Thursday 22 May 2008

Turnover Above Tradition?

A popular train of thought for many Liverpool FC fans concerns the apparently impending ownership change, and a new and improved attitude from the new investors, especially regarding money. If the American duo decide to sell to D.I.C. then I am in no doubt a large majority of fans and pundits would welcome such a move with open arms (as they did the last time), but I do not share the same naive theory (SOS DIC).
The overriding positive of this move would be the exponential increase in funding for the improvement of Liverpool Football Club on and off the pitch. Dubai is renowned for its lavish settings, luxurious infrastructure and expensive lifestyle as an oil rich nation. Therefore the investment branch of the sovereign country will pour countless millions of pounds into the club without hesitation. Clearly this assertion is totally unfounded and unrealistic. Fans are anticipating a revolution and an influx of world class stars flocking to the club and D.I.C. to continually bankroll such expenditure and be happy to do so as their CEO (Sameer al-Ansari) is a Liverpool fan... They intend to enter the lucrative Premier League market, borrow, invest and make a substantial profit. And this is substantiated with the published confidential documents revealing their 7 year plan in 2006. I am also apprehensive that this organisation would usher in widespread upheaval on all levels, irrespective of football matters, and treat us as a business acquisition and not as an institution for passion and dedication, compromising the integrity of the club.
It is commonplace, particularly among Liverpool fans who are steeped in a working class history, to ridicule and condemn the goings on at Chelsea FC. Roman Abramovich has used his personal wealth to buy and finance the club, and in doing so often spending massive amounts of money with a disregard for the clubs solvency. Fans undermine these methods in relation to winning the Premier League in 2005 & 2006 plus FA and League cups, and additionally question their fans allegiance and longevity. But would it not be blatantly hypocritical to encourage similar proceedings to occur here at Liverpool FC?
Another facet of the prospective takeover would result in the clearance of debt on the club, that the Americans have plunged us into (£350m + £28m interest each year). I assume the purchase of the club would include this figure and also allow for both Americans to earn a tidy profit. A company would not want to waste unnecessary millions on certain aspects of the club, and would therefore cull what they deemed disposable. They would introduce a totally new board of directors that would have questionable knowledge on the running of a football club and would want instant success for such a hefty price. Buying new players is a dangerous and unforeseeable investment, so funds for such assets would be limited and redirected towards a new stadium on Stanley Park. It would be integral to build it quickly and rush through plans in order to maximise profits, additionally imposing high priced seats, commodities and entertainment. The management would be under the highest scrutiny and if results were not going well, then large scale removals would have to take place (it was alleged they had lined up Mourinho for the vacated manager's office - which had to be publicly denied). Fans would become customers (and such an adoring following would provide a constant source of income) and the Liverpool brand would be plastered worldwide at often extortionate prices for merchandise. Fan power would be worthless as ruthless business people only make their mind up once, and street protests will fall on deaf ears (unlike the November Benitez parade over the Klinsmann debacle and the "As always I am focused on training and coaching my team" press conference).
It is widely known to Liverpool fans about the nature of business conducted by DIC and their representatives. David Moores had his reasons for not selling to them originally when they offered a higher price and forced a hostile ultimatum (as they have done with the current owners) which did not prove successful for them. Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners represents D.I.C. and is the chief negotiator (mooted to replace Rick Parry if D.I.C. prove triumphant). Several attempts of varying complexities were offered to the pair, with the main deal involving D.I.C. becoming a minority share holder of 49%, buying out George Gillett. But this was rejected by Hicks after discussion and considerable exchange of communication. The co-owners have publicly stated the irreparable damage to their relationship, with Gillett choosing Canadian radio station "590 Fans" to express his derisive opinion on Hicks and upon receiving death threats from furious fans.
Staveley has been attributed to manipulation of the media (leaked comments, legal documents, personal correspondents) to engender both support from the fans and incite opposition and dissent towards Tom Hicks (which isn't too hard considering the mistakes he makes himself). This was seen to be a devious strategy being highlighted by Hicks, referring to D.I.C. as "masters of the British tabloid spin" and Staveley and her consultants directly who "put out misinformation" to "stir the pot of Liverpool", for example the fan on the board furore. Their latest plan is to purchase 50% equity of the club (the often rumoured veto clause will expire) and apply financial pressure to Hicks (who is reportedly being pressed by banks to sell who are pulling in their loans), making assurances of revenue for players and the stadium which could not be matched by Hicks. However he has expressed publicly that he is not willing to enter in such a partnership and via his Sky Sports News interview (dubbed the Fire-side Chat) has said intentions from D.I.C. to spend excessively to be untrue when in negotiations with them.
The recent anger over at Eastlands regarding their owner, Thaksin Shinawatra, culminates in his unruly decisions over the management, players and conduct at the club. It has be strongly rumoured he wants to sack popular manager Sven Goran Eriksson, hold a fire-sale of his whole squad and force employees in Manchester into Thai customary traditions. This is the man who not only passed the 'Fit & Proper Persons' test from the FA (there have been strong links of him controlling the nation by a dictatorship as PM and includes corruption, many human rights injustices and his exile and freezing of his assets) but also had a vested interest in owning our beloved club. Dubai is reported to be rife with human rights violations: delayed or withdrawal of payment, excessive working hours and poor working/living conditions, premature termination of services and repatriation blockades for thousands of immigrants, who labour on construction sites of real estate. I think Liverpool fans should become more educated on the background of prospective owners and learn from mistakes of ourselves and others. I would advocate us to be vigilant and careful with future dealings over the selling of our football club, and not blindly enthusiastic seeing only the pounds and dollars.

Wednesday 21 May 2008

Starlets Seek Chance In The Senior Side

The Liverpool FC reserve team have had an excellent season under the tutelage of manager Gary Ablett and his coaching team, collecting the majority of trophies available to them, hosted both home and abroad. The side is brimming with young players, ranging from 16-19 years old, and has a wide mixture of nationalities in the dressing room. Rafael Benitez and his youth scouting department have searched the globe for the best talent on offer and consistently found quality youngsters in all positions. The players are constantly growing and developing their technique and physique to a Premier League standard, and for the arduous rigours of football in England, with ambitions to break into the first team and play at Anfield in front of 45,000 fans. They currently play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, home of Super League club Warrington Wolves, where they regularly pull in crowds of thousands, as well as being broadcast nationally on LFC TV.
While the reserves are trained and moulded by the coaching staff, the people they respect most are those they are trying to emulate: the first team. They can access the opportunity to learn from them in a game situation when a 1st XI player is undergoing rehabilitation from an injury. This season Agger, Alonso, Kewell, Lucas, Pennant and Skrtel have taken part in 9 reserve matches between each other.
The team is a large group of aspiring Reds, including both players who have succeeded and played for the first team, and upcoming starlets who want to realise their potential and become promoted. Numerous reserve players have and will be sent away on loan to the lower divisions, being predominantly domestic sourced players like Anderson, Lindfield and Threlfall. There they learn invaluable experiences in different sporting environments and can gain more regular football at an often higher competitive level with significant consequences.
The most notable players for the future (to this opinionated fan) are: Insua, Plessis, Nemeth, Hobbs, Pacheco and Bruna, who cover the variety of positions from defence to attack. From this collection of names, our squad has a particularly continental feel, with sometimes Benitez himself travelling to seal the deal, especially when prising away the jewels of Barcelona and Real Madrid youth teams. Such players represent a new breed of exciting and creative players who could follow in the footsteps of a player like Fabregas, as he made a similar move from Spain, and hopefully become as successful. Three reserves have played for the first team and realised their dream, and even more have been called up to the match day sixteen. Ablett and his team continue training the young pretenders in the ways of the first team, and hope Benitez invites more to join him and the team for a top flight match.

Liverpool FC Reserves 2007/08:
  • Daniel Sanchez Ayala (Spain)
  • Dean Bouzanis (Australia)
  • Jordy Brouwer (Netherlands)
  • Gerardo Alfredo Bruna Blanco (Spain)
  • Ryan Crowther (England)
  • Stephen Darby (England)
  • Francisco Duran (Spain)
  • Nabil El Zhar (Morocco)
  • Ryan Flynn (England)
  • Jack Hobbs (England)
  • Ronald Huth (Paraguay)
  • Emiliano Insua (Argentina)
  • David Martin (England)
  • Krisztian Nemeth (Hungary)
  • Daniel Pacheco (Spain)
  • Damien Plessis (France)
  • Ray Putterill (England)
  • Mikel San Jose Dominguez (Spain)
  • Andras Simon (Hungary)
  • Jay Spearing (England)
Liverpool FC Reserves Honours 2007/08:
Barclays Premier Reserve League North champions
Played 18, Points Total 43 (W 13, D 4, L 1, F 31, A 8, GD 23)
National Barclays Premier Reserve League champions
Play-off versus Barclays Premier Reserve League South champions Aston Villa (3-0, 5th May 2008)

Dallas Cup (League & Knock-out)
Won: Final versus Tigres (3-0, 23 March 2008)
Liverpool Senior Cup (Knock-out)
Runner-Up: Final versus Marine (0-1, 24 April 2008)
Lancashire County Cup (Knock-out)
N/A: Final versus Manchester United (TBD)

Tuesday 20 May 2008

Free Full-back Confirmed

Liverpool FC have today announced the new signing of Philipp Degen. He has come on a free transfer signing a four-year contract and will join us on the 1st July after his current deal expires. He is 25 years old, plays in the position of right-back and hails from Borussia Dortmund who play in the Bundesliga of Germany. His comments regarding his move to Merseyside: "When I received the offer from Liverpool, there was no doubt I would accept it. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am looking forward to the challenge of playing in the best league there is."
Degen is a Switzerland international, most recently losing to Ukraine on penalties in the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup (they didn't concede any goals all tournament) and will partake in Euro 2008 (held in Austria and Switzerland) if he recovers from his current injury. He joined FC Basel at youth level in 1996 and was promoted to the first team squad in 2001. At FC Basel he experienced Champions League football in the 2002/03 season, alongside his twin brother David Degen who currently plays at the club, on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach.
He has been billed by Benitez as an "offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality." Physically he has an athletic build, is tall at 6ft1in and is a very fast runner (like Skrtel) with a mean cross. He will provide competition for Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa on the right side, potentially improving both of them due to him, and is the older player Benitez alluded to a month ago: "We have some signings for the next season done. They are senior players for the first team and young players for the first team and reserve team. Two of them are really close, young players, and one senior player is done. He talks good English, but is not English."
There are 3 comparisons I would like to make with Degen. Firstly, I hope, no, I beg that he will not be as bad a signing as the last free agent we snared from the German league: Andriy Voronin. He has been a monumental flop, and the only flickering chance of an exit is a tenuous link back to the Bundesliga for him.
Secondly I would like to highlight the overwhelming disparity between Liverpool FC signing a 25 year old right back, and Chelsea signing a 25 year old right back. Liverpool FC manage to identify a suitable player, for a position of weakness currently in the team, for a Bosman transfer and ward off interest from other clubs. Chelsea try to find the best right back in the world (after spending £5.5m on Juliano Belletti from Barcelona last season) but end up latching onto targets of other clubs (Liverpool FC, Manchester United) and then pay an extremely inflated price for the player: £16million to Porto in exchange for Jose Bosingwa. I'd like to see how these players perform over next season and see if Bosingwa is x16 the player Degen is.
And the final comparison was immediately thought of, as when seeing an image of him, what struck me first was his resemblance to Xabi Alonso.

Sunday 18 May 2008

Benitez Targets English Mid-table Maestros

This summer will provide clear indications of the direction the club is heading in, and if we will have a realistic chance of challenging for the Premier League title. One of the main issues during this close season will be the transfers in and out of the club to ensure we have a quality starting XI, that could theoretically be rotated less by the manager. Benitez seems keen to recruit Englishmen to the side, specifically home-grown midfielders that are at the heart of some of the teams who populate the second tier in the league, below the 'top 4'. Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Bentley (Blackburn), Michael Johnson (Manchester City) and Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough) are the four most prominent English players that currently ply their trade in the second tier of the Premier League.
Their was some speculation that Rafa was concerned with the '6+5' rule that may be implemented to the game, championed by FIFA President Sepp Blatter and supported by UEFA President Michel Platini. This prospective legislation would force six domestic players to be in the starting team of the club, in addition to five foreign players. This quota system is opposed by the EU as it contravenes Article 39 of the EC Nice Treaty: "Such freedom of movement shall entail the abolition of any discrimination based on nationality between workers of the Member States as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment." It was previously thought that it did not breach the European Labour Law on the freedom of movement, as clubs would still be free to buy as many foreign players as they wished, with the important difference being that clubs would have to field six players who were eligible for the national team of the country.
However, the European Commission supports UEFA's home-grown player rule that sets quotas of locally trained players at clubs and does not discriminate on players' nationality. The organisation bodies would collectively investigate the objectives of the '6+5' rule within limits of the law, as such an initiative has been deemed illegal, and the UEFA idea has similar objectives and has been formally accepted.
Currently Liverpool FC have 4 English players that are in or on the fringes of the first team squad: Gerrard, Carragher, Crouch and Pennant, plus
3 English players that are out on loan: Hobbs, Guthrie and Carson. However of these seven players, four are expected to leave, which further highlights Benitez's problems if this bill were to be passed.
The predominant English player that seems to top our transfer list is Gareth Barry. There has been volleys of verbal warfare through the media between Benitez and O'Neill, as the news of an official bid was made known to the public before the conclusion of the season. This was seen as an underhand tactic employed Benitez, as it would unsettle Barry and the team, who were in the race for 5th in the league and therefore the UEFA Cup spot. Another reason for the dispute was the nature of the bid, as O'Neill was unimpressed with the "mish-mash" of players (Carson? Riise? Crouch?) in a part exchange/cash deal that seemed to the Villa boss as undervaluing his captain, who he is
determined to keep. O'Neill is adamant that Aston Villa are not a 'selling club' and has asked owner Randy Lerner to join him when he meets with Barry, and commences negotiations over his future. The prospect of Champion's League football and a title challenge at Liverpool FC may out weigh assurances of improving the small Villa squad and building towards breaking the top 4, especially as he is 27 years old and may seek top flight football during his prime years as a footballer. O'Neill's intentions were also evident after he axed Patrik Berger (ex-Red) from his squad and the club after he advised Barry to make the move to us, as such an opportunity wouldn't come around often.
Benitez has said many times that they need to secure targets quickly (recently and after the UCL final), and wants to sign players preferably before the end of May. This may be a veiled criticism of the American owners and his request for guaranteed funding, or CEO Rick Parry, who is notorious for stalling on transfer discussions. However this approach justifies the early movement for Barry, which begun with a phone call 20 days prior to the public fracas, and was designed to gage the stance of O'Neill and inform him of the forthcoming bid. Rafa also moved to quash rumours that Barry was a replacement for Alonso in centre midfield alongside Mascherano, and further indicates he may be played on the left. It would be beneficial for the synergy and balance of the team to have a left-footed player on the left of midfield, as even though the decision to play Babel there had its reasons, I believe his incessant runs cutting inside and lack of crosses from the left wing may limit our attacking options. Another observation may be that fact both Lucas and Mascherano will be at the Beijing Olympics for the first few weeks of the 08/09 Premier League season and Champions League qualifiers, therefore Barry may partner Alonso in the centre during their absence. Barry is definitely a versatile and creative player who would be a promising signing, but perhaps not the most popular amongst fans.
David Bentley is the second English player most attributed to our club. It is said that he has rejected a new contract that was offered to him as a reward for his endeavours this season, that would substantially improve his current deal, boosting his wages considerably to approximately £50,000 a week. Manager Mark Hughes has denounced any ideas for the sale of his prized asset and is bullish on such suggestions, as he wants to add more quality to his team. He claims that it is his, and not the players decision if they are to be sold, and reaffirms the fact that Bentley has 3 years left on his current contract. Bentley could similarly wish to perform in the world's biggest club tournament, but also seek to secure a regular place on the right wing for the national team, and once and for all oust David Beckham from the role. I think Bentley is a competent player who has consistently good performances for Blackburn and the national team, and is a predominantly attack orientated player, which will appeal us fans who like to see exciting football. He has accurate delivery achieving 10 assists (matched by Barry and 1 less than Gerrard), supplying Santa Cruz and basically gifting him goals - the media either ignore Cruz and his 19 goals or eulogise over his apparent proficiency, when in reality he has had numerous tap-ins provided by Bentley. Both Barry and Bentley are estimated to cost £15million.
News reports also claim Benitez has reignited his interest in Manchester City play-maker Michael Johnson. The ownership upheaval at Eastlands (we dodged the bullet over
Thaksin) may signal trouble for the club, culminating in a player exodus following the mistreatment of Sven Goran Eriksson and plans emanating from the club to revamp the squad. Benitez tried to sign Johnson last season and was rebuffed, but the player is rumoured to be stalling on a new contract, and is valued at around £8million; at 20 years old he would be a wise investment. Stewart Downing is the final English midfielder to be linked with our club, and is viewed as the most unlikely of the four to move to Anfield. He represents the second choice behind Barry for the left midfield, and would cost about £12million. However he has recently signed a new lucrative deal at Middlesbrough, extending his stay till 2013. Recent outings show him to be a skilful player, exemplified in the 8-1 thrashing of a relenting City team where he scored 2 goals, and he also proved his resolve when he scored against us at home after Torres had scored yet another hat-trick.
My verdict comprises of both optimism and pessimism, as I would gladly welcome such stellar additions to our first team, but I am unsure if we will be successful in securing their signatures as their managers and chairmen clearly do not want to part company. The lure of a top 4 club, UCL football and playing at Anfield may be attractive, but I am apprehensive in placing all my faith in the acumen and ability of our owners and chief negotiators when dealing with steadfast and stubborn opponents (both the selling and rival clubs) who are in the position to hold out for exorbitant prices, which we may not be able to match or better.

Saturday 17 May 2008

Torrific Reds Could Face Awesome Atletico

Last weekend, Atletico Madrid secured their place in the most prestigious club tournament: the Champion's League. They overcame Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish Primera Division, winning 1-0 through a Diego Forlan goal (former failure at Manchester United) and clinched fourth place. This victory guarantees their promotion to the UCL, irrespective of their final league match against Valencia (Benitez's old stomping ground), even though they could go level on points with Sevilla on Sunday. This is due to the Spanish 'head to head' rule, as they beat Sevilla 4-3 at home in October and 1-2 away in March.
However this success is unwarranted after last seasons inconsistency leaving them in 7th position and qualifying for the Intertoto Cup. The humiliating 6-0 defeat to Barcelona was especially stereotypical of their perennial underachievement and capitulation at the business end of the season. This was undoubtedly one of the factors why Fernando Torres decided to leave his boyhood club who he had passionately served for 12 years, and move upwards to an established European giant who could offer him the best players and competitions to play with/in.
But now the Rojiblancos have earned their place in the Champion's League through talents such as Sergio Agüero, Maxi Rodríguez, Diego Forlán, José Antonio Reyes, Simão Sabrosa and Antonio López. So Torres could face his former club sooner than he may have liked, or perhaps he relishes a chance to prove his development at Liverpool FC, especially his prolific goal scoring ability. But what I can say with certainty is that if he scores, he won't be celebrating - but he might just hear: "His armband proved he was a Red; Torres, Torres..."

Friday 16 May 2008

'Little Sam' Returns To His Roots

The return of Sammy Lee to Liverpool Football Club was announced today, with him signing a 2-year deal. He will commence work in the vacant role of assistant manager, replacing the out-going Alex Miller (now manager of JEF United Chiba in Japan), and Pako Ayestaran before him (currently on 'gardening leave').
Lee is a born and bred Liverpudlian and is renowned for his sharp passing and hard-working attitude on the field, and his warm and friendly persona off it. He rose up the ranks at Liverpool FC through the Academy, and managed to score on his debut against Leicester City in 1978, which the Reds won 3-2. He has an esteemed career and was present in the glory days of the 80s, collecting numerous honours at the club: First Division Championship 1981/82, 1982/83 & 1983/84, League Cup 1981, 1982, 1983 & 1984 and European Cup 1981 & 1984.
After his playing days were over, Lee continued in the football industry by entering the coaching and management set up at Liverpool FC under Graeme Souness in 1993. Similarly with his early fledging playing career, he gained experience and kudos from his colleagues and moved from reserve team coach to first team coach under Gerard Houllier in 1999. His prowess was next recognised by the national team, and in 2001 he became a coach under Sven Goran Eriksson, becoming full time in 2004.
This appointment can only be positive for the club and players. Lee has a burgeoning collection of accolades, and therefore has talent and experience in both playing and coaching. When he was managing at Bolton Wanderers he was compared to Sam Allardyce (disliked by this opinionated fan) as the antithesis of boring, hoof-ball tactics previously seen and revered by the Trotters fans. His method did not suit a team drilled into long ball and a battling ethos instilled at the club, and hence degenerated into a struggling relegation team playing the wrong brand of football for their limited players.
However at Liverpool, hopefully Lee can welcome a more expansive, creative and entertaining approach to the game, through influencing manager Benitez and working with our team of international stars. Another advantage of this addition to the Melwood staff is that he speaks fluent Spanish from his days at Osasuna in Spain, and as we all know, Rafa has enlisted many of his fellow countrymen to our club.

Thursday 15 May 2008

2008 Meets 1978

Liverpool FC fans got to see the Reds display the new 08/10 kit during the 1-0 victory against Manchester City at Anfield. There is the usual shirt technology incorporated into the kit, such as ClimaCool and ForMotion, and this is supplemented by the ever present Carlsberg logo (longest shirt sponsorship in the league, and counting) and the three white stripes of adidas.
There is a distinct move away from a sports top towards a professional jersey, with a hark back to tradition and the heady era of Dalglish and Souness; the V-neck dominating the new look. Plus there is a touch of modern class with the inside collar embroidered with "This Is Anfield" and a Liver Bird upon a stylish red/white chequered area.












Personally, I was initially apprehensive of the new design, and with a combination of price (the staple RRP £39.99), the fact I have all 3 of last seasons kits, and the growing views towards hitting the owners where it hurts and boycotting: I decided I wouldn't buy the strip. But of course this didn't last long and the aforementioned reasons never really had enough gravitas to persuade me against purchasing one, and thankfully I have rapidly come to my senses.
I'll wait until July to see which exciting players Benitez will be bringing in, and then choose who I'll being getting on my back. Thinking on I may be predictable and opt for a Gerrard or Mascherano number. The name "Barry" isn't the most attractive or popular in today's world, regardless of the playing ability of the man who wears it.
The kit will no doubt be a resounding success, and it has the thumbs up from this opinionated fan.

Wednesday 14 May 2008

A New Day, A New Season

For my first post I thought I would create a general list of aims that Liverpool Football Club should achieve by mid-August 2008. Throughout this list you may find where my allegiances lie in the club, and as is the same with all fans I may appear fickle as my blog goes on. I like to think I keep up to date on news & gossip related to LFC and will share my opinion on the major stories. I hope for this blog to map our 08/09 season from May to May through my eyes (and fingers), and display the ups and downs that we encounter to Premier League glory... ahem, I'll get on with it then.

1) Create and maintain a stable ownership and boardroom
2) Give support to the manager
3) Decrease negativity and adverse media speculation
4) Preserve and safeguard our integral players
5) Swift and successful movement in the transfer market for quality additions
6) Raise the profile of the club abroad economically and culturally
7) Develop the stadium plans and hospitality for the fans

Since the season ended last weekend I won't dwell on maybes and what ifs, but the league table shows the club in fourth position, again, but progress has definitely taken place (even if we were 3rd in the last two seasons). Benitez has made sure we remember the positives of this trophy less season, such as the improved points tally (11 points off the top), prolific goal scoring of many players (highest in the EPL: 119) and another record clean sheets (18). I think I'll end post #1 on these high points, and I hope they aren't the last.