Aquialini's fitness

[Biggus Dickus]

[quote author=LadyRed link=topic=37385.msg998455#msg998455 date=1259150159]
[quote author=Biggus Dickus link=topic=37385.msg998444#msg998444 date=1259149199]
[quote author=LadyRed link=topic=37385.msg998401#msg998401 date=1259146160]
Alonso missing means when Gerrard is playing he ends up dropping deeper to collect the ball, as there's no one on midfield to creatively play the ball forward, whoever is then playing upfront, Torres or Ngog is left isolated and feeding off scrap.s Huge problem, I'm sure we all agree.

But the solution is simple, play flipping Aquilani, he's meant to be more creative, right?

No match fitness? The only bloody way he's gonna gain that is BY PLAYING MATCHES!
[/quote]

When has Torres, Gerrard and Aqualini been fit at the same time?
[/quote]

Eh, I said Torres or Ngog. Point is the 4231 doesn't work with two CM's we have at the moment because there isn't enough creativity there.
[/quote]

Fair enough. I agree actuallly and feel Kuyt has run out of brownie points. He's totally lost it.

 

[Oncy]

Are we sure he isn't going to play a bit tonight?

 

[Wizardry]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg998384#msg998384 date=1259145283]

If Aquilani is as important as you say he is - and he is - there's no point playing him if there's any risk at all. He's been badly managed with regards to injury in the past and I don't want to see our investment crippled for the whole season. We don't know any of the details involved in this case, and the way I see it, the only real criticism which can be levelled at Benitez is he may be guilty of giving us unrealistic expectations of when we'll see the Italian in action. It's also worth noting, with hindsight, that it looks as if the medics were overly optimistic with their recovery programme - something which hasn't been admitted by the club but is something we'll just have to get over.

Everyone's sick of seeing Lucas and Mascherano paired together - I get it. But criticising the manager for the delay Aquilani when we have no access to the details is absurd. Not everything is going to made public. In some instances you need a bit of belief that the manager knows what he's doing.
[/quote]

You're kidding, right Squig's? Not for one second do I suggest that I know as much as our fitness coaches at Anfield but I worked as a fitness instructor for long enough to know the basics. If you're bringing someone back from an injury it is, as we all know, very important that you don't over do it. Conversely it is very important that you don't under do it; physical exertion of different levels is a shock to the system and dependant on two factors. (1) The higher the level of exertion the greater the shock to the system. (2) The longer the break between periods of exertion the greater the shock to the system.

I would have no issue whatsoever if we had a crystal ball which showed clearly there was a period of 6 matches which would hold the key to our season. If that were so then Rafa and his coaches should be tapering all our players to reach their peak at that point. Unfortunately we don't have that luxury and all we know for certain is that the team is in terrible form, has dropped 5 points off the pace for a top 4 position and badly needs a boost before we drop well behind the pack. If Aquilani is important in Rafa's plans (and surely he must be) then he needs to come back as soon as possible. Playing him for 15 or 20 minutes is a start but then not getting him on the field for successive matches is not the next step. Worse - this player he's supposedly trying to be very careful with is bought on with 30 seconds to go in Hungary. The only possible repercussion from such a move is for him to get injured. He can't possibly change the match, he's certainly not going to get any fitness benefit; there is only time for a further injury.

Rafa could have used the ball boy to serve his purpose but instead used Aquilani. A move which had absolutely no upside - just the very real risk of downside.

Is this enough to hang our manager for? Absolutely not. We can be irritated by it, frustrated by it or whatever but ultimately its Rafa's call. What I find far more annoying is the ridiculous posts trying to say that this was somehow a good move or, at the very least, not a bad move. Rubbish! It was stupid from the perspective of the players health and nothing less than goading in terms of his relationship with the fans. At a time when everyone should be standing together Rafa seems intent on splintering and distracting.

 

[ILD]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=37385.msg998524#msg998524 date=1259155604]
Are we sure he isn't going to play a bit tonight?
[/quote]

Ohhh is he? Doubt it with travelling back for Hungary 'n all that jazz.

 

[gkmacca]

The reserve match has been postponed with no new date yet announced. >🙁

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Pesam link=topic=37385.msg998322#msg998322 date=1259137675]
The Aquilani substitution was fine, it was just to waste time and bringing him on earlier would have served no purpose as we didn't need to score.

Rafa makes mistakes but no more than Wenger, Ferguson, Ancelotti et al. The main problems all season have been; injuries to our best players (Torres, Gerrard, Agger, Johnson), our lack of a back up to Torres and Rafa's devotion to Lucas.

I support Rafa despite the fact I don't understand his Lucas infatuation but I am confident that once everyone is fit Lucas will beccome peripheral to the plan. I still maintain that we have been unlucky so far this season and once the injuries clear up we will show our true worth, our best 11 is as good as anyone elses.

I predict that from Xmas we will end up with a higher points tally than anyone else in the league and comfortably finish top 4.
[/quote]

Yup.

 

[Squiggles]

[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=37385.msg998445#msg998445 date=1259149276]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg998411#msg998411 date=1259147128]
Who else in the CL squad would you rather see on the bench?

Right now he's throwing players on there to make up the numbers, and Liverpool fans are throwing their toys out the pram as a result.
[/quote]

Even Plessis could have played for 27 seconds and wasted 30 coming on as sub.My point is, and you well know it, if he is not fit to play then he shouldnt be on the bench.Why so Liverpool fans don't overreact? I doubt Rafa gives a toss. "If he's on the bench he must start! *Pitchforks!*

If he needs match fitness and cant get it with the first team then he should be playing with the reserves tonight. Possibly yeah but it's hardly a big deal.

Are you saying that if a third substitution had been forced on us with 20 minutes to go, because of an injury to a midfielder, that Spearing would have come on? Like I've said, I don't know the details of Aquilani's fitness and neither do you, so what's the point in speculating or criticising him for it. He knows. We don't
[/quote]

I'm amazed this is such a fucking issue. I'm a billion times more concerned about our defence and rightfully so.

 

[refugee]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg999035#msg999035 date=1259189078]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=37385.msg998445#msg998445 date=1259149276]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg998411#msg998411 date=1259147128]
Who else in the CL squad would you rather see on the bench?

Right now he's throwing players on there to make up the numbers, and Liverpool fans are throwing their toys out the pram as a result.
[/quote]

Even Plessis could have played for 27 seconds and wasted 30 coming on as sub.My point is, and you well know it, if he is not fit to play then he shouldnt be on the bench.Why so Liverpool fans don't overreact? I doubt Rafa gives a toss. "If he's on the bench he must start! *Pitchforks!*

If he needs match fitness and cant get it with the first team then he should be playing with the reserves tonight. Possibly yeah but it's hardly a big deal.

Are you saying that if a third substitution had been forced on us with 20 minutes to go, because of an injury to a midfielder, that Spearing would have come on? Like I've said, I don't know the details of Aquilani's fitness and neither do you, so what's the point in speculating or criticising him for it. He knows. We don't
[/quote]

I'm amazed this is such a fucking issue. I'm a billion times more concerned about our defence and rightfully so.
[/quote]

*2

 

[Whaddapie]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg999035#msg999035 date=1259189078]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=37385.msg998445#msg998445 date=1259149276]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg998411#msg998411 date=1259147128]
Who else in the CL squad would you rather see on the bench?

Right now he's throwing players on there to make up the numbers, and Liverpool fans are throwing their toys out the pram as a result.
[/quote]

Even Plessis could have played for 27 seconds and wasted 30 coming on as sub.My point is, and you well know it, if he is not fit to play then he shouldnt be on the bench.Why so Liverpool fans don't overreact? I doubt Rafa gives a toss. "If he's on the bench he must start! *Pitchforks!*

If he needs match fitness and cant get it with the first team then he should be playing with the reserves tonight. Possibly yeah but it's hardly a big deal.

Are you saying that if a third substitution had been forced on us with 20 minutes to go, because of an injury to a midfielder, that Spearing would have come on? Like I've said, I don't know the details of Aquilani's fitness and neither do you, so what's the point in speculating or criticising him for it. He knows. We don't
[/quote]

I'm amazed this is such a fucking issue. I'm a billion times more concerned about our defence and rightfully so.
[/quote]

Are you seriously confused as to why many of us cannot understand why the player who was brought in to to fill the role that we are so obviously crying out for all season long, cannot get a run out in (what turned out to be) a meaningless game, meaning that, more than likely, we'll have to wait until mid-December to see him, even though we're told he's ready to go.

It's not the only issue that's bothering me, but it's one of them.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37385.msg998999#msg998999 date=1259187776]
[quote author=Pesam link=topic=37385.msg998322#msg998322 date=1259137675]
The Aquilani substitution was fine, it was just to waste time and bringing him on earlier would have served no purpose as we didn't need to score.

Rafa makes mistakes but no more than Wenger, Ferguson, Ancelotti et al. The main problems all season have been; injuries to our best players (Torres, Gerrard, Agger, Johnson), our lack of a back up to Torres and Rafa's devotion to Lucas.

I support Rafa despite the fact I don't understand his Lucas infatuation but I am confident that once everyone is fit Lucas will beccome peripheral to the plan. I still maintain that we have been unlucky so far this season and once the injuries clear up we will show our true worth, our best 11 is as good as anyone elses.

I predict that from Xmas we will end up with a higher points tally than anyone else in the league and comfortably finish top 4.
[/quote]

Yup.
[/quote]

You agree with, "Rafa's devotion to Lucas"?

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=37385.msg999277#msg999277 date=1259215624]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37385.msg998999#msg998999 date=1259187776]
[quote author=Pesam link=topic=37385.msg998322#msg998322 date=1259137675]
The Aquilani substitution was fine, it was just to waste time and bringing him on earlier would have served no purpose as we didn't need to score.

Rafa makes mistakes but no more than Wenger, Ferguson, Ancelotti et al. The main problems all season have been; injuries to our best players (Torres, Gerrard, Agger, Johnson), our lack of a back up to Torres and Rafa's devotion to Lucas.

I support Rafa despite the fact I don't understand his Lucas infatuation but I am confident that once everyone is fit Lucas will beccome peripheral to the plan. I still maintain that we have been unlucky so far this season and once the injuries clear up we will show our true worth, our best 11 is as good as anyone elses.

I predict that from Xmas we will end up with a higher points tally than anyone else in the league and comfortably finish top 4.
[/quote]

Yup.
[/quote]

You agree with, "Rafa's devotion to Lucas"?
[/quote]

Ha! I was actually going to type "Agree with most of that" in my original reply, but couldn't be arsed!

 

[Jack D Rips]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg999035#msg999035 date=1259189078]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=37385.msg998445#msg998445 date=1259149276]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg998411#msg998411 date=1259147128]
Who else in the CL squad would you rather see on the bench?

Right now he's throwing players on there to make up the numbers, and Liverpool fans are throwing their toys out the pram as a result.
[/quote]

Even Plessis could have played for 27 seconds and wasted 30 coming on as sub.My point is, and you well know it, if he is not fit to play then he shouldnt be on the bench.Why so Liverpool fans don't overreact? I doubt Rafa gives a toss. "If he's on the bench he must start! *Pitchforks!*

If he needs match fitness and cant get it with the first team then he should be playing with the reserves tonight. Possibly yeah but it's hardly a big deal.

Are you saying that if a third substitution had been forced on us with 20 minutes to go, because of an injury to a midfielder, that Spearing would have come on? Like I've said, I don't know the details of Aquilani's fitness and neither do you, so what's the point in speculating or criticising him for it. He knows. We don't
[/quote]

I'm amazed this is such a fucking issue. I'm a billion times more concerned about our defence and rightfully so.
[/quote]

I am amazed at the way in which you so easily dismiss other people's opinions. The Aqualini situation is NOT my only concern. Of course there are others, the main one being our shit defending.

Having said that, the Aqualini situation is at best confusing and Im beginning to think that Aqualini is also confused at what seems to be happening. ( Rafa's assertion that Lucas is playing well being the main course of confusion)

If you are happy with the situation then good for you. Im not going to criticise you for your view on the matter.

By all means disagree with that if you like but please do it without dismissing other peoples views as if they are totally stupid.

 

[ILD]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg999035#msg999035 date=1259189078]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=37385.msg998445#msg998445 date=1259149276]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=37385.msg998411#msg998411 date=1259147128]
Who else in the CL squad would you rather see on the bench?

Right now he's throwing players on there to make up the numbers, and Liverpool fans are throwing their toys out the pram as a result.
[/quote]

Even Plessis could have played for 27 seconds and wasted 30 coming on as sub.My point is, and you well know it, if he is not fit to play then he shouldnt be on the bench.Why so Liverpool fans don't overreact? I doubt Rafa gives a toss. "If he's on the bench he must start! *Pitchforks!*

If he needs match fitness and cant get it with the first team then he should be playing with the reserves tonight. Possibly yeah but it's hardly a big deal.

Are you saying that if a third substitution had been forced on us with 20 minutes to go, because of an injury to a midfielder, that Spearing would have come on? Like I've said, I don't know the details of Aquilani's fitness and neither do you, so what's the point in speculating or criticising him for it. He knows. We don't
[/quote]

I'm amazed this is such a fucking issue. I'm a billion times more concerned about our defence and rightfully so.
[/quote]

Of course we are all a lot more concerned about the defence and the fact that we are out of the CL, but that doesn't mean we can't vent our frustration towards the fact that our 20 million rated Italian International is fit enough to sit on a bench but not get some playing time. This isn't surfacing to have a cheap pop at the manager. However, lets move on, i'm sure we'll see him have a run out before Christmas, we hope.

 

[Blaffa Blenitez]

He's another Keane, a pawn in the power battle between board and manager. Either that or he's not defensive enough to play in our midfield.

 

[Squiggles]

If he's not fit he's not fit, what's there to be angry about?

Maybe Rafa started him too soon? Maybe he felt something in training? But lets all have a good old whinge any way.

 

[manwithnoname]

[quote author=Blaffa Blenitez link=topic=37385.msg999380#msg999380 date=1259232675]
He's another Keane, a pawn in the power battle between board and manager. Either that or he's not defensive enough to play in our midfield.
[/quote]

Hi Momo

 

[Blaffa Blenitez]

Hello.

 

[the_khl]

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=37385.msg999397#msg999397 date=1259233269]
[quote author=Blaffa Blenitez link=topic=37385.msg999380#msg999380 date=1259232675]
He's another Keane, a pawn in the power battle between board and manager. Either that or he's not defensive enough to play in our midfield.
[/quote]

Hi Momo
[/quote]
There was a time where he actually made an effort now he's just revealing himself at first sorry sight.

Even more tedious.

 

[Blaffa Blenitez]

My fanbase is ever expanding.

 

[manwithnoname]

[quote author=Blaffa Blenitez link=topic=37385.msg999416#msg999416 date=1259233831]
My fanbase is ever expanding.
[/quote]

Bit like your liver.

I think 6cm are getting a bit put out that you only show up here when your latest TLW incarnation has imploded and been booted again.

How many is it now, loony? About 100 alter-egos banned?

 

[Richey]

Do you reckon he infects all the other LFC sites with his intermittent presence? Or just TLW and here?

If so, what have we done to deserve him?

 

[manwithnoname]

[quote author=Richey link=topic=37385.msg999430#msg999430 date=1259235397]
Do you reckon he infects all the other LFC sites with his intermittent presence? Or just TLW and here?

If so, what have we done to deserve him?
[/quote]

He's a legend on TLW, 6cm has witnessed only a tenth of his potential for total meltdown insanity

 

[Richey]

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=37385.msg999432#msg999432 date=1259235520]
[quote author=Richey link=topic=37385.msg999430#msg999430 date=1259235397]
Do you reckon he infects all the other LFC sites with his intermittent presence? Or just TLW and here?

If so, what have we done to deserve him?
[/quote]

He's a legend on TLW, 6cm has witnessed only a tenth of his potential for total meltdown insanity
[/quote]

We should let him stay for a bit. Could be entertaining.

 

[RolandG]

With a top 4 place now a priority and the derby coming up, i'm very interested to see exactly what type of influence Aqualani will have on the balance of the team. I'm pretty sure that he won't start against Everton as it looks like Rafa is protecting him somewhat and the derby is bound to be a physical affair.

 

[Jack D Rips]

And the match the following week against Blackburn will also be a physical affair

 

[Mistadobalina]

yes you could see him getting snapped in the derby and Blackburn are dirty. Thing is everybody in the premiership knows he's a crock now so your mans going to get the rough stuff. Maybe its best to just keep him safe ease him in waited this long what is another couple of weeks.

 

[Buddha]

[quote author=Mistadobalina link=topic=37385.msg999443#msg999443 date=1259236893]
yes you could see him getting snapped in the derby and Blackburn are dirty. Thing is everybody in the premiership knows he's a crock now so your mans going to get the rough stuff. Maybe its best to just keep him safe ease him in waited this long what is another couple of weeks.
[/quote]

On the other hand, there'd be no better way to dispel any personal or collective opinions about his brittleness than putting his foot in against the bitters - even if for 20/30 minutes or so.

 

[Biggus Dickus]

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=37385.msg999432#msg999432 date=1259235520]
[quote author=Richey link=topic=37385.msg999430#msg999430 date=1259235397]
Do you reckon he infects all the other LFC sites with his intermittent presence? Or just TLW and here?

If so, what have we done to deserve him?
[/quote]

He's a legend on TLW, 6cm has witnessed only a tenth of his potential for total meltdown insanity
[/quote]

He's a mad fucker that's for sure. I'm trying to think of the combination of mental illnesses (and liver disease) required to show such behaviour over such a long time.