Liverpool kicked off their pre-season friendlies in still last weekend with a classy 4-0 win over Preston North End.
There is still a lot of work to do before the Reds are ready for the new league campaign but if the display in this game is anything to go by then it will be a great season because all of the players seem like they are up for the challenge.
The heat was a big factor in this game with the referee letting the players stop for regular fluid intake - which was definitely needed since inside the stadium the temperatures reportedly soared to close to 40 degrees.
Initially the game was pretty timid but after about 10 minutes the players were getting into it and really starting to put pressure on Preston.
The breakthrough came around 13 minutes when Coutinho coolly slotted in a penalty whilst looking like he takes them all the time. That wasn't the young Brazilian's only contribution to the game as his magic feet constantly caused the Preston defenders and keeper trouble.
It took a little while for Liverpool to come up with the second goal but when it came, it was a good one with 17-year-old Jordan Ibe slotting in his first senior goal for the club and his reaction just showed he was happy to break his duck so soon in his first team career.
Notable mentions during the first half going to Kolo Toure, who on his début made a good first impression even though he had little to do and Joe Allen who surprisingly controlled the midfield extremely well, could this be his season?
The second half brought about quite a few changes plus the inclusion of new boys Aspas and Luis Alberto.
This half was a good half for Liverpool as the football seemed to flow and have real purpose plus the boys weren't afraid to have a go at goal or get stuck in. That paid off for Aspas who coolly slotted home Liverpool's third and looked pretty pleased with himself for getting off the mark so quickly.
Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing looked good in the second half also, both obviously looking to carry on where they finished off last season - both still need a little bit of work (and maybe in Stewart's case a little kick up the behind at times!!), but they did look good.
Liverpool's fourth came in the form of a good goal from Sterling. In all honestly the youngster had looked extremely lively since he had come on and that was his reward.
Special mention has to go to Martin Kelly who came back from 10 months out for the last 10 minutes of this game and even though he didn't have a lot to do, he looked good and like all his hard work may be starting to pay off - moment of the match for me was seeing the official put up a board with his number on it! So glad he's back.
All in all a good first game for Liverpool, here's to more good things to come.
Saturday 20 July 2013
Welcome, Liverpool's new boys!
During June and early July Liverpool made the most of the time without games and signed up four new and exciting players.
This swift and brilliant business by the club has left fans happy and intrigued to see if any more new players will arrive by the end of August - because lets face it, to get four new players signed up and playing by the start of the pre-season tour was genius from Brendan and co.
So who are our new boys?
Kolo Toure - Number 4
Kolo Toure is a non-nonsense centre-back from the Ivory Coast with bags of Premier League experience and the physicality we need to keep our defence tight.
With Jamie Carragher's departure due to retirement at the end of last season, Liverpool needed to add another centre-back who was able to partly fill Carra's shoes - because as we all know, nobody could replace him completely! I never thought we would be able to get anyone anywhere near to Carra's calibre if I'm completely honest but I have to hand it to Brendan Rodgers, he has found a good, strong character and player in Toure and I believe he will be great for us in this upcoming season.
He may be 32 but he is still physically strong and has enough character to organise a defence and make sure the goal-keeper is well protected. Toure has a wealth of Premier League experience having played for Arsenal and Manchester City, he still has the pace to match his opponents and best of all he is a winner - winning trophies at both his previous Premier League clubs.
Singing rating : 9/10
Iago Aspas - Number 9
Iago Aspas is a promising young Spanish forward who, even though he has no Premier League experience, will offer Liverpool that something extra going forward and will no doubt exciting fans in the up-coming season.
The 25-year-old former Celta De Vigo player has big shoes to fill after taking the number 9 shirt following in the footsteps of Fernando Torres, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Dijibril Cisse.
Non of that however, will faze this classy little player whose quick feet will give Premier League defenders a headache next season hopefully scoring many goals in the process. Liverpool fans need not worry about his work rate either as this man helped his former club battle for promotion and battle against relegation - he will definitely have the fight us Kopites want to see.
Luis Alberto - Number 6
Luis Alberto is a technically gifted 20-year-old Spanish starlet who plays as a forward but can be flexible and play in a fluid attacking formation. In one of his first interviews, the youngster stated that he would like to be like Xabi Alonso was for Liverpool FC - so he has big boots to fill with that one!
Signed from Sevilla, this young man will almost certainly be an instant hit with the Anfield faithful. His ability and skill along with his tricky feet and willingness to play in several positions make him a sure fire success in the Premier League. If played alongside certain other Liverpool players then the other teams defences will not get a moment to themselves when playing the Reds in the 2013/14 campaign that's for sure.
Rodgers has signed very wisely here because not only has he signed an extremely talented youngster that can play for Liverpool for many years to come but he has taken him from right underneath Barcelona's nose - where Alberto was on loan last season and it was presumed they would buy him at the end of it.
Simon Mignolet - Number 22
Admittedly, at first I wasn't 100% sure why we bought Mignolet - especially when we have a world class keeper in Reina and a good backup in Jones. But as I see our new number 22, I am liking him more and more and I can actually see why Brendan brought him in.
The 25-year-old stopper was a stand-out performer in what was a poor Sunderland team last season and even when battling relegation the Belgian managed to put in some fantastic performances to get his then-team out of trouble.
I love Pepe Reina, don't get me wrong, but he hasn't been at his best for a little while anybody could see that so I fully understand Rodgers' plan to bring in new, young blood to give Reina a boot up the backside - or as it seems replace him fully.
Simon Mignolet was one of the top keepers in the Premier League last season which is a credit to him considering he is so young. By bringing him in at the age he is now, Brendan and Liverpool have time to let him grow and become the world class keeper he can be whilst still knowing he can do his job to the fullest and best of his ability - which isn't shabby ability by any means - and knowing that if they throw him in from the start of the season...they can rely on him.
These four are Liverpool's new boys up to now - and in my opinion they are pretty good, solid buys by our manager who clearly has a picture in his mind of how he wants his new-look Liverpool to be. Whether anybody else gets brought in remains to be seen, but if Rodgers' comments are anything to go by.....we may be excited by more signings in the next few weeks!
This swift and brilliant business by the club has left fans happy and intrigued to see if any more new players will arrive by the end of August - because lets face it, to get four new players signed up and playing by the start of the pre-season tour was genius from Brendan and co.
So who are our new boys?
Kolo Toure - Number 4
Kolo Toure is a non-nonsense centre-back from the Ivory Coast with bags of Premier League experience and the physicality we need to keep our defence tight.
With Jamie Carragher's departure due to retirement at the end of last season, Liverpool needed to add another centre-back who was able to partly fill Carra's shoes - because as we all know, nobody could replace him completely! I never thought we would be able to get anyone anywhere near to Carra's calibre if I'm completely honest but I have to hand it to Brendan Rodgers, he has found a good, strong character and player in Toure and I believe he will be great for us in this upcoming season.
He may be 32 but he is still physically strong and has enough character to organise a defence and make sure the goal-keeper is well protected. Toure has a wealth of Premier League experience having played for Arsenal and Manchester City, he still has the pace to match his opponents and best of all he is a winner - winning trophies at both his previous Premier League clubs.
Singing rating : 9/10
Iago Aspas - Number 9
Iago Aspas is a promising young Spanish forward who, even though he has no Premier League experience, will offer Liverpool that something extra going forward and will no doubt exciting fans in the up-coming season.
The 25-year-old former Celta De Vigo player has big shoes to fill after taking the number 9 shirt following in the footsteps of Fernando Torres, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Dijibril Cisse.
Non of that however, will faze this classy little player whose quick feet will give Premier League defenders a headache next season hopefully scoring many goals in the process. Liverpool fans need not worry about his work rate either as this man helped his former club battle for promotion and battle against relegation - he will definitely have the fight us Kopites want to see.
Luis Alberto - Number 6
Luis Alberto is a technically gifted 20-year-old Spanish starlet who plays as a forward but can be flexible and play in a fluid attacking formation. In one of his first interviews, the youngster stated that he would like to be like Xabi Alonso was for Liverpool FC - so he has big boots to fill with that one!
Signed from Sevilla, this young man will almost certainly be an instant hit with the Anfield faithful. His ability and skill along with his tricky feet and willingness to play in several positions make him a sure fire success in the Premier League. If played alongside certain other Liverpool players then the other teams defences will not get a moment to themselves when playing the Reds in the 2013/14 campaign that's for sure.
Rodgers has signed very wisely here because not only has he signed an extremely talented youngster that can play for Liverpool for many years to come but he has taken him from right underneath Barcelona's nose - where Alberto was on loan last season and it was presumed they would buy him at the end of it.
Simon Mignolet - Number 22
Admittedly, at first I wasn't 100% sure why we bought Mignolet - especially when we have a world class keeper in Reina and a good backup in Jones. But as I see our new number 22, I am liking him more and more and I can actually see why Brendan brought him in.
The 25-year-old stopper was a stand-out performer in what was a poor Sunderland team last season and even when battling relegation the Belgian managed to put in some fantastic performances to get his then-team out of trouble.
I love Pepe Reina, don't get me wrong, but he hasn't been at his best for a little while anybody could see that so I fully understand Rodgers' plan to bring in new, young blood to give Reina a boot up the backside - or as it seems replace him fully.
Simon Mignolet was one of the top keepers in the Premier League last season which is a credit to him considering he is so young. By bringing him in at the age he is now, Brendan and Liverpool have time to let him grow and become the world class keeper he can be whilst still knowing he can do his job to the fullest and best of his ability - which isn't shabby ability by any means - and knowing that if they throw him in from the start of the season...they can rely on him.
These four are Liverpool's new boys up to now - and in my opinion they are pretty good, solid buys by our manager who clearly has a picture in his mind of how he wants his new-look Liverpool to be. Whether anybody else gets brought in remains to be seen, but if Rodgers' comments are anything to go by.....we may be excited by more signings in the next few weeks!
Wednesday 3 July 2013
Liverpool FC's Premier League fixtures 2013/14
The new Premier League season is upon us and everyone is excited to see what Liverpool can do this season...
Can they finish in the top 4, will they improve much on last season, will they win anything? The questions go on forever.
Here is the fixture list for LFC - which team are you most looking forward to playing?
(KO can change depending on TV scheduling and cup competitions.)
Aug 17th - Stoke - Home KO 3PM
Aug 24th - Aston Villa - Away KO 3PM
Aug 31st - Manchester United - Home KO 3PM
Sept 14th - Swansea - Away KO 3PM
Sept 21st - Southampton - Home KO 3PM
Sept 28th - Sunderland - Away KO 3PM
Oct 5th - Crystal Palace - Home KO 3PM
Oct 19th - Newcastle United - Away KO 3PM
Oct 26th - West Brom - Home KO 3PM
Nov 2nd - Arsenal - Away KO 3PM
Nov 9th - Fulham - Home KO 3PM
Nov 23rd - Everton - Away KO 3PM
Nov 30th - Hull - Away KO 3PM
Dec 3rd - Norwich - Home KO 3PM
Dec 7th - West Ham - Home KO 3PM
Dec 14th - Tottenham Hotspur - Away KO 3PM
Dec 21st - Cardiff City - Home KO 3PM
Dec 26th - Manchester City - Away KO 3PM
Dec 28th - Chelsea - Away KO 3PM
Jan 1st - Hull - Home KO 3PM
Jan 11th - Stoke - Away KO 3PM
Jan 18th - Aston Villa - Home KO 3PM
Jan 28th - Everton - Home KO 3PM
Feb 1st - West Brom - Away KO 3PM
Feb 8th - Arsenal - Home KO 3PM
Feb 12th - Fulham - Away KO 3PM
Feb 22nd - Swansea - Home KO 3PM
Mar 1st - Southampton - Away KO 3PM
Mar 8th - Sunderland - Home KO 3PM
Mar 15th - Manchester United - Away KO 3PM
Mar 22nd - Cardiff City - Away KO 3PM
Mar 29th - Tottenham Hotspur - Home KO 3PM
Apr 5th - West Ham - Away KO 3PM
Apr 12th - Manchester City - Home KO 3PM
Apr 19th - Norwich - Away KO 3PM
Apr 26th - Chelsea - Home KO 3PM
May 3rd - Crystal Palace - Away KO 3PM
May 11th - Newcastle United - Home KO 3PM
Cup games
Aug 28th - Capital One Cup 2nd round
Sept 25th - Capital One Cup 3rd round
Jan 4th - FA Cup 3rd round
May 17th - FA Cup Final
Can they finish in the top 4, will they improve much on last season, will they win anything? The questions go on forever.
Here is the fixture list for LFC - which team are you most looking forward to playing?
(KO can change depending on TV scheduling and cup competitions.)
Aug 17th - Stoke - Home KO 3PM
Aug 24th - Aston Villa - Away KO 3PM
Aug 31st - Manchester United - Home KO 3PM
Sept 14th - Swansea - Away KO 3PM
Sept 21st - Southampton - Home KO 3PM
Sept 28th - Sunderland - Away KO 3PM
Oct 5th - Crystal Palace - Home KO 3PM
Oct 19th - Newcastle United - Away KO 3PM
Oct 26th - West Brom - Home KO 3PM
Nov 2nd - Arsenal - Away KO 3PM
Nov 9th - Fulham - Home KO 3PM
Nov 23rd - Everton - Away KO 3PM
Nov 30th - Hull - Away KO 3PM
Dec 3rd - Norwich - Home KO 3PM
Dec 7th - West Ham - Home KO 3PM
Dec 14th - Tottenham Hotspur - Away KO 3PM
Dec 21st - Cardiff City - Home KO 3PM
Dec 26th - Manchester City - Away KO 3PM
Dec 28th - Chelsea - Away KO 3PM
Jan 1st - Hull - Home KO 3PM
Jan 11th - Stoke - Away KO 3PM
Jan 18th - Aston Villa - Home KO 3PM
Jan 28th - Everton - Home KO 3PM
Feb 1st - West Brom - Away KO 3PM
Feb 8th - Arsenal - Home KO 3PM
Feb 12th - Fulham - Away KO 3PM
Feb 22nd - Swansea - Home KO 3PM
Mar 1st - Southampton - Away KO 3PM
Mar 8th - Sunderland - Home KO 3PM
Mar 15th - Manchester United - Away KO 3PM
Mar 22nd - Cardiff City - Away KO 3PM
Mar 29th - Tottenham Hotspur - Home KO 3PM
Apr 5th - West Ham - Away KO 3PM
Apr 12th - Manchester City - Home KO 3PM
Apr 19th - Norwich - Away KO 3PM
Apr 26th - Chelsea - Home KO 3PM
May 3rd - Crystal Palace - Away KO 3PM
May 11th - Newcastle United - Home KO 3PM
Cup games
Aug 28th - Capital One Cup 2nd round
Sept 25th - Capital One Cup 3rd round
Jan 4th - FA Cup 3rd round
May 17th - FA Cup Final
Tuesday 2 July 2013
Liverpool FC's pre-season fixture list
Liverpool FC have a fully packed schedule for pre-season with various games all over the world.
Here's the run down of the ones announced so far...
13th July - Preston North End v Liverpool FC - KO 3PM
20th July - Indonesia XI v Liverpool FC - KO 2.30PM
24th July - Melbourne Victory v Liverpool FC - KO 11AM
28th July - Thailand V Liverpool FC - KO 11.45AM
Steven Gerrard's Testimonial - Liverpool v Olympiakos 12.45 KO 3rd August
7th August - Valarenga v Liverpool FC - KO 6PM
10th August - Celtic v Liverpool FC (in Dublin) - KO 5PM
Then it will be nearly time for the new season.....
Here's the run down of the ones announced so far...
13th July - Preston North End v Liverpool FC - KO 3PM
20th July - Indonesia XI v Liverpool FC - KO 2.30PM
24th July - Melbourne Victory v Liverpool FC - KO 11AM
28th July - Thailand V Liverpool FC - KO 11.45AM
Steven Gerrard's Testimonial - Liverpool v Olympiakos 12.45 KO 3rd August
7th August - Valarenga v Liverpool FC - KO 6PM
10th August - Celtic v Liverpool FC (in Dublin) - KO 5PM
Then it will be nearly time for the new season.....
Liverpool players and staff back from summer break
Today, the Liverpool players and staff all returned to Melwood ahead of the pre-season training and games that would lead Liverpool FC up to the new 2013/14 Premier League season.
Brendan Rodgers and his players all looked happy and refreshed as they came back from their summer break.
Captain Steven Gerrard was look particularly good, as he took part in training and fitness exercises for the first time since having surgery for an injured shoulder back in May, which ultimately forced him to miss the last few games of the previous season. The skipper was laughing and joking with the boss along with looking focused and ready for the huge task ahead of the whole squad this season. His manager also highlighted that he believed the 33-year-old was still more than capable of leading the team where they need to go when the new season kicks off in August.
Brendan Rodgers also highlighted what a major coup it was getting Kolo Toure on a free, saying City's loss was Liverpool's gain - lets hope the fans get to see evidence of this when the veteran defender plays for the reds.
In other news, our new boys all turned up looking happy to be at Liverpool and ready to get to work, fighting for a prestigious place in Liverpool's starting XI.
Other noticeable inclusions in the group today were Martin Kelly and Joe Allen who were both injured for most and some of the last season respectively. It seems that both joined in with the training and fitness exercises and will be raring to go and get a place in Brendan Rodgers' plans for the 2013/14 campaign.
Roll on the pre-season games I say!
Brendan Rodgers and his players all looked happy and refreshed as they came back from their summer break.
Captain Steven Gerrard was look particularly good, as he took part in training and fitness exercises for the first time since having surgery for an injured shoulder back in May, which ultimately forced him to miss the last few games of the previous season. The skipper was laughing and joking with the boss along with looking focused and ready for the huge task ahead of the whole squad this season. His manager also highlighted that he believed the 33-year-old was still more than capable of leading the team where they need to go when the new season kicks off in August.
Brendan Rodgers also highlighted what a major coup it was getting Kolo Toure on a free, saying City's loss was Liverpool's gain - lets hope the fans get to see evidence of this when the veteran defender plays for the reds.
In other news, our new boys all turned up looking happy to be at Liverpool and ready to get to work, fighting for a prestigious place in Liverpool's starting XI.
Other noticeable inclusions in the group today were Martin Kelly and Joe Allen who were both injured for most and some of the last season respectively. It seems that both joined in with the training and fitness exercises and will be raring to go and get a place in Brendan Rodgers' plans for the 2013/14 campaign.
Roll on the pre-season games I say!
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