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.