy community, and unless you’ve been brought up on the inside you’re very unlikely to ever get there. That is why pretty much every columnist, panellist and analyst these days is an ex-player. It doesn’t seem to matter how much they actually know about the game – if they’ve got the name, they’ve got the gig.

It takes an exception to prove the rule, and Tuesday’s exception was Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard sat just inches away from Graeme Souness and Jamie Redknapp in the Sky Sports studio, but in terms of knowledge the gap between the trio couldn’t even be measured in light years.

Souness and Redknapp were fine players in their pomp, but fine analysts they are not. Benitez, on the other hand, just oozes intelligence.

As the camera cut back to the studio at the interval last night, Rafa was seen to be clutching a small scrap of paper in his hand as Jeff Stelling quizzed him on the first 45 minutes. He had been making notes on the game in preparation for the half-time analysis.

He divulged in great detail exactly how Barcelona had come to acquire their lead, and why Arsenal had been unable to answer back – all the while referring to his notes to back up his points with facts. At full-time, too, he was on hand to analyse the action in tactical terms.

When asked by Stelling why the home side ultimately prevailed, Benitez claimed the key to their dominance was their use of the pitch as a whole. He explained how they were able to draw Arsenal into the middle of the pitch via Xavi and Iniesta, before taking full advantage of the space this created by firing it to the wide players who were hugging the touchline throughout. Those of a tactical persuasion may have found what Benitez was saying to be obvious and therefore may not have appreciated his two cents. As the camera panned onto the sweaty Souness, though, everyone was about to be given a reason to value an educated input.

The Liverpool legend, when tasked with answering the same question as Benitez, bumbled: “I, I think I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again…Barcelona are the best club side ever”. Thank you captain obvious.

Redknapp, too, took the easy way out when he pinned Barca’s triumph on the mesmeric Lionel Messi, before claiming that the Catalan giants had “literally passed their opponents to death”. I must say, I wouldn’t wish such torture on my worst enemy.

As he looked on at the other pundits reeling off clichés until they were finally saved from the embarrassment of being outed as idiots by the interruptions of the anchorman, you could almost hear Benitez thinking: ‘who books these guys!?’.

For the first time in a very long time I actually sat and listened to the panel’s analysis of the game on Tuesday. Not for the opinion of Souness or Redknapp, whose collective input is about as useful as a solar powered torch, but for Benitez, who brought credibility to an otherwise embarrassingly uncultured production.

It was refreshing to hear from someone who quite simply knew what they are talking about. Seeing as Sky Sports just fired their only analyst with half a clue I don’t see it happening again any time soon, unless they start hiring people based on their CV rather than their surname.

I think I know why there is such a shortage of educated and knowledgeable pundits in today’s media. It would appear that anyone with a genuine footballing brain (not literally, Jamie) remains in the game for as long as their ticker allows them to. Intelligent players go on to become managers, and most managers are far too busy to be made up like a princess for a date with Sky Sports. But to draft in a nobody just won’t do for the broadcasting giants, even if they are a tactical genius.

The only other option, then, is to call upon the established names of the game. How else do you explain Paul Merson?

Nani are you OK

2011-03-08T12:12:00.001+08:00

Pep Guardiola the purist and pragmatist oiling Barcelona's machine

2011-03-06T09:31:00.001+08:00

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The Catalan manager would have supporters believe he has little bearing on Barcelona's brilliance. Don't believe a word of it

- Sid Lowe
- The Observer, Sunday 6 March 2011
- Article history

The Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola, has led the Catalan club to almost unprecedented success. Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Tuesday afternoon in Sant Joan Despí and there is bad news. A back injury looks like leaving Barcelona a man short when they travel to the Mestalla to face third-placed Valencia. But this time it's not Xavi who is missing; the midfielder is instead returning from injury. Nor is it Leo Messi or David Villa. It is Pep Guardiola, the coach. He is suffering with back pain and is not sure if he is going to make it.

When Guardiola's injury is conveyed to Valencia's manager, Unai Emery, he laughs. "Can't it be Messi with the bad back?" he says. Emery is joking. A chess and strategy fanatic, a man who can enthuse for hours on tactics and an admirer of Guardiola, Emery knows how important his opposite number is. But there is something in what he says – and not just because any coach would prefer to face Barça without Messi. As if to prove the point, Messi it was who scored the winner – and it was Messi again who set up Seydou Keita's tap-in in Barça's 1-0 win over Real Zaragoza last night.

In the end, Guardiola travelled. But he sat, awkwardly, rigid. Afterwards, he was admitted to hospital and a scan revealed a slipped disc. He could see the Camp Nou from his hospital bed but could not get there: it is not yet clear he will be there against Arsenal on Tuesday night or lead preparatory sessions. Many will ask the same question asked before the trip to Valencia. So what? It makes little difference, right? Wrong.

The impression has been fostered by Guardiola himself. Every time he is asked the secret of success he responds: "The players are very good." When Messi scored a wonderful goal at Real Zaragoza, he turned to a fan and said: "If it wasn't for Messi, I'd be coaching in the third division." Nothing to do with me, mate.

He is fooling no one. Guardiola's contribution is huge and has been recognised. He is lauded in Catalonia; "the legend is starting to be Guardiola himself," noted El País. A sports newspaper in Madrid tried to poke fun at his supposed perfection by sending his reporter to ask him a leading question. The question got exactly the desired response. "Maybe it's true," Guardiola replied, "maybe I do piss perfume."

But if Guardiola is given the credit for his work at Barcelona, there remain misconceptions that come with Barcelona's style; assumptions. Yes, they work hard now: "We had let ourselves go," Rafa Márquez said. But the way they play, well that's simple, natural. Autóctono, the product of 20 years' commitment to a footballing ideal, traceable to Johan Cruyff. Guardiola, captain under the Dutchman, said it: "This team will respect a philosophy," and one friend describes him as having "suckled from the teat of Cruyff". Xavi talks about the rondo – piggy in the middle – as the cornerstone of everything.

Which it is. But that makes it sound too simple, too unwavering. There has been much talk about how Arsenal will play Barcelona, but not very much about how Barcelona will play Arsenal. Well, the answer goes, like they always do.

Yes. But no. Under Frank Rijkaard, one insider claims, the exaggeration serving to make the point: "Barcelona found out who was in the team on the morning of the game." Guardiola could hardly be more different. Even as a player he was a coach, a thinker, a talker. "A talker?" says Fernando Hierro, the former Real Madrid captain, laughing. "He pretty much commentated the matches."

When he was offered the job in 2008, Guardiola asked his assistant, Tito Vilanova, if they were really ready. "Well," came the reply, "you certainly are." Charly Rexach, Cruyff's assistant, recalls that Guardiola was "the man we explained the tactical variations to. If we needed them, he implemented them." He had learnt too in Italy and in Mexico with Juanma Lillo, who coached in La Liga before he was 30. Guardiola had embarked upon a kind of pilgrimage – to meet Marcelo Bielsa, who has coached Argentina and until last month Chile, and the former's 1978 World Cup-winning coach, César Luis Menotti. The conversations lasted well into the night.

What some would describe as principle he believes is pragmatism. Guardiola designs his approach around the ball. Not because he is a puritan, although he is, but because like any other coach he wants control. Like any other coach, he is fearful and seeks to protect his team. It is just that his way of achieving control is different: defending well means attacking well. He will look at Arsenal and wonder how to protect himself from them, by trying to work out how best to do them damage.

"We play in the other team's half as much as possible because I get worried when the ball is in my half," he says. "We're a horrible team without the ball so I want us to get it back as soon as possible and I'd rather give away fouls and the ball in their half than ours." The stats bear that out: Dani Alves makes the fourth highest number of touches in the opposition half in La Liga. He is a full-back. Typically, only the two centre-backs and the goalkeeper spend more than 50% of the game in their own half.

Then there is possession: the top nine passers in La Liga are all Barcelona players. But that is not just an attacking option, it is a defensive one too. "There is no rule like in basketball that says you have to hand over possession or shoot after a certain amount of time, so 'attack' and 'defence' don't exist," Lillo says. Not in Barcelona's model. Barcelona attack to defend; when they lost to Arsenal, Guardiola was angry with Alves not for attacking too much but for attacking badly. That Barcelona lost because they were caught up the pitch is one reading; Guardiola's reading is that had they scored they would not have been caught on the break.

"Barcelona are the only team that defend with the ball; the only team that rests in possession," Lillo says. "They keep the ball so well, they move so collectively, that when you do get it back, you're tired, out of position and they're right on top of you." Lillo knows: his Almería side were defeated 8-0 by Barcelona.

Michael Laudrup, the Mallorca coach, said: "They move the ball so fast that by the time you get there, it's gone. You end up desperate, and shattered." As Rexach notes, Barcelona even waste time with possession. Most teams would go down to the corner; Barcelona would rather keep the ball between themselves.

In order to achieve that dominance, technical ability is fundamental, as is the pressure that is the coach's greatest obsession. But so is positioning. Barça's game is all about creating numerical superiority, opening up angles of passes. "We do a lot of positional work," Vilanova says. "That gives you options and prevents you from making unnecessary effort." Running, as Rexach famously put it, "is for cowards". "At Sevilla, you had to go looking for the ball," Keita says. "Here, it arrives at your feet."

Yet those fundamental lessons do not mean a lack of flexibility or invention. Nor does the faith in their identity mean ignoring the other team. Guardiola was accused by some of being tactically out-thought by José Mourinho last season or by Wenger at the Emirates. If so, it was not for lack of thought. Guardiola is every bit as obsessive a coach as, say, Rafa Benítez. "You wouldn't think so," Barça's reserve goalkeeper, Pinto, says, "but Guardiola controls every little detail." "Every decision is made according to the opposition," says one of Guardiola's collaborators. "Every one."

Messi's withdrawn role was initially employed – in 2009 – to confuse Real Madrid. Barcelona won that Clásico 6-2, Christoph Metzelder saying: "Centre-backs hate being dragged away from that position and we just didn't know whether to follow him out." As one of the staff puts it graphically: "With no No9 you leave the centre-backs to kick each other." Messi has now made that role permanent but not entirely inflexible. The reason is partly tactical, partly a response to the Argentinian's own desire. A different solution with Zlatan Ibrahimovic was aborted because of personal problems.

That means no Plan B – if by Plan B you mean a Big Man. But there are nuances and variations: plans C, D, and E. Besides, seeing tactical awareness only in terms of changing a game in course is a red herring; Guardiola would rather change the course of the game first; a successful coach ends up looking like a less interventionist coach. Against Athletic, he made his players receive on their own byline, four of them lined up around the area to receive from the keeper. "We knew they would pressure high and that risked us being dragged into long balls – which they would inevitably win," he said. Every move was 120 yards long. But if that's what has to be, so be it.

Against Valencia last week, there were three centre-backs and two wing‑backs. Within five minutes, there were also five long, uncharacteristic diagonals. The idea was to force Valencia to think twice about their high pressure. The plan did not entirely work – although Messi had countless chances – and this time Guardiola, suffering with sciatica, did make the change. On came Pedro. Messi got the goal; the assist came from Adriano, the man least expected to be included and the favourite to be removed.

There is a discernible Barcelona philosophy, a style. It is Guardiola's style, one so clear as to appear to suggest rigidity and insularity. The impression is not entirely true. When Guardiola travelled to South America, Menotti encountered a man who "reads, studies, listens and shows an enormous capacity for observation". And the observation is applied to opponents. Guardiola only knows how his team is going to play when he knows how the other team is going to play. Everyone has been asking how Arsenal will play at the Camp Nou this week. And Pep Guardiola is no exception.

Rafa Benitez exclusive: blame, lies and broken promises at Liverpool

2011-03-06T09:04:00.002+08:00

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By ROB DRAPER Last updated at 12:38 AM on 6th March 2011

Life's a beach: Benitez shows off his ball skills on the Wirral

Yet, for now, the Spaniard is content with his life.

Critic: Gerrard accused Benitez of being too distant

When Benitez launched his now notorious attack on Ferguson, just over two years ago, his side were top of the table, mounting the club's most credible title challenge for 18 years.

And Benitez's principal fear was that Ferguson was escaping punishment for undermining referees.

Changing faces: Rafa Benitez on his first day as Liverpool manager and six years later on the touchline

A persistent complaint throughout his reign was his managerial style, which was reputedly cool towards his players. Benitez is genuinely bemused by that claim. Yet the tales have become legend.

High point: Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez with the European Cup after beating Milan in 2005

Of the team he left, the one inherited first by Roy Hodgson and now by Kenny Dalglish, he is bullish.

Best of enemies: Sir Alex Ferguson and Benitez

'Two years ago they were finishing second. In football it is a question sometimes of the mentality, understanding the players, the atmosphere, the confidence.'

Throughout the latter part of his reign he had to maintain an often Kafkaesque dialogue with the owners. He says:

'Sometimes you were talking with [co-owner] George Gillett and it was fine; sometimes you were talking with Tom Hicks and it was fine. Sometimes one was saying the opposite of the other. The problem was when they say to you one thing and then it changes.'

For now, though, there is the diversion of this afternoon's match and a possible debut for a £35m Liverpool signing. Benitez is optimistic for Carroll.

'If he is there, even on the bench, he will be a massive presence because he's a different player,' says Benitez. 'He will have the passion and the fans will all be behind him.'

And the prospect of another famous Liverpool victory? 'Always I say the 11 starters of Liverpool are at the same level as the others,' he says.

'Over nine months, it's not easy if you have injuries and you can suffer more than the other top sides. But for me Liverpool are a top side in terms of their 11 starters.'

He will not be there, of course. His television will have to suffice for now. It will be a while before Benitez takes charge of a game at Anfield again. But perhaps not that long.

THE SCOUSER REPORT – RAFA’S UNDERAPPRECIATED LIVERPOOL LEGACY

2011-02-24T16:07:00.001+08:00

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Posted by Matt Dalton on February 23, 2011 · 26 Comments

There aren’t many people in football who divide opinion quite like Liverpool’s former boss, Rafa Benitez. Even in his darkest days at Anfield, there was still a fifty-fifty divide. Strong opposition from one quarter was constantly rebutted by staunch defence from the other and, nine months on, the debate has yet to die down.

During his time in charge of the Reds, Benitez was never given much credit by the media. His successes were lucky, whilst his failures, naturally viewed with 20-20 hindsight, could have been easily avoided by all but him. He was routinely persecuted for selecting ninety-nine different line-ups in succession, yet Manchester United’s weekend FA Cup tie against Crawley was Sir Alex Ferguson’s ninety-fifth straight variation since the beginning of the 2009/2010 season.

Of course, you tend to be cut some slack when you are delivering success, as Fergie has done year after year at Old Trafford. Still, if you’re to compare the two contentious rivals fairly, then the status quo when Benitez took the reins at Liverpool should be taken into consideration. Liverpool were light years behind United, as I am sure any rational Red supporter (and there are a few out there not slathering at the bit) will admit.

The problem with making an objective comparison is that a manager is judged on his success, which is very much a subjective term. To a side that has dominated English football for over ten years, a good year is one of continued dominance. In that sense, Fergie has certainly been successful, exactly as Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley were in their days. In the wake of those two legends, however, the reigns of Graeme Souness, Roy Evans and Gerrard Houllier, whilst they may have had their moments, had eroded a formerly great side.

It can be argued that Fergie didn’t inherit a great side when he took over at United. Certainly, it took him a few years to get his program up and running. The Scot, though, had the full backing of the Man United board and was given total control of football operations. Conversely, Rafa had to fight for everything he wanted.

While Benitez' losing toss on Aquilani is often brought up...

Several myths surround Benitez’ time in charge, many completely untrue. The classic Sky Sports-led ‘Rafa spends too much money’ line can be easily shot down. It’s true that he was one of the most active managers in the English transfer market but when one balances the books, it appears that he did better than break-even business.

Over 150 [transfers] between comings and goings in five years does seem a large number. Compared to other clubs? Manchester United, the benchmark in English football, released or sold upwards of 75 players during the same period so it appears normal.
Examining the figures closely actually shows that the net cost of the players bought by Benitez and later sold is virtually non-existent, in fact there is possibly even a small profit when you take into account the small army of free transfers the former Valencia man has acquired. – According to Paul Madden of Goal.com, written on 3 June, 2010.

Full article here.

Other myths are not so easy to quash. There is no club on the planet which makes its backroom activities an open book and it is therefore difficult to say, with precision, exactly who within the club was responsible for what. For instance, Benitez is often blamed for buying Robbie Keane, whom it now seems was forced upon him. Where responsibilities are divided, laying blame becomes a matter of opinion and whilst such conjecture is difficult to dispel, it is too often widely accepted as gospel.

A good example of this is the widespread belief that Rafa destroyed the youth system with his constant import of talent from around the globe. A practise that Arsene Wenger has long been lauded for was suddenly frowned upon when the Spaniard emulated it.

Certainly, there was a clear shortage of players making the transition from Melwood to Anfield during Rafa’s stint in charge. Once Michael Owen and Danny Murphy had been shipped out, only two English players featured in the first team with any regularity, those being Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Despite the club bringing in hordes of youth players over a six-year period, few made any impact.

The question, however, is whether Rafa was really at fault. Did he destroy Liverpool’s youth setup or was it already in a state of disrepair when he arrived? When players are recruited in their mid-to-low teens, the investment will not come good, if it ever does, for several years. Benitez was only with the club for six years, which suggests that the lack of homegrown talent brought forward during his tenure may have been down to his predecessors. Granted, it’s simple to point the finger at the guy who just left (ask Roy Hodgson) but, in all fairness, look at this year’s squad.

...Rafa is given no credit for the likes of Martin Kelly and Raheem Sterling.

Despite the turmoil, 2010-11 has actually provided some very strong promise. Whilst the club has obviously improved under Kenny Dalglish, he and Hodgson have had one trait in common: both have relied heavily on youth. Whereas Woy was overly protective of the youngsters, King Kenny has trusted them with first team responsibilities, playing them alongside rather than instead of Steven Gerrard, Raul Mereiles and Fernando Torres. Nonetheless, the youngsters on whom Hodgson and Dalglish have relied were supplied by Rafa Benitez.

Martin Kelly has been excellent on almost every occasion he has been given the nod, Lucas Leiva has stepped up massively in the last eighteen months and David Ngog continues to improve. This week’s game in the Czech Republic saw no fewer that four academy members joining up with the first team squad. Raheem Sterling, the latest teen sensation, was rewarded with inclusion following his five-goal haul in the 9-0 youth cup victory against Southend United. Sterling was joined in the squad by John Flanagan, Conor Coady and Jack Robinson.

Admittedly, several first team players were unavailable, but this should not detract from the significance of the quartet being named in the squad. Only one of the four might have made the bench, but just being included in the trip sent a clear message from Dalglish. He is showing faith in youth. I hate to keep using United as an example but Sir Matt Busby said it best; ”If they’re good enough, they’re old enough.”

Perhaps, towards the end, Benitez was guilty of not nurturing the talent he had acquired well enough, failing to see how best to bring them through. It is a fact, though, that he has left Melwood in a much better state than he found it. There is genuine excitement with regard to Anfield’s next crop of youngsters, and rightly so.

“Progress at the Academy in the last year and a half has been absolutely fantastic. That’s great credit to Rafa who brought in Pep Segura, Rodolfo Borrell and Frank McParland. He reorganised the whole Academy and you can see the benefit in the kids now. It’s fantastic to see.” – Kenny Dalglish appreciates the Spaniard’s work at Melwood, even if nobody else does.

The house that built Barca

2011-02-18T18:26:00.000+08:00

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Pepe Reina, Cesc Fabregas and Carles Puyol are graduates of La Masia

By Matthias Krug

The small, unassuming, brown-brick house built in traditional Catalan style stands almost unnoticed as the great swarm of Barcelona fans head towards the Nou Camp.

This is the house - La Masia - that has been the foundation of Barca's success. It provides the DNA for the club's players, the philosophy for how the game should be played - to pressure, to keep possession, to attack.

The three 2010 Fifa Ballon d'Or finalists Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, and much of Barcelona's first team all learned their trade at La Masia.

Another, of course, is Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who is preparing to face his former classmates in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday.

The stellar names to have graduated from La Masia are impressive and the Spanish champions intend to maintain their conveyor belt of talent at a new state-of-the-art facility just south of the city, which will open in September.

But back to La Masia. It is in these homely surroundings, a mere stone's throw from the Nou Camp, that promising young players have matured into world stars. Graduation photographs of current captain Carles Puyol and coach Pep Guardiola hang on the wall of the brown-tiled dining room where Messi would have had lunch. In the small adjacent games room, Xavi would have played table tennis.

Daily schedule of La Masia student

06:45 Get up and make bed

07:00 Breakfast at La Masia

07:30 School bus pick-up

08:00-14:00 School

14:15 Lunch

15:00 Free hour

16:00-18:00 Added schooling

19:00-20:45 Training

21:00 Shower/Bus back to La Masia

21:30 Dinner

22:00 TV/Internet

Nearby the kitchen, next to the stairs, a cook greets you with a hearty laugh, while in the upstairs study room, which has a view of the Nou Camp, the likes of Iniesta would have done their homework.

The bedrooms are split up with a few on the top floor and the remainder sprinkled around the Nou Camp.

La Masia has an air of tradition mingled with expectancy and an atmosphere of fun and familiarity.

There is not much more to the place than that, but it is these 600 square metres that make the Barcelona youth system so unique in producing the football equivalent of gold.

"This Barcelona team is made up of a lot of people from La Masia, and that's an important factor in our success, because we know each other for such a long time," Iniesta told BBC Sport.

"We grew up here together with the same idea of football in mind and playing according to the same philosophy."

And, in many ways, it is Iniesta, the midfielder lauded by fans across Spain this season for his 2010 World Cup-winning goal, who personifies La Masia's spirit.

"Andres is one of the players who best represents what we stand for here in La Masia, who most comes here to visit us, and who has the best links with us," said La Masia director Carles Folguera as we settled down for an interview in the conference room next to the small wooden bar area that leads into the residence.

Barca's three Fifa Ballon d'Or finalists

"Andres had a very bad time at the start here in La Masia. He's very family orientated, and with his family far away in Albacete, he took some months to adapt.

"But he did adapt very well in the end, and he's really humble considering all that he's achieved. Here we teach discipline, order, control, and we try to show that a football player can be a star without being a 'show-off', just by making your team-mates better."

The key to Barca's current success is a philosophy of play which emerged as a direct descendant of Holland's Total Football of the 70's, and is implemented throughout the club's teams - from seven-year-olds right up to the first team.

"Everyone says our philosophy started with the 'Dream Team' of Cryuff," Folguera stated.

"I think it was born out of the attempt to dominate play by keeping possession of the ball. We're always looking for a type of player who's not physical but a very good thinker, who's ready to take decisions, who has talent, technique and agility. Physical strength is not important."

Scouted from across Spain, the 60 young players who live at La Masia play surprisingly little football - just over one and a half hours per day.

Instead, there is a heightened emphasis on school work, with players expected to attend extra classes with tutors at La Masia once they return to the centre after a day at school.

This way, the students who do not make it into professional football can opt for university or find employment.

"Here is where the stars all started," added Folguera, throwing a proud glance at photographs of some of the most illustrious years to have graduated from La Masia: one includes Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina with Xavi and Puyol.

"So the current players think: 'I'm in a good place'. But that's also a danger. We have to let them see that the dream is a long journey. We tell them to have patience, and that not all of them will make it.

"Pep Guardiola likes to help, but not all 48 players who are currently here can make it. Despite this, La Masia is of course the ideal place for a young player to come."

Folguera has seen many current stars blossom at La Masia

The less-is- more approach of Barcelona's training regime is designed to make each training session of the highest possible quality.

"It is all about bringing high intensity into those sessions," the club's football youth academy co-ordinator Albert Puig explained.

"Up to the age of 16 we don't do any fitness training with the boys, just practice with the ball. Then we add the fitness training, but always incorporated into exercises with the ball."

Little wonder, then, that players like Pedro, who hails from the Canary Islands, and local players such as Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique seemingly run with the ball stuck to their boots.

Of course, there have been mistakes - and costly ones at that - with Fabregas allowed to leave for the English Premier League and Arsenal and Pique spending four years under Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Pique came home at a cost of £9.7m, but Fabregas is still in north London.

Watching the La Masia graduates in the Barcelona first team the game seems easy. They exhibit a sureness bordering on laziness, zip the ball back and forth in triangles and play double-one-two's that leave the opposition - and the crowd - awestruck.

"It doesn't just look easy. It is easy to play with the La Masia players," Brazilian right-back Dani Alves told the BBC. "They have unbelievable qualities on the ball and you have to be happy about playing in a team like this."

And still La Masia keeps churning them out.

Andreu Fontas, Thiago Alcantara, Marc Bartra, Jonathan dos Santos and Victor Vazquez offered a glimpse of the next Barca generation in December 2010 in Barcelona's final Champions League group match against Russian champions Rubin Kazan.

Qualification for the knockout stages of European club football's most prestigious competition was already in the bag but the largely second-string side were comfortable winners, with Fontas and Vazquez scoring in a 2-0 win.

It costs £8 million a year to run La Masia

Why do other top clubs around Europe not replicate the La Masia model, which is estimated to cost about a fifth of the £50m fee Chelsea spent on signing Fernando Torres from Liverpool in January?

"Other clubs like Real Madrid have a good youth system too, the difference is just that they don't use theirs," Puig added. "So the work is left unfinished. We on the other hand incorporate our talents into the first team on a regular basis. It's a little bit like producing a Ferrari but then not using it."

It comes with a touch of melancholy, then, that this iconic building on the road leading to the Nou Camp will soon no longer be used to nurture the club's young players.

La Masia is closing down at the end of the 2010-11 season and is to be replaced by new facilities - for 70-80 residents - in the Ciudad Deportiva in Sant Joan Despi.

"It is a necessary move. The new facilities are more modern. These are new times, but we do not want to lose the familiar essence of this building," Folguera reflected.

Barcelona's school of excellence will expand from 600 square metres to 5,000; from two floors to five; from ageing to entirely modern facilities. But memories and a sense of pride will remain in this old brick house which has seen the stars of world football come and go.

Ballon d'Or trio light up World Cup

LOL

2011-02-17T18:55:00.001+08:00

Redsh*te!

2011-02-15T15:15:00.001+08:00

Roy's Walkabout

2011-02-11T21:49:00.002+08:00

Just been appointed WBA manager. Never liked him managing us. But good luck all the same

Chess-loving Benitez lays out welcome mat

2011-02-09T09:50:00.000+08:00

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Post categories: Football

Dan Walker | 19:42 UK time, Tuesday, 8 February 2011

There are very few managers who divide opinion quite as spectacularly as Rafael Benitez. There are those - many of whom are Liverpool fans - who will vehemently defend his record and style, while others dismiss his achievements and question whether he should be a football coach at all.

I remember sitting in a radio studio when an unnamed pundit claimed that Benitez had "offered nothing in 2005" and that the Champions League win over AC Milan in Istanbul was achieved "in spite of Benitez and certainly not because of him".

Benitez is seen by many as a manager who overspent at Liverpool, wasted the club's best chance of winning the title in recent seasons, let Sir Alex Ferguson get under his skin andfell out with the man crucial to Liverpool's success - Xabi Alonso.

I have spent plenty of time attending Benitez's media conferences over the years and interviewed the Spaniard on numerous occasions but last Thursday he invited the Football Focus cameras down to his pad in the Wirral. I spent the best part of two hours with him, playing chess, walking his dog and talking about his first love - football.

When we arrived, he burst out of the front door, welcomed us warmly and proceeded to show us around his gaff. While the tea was brewing and cameraman Sean and producer Richard were picking the perfect spot for our interview, Benitez beckoned me over to a sofa to show me his latest passion... photography. There were hundreds of pictures, mainly of scenery and sunsets. This, he said, was keeping him busy between jobs.

The main interview lasted about 25 minutes - and you can watch almost all of it below. The camera jumps around a bit because it was never intended to run as a single piece but so many people have requested the full thing that we thought we would try to deliver.

There was plenty said off camera that was even more fascinating. I don't want to tease you but if I could reveal what he said it would change your opinions about managers in general, Benitez in particular and some of the players he bought, sold and kept. I shall leave the man himself to unveil all that.

One part of the interview that fascinated me was the concept of football being "a lie". We didn't have time to get into this on Focus because there was so much good material to wedge in already but I think Benitez feels that, both at Liverpool and Inter Milan, his job was made a lot more difficult than it should have been.

The Italian situation probably sums up Benitez perfectly. Those who think he is a great manager and those who don't can fuel their arguments with what took place in Milan.

Some may argue that Benitez took over Jose Mourinho's treble-winning side and ruined them, failing to motivate the squad, deploying the wrong tactics, annoying the president, alienating the fans and the media before leaving only six months after taking over.

On the other hand, those that love him argue - as Benitez himself did in our interview - that he inherited the oldest squad in Europe yet still won two trophies in six months - albeit the Supercoppa Italiana and the Fifa Club World Cup - and could have added more if he had been allowed to buy players and not been undermined by the president and long-time servants of the club.

Walker and Benitez down on the beach

I am not sure of the truth but, whether in Milan or Merseyside, Benitez has been blamed for much that he shouldn't. Yes, he spent a lot at Liverpool but, as his supporters will tirelessly point out and his detractors conveniently ignore, he was always balancing the books. He will admit that he does talk a lot about "net spend" but it is always worth looking at the "players out" and "money in" columns before making a judgment.

Benitez will be back and probably in the Premier League. While we were walking one his dogs, Goofy, down on the beach, he talked about his desire to return to England's top flight, where he thinks he is best suited. The next time there is a vacancy at the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool... watch this space.

Before we left, I was given a perfect example of his will to win. We were filming a game of chess to use as colour for the interview. After about two minutes, I said we needed to speed things up for the purposes of TV and removed six or seven pieces from each side. "What are you doing?" piped up Benitez. "This is serious." We filmed the end sequence and shook hands for the cameras, at which point I stood up to thank him. "Sit back down," he said. "We have a game to finish."

I tried to unsettle him but he did not react to any of my mind games. "Chess is all about controlling the middle of the board... just like football," he proclaimed as he manoeuvred his pieces into an unassailable position.

"We'll play again sometime," he said as we left his pad, "once you've had a bit more practice." Apart from being humiliated at chess, I found Benitez as charming as he was interesting and I look forward to his return to the dugout.

Benitez gives me a lesson in the finer points of chess

If you have any comments about Benitez, the interview or Football Focus in general, let us have them. Let's try really hard not to turn this into a "net spend" fest. If you want to follow the build-up this week's show then visit twitter.com/danwalkerbbc.

The changing man

2011-02-08T18:18:00.001+08:00

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Peter Fraser looks at Lucas Leiva's transformation from boo-boy to midfield lynchpin at Liverpool

It was late in the second half at Stamford Bridge and a grimace of personal disgust shot across the face of a mild-mannered Brazilian in a demonstration of personal frustration at surrendering the ball.

A tackle-back and possession was immediately regained in a snapshot of the mindset ofKenny Dalglish's revolution. Amid the focus upon the act of fate which saw £50million striker Fernando Torres making his Chelsea debut against his former club, the man in question was Lucas Leiva. Liverpool's No.21 demonstrated why he has emerged as a lynchpin.

Lucas: Has become an integral part of Liverpool's midfield

Martin Kelly, Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Raul Meireles and, of course, Jamie Carragher andSteven Gerrard are to list six names from the 13 heroes for those in red on Sunday, when Torres was brutally outplayed in the wake of what has been labelled an act of treachery. But the transformation of Lucas deserves special mention.

The 2007 arrival from Gremio is often used as a label for the faults in the Liverpool reign ofRafa Benitez; a mistake in the transfer market; a square peg for a round hole. But the former Anfield boss was always rigorous in his defence of a player upon who he spent £6m and once announced that 'people just don't know how good Lucas is'.

General consensus is that among the wretched 12 months that was 2010 for Liverpool, Lucas was the man who stood out as the club's best player. While team-mates and managers wilted around him, the now-24-year-old showed spirit for the fight as sceptics and opponents circled like vultures.

Trust

The man from Dourados, a city in the south west of Brazil, had presumably been hardened by the barrage of negativity he had been forced to shoulder since crossing the Atlantic almost four years earlier. Lucas himself told skysports.comin an interview conducted in March 2010: "I don't know why the criticism started with me, but some people just do not like me."

Lucas arrived at Anfield as an attacking midfielder, who made late runs into the box and essentially represented a Brazilian version of captain Gerrard. But Benitez decided he would be best deployed in the responsible holding role, having never trusted Gerrard to fill such a position. The 2007 Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was famously an illustration as the hot-headed Gerrard was substituted by Benitez in favour of Lucas, who went on to secure a match-winning penalty.

The sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid led to a regular first-team role for Lucas alongside Javier Mascherano, who has since joined Barcelona. However, the arrival ofRoy Hodgson in the summer of 2010 seemed set to spell the end of his Liverpool career. He was told he could leave if he wanted and did not seem to feature in his new manager's plans. But the fighting spirit, which is not always evident in South American imports to the Premier League, again shinned and a first-team place was reclaimed.

Hodgson has gone, Lucas remains. He is clearly an integral part of Dalglish's plans, as well as inheriting Brazil's famous No.5 shirt under former Gremio boss Mano Menezes. The transformation from boo-boy to midfield engine room has been remarkable and it now appears that the much-sought-after commodity of time in football was the vital element. Lucas needed to settle, especially after arriving on a foreign continent, just out of his teenage years, and being deployed in a different position to that which earned the Bola de Ouro, the Brazilian Footballer of the Year, in 2006. A look at the Chelsea team-sheet on Sunday provided a perfect example of how difficult it can be for South Americans to find form and avoid injury in the rough and tumble of the Premier League as Ramires was not even named among the substitutes, despite costing three times as much as his compatriot.

There is a need to not to get carried away. The frustrating elements of Lucas' game remain evident; he started slowly against Chelsea; he can get caught in possession; he can give away clumsy free-kicks. But, as demonstrated by his tackling back in a direct duel with Michael Essien, there is the pride in personal performance that is rated so highly by Dalglish and mistakes have significantly decreased in frequency. 13 Premier League points have been collected under Dalglish in the process of close to 400 minutes without conceding a goal.

Argument

A look at Lucas' Opta statistics during his 90-minute, plus injury-time, outing against Chelsea demonstrates his improvement. His overall pass completion rate was an incredible 88.89 per cent, 81.82% when in the opponents' half of the field. These figures are very similar to his contribution for the 2010/11 campaign to date, with an overall pass completion of 84.02% and 81.08% when in the opponents' section of the field. One goal has been assisted and 14 chances created from a total of 1133 passes.

The obvious argument would be to suggest that the majority of passes have been simple 10-yard side-foots when under no pressure. But there is a skill to decision-making when doing the unsung task. Ask Sergio Busquets. A destructive force has also been added to Lucas' game. Ninety-nine tackles have been made throughout the season at a success rate of 66.67%. Four yellow cards have been collected. The second booking earned in the defeat to Stoke in November was an act of petulance, but also a reflection of new-found aggression. Seven tackles were made against Chelsea. This may not sound a lot, but that is one player recording exactly one third of Liverpool's entire tackle count at Stamford Bridge.

Lucas does not possess the natural pace, power and overall athleticism to dictate midfields, but he is beginning to patrol in front of the defence, whether it be three or two centre-backs, with brilliant effect.

He deserves immense praise amid the clamour for Dalglish to be given a permanent contract and the dissections of Torres' terrible 65-minute Chelsea debut. Lucas embodies what Dalglish seems to be trying to impose upon his team - a personal freedom within a team responsibility.

Aldo cheering Meireles goal vs Chelsea

2011-02-07T11:21:00.001+08:00

Kenny Dalglish - Does He Suit A Perm?

2011-02-07T02:43:00.000+08:00

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By royhendo - February 04 2011 - PRINT THIS ARTICLE

One of the great joys of Kenny Dalglish’s ‘caretaker’ tenure at Liverpool thus far has been the head scratching it’s prompted amongst the tactical intelligentsia. Since the Man Utd game we’ve seen the cream of our emerging crop of analysts tackle the subject of his tactical approach, and it’s fair to say we’re still some way short of a working consensus.

Of course, some analysts have a richer insight than others, largely borne of the depth of their connection with the club (you know who you are folks), but even then, Dalglish’s approach thus far brings the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle to mind. Just when you think you’ve nailed down the particle, King Kenny gives us a wave. Regardless of its form, however, our eyes can see the difference. Something fundamental has changed.

Over the last month or so we’ve spent time ruminating over potential candidates for the permanent Liverpool manager’s job on this site. But it’s time to lay my cards on the table. For me at least, Kenny Dalglish has already established himself as the only credible candidate for the permanent job. So, much like the man himself and his approach to the game, we’ll set the established template to one side and tackle it with a little more freedom and fluidity. This is Kenny, after all. We know how old he is, we know his managerial pedigree. So we won’t waste time on that stuff. We’ll look at the issues that are key to FSG’s decision, and we’ll consider the broader context; after all, Kenny represents more than a manager at this moment in time - he can put Humpty together again.

“He’s Been Out Of The Game Too Long”

Despite the glowing reference provided in Tomkins, Riley and Fulcher’s “Pay As You Play”, which underlines his ability in the transfer market, we’ve read a lot in recent weeks and months about the fact that Kenny hasn’t been in charge of a football club for some considerable time.

The first consideration is age. Now - he’s no spring chicken, but at 59, Kenny Dalglish has 10 years on the auld fella along the road, and in but five weeks’ time he’ll be arguably as fit and healthy a sexagenarian as you’re ever likely to see. Mens sana in corpore sano and all that - he’s the Raquel Welsh of modern Glaswegians.

The rule of thumb we’ve applied to messrs Rangnick, Laudrup and Villas-Boas has been ‘will they be able to dedicate a decade of their career to the job?’. Let’s be honest - there’s zero doubt that Kenny can cope with that. And the cherry on the top is that he’ll never have his head turned by the Spanish giants or anyone else when things go well. Kenny is Liverpool through and through. Nothing’s going to change that.

But deal with that in your mind and the next question jumps out at you. Is he ‘dated’? I mean, it’s been so long since he was in the hotseat - how can he command the respect of his staff and players if he’s been out of the game for that long? Well, we now have the benefit of almost a month’s evidence to help refute that claim.

Kenny comes into the role and instantly we hear rumours of his appointing Ian Rush as a coach. Then people speculated that Phil Thompson might be his assistant. But what does he do? The first thing he does is go out and hire Steve Clarke. This might have been a controversial decision had it been taken by anyone else, after all, Steve Clarke, in the company of Jose Mourinho, had done little to ingratiate himself to the Liverpool fan base. But in terms of his credentials, Clarke had more than proven his ability during his time with Mourinho, and remains highly respected within the game.

Although Kenny is actively involved in the coaching side, it’s clear he trusts his coaching lieutenants Clark and Lee to do the job unfettered. That leaves him with freedom to shift some of his focus to the broader brush strokes, and while the last few days maybe remind us to take what players say with a spoonful of salsa, thus far the testimony related to the tone he’s set has been glowing.

Dirk Kuyt was the first to comment on the new approach.

“We just want to play in a certain way. Every manager has their own training sessions and tactics and way of playing.
“And if you’ve seen us the last three games we’ve played more as a 4-3-3, while under Hodgson we were playing a 4-4-2.
“You listen to the manager and you make the best of it.
“Hodgson gave everything for the club to do his best and it’s a shame it didn’t work out.
“The way we play in the first half it was very enjoyable, but a shame we didn’t score more goals.
“Dalglish is one of most important managers for Liverpool.
“You only have to listen to the crowd to hear how important he is for this club and that’s the same for the players.”

Daniel Agger then expanded on his methods.

“He’s been here for a few weeks now and I can say that I like his style of football.
“I think every day, he is so positive in what he does - trying to get the team to go forward by playing football. I believe he can be really good for us.
“In the team meetings and in training you can hear and by the different things we’re working on that he really wants us to play positive football and how important it is to keep possession, not giving it away so easily.

There are more, but you get the point, I’m sure. In fact, you only need to use your eyes to see the point. What’s more interesting to me is the way Kenny’s used genuinely progressive set-ups that are founded on team spirit, cohesion within the group, and last but not least, confidence.

Building A Better Comfort Blanket

Liverpool fans have become accustomed to a cautious brand of football over the last decade or more. The manager defines the balance and style of play, and everything else flows from there. Under Houllier, like a turtle, the side retreated into its shell, playing in the end a brand of rigid counter attacking football that ultimately lost him his job. Rafa Benitez came in and while the balance was at times genuinely attacking and imposing, and the passing and quality was at times breathtaking, it was very seldom at the expense of the belt and braces, and when certain players were missing from the starting line up, the nerves were palpable.

So let’s be honest - to see midfield players bursting their lungs to get beyond the ball and in to the opposing side’s box as a routine feature of the team’s play - many Liverpool fans are springing spontaneous nosebleeds. Here’s a team that, whether consciously or not, is increasingly trying to impose its game and ‘embrace risk’. Phew. That’s something younger fans will feel excited about. Meanwhile, older fans will feel a sense of familiarity - an old flame may not have returned quite yet, but we’ve read the telegrams and we know she’s on her way.

To play that way consistently, you need each and every player on that pitch to trust his team mates, give them options when they have the ball, and believe that playing this way will work - that their football will develop if only they stick with it.

Kenny learned his trade under Bob Paisley, who in turn had honed and refined the club’s methods year on year until they worked like clockwork. As a result, you get the feeling it’s sometimes difficult for those involved to express why it worked. Sure, the team passed and moved, but there was more to it than that. There were subtleties that provided the foundation for that approach.

As a result we can only speculate as to its structure, but like the little ball suspended in a game of Kerr Plunk, it only stays in place as long as its foundations are secure. Mourinho states this well on our behalf. In his autobiography he hints at the key supporting ‘structure’, based on his time at Porto. The recipe was clear: always reinforce the squad’s confidence and belief and solidarity with each other. If anything’s threatens them, address the problem toute de suite. In his case, the confidence allowed his side to start out with compactness and control, then to develop their play before moving on to try and dominate, even when playing away. The side’s sense of security in its own ability and its chances were the core of it.

Some managers don’t worry about those things. Indeed, when they were in their pomp, Liverpool managers probably didn’t need to. But if it’s missing, you’re wise to manage it actively. And again, whether it’s conscious or whether it’s something so fundamental to his being that he does it naturally, Kenny is setting about putting that foundation back in place.

To me, that’s what’s intriguing about the 4-3-3 we’ve seen from time to time thus far. Based on anecdotal evidence, we’re hearing that he uses coaching methods that encourage pass and move. And on top of that, (as is possibly natural for him) he’s set about restoring and building the group’s confidence. That applies to individual players, but also extends to a protective arm around the squad as a whole, the club’s staff, the directors and owners, and last but not least, the fans.

In a progressive 4-3-3, players have to trust and rely on each other, particularly in the midfield. When players commit themselves to forward runs, they need to be comfortable that the players in the team’s spine won’t concede possession cheaply. If that happens, teams can outman you on the counter-attack, and we saw what happened when we lost the ball at Blackpool. Having started out with confidence and swagger, you cold see the team’s confidence seep away as the game progressed, to the extent that what started as an effective passing unit saw its distribution disintegrate, and reverted to withdrawing to the edge of its own box and hitting the ball long (and relatively aimless).

Contrast that with the 4-3-3 in the next away at Wolves. Again, the latter stages saw Liverpool retreat, but the forward forays in the latter stages demonstrated the group’s growing familiarity, solidarity and confidence. A 31 pass move led to the third goal. The first saw four - that’s “four” - players in and around the box as the ball was delivered in to the striker. Panning the crowd, we hadn’t seen that many televised nosebleeds since the Mayor of Roston Vasey expired.

And so it’s progressed. The formation may have changed - see the home game against Stoke, for example - but the overwhelming theme has been a progressive, imposing balance with an emphasis on passing and movement - on retaining possession. That’s what Liverpool football is all about in my book, and the more they practice it, the more automatic it becomes.

So how does Kenny reintroduce that approach? Over to Hansen, someone we’ve become more used to disapproval from of late.

“As soon as Kenny went in there he wanted his Liverpool team to move better… He told Steve Clarke what he wants to see and that’s a return to the traditional pass and move Liverpool values.
“We used to do this function at Liverpool, one of the few training functions we ever did, where the man in possession had to move after passing the ball.
“If he didn’t move a foul was awarded and the team he was playing for lost possession.
“You wouldn’t believe how many times players got caught out for not moving, but it became a natural thing for us to do after passing the ball.
“It was drilled into us that when a man is in possession, if people are moving then it is easier for him to play a pass. That is exactly what has been missing from Liverpool, especially away from home, and it’s what Kenny is trying to restore.”

It’s hard not to read that without glee really. Instead of a reliance on one or two players who ‘make the play’, keep things flowing, provide security and make things tick, the team will learn to rely on each individual. That leads to more options for the man on the ball - a ‘combinatorial explosion’. The thought of it makes me smile from ear to ear. And more importantly, it means an alignment with what’s happening at the lower levels within the club.

Trust In Youth

While Kenny introduces the senior squad to his methods, Borrell and Segura are cementing the exact same principles in the players and staff coming through the Liverpool ranks. So it was interesting to see Kenny take two junior players and ‘induct’ them formally into the senior squad. It’s a good idea in practical terms, as they’ll know the ropes and they’ll know what’s expected of them. But beyond that, it serves as a rite of passage for the players themselves, and as demonstrable motivation for the other kids when the players return to the Academy.

Frank McPartland explained how it all happened.

“I was at home relaxing on Sunday night when the phone rang.
It was the boss. He told me he’d be down to the Academy on Monday morning at 9.30am sharp and to make sure I had the kettle on!
So, we got everyone together first thing the next day and got them to dress smart for the occasion.
When Kenny arrived we had a quick cup of tea and then he addressed everyone - both Academy staff and players.
He told us that he is focused on spreading the message that this is ‘one club’ and is very keen for us to get together with the staff from Melwood to actively talk about our young players.
He wants to get down here as much as possible.
He assured the players that there would be big opportunities ahead for them to be involved in first-team training sessions and that some of them will be going away with the first-team for Barclays Premier League games so they can sample the experience of it all.

The impact on the young players themselves was confirmed by Connor Coady.

It was just a normal day to begin with. I arrived at the Academy ready for training and was informed that Kenny Dalglish was coming down to see us.
We all gathered in the Tom Saunders lecture theatre where the boss explained that some of us would be going up to Melwood over the course of the next few weeks to train with the first-team.
It created a real buzz amongst the players and it got even better when he said the names of the two he’d be taking with him.
“Conor and Suso.”
I was speechless. You couldn’t have wiped the smile off my face even if you’d tried.
The next thing I know, both myself and Suso are getting into Kenny’s car along with Frank (McParland).
...I got a firsthand view of just how good our skipper is and it helped hit home what kind of level you have to reach if you want to play for Liverpool’s first-team.

It’s worth reading through the entire article, because once again it underlines several key points. Kenny is actively leading - aligning the club at all levels. The players’ mood and cohesion as a group are improving. The players are being actively coached in possession football, and last but not least, our Academy prospects know just how much work they still have to do to truly reach the top level. It’ll ground them and keep them hungry - a great lesson to learn for a modern youth footballer, with agents and hangers on all too keen to turn their heads, even at a tender age.

Meanwhile, we’ve seen Martin Kelly start every game for Kenny, with hints of an England call up, and greater involvement for Jonjo Shelvey. It remains to be seen how this will develop, but the club has a number of talented youngsters in the first team set up, and you can only hope he will continue in this vein. He has a way with people, and they’ll know what’s needed to assert their claim. Pacheco and Wilson have every chance to establish themselves for the club.

The Hymn Sheet

This innate comfort in handling people and understanding what makes them tick hints at the kind of common sense the club needs right now. The club has tremendous assets at its disposal - they just need someone to stop and think about how best to use them. And, it seems, that someone is Kenny Dalglish.

The club, following arguably two decades of off-pitch decline when compared with its direct competitors, had that decline thrown into sharp focus with three years under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett. It became second nature for staff employees to fortify the ramparts of their own little domain within the club, and all the evidence pointed at a massively dysfunctional organisation. As a wise and clever man once wrote on the subject, fish rot from the head.

FSG, from the day they took over the club, resolved to change things on that front. One of the key messages was that they wanted to unify everyone and ‘get everyone on the same page’. Indeed, in his recent correspondence with Spirit Of Shankly, John Henry provided us with the clearest insight yet into the club’s ‘mission statement’.

As you read the following passage, ask yourself who might help reinforce each of the four sides of John Henry’s ‘square’. You’ll quickly realise that’s a rhetorical question.

You undoubtedly know even better than us that Mr. Shankly firmly held the following view: “At a football club, there’s a holy trinity – the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don’t come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques.”

But the world now has changed as directors can drive a team into bankruptcy or provide the underpinnings for success. And it truly takes a substantial organization to produce the kind of players required to win consistently at the highest leve in the world. So in the 21st century we must move from a trinity to a square – four equally important sides to long-term success:
1. We must have more than the right manager for the long-term – we must have the best football operation in the world. That cannot be based on any one person because if that person leaves, you must rebuild. LFC needs stability. LFC must have a philosophy that endures and is in the hands a group of people devoted to the Club who work together for someting much larger than themselves. We will seek a group of professionals who feel what Shankly felt early on – that they are privileged to work at the greatest football club in the world and for this group of supporters who care more tha anyone else. They must put LFC’s interests squarely in front of their own.
2. We must have players who feel a responsibility to the Club and the supporters. We must say to them, “Gentlemen, you play for a Club that has an incredible history – where extraordinary events have taken place that captured the hearts of people around the world. It wasn’t chance that created such a huge and passionate base of supporters as far away as Asia where millions root for you ech match. They root for you because over the years Liverpool had men like you wearing red who did astonishing things – surprising things – exciting things. Your career has resulted in you – right now – playing for one of the greatest clubs in history – perhaps the most beloved club in football history. You may never again have an opportunity like this.” We need to know that every player that wears this red is committed to what the club is going to accomplish.
3. We must have ownership that is committed to the principles espoused half a century ago by Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. They were never satisfied with a draw. They were never satisfied with second place. We must ensure that our football operations have the resources necessary to attract the best players in the world to Anfield. That will not be an easy task. Finally, it is up to ownership to ensure that the atmosphere of the club is permeated by a desire from everyone to be on the same page. Everyone.
4. We must have supporters who support the club. We need every supporter we can attract to our club. 100% of a club’s revenues come directly or indirectly from supporters. The more supporters we can attract to Anfield, we can attract to watching matches on television, we can attract to our sponsors, we can attract to buy and proudly wear shirts and other merchandise – who know that by doing so they are directly supporting the ability to win on the pitch, the more successful we will be on the pitch. Ownership has committed revenues to building the club – not to dividends and not to profits. If there are profits someday – then so be it. But they must come as a result of having built the strongest club in the Premier League and for no other reason. Our manifesto should resonate with that of the supporters. We have exactly the same goal. We want the greatest football club in history – nothing less. And we are going to do exactly that. But we will not be successful – as supporters, as owners, as players or as an organisation – if we are not all on the same page. All of us.

To deliver on that stated mission and vision, the club needs as powerful a leader and unifying agent as is available, and it’ll need that agent in place for as long as possible.

There’s a danger that if the club goes down another route with its choice of manager, it’ll miss out on that unifying and integrating influence for all four sides of the metaphorical square. Let’s look at each in turn.

John Henry first talks about putting the right man in place as manager aimed at achieving the best football operation in the world. Expanding on that, he introduces the goals of sustainability and fungibility. One man is not enough. If he leaves, then what happens to the club’s stability?

The stated solution is to engender a club philosophy - something I personally and others like me have suggested is crucial for some time. He then says that philosophy must be nurtured and developed by a group who are devoted to the club and feel responsible for something much larger than themselves. To build that group, then, it’s key to start with a leader who feels that way himself. And there is no other man who fits that bill - Kenny Dalglish is the only choice.

Extending that further, to build the kind of group John Henry talks about and create that kind of sustainability, the leader must be able to inspire loyalty and identity with the club and the community as a whole. It’s interesting, then, to note Kenny’s effect on Rodolfo Borrell. A Catalan whose career has brought him into contact with genuine giants of the game, Borrell might be forgiven for not being affected by Dalglish in his work, but it seems the opposite is true.

I am always striving to improve and it is massive for me to be able to call on Kenny for advice from time to time. I am very lucky to have had his support from day one, even though he may not have known how good a coach I was. I will always appreciate that.

On to John Henry’s second side of the square. The players must feel a sense of identity and responsibility. They must realise that the club is something special, and that playing for it represents a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s not something we can snap our fingers and expect from the off. We maybe need to rely on a proxy until the club’s impact has its chance to weave its spell.

So while it’s tempting to ignore the words of the modern footballer in light of recent events, we have evidence that Kenny embodies the very qualities Henry speaks of, and by extension, you’d expect him to build the same identity with the club. Over to Luis Suarez.

“He [Dalglish] is a person who you respect after only a few minutes of conversation…
“He tried to speak to me in Spanish - ‘hola, bienvenido’ (hello and welcome) - the basics and that impressed me. Obviously, he is a legend at this club… in this city, but I think it’s very important to judge people as you see them rather than just what you hear. He has lived up to that legend in my eyes.
“I could see quickly that Dalglish is a manager and a person who I can relate to and he is very determined to make the team play with a certain image - the kind of attractive football that I want to be a part of.
“He was very keen to bring me here and if there is one person that was influential in my signing it was him. He is very ambitious about the club and is confident he can lead the club back to the top. Now I am here, I do not want to disappoint him in any way.”

But it’s the work at the Academy that will bed in the long-term identity that players feel with the club and its philosophy. Kenny, being the key influence on that, will help ensure it’s central to the club’s entire approach.

On to John Henry’s third side of the square - ensuring that “the atmosphere of the club is permeated by a desire from everyone to be on the same page. Everyone.”

Kenny, since taking the helm, has made that message clear to all and sundry. In fact, some might say he’s spent more time reinforcing that message at club press conferences than he has talking about events on the park.

On the first day of his tenure: “we’ll all be singing from the same hymn-sheet”.

After the Man Utd game: “everybody has to be singing from the same hymn sheet. Whether it’s players, staff or supporters or owners. Everyone has a part to play.”

We’ll return to the interview that featured the first quote in a moment. But rest assured this is a central pillar of his entire approach. He’s intent on uniting and integrating the club. His thinking fits 100% with that of his employers. That’s a good sign.

Which leads us on to possibly the most imporant point. Last but by no means least, John Henry points out the importance of the support. The need for the ownership and footballing staff’s work to resonate with the fans, and the flip side of that - the need for the fans to get on board when that happens. The need for everyone to pull together.

It’s here that Kenny’s first interview sheds most light in my view. As well as the approach on the pitch, the coaching methods behind the scenes, the ability to inspire staff and players, and the centripetal influence that’s gradually integrating things behind the scenes and getting everyone ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’, he’s uniquely aware of the importance of Shankly’s Holy Trinity, and by extension, of this new statement of the club’s mission.

Over to the man himself.

“Obviously it’s a great honour for me to be back in charge of a football club which means so much to so many people…
“I’m a very lucky person. That’s twice I’ve been very fortunate. I came here as a 15-year-old boy when Shanks asked me to sign and I was a wee bit homesick thinking I was too young to leave home. Then I got back as a player and left the club in February 1991. I’m fortunate to come back, even if it’s only to the end of the season it makes no difference to me, this place is very special and all we can do is try our best to move the club forward a bit and try to win some more games.
On Sunday you’ll walk out at Old Trafford to the sight and sound of 9,000 Liverpool fans singing your name - how do you think you’ll feel when you make that walk along the touchline?
“I’ll feel very humble and probably a bit emotional. They know that they’re equally as important as what we are, not just for Sunday’s game but for every game. We might lose a game - not necessarily on Sunday - or we might not play too well and that’s when we’ll need their support. We also as a squad of players and as a management have to give them something to cheer about as well. I’m sure our people will respond if we go out there and they see that our lads are proud to play and that they’ll do their best for Liverpool Football Club. We’ll do our best to get the results that they all want, we won’t always be successful, and to be perfectly realistic I think we have to say ‘Let’s just start walking before we run’. Let’s not go crazy here and think the season changes and we’re going to sweep everything aside now and go undefeated from now to the end of the season. We’re perfectly capable of doing it but let’s be realistic, let’s just go out there and try our best and take things one game at a time…

And finally, what’s your message to Liverpool supporters as we all look forward to your second term as manager?
I’d just say if there’s excitement among the supporters then I can share in that excitement. I think we’ve got to be realistic and a little bit patient. It’s not going to turn overnight. I know there are lots of times when a manager leaves a football club and a new guy comes in and gives everyone a lift, well if the players get a bit of a lift then it has to last for more than one game. We’ve got to get it right between now and the end of the season and as I said earlier, there might be some disappointments but the biggest disappointment for me is if everyone who is involved in this football club doesn’t give everything they have to give. If we do that then we have a good chance of finishing the season well.”

It’s the perfect fit really. As a fan your heart swells when reading his words. And it continues. His words to the SKY pitchside reporter after the Wolves game, for example. The reporter had suggested that fans were demanding news on a mooted move for Blackpool’s Charlie Adam. The Liverpool fan base rejoiced at his reply.

“Well it’s a bit sad when you spin it onto the fans. We know more about our fans than yourselves do, so we know how they want to be treated and they know what we want. They want us to treat them with respect and they want us to treat them the way that Liverpool fans have always been treated by the club, and that’s, if we’ve got business to do we’ll do it behind closed doors, and once we’ve got something, a story to tell about anybody, then we’ll let you know. But we’ve no stories to tell about anything. I know whats going on, but it doesn’t mean to say I’ve got to tell you.”

I personally celebrated that statement as much as any of the goals during the game. To say it resonated with me would be something of an understatement.

So it’s clear where I stand on the issue of his management. It’s clear that the players want him there, and they’ll do whatever it takes to get the results he needs to keep it.

The clearest statement to that end yet, of course, came from Steven Gerrard.

“I want to do everything in my power to ensure that he stays here for a long time, beyond the initial six months…
“I won’t lie. When Kenny rang to say he was coming back it was a big lift.”
“I’d love nothing better when the end of the season comes than for us to be on the back of a good run of results that ensures he gets the job full-time,” said Gerrard, who is currently serving a three-match ban after his red card in the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United, which was Dalglish’s first game back in charge.
“That’s my short-term plan, to give everything I’ve got and all my energy to try to make that happen…
“I love Kenny as a person and I’ve certainly enjoyed the first few days we’ve had working with him,” added Gerrard. “I can see a positive future for Kenny at the club.
“I think he’s the perfect person to get everyone moving in the right direction again. He’s the talisman at this club. His nickname, the King, says it all really.
“He’s the perfect manager and also person to bring it all together. It’s time to re-group and for us all to be pulling in the right direction because this season certainly hasn’t been good enough.”

The club, it seems, has a natural leader doing what comes naturally to him. As far as I’m concerned, he’s the perfect candidate.

Inside Rumours re: Torres

2011-02-03T14:17:00.001+08:00

Aldo post Torres

2011-02-02T18:04:00.001+08:00