Have the Reds fallen short in racism row?

Ex Reds striker, Stan Collymore

I've read with great disappointment this morning the reported reaction from Liverpool Football Club
to the racist Tweets aimed at former player Stan Collymore. The question for me, is not whether racism can be removed from football, because I believe there is a long way to go. My question is: Could the club have done more?

The answer for me in short is: Yes, and let me tell you why? If I were walking along the street and saw somebody attack you, weather this was physically, emotionally or other, then I could go to the police and make a complaint. I's my right, some would argue, duty, to do so. It would then be up to the Police to investigate the matter further. If a conviction is made, then I can be happy that justice has been done. One less piece of crap on the streets. If a conviction isn't made, at least I can say I've made an effort. A stance. I tried to have something done about it. I don't accept that a "conviction has to be made" before they can take any action. This I find totally lame. 

Is it because this was done on the Internet? I doubt it. The owner of the Twitter profile can be found, or at least this is a good place to start. Here, I liken Liverpool FC to the man on the street who says he "would have done something if... blah blah blah..."  He could well go to the police, but instead decides to move on because he presumably, has better (less courageous, probably) things to do.

From what I've seen, only Gary Lineker has spoken about the issue, labelling it an "utter disgrace" and any right thinking human being can only agree with him. As for the so-called "Kick racism out of football" effort, is frankly, not far short of a joke. Racism needs to be addressed in society first, and Liverpool are doing sweet FA (excuse the pun) about it. Football is with us because of society, and this incident has happened in the normal walk of life. If we overlook that, then we can forget token campaigns like that.

What's worse, is that having seen the replay about 15 times, it's absolutely crystal clear that Luis Suarez made a meal of Brad Guzan's challenge during the game. Stevie Wonder could have seen that! 99% of the support for Suarez has come from Liverpool fans who are no better than those making the postings on Twitter. If you go to The Mirror's sports page now. It's miraculously disappeared. Replaced by news of something less "controversial" and more "safe". Here's the story for those who may have missed it. The Mirror's breaking news.

I've kept this short. I'll end by saying Liverpool Football Club's and those so-called "fans" behaviour is like the kind of incident any black, Indian or other minority will tell you they've witnessed. A person in your company calls somebody else by a derogatory name, something somebody could, and probably has, called you too. Then, realising what he's said, he turns to you and says: "That's not about you, mate, you're alright...!" Nice to know.

Follow me on Twitter @ Mrbengreen

Has Brendan Rodgers got it wrong?

So, the transfer gossip according to The Mirror is that Brendan Rodgers is looking to Mohamed Salah and Will Hughes to get Liverpool's Champions League push back on track. Following discussions with the clubs owners, this is the apparent strategy they feel will take the team forward. But is he not simply looking at the wrong end of the team? Or is it that his defensive reinforcements have just not been good enough?  

Salah and Hughes are good players. The former, may well improve the squad in terms of firepower, but as the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Only Manchester City have scored more than Liverpool so far this season and the next best two are Chelsea and Arsenal who are both ten behind with 43 each. However, conversely, Liverpool have conceded the most goals of all the current 'top six' after two more against Aston Villa on Saturday. 

One has to ask the question: Surely it's the defence that needs strengthening if anything? The Liverpool squad is probably the weakest of those in the leading pack. The attack, perhaps could be strengthened but surely the priority has to be the defence which has been absolutely poos beyond doubt this season. If it hadn't been for Suarez earning a (somewhat dubious to say the least) penalty on Saturday, Rodgers' men would be in fifth position with that sinking feeling. 

I'm sure some will be saying "Well we have competition in defence now..." With the summer signings Kolo Tourè,  Mamadou Sakho and Aly Cissokho. My response to that would be that only Tourè out of the three has really been much use. I'd even go so far as to say the other two have been below what is expected from a team looking to win or challenge for the Premiership. 

All told, the simple fact is that Rodgers has added to the defence in the summer, and those he bought haven't done themselves justice. It's about time young Martim Kelly and Jon Flanagan were given a good run in the side to show what they can do. The youngsters have proved they can cope and I think their development would be best served by getting more first team experience. 

On the current showing, Liverpool will do well to make the Europa League. Everton and Tottenham seem to have the wind in their sails right now and it's time the defence either shape up or ship out. 

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen

Nothing will do for me...

LFC needs a bit of bite in defence!

I was sitting in the airport last night and thinking about a chat I had earlier in the day with my colleague, a fellow Liverpool supporter. "I'm hoping for a good win against the Villans this weekend, mate...!" I said with the confidence of a man who's team is in the hunt at the top of the league. "Well..." He replies with caution, "There are no easy games these days my friend, and everybody can beat everybody...".

Now as cliche'd as that may sound, the lad has a point and it got me thinking. Aston Villa have only won one of their last five matches, and they've shipped six goals in that time scoring only three. Liverpool on the other hand have scored 11 in as many matches. However, it's at the other end wherein lies the problem. Liverpool have actually shipped seven goals during that time. 

My colleague went on... "Mignolet's having a mare at the moment too". But, this is something I don't entirely agree with. The Red's defensive back four have been, frankly hopeless this season in my opinion. The column marked 'A' in the table shows Brendan Rodger's men have conceded more goals than any other team in the top ten, with the exception of Hull which, with all due respect, is nothing whatsoever to be happy about. 

Thus for me, it's not actually just down to Mignolet. More is the case that his defence is terribly wobbly and offers him and the goal very little protection if any at all on occasion. I can't pin it down to any particular player either. All of them have been poor this season. Martin Skrtel seems to want to change shirts with the opposition at every set piece - regardless of which end of the pitch - and Mamadou Sakho, although accurate in his passing, has about much positional sense as the spinning kid in a game of Blind Man's Bluff. Not to mention Daniel Agger's infatuation with the treatment table.

Rodgers is due to meet the club's owner John W. Henry and Chairman Tom Werner this weekend and despite all the talk of signing Pedro Rodriguez and Mohamed Salah et al, the acquisition of one or two solid defenders has to be penciled into the agenda as the main topic. At the moment, Liverpool cannot be considered serious title contenders until the leaky defence is shored up. This is without question. An integral part of any successful team is a watertight defence and LFC does not have that at this time. 

So as the title of this says, nothing will do for me. Nothing as in come this evening, I want to see a big fat zero for the away team's goal count. It's about time we saw the defence stand up, be counted and become an equal unit to the midfield and attack in terms of reliability and being more clinical. Nothing more, nothing less. And on the subject of nothing, nothing but a win will suffice.

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen

Would you bet on it?

Because he's worth it!

This morning, and every Saturday and Sunday, I do the modern day equivalent of "a flick through the papers", which basically boils down to looking at what's new on the newspaper websites and the prominent footy sights for LFC, transfer rumours etc. This morning, I took a look at Skybet for a quick check on what the bookies think of the current comings and goings in this year's January transfer window. 

 The old saying is that "the bookies are never wrong" and this being the case, then there may well be a couple of interesting additions to the Liverpool squad over the coming weeks. This January transfer window has started very slowly and the usual speculation, even those claiming an "agreement has been reached" are turning out to be completely devoid of anything like truth as we know it. However, my gander at the bookies' pages bring a touch of reality to the proceedings and throw up a few interesting names. 

Many will recall the much mooted "signing" of Henrikh Mkhitaryan. An almost certainty until Borussia Dortmund arrived at the table and well, that put paid to any hope of the Reds getting their man. As with the current "target" Mohamed Salah from FC Basel. With reported interest from Athletico Madrid and Arsenal, arguably two "more attractive" clubs than Liverpool, we've probably heard the last of that also. Salah is a good player but I'm not sure how much of an improvement he'd make at Liverpool. As a Swiss resident I can tell you, the boy's good but nothing to write home about. 

So according to those in the world of high stakes, Brendan Rodgers is 4/11 on to sign Will Hughes.  Who I believe would be a far better signing for the Reds in the longer term. Besides looking like a toilet brush with his untamed mop of blonde hair, against Chelsea last week the 18 year-old seems to have a lot of potential. Perhaps a purchase and loan back arrangement would be best for him to help his development. We'll see. 

Second up from the tipsters is Martin Montoya from Barcelona. The 22 year-old right sided defender looks to be a decent prospect and would make good competition for Glen Johnson and  Martin Kelly. From what I've seen he seems to be a good passer, anticipates well and has a decent shot on him too. I wasn't that impressed with his crossing though. Overall, a bit if a gamble but then we are talking about the bookies' eye view here in any case. 

Finally, they have Pedro Rodriguez penciled in at 5/1. A great prospect in my opinion and a natural finisher. His addition would make for a frightening front line if Rodgers could get this live wire's signature, and at 26 he's the perfect age to come in and play with some experience whilst still having some room to develop. He has a good blend of pace, power and trickery and he would fit in well with the current team. 

So if you fancy a flutter, I think your hard-earned would be better spent backing these guys instead of chucking it away on Salah who, according to those in the know, doesn't have much chance of signing for Liverpool anyway. Let's face it, if he did, his name would be up on the board, but... It's not. No bad thing in my view. 

As for those already at the club and the match away to Stoke tomorrow, my heart says 2-0 to the visitors, but my head says 1-1 given the work ethic of Mark Hughes side and the fact that they've made the  Britannia Stadium a difficult place for away teams. 

Liverpool are still in with a shout for Champions League qualification but as I've said before, fifth or better would be good enough for me. Perhaps with a decent signing or two I might raise my expectations a little higher. 

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen

LFC Mid Term Review

The Teacher's Pet!

With the festive period over and past the halfway mark this season, I think it's only fair to take a look back at the season so far. I thought I'd make something more like a report. You know, like the ones from school that always got "lost" on the way home, only for the school secretary to "kindly" send one in the  post! 

So, without further ado, read below the mid-term report. In no particular order other than positional groups:

Simon Mignolet: A good start to the term including very important saves early on. Unfortunately his work has suffered just a wee bit with a couple of soft errors. Will do well if he doesn't get too sloppy with his work. Grade B-

Glen Johnson: Hasn't been at his best this season and performed very poorly against Chelsea in the last test. Needs to concentrate more in class and avoid day dreaming. Grade C

Jose Enrique: Poor attendance due to injury may give him the "Sicknote" tag among his peers. Not enough coursework to be marked. 

Kolo Toure: Started the term well but his level appears to have dropped a tad. Must avoid needless talking in class... To the press. Grade B-

Daniel Agger: A promising start, and very popular with his peers. A reliable deputy head boy and member of the class. Unfortunately poor attendance through injury has curbed his progress. Grade A-

Mamadou Sakho: A likeable lad. However, the early promise he showed when joining the class seems to have deserted him. Sloppy work and failing to follow instructions have blighted his efforts this term. Grade C

Aly Cissokho: Good potential but often seems to miss the point of lessons. Seems to wander away from the topic being taught. If he applies himself properly he'll do well. His peers remain unconvinced. Grade C+

Martin Skrtel: the lad has come on leaps and bounds since a shaky start to the term where he struggled to grasp some basic topics. Must be careful his enthusiasm doesn't get him into trouble with pupils from other classes. Grade B

Martin Kelly: Very promising pupil who is always keen to raise his hand to answer questions if asked. Must knuckle down and have more confidence if he's to reach the potential shown in the last school year. Grade B-

Jonathon Flanagan: A good term thus far from another of the younger members of the class. Enthusiastic and keen to participate in class activities. Good attitude. Grade B-

Steven Gerrard: Continues to excel as head boy and remains an example to his peers and younger pupils alike. Recent absence has spoiled an otherwise good term's work. His final graduation will leave a large void in the class. Grade A

Philippe Coutinho: An excellent understanding of topics covered in class. Could perhaps finish his work with more conviction, particularly in tests where marks matter most. Grade B+

Jordan Henderson: A likeable member of the class who has really improved both his theory and practical work. Potentially a future head boy. Must refrain from using obscenities when things don't go his way. Grade B+

Lucas Leiva: Performing to high expectations this term and is an able deputy to the head boy when called upon. Beginning to return to his previous high standards following a long absence through injury. Keep up the good work Lucas. Grade A-

Raheem Sterling: A very capable young lad who is now showing his potential following a drop in his own high standards at the end of the last school year. Is also paying more attention in class and willing to take on more responsibility. Grade B

Victor Moses: A bit of an enigma is young Victor. Displays lots of ability one lesson, then completely absent the next, even if present. Shows flashes of ability and is well thought of by his tutor. Complained of being overlooked in his last class. Grade C+

Joseph Allen: Joe, as his peers call him is a likeable lad. What he lacks in natural ability he makes up for in hard work. A tad on the small side for his age but copes well against the bigger lads in class. Progressing well after a difficult period. Grade B-

Luis Alberto: Struggling to cope with life in a new school but seems determined to succeed. Has a good theoretical ability but needs to work harder at practical tasks. Grade C

Iago Aspas: Similar to his compatriot Alberto but looks to be adapting slightly better. There have been rumours of his wanting to move to another class. If this happens, one can only wish him well. Grade C+

Daniel Sturridge: Has settled in very well after being removed from his previous class for sulking. Young Daniel cannot be faulted for his effort and is very popular in school. Especially for his love of robotic dancing. He has handed in some excellent pieces this term. Although absent sick, his return will be welcome by his peers. Grade A-

Luis Suarez: Coping excellently this term and his work has been absolutely top class. He is winning over the doubters in his class and in school overall. He is also willing to help the younger members of the class. Will fulfill his massive potential only when he stops feigning illness during tests when faced with one or two challenging questions. Grade A

Class tutor, Mr. Rodgers: Appears to have got an otherwise noisy, lazy and disenchanted bunch to pull their socks up and apply themselves as required. Having done well in his previous school he has shown in our class why he has been so highly regarded in his field all over the land and abroad. He certainly has an eye for talent and is coping well with being in the limelight. Despite a few shaky moments in front of the governing board - or "press" as they like to be called - early on. 

There you have it. My mid term report. I think I've been fair. Reds fans, will admit that Brendan Rodgers' men have been punching above their weight this term and lie in a creditable fourth place. I thought the team would be in "the mix" around this time, but sixth or possibly fifth would have been acceptable for me. However, the performances have more than justified the current position and, but for a bit of luck and a lack of the odd visually impaired referee, a firm spot in the top three would be fair. For me, Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva, and of late, Raheem Sterling have been the stand out performers. Not to mention of course Daniel Sturridge and the irrepressible Luis Suarez. Despite my disdain of the latter, you can't argue with his performances this season. Simply top drawer stuff. 

As usual I don't make predictions. However, I'd be satisfied with European qualification this season, be it the hallowed Champions League or the less glamorous Europa Cup. Both of these would represent a fine achievement from all at the club and without doubt an improvement on las season's seventh placed finish. Similarly, for this afternoon's FA Cup third round  tie against Oldham, I don't expect a repeat of last year's failing to Oldham, where Rodgers' men lost 3-2 at Boundary Park. If it does... Suspensions all round and a good lash with the headmaster's cane to add to it, never mind the letter home!

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen