Fighting a losing battle

Forget Usain Bolt... I'm a superstar!

Without giving too much away, I'm not exactly a spring chicken in terms of age. I watched the recent documentary about James Hunt and Nikki Lauda during their battle for the 1976 Formula 1 World Championship and it surprised me how I could easily recall watching the coverage at the time. Lauda, literally going up in smoke, James Hunt the morning after a typically well done night before... Those were the days... The epitome of an era that has long passed. There was a different mindset then, as there is now. Whether better or worse.

Hunt and Lauda were described as the first superstars of their sport. Listen to Sebastian Vettel and his sadly unconvincing congratulations to "the team"..., "great job guys!" then disobeying the team to overtake his team mate in order to win, and you see how bad things have become. Football also, has sadly changed to follow suit. Gone are the days when the expression that "No player is bigger than the team" was actually true. It has since left the building along with Sir Alex Ferguson.  

At the time of writing, there are at least three managers who, sadly didn't notice the departure. For whatever reason, probably their own ego and to confirm their status they've inadvertently created a situation where some players, do appear to be, bigger than the clubs. I'm talking about Manchester United's David Moyes, Paul Lambert at Aston Villa and Liverpool's own Brendan Rodgers. All of whom are fighting, often very public but losing, battles with those who have frankly become too big for their boots. In each case, they're letting players dictate to them - even when the exact opposite is apparent. Moyes is showing that this approach with Wayne Rooney obviously isn't working. 

In one of Sir Alex Ferguson's last interviews after his final match at Old Trafford, he was asked how he would handle the Rooney situation. He diplomatically used words to the effect that it's not his problem now. Quite rightly in the circumstances, but anyone that has watched his team go from strength to strength since their crunch game against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup back in 1989 will know exactly what he'd have done with Rooney. Ask Jaap Stam, Paul Ince or David Beckham. He'd have sold him quicker than Rooney's Range Rover Sport does the 0-100KPH sprint. The fact is he wouldn't have stood for it. 

Brendan Rodgers, like many a Liverpool fan seems to have this unconditional love affair with Luis Suarez, when the guy is clearly only interested in his own promotion. Suarez should be sold. Point. With the utterings coming from Liverpool that Rodgers is "on the phone to Suarez every day" in an effort to convince him to stay, being a prime example. What the hell for? Why behave like a mother who's last born is leaving for University? Rodgers should be on the phone to the Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea to see if they're looking for a spare part! Suarez's behavior is absolutely not befitting of a Liverpool player, in the way that genuine fans would describe one. It's not just down to ability, but also attitude and Suarez's attitude stinks more than the browny-green stuff in a babies nappy! There should be no place for him. Liverpool Football Club has managed very well before Suarez and I'm sure they can do so after he's gone. His behavior is a smack in the face for the club that has stuck by him, even ill advisedly through thick and thin. LFC, literally, is bigger than that. 

Lastly, we have Christian Benteke at Aston Villa, again arrogance abounds. Not turning up for training,
threatening to strike as he did at his old club FC Genk. Totally unacceptable, and instead of "threatening" to fine him, Randy Lerner should have docked a sizeable sum from him already. Threatening is what powerless parents do with their spoilt and belligerent children. Action is what gets results be they pretty or ugly. Football, is a results game after all. The guy has played one season in the Premiership and thinks he's all that already. He has some ability, but lets hope the phrase "one season wonder" isn't his descriptive come May 2014. 

I don't know if these lads are just badly represented, misunderstood, or if what gets into the press is simple maneuvering, but it leaves a sour taste in the mouths of the fans and the public in general. Whatever it is, the teams, the managers and all associated with them need to take a stand. They need to send the right message. Nobody is irreplaceable and nobody is bigger than the club. 

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It was only a friendly!

The boy done good!

Now the dust has settled my inflated optimism at Liverpool's 0-4 drubbing of Preston North End has

turned more to caution. A feet on the ground approach to what was undoubtedly a very positive performance. No disrespect to Preston's players, but there wasn't much to establish the improvement, if any, that Brendan Rodger's summer signings have made to the squad.

That said, I was pleased with a number of the performances. Clearly most of the plaudits will go to Iago Aspas with his clever assist for Raheem Sterling to slot home Liverpool's third and his own top drawer finish to put the Reds clean out of sight with the fourth. Philippe Coutinho for some great individual moments and putting the visitors ahead from the penalty spot. And of course Sterling himself  who worked tirelessly and thoroughly deserved his goal. Also worth a mention is young Jordon Ibe. 

For the last couple of seasons now Ibe has been improving and improving since the sauff London lad joined Liverpool from Wycombe Wanderers and his outstanding promise is beginning to deliver. He took his goal extremely well. The other plus is that the performances of Coutinho, Aspas and Sterling actually took the limelight away from Ibe which can only be a good thing for him. I can't see him being a regular fixture for next season but he will get some chances to show what he can do. This is for sure. 

Equally impressive was Andre Wisdom and he showed that he can cope well in his preferred position at Centre Back. What I found most pleasing is that he can bring the ball forward from defence and distribute it intelligently, whilst also showing that he can provide some bite in the tackle. Martin Kelly didn't really have much game time, but I think he still showed he's on the way back to what we expect of him. Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson both had good games and another newbie Luis Alberto also put in a good performance and came close also with a couple of chances. He reminds me quite a bit of Xabi Alonso. He seems to have a good eye for a pass and I think he can be pleased with his debut.  

The only disappointment was Fabio Borini. He has yet to justify his inclusion in the side in my opinion. All industry and no end product. The one-on-one he had towards the end of the first half that he blazed wide was simply typical of his clear lack of composure and ability in front of goal. I hope he was watching when Sterling had an almost identical opportunity, rounded the keeper and slotted home. That's the way to do it!

Overall, as warm-ups go it was pleasing to watch. I didn't see Preston scoring and said so in my preview. All of the players that took part looked as if they enjoyed themselves and the team is developing a good understanding with the newcomers and this can only bode well for the coming season. I guess the fact that Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure had very little to do, kind of sums up the level of threat from Preston. I therefore have to remind myself and all Liverpool fans, in case we forgot... It was only a friendly. 

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Preston North End vs Liverpool preview

A welcome return for Martin Kelly?

This afternoon at 3pm will see Brendan Rodgers' emerging Liverpool side take on Preston North End in the pre season curtain raiser an Deepdale. Perhaps fitting that both teams share a past employee as player and manager in one William "Bill" Shankly OBE.

Although this is by no means a competitive match, all Liverpool fans will be looking for three things. Firstly, a good performance all things considered, secondly, how the new recruits manage, and lastly - the nice to have - a win. 

Rodgers has said all of the new additions to the squad will play a part in the game so providing he doesn't mean the "part" of benchwarmers then it'll be an interesting match. It goes without saying that all eyes will be on them and my mince pies will be no exception. Having won every Premiership, Champions League, FA and League Cup since 1998 from the comfort of my sofa and with the help of Football Manager, I think my eye, is particularly keen.  I am interested to see if the manager has brought some real value to the team in terms of ability and, due to their ages, potential. Does "potential" translate into a challenge for a top-four slot? A discussion for another time. 

One position which will be of interest to supporters will be who plays in goal. Simon Mignolet is a keeper of undoubted ability, and Pepe Reina is proven. I think a half each would be fair. In the outfield, I'd like to see young Martin Kelly get a run out after his year-long absence through injury. Albeit not a competitive match I think Kelly will be looking to show the manager what he's missed last season, and put himself ahead of the equally impressive Andre Wisdom. Needless to say, Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto will be under scrutiny following much-lauded moves to Anfield.

In any case, it'll be a good run out for the team, a chance to get some fitness and for the new lads to integrate. Despite this being a "friendly" I'd like to see a Liverpool victory and ideally a good showing from the new boys. No pressure then!

Prediction... I don't do predictions but I'd suggest, 3-0 to Liverpool. 

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You'll win nothing with kids!

Button it chaps. You need me!

You've probably noticed I've not written much this last week or two. It's not because I've won the Lottery and now couldn't give a toss about Liverpool FC. Not that I can say I've been that busy I haven't had time. I can't even put it down to writer's block. The fact is that there isn't anything interesting to write about. The close season optimism is now as exciting as the proverbial damp squib!

I'm sick to the back teeth of Luis Suarez and its got to the point that I want him to go simply so that I can take a good look at the team Brendan Rodgers has assembled and propose a way forward with what's left. I'm not interested where he goes, just so long as he does. Do us all a favor. Same can be said for Pepe Reina. As much as I like Peps, I'd like to sacrifice him, just for something to write about. 

A quick look at the papers and what do I see? Steve McClaren has joined Harry Redknapp's mighty army at QPR... Big deal.  Manuel Pellegrini thinks Manchester City will win the league... Well he's hardly going to say "It's looking unlikely" is he? And to top it all, Lazio, Genoa and Lecce have been charged with match fixing... No shock there. A good Roma supporting friend of mine told me that months ago so it isn't really news. Apart from the fact that Lecce aren't being used to draw blood from boils anymore - Boom boom!

Side-splitting jokes apart, the one piece of news that has caught my interest is that Stewart Downing could be on his way to West Ham. Personally speaking, I think Rodgers would be making a mistake to sell him and this is for two reasons. Firstly, because along with Jordan Henderson he was one of our better players toward the end of last season. He finished with five assists, which although doesn't seem that many, I'm near on certain that all of those came in the second half of the season when he really picked things up. He even scored three goals which is his best tally for Liverpool so far considering he was out of favor for much of 2012/13. Surely something to build on.

Secondly, and more importantly, Liverpool need his experience. Rodgers has made four signings this close season, and only one, Kolo Toure has proven himself in the Premiership. Yes, Simon Mignolet comes with big expectations but he's not at the peak of his ability just yet. With the exception of Reina - for now anyway - Steven Gerrard and Glenda Johnson, Liverpool don't have many old heads in the squad. Martin Skrtel is 28 but he's not been much use of late. Looking at the "spine" of the team as it's called, there isn't any experience in attack. Between the sticks, defence and midfield yes, but in attack? Not that I can think of. 

Downing has not enjoyed the most convincing of times since moving to Liverpool, but one has to admit that he's been looking like a new player this last few months. Personally, I'd keep him at least until January so the newcomers can be brought in gradually. Arguably for the whole season. My concern is that Liverpool will be relying too much on potential and not enough on established ability going into the next campaign. I repeat, the Champions League is too far an expectation, but Rodgers should at least give himself a chance and be careful he doesn't make a rod for his own back. 

Alas, I fear that Liverpool will be relying on a young team that doesn't have the experience to fulfill the expectations placed upon them and the pressure that comes with it. For this reason, I'd say top five or six is realistic. Some bloke once said "You'll win nothing with kids" and although he ended up with a massive lump of egg on his face, I don't see that particular bolt of lightening striking twice. 

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen