Message from the Sheikh:
All moaners are bellends.
Disclaimer: he is drinking Rioja on a veranda in Ibiza...
All moaners are bellends.
Disclaimer: he is drinking Rioja on a veranda in Ibiza...
So Gomel then..
- Thread starter mark1975
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I concur. 90 minutes of competitive football, and it's time we join Themn's bandwagon:
Rodgers OUT
Who's with me?
By Chris Bascombe
Downing notoriously enjoyed no goals and no assists in the Premier League last season (to be fair, he scored twice in the cups), but his 67th minute winner ensured Liverpool could celebrate a landmark evening in Eastern Europe.
If Rodgers is going to succeed in reviving the club, he first needs to revive those players’ he has inherited, so Downing’s contribution was a welcome way to begin a new era.
Low key, in less than salubrious surroundings, Rodgers’ Liverpool reign began with somewhat of a whisper.
The visit to Gomel in the Europa League third round qualifier will barely register in the chronicles of the club’s European history, and yet for Rodgers and Liverpool’s vice-captain, Jamie Carragher, this was an evening to remember, whatever the outcome.
Rodgers has now officially led Liverpool for the first time, while Carragher made his 700th appearance for the club, an unprecedented achievement in the modern era of squad rotation, managerial upheaval and here today, gone tomorrow signings.
This is Carragher’s final season as a player, but it is telling that since his first meeting with Rodgers he has already assumed the role of chief lieutenant, the Northern Irishman following the succession of Anfield managers who recognise the fundamental excellence and professionalism which has carried him towards another milestone.
Despite the inclusion of club captain Steven Gerrard, Carragher was handed the armband in recognition of his landmark.
It was an absent centre half who took the attention prior to kick-off, however, as Daniel Agger’s agent suggested his omission from the trip to Belarus was a mystery to the Dane, who is the subject of interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.
“He is not injured. I can’t answer why he is not in the team, that’s the manager’s and club’s decision,” said Per Steffensen.
Liverpool insists the defender needs more pre-season training before playing a competitive game, but the public show of disapproval from Agger’s agent was provocatively timed.
Rodgers must have feared another high profile absentee after just three minutes of a dreadful first half when Stewart Downing was on the wrong end of a horrific lunge from Dzmitri Klimovich, the referee judging it a yellow card when a red looked valid.
Despite facing opponents whose European pedigree amounts to little more than a few pre-season tours across the border into Ukraine, Liverpool’s lack of match fitness was evident in the early stages, the squandering of possession anathema to the style Rodgers’ is seeking to impose.
The patient passing game will understandably take longer than a few weeks to perfect. The first goal of Rodgers’ reign almost arrived after 13 minutes from a set-piece, Downing’s corner volleyed narrowly wide by new signing Fabio Borini, but it was a rare early threat.
It was scrappiness personified and a laborious start was accentuated when Joe Cole limped off after 24 minutes with a pulled hamstring, offering an opportunity for teenager Raheem Sterling to try to liven proceedings.
Instead it was Gomel, 15 games into their domestic season, who began to enjoy the self-billed ‘biggest match in their history’ especially with new signing Aleksandr Alumona peppering Brad Jones’ goal.
Alumona embarrassed Martin Skrtel with a turn of pace on 39 minutes, speeding down the left flank and forcing Jones to save with his legs.
The reminders that Liverpool’s euro 2012 contingent have only worked with the new manager for10 days were all too potent as the game started to resemble an advert for why Europa League qualification can be an unwanted side effect of winning last season’s Carling Cup.
As Liverpool’s players toiled - evidently well below the necessary fitness — the evening served to underline why this is a competition most English clubs would rather avoid.
The inconvenience of starting a campaign in the middle of the cricket season was all too apparent. Glen Johnson looked well below fitness and was replaced on half-time by Martin Kelly and the general energy levels remained low.
Enthusiasm will be detected if Liverpool are still in Europe in March, but you couldn’t help think Rodgers’ Anfield rebuilding may be hindered rather than helped by participation in this competition.
Another set-piece, this time from Gerrard, almost led to Artur Levitski deflecting a header into his own net on 54 minutes, but the woodwork saved Liverpool ten minutes later.
Sergei Kozeka struck the post from 20 yards, and Dmitry Platonov somehow sliced an open goal wide.
Fortunately, the closing stages brought significant improvement and Liverpool took the lead with Downing’s thunderbolt.
The England winger cut in from the right flank, striking with the kind of venom and accuracy gold winning shooter Peter Wilson would have been proud of.
For the first time, Liverpool looked comfortable.
Rodgers’ won’t be overly concerned about reviewing the edited highlights of his debut as Liverpool’s manager, but the first win at his new club was worthy of the manager’s clenched fist at the final whistle.
Gomel (4-5-1): Bushma; Matveychuk, Kirilchik, Kashevski, Klimovich; Kozeka (Timoshenko 90), Voronkov, Nowak (Lipatkin 75), Levitski (Demidovich 85), Platonov; Alumona. Subs: Sakovich, Yevseyenko, Sheryakov, Palomeque. Booked: Klimovich, Alumona.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Jones; Johnson (Kelly h-t), Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique; Spearing, Gerrard, Henderson (Lucas 64); Cole (Sterling 24), Downing, Borini. Subs: Gulacsi, Lucas, Adam, Shelvey, Robinson.Booked: Henderson, Jones.
Referee: I Kruzliak (Slovakia)
Downing notoriously enjoyed no goals and no assists in the Premier League last season (to be fair, he scored twice in the cups), but his 67th minute winner ensured Liverpool could celebrate a landmark evening in Eastern Europe.
If Rodgers is going to succeed in reviving the club, he first needs to revive those players’ he has inherited, so Downing’s contribution was a welcome way to begin a new era.
Low key, in less than salubrious surroundings, Rodgers’ Liverpool reign began with somewhat of a whisper.
The visit to Gomel in the Europa League third round qualifier will barely register in the chronicles of the club’s European history, and yet for Rodgers and Liverpool’s vice-captain, Jamie Carragher, this was an evening to remember, whatever the outcome.
Rodgers has now officially led Liverpool for the first time, while Carragher made his 700th appearance for the club, an unprecedented achievement in the modern era of squad rotation, managerial upheaval and here today, gone tomorrow signings.
This is Carragher’s final season as a player, but it is telling that since his first meeting with Rodgers he has already assumed the role of chief lieutenant, the Northern Irishman following the succession of Anfield managers who recognise the fundamental excellence and professionalism which has carried him towards another milestone.
Despite the inclusion of club captain Steven Gerrard, Carragher was handed the armband in recognition of his landmark.
It was an absent centre half who took the attention prior to kick-off, however, as Daniel Agger’s agent suggested his omission from the trip to Belarus was a mystery to the Dane, who is the subject of interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.
“He is not injured. I can’t answer why he is not in the team, that’s the manager’s and club’s decision,” said Per Steffensen.
Liverpool insists the defender needs more pre-season training before playing a competitive game, but the public show of disapproval from Agger’s agent was provocatively timed.
Rodgers must have feared another high profile absentee after just three minutes of a dreadful first half when Stewart Downing was on the wrong end of a horrific lunge from Dzmitri Klimovich, the referee judging it a yellow card when a red looked valid.
Despite facing opponents whose European pedigree amounts to little more than a few pre-season tours across the border into Ukraine, Liverpool’s lack of match fitness was evident in the early stages, the squandering of possession anathema to the style Rodgers’ is seeking to impose.
The patient passing game will understandably take longer than a few weeks to perfect. The first goal of Rodgers’ reign almost arrived after 13 minutes from a set-piece, Downing’s corner volleyed narrowly wide by new signing Fabio Borini, but it was a rare early threat.
It was scrappiness personified and a laborious start was accentuated when Joe Cole limped off after 24 minutes with a pulled hamstring, offering an opportunity for teenager Raheem Sterling to try to liven proceedings.
Instead it was Gomel, 15 games into their domestic season, who began to enjoy the self-billed ‘biggest match in their history’ especially with new signing Aleksandr Alumona peppering Brad Jones’ goal.
Alumona embarrassed Martin Skrtel with a turn of pace on 39 minutes, speeding down the left flank and forcing Jones to save with his legs.
The reminders that Liverpool’s euro 2012 contingent have only worked with the new manager for10 days were all too potent as the game started to resemble an advert for why Europa League qualification can be an unwanted side effect of winning last season’s Carling Cup.
As Liverpool’s players toiled - evidently well below the necessary fitness — the evening served to underline why this is a competition most English clubs would rather avoid.
The inconvenience of starting a campaign in the middle of the cricket season was all too apparent. Glen Johnson looked well below fitness and was replaced on half-time by Martin Kelly and the general energy levels remained low.
Enthusiasm will be detected if Liverpool are still in Europe in March, but you couldn’t help think Rodgers’ Anfield rebuilding may be hindered rather than helped by participation in this competition.
Another set-piece, this time from Gerrard, almost led to Artur Levitski deflecting a header into his own net on 54 minutes, but the woodwork saved Liverpool ten minutes later.
Sergei Kozeka struck the post from 20 yards, and Dmitry Platonov somehow sliced an open goal wide.
Fortunately, the closing stages brought significant improvement and Liverpool took the lead with Downing’s thunderbolt.
The England winger cut in from the right flank, striking with the kind of venom and accuracy gold winning shooter Peter Wilson would have been proud of.
For the first time, Liverpool looked comfortable.
Rodgers’ won’t be overly concerned about reviewing the edited highlights of his debut as Liverpool’s manager, but the first win at his new club was worthy of the manager’s clenched fist at the final whistle.
Gomel (4-5-1): Bushma; Matveychuk, Kirilchik, Kashevski, Klimovich; Kozeka (Timoshenko 90), Voronkov, Nowak (Lipatkin 75), Levitski (Demidovich 85), Platonov; Alumona. Subs: Sakovich, Yevseyenko, Sheryakov, Palomeque. Booked: Klimovich, Alumona.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Jones; Johnson (Kelly h-t), Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique; Spearing, Gerrard, Henderson (Lucas 64); Cole (Sterling 24), Downing, Borini. Subs: Gulacsi, Lucas, Adam, Shelvey, Robinson.Booked: Henderson, Jones.
Referee: I Kruzliak (Slovakia)
Todays performance? Our 4th game this year, with players who hasnt played in pre season and otherswith a few minutes under their belts. Yeah, its definetly right to judge how we will set up after today......
Is this official?
sheik can fuck right off.
Hmm a touch unnecessary, but I have no beef with you. I have never professed to be a genius, however *some* of the moaners have and indeed do.
As usual expectation levels are running high. Woland nailed this point a couple of days ago.
He says your jaw is as good as broken.
inshallah.
It was the manager's first competitive game at the helm and a fantastic Stewart Downing strike ensured Liverpool take a vital lead into next Thursday's second leg at Anfield.
"I'm pleased and it was an excellent test for us," Rodgers told his post-match press conference.
"Gomel are well into their season so for us it was a great game for our fitness, but it was also competitive.
"It was very important to get off to a good start and when you win any game it's always important. I was delighted for the players.
"It was really special for me as it was the first competitive game. It wouldn't have mattered where the game was, whether it was in Belarus or Brazil, it's an honour for me to manage the club and I'm very proud to lead the players and be their manager.
"Hopefully this can be the start of many more wins and positive games for us."
Rodgers admitted his players had to work hard for their victory.
He added: "It was difficult and Gomel's tactical idea for the game was to sit back, close the spaces and play on the counter attack. You have to be patient. My message to the players at half-time was continue to be patient and the spaces will start to open up as Gomel tire.
"After an hour we changed the structure of our midfield so we could play Stevie ahead of the two controlling midfielders.
"As the game wore on we started to get more space and our quality began to show through."
The boss was also asked about Downing's display after he netted the all-important winner.
He added: "I was delighted for Stewart Downing. It was a wonderful strike and that's why we put him on that side so he could come in and shoot."
Rodgers also gave an update regarding the fitness of Joe Cole and Glen Johnson who both left the field.
"Glen was only scheduled to play 45 minutes anyway so he was taken off as planned," added the manager.
"Joe just felt his hamstring a little bit. I don't think it is totally pulled and it was just a little bit of tightness so we had to take him off. It disrupted our plans a little bit but it was better to have him come off rather than risk injury."
Meanwhile one local journalist asked Rodgers how long it would take him to implement his philosophies on the squad.
He said: "How you play the game is based on the players you have. At this moment in time our squad isn't complete and we still have work to do.
"It won't happen overnight and it's going to take time. What I was really pleased with tonight, which is a vital ingredient for success, is desire and commitment. For a lot of the players it was their first 90 minutes so when you have that you have something to build from.
"We have a lot of improvement to make but I am excited in the future we will make those improvements."
Rodgers also reserved special praise for the people of Belarus who gave the squad a tremendous welcome during their stay in Gomel.
He added: "I want also to say a big thank you to the people of Gomel and Belarus. We were given a fantastic welcome and the hospitality has been great. On behalf of myself, the players and Liverpool FC I want to say a big thank you.
"I'm pleased and it was an excellent test for us," Rodgers told his post-match press conference.
"Gomel are well into their season so for us it was a great game for our fitness, but it was also competitive.
"It was very important to get off to a good start and when you win any game it's always important. I was delighted for the players.
"It was really special for me as it was the first competitive game. It wouldn't have mattered where the game was, whether it was in Belarus or Brazil, it's an honour for me to manage the club and I'm very proud to lead the players and be their manager.
"Hopefully this can be the start of many more wins and positive games for us."
Rodgers admitted his players had to work hard for their victory.
He added: "It was difficult and Gomel's tactical idea for the game was to sit back, close the spaces and play on the counter attack. You have to be patient. My message to the players at half-time was continue to be patient and the spaces will start to open up as Gomel tire.
"After an hour we changed the structure of our midfield so we could play Stevie ahead of the two controlling midfielders.
"As the game wore on we started to get more space and our quality began to show through."
The boss was also asked about Downing's display after he netted the all-important winner.
He added: "I was delighted for Stewart Downing. It was a wonderful strike and that's why we put him on that side so he could come in and shoot."
Rodgers also gave an update regarding the fitness of Joe Cole and Glen Johnson who both left the field.
"Glen was only scheduled to play 45 minutes anyway so he was taken off as planned," added the manager.
"Joe just felt his hamstring a little bit. I don't think it is totally pulled and it was just a little bit of tightness so we had to take him off. It disrupted our plans a little bit but it was better to have him come off rather than risk injury."
Meanwhile one local journalist asked Rodgers how long it would take him to implement his philosophies on the squad.
He said: "How you play the game is based on the players you have. At this moment in time our squad isn't complete and we still have work to do.
"It won't happen overnight and it's going to take time. What I was really pleased with tonight, which is a vital ingredient for success, is desire and commitment. For a lot of the players it was their first 90 minutes so when you have that you have something to build from.
"We have a lot of improvement to make but I am excited in the future we will make those improvements."
Rodgers also reserved special praise for the people of Belarus who gave the squad a tremendous welcome during their stay in Gomel.
He added: "I want also to say a big thank you to the people of Gomel and Belarus. We were given a fantastic welcome and the hospitality has been great. On behalf of myself, the players and Liverpool FC I want to say a big thank you.
"I thought their crowd was fantastic and the atmosphere was excellent. It was just like in England where the passion for football is amazing."
The season starts in two weeks, the system Rodgers used today is going to be the one he opts for in the premiership. Otherwise he's taken leave of his senses.
In which case he's taken leave of his senses. Because what is the point of getting Downing and Cole match fit unless he plans to use them as wingers against West Brom.
"The plan was always for Daniel to stay behind. Everyone knows his history of injuries, he came back to pre-season after everyone else and is still not up to speed," he said.
"He is fit, but I have to make sure he is up to speed before he plays, because everyone knows his history with injuries."
"He is fit, but I have to make sure he is up to speed before he plays, because everyone knows his history with injuries."
I don't think that was what was intended tonight, much like the entirety of last season.
But surely this means we will sell him!
Well let's see.......how about......NO?
I highly doubt this is going to be Brendan's typical starting XI, and for that reason, it's very unfair to pass such judgement.
There's serious talk of him stepping into a coaching role at the end of the season, but who knows.
Paul Scholes had 'officially' retired.
There's another game before then, and another friendly. Stick to quantum physics, at least you can bullshit your way through that.
So clean sheet check.
Victory away from home check.
No injury to our big players check.
Match fitness for the boys check.
Pretty happy.
Victory away from home check.
No injury to our big players check.
Match fitness for the boys check.
Pretty happy.
Looking promising ahead of the league premiere, check?
Hasn't Rodgers taken in Bellamy's physio's system?
Which would explain why Agger stayed behind.
I expect very little in our first half a dozen games looking are pile of shit of a fixture list so no.
I'll be hopefully at the UTD game so if we can get a result in any game I'm hoping that will it.
Modo, what your angle man? Seriously. Do you not get bored with your repetitive drivel? Some are meant to be tongue in cheek obv but jesus man give it a rest. Your trollesque (is that a word?) posting in making me want to rip my eyes out. Will it continue into the new season?
This comment isn't an attack man so I'm just gonna do a catch all post right here...... You don't like Adam, You don't like Downing. You like Aquilani. WE KNOW. Why not talk about other things cause i'm sick of reading threads only to stumble upon some inane post about Charlie Adam being fat or a hilariously 'witty' /sarcastic comment about Downing. It's tiresome man, and it's clearly irking other posters too.
It's like your on some sort of 'I told you so crusade'. What are you telling us? Nothing we didn't already know. What do you win for constant trolling? Bellend of the Internets?
Give it a rest man, peace out.
This comment isn't an attack man so I'm just gonna do a catch all post right here...... You don't like Adam, You don't like Downing. You like Aquilani. WE KNOW. Why not talk about other things cause i'm sick of reading threads only to stumble upon some inane post about Charlie Adam being fat or a hilariously 'witty' /sarcastic comment about Downing. It's tiresome man, and it's clearly irking other posters too.
It's like your on some sort of 'I told you so crusade'. What are you telling us? Nothing we didn't already know. What do you win for constant trolling? Bellend of the Internets?
Give it a rest man, peace out.
I'm chilled man. Just sick of reading the same shit over and over again.
You really are one of the most fickle supporters I've come across Modo. Were the signs good during our CL qualifiers in the season we came second and the season we won the thing? You can't read anything into that game, other than what we already know, it's not Rogers' side and, quelle surprise, the problems with the players we had last year haven't miraculously disappeared overnight.
With the best possible intentions, because I know you're generally a good lad, get a grip eh!
I still think downing will come good. Do you remember under Capello when he played Downing, Rooney and Young in a 3 up top, that is when Stu played his best stuff for england. Brendan will be thinking the same.
On the Olympics, I am very glad to be wrong. Still think we will struggle to finish in top 6 of medal table, the Easter Europeans will get shit loads of field event golds to catch us.
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