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Leonardo
It is not secret to us that Liverpool soccer players are a bunch of great players. Liverpool rules the European and English football scenes during the 1960's up to the 80's through the supervision of the renowned manager club Bill Shankley along with his successors.
The clubs' honor can be credited to the ever loyal group of trusted personalities comprised by Rafael Benitez, a prized team manager that has a team value of $370 million, club owner and major shareholder as well as club chairman David Moores that owns the 51% share of the club and Rochard Parry, the club's chief executive.
Despite its success, it is not immune to accidents and disasters that perhaps blemished the club's reputation. There is the Heysel together with the Hillsborough stadium disasters in 1985 and 1989 respectively that stand witness to the death of 39 people and followed by another 96 lives that was lost during those fatal tragedies that ensued.
iverpool claimed another set of victory again during the European Championship league in 2004-2005 seasons but their rejoicing was short-lived for they were quickly subdued by the more intense teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal during the Premiership matches.
Liverpool defeated A.C. Milan in the May 2005 European Champions League with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher emerged as star players. The match was held in Istanbul, Turkey in their famous Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
As of now, Liverpool boasts of 5 European Champions Cup, 5 Cup Winners Cups, 3 UEFA Cups and 2 European Super Cups. Aside from European trophies they also had 18 Domestic Championship records and 13 Domestic Cups, 6 of those came from F.A. Cups and 7 League Cups.
Liverpool soccer greats include Steven Gerrard, an English midfielder, Djibril Cisse, a French striker and a Finnish defender named Sammi Hyppia.
| Watch Videos about Liverpool Soccer. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Escribar |
| It's been our best ever start to a Premier League season and we've achieved it in the most dramatic fashion. | |
 But while we've all enjoyed seeing the Reds make some startling comebacks in recent weeks, Dirk Kuyt in particular might have enjoyed it a little more than most. The tireless Dutchman has suddenly refound his passion for scoring goals and is now earning rave reviews not just for his workrate but more for his four goals in the last three games. There is no doubt the Reds have been making life hard for themselves in gifting opponents the lead, but we can't go on giving teams a head start and expect to keep hitting back. It might be exciting to watch but wouldn't it be better to make things easier for ourselves? It's not just Rafa who might be needing to consult his doctor the way we are going on, certainly fewer have been heading for the exits early in recent weeks. The significant feature in all the comebacks so far has been the natural change in attitude, attacking spirit is obviously the way forward. Some of Rafa's substitutions this season have been really adventurous and at one stage on Saturday we had six forwards out there. I can't remember seeing so many forwards strung across Anfield as we attacked the Kop, our goal difference mightn't be that great but points on the board are more important. The loss of Fernando Torres due to the international break was potentially a nightmare scenario - other than losing Stevie, Rafa could hardly have had worse news. But, asked to fill in for El Nino, Kuyt had perhaps his most effective game for the Reds. With Liverpool now generally looking a more balanced unit with the addition of Albert Riera on the left and Jeramine Pennant playing his part on Saturday, if we can get bodies into the opposition box we will score goals and that was certainly the secret of the recent comebacks over Man City and Wigan. Dirk looked more at home working through the middle and though he hasn't got the pace to run away from defenders, his natural instinct to score is there and he looked like he loved it on Saturday. I've sensed a reluctance from him to admit he misses scoring goals on a regular basis but anyone who scored as many times as he did for Feyenoord must surely want to receive similar acclaim from an adoring Kop. With his recent scoring exploits he has shown his real potential and effectively raised the bar of expectancy, for me he looks a completely different player getting on the end of things. If Dirk could transmit his European goal scoring form into the league on a regular basis he would prove priceless, ten goals in his last 17 Euro games proves he's a man with the knack but has seemed at times happy to understate some of that killer instinct. I know he's happy to fulfil any role Rafa asks of him but he could be more effective if he shows a greater desire to get into the danger zone a bit more. He's shown he can finish sp let's see it much more. If Liverpool are to mount a real challenge this year the goals will need to come from a greater nucleus of players and Kuyt - if he continues the way he's going - could be a vital weapon in our aims. In recent years I think we can point to our inability to score goals from enough players which has seen us fall short of Man Utd and Chelsea. With Kuyt in this form - and if we can get one or two more scoring along with Torres and Gerrard on a regular basis - we can maintain our challenge on the heels of the leaders. Rafa was obviously frustrated at losing Nando and could hardly hide his disappointment. If we are to be real contenders then we can't be without him for too long, one or two games can be okay though the next two matches could hardly be tougher. I know we did manage without him against Man Utd but to have him absent for too long would be too much of a strain. There'll be disappointment on both sides tonight when Atletico's favourite son misses out on the dream return to the Vicente Calderon Stadium. It was probably the one game El Nino was really looking forward to this season, only to be robbed of the opportunity with the unfortunate hamstring injury picked up last week. The Reds will have to be at their best if we are to be the first English side to beat Atletico in their backyard, a side we are meeting for the first time. Though we have an exceptional record of playing in Spain, Atletico are currently one of the more eye-catching sides in the Champions League despite having lost their last three Spanish league games. For Rafa it's a return to his home town while on the pitch despite no Torres it could still be a case of old friends reunited. In Atletico's star-studded line up we should see Anfield European hero Luis Garcia and Sinama Pongolle, who never really fulfilled his true potential with the Reds but who has been impressive since leaving for Spain. While the Champions League takes up our attentions tonight, once the final whistle blows in Madrid attention will swiftly turn to the massive game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. I must admit I've been impressed with the start Chelsea have had under Luis Felipe Scolari and for me they are the team we will have to be ahead of if we have title hopes. Hopefully the fact Nando has been left back at Melwood to have treatment will increase his chances of playing at the Bridge, the Londoners have more than their fair share of injury problems but the strength of their squad masks any weakness. Chelsea's home record is remarkable and it's never been the easiest place for us to visit, though we have shown the ability to stifle them under Rafa, but we are still frustrated by the fact we can't claim the win. Sunday would be perfect timing to break Rafa's duck with spirit in the camp on a real high. | |
David Fairclough 22 October 2008
 | Albert Riera believes Liverpool's team unity can negate the influence of Atletico Madrid's potential match winners in the Vicente Calderon this evening. |
| Riera admits the La Liga side can boast exceptional talents in the shape of Aguero, Simao, Forlan and Maniche - not to mention ex-Red Luis Garcia - but he is confident the strength of character shown by Liverpool during their unbeaten start to the season can help take them a step nearer qualification from Group D tonight. "Atletico have come into their own and established themselves as one of the biggest clubs in Spain," said Riera. "They are much more competitive, and when you feel you can compete against even the best teams, it works wonders for your confidence. "Where they differ from us is that they rely more on individuals than the overall team pattern. They are beginning to shape into an effective unit, but it is individual brilliance that has contributed most to their success. "While they rely on individuals to a great extent, we are a real unit. We have outstanding individuals as well, but, first and foremost, we are a team. You can't underestimate the importance of that, and it has stood us in good stead. "Atletico are a real threat going forward and have probably the two best strikers in La Liga in Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan. "They are much stronger at the back now, but I still feel our team spirit can come through and help us beat them." No English side has ever won at the Vicente Calderon and Riera admits the Reds will need to be on top of their game to alter that statistic. "The atmosphere will be exceptional, and it is going to be a really special occasion for the Spanish players in our squad," he added. "All of us are really looking forward to it, and we don't intend coming away with anything less than three points. "You've got to give Atletico credit for emerging as a force in their own right after spending so long in Real's shadow. It is not easy when you are in a big city and your club plays second fiddle to your near rivals. "I know what it is like after playing for Espanyol in a city that was really all about Barcelona. People don't take much notice of you, but they are paying attention to Atletico now." | |
Paul Eaton 22 October 2008
CARRAGHER TAKING NOTHING FOR GRANTED
Paul Eaton 22 October 2008
Paul Eaton 22 October 2008
Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool's one hundred per cent record in the Champions League to date could count for nothing if they don't perform against Atletico Madrid - starting tonight in the Spanish capital.
The Reds are tied with Atletico at the top of Group D after both sides won their opening two matches - and this evening's clash in the Vicente Calderon is the first of a double header of games which could result in one of the two teams booking their place in the knock-out phase of the competition.
"It's important that we get a good result against Atletico because we've made a good start to the group stages and now we have to build on that," said Carragher.
"People are saying that we are both favourites to go through but if these two games go wrong for one of us and you lose both of them then it would bring the other teams in the group back into it.
"The other factor is that you want to top the group as well because that can make a little bit of difference in terms of who you play in the next round.
"It's never guaranteed that you'll meet a so-called weaker side if you come top, of course, but it's always nice to win the group and that's why we want to take at least four points from these two games against Atletico."
While admitting the possibility of securing qualification with games to spare would be the ideal scenario for the Reds, Carragher insists the priority is ensuring Liverpool are still playing Champions League football next year.
"I think the manager's already mentioned getting through early and ideally that's always what you would want to do," he added.
"But the important thing is not to look too far ahead and just to make sure we do go through.
"If we do go through early then that'd be great and I'm sure the manager would then be able to switch things around and concentrate on the league.
"That's not just ourselves though, I'm sure Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea are all thinking the same as well.
"But the most important thing is just to make sure we go through to the next round, that always has to be the target."
"It's important that we get a good result against Atletico because we've made a good start to the group stages and now we have to build on that," said Carragher.
"People are saying that we are both favourites to go through but if these two games go wrong for one of us and you lose both of them then it would bring the other teams in the group back into it.
"The other factor is that you want to top the group as well because that can make a little bit of difference in terms of who you play in the next round.
"It's never guaranteed that you'll meet a so-called weaker side if you come top, of course, but it's always nice to win the group and that's why we want to take at least four points from these two games against Atletico."
While admitting the possibility of securing qualification with games to spare would be the ideal scenario for the Reds, Carragher insists the priority is ensuring Liverpool are still playing Champions League football next year.
"I think the manager's already mentioned getting through early and ideally that's always what you would want to do," he added.
"But the important thing is not to look too far ahead and just to make sure we do go through.
"If we do go through early then that'd be great and I'm sure the manager would then be able to switch things around and concentrate on the league.
"That's not just ourselves though, I'm sure Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea are all thinking the same as well.
"But the most important thing is just to make sure we go through to the next round, that always has to be the target."
| BENITEZ: WE MUST KEEP FOCUSED Joe Curran 17 October 2008 | |
 | Rafa Benitez today warned his Liverpool players they must focus on winning one game at a time to maintain their challenge at the top of the Premier League. |
| The Reds take on Wigan Athletic at Anfield tomorrow after a two-week international break. They are looking to keep up their impressive unbeaten start to the season, but the Liverpool boss is refusing to get carried away and looked to his charges to take the another vital three points. "We must concentrate in this game and that is it," said Benitez. "It's important to think about the next three points and see what happens from there. "These games after the international break are always very dangerous and everybody knows we have to win. "We know that we are at the top of the table and in a good position, and we want to stay there. But we must concentrate and take it one game at a time because if you talk about the other games in the future then you will lose your concentration. "We know that Wigan are playing well at the moment. "They are physically strong, but they are also playing good football, so as always in the Premier League, we know it will be a tough match. "At the moment I believe we have enough quality to match Wigan, and we will think about the other games after that." Besides being without Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel for the clash agains the Latics, Benitez will also make a late check on the fitness of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva, who are due back at Melwood on Friday afternoon after international duty with Argentina and Brazil respectively. | |
| BOSS: ENGLAND GLORY IN GERRARD'S GRASP Jimmy Rice 17 October 2008 | |
 | Rafa Benitez believes Steven Gerrard can inspire England to a major trophy in the coming years - just as he has for Liverpool on countless occasions. |
| The Reds captain spoke earlier this week about his desire to transfer his club form onto the international stage. However, Benitez thinks Gerrard is too hard on himself. The boss even backed his number eight to one day replicate his Istanbul or Cardiff antics while wearing the three lions of England. "He is playing well for England," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. "With England, people sometimes expect every game to be fantastic and a win, so it's not always easy. "I don't think he has anything to prove to anyone. Everyone knows the quality he has." Asked if Gerrard could one day help England to a major trophy, Benitez added: "I wouldn't be surprised. "Fabio Capello is doing a good job and the team has more confidence. They are in a very good position in this group stage, so why not? They have enough quality in the squad." | |
| RAFA BACKS KEANE TO FILL VOID Jimmy Rice 17 October 2008 | |
 | Rafa Benitez today backed Robbie Keane to fill the goalscoring boots of Fernando Torres during the coming weeks. |
| With El Nino out for between 10 and 15 days due to a hamstring tear, Keane is set to become the focal point of Liverpool's attack. The Irishman opened his Reds account during his last club start against PSV - and followed this up with a goal versus Cyprus on Wednesday. Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "When we signed Robbie we were looking for a striker with experience in the Premier League, someone with quality who could score goals. "That is why we signed him, so hopefully now with him being on fire with the national team this will be an opportunity for him. "It's important for the players when they go away to play well, and when they score goals it's great for their confidence. It's very good." Meanwhile, Benitez reacted positively to UEFA's decision to allow next week's game against Atletico to be played in Madrid. "It was sensible. It was too late to change the stadium," said the boss. "We have a lot of fans going to the game, so it'd be a massive problem for us and our supporters. "It would also have been a problem for Atletico and for their fans getting to the game." One man who won't feature in the Vicente Calderon is the injured Torres. The striker has nevertheless been invited by his former club as a VIP guest and, recovery permitting, Benitez will not stand in the way of an emotional return. "It depends on the physios and the doctors, but I don't have any problem with him going because it will be a fantastic opportunity for him to say hello to the Atletico fans," said the gaffer. "He is really disappointed that he won't be playing. He was desperate to play in Madrid in the Champions League, so it's a pity." The prognosis of 10 to 15 days means Torres could miss four matches - Wigan (h), Atletico (a), Chelsea (a) and Portsmouth (h). But Benitez added: "The Portsmouth game could be a realistic target but it always depends on the player with injuries. It's now a question of time." The international break also brought an injury to Ryan Babel, who sprained his left ankle with Holland and will miss this weekend's clash with Wigan. "I think he will be out this weekend, but hopefully he'll be training with the team next week," said Benitez. | |
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