Richard Williams talking up Michael Laudrup

Swansea may put Michael Laudrup in frame for Sir Alex Ferguson's job | Football | The Guardian
Why, didn't you have anything else to write about?

Liverpool 4-0 Fulham | Premier League match report | Football | The Observer

Liverpool 4-0 Fulham | Premier League match report | Football | The Observer
A good performance overall with some brilliant individual performances. Not least for Stewart Downing who finally scored in the Premier League for Liverpool after something like 50 games. More than that, his game was much improved and he narrowly missed scoring a second which could have been the goal of the game. Steven Gerrard showed his old self spraying passes all over with good positional sense and ball-keeping, something he has not been doing lately. This performance has been rewarded with suggestions of a new contract soon. Raheem Sterling was rested, his reward for a new and improved contract, but provided the Reds with an added attacking advantage the moment he replaced Suso. Lets hope Liverpool do as well against Stoke this Thursday and lay the ghost of mid table to rest, along with all others. This would be an apt Christmas present for their long-suffering fans.

Liverpool 4	Skrtel 8,  Gerrard 36,  Downing 51,  Suárez 90+2
Fulham 0

Barely through

Udinese 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian
In a stultifying and generally boring match, Liverpool confirmed their advance to the next round of the Europa Cup competition. Although displaying good possession and play, the Reds' malaise in front of goal continued, being unable to convert numerous chances mainly through a poor final pass or ball. An audible sigh of relief permeated the support when di Natale's end of the game miss nearly consigned Liverpool to the heap rather than top the table. This just goes to affirm the need for more forward support come January. Meantime, winter hibernation and further concentration on moving up the Premiership, starting with a Carroll-less West Ham this Sunday, thankfully sparing us the usual cliches.

I think Brendan Rodgers is confused

Liverpool 2-2 Young Boys | Europa League Group A match report | Football | The Guardian

Liverpool 2  

Shelvey 33, 

Cole 72

Young Boys 2  

Bobadilla 52, 

Zverotic 88

Brendan Rodgers again fooled around with his "European" Liverpool team with what was basically a second team. Afterwards, he complained of the players inability to manage the game properly. This increasingly irritating tendency to use made-up football jargon is beginning to sound a bit disturbing.

The purpose of putting out second stringers is presumably to give the hard working first team a rest. But he has to decide what he wants; qualification to the next stage at all costs or keeping the Premiership as priority. In the all-too-familiar scenario, critical personnel (read Gerard and Suarez) were brought in later in the game, although Gerard's presence was hastened due to an Andre Wisdom injury. This in an attempt to gain victory without taxing the first 11.

The question is, if The Europa League is no big deal for you, just play the second string throughout and be done with it. If on the the other hand, advancement is your main aim, then start the game with established regulars, ensure qualification and rest them all for the next game.

As it is, only a victory against Udinese away will ensure qualification to the next round. What price that Brendan Rodgers fields a strong side for this game. A great opportunity let slip away.

Liverpool break Anfield bogey

Liverpool 3-0 Wigan Athletic | Premier League match report | Football | The Observer
Too many times this season Liverpool have been found wanting at home, especially against "lesser" opposition. It looked as if this trend was set to continue early on in the game, especially during a spell when Wigan took charge. Not to worry though, as Brendan Rodgers soon Sussex out the opposition game plan as reflected by the first half tactical replacement of Suso with Henderson. One thing that is increasingly becoming apparent is the ability of Brodgers to motivate his charges as seen by the changed outlook and increased urge after a dull first half. The Red men attacked the opposition with gusto resulting in total domination, with the game being over long before the whistle. What needs to be improved is the finishing ability as too many clear chances were wasted. Say what you may about Suarez, he is only human, and the visible tiredness was apparent later in the game. His substitution was no reflection on his ability, rather on the fact that he is not a machine. Nevertheless, a great second half left a dilemma as to who was the man of the match. Cue, Jose Enrique, who has revelled in the attacking midfield role with another successive superlative performance. Good on yer Red!

Suarez is brilliant

Liverpool 1 Suarez 67

Newcastle United 1 Cabaye 43

Anfield 4th November 2012

Liverpool remain 12th after 10 games, having won only 2 games in the League this season. There is no cause for complaint on the performance, which at times is scintillating, only on the end product. After something like 25 attempts at the newcastle goal, there was only 1 goal to show, and that too from a brilliant individual act by Luis. One of the goals of the season. Suarez was so predominant, "mesmerizing individual display", that he ran Colocchini ragged, ultimately leading to the defender to vent his frustration studs-up. The words on the linesman's lips were quite clear, a straight red, though it was towards the end and did not have much effect on the game. This prompted Alan Pardew to march up to the ref at the end but as the Newcastle manager said it himself later, there was not much to argue about the intention.

Steven Gerrard's 600th senior Liverpool game did not provide much cheer for him and it was littered with mistakes and a generally indifferent performance overall. It was as if he was distracted from the task and occasion. Never mind, just being 600 is a reason to celebrate.

"Steven Gerrard was presented with an ornamental Liver bird in recognition of his 600th appearance for Liverpool before kick off, the captain becoming only the 10th player in the club's history to reach that impressive milestone.On hand for the presentation was Gerrard's former mentor in Liverpool's central midfield, Gary McAllister, and how Rodgers could do with the vision, command and experience the Scot brought to Gérard Houllier's team."

Read the full report by Andy Hunter at http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/nov/04/liverpool-newcastle-premier-league-report

Liverpool	Bradley Jones,  Daniel Agger,  Andre Wisdom,  Martin Skrtel,  José Enrique,  Nuri Sahin (Stewart Downing, 74),  Joe Allen,  Steven Gerrard,  Raheem Sterling,  Suso (Jonjo Shelvey, 66),  Luis Suárez
Newcastle United	Tim Krul,  Davide Santon,  James Perch (Danny Simpson, 27), Fabricio Coloccini,  Steven Taylor,  Vurnon Anita,  Jonás Gutiérrez,  Hatem Ben Arfa,  Yohan Cabaye (Shane Ferguson, 68),  Demba Ba (Sammy Ameobi, 50),  Papiss Demba Cissé

Referee	Anthony Taylor
Venue	Anfield
Attendance	44,803

The Best Dive Yet

Everton 2

Liverpool 2 

Goodison Park, Sunday Oct 28 2012

On a weekend which started with debate about diving and foreign players, it seemed that professional footballers chose to close ranks and indicate that the problem is not limited to foreign players. Phil Neville should be applauded for taking the lead, though we do sympathise with the yellow card he garnered. 

Luiz Suarez was in the news of course. His dive was more theatrical in nature and aimed at David Moyes in particular, for the pre-match comments uttered. The celebration of the first goal was remarkable both in its audacity as well as its execution. Moyes should have known that this type of baiting can only motivate Suarez more. It remains to be seen if this baiting will be repeated by other managers. 

As a footnote to this diving saga, Fernando Torres was sent off for a second yellow for simulation against Manchester United.

Moving ahead, it is very apparent that luck was against Liverpool with regards to refereeing decisions. Liverpool should have on this match, though, the defence is an area where more work is needed. 

Read the match report by Chris bascombe.

"Liverpool left with a point and a crate of evidence to support Brendan Rodgers’ swelling persecution complex at the hands of match officials.

Luis Suárez as the modern reincarnation of Little Lord Fauntleroy may take a while to pull off, but Rodgers felt aggrieved that a linesman’s flag wrongly denied his striker the status of Merseyside derby hero.

He was adamant it was a case of the sinner being sinned against, the disallowed 'winner’ in the fourth minute of stoppage time grist to the mill following a series of unfavourable decisions.

“I’m not going to keep going on about officials because it has been happening to us all season. But that one at the end was quite straightforward,” said Rodgers.

“It was a free-kick from deep and the ball was in the air for a long time and you could clearly see he was onside. When he put it in he was marginally level. It was a terrific finish and he could have had a hat-trick. He was not at all motivated by any comments before the game. He is motivated every day of his life.“I was bitterly disappointed at not getting the winner. It was a brilliant game and I thought we stood up well. I am so disappointed it didn’t count because it was an easy decision. “So, instead of being a brilliant win for us, we are left feeling frustrated. At the same time I am very proud because of the way my young team performed in a real cauldron.”

There was a certain irony that a booking for diving was given to anEverton player. “Do you want me to talk about Phil Neville? Don’t start me,” Rodgers tersely observed.

A captivating encounter was granted a suitably contentious final act. Quite where Suárez was heading after nudging Sebastián Coates’ header beyond Tim Howard is now, sadly, a matter for conjecture.

After his role in Liverpool’s first, most likely to go down as a Leighton Baines own goal, Suárez ran towards David Moyes and dived at his feet, evidently unimpressed by the Everton manager’s highly politicised assessment of his reputation. “It’s called Scouse wit,” said Rodgers when asked about the striker’s evidently pre-meditated response.

Moyes stated before kick-off he finds it hard to sleep after a derby, and he would have endured another restless night had the goal stood.

The passing of an opportunity to confirm the merit of suggestions that he now possesses a superior line-up may still cause some disturbance.

This was unfamiliar territory for the hosts. They are no longer perceived as punching above their weight, expected rather than simply willed to win such fixtures. Their inability to do so owed everything to a dire start and a failure to reassert themselves after their enforced half-time substitution and Liverpool’s shift in formation.

Everton ended a frantic first half level and in command but they were permanently undermined by the premature departure of Kevin Mirallas who, until then, was defining events.

Despite their early two-goal lead, Liverpool’s line-up was fragile. Although Raheem Sterling adapted swiftly to the intensity of the occasion, Suso and Nuri Sahin were dynamic in possession but a liability without it. Sahin had assisted Suárez with the opening goal on 14 minutes, prior to the Uruguayan glancing his header from Gerrard’s free-kick for the second. Leon Osman benefited from a tame punch to cut the deficit and Steven Naismith equalised after the right of Liverpool’s defence went missing 10 minutes before half-time.

Mirallas constantly attacked teenager Andre Wisdom until the Belgian’s ankle gave way just before half time.

Liverpool responded tactically, introducing Coates and abandoning the 4-3-3 Rodgers usually defends with a religious zeal, and it worked. It was as if the Liverpool manager began the derby clinging to his romanticism before realising pragmatism is usually more productive when the cut and thrust begins.

Rodgers said he had to change to counter Everton’s direct style. “My change was due to the fact that they had two guys of 6ft 3ins and 6ft 4ins up front and everyone kept smashing balls up to them,” he said. “We needed that extra body. It can be difficult, especially defending against a team that is very direct, putting loads of long balls into the box.”

There was more serenity after the break. Anxiety spread in the home ranks in the final stages, Liverpool retaining composure on the ball and benefiting from some reckless challenges.

They thought they had stolen the winner but Suárez left sporting his usual pose, both blessed and cursed. It was an afternoon that underlined why he is so endearing to his own fans, but why Moyes probably still refuses to utter his name without a mouthwash handy."

Downing Finally Came Good

Liverpool 1

Anzhi Makhachkala 0

Anfield, Thursday 25 October 2012, Europa League

Stewart Downing may feel he needs a revival worthy of Lazarus to save his Liverpool career, but at least he resuscitated his club’s European hopes at Anfield.

On a night when Brendan Rodgers decided to play Russian roulette with his stars’ fitness ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby, there was an irony that a player who will expect to be a spectator at Goodison Park fired a bullet winner.

Thrust into an emergency left-back role in the second half of the Europa League tie with Anzhi Makhachkala, Downing delivered his fourth goal for Liverpool in 16 unfulfilling months.

“Stewart Downing, he scores when he wants,” was the affectionate chant from the Kop, a reference to a less than prolific strike-rate.

Rodgers made a point of rushing to the centre circle and requesting the crowd offer Downing additional applause at full-time, no doubt relieved his policy of concentrating on immediate priorities rather than the game, ahead paid off.

“It was a wonderful strike from Stewart,” said Rodgers. “It’s been difficult for him since he has been here so I just wanted something to help his confidence. The Kop recognise it was a wonderful goal and if you get that applause it means a lot. Hopefully that will do him good and he has the qualities to play in that position.”

It would seem the Europa League assumed greater importance at some point between the final whistle of the previous defeat to Udinese and last night’s kick-off against Guus Hiddink’s collective of wealthy journeymen.

Having spared the energy of his key men in previous fixtures of the competition, there was no disguising the gamble 72 hours before the derby. Rodgers played down any fears of over-exertion. The merit of his calculation will only be fully assessed on Sunday. There will be little sympathy from Liverpool fans if tired limbs or any nagging injuries sustained here are blamed for a poor display at Goodison. Glen Johnson’s early exit with a spasm, described as precautionary, was an example of the precariousness of a thin squad.

It was evident Rodgers was unwilling to sacrifice European hopes before Christmas, but he would have been grateful for the surprisingly ponderous approach of the visitors.

Hiddink, who was approached for the Liverpool job before Roy Hodgson’s appointment two years ago, had set up his side to stifle and frustrate and their negative approach was a disappointment. Samuel Eto’o, rather like Luis Suárez, too often felt compelled to take on defenders alone but he was barely supported by midfield.

Initially, Liverpool’s determination to paint pretty pictures in midfield with little to penetrate a packed defence meant the necessary zip was missing to elevate the game above the tedious. That changed in a much-improved second half when Liverpool’s most potent threat was offered by those unlikely to start on Sunday.

As well as Downing, summer recruit Oussama Assaidi – whose directness has made him an endearing figure already – was the focal point.

Most of the home pressure was originating from the left wing through the Moroccan winger and, initially, Johnson prior to Downing’s switch. When the England defender departed prematurely, it forced Downing into the unfamiliar defensive role from which he surprisingly and expertly opened the scoring on 53 minutes. He cut in from the left to hit sweetly with his right foot beyond the helpless Vladimir Gabulov.

Jonjo Shelvey almost added a second but shot tamely at the keeper as Liverpool began to dominate and it was only the familiar anxiety in the closing stages when that threatened to undermine Rodgers’ side.

Eto’o was almost gifted an equaliser on 70 minutes when Downing’s daft pass put Martin Skrtel in trouble; Eto’o pounced, but shot straight at Brad Jones, who again looked solid deputising for Pepe Reina.

That was the only real scare, and after starting the evening clinging on in pursuit of qualification to the knockout stage, Liverpool top their group. Rodgers’ instincts told him it made more sense to try to extend interest in this competition at home, thus avoiding taking Steven Gerrard and Suárez to Russia in a fortnight – three days before a trip to Chelsea.

The debate about his selection will inevitably be delayed until Sunday. After this win, do not expect the big guns to be loaded in the same way for Moscow.

Match details

Liverpool: Jones; Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson (Sterling 46); Gerrard, Sahin, Shelvey (Allen 80); Downing, Suarez, Assaidi.

Subs Not Used: Gulacsi,Henderson,Carragher,Fernandez Saez,Yesil.

Booked: Suarez, Agger.

Goals: Downing 53.

Anzhi Makhachkala: Vladimir Gabulov; Agalarov (Logashov 61), Samba, Joao Carlos, Zhirkov; Shatov, Georgi Gabulov, Boussoufa (Lakhiyalov 77); Carcela-Gonzalez, Eto'o, Smolov (Traore 64).

Subs Not Used: Pomazan, Gadzhibekov, Tagirbekov, Mukhammad.

Booked: Samba, Agalarov.

Att: 39,358

Ref: Bas Nijhuis (Holland).

by Chris Bascombe, Daily Telegraph

Raheem Sterling's first goal

Liverpool 1
Reading 0
Anfield, Saturday 20 October 2012

Brendan Rodgers cited faith in young talent as one of the reasons his Reading tenure ended in dismissal after 23 games. Three years and one transformation later, vindication arrived in front of the man who fired him, Royals' chairman John Madejski, as 17-year-old Raheem Sterling gave Liverpool their first home league win of the season.

The Jamaican-born England prospect became the second-youngest goalscorer in Liverpool's history with a finish that bore the hallmarks of the youngest in his prime. Had Liverpool another Michael Owen in their ranks, the win would have been secure long before Brian McDermott's side stirred to generate a nervous finale.

"It has been a long time coming," said Rodgers. "We should have had three points here long before now, but it was an excellent goal and a terrific performance, especially on the back of an international break. We created so many chances, we had 19 shots on goal, and we need to improve our finishing for sure. It is an on-going theme."

The otherwise excellent Luis Suárez, Nuri Sahin and substitute Jonjo Shelvey all squandered clear chances to add to Sterling's first competitive goal for Liverpool. Reading almost capitalised and the introduction of Jason Roberts, who refused to wear a Kick It Out campaign T-shirt before kick off as he had promised, unsettled the home defence. But Liverpool, for all their profligacy, were thoroughly deserving victors.

Rodgers's team took control from the start. Reading offered nothing more than resistance initially and that was frequently stretched by the runs of Sterling and Suso, plus the imagination of Suárez. "We need to start games at three o'clock," said McDermott, still without a win since Reading's return to the Premier League. "I said to the players at half-time that Liverpool had had the possession, but hadn't hurt us with their passing, only with a ball over the top. We needed to get on the front foot and we did that in the second half. I thought we were going to get a point."

With Fabio Borini out for three months with a fractured foot and Andy Carroll resident at West Ham, where Rodgers appears inclined to leave him, even greater responsibility has fallen on Suárez to provide the cutting edge that Liverpool often lack. But it needs to be shared throughout the side irrespective of problems in attack and, mercifully for Rodgers, Sterling was inclined to agree.

The teenager and Glen Johnson were a constant threat down the left and, with better delivery and luck, Sterling could have scored or engineered the breakthrough long before it came. The Liverpool winger had one effort blocked by Shaun Cummings – and the better-placed Suárez made his displeasure known – then hesitated too long over one break down the left and delivered another into the in-rushing Sahin, who blazed over.

Suárez went close with an audacious chip and as the home crowd began to fear another trying afternoon, the Uruguay international unlocked the Reading rearguard with a first-time flick on of Andre Wisdom's long ball. The pass enabled Sterling to beat Cummings for pace and, taking the shot early, he finished expertly, across keeper Alex McCarthy and into the far bottom corner.

Rodgers said: "I am very pleased for him. That is a part of his game we have been working on in training and it was a wonderful finish. He is a terrific talent, with a good head on young shoulders."

The reception for Sterling's goal was matched only by the crowd's amusing reaction to a free-kick awarded in favour of Suárez. Initially there were ironic cheers as the referee, Roger East, punished Kaspars Gorkss's challenge, but they developed loudly, complete with standing ovation, for a rare call in Suárez's favour. And it wasn't even a foul.

Reading did not have an attempt on goal until the 41st minute, a woeful shot over by Mikele Leigertwood. Brad Jones was given a comfortable first Premier League start in Liverpool's goal in the absence of José Reina. The second half, however, provided a sterner test of the Australia international and substitute Gareth McCleary should have equalised, but shot straight at Jones's legs. Jobi McAnuff and Jimmy Kébé also caused Liverpool problems, but Reading might have been caught out on the counter-attack. They were spared as Shelvey miscued horribly in front of goal and Suárez wasted two good chances. "He is not perfect," said Rodgers.

No win situation

Liverpool 0
Stoke City 0

Brendan Rodgers outlined his vision on the day he was appointedLiverpool manager. "I want to make coming to Anfield the longest 90 minutes of an opponent's life," he said in June. It was all part of the learning curve when Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United departed undefeated but it threatens the patience when Stoke City join the ranks of the unscathed.

Anfield delivered on that score, saving its wrath for Stoke's physicality, to earn another glowing tribute from Rodgers. But there is not an inexhaustible supply, as the last Liverpool manager to start a season with six points from seven games quickly discovered. The Liverpool of Rodgers and Roy Hodgson are world's apart in terms of style, promise and belief in the manager, yet it is now four Premier League home matches without a win and the only arduous aspect against Stoke was in the watching.

Rodgers saw it differently. "It was a physical game but there are no complaints from us," he said. "I just thought it was brilliant to see the young players cope well in that type of environment. The attitude and application was fantastic but the final touch or pass wasn't always there. I also thought the crowd was fantastic. This is a club that has won only two league games at home in this calendar year and has not won two consecutive home league games in almost a year. So to get that sort of backing off the crowd was terrific. There aren't many other clubs which would get that."

Liverpool could have pinched victory in the 90th minute when Martin Skrtel flicked against a post but this was an unconvincing display overall. The campaign to secure a penalty for Luis Suárez this season also suffered a self-inflicted blow when the Uruguay international executed a ludicrous dive over Marc Wilson's foot in an attempt to win a second-half spot-kick. "I haven't seen the incident so cannot comment," said Rodgers. Tony Pulis was more forthright. The Stoke manager said: "Retrospective decisions are made on a Monday and Luis Suárez should be punished. The one in the penalty box was an embarrassment and how he wasn't booked I don't know."

Stoke ended the day with six bookings and a £25,000 FA fine as a consequence. Liverpool were infuriated by the visitors' approach but their own inability to hurt opponents should concern them more.

Injury cost Michael Owen a place in the squad and Anfield an opportunity to bait their former striker. But another former Liverpool player almost made a quick impact. Charlie Adam seized on a back-pass from Nuri Sahin after the on-loan midfielder found himself with few options when collecting a short goalkick from José Reina, under orders to play his way out from the back. The Liverpool keeper smothered Adam's shot at close range.

The moment again demonstrated how Rodgers' instructions remain a work in progress and how, by pressing the Liverpool midfield when Reina takes possession, their play can be easily disrupted. It was repeated when Steven N'Zonzi intercepted another Reina clearance – seconds after being told by Pulis to "get on Sahin" – and Michael Kightly's chip forced Liverpool's keeper into a redeeming tip-over save.

Stoke had also gone close when Glen Whelan's free-kick flashed across goal and Skrtel hooked clear as Peter Crouch lurked at the back post. Liverpool's first threat took 27 minutes to arrive, Asmir Begovic pushing away Steven Gerrard's drive from 30 yards, but as the Spaniard Suso grew into his first league start at Anfield and Suárez began to find space outside the Stoke area, their performance improved greatly. Chances, however, remained scarce.

Liverpool were preoccupied by perceived leniency from the referee, Lee Mason, as Stoke responded to their opponents' recovery through fair means and foul. Some grievances were imagined but not those against Robert Huth. The German defender appeared to stamp on Suárez early on and also escaped a booking when he clattered into Suárez's ankle in the centre circle. Less than 10 minutes later he brought down the Uruguay international in mid-flight and was shown yellow. It could easily have been his second.

Pulis's team were on the back foot throughout the second half and Glen Johnson twice went close to opening the scoring, the first a shot from distance saved by Begovic and the second, more inviting, when sent clear by Gerrard's pass only to loft his effort over. Raheem Sterling side-footed against the outside of a post, Suárez shot inches wide after a good run and, finally, Skrtel shaved the woodwork.

But this was an afternoon when the absence of a Plan B – otherwise known as Andy Carroll – cost Liverpool. "I don't really do the desperation thing in the last 10 minutes where you're kicking it long," was Rodgers' response to that.

Man of the match Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)

• Andy Hunter at Anfield
• The Guardian, Sunday 7 October 2012 17.11 BST

Rodgers' style comes good

Norwich City 2	Morison 61,  Holt 87
Liverpool 5	Suárez 2,  Suárez 38,  Sahin 47,  Suárez 57, Gerrard 68

The way Liverpool swaggered to victory in this tie had the fans singing the manager's praises for the first time. Liverpool were sublime in their passing and possession, but their defensive duties still need more attention. The scope of this victory belies the score, which could have been more if Suarez had not missed a sitter and if a warranted penalty decision was not denied. Taking the match ball home from Norwich for the second successive fixture, Suarez silenced the crowd who were constantly on his case with less than flattering comments. Well done the Reds, and hope this sort of form continues.

Norwich City 2-5 Liverpool | Premier League match report | Football | The Observer

West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Liverpool | Capital One Cup match report | Football | The Guardian

West Bromwich Albion 1 Tamas 3
Liverpool 2 

Sahin 17, 

Sahin 82

These are challenging times for Brendan Rodgers, whose Liverpool side have endured the ignominy of making the club's worst start to a league campaign in 101 years, but a committed and impressive performance from what was effectively a reserve XI provided the Northern Irishman with a much needed first domestic victory since taking over at Anfield. On a night when Jerome Sinclair came off the bench to become Liverpool's youngest ever player at the age of 16 years and six days – he is so new to the scene that the club got his christian name wrong on the team-sheet and put him down as Jordan – Nuri Sahin endeared himself to the travelling supporters with two goals to help the holders vanquish West Brom and secure a place in the last 16, where Rodgers will come up against Swansea City, his former club.

Sahin, on loan from Real Madrid, could have a valuable role to play at Liverpool this season, although it was the sparkling form of Oussama Assaidi that did most to catch the eye. Assaidi, signed from Heerenveen in the summer, was a joy to watch on the left flank as his dextrous footwork and sinuous runs tormented Albion time and again. There was also an end product to his play, which was evident long before the Moroccan provided the centre that Sahin turned home in the 82nd minute.

It was a result that Rodgers was entitled to cherish, even if moving up the Premier League remains the priority. His side showed character and composure to play themselves back into the game after suffering the blow of conceding a dreadful goal inside the first three minutes, when Gabriel Tamas volleyed home after Brad Jones allowed Liam Ridgewell's floated free-kick to slip from his grasp. On a bad evening for goalkeepers Ben Foster was guilty of a blunder every bit as bad at the other end, and from the moment that Sahin's 30-yard shot slipped beyond the Albion No1 in the 17th minute, the complexion of the game changed and a youthful Liverpool side grew in confidence.

"It's always exciting when you see young players, guys that have got great technique, but what is important as well is that they understand how to fight," Rodgers said. "It was a wonderful performance against an experienced team. For us to dominate the game like we did and to get the goals, especially the second goal, which typified what we are about, was very pleasing.

"I think it was a symbolic night as well because it shows how far we're moving as a group from our first day of the season here, when we were a wee bit disjointed and players were not quite understanding my methods, to the last three or four weeks, where our tempo, our rhythm and our relentless possession has started to come through. It was good to see that."

This Liverpool side was unrecognisable from the one that struggled so badly at The Hawthorns on the opening day of the season in more ways than one. As well as the difference in the level of the performance, there was a huge change in personnel, with Stewart Downing the sole survivor from the team that suffered a 3-0 defeat then.

Rodgers said afterwards that he has only 12 senior players fit, although on this evidence it will be no bad thing if a few fresh faces feature against Norwich on Saturday.

Sinclair, who was part of Albion's academy until he moved to Liverpool last summer, is unlikely to be on show at Carrow Road but this night will live long in the memory of a teenager who was four months old when Jamie Carragher made his debut. He supplants Jack Robinson, who was 244 days older when he made his first Liverpool appearance, as the club's youngest player. "He got a nice round of applause afterwards in the changing room," Rodgers said. "But now his hard work begins."

For Albion this was a deeply frustrating evening. Although Steve Clarke made five changes from the side that beat Reading on Saturday, it was still a strong Albion team and the manager was at a loss to explain why Sahin's first goal "knocked the stuffing out of us". Foster struggled to recover from that error and looked vulnerable on a couple of occasions in the second half, when he made unconvincing saves to deny Samed Yesil and the enterprising Daniel Pacheco, who also hit the bar with a delightful curling shot. Extra-time was looming at that point but Suso's driving run at the heart of the Albion defence ended with the substitute releasing Assaidi to deliver the cross that implored Sahin to score the winner.

Rodgers can now look forward to a reunion next month. "Swansea is a wonderful club and I was in no rush to leave," the Liverpool manager said. "It promises to be a great night at Anfield."

West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Liverpool | Capital One Cup match report | Football | The Guardian

Young Boys 3 Liverpool 5: match report

This is being blogged after the ManU match at Anfield. At this point, Liverpool have lost to ManU with a big contribution being Jonjo Shelvey's first half sending off. You win some, you lose some.

Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey enjoyed the most entertaining cameo since the Queen took a phone call from Danny Boyle.

Shelvey came off the bench with the novices of Anfield trailing 3-2 to Young Boys of Switzerland. Within 30 seconds Liverpool had equalised, and Shelvey then struck twice to ensure Brendan Rodgers opened his Europa League group campaign with an encouraging, but chaotic, victory.

At the ripe old age of 20, Shelvey practically enjoyed veteran status in what amounted to a trainee Liverpool squad. Having enjoyed a rapid promotion into the first team this season, the Essex boy looked a class apart as he took control of the game, volleying Liverpool ahead on 76 minutes, before sealing the points with a midfield burst, drop of the shoulder and brutal left footer two minutes from time.

“He is still only 20 and is developing all the time,” purred Rodgers. “You can tell his confidence is growing and he is going to be a big player for us.”

Due to a flight curfew in Berne, Rodgers’s side had to depart within 20 minutes of the final whistle. Rumours that the time limit was a result of the tender average age of the squad remained unconfirmed.

The players’ heads must still have been spinning by the time they landed on Merseyside after such a haphazard encounter.
Liverpool twice squandered a lead, looked destined to endure a damaging defeat with 23 minutes remaining, but left buoyed by the performance of a line-up which included three debutants.
Prior to Shelvey’s contribution, a Sebastián Coates header, possibly assisted by Fabio Borini’s slightest deflection, made it 3-3.
Earlier, teenage newcomer Andre Wisdom’s header and an own goal by Juhani Ojala represented a misleading period of serenity prior to the second-half bedlam.
Rodgers spoke about his pride at leading such an inexperienced team to a victory which had quality, courage and the odd slice of good fortune.
There was also some disjointed defending in the three goals which Liverpool conceded, but Rodgers will see only the positives.
For all the pre-match attention on Anfield’s emerging talent such as Wisdom, and the excellent Spanish teenager Suso, it was those less accustomed to being on the fringes who had most to prove.
Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and José Enrique began last season as high-profile recruits and part of the latest Anfield master plan. They have started this one as emblems of the wasted funds of the former regime and need to start proving they have the quality to survive beyond the next transfer window.
Henderson played well, but Enrique did himself no favours, enduring a torrid evening on the left. He gifted an equaliser on 38 minutes, inexplicably dribbling away from his goalkeeper, Brad Jones, and then tamely clearing to Raphael Nuzzolo, who could not miss an empty net.
The Spanish full-back was also partially culpable in the Young Boys’ second goal, a header by Ojala (redeeming his earlier own goal) and their third — a tidy finish by Gonzalo Zárate. Liverpool will need a new left-back as well as a striker when the transfer window reopens, unless Enrique’s dip in form is reversed.
Martin Kelly may have the safest position in the side. There was no such difficulty on the right of Liverpool’s defence. There has been a shortage of wisdom at Anfield for too many years, so the club made a timely rediscovery of their qualities in the form of their 19-year-old right-back. The England youth international is certainly one to watch at Anfield.
The Europa League clearly remains low on the priority list, but as the hawks circle Rodgers in the early part of his reign, no win and no game can be underplayed.
Liverpool clearly have a long way to go before they rank among the majesty of the Champions League again, but they proved no matter what the competition they are still European royalty.

Young Boys 3 Liverpool 5: match report - Telegraph

Symbolism and Pragmatism

The symbolism of Justice for the 96 was all there at the beginning. At the end, it was the pragmatism of a team still building but lacking the building blocks. The movement and fluidity has improved, yet the shortage in front of goal was again glaringly apparent. Raheem Sterling and Suso provided a glimpse of the future of the club, and Joe Allen seems to be the Successor of Gerard. Jonjo Shelvey, we don't know yet. The good signs are there, but worryingly, it is the lack of depth of the squad that portends a bleak season ahead. Injuries to Dan Agger and Martin Kelly look to compound the shortage up front, and this week will be a time of review on the path ahead.
Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2: match report - Telegraph

Liverpool couldn't do it for the 96

I didn't see this match but from all accounts, liverpool did enough to at least justify a draw. The lack of forward power again showed itself and for the  third or fourth game in succession Borini was replaced for lack of effect. By Downing. That says it all. So, Brendan Rodgers has just got to make do until January, and since everyone is aware of Liverpool's desperation, it's not going to be pretty even then. Brodgers is trying to offset his lack front power by enhancing his midfield striking options. Perhaps the United game on Sunday is where it will all fall into place.
Luis Su�rez equaliser cannot mask Liverpool's striking deficiencies | Football | The Guardian

The Figure 2

Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal | Premier League match report | Football | The Guardian

A good performance from the players, especially at the beginning, but a second defeat nevertheless. Brodgers' style of play is becoming more apparent but a combination of personal mistakes from 2 stalwarts and lack of front firepower consigned this team to near-bottom of the league going into the 2 week international hiatus. The 2 in question are none other than Stevie G and Pepe. While the former has looked under the weather since the beginning of the season, Pepe had a decent game except for allowing the ball to squirm under him, although I would not blame him too much as the quality of the delivery from Santi Cazorla was excellent. Liverpool's profligacy in the late departed transfer period is becoming more evident as goals are becoming difficult to come by despite good appproach play. Hence the nonsensical mention of Owen by those wishing to sensationalise the current situation of only 2 first team strikers. Whatever it is, Joe Allen is looking to be the best buy of the last 2 seasons, and Nuri Sahin made an impressive debut.

Europa insignificance

Liverpool 1-1 Hearts; Liverpool win 2-1 on agg | Europa League report | Football | The Guardian
This tie played second fiddle to the going ons off the field very near the transfer deadline. An inkling of an impending move first came with the absolute absence of big Andy from the squad. Charlie Adam did not feature as well, and neither did Jay Spearing. Of course, Joe Cole is only at Anfield in body, not spirit. This was confirmed late at night with deals being finalised for Andy Carroll to West Ham, The Charlie to Stoke and Jay to Bolton or Sunderland or some such club.
As for the match, the only consonant with Europe was the sell-out crowd, everything else being lack lustre. The players probably found it difficult to motivate themselves with one in the group stages, the lack of glamorous opposition and off-field activities. BR found time and opportunity to even blood young Adam Morgan ahead off more experienced personnel. And so the match trudged on in somnolence-inducing aura until the very end when Pepe contrived to add drama by letting slip a tame shot in and provoking thoughts of extra time and shock exits. This only lasted 3 minutes when Luis Suarez danced his way in to the Hearts penalty area and squeezed the ball in from the acutest of angles to put paid to such nasty thoughts. Of note though, Joe Allen was very impressive, Stevie G improved and Raheem Sterling definitely did better when replacing Adam Morgan. Fabio Borini was brought in late but it looks like he might have to fight for a place with the possibly in-coming Daniel Sturridge. All thoughts to Arsenal and maximum points for the first time this Sunday next.

Hearts 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League play-off round first leg | Football | The Guardian

Hearts 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League play-off round first leg | Football | The Guardian
A lucky win. Only 4 starters from the previous game, with Brendan Rodgers having an eye on the City game this weekend. To all intents and purposes a second string line up. Andy Carroll failed a fitness test, consigning him to the safety of the Director's Box and further speculation on his future. An own goal by another Andy, Webster, helped Liverpool take a slender lead home where it is quite sure that progress should be guaranteed. Raheem apparently sterling in performance.

A Dismal Start

Brendan Rodgers lays into referee after Liverpool crash at West Brom | Football | The Observer
Brendan Rodgers' first League game ended in abject defeat. A 3-0 away thrashing by what would be considered a run of the mill side showed just how much needs to be done and what a mediocre team Liverpool have become. You know things are bad when Stevie Gerrard has a bad game, being directly responsible for 1 goal and numerous stray passes. The word calamity cannot begin to describe the performance with the players very sluggish and lacking ideas. To compound matters, 2 penalties were given away, Dan Agger sent off, Joe Cole strained a hamstring and there were numerous yellow cards. Jamie Carragher made 701 appearances as a substitute for the decrepit Downing but it was one to forget. Luis Suarez missed excellent chances whilst Borini went missing. One more thing, Phil Dowd was rubbish. I guess slow starts aren't just limited to players. Elsewhere in the league there were some 5-0 thrashings. Liverpool were lucky not to be in that list.

The Departures

Dirk Kuyt was the first to leave and ensuring a future personal visit to see him in Turkey when he moved to Fenerbahce for just £1m. His sterling service and personality will be missed sorely.

Maxi Rodriguez has taken over the mantle of our favourite Argentinian with his departure to Newell’s Old Boys for an undisclosed fee. An introvert, his moments in the spotlight were both numerous as well as dramatic.

Next up was Fabio Aurelio, the move back home to Gremio for free a loss to Liverpool in both fiscal and spiritual senses. Despite a mostly unglamorous turn, his effort was very much appreciated, especially with the odd strikes at goal.

Then comes the on again off again saga that was Alberto Aquilani. Despite featuring on the American tour, he has moved to Fiorentina for an undisclosed sum. Being Aquilani, it would be no surprise to us to see him resurface in our colours in some future game.

Third stringers and previous hopes for the future Toni Silva (Barnsley, free), David Amoo (Preston, free) and Stephen Darby (Bradford, free) can now have the chance to prove Liverpool wrong and come back to haunt us in some future cup tie. We wish them well.

Craig Bellamy rendered our expensively procured replica jersey redundant overnight when he gleefully accepted first team football in his home at Cardiff. Those lures were too strong to resist and swapping one red shirt for another may be another added bonus. Thanks for all the memories.

It has been good having you all. Thank you.

Liverpool 3-0 FC Gomel (agg: 4-0) | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian

Liverpool 3-0 FC Gomel (agg: 4-0) | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian

This was the return match of the 3rd qualifying round and generally gave Liverpool no bother at all. It possibly served more as a preamble of what is to come and allowing taut and tight sinews to limber. Fabio Borini initiated a flying start to his Anfield career with a goal, the other two being from old hands Gerrard (his 39th European) and Johnson. Luis Suarez was bestowed accolades as the architect of this victory and the difference from the previous week more than apparent with his presence here. 

Next up for the grinder are Hearts whose interest in Europe will be curtailed come 22nd August in Edinburgh and a week later with an Anfield send-off.

2012 SIGNINGS SO FAR

Fabio Borini became the first player to be signed by Brendan Rodgers at Anfield when he moved from Roma for a fee of about £8 million. Brendan is obviously a fan of this striker as he had worked with him in the Chelsea Youth set-up as well at Swansea in the 2010-11 season, where he was on loan. During his time with the Swans, Borini scored 6 times in 9 matches and his return to Italy probably had something to do with complicated ownership issues between Roma and Parma. Although selected for Euro 2012, he was an innocent bystander in Italy’s successful run to the final.

Some questionable methodology was involved in the next purchase when Joe Allen moved from Swansea (that club again). Despite having promised not to raid his former club off its assets, some sort of clause was triggered that enabled this move with a minimal of bad blood between the interested parties. This had probably something to do with the princely sum of £15 million, adequate enough to soothe most ailments. So Liverpool have now replaced one Welsh international with another, albeit a midfielder this time.

Third on the list is someone from Africa, Morocco to be precise, with the exotic name of Oussama Assaidi, Internet troll-fodder for those so inclined. It was reported that Liverpool had beaten of Ajax and Fulham for this lad’s signature, though with what exactly not being elaborated. We assume it was the smell of £2.4 million, £100 thousand for each year of his life, enticing this move form Heerenveen. It is claimed that he can play on both wings but is not deemed to be a first team fixture right from the outset. Ala Craig Bellamy, perhaps.

Gomel 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian

Gomel 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian
A lucky win. Gomel have only themselves to blame for this loss. Disconcertingly, Joe Cole went off injured early on. Some things never change. A fortuitous start for Brendan Rogers.

Another One Gone

Legendary referee Jack Taylor dies, aged 82
Today sees the demise of Jack Taylor, a well-respected and likable English referee whose career pinnacle was the 1974 World Cup Final, where he awarded the first ever penalty in such a game. I remember Paul Breitner scoring from the spot, if I'm not mistaken, in the 21st minute. He was a very experienced ref having officiated more than 1000 games, about 100 of which were internationals,in a 30 year career. Lately, he saw Howard Webb in the last edition of the World Cup. I fear such respect will never be paid in this world of multimedia where criticism is instantly applied to every decision by the ref, real or apparent. RIP Jack Taylor.
Legendary referee Jack Taylor dies, aged 82 | Football | guardian.co.uk

FC who?

Liverpool to face FC Gomel in Europa League third qualifying-round | Football | guardian.co.uk
Liverpool start their European merry go-round against FC Gomel with a trip to Belarus on the 2nd of August in the Europa Cup. Beggars can't be choosers, I say.
Liverpool to face FC Gomel in Europa League third qualifying-round | Football | guardian.co.uk

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers makes Fabio Borini his first signing | Football | guardian.co.uk

Let's hope he's not as Bored as he sounds

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers makes Fabio Borini his first signing | Football | guardian.co.uk

Whites only

This has rankled for a while but I have no hesitation now in congratulating UEFA for putting up such a great tournament for white spectators. The awarding of the tournament to a particularly dodgy Ukraine highlighted the racist sentiments still prevailing in this part of the world. When it comes to taking action, UEFA displays customary Blatterism to dither and dally, rather than taking affirmative action against the chanting and other unsavory acts. Due to this, the audience is a sea of white faces, and a lost opportunity for advancing the social agenda. With people like these, it is no wonder that Europe is in the mess it is today.

Euro 2012: Gdansk deputy mayor in racism row after thanking residents for acting 'like civilized white people' - Telegraph

New Away Kit

A hark back to old times

Goodbye Dirk

A sad day to see one of the old guard leave our midst. Dirk had been a great servant and a beacon of steadfastness among a sea of past turbulence. It has emerged that Dirk triggered an escape clause in his contract that allowed him to leave if a foreign club put in a bid. This seems to have been another blunder on the part of the previous management, allowing the sale of a key player for a paltry £1 million, 9 times less than what was paid out. Brendan Rodgers has been hamstrung before he even started.

Anyway, I wish Dirk the best and hope to meet him one day. Thank you and good luck. 

Dirk Kuyt leaves Liverpool for Fenerbahce - Telegraph

FSG's throw of the dice

A talented young manager, with no playing experience to speak of, is employed by one of the world's biggest clubs with an apparent remit to transform the team's culture and style, to effect lasting change and construct a new identity. But nine months later he is sacked, his burgeoning reputation tarnished in the process. When Andre Villas-Boas left Chelsea in March, recriminations swirling around him after a turbulent spell in charge, Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers was reported to be a possible contender to step into the void at Stamford Bridge. His response was as emphatic as it was pointed. "I am trying to build my career and not destroy it," he said. The unspoken fear was that a move to such a prominent club, and working under such a ruthless owner, could swallow a 39-year-old manager with one season of top-flight experience - and halt a once promising career in its tracks. Certainly, the way Villas-Boas was chewed up and spat out by Chelsea would have been a salutatory warning to any ambitious young manager. But on Wednesday, Rodgers felt sufficiently emboldened to agree to become Liverpool's next manager, and embrace all the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with the role. Early Doors argued yesterday that Rodgers was too inexperienced for a club like Liverpool. Rather incredibly, John Henry didn't heed the warnings of an anonymous, semi-lucid and on occasion semi-literate blog and appointed him anyway. But having done so, and having entrusted Rodgers with the huge task of restoring Liverpool to greatness and building a new side in his own image, it is critical that Fenway Sports Group afford the new manager the time he needs to do just that. Clearly Henry is no Abramovich - and Rodgers obviously felt far more comfortable at the thought of working under the watchful eye of FSG at Melwood than the ominous gaze of the Russian and his entourage at Cobham - but when tricky times arrive, when results inevitably dry up for a spell, when fans still rooted in past glories start moaning and there are murmurs about Rodgers's suitability for the role, they must hold their nerve and show patience. Rodgers needs time and space to operate; the task they are asking of the new man is a huge one. Rightly lauded for the style with which his Swansea team played, Rodgers was fortunate at the Welsh club to be able to build from a solid base of attractive, passing football established by Roberto Martinez and then embellished by Paulo Sousa. Last season that manifested itself fully as Swansea were bettered by only Barcelona and Bayern Munich in terms of pass completion percentage across Europe's top five leagues. The terrain awaiting him at Anfield is rather different. In Liverpool he inherits a side shorn of any subtlety or grace, aside from the brilliant Luis Suarez. A team that scored only 47 goals last season and produced a succession of impotent performances. The patient, precise passing of Leon Britton personified Swansea under Rodgers, yet at Liverpool he will marshal a midfield that, boasting Charlie Adam and Steven Gerrard in its ranks, has seen more Hollywood balls than Heidi Fleiss. If he is to mould Adam into Xavi then it will be via a lengthy process of evolution and not an overnight transformation. Changing a team's philosophy - a team with star names, some of whom are nearing the end of their careers - is fraught with pitfalls. A glance at how Villas-Boas had to scale back his ambitions when finding how unreceptive Chelsea's senior players were demonstrates that amply. But this may well be the task that FSG now want him to perform. Like the rest of us, it appears they have been seduced by Swansea's stylish football over the past 12 months. People often drew flattering comparisons between Pep Guardiola's Barcelona and Rodgers's 'Swanselona', yet as he moves to Liverpool a more suitable comparison may be Luis Enrique's appointment at Roma last season, as the Italian club sought to import Barca's approach wholesale, without success. He resigned before the season was out. ED is not suggesting Liverpool's manager will do the same, yet the example, and that of Villas-Boas, highlights the difficulties involved when introducing a new conception of football to a team that ultimately may not be ready for it. You cannot help but admire the courage of FSG to take such a step, but they must show the determination to see it through if the revolution is slower than expected, if players prove resistant to the new man's methods, or, as they did with Roy Hodgson, overly-sentimental supporters decide early on that he is not the right man and start demanding the return of a former hero. Rafa Benitez, who loomed over the recruitment process, seems a likely candidate. After all, it is not just the reputation of Rodgers at stake here. When arriving at the club Liverpool's American owners had Roy Hodgson foisted upon them. They then bowed to the wishes of the vocal Liverpool public by replacing him with Dalglish. As such, the appointment of Rodgers is the first that FSG have really made of their own volition. It is a bold decision. If it succeeds, they and their manager will be hailed as visionaries. If it does not, they will both be depicted as being firmly out of their depth. It is a gamble, without question, for both parties. FSG are all-in, and how their nerve holds during the difficult times may well define how this brave enterprise ultimately unfolds. Taken from Early Doors on Yahoo Eurosport

Here we go again..

Brendan Rodgers is likely to be announced as the next Anfield victim. Right now, the atmosphere is all peachy as nobody is suggesting that he may be wrong for the club. We can only watch and wait, but the most important sequel to this is the amount of money to be allocated for player purchases. Tomorrow is the day I watch Men In Black III, and also the day the men in red appoint a third manager in 3 years.
Brendan Rodgers will bring freshness and drive to Liverpool | Richard Williams | Football | The Guardian

Bayern Munich 1 Chelsea 1 aet; (Chelsea win 4-3 on pens): match report - Telegraph

The Blues deserve it. They have done a Liverpool, coming back when everyone thought they were dead, including the people dressing Ol' Big Ears red and white, and doing it in their opponents home ground. The spirit of Shankly very much alive here in Munich. This is not meant to detract from Chelsea's effort; they have done very well, but it's a matter of been there and done that. It's an old script.
Good for di Matteo, and good for Drogba, especially considering his compassion for Neuer and Schweisteiger at the end. They finally get their grail and play in the Champions League again next season, consigning Spurs to the Europa League. Well done.
Bayern Munich 1 Chelsea 1 aet; (Chelsea win 4-3 on pens): match report - Telegraph

Official statement on Kenny Dalglish

FENWAY SPORTS GROUP AND LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB PART COMPANY WITH MANAGER KENNY DALGLISH  Search for new Manager begins immediately as owners pay tribute to 'legend' Dalglish Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool Football Club announced that Kenny Dalglish is to leave his post today as Manager after having his contract terminated. After a careful and deliberative review of the season, the Club came to the decision that a change was appropriate. It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily. The search for a new Manager will begin immediately. Principal owner John Henry was fulsome in his praise for the outgoing Manager. "Kenny will always be more than a championship winning manager, more than a championship winning star player. He is in many ways the heart and soul of the club. He personifies everything that is good about Liverpool Football Club. He has always put the Club and its supporters first. Kenny will always be a part of the family at Anfield. "Our job now is to identify and recruit the right person to take this Club forward and build on the strong foundations put in place during the last 18 months." Liverpool Chairman Tom Werner said it was a tough decision, but ultimately one that needed to be made. "Kenny came into the Club as Manager at our request at a time when Liverpool Football Club really needed him. He didn't ask to be Manager; he was asked to assume the role. He did so because he knew the Club needed him. He did more than anyone else to stabilize Liverpool over the past year-and-a-half and to get us once again looking forward. We owe him a great debt of gratitude. "However, results in the Premier League have been disappointing and we believe to build on the progress that has already been made, we need to make a change. "We are committed to delivering success for our supporters and our ambition remains resolute to return this great Club to the elite of England and Europe, where it belongs." Kenny Dalglish's departure brings to an end his second spell at the Club where, as a player, he won numerous honours, including six English league titles and three European Cup trophies. As Manager he won three league titles, two FA Cups and of course this season, the Carling Cup. Dalglish said he is proud to have served such a great Club. "It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the chance to come back to Liverpool Football Club as Manager. I greatly appreciate the work that Steve, Kevin, the players and all of the staff put in during my time and feel proud that we delivered the Club's first trophy in six years winning the Carling Cup and came close to a second trophy in the FA Cup Final. Of course I am disappointed with results in the league, but I would not have swapped the Carling Cup win for anything as I know how much it meant to our fans and the Club to be back winning trophies. "Whilst I am obviously disappointed to be leaving the football club, I can say that the matter has been handled by the owners and all concerned in an honourable, respectful and dignified way and reflects on the quality of the people involved and their continued desire to move the football club forward in the same way as when they arrived here. "I would like to thank all of the staff at the Club for their effort and loyalty. I said when first approached about coming back as Manager that I would always be of help if I can at any time and that offer remains the same. "Finally, I want to put on record my heartfelt gratitude to Liverpool's fans, who have always given me and the Club their unwavering support. Without them neither the Club nor I would have achieved anything."