Jurgen Klopp's first Liverpool match

So how did the first match of Jurgen Klopp in charge of Liverpool for the first time fared for him.


Liverpool against Tottenham has been a high scoring games in recent past but here it was a different scenario. Here was a manager in Jurgen Klopp who has just come in after the season had already begun, barely getting time to know his players due to the international friendlies and not have enough time to take more than 3 training sessions to get his idea across the team.


Liverpool are going through one of their worst injury crisis in recent past with several first team key players missing. The likes of club captain Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke, Roberto Fermino, Danny Ings and Joe Gomez all missing out due to various injuries did not help Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool football club.


Match Preview
Liverpool started the match brightly with high pressing and pace as Jurgen Klopp describes it as full throttle Football. They dominated the ball for the first 15 mins and had several chances to score. Liverpool's best chance early on came from a corner which Divock Origi headed for the goal only to see his powerful header hit the post and then cleared off the line.


After that initial period of domination by Liverpool, Tottenham came into the match and had a few goal scoring opportunities of their own only to be denied by the brilliant saves by Simon Mignolet. The first half ended with the score line being 0-0.


In the second period again Tottenham were more adventurous and Mignolet again saved Liverpool by a brilliant save from Harry Kane to deny Tottenham the lead. Emre Can had been the best player of Liverpool in the match with his running and pressing had a good shot nearly end of the match which went inches wide of the post. The final score was 0-0 which was a fair result as both teams were even and had good opportunities to win the match.

Jurgen Klopp: Welcome to Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp

Former Borussia Dortmund Manager Jurgen Klopp has agreed to sign a three years contract with Liverpool and replace Brendan Rodgers as their new Manager. He will be officially unveiled in a press conference on Friday 10 am BST.

Being the manager of such a hugely popular team with a fan base of millions around the globe can some time overwhelm people but here is a man who thrives on such challenges.

Never before in recent history of Liverpool a managerial appointment has brought such an excitement among the fans but then again in recent history Liverpool never had a manager of world class qualities. But in Jurgen Klopp they are getting a manager who has tons of Managerial experience of the highest quality.

The fans are going to love him as he shares the same passion and love for the game as most of us fans feels. In one of his famous Quotes he had told that tactics is very much important but emotion makes the difference. He understands the passion of the fans and he always had a wonderful relationship with the fans wherever he had coached previously.

He is like a perfect match for Liverpool, almost like a match made in heaven and I hope he gets Liverpool to their former heights of glory.    

Contenders for Manager at Liverpool F.C.

At this time Liverpool is looking at Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti to replace Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.


As per some media reports talks have already begun with Jurgen Klopp's representatives and its just a matter of days that he would be announced as the Liverpool Manager. He fits the bill as well as being a young Manager with lots of passion for the game and for the supporters.


Carlo Ancelotti on the other hand is hugely experienced contender as he has managed some of the top clubs such as AC Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea. Both are world class managers but I would prefer Jurgen Klopp to be the new manager at this time as lots of work need to be done to mold the squad to play like a team and Jurgen Klopp has the passion and enthusiasm to do that.

Liverpool Sack Brendan Rodgers

There's the Breaking News coming on now that Liverpool have sacked manager Brendan Rodgers after the run of recent poor results. He have been told by chief executive Ian Iyre that his contract have been terminated from immediate effect. Brendan Rodgers joined Liverpool in 2012 and famously took Liverpool to second place in 2014. He is the only Liverpool Manager since 1950 not to win a silwerware in 3 years term. The search for a new Manager have already begun.

Philippe Coutinho: The little Magician

Philippe Coutinho started his playing career with his native Brazilian club Vasco Da Gama and quickly made a name for himself. He started attracting interest from many European clubs and by the time he was 18 he was signed by Italian giants Inter Milan.


He arrived at Milan with lots of potential but being at such a young age that too from a different Continent all together made him to struggle initially with his form. He was quickly loaned out to Spanish Club Espanyol for some game time and Experience at a European club. After returning back to Milan he found it difficult to hold down a regular place in the first team squad.


Liverpool got a bid accepted for Coutinho in 2013 and they brought him to Liverpool F.C. His skills and his vision very quickly mesmerized the Liverpool fans and they got excited with his dribbling. He showed his class in the season of 2013-14 where Liverpool finished 2nd in the season and he came out as one of the best player's in the English league.


The next season was even better for Philippe Coutinho on a personal level. His skills, passing abilities,through balls and dribbling abilities gave him the title of Little Magician among the Liverpool fans. He was also voted as the best Liverpool player for the season of 2014-15. His vision and his playing style have made him one of the best player's in European Football and and only at the age of 23 he has become a hot property being pursued by the best clubs in the world.

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Arsenal vs Liverpool: Match Preview

Liverpool will play against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night football.

Liverpool have won both of their previous games of this season and have collected the maximum points from them. Both of the games against Stoke City and Bournemouth have been won by the scoreline of one nil. Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson is doubtful for this match with a foot problem. It would be a massive setback for Liverpool without their talismanic midfielder. Emre Can is expected to take his place in the midfield and Liverpool are also expected to recall Lucas Leiva for the match either to start alongside Millner and Can in midfield or to support from the bench. Brendan Rodgers is also considering giving first start to Roberto Fermino and if that is true then either Adam Lallana or Jordan Ibe will have to make way for him. Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Joe Flanaggan are definitely out of this match due to injuries.

Arsenal suffered a shock defeat against West Ham United in their first match of this campaign at Emirates but won the second match against Crystal Palace to have 3 points after 2 games in this campaign. Arsenal had won this fixture against Liverpool last season by 4-1. Arsenal will be without Jack Wishere but apart from that they do not have any other injury concerns. Arsenal are going to give start to Alexis Sanchez who was today compared by Arsene Wenger to be as good as Luis Suarez.

This is a very important fixture for both the teams for gaining a psychological advantage on the other in the race for the top four spot and Champions League football for next season.


What the Managers have to say.


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "If you want to have a successful season you want to be strong at home. Normally we are strong at home. This is an opportunity to show that.
"Your confidence is linked with your last result and at Crystal Palace we responded well. From that we should have enough confidence to go into the game positively against Liverpool.
"This is a very important game where the result will of course be vital. It's not a result that will decide our title chances but in our heads we know it's very important."


Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "There's a real focus in our group this season, a real toughness, mentally.
"We know that we've got that ability to scrap and fight as well as play good football. If we can go there and perform like we think we can and keep to our game-plan we're confident we can get a result.
"If you assess Arsenal's last 10 games they've lost at home, the teams that have won have averaged four shots on target, with 43% possession. It tells you that you can go there and you don't need to dominate the ball, but you can dominate the space."
 

The rise of Jordan Henderson from a flop to Liverpool Skipper

When Liverpool bought Jordan Henderson in the summer of 2011 as a 21 year old from Sunderland for £20m, a lot was expected of him. He was deemed to be the next big thing for England. The then manager Kenny Dalglish even compared him to be like Steven Gerrard, that he is gonna eventually take his place in the team. But very quickly it was proving to be otherwise. He used to work very hard for the team as a workhorse but there was nothing more than that to his game. Even Kenny Dalglish was not sure about his best position and tried him at different positions mainly in the central midfield or in the right flank but with very little contributions.

Eventually Kenny Dalglish was sacked as Liverpool Manager in 2012 and was replaced by Brendan Rodgers. Brendan Rodgers initially wanted to bring in Clint Dempsey from Fulham to boost his attack and sell Jordan Henderson to Fulham as a swap deal. Henderson was baffled by this and refused to go to Fulham and eventually that deal did not materialise as Dempsey chose to go to Tottenham Hotspurs instead. Jordan Henderson got very little games that year and mostly warmed the bench in Liverpool dugout.

In 2013-14 season he started brightly playing in all of the initial games for Liverpool alongside Steven Gerrard. He was kind of a rejuvenation for Liverpool and his watershed moment came in the match against Tottenham Hotspurs at White Hart Lane in December 2013 when in the absence of the injured Gerrard he took control of the midfield and Liverpool won the match with 5 goals to nil with Henderson scoring once and assisting another. That was the game where he really came out of the shadows of the great Gerrard and started stamping his own mark in the following matches. His impact was so much that Liverpool were very close to be crowned the Premier League Champions and when he was suspended for the last three matches of the season Liverpool's title challenge fell apart and eventually they were 2nd in the season.


The following season he started to exert more and more influence in the games with his all round box to box displays from the heart of Liverpool midfield. With Gerrard less involved in games mostly due to injuries, Henderson stepped forward to take the mantle on himself to be the skipper of the team temporarily. Liverpool had a very difficult season with Luis Suarez gone and Daniel Sturridge mostly injured but it was Henderson who started inspiring Liverpool just as Gerrard did for all these years. And after the end of the season when Gerrard took the decision of finding new challenges in MLS it was a very easy decision for Brendan Rodgers to handover the responsibility to lead the side to a bright future and glory to Jordan Henderson, the man who was deemed to replace Gerrard all those years back.

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Christian Benteke: The Predator

Christian Benteke scored on his debut match at Anfield similar to the debut goals by arguably two of the best strikers Liverpool ever had in their glorious history, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez.

It was a Poacher's goal and that's what Christian Benteke is in the truest sense. He can score goals from anywhere and obviously he will be disappointed for not scoring another from close range when his shot got bounced off the pitch and hit the woodwork.

It was a brilliant debut for him where he won almost all the ariel balls that came on his way. He provides such a big target man for Liverpool's attacking players and always keeps the opposing defenders on their toes.

Against Bournemouth he was the best player on the pitch for Liverpool by far with his work rate and holding up play to bring other players into the game. He has a lot more to his game than just scoring goals from crosses. Probably by now most of the League defenders are already wary of him and will be scared to come to the wrong side of him when he is in such a form.

Liverpool's success of this season depends almost entirety on the success of Christian Benteke and that's the reason they have invested so heavily on him as he is a real Predator if ever anyone can be called that.

Liverpool starting lineup against Bournemouth

Liverpool are unchanged from there previous game against Stoke City where they had beaten the Potters 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium. New joiners Roberto Fermino and Danny Inngs starts from the bench.


Simon Mignolet(GK)

Nathaniel Clyne (RB)

Martin Skrtel (RCB)

Dejan Lovren (LCB)

Joe Gomez (RB)

Jordan Henderson (RCM)

James Millner (LCM)

Jordan Ibe (LWF)

Phillips Coutinho (CAM)

Adam Lallana (RWF)

Christian Benteke (CF)


Match Preview: Liverpool v/s Bournemouth

Liverpool are hosting Bournemouth for the first time at Anfield in their history in Bournemouth's maiden season in English top flight on Monday Night Football.

Liverpool are expecting to field an unchanged side from last weekend win against the Stoke City at Britannia Stadium. Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Jon Flanagan are still out due to injuries. New signing Roberto Fermino is expected to start from the bench as he is still some time off to attain full speed after late return for pre-season training.


Bournemouth had lost their previous match against Aston Villa on the first weekend of the Premier League so they are expected to give starts to their new signings. Bournemouth will play with Liverpool with no fear as this is their first season ever and they will enjoy their moment in playing against such an iconic team in an iconic stadium.

Liverpool player ratings against Stoke

Phillippe Coutinho's brilliant strike won the game for Liverpool but let us look at how did the entire team fared in the match.


Simon Mignolet(6)
Simon Mignolet had very little work to do in the match with Stoke City not creating much chances but a few times he had called upon he was up to the mark with assuredness at the back.


Nathaniel Clyne(6)
Playing his first match Clyne had impressed with his defensive work but he needs to improve his offensive work as well to be considered one of the best full backs in EPL.


Martin Skrtel(7)
Martin Skrtel looked assured in the back with his leadership qualities quite visible in the match. Had a great chance in the other end to score for Liverpool but his header was acrobatically saved by the Stoke Goalkeeper.


Dejan Lovren(7)
He had probably one of the best match for Liverpool since he came in to the side from Southampton. Looked comfortable in defense and formed a good partnership with Skrtel.


Mario Gomez(6)
This 18 year old lad have a great future ahead. Playing his first match in EPL after playing for Charlton in Championship he looked composed and looked quite matured than his age. Had little uncomfortable moments in the early part of the game but as the game progressed he became more and more self assured.


Jordan Henderson(7)
Had made more passes than any of Liverpool player and looked commanding in midfield. This Liverpool new skipper is a work machine.


James Millner(7)
Have covered more ground, made more tackles than any of the Liverpool players. James Millner formed an excellent partnership with Henderson in the heart of midfield for Liverpool. He is a tireless player who gives more than 100% in every game.


Jordan Ibe(8)
He gave Stoke City defense all kinds of problems with his speed and dribbles. This young lad is quickly gaining name for himself and the opposing players are getting a surprise by his skills.


Adam Lallana(5)
Probably not one of his best games Adam Lallana looked rusty and with his lack of space he was not able to create much for Liverpool. Was the first person to be substituted by Brendan Rodgers after over an hour.


Phillipe Coutinho(9)
He was the best player on the pitch for Liverpool not only because of his stunner to win the match but also his constant threatening runs and his skills were creating numerous problems for Stoke City. Had flashes of good link up play with Christian Benteke up front.


Christian Benteke(6)
Christian Benteke did not have a dream debut for Liverpool but looked dangerous with his physical strength. Sometime he looked quite isolated up front probably due to the lack of service by Liverpool's attacking players and had to sometime move way back from goal to get the ball.  

Brilliant Coutinho wins it for Liverpool at Stoke

A stunner of a goal from Phillippe Coutinho from 25 yards out wins the match for Liverpool.

Liverpool started the match a bit rusty and not much chances were created from in either of the teams in the first half. Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target in the first half. Liverpool started the match with record signing Christian Benteke but he failed to put any mark in the match with very little service from Liverpool midfielders.


In the second half Liverpool were much livelier than the first but with very few end products or clear cut chances. Phillippe Coutinho showed his class in flashes but Liverpool were not doing enough as a team to win the match.


On the other hand Stoke were also not that free flowing and they were creating odd chances but not serious to give problems to Simon Mignolet.


The match was going towards a goal less draw but with 3 minutes remaining Phillippe Coutinho hits an unstoppable shot from 25 yards out which the keeper could only manage to touch with finger but not enough to stop it from reaching the back of the net. Phillippe Coutinho received the ball around half line and he dodged one Stoke player and made space for himself to run towards the goal unchallenged. With 25 yards from goal he hit the ball sweetly with all he had and the ball raced towards the goal. Loud celebration followed by the travelling Liverpool fans. Liverpool held on to the advantage till the end of the match to win against Stoke City at Brittania Stadium where just 11 weeks back Liverpool were humiliated by the same team.

Half Time score: Stoke 0-0 Liverpool

It's been a pretty dull start from Liverpool and not the free flowing attacking football Liverpool is known for. Liverpool players look tired and there's a lack of pace in the overall team. Lets hope Liverpool come out with more creativity and imagination for the second half where as they have failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.

Liverpool starting lineup against Stoke City

Liverpool giving debuts to new boys Joe Gomez, Nathaniel Clyne and Christian Benteke. Lets see the full line up

Simon Mignolet

Nathaniel Clyne 

Skrtel

Dejan Lovren

Joe Gomez

Jordan Henderson

James Millner

Jordan Ibe

Phillips Coutinho

Adam Lallana

Christian Benteke    

Stoke City Vs Liverpool- Match Preview

Liverpool are going to start their season with a trip to the Britannia Stadium to play against Stoke City on Sunday Evening with the kick off from 8.30pm IST.




Liverpool will be looking to avenge their humiliating 6-1 defeat by Stoke in the last game of the 2014-15 season. Liverpool are expected to give debuts to new boys James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne, Christian Benteke, Roberto Fermino and Danny Ings. Joe Allen (halmstring) , Daniel Sturridge(hip) and Joe Flanaggan (knee) are out of the match with long term injuries. It will be interesting to see whether out bound forwards Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini will take part in this match.


Stoke city will be without their skipper Ryan Shawcross who required a surgery for a long time back problem but they are expected to give start to forward Bojan Krkic who is returning from injury after 7 months. Stoke are expected to field former Reds Charlie Adam, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson.


Manager Interview


Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "For me it was the perfect fixture for us first up. I was happy that came out.
"We will certainly be better than we were last season. We lacked in everything that day.
"It was a unique game. We all knew it was unacceptable and whatever stick we got for it was deserved.
"Our first objective is to arrive in the top four. We'll look to put up a greater fight than last season.
"I need to gain the supporters' trust again. It has been an absolute privilege to manage this club and have the supporters behind us.
"But of course, you have to do well to earn that, and I know I need to earn that again."

Excitement for the opening weekend of the EPL season

The English Premier League is going to kick off this weekend so take out your Liverpool jerseys and once again drown yourself in the magical journey of the English Season. Liverpool fans are the best in the world so we are always optimistic come the start of the season and back the team all the way through. We are Liverpudlians through and through and the exciting times are coming back again after the boring end of the season break.


We were not up to the mark the previous season as per our performance goes but this season we have strengthened our squad in virtually all the departments and with Jordan Henderson our new Captain leading the way a lot of expectations are there on the team to perform well and fight for all the trophy' we are into.


It's destiny for Liverpool to start the season against the same team who had humiliated us in the last game of the previous season. Stoke City had won that match 6-1 crushing Liverpool to bits and we lacked in everything in that match so its a God's given opportunity to make it right and kick start our season with new confidence and belief.


We are a lot better placed than what we were last season as the players which had been brought in last season have got one year experience under their belt to play for Liverpool and handle the expectation that comes with playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. And the new players which had been bought this year have come really early into the pre season to gel well with the entire squad. It's exciting times ahead for Liverpool and lets hope and be optimistic that come this MAY we will be fighting for all.

What are the expectations for the new EPL season

With the English Premier League season about to start from this weekend let us have a look at the realistical expectations from the Liverpool team.

Liverpool have invested heavily to build their squad for this season and the best part is that all the business has been done pretty early to give time to the new players to gel with the rest of the squad during pre season matches. Expectations of the fans are very high because of the quality of players that have been bought by Liverpool even after the high profile departures of club legend Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling.

As per Chelsea Manager Jose Morinho the competition this year is going to be very tough as there will be five teams competing for the title but at the end of the season only one team will win the EPL and one team will have to play the Europa League the following season.

I won't go so far as of now but realistically we need to compete for the top four spot and play Champions League next year which Liverpool F.C. deserves so much. Some of Liverpool's direct competitors have also invested heavily this season with the likes of Manchester United boosting their midfield with the acquisition of Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger and also buying the likes of Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven to strengthen their attack.

Arsenal have strengthened their goal keeping option with the acquisition of world class Goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea.

Manchester City have invested heavily to bring in Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph and they are still in the look out for more signings.

Chelsea have added to their firepower to their spread strong squad with the acquisition of Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco.

Liverpool on the other hand had struggled for goals in the previous season with long term injury to star striker Daniel Sturridge and with the likes of Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert misfiring so they have boosted their attack by acquiring Roberto Fermino, Daniel Ings, Christian Benteke and the return of Divock Origi from his loan spell with Lille. Liverpool fans are very excited with the thought of Roberto Fermino along with player of the year of last season Phillip Coutinho pairing to support Christian Benteke in attack. Liverpool have all the firepower and a big enough squad required to challenge for the top four spot but they need to make sure that Liverpool Manager Brendan makes his strategy and combinations right as this is a very critical season for him personally which can actually make or break his Liverpool journey.

Christian Benteke scores on Liverpool debut

Christian Benteke playing for the first time for Liverpool F.C. after his big money transfer from Aston Villa scores on his debut against Swindon Town in a pre season friendly match. Christian Benteke hit a sublime 20 yard shot from outside the box to put Liverpool ahead which they eventually won 2-1. Another new Joinee Roberto Fermino also made his debut in the match playing alongside Christian Benteke up front. The only bad news from the match is that Joe Allen got injured in the 13th minute and after scan we will come to know the extent of the injury.

Goals: Which is what we require

After Losing our talismanic goal scorer Luiz Suarez to Barcelona in 2014 we have failed to score enough goals in the last season. We had managed a total of 54 goals in the last season which is almost half of the 101 goals which we had scored in 2013-14 season.


Last season we had a lot of hopes on Daniel Sturridge to lead our line of attack and to fight for the top four spot. But due to his persistent injury problems in the whole of last season he could only play in 18 matches and our other two strikers, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli failed to make much of an impact.


This season to change that Brendan Rodgers have brought in forwards Danny Ings, Roberto Fermino and the loanee returned from Lille Divock Origi. But the main hope to lead the attack will be on Liverpool's latest signing Christian Benteke. With an eyebrow raising price tag of £32.5m Christian Benteke is expected to fill the void created by the departure of Luiz Suarez. One thing is for sure that Christian Benteke has scored goals wherever he has played. He has scored 42 goals in the past three season in EPL after joining Aston Villa from Genk. Not only his goals but he had created 33 goal scoring chances for his team mates which is one of the best among all strikers in EPL. His strong build bullies the defenders and he has the ability to score all types of goals. He is considered as a perfect modern day striker and once he starts blazing all cylinders then Liverpool have a good chance of being in the top four and qualify for the next year's Champions League where we truly belong.


 

New Liverpool kit launched for 2015/16 season

Liverpool F.C. had a record breaking deal with the American based sports wear company New Balance to manufacture the Liverpool kit starting from season 2015/16.


Check out the newly launched Liverpool kit for the coming season.

Newly launched Liverpool home kit

Newly launched Liverpool Away kit

Martin Skrtel, Simon Mignolet, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge posing for camera at the kit launch ceremony.

ONE Night in Istanbul



25-May-2005


Build Up

It was the night I can't forget in my entire life. The night of the UEFA Champions League Final in the Attaturk Stadium in Istanbul (Turkey) between the underdogs Liverpool F.C. against the mighty AC Milan.

30,000 Die Hard Liverpool fans flown into the city of Istanbul to enjoy the match. Liverpool had an extraordinary Champions League campaign that season beating the likes of Bayern Leverkusen, Juventus and Chelsea en route to reaching their first European Cup final in two decades. But they were up against the mighty AC Milan who had a team packed with superstars with the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Shevchenko, Kaka, Hernan Crespo, Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini and Cafu.

On the other hand Liverpool had a comparatively young and inexperience squad leading by their inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard. Harry Kewell was supporting Milan Baros in attack and Jamie Carragher was manning at the heart of defense along with Dami Hyypia. Lets have a look at the starting lineup of both the teams for the night.

The Match

Liverpool had a disastrous start to the match by conceding a goal in the 1st minute itself after captain Paolo Maldini scored a volley from a free kick by Andrea Pirlo. Liverpool tried to retaliate but all their efforts were being nullified by the best defence in whole of Europe. Milan scored twice again just before Half Time thanks to the loanee from Chelsea Henan Crespo and both the goals were assisted by Brazilian great Kaka. At the Half Time the score line read as AC Milan 3-0 Liverpool. Liverpool were completely dominated by AC Milan and it looked like it was all over for Liverpool at Half Time. With their heads down and embarassed by the score line the Liverpool team proceeded towards the dressing room. The Milan Team was Euphoric and they had already started to celebrate their victory in their dressing room.

The Second Half

The Liverpool supporters inside the stadium had not yet lost all hope and they started cheering the team at Half Time. With their support the Liverpool Team came out again with a new strength. Within 10 minutes into the second half Liverpool scored their first Goal thanks to an unstoppable header by skipper Steven Gerrard. John Arne Riise dodged his marker in the left wing and provided a perfect cross which Steven Gerrard headed past the Milan Goalkeeper Dida. Soon after that Dida failed to check a Vladimir Smicer shot and it went straight into the back of the net. Now Liverpool were only one goal down. 3 minutes after the Smicer goal Liverpool was awarded a penalty when Steven Gerrard was pushed by Gattuso inside the penalty box. Xabi Alonso scored the rebound to equalize after his initial penalty shot was saved by Dida. Now the Score Line read AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool. It was a 5 minutes of madness described by the Milan Manager after the match which led Liverpool to equalise after being crushed in the first half. After that both Liverpool and AC Milan got chances to score but none could win it for their team in regular 90 minutes. After that the Game went into extra time but as both the team failed to score the game dragged towards penalty shoot out to decide this thrilling contest.

The Penalty Shootout

Liverpool and Milan had each won their last European Cups after winning penalty shoot-outs, and it was also the second time in three years that the final would be decided this way.Milan were first to take a penalty, but Serginho shot over the crossbar after attempts from Jerzy Dudek to distract him, which mimicked Bruce Grobbelaar's "spaghetti legs" antics during the shootout in the 1984 final. Dietmar Hamann took Liverpool's first penalty and, despite having a broken toe,he scored to put Liverpool 1–0 up. Andrea Pirlo was next for Milan, and his penalty was saved by Dudek who dived to his right. Cisse then scored his penalty to put Liverpool 2–0 up. Tomasson scored Milan's next penalty to make the score 2–1 in Liverpool's favour. Riise was next for Liverpool, but his penalty was saved by Dida. Kaka then scored the subsequent penalty to level the scores at 2–2. Vladimír Šmicer took the next Liverpool penalty, and he scored to give them a one-goal advantage. Shevchenko, who had scored the winning penalty in the 2003 final against Inter Milan, then had to score or Liverpool would win. He hit his penalty straight down the middle of the goal. Dudek went down to his right, but blocked the shot with his left hand. Liverpool thus won the penalty shootout by a score of 3–2.

It was a dream come true for all Liverpool fans seeing the Liverpool team lifting the 'Big Ears' as the Trophy is fondly called by the fans around the globe. The party continued till the night. It was one of the Greatest Champions League Final in the history and truly so as the Gods were watching.

Best Liverpool XI for season 2015-16

Liverpool have again invested heavily to bolster their squad for the coming season starting from 9th August-15. With Liverpool being involved in Europa League and also the domestic cup competitions so having a big squad is very much essential.
This season is going to be very decisive for Liverpool as well as manager Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool have not won any silverware in the past 3 years under Brendan Rodgers.
Below is the Best Liverpool XI for the coming season to fight for silverware.


(Goal Keeper)
Simon Mignolet
He has been Liverpool's number one Goal keeper from past 3 years.


(Right Back)
Nathaniel Clyne
New Liverpool right back Nathaniel Clyne had an excellent last season with Southampton and is considered as one of the best in the league.


(Right Centre Back)
Martin Skrtel
Martin Skrtel has been the best Liverpool defender from last couple of years and is considered good in the air and tough tackler.


(Left centre back)
Mamadou Sakho
There are still doubts on Sakho's defensive prowess but he has formed a formidable partnership with Skrtel in the heart of defence.


(Left Back)
Alberto Moreno
Alberto Moreno had a very bright start for his Liverpool career but got lost somewhere in the middle of the season which is understandable being his first season in a new country. Hoping for a better performance from him in the coming season.


(Central defensive midfielder)
Emre Can
Emre Can was one of the best performers of last season among the new players. Although he had played mostly out of position but huge expectations are on him for this season playing in a more central role.


(Central Midfielder)
Jordan Henderson
The newly selected Liverpool captain has really blossomed in the last couple of season and now he is being considered as one of the best midfielders in the league.


(Central Midfielder)
James Milner
James Milner is known for his dynamism and work ethics. Playing in a more central role it will be interesting to see his contributions.


(Attacking Midfielder)
Phillipe Coutinho
He was the Liverpool player of the season for 2014-15 and is seen as one of the best attacking player in the league. His creativity and assists are one of the best in the league.


(Backup Forward)
Roberto Fermino
Newly joined Roberto Fermino is an excellent talent and an exciting player. Huge price tag means lot is expected of him for this season.


(Centre Forward)
Christian Benteke
Liverpool's second costliest player of all time, Christian Benteke is a modern day striker with good in the air as well as with his feet. He needs to get the goals which Liverpool desperately missed last season.


Subs:-Daniel Sturridge, Adam Bogdan, Adam Lallana, Jordan Ibe, Divock Origi, Danny Inngs, Lazar Markovic, Lucas Leiva, Dejan Lovren, Joe Allan.

Liverpool News Updates-22-07-2015

1. Liverpool Team is currently having their pre-season training at Malaysia and have their final game of the tour on Friday against Malaysia XI.




2. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says that the future of Mario Balotelli at Liverpool is in his own hand.




3. Liverpool all time costliest defender Dejan Lovren admits that he did not have a good first season at Liverpool but says that he should not be made the scape goat for the not so good season of Liverpool F.C.




4. The signing of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa has been delayed due to minor administrative issues and is expected to sign for Liverpool by Thursday. The medical of Christian Benteke is already done on Tuesday.




5. James Milner says that he is a different type of player to club legend and icon Steven Gerrard who has recently moved to MLS side LA Galaxy. James Milner adds that even Lionel Messi cannot replace Steven Gerrard at Liverpool for what he has done for the past 17 years.




6. New Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson says that he is relishing the prospect of being the captain of such a big club and aims in helping the new players feel at home.


7. Rumours say that Liverpool are interested in 22 year old PSG centre back Lucas Dinge to bolster their defense. Another story at metro says that Liverpool are interested in bringing back their old star Xabi Alonso back to Liverpool from Bayern Munich.

Why do i owe Michael owen a lot

It was year 2001 and I was making my bed for a good night sleep. I was lying on my bed but sleep was something I was not destined to receive that night. I could hear a faint sound of TV from the other room. Curiosity took me to that room and I noticed my elder brother watching a football match on TV. Let me admit to you my friends that I had no knowledge or interest in football back then. Still curiously I asked my brother which are the teams playing. Manchester United and Liverpool came the curt reply.That's the first time I had heard the either of the names. Seing my obvious confused look my brother explained to me that these teams are two club teams from England playing in English Premiere League. He told me that Manchester United was the best team of the league and that he is a supporter of Man U. Being always competitive to him I decided to watch the match and secretly wanting Liverpool to win. As the game went on my interest level started increasing. I was amazed to see such huge number of supporters sitting and enjoying the match inside the ground. Then came the moment which entirely changed my life. I saw a looping cross coming from the left wing towards Manchester United penalty area and to my surprise a short man jumping way above his opponent to head the ball. There was a superb connection of the head with ball and the ball went straight towards the goal with no chance from the keeper to stop it. WOW! is the word that came out of my mouth n that followed the wild celebration of the players along with supporters. Liverpool went on to win the match 2-0 with the second goal coming from John Arne Riise. That short player was none other than Michael Owen n ever since I have been a die hard fan of Liverpool. I owe Michael Owen a lot to make me a die hard Liverpool fan and bring me near to this amazing club and to the beautiful game.

What Liverpool need this season

Liverpool have already acquired 6 players in this transfer window with the likes of Danny Ings, Roberto Fermino, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez, James Milner and Nathaniel Clyne and also with the impending arrival of Christian Benteke, so what else does Liverpool need this season to complete the squad and compete for silverwares??
1. Liverpool need a new quality Centre Back as last season high profile signing Dejan Lovren failed to live up to the expectations and there is no guarantee that this year will be any better than the last. There is still questions regarding the partnership of Skrtel and Sakho so Liverpool still need a quality CB to partner Skrtel at the heart of Liverpool defense and bring some leadership there which we desperately need after the retirement of Jamie Carragher.
2.Liverpool need a solid defensive midfielder after the huge hole left in the middle of the park with the transfer of Stevie G. Liverpoolhave players such as Lucas Leiva, Joe Allan and Emre Can to cover the area but I really doubt the quality of Lucas and Allen and I still think that Can is one for the future. Maybe in a couple of season he can be the box to box central midfielder but for now we really need to bring someone in who can take controll of the game and start the attacks from the middle. 

Raheem Sterling regrets the manner of his exit from Liverpool F.C.

Raheem sterling told in an interview with Fox news that he regrets the manner of his exit from Liverpool in which he was branded in many media section as being a money grabber or disloyal. But really someone has to tell the kid that Liverpool has done way more for him than anyone else that includes his agent who had made a mockery of the contract with Liverpool and the way it was handled by the player n his agent is a shame and insulting for Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool has done so much for the kid in his development process from being a rookie to being a full fledged professional for club and the country. Player coming and going is a normal business for any club but the least he could have done was privately telling the club and management of his desire to leave rather than going public with it n refusing to train for pre season. This all have created a sour grape and a hatred among the fans for the player which is not going to go anywhere soon.

Christian Benteke: Hit or Miss for Liverpool F.C.

Christian Benteke had a superb end of season with his goal form but can it justify the price tag of £32.5m??
Can he play his game in the free flowing football Liverpool have been famous for under Bendan Rodgers??
Can he score the goals which Liverpool desperately needs to reach top four after the high profile dipartures of Luiz Suarez and Raheem Sterling and also the recurring injuries to Liverpool star striker Daniel Sturridge??
There are a lot of questions regarding the new Liverpool Striker and the future of Brendan Rodgers depends on the success of Christian Benteke. One thing is there that Christian Benteke has all the pedigrees to be a success at Liverpool. He is strong and bullies most of the EPL defenders. He is quick, excellent in air and have a good shot. Now with all his skills he has to prove himself that he belongs to a bigger club and has the capabilities to be the "Unplayable" player that he has been described many times at his time at Aston Villa.