RougeMen Blog IS BACK!

Regular readers of this blog may have noticed the severe lack of posts on this blog (none since February to be precise) which I am not pompous with. There were many posts and topics to write about such as the bittersweet season Liverpool encountered or the sensational World Cup triumph for ‘Die Mannschaft’. However due to personal circumstances none of this could’ve been executed. But the new season has arrived bringing a new start for the clubs, players and fans. Also a new start for this blog; RougeMen: Everything Football, where I hope to post on a regular basis even with the important academic year on the horizon. RougeMen is back with a bang.

See you around and be sure to follow @RougeMEF

Do the Liverpool fans Dare to Dream?

Over the last couple of years Liverpool have been in the Europa League a couple of times, finishing mid table, having their season end by February, and don’t forget the mediocre players they  have bought in too such as Andy Carroll, Milan Jovanovic, Paul Konchesky, Charlie Adam and many more. Painful in short. Brendan Rodgers came in the summer of 2012 replacing the King that is Kenny Dalglish determined to bring Liverpool back to their best again with his playing style and philosophy. Liverpool had a taste to what Rodger’s  will bring to the club in a Europa League qualifying home fixture versus Belarus side; FC Gomel. Fans had hope but that season in the league particularly began slowly but gradually picked up the pace as games went by. Liverpool were creating chances, they were playing pure football. Daniel Sturridge “the gamble signing” and Philippe Coutinho joined and helped goal scoring machine Luis Suarez and Liverpool score goals. The season was well and truly over but there was hope going into the next season.

Brendan Rodgers got rid of the dead rubber in the team by selling the likes of Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Alberto Aquilani and Joe Cole. His philosophy was becoming apparent; he was making Liverpool into his own. Before every season began I, like many, use to say ‘This is our season’ but we have been let down one too many times. So to avoid any heavy disappointments the majority have targeted a Champions League place rather than the title. From last season’s 7^th place to title is quite ambitious but there are some deluded fans out there who believed that Liverpool could win the title. With Manchester United looking to regain their title, Arsenal hunting for a trophy, Spurs spending more than £100m, Mourinho’s return at the Bridge and of course Manchester City who are looking to take back what was theirs. Liverpool I believed had no chance. But with the win at Stoke thanks to Mignolet save and constant wins beyond that, there was something special in this season. Liverpool just kept on winning and in style. The S-A-S (Suarez and Sturridge) were in full flight scoring from left right and centre, players were improving such as Henderson and Sterling, and new players are emerging like Joao Carlos Teixeira, Jordan Ibe and Jon Flanagan. Liverpool were averaging at least 2+ goals a game and they have been magnificent goals too (You’ve just got to see Suarez’s quadruple vs. Norwich to see why). Manchester United and Spurs are surprisingly having an average season allowing Liverpool to rampage up the table. If this wasn’t any clear to see what changes Liverpool have made under Brendan Rodger’s then all one has to see is the league table at Christmas where the Reds were the star sitting on top of the tree in comparison to the previous season where there were 11^th under Fulham, Swansea and West Ham at the same stage. The last time a team has failed to win the Premier League after being on top at Christmas was in the 08/09 season where Liverpool were so close to reaching the Premier League title but consistent draws didn’t allow them to do so.

After losing to Chelsea (due to poor refereeing decisions) and Manchester City (where City got outplayed at the Etihad) Liverpool have been unbeaten in the F.A Cup and the league playing marvellous football. Liverpool have had some slip ups whether it’s going 2-0 down to Villa, eventually earning a point in a 2-2, or grabbing a late win at Craven Cottage. Liverpool have shown character and determination that they want to finish in the Champions League something that has been missing ever since that 08/09 season. But fans believe they can go one step further and chase the title. Surely not? It’s certainly possible, Liverpool have thrashed teams this season not only the small teams but the Champions League contenders like Everton  4-0 and Spurs 5-0. What’s more even Arsenal who were the leaders at the time conceded four goals to Liverpool in under the first 20 minutes eventually they got battered by five goals to one! Liverpool only have the League and F.A. Cup to play for whereas the challengers beside them Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs have European football also to worry about, this without a doubt will prove to be important as we head into the business end of the season. Liverpool’s previous seasons have finished by this time with nothing to play for, but with away fixtures to Fulham labelled as a must win and the team within a shout of the top four, this is an exciting season for the Scousers. If Liverpool do get knocked out this Sunday to Arsenal in the F.A. Cup then there’ll be only 12 games in the league to play, but it would be great to still see them compete in the best cup competition in the world. Whatever happens from now till the end will all rely on the remaining 18 games (if Liverpool make it to the F.A. Cup final). The Liverpool fans want Champions League football, but Brendan Rodgers doesn’t have a marker he just wants his Liverpool team to finish at the “highest place possible”. Does that mean the title? The season end is quickly upon us, those who targeted the title in the beginning of the season are actually starting to believe, do the Kopites dare to dream?  

Image Credits: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/7/16/1310830867710/Charlie-Adam-007.jpg 

http://images.dailystar-uk.co.uk/dynamic/58/photos/537000/620x/Liverpool_Fulham-365218.jpg

@MostarLFC

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2009/8/13/1250190021591/Premier-League-trophy-001.jpg

Daniel Sturridge- The Next Liverpool Superstar

Over the years Liverpool have had superstar strikers that come and go, whether it’s world class strikers such as Hunt, Rush, Fowler, Owen or Torres. Or ones that weren’t regarded as the best around the world always damaged defences when they wore the Liverbird on their shirt such as Baros, Aldridge, and Crouch. Whatever it is Liverpool always have that man upfront that will get goals no doubt about it.

So today Liverpool has Luis Suarez as their next superstar who has so far done a great job succeeding the goal machine that is Fernando Torres particularly last season where he scored a massive 30 goals for Liverpool. However since last season’s infamous incident with Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic he will miss the first six games of this season (Already missed two, four left). Because of this many pundits and fans have wondered what Liverpool will do without Suarez? Will they lose every game? Who will score? This was to be no problem at all because Liverpool also had Daniel Sturridge who was also scoring for fun ever since his move from Chelsea for £12m in January 2013.

Daniel Sturridge’s move was called a ‘gamble’ from Alex Ferguson and a blessing from some Chelsea fans but since then Sturridge can’t stop scoring and silenced all doubters in style. To sum it up in 18 games he has scored 13 goals and got 5 assists, whereas for Chelsea in 4 years he got only 24 goals. Daniel Sturridge has always been a top class player ever since his days at Manchester City, so good that Barcelona wanted him before he made his move to Chelsea. Due to the competition for positions Daniel Sturridge found it hard to earn a place in the squad but Liverpool have saved him by signing him and now he’s scoring left, right and centre and could become the next Liverpool star striker.

So far this season Liverpool have made a 100% record to their season winning 2 out of 2 in the league (Their best start since 08/09, season we came 2^nd) thanks to Daniel Sturridge’s winning goals. Liverpool are also looking like a classy outfit creating many chances hoping to increase on the 71 league goals from last season and most importantly finishing in the top 4. With a great start like this who knows where they can finish; What’s more is that Luis Suarez is yet to return! Next up though for Liverpool is a test against old rivals Manchester United, come Sunday I would like to see Liverpool maintain their 100% record by being on 9 points. Many strikers have punished Manchester United; Fowler, Owen, Torres it’s now Daniel Sturridge turn to do the same.

Review: Steven Gerrard Testimonial

Yesterday Anfield paid tribute to one of Liverpool’s greatest players of all time, if not, THE GREATEST; Steven Gerrard
August 3^rd wasn’t a day for transfer speculation or Luis Suarez it was all about Steven Gerrard. A player who has graced the Anfield pitch for 15+ years. His opponents were the Greek outfit Olympiacos a team who Liverpool beat dramatically to progress in the Champions League campaign of 2005 of which Liverpool won remarkably. The match was best known for his late wonder goal (also for Martin Tyler and Andy Gray’s brilliant commentary) which is arguably his best ever goal in his long, eventful and legendary career. To make it more special Liverpool Legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler were also in the squad. In a sell-out crowd at Anfield, Steven Gerrard received a huge reception as expected and Anfield was rocking from start to finish; absolutely extraordinary scenes in Liverpool.

Over to the match it was a great one to watch, chances from Liverpool came left, right and centre. Iago Aspas, who has impressed a lot since his move from Celta Vigo was on top form again leaving defenders for dead with his dribbling skills. His brilliant flick on set up Joe Allen who missed a sitter, however moments later another brilliant pass from Aspas set Joe Allen, who was in the centre of Liverpool’s chances, up for a tap in. As usual Steven Gerrard with Lucas were bossing the midfield and Philippe Coutinho was working his magic not allowing the Olympiacos players to have a sniff of the ball.

In the second half legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler made their appearance which was met with a huge roar from the Anfield faithful. Robbie Fowler wasn’t up to his usual best as anticipated but it was great to see him back in Anfield once again. Also coming on was Luis Suarez who has been linked with a move away from Liverpool to Arsenal. Many, including myself, expected Suarez to receive jeers and boos but it was the complete opposite as his appearance made Anfield go wild in cheers and even the Kop started to sing his song; it was as if it was his testimonial. If that doesn’t persuade him to stay I don’t know what does because as preseason so far has proved, Liverpool have the best fans in the world and he won’t get the same reception at the Emirates that’s for sure.

Along with those big names substitutions Jordan Henderson also came on. Within 12 seconds of his appearance he scored letting the Kop know that he came on as well. In form Raheem Sterling pass broke through the Greek defence and Henderson’s cool finish made it 2-0. Olympiacos had some recognizable names in their ranks such as Vladimir Weiss, formerly of Rangers and Manchester City, and former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, Javier Saviola, but they couldn’t do anything against a strong and organised Liverpool.

The match ended with Steven Gerrard taking a lap of honour around the pitch, with 45,000 applauding the Scouse Icon. Although it was a special match business was done for Liverpool who have had a great preseason thus far winning 5 out of 5 scoring 13 and conceding none. Next up for the Reds they travel to Oslo, Norway to face Valerenga on Wednesday. The Testimonial was a match that I won’t forget in a long time, the only thing that was missing was Robbie Fowler scoring in front of the Kop or Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest footballers of all time, scoring a thunderbolt from 30 yards.

The Season Ahead 2013/2014

Less than two months to go till the Premier League season begins and it promises to be a great season. New managers, new signings, and new clubs I’m sure that it’ll be a great season. For Liverpool it’s another season of progression and targeting the Champions League place.

So far Liverpool have signed four players; Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo, Simon Mignolet from Sunderland, Luis Alberto from Sevilla, and Kolo Toure from Manchester City. Brendan Rodgers has promised there’s more to come; rumour has it that Shakhtar Donetsk’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Papadopoulos of Schalke and many more are also on their way to Anfield. Luis Suarez on the other hand looks set to leave Liverpool unfortunately unless Brendan Rodgers persuades him to stay we shall wait and see. By the looks of things Liverpool mean business coming into the 2013/2014 Premier League season.

The fixture list has been harsh on Liverpool in recent years however this year I believe (I’m sure many will agree) that is has been kind on Liverpool. The Reds begin their campaign at home to Stoke City and it’s a match that they can win. Liverpool haven’t won an opening day fixture since 08/09 let’s hope it changes this year with a win. From then on to October they haven’t got a tough fixture excluding Champions and rivals Manchester United who Liverpool plays in their third fixture and no disrespect to the other clubs. So if they can win those games it’ll certainly bring momentum to the club and hopefully go on to win the games against the top opposition. Also November and December can shape Liverpool’s season as they play Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea in the space of two months, but winning the previous games can provide confidence that’s needed into the team. It’s easy said than done but the team have the talent and are capable of winning every game. Drawing is no option and losing is out of the equation Liverpool has to have that winning mentality going into this season. Furthermore they have to be efficient in front of goal and take every chance they get and play like the team we had for the second half of last season showing teams no mercy and making Anfield a fortress again.

 

Next season will be great not only in England but around Europe, Neymar to Barcelona where everyone will be watching magician from all around the world or in Germany where we’ll see if treble winning Bayern Munich can do it all again especially with the arrivals of Pep Guardiola and Mario Götze. Also could this be the season where Liverpool returns to the Champions League after a four year absence or go one better by winning the league; highly unlikely. Whatever it is 2013/2014 is going to be a great season and with the World Cup at the end of it, the fans of football couldn’t have asked for more.

 

 

Credit to OvertimeOnline.co.uk @TheAsianKop @MostarLFC for the Images

Liverpool 12/13 Season Review (Part 2)

The second half of Liverpool season was enjoyable but also hard to take for the Kopites.

2012 ended with a brilliant 3-0 win at QPR which was an indication of things to come for the remainder of the season; that was goals. January came with Liverpool doing business in the transfer window signing two players, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, both who would go on to prove themselves to become fans favourites. January saw Liverpool thrashing Sunderland and Norwich at home 3-0 and 5-0 respectively. However the Reds hadn’t defeated a team above them in the league all season and it wasn’t going to change either, a 2-2 draw to Arsenal and a 2-1 loss to rivals Manchester United kept the Reds outside of the European places. Furthermore the FA Cup run was one to forget too. Liverpool beat non-league side Mansfield 2-1 in the 3^rd Round of the cup which saw Daniel Sturridge scoring on his debut. The winner came controversially from star man Luis Suarez who was seen using his hand to score, but the referee didn’t see it and awarded the goal. The curtains closed on Liverpool as they were eventually knocked out in the next round by League 1 side Oldham losing 3-2.

 

In February Liverpool had yet another inconsistent month of results. First came another 2-2 draw away to Champions, Manchester City, then a 2-0 loss to West Brom at Anfield. If there was any consolation Liverpool did play brilliantly in those matches which gave them hope. In the next league fixture against Swansea, Liverpool believed that they have to take their chances because all season it has been costly and that’s exactly what they did. They showed no mercy at all towards Swansea City thrashing them 5-0. In the Round of 32 of the Europa League Liverpool played Russian side, Zenit St. Petersburg. After losing 2-0 in the 1^st leg in Russia the Reds needed a miracle at Anfield. In the return leg, Luis Suarez, who missed so many chances and could’ve scored four goals in the 1^st leg, was magnificent in the second. Scoring two brilliant free kicks the Kop felt as if it was going to be another magic European night at Anfield. It wasn’t to be although they won 3-1 Liverpool bowed out of the cup on the away goals rule and killed off Liverpool’s chances of silverware that season. This was not only the last European game of the season but it was Jamie Carragher’s 150^th and last European outing of his long legendary career who earlier in the month announced that this was going to be his last season as a footballer.

 

For the remainder of the season Liverpool were only competing in the league hoping for ‘’the highest possible place on the table’’. Liverpool beat Wigan 4-0, Aston Villa 2-1 and finally defeated a team in the top four, Spurs 3-2. The only setback was a 3-1 loss to Southampton at St.Mary’s.

 

April followed and began with two 0-0 draw’s in a row against West Ham and Reading. The next fixture was at home to Chelsea, of what was to be one of Liverpool’s bittersweet matches of the season (For the Match Report scroll down). Liverpool was losing thanks to Oscar’s header in the first half but Daniel Sturridge’s half time inclusion changed the match for Liverpool. He had a point to prove against his former club giving the Chelsea defence a headache. He of course did score to equalize before Luis Suarez’s handball gave away a penalty and Eden Hazard coolly slotted it home. Luis Suarez later in the match was caught by the TV screens to be biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, Suarez didn’t receive a booking but was set to be punished later. On the 97^th minute Suarez who had been Liverpool’s life saver that season scored an outstanding header to seal a point for Liverpool. Unfortunately this was to be his last match and goal for the season, due to his bite on Ivanovic the FA gave him a harsh 10 match ban which will go into the following season.

The fans now wonder where the goals would come from. That seems to be no problem since Liverpool went on to thrash Newcastle 6-0 at St. James Park.  The last matches came with nothing to play for when Liverpool’s European hopes died out and they secured 7^th place when they drew 0-0 in a mediocre Merseyside Derby. Liverpool did continue to win beating Fulham 3-1 and QPR on the last day 1-0.

 

This season wasn’t the greatest if you look at the table but ‘Progress’ was made. Yes, there was no silverware and no European qualification nonetheless Liverpool are beginning to look like a top class team they were in the past. This season we have seen the team play beautiful football and showing numerous teams no sympathy. Also outside of the pitch the Truth of Hillsborough has come out. Liverpool are progressing as a club and Brendan Rodgers is the right man to bring Liverpool Football Club success again; Rome wasn’t built in a Day it took Progression.

 

MY PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Luis Suarez

MY YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Philippe Coutinho

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Stewart Downing/ Jordan Henderson

GAME OF THE SEASON: Liverpool 3-1 Zenit (Although Liverpool got knocked out, it was a great European night and the loudest Anfield crowd in years)

WORST GAME OF THE SEASON: Stoke City 3-1 Liverpool

NOTIFICATION: Lack of Posts for the Next Couple of Weeks due to Examinations

It’s that time again where the season has ended but it’s also the time where examinations take place. As a student it is important to stay focused on education which is why I won’t be posting much on this blog for the next couple of weeks. However I will still be Tweeting (@RougeMEF) the news going around the World of Football. Good Luck to everyone taking an exam and I’ll see everyone in a couple of weeks, remember to follow @RougeMEF.