Lack of big signings = No pressure to challenge??

[Dreambeliever]

So now that the season is almost upon us and we haven't signed any new attaching players either up front or out wide is the general thoughts of the forum that we won't win the league or that a challenge would be more a surprise than a must compared with last season where we demanded it?

And if we don't challenge as strongly again this year where next for Rafa to hide?

I for one am going to enjoy this season as I'm not going to get carried away but any results as simply cannot see us keeping enough of our very few match winners fit all season long.

 

[localny]

hand on heart, the lack of a decent replacement for Xabi (injury prone, inferior player), and the lack of a Torres alternative makes me think we're trying to wing it this year. This squad is NOT going to win the league.

If we made even one Silva or Villa signing, and gave ourselves a few more arrows in the quiver, I could believe, but currently it looks like last season was a fluke, with deadwood like Beniyoun etc having the season of their lives...not to be repeated.

Not sure why I am so negative, but am just comparing our squad to others. Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..

 

[Dreambeliever]

[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
hand on heart, the lack of a decent replacement for Xabi (injury prone, inferior player), and the lack of a Torres alternative makes me think we're trying to wing it this year. This squad is NOT going to win the league.

If we made even one Silva or Villa signing, and gave ourselves a few more arrows in the quiver, I could believe, but currently it looks like last season was a fluke, with deadwood like Beniyoun etc having the season of their lives...not to be repeated.

Not sure why I am so negative, but am just comparing our squad to others. Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

I think Yossi can step up even further this year but as you say we need more.

Villa and maybe we have a shot.

 

[Brizzle]

[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

What are Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun and now Aquilani then?

 

[Red Mullet]

[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
hand on heart, the lack of a decent replacement for Xabi (injury prone, inferior player), and the lack of a Torres alternative makes me think we're trying to wing it this year. This squad is NOT going to win the league.

If we made even one Silva or Villa signing, and gave ourselves a few more arrows in the quiver, I could believe, but currently it looks like last season was a fluke, with deadwood like Beniyoun etc having the season of their lives...not to be repeated.

Not sure why I am so negative, but am just comparing our squad to others. Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

*cough* rubbish *cough*

 

[WhyAlwaysMe?]

I think Aquilani will be more positive than Xabi and play further forward, with only Mascher 'anchoring', his "mazy" dribbling is supposedly excellent - so i'm thinking Yossi with more end product - should be priceless in unlocking teams, not to mention a (fingers crossed) fully fit Fernando all season.. We'll be much better

 

[Oncy]

Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.

 

[Red Mullet]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920684#msg920684 date=1249661725]
Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.
[/quote]

*cheers*

 

[Brizzle]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920684#msg920684 date=1249661725]
Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.
[/quote]

Ex.fucking.actly

 

[localny]

[quote author=Bristow link=topic=35123.msg920680#msg920680 date=1249661346]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

What are Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun and now Aquilani then?
[/quote]

Torres and Gerrard are excellent.....

Kuyt is a workhorse, but not good enough to be a league winner...

Babel - I would love him to be the solution, but it's 50/50

Beni - would love to be wrong, but he's hardly as good as what our opponents have

Acquiliani - I hope it works, but new to premiership and always injured ain't good...

Not meaning to be negative, but bar G and T, there's no clear match winners, no consistent flair players

 

[Skullflower]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920684#msg920684 date=1249661725]
Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.
[/quote]

do one about chelsea as well.

 

[localny]

[quote author=Red Mullet link=topic=35123.msg920681#msg920681 date=1249661487]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
hand on heart, the lack of a decent replacement for Xabi (injury prone, inferior player), and the lack of a Torres alternative makes me think we're trying to wing it this year. This squad is NOT going to win the league.

If we made even one Silva or Villa signing, and gave ourselves a few more arrows in the quiver, I could believe, but currently it looks like last season was a fluke, with deadwood like Beniyoun etc having the season of their lives...not to be repeated.

Not sure why I am so negative, but am just comparing our squad to others. Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

*cough* rubbish *cough*
[/quote]

How is it rubbish? Take of the blinkers, and let's debate

 

[localny]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920684#msg920684 date=1249661725]
Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.
[/quote]

Hey Herrheadtheball, liverpool fans come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us, need to a little more than Benayoun and Kuyt and an injury prone replacement for our star midfielder to believe we can win.

You make excellent points about all our players, but unfortunately, it doesn't address the point of the posting which is we have no decent alternative to Torres (or replacement for Keane), no decent out and out wingers, and an injury prone replacement for Xabi.

I hope I am wrong, but these last points, are a cause for concern for all but the blinkered. Last season we couldn't unlock the Stokes and Hull City's of the world. I ain't seen much to change this. Have you?

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=Skullflower link=topic=35123.msg920688#msg920688 date=1249661860]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920684#msg920684 date=1249661725]
Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.
[/quote]

do one about chelsea as well.
[/quote]New manager who hasnt won his league for fucking years even with Pato, Sheva, Seedorf, Pirlo, Maldini, Crespo etc.
Im not going to say they dont have a great squad, they do but its the same squad as last year that never looked good enough in a lot of games.
Theyre after the European cup anyway.

 

[ibromurph]

Lack of big signings = No money.

 

[localny]

Yeah, hard to see Chelsea winning the league with Ancelotti as manager. They'll take points off big boys but surely struggle with the minnows..

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=Dreambeliever link=topic=35123.msg920674#msg920674 date=1249660332]

And if we don't challenge as strongly again this year where next for Rafa to hide?

[/quote]

If we don't have the funds to sign a quality attacking player after selling Xabi for £30mil, then all he has to do is point the finger at G&H.

 

[Paddy]

[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920687#msg920687 date=1249661847]
[quote author=Bristow link=topic=35123.msg920680#msg920680 date=1249661346]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

What are Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun and now Aquilani then?
[/quote]

Torres and Gerrard are excellent.....

Kuyt is a workhorse, but not good enough to be a league winner... Absolute crock of shite

Babel - I would love him to be the solution, but it's 50/50

Beni - would love to be wrong, but he's hardly as good as what our opponents have Not as good as Park or Malouda? SHITE again.

Acquiliani - I hope it works, but new to premiership and always injured ain't good...

Not meaning to be negative, but bar G and T, there's no clear match winners, no consistent flair players



[/quote]

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920694#msg920694 date=1249662190]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920684#msg920684 date=1249661725]
Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.
[/quote]

Hey Herrheadtheball, liverpool fans come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us, need to a little more than Benayoun and Kuyt and an injury prone replacement for our star midfielder to believe we can win.

You make excellent points about all our players, but unfortunately, it doesn't address the point of the posting which is we have no decent alternative to Torres (or replacement for Keane),KUYT! no decent out and out wingers,RIERA! and an injury prone replacement for Xabi.

I hope I am wrong, but these last points, are a cause for concern for all but the blinkered. Last season we couldn't unlock the Stokes and Hull City's of the world. I ain't seen much to change this. Have you?


[/quote]Bet you we fuckin batter Hull and stoke this year.

 

[mark1975]

[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
hand on heart, the lack of a decent replacement for Xabi (injury prone, inferior player), and the lack of a Torres alternative makes me think we're trying to wing it this year. This squad is NOT going to win the league.

If we made even one Silva or Villa signing, and gave ourselves a few more arrows in the quiver, I could believe, but currently it looks like last season was a fluke, with deadwood like Beniyoun etc having the season of their lives...not to be repeated.

Not sure why I am so negative, but am just comparing our squad to others. Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

I keep thinking about this, but we got by without Gerrard and Torres for large chunks last season and nearly won the league, people keep pulling up people like Voronin as scapegoats already, well if he'd been on the bench last season I'd wager he'd have maybe gotten us a couple of goals which could have led to a couple more points.

Obviously it's not ideal, and Voronin is hardly someone to fill us with confidence but it was marginal last season with a balanced squad, which is what we still pretty have despite the departures of Xabi and Arbeloa.

So I wouldn't say this squad is NOT going to win the league, I'd say there are no guarantee that we're going to win the league, but then there never should be.

We're more than capable, the sticking point will be if we're hit to a longterm injury to a big player and we how well we overcome it.

 

[localny]

[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35123.msg920701#msg920701 date=1249662523]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920687#msg920687 date=1249661847]
[quote author=Bristow link=topic=35123.msg920680#msg920680 date=1249661346]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

What are Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun and now Aquilani then?
[/quote]

Torres and Gerrard are excellent.....

Kuyt is a workhorse, but not good enough to be a league winner... Absolute crock of shite

Babel - I would love him to be the solution, but it's 50/50

Beni - would love to be wrong, but he's hardly as good as what our opponents have Not as good as Park or Malouda? SHITE again.

Acquiliani - I hope it works, but new to premiership and always injured ain't good...

Not meaning to be negative, but bar G and T, there's no clear match winners, no consistent flair players

[/quote]
[/quote]

Firstly Kuyt, is great, love him, but do you seriously think he has the ability and trickery to unlock defences?

He'll push it through with hard work, but come on man, he's no natural winger. As for Beni - you've compared him to the worst our opponents have - they also have the likes of Valencia or Joe Cole in a flash instead...(and in Man U's case 80M in the bank to buy a replacement for CR).

Again, apart from being told I'm talking shite, it seems the point still stands

(Cue more insults!)

 

[Roger REDerer]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920684#msg920684 date=1249661725]
Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.
[/quote]

I got a feeling...that this year's gonna be a good year
that this year's gonna be a good year
that this year's gonna be a good good year...
I got a feeling...wooooooo hooooo

 

[localny]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=35123.msg920703#msg920703 date=1249662826]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
hand on heart, the lack of a decent replacement for Xabi (injury prone, inferior player), and the lack of a Torres alternative makes me think we're trying to wing it this year. This squad is NOT going to win the league.

If we made even one Silva or Villa signing, and gave ourselves a few more arrows in the quiver, I could believe, but currently it looks like last season was a fluke, with deadwood like Beniyoun etc having the season of their lives...not to be repeated.

Not sure why I am so negative, but am just comparing our squad to others. Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

I keep thinking about this, but we got by without Gerrard and Torres for large chunks last season and nearly won the league, people keep pulling up people like Voronin as scapegoats already, well if he'd been on the bench last season I'd wager he'd have maybe gotten us a couple of goals which could have led to a couple more points.

Obviously it's not ideal, and Voronin is hardly someone to fill us with confidence but it was marginal last season with a balanced squad, which is what we still pretty have despite the departures of Xabi and Arbeloa.

So I wouldn't say this squad is NOT going to win the league, I'd say there are no guarantee that we're going to win the league, but then there never should be.

We're more than capable, the sticking point will be if we're hit to a longterm injury to a big player and we how well we overcome it.
[/quote]

Good points Mark, but how will we replace Keane's (small amount albeit) of goals. I can think of one goal at Highbury that got us a point. Listen mayeb the ole team spirit thing under mr man management Rafa Benitez will help us out, but I would like to see some proven and consistent flair players signed - just one or two. We have the defensive thing down...just give us some flair for those games where the Championship promoted sides park the bus...

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920704#msg920704 date=1249662846]
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35123.msg920701#msg920701 date=1249662523]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920687#msg920687 date=1249661847]
[quote author=Bristow link=topic=35123.msg920680#msg920680 date=1249661346]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

What are Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun and now Aquilani then?
[/quote]

Torres and Gerrard are excellent.....

Kuyt is a workhorse, but not good enough to be a league winner... Absolute crock of shite

Babel - I would love him to be the solution, but it's 50/50

Beni - would love to be wrong, but he's hardly as good as what our opponents have Not as good as Park or Malouda? SHITE again.

Acquiliani - I hope it works, but new to premiership and always injured ain't good...

Not meaning to be negative, but bar G and T, there's no clear match winners, no consistent flair players

[/quote]
[/quote]

Firstly Kuyt, is great, love him, but do you seriously think he has the ability and trickery to unlock defences?

He'll push it through with hard work, but come on man, he's no natural winger. As for Beni - you've compared him to the worst our opponents have - they also have the likes of Valencia or Joe Cole in a flash instead...(and in Man U's case 80M in the bank to buy a replacement for CR).

Again, apart from being told I'm talking shite, it seems the point still stands

(Cue more insults!)

[/quote]What point? That you use a logic for our team you dont apply to others.
If Wayne Rooney or Frank Lampard get injured their seasons are done.
What ifs and what abouts are all well and good, but best 11's of the top 3 and ours is the fucking nailed on champs.

 

[keniget]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=35123.msg920703#msg920703 date=1249662826]
I keep thinking about this, but we got by without Gerrard and Torres for large chunks last season and nearly won the league, people keep pulling up people like Voronin as scapegoats already, well if he'd been on the bench last season I'd wager he'd have maybe gotten us a couple of goals which could have led to a couple more points.

Obviously it's not ideal, and Voronin is hardly someone to fill us with confidence but it was marginal last season with a balanced squad, which is what we still pretty have despite the departures of Xabi and Arbeloa.

So I wouldn't say this squad is NOT going to win the league, I'd say there are no guarantee that we're going to win the league, but then there never should be.

We're more than capable, the sticking point will be if we're hit to a longterm injury to a big player and we how well we overcome it.
[/quote]

It's just that this summer, much like the one before it, feels like a missed opportunity. We came close last season and instead of feeling as though we've gone some ways to improve the squad we're instead trying to convince ourselves that we're either not weaker and / or our apparent lack of strengthening will be balanced out by the summers of our rivals.

There are just a tad too many variables for my liking:

- if Gerrard stays fit
- if Torres stays fit
- if Kuyt can maintain his form
- if Aquilani can stay fit and settle
- if Yossi can continue to contribute as a squaddie
- if Riera can improve

Like I said in Skully's squad thread, everything might end up clicking wonderfully for us, but right now... I'd be more confident if we weren't relying on quite so much to go right for us because we don't have adequate backups.

 

[mark1975]

I agree Keni, let's not beat around the bush, this is a fucking MAMMOTH opportunity to push our noses ahead of United. But let's not forget what we do have already, as much as Alonso was good last year, and we have to replace the small contribution from Keane, we do have players capable of chipping in with a few goals here and there, and despite feelings of trepidation, I don't think our spending is completely over yet.

Localny - regards Keane, hopefully Torres will have a fitter season (ditto Gerrard) and that would more than makeup for the lack of his goals. Voronin as said too will get a few and we should make at least one more addition before the transfer window closes. Who knows, maybe even Aquilani will get a few too.

 

[Dreambeliever]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920684#msg920684 date=1249661725]
Miserable cunts.
We were second by 4 points last season and the team who beat us have sold 60 goals a season and the best player in the world.
Hargreaves = dead
Van der sar = injured
Neville = ancient
Brown = Injured
Scholes = old
Giggs = old
Owen = crocked
we had our two best players fit for just 12games together and STILL nearly won it. We've signed a 17m right back, we've got the best keeper in the league, 3 ace centre backs, the best dm in the world, the best am/cf in the world, the best striker in the world and one of the best rm's in the world.
And still you dont believe.
We WILL win the fucken league. So get fucked.
[/quote]

Love the optimism.

Fair play.

 

[doctor_mac]

If Torres and SG stay fit for the majority of our league campaign we have to have a great chance. Simples.

 

[localny]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=35123.msg920716#msg920716 date=1249664235]
If Torres and SG stay fit for the majority of our league campaign we have to have a great chance. Simples.
[/quote]

well said, and another proven goalscorer/winger and it'd be even simpler!

 

[localny]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=35123.msg920708#msg920708 date=1249663232]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920704#msg920704 date=1249662846]
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35123.msg920701#msg920701 date=1249662523]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920687#msg920687 date=1249661847]
[quote author=Bristow link=topic=35123.msg920680#msg920680 date=1249661346]
[quote author=localny link=topic=35123.msg920677#msg920677 date=1249661117]
Not much attacking prowess, am afraid..
[/quote]

What are Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun and now Aquilani then?
[/quote]

Torres and Gerrard are excellent.....

Kuyt is a workhorse, but not good enough to be a league winner... Absolute crock of shite

Babel - I would love him to be the solution, but it's 50/50

Beni - would love to be wrong, but he's hardly as good as what our opponents have Not as good as Park or Malouda? SHITE again.

Acquiliani - I hope it works, but new to premiership and always injured ain't good...

Not meaning to be negative, but bar G and T, there's no clear match winners, no consistent flair players

[/quote]
[/quote]

Firstly Kuyt, is great, love him, but do you seriously think he has the ability and trickery to unlock defences?

He'll push it through with hard work, but come on man, he's no natural winger. As for Beni - you've compared him to the worst our opponents have - they also have the likes of Valencia or Joe Cole in a flash instead...(and in Man U's case 80M in the bank to buy a replacement for CR).

Again, apart from being told I'm talking shite, it seems the point still stands

(Cue more insults!)

[/quote]What point? That you use a logic for our team you dont apply to others.
If Wayne Rooney or Frank Lampard get injured their seasons are done.
What ifs and what abouts are all well and good, but best 11's of the top 3 and ours is the fucking nailed on champs.
[/quote]

It's about options, if Torres is injured we're fecked. If Drogba is inured, well there's Anelka....

One more, just one more - attacking winger or striker please and I'll be happy..