Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool Carling Cup Player Ratings and Analysis

saif - October 29th, 2009 at 11:03 am

aquilani played well you can tell that he is a great player a fantastic signing by benitez keep theas going rafa

Ryan Babel - October 29th, 2009 at 11:16 am

i though voronin and babel where tho only let downs. yh i would have been much better with our most promising two of nemeth an pacheco.good to see eccleston come on.Auilani does look good but also looks like he loves himself wich is actually a good thing as he looks confident.

Ryan Babel - October 29th, 2009 at 12:35 pm

yh same and they are all under 24

Retryboy - October 29th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

Good performance by the lads out there we should be using the carling cup to blood youngsters like arsenal and united do though. Babel was shit on the left but then again he always is wanted to see him tried on the right. Pacheco for voronin, ayala for kyrgiakos would still have had more experience than arsenal but given youth a chance. There was even less youth at leeds though so we have wasted the opportunity to give young players a shot to give players a game who will never make it. Spearing and plessis did well but both defensive midfielders so didn’t work rafa didn’t have any options there really with our squad overloaded with cover for mascherano and only stevie g and aquilani as attacking midfielders definitely need another option there. Soon as aquilani came on gave us that creativity in the centre and balance his pass to put degen clear was top drawer. Then he should have had a penalty not bad for 20 minute cameo thought he would have got 30/45 minutes. Was an alright performance we still lost to arsenals kids though so think the ratings are way over the top!

Aquilani4goals - October 29th, 2009 at 1:03 pm

We should focus on buying young player,not old cargos that cannot improve,why did rafa put pechaco not voronin,he lacks confidence and quality,Rara rarely gives pechaco a chance in the first team..Nemeth should brought back to the first team squad

Retryboy - October 29th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

You can guarantee if a playery at any other team scored 25 goals in one season for the reserves like nemeth he would have been in the carling cup then first team squad thats the way to use this cup same as pacheco, ayala, kelly, darby have all proved themselves in the reserves for years we have all this amazing young talent but the size of the squad prohibits their development and their quality is so much better than those ahead of them

isaac hunt - October 29th, 2009 at 1:26 pm

retryboy

if nemeth would have stayed at liverpool this season he may have played 2 or 3 cup matches whereas he will be playing week in week out at AEK. pacheco is still only 18 or something so what is the point in playing him if he is not ready! dont you think that rafa will know when all the players are ready! he had to give skrtel and kyrgiakos match time just in case agger gets injured. kelly was injured by the way but he played againt lyon which shows that your comment about them not getting chances is rubbish mate.

Aquilani4goals - October 29th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

It probably took a little longer than was necessary, but at least Alberto Aquilani has made his Liverpool debut. In truth Rafa Benitez’s side were toiling for a good fifteen minutes prior to the Italian’s introduction, the stuffing knocked out of them by Nicklas Bendtner’s goal early in the second half. It would prove to be a knockout blow as Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners.

The stars may not have been out. Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Jamie Carragher remained on Merseyside, whilst Pepe Reina and Yossi Benayoun were named only as substitutes. Dirk Kuyt’s inclusion as captain was testament more to the Dutchman’s indefatigable style than anything else.

Aquilani was given just 14 minutes to show off the skills which prompted Benitez to shell out close to £20 million for his services from Roma, but the 3000 or so Liverpool fans who travelled down to north London will have set off back up the M1 with the feeling that the Italian can be the man to add quality and diversity to their passing game.

Of course such a short cameo is far from definitive, but Aquilani showed a willingness to take responsibility in possession that has perhaps been lacking at Liverpool of late. One 40-yard strike found Philipp Degen with pinpoint accuracy, and had his manager purring.

He may even have grabbed an equaliser late on, seeing his acrobatic late effort blocked by Phillippe Senderos’ arm. Reds fans can be positive about the future once he and Steven Gerrard begin to link up. Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano showed on Sunday the qualities that have made them favourites of Benitez, but neither possess the same scope and technique in their passing game as Aquilani.

Elsewhere, there was the usual mix of promise and frustration. Promise in the much-improved Emiliano Insua – who levelled matters briefly with a fantastic dipping volley – the adventurous raiding from full-back of Philipp Degen, and the increasing presence of David Ngog, no doubt buoyed by his decisive late contribution at the weekend.

Even the much-maligned Andriy Voronin showed touches of quality, though conviction was undoubtedly lacking in the final third, not just from the Ukrainian.

Frustration remains in the consistent inconsistency of Ryan Babel, whose performance here was a non-event once again. It was somewhat surprising that Benitez opted to remove Ngog for Yossi Benayoun, rather than the Dutchman.

The other substituted player, Damien Plessis, can have no complaints after a lethargic and quality-free performance alongside the equally pedestrian Jay Spearing, who was given the runaround by the excellent Aaron Ramsey.

Martin Skrtel is another whose form has nosedived significantly this season, and he can be held culpable for Bendtner’s winner after failing to get in a decent challenge on the Dane in the penalty area. The Slovakian was nervy all evening, and Daniel Agger’s return to the first team could not have come at a better time for Benitez.

Benitez may not get his desired trip to Wembley this season, though the FA Cup offers a second chance of course, but he will have been encouraged by Aquilani’s debut, if not the quality of his own back-up players.

Donavan Ried - October 29th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

Good Afternoon isaac hunt and Retryboy ……
The game last nigth was a great watch, although we were on the losing side we played really well ……. The lads did us proud ……..

a few plus’s and minus’s on the night ……

On the plus side:- Aquilani’s debut. Looked comfortable on the ball, wanted it all the time. Some nice passes.
Nathan Eccleston had a run out. ……

Donavan Ried - October 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

Soory Hit submit,

on the Minus side: – Felt Rafa could and should have played more youngster
Damien Plessis looked weak, should be moved on……

Philipp Degen, look great going forward showed great speed, but was at a lost to know what to do with the ball in the last 1/4 of the pitch …….

Babel, he is the most frustrating player at liverpool, He as talent of this there is no doubt, but he also has a poor first touch,poor control, wants to long on the ball, predictable. Time to sell him on ……..

The Arsenal youngster had great first touch and ball control. were comfortable on the ball, player some great on touch football, and remember it took a full strenght Chelsea time to beat them in the finals a couple of plus seasons back…….

Our next buy in the transfer market should be the guy how trains Arsenal’s youth

Retryboy - October 29th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

Isaac i know kelly is injured wasn’t against leeds though was he? The fact that pacheco has been consistently in the reserve team for 2 seasons seems to have escaped you owen and fowler were making their first team debuts at his age. The fact that kelly and insua have done so well proves my point that the youngsters are much better than some of the squad players. Ayala came in when we had a lot of injuries did really well and rafa still went and bought kyrgiakos. The point about nemeth was more that he should have been introduced in the carling cup during that 25 goal season obertan at united has looked good in 10 reserve games got his carling cup start impressed and is in line for a epl start contrast that with our youngsters. Next year squad limits come in and you can only have 18 players over 21 in a squad of 25 and it will do us the world of good if carragher or agger gets injured you bring in skrtel if both are injured you have kelly or ayala thats the way it should work not bringing in a 30 year old journeyman who doesn’t do any better job and takes 2 million a year for sitting on his ass

Aquilani4goals - October 29th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

This was a game where, more then anything else, Liverpool were looking to see which players would enhance their reputation. And, in that respect there is plenty about which to be satisfied despite the defeat. Make no mistake, this was nothing like last year’s feeble surrender at Tottenham: Liverpool played with determination and commitment that deserved a better outcome.

Arsenal played well – exceptionally well – in bursts during which they had Liverpool chasing shadows. It was during these moments that they scored their goals. Fair play to them and Arsene Wenger’s policy of focusing on youth – on which he has been working for over a decade and spent a fair deal of money on, one must add – as they have some brilliant players coming through.

Good Game
He should have done better for Bendtner’s winner but overall Martin Skrtel stood strong and, more often then not, helped stem Arsenal’s attacks. Emiliano Insua scored a brilliant goal and, overall, had a very good game especially considering that he didn’t have much help on that left hand side.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the game was Phillip Degen’s performance. Defensively he’s nothing brilliant but when he set off on a run on the right hand side, he invariably caused Arsenal problems. Should have scored in the first half but, that aside, at least it hinted that he could be a good squad player.

Jay Spearing didn’t have a good first half: it wasn’t Sunderland bad but it was way below what is needed at this level. Then in the second half, he seemed to grow in stature and started imposing himself more on midfield. He didn’t show the level of play that he regularly did for the reserves but he showed way more then he’s ever done in the brief appearances he’s had in the first team and that is something that should give him a fair bit of confidence.

Apart from Degen’s good game, the other major surprise came from Damien Plessis. After such a good debut against the same team two seasons ago, Plessis faded away but this season he has been playing quite a bit better in the reserves which is probably why he was granted a new contract. Whatever the reason for that, he played very well showing great intelligence and character. And he gave Voronin a real bollocking for the feeble pass that led to Arsenal’s first goal.

Dirk Kuyt did the captain’s job well: not only did he put in the usual mileage but he was constantly looking at getting other players involved. Another player who seems revitalised following Sunday’s game which, hopefully, he will be able to take forward after a disappointing start to the season.

The goal against Manchester United clearly did David N’Gog a world of good as he repeatedly took on the Arsenal defence. His movement and overall awareness of the game was encouraging to see and he, more then anyone else, looks the ideal candidate to be Fernando Torres’ deputy. My Man of the match

Bad Game
Diego Cavallieri did little to convince that he is an able deputy for Pepe Reina. Perhaps time has come to take a closer look at Peter Gulacsi. Equally disappointing was Sotiris Kyrgiakos who gave the impression that he didn’t really know where he was supposed to be most of the time.

The worst performance of all, however, was undoubtedly that of Ryan Babel. Forget his incredible miss that would have sent the tie into extra time, he actually did nothing on the pitch to justify his starting spot. At this point, the only option seems that of letting go on loan in January in the hope that someone actually decides to buy him next summer. A massive disappointment.

I’m going to go against the flow and say that Andriy Voronin had, overall, a decent game: nota particularly good one biut not bad either. He started well enough and then was quite good in the final 25 minutes. In between, well let’s just say that he was the usual player. The frustrating thing is that he clearly has enough talent to hack it but he lacks the determination to impose himself. When things start going against him, he starts sulking.

Substitutes
Alberto Aquilani got the cameo that everyone was hoping for and did enough during those fifteen minutes to show that he is indeed a class player. Still, patience is the key at this stage and he must be allowed to find his best form as well as get used to English football.

Yossi Benayoun did very little when he came on as did Nathan Eccleston although he was only on the pitch for six minutes. For the youngster, however, this was a massive occasion and surely he has to take heart at being given an opportunity. The player is talented and has that cockiness about him that is vital for a player to succeed. This was the first step for him but he is a real talent.

Warren Bloggs - October 29th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

Players such as Kyrgiakos, Voronin and Babel didn’t do enough last night for me to think they have a future at the club. However, Degen has beensteadily improving this summer, and built on what was a good performance in the last round at Leeds. I think he is startin gto prove that he is a capable squad player and at a FREE is starting to look decent value. Although i have to say i would prefer Kelly when he returns from injury.

Hoogleboogybugleboy - October 29th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Degan again showed that he is a good player and he should have scored. Spearing had a better game which will help his confidence and Aquilani showed that he will be a great addition to the side.. Ryan Babel I’m afraid your time is up. People say that he would be better playing on the right but I have to disagree. He doesn’t do the basic things very well at all, things like ball control and passing. He cannot take on a defender, cannot shoot and poses no attacking threat whatsever and whether he plays on the right, left or up front or in defence these things will remain. Maybe it’s a confidence thing but what else does the guy need to boost his confidence other than being told by the manager that he has a future at the club if he ups his game. For me he has got worse if that’s possible.

...samlfc.... - October 29th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

How i wanted Aquilani’s overhead kick to go in, what away to debut in English football would that of been!!! he played rather well in the 15 mins or so he played
Ryan Babel played a pretty awful match, Degen played rather well and N’gog is showing us hat he will just keep improving
Great game to watch Loads of good points came out of the game but also a few bad points aswell

Mark G. - October 29th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Aquilani4goals:
Great review, no sugarcoating, my slight disagreement is with your view on Voronin’s performance. Yes he was trying, sometimes to hard, he asissted on Arsenal’s first goal. Not good enough first touch, does not link well with others, he lost the ball to many times. I understand, he did not participate in too many games recently, hard to come in and impress. I hope he can be useful somewhere else soon.
The bottom line, the doom and gloom is lifting, a lot of us, discover the some favourite whipping boys, have a lot to offer (Degen, Ngog, Insua). With patience and support, they may become v.useful to us.

Aquilani4goals - October 29th, 2009 at 7:01 pm

It seems that any substitution involving Yossi Benayoun causes surprise these days. Less than a week ago the Israeli’s late withdrawal, during Liverpool’s loss to Lyon drew a chorus of boos from the Kop. Last night he emerged from the bench 15 minutes from time as the Reds chased the game at Arsenal, and his introduction raised more than a few eyebrows.

It wasn’t that it was Benayoun being brought on, of course. The 29-year-old’s guile and composure was more than welcome at a stage when Liverpool were on top of their energetic but inexperienced opponents. The consternation from the travelling pocket of Reds supporters packed into a sold-out Emirates Stadium came from seeing that it was David Ngog who was to be replaced.

Ok, it is not the same as removing, say, Fernando Torres, but still it was surprising. The young Frenchman had given Rafa Benitez 75 minutes of hard-work, and plenty of quality. It was his clever back-heel which opened up a glorious chance for Philipp Degen in the early stages – one that the Swiss full-back wasted.

Contrasting his performance with another Liverpool player looking to establish himself as an understudy (or partner) for Torres, Ryan Babel, and it is clear to see which player is showing more promise at this stage.

Babel cost more than £11 million, seven times as much as Ngog, when he arrived at Anfield from Ajax in 2007, and the early signs were highly promising. Moving with a fluidity which reminded Kopites of John Barnes or Thierry Henry, the Dutchman netted ten goals in his debut season at the club, and looked set to push on and establish himself as first choice.

That he hasn’t is a damning indictment, at a time when quality attacking players at the club are apparently in such short supply. Torres is undoubtedly the top dog at Anfield, but there is an undoubted chance for someone like Babel to nail down a regular place. A chance, it appears, he is unable, or unwilling, to grasp.

Last night he flitted around half-heartedly, offering only a partial threat as Liverpool were second-best for large spells. One nod down for Emiliano Insua’s goal, and a skimming 30-yard free kick that Lukasz Fabianski fielded well was the sum total of his night’s work. A night that was capped with a poor miss, as he failed to connect with Dirk Kuyt’s low cross late on.

Babel’s apologists point to the fact that he is yet to fully earn the faith of Benitez, and that he has never received a prolonged run in the first team. There may be an element of truth in this – Babel has already been named as a substitute 55 times in his short Anfield career, and has been substituted on countless other occasions. But when confronted with statistics such as those, is it not logical to wonder why?

The answer, it seems, is a case of attitude. Ngog may not be the darling of the Kop – though his strike against Manchester United at the weekend will help – but his performances always display plenty of hard-work, a willingness to learn and improve, and a team-first attitude. Supporters respond to such traits, and the Frenchman is currently reaping the rewards.

For Babel, who has made plenty of noise in the past about needing to leave in order to secure first-team football, the long-term prognosis is less promising. It is clear that the talent is there, but Benitez could be forgiven for doubting if this Liverpool side are able to unlock it on a regular basis. The January transfer window may represent Liverpool’s best chance to pick up a sizeable fee for Babel, who will be 23 by the time Christmas comes.

Obviously things can change. Babel’s pace and shooting power means he will always appeal as an alternative option from the bench, but at this moment in time, it makes more sense to back the Frenchman than it does to go Dutch.

Aquilani4goals - October 29th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

Whether it’s empty, half-baked ‘Spirit of Shankly’ rhetoric or brainwashed fans jumping on the ‘Hicks and Gillett are the devil’ bandwagon (without actually knowing WHY), there is a damaging and pointless agenda being peddled in the press at the moment by alleged Liverpool fans that needs to be highlighted.

For me, Spirit of Shankly has no real credibility outside its cadre of easily-led weak-minded fans, all of whom are desperately eager to hurl xenophobic epithets and march around like yobs in a pointless effort to rid the club of its current owners.

Worse than that though is Liverpool fans in the press who use every article they write to further Spirit of Shankly’s spurious agenda.

A prime example of this Tony Barrett’s article in ‘The Times’ yesterday, in which he slated the owners for not yet having built Liverpool a new stadium. Mr Barrett’s comparison with Spurs’ new stadium was tenuous at best, but the part of the article that really stood out was this:

“It is becoming abundantly clear that the longer Hicks and Gillett remain at the helm of one of the world’s greatest clubs, the more likely it is that that club will continue its slide towards mediocrity”.

Mediocrity?

Where? How? Mr Barrett states that the Liverpool will ‘continue’ its slide into mediocrity, which presupposes that the club is already on its way there.

Any fair-minded person viewing the situation with any objectivity at all would see straight away this accusation is completely unfair and untrue.

And what a gigantic insult to everyone connected with the club. Despite the efforts put in by the players, the manager, the fans, the new managing director and everyone else, the club is apparently on the verge of ‘mediocrity’?!

How, exactly?

In his previous two articles, Mr Barrett also attacked the owners, using the same old ‘Spirit of Shankly’ clichés, but he never once explains WHY Liverpool are allegedly heading for mediocrity.

But this is typical of Liverpool fans at the moment – so many are foaming at the mouth about Hicks and Gillett but when you actually ask them to explain WHY they have such vitriol towards the owners, they can’t tell you. All they do is come with the same old generalised crap:

1. They put the club in debt
2. The ‘lied’ about having a ‘spade in the ground within 60 days’.
3. They talked to Jurgen Klinnsman behind Rafa’s back
4. They heaped interest payments on the club

And blah blah blah.

The business and commercial realities behind the above are completely and utterly ignored, but fans don’t care about that; they’re seemingly not interested in the intricacies of business or the realities of how the world really works.

All they care about is the fact that owners are AMERICAN, which gives them a stick with which to beat them (Bravo, Spirit of Shankly!).

And consider this: how has any of the above ADVERSELY AFFECTED the performance of the club? The answer is, it HASN’T.

So, back to the ‘mediocrity accusation: is there any truth to it all. Let’s see – since Hicks and Gillett arrived at the club:

1. More money has been spent on transfers than at any other time in Liverpool’s history, including:

20m – Torres
20m – Keane
20m – Aquilani
18.6m – Masch
17m – Johnson
16m – Dossena + Riera
11m on Babel

That is just the bigger fees. The club also broke its transfer record for a defender when signing Martin Skrtel.

2. Rick Parry was ousted from the club, something the majority of fans wanted.

3. Christian Purslow, a highly educated, business-savvy lifelong fan and season-ticket was appointed to increase the club’s commercial prospects. This was undoubtedly a good move, especially after the abject commercial underachievement under Parry and Moores.

4. A new shirt sponsorship deal reputedly worth 80m over 4 years has been negotiated

5. A new (non-sponsorship) deal with Carslberg is in the offing, which could bring in more money for the club.

6. Liverpool has continued to look for ways to increase investment in the club, and Christian Purslow is confident that new investors will be found ‘within 3 to 6 months’. With his track record so far, is there any reason to doubt him?

7. Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt etc all signed on new long-term deals.

8. Despite intense friction with the owners, Rafa Benitez was signed to a new long-term deal, making him practically unsackable.

9. Benitez was given license to make sweeping changes to the club’s youth set-up and the Academy.

10. Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish was brought back to the club in an Ambassadorial capacity, something that is great for Rafa, great for the players and great for everyone connected with the club.

11. Liverpool finished 2nd in the league on 86 points, the club’s best performance in the league since 1990.

12. For the first time ever, Liverpool received a top-level transfer fee for one of its players, i.e. Xabi Alonso. Think of previous top players who have left – Michael Owen and Steve McManaman are two prime examples. What did the club receive for them? A pittance.

13. Last year, the club made the largest operating profit in its history. I repeat: the club made its LARGEST OPERATING PROFIT IN ITS HISTORY.

So – I ask you: where is the alleged ‘mediocrity’ into which Liverpool is supposedly sliding?! Liverpool are not even close to that, but according to Tony Barrett and ‘The Times’, that is exactly what is happening.

Things are looking bright for Liverpool. Yes, H+G have made mistakes and conducted themselves in an inadvisable manner at times BUT it should be remembered that the media frenzy has been fed by everyone EXCEPT H+G.

Benitez has used the press to further his own agenda; Spirit of Shankly has fanned the flames of (baseless) discontent, and Liverpool supporting journalists in the media are also jumping on the bandwagon.

As I said earlier, arguing that Liverpool FC is ‘sliding into mediocrity’ is not only FALSE, agenda-driven nonsense, it is a gigantic insult to the club, its history and everyone who has worked hard to build the club up over the years.

Where is the fairness? Where is the ability to see the positive things that have happened since H+G took over? Anyone with a long-term view can see that despite some short-term hiccups, Liverpool are on the right track.

But that’s not good enough for the anti-Owner brigade, headed by ‘Spirit of Shankly’, whose damaging message is peddled in the media by its minions, who are so blinded by their irrational hatred for the owners that they cannot see the damage they are doing to the club.

But this kind of thing is nothing new. It’s called ‘Groupthink’, a well-known concept/thought process that has blighted society for hundreds of years.

Groupthink is a concept that was identified by Social Psychologist Irving Janis and refers to faulty decision-making in a group. Groups experiencing groupthink do not consider all alternatives and they desire unanimity at the expense of quality decisions. Janis defined Groupthink as:

“A mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group, when the members’ strivings for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action”.

Janis devised eight symptoms indicative of groupthink:

1. Illusions of invulnerability creating excessive optimism and encouraging risk taking.

2. Rationalizing warnings that might challenge the group’s assumptions.

3. Unquestioned belief in the morality of the group, causing members to ignore the consequences of their actions.

4. Stereotyping those who are opposed to the group as weak, evil, biased, spiteful, disfigured, impotent, or stupid.

5. Direct pressure to conform placed on any member who questions the group, couched in terms of “disloyalty”.

6. Self censorship of ideas that deviate from the apparent group consensus.

7. Illusions of unanimity among group members, silence is viewed as agreement.

8. Mind guards — self-appointed members who shield the group from dissenting information.

This is precisely what is happening with regards to the Owners and Liverpool fans at present. As such, it is up to fair-minded Liverpool fans to challenge this kind of cancerous thinking.

Finally, I challenge Tony Barrett to explain (with specific examples) his accusation that Liverpool is ‘continuing to slide into mediocrity’.

Retryboy - October 29th, 2009 at 7:46 pm

Really good post aquilani i read the truth in an article on liverpool-kop.com/2009/2010/hicks-gillett-truth-about-liverpool-fcs.html brilliant piece giving the truth about all our finances compared to the rest of the big four amazing to see what a strong position we will be in and when you see how far behind we have been on the income before now its the previous establishment rather than the americans who need to take responsibility

Mark G. - October 29th, 2009 at 7:56 pm

Aqulani4goals: Very thoughtful voice in ” How to improve Liverpool FC”discourse
My criticism of the owners is limited to the following:
1. They broke the initial promises, suggesting they are capable of purchasing LFC, without burdening it with a huge debt. Then, they did just that. So, inspite of the record turnover, with record interest payments on the debt, we are not competitive in the market for new players.
The second promise, to start building the stadium quickly, has been reneged on as well. It shortchanges the club, we are missing on 20 – 30 thousands tickets for every home game. Long term, it will effect our competitive position.
2. The interest expense, if the economy recovers, interest rates rise, will put us in very precarious position.
3. They’re not comitted to themselves and the club. I believe, they are short term investors. Gillete was actually trying to buy LFC, by himself. Hicks was co-opted when Gillette could not afford to buy the club himself. Almost immediately, after closing the deal, the partners started fighting, and what worse their disagreements became public. They were rumours, from many sources, that LFC was available to the highest bidders.
4. Their business record, is at least mixed. George Gillette underwent personal bankruptcy in 1992, his main business, Gillette Holding was pushed into involuntary bancruptcy. He is not a stranger, to the world of “junk bonds” and other risky operations.
Tom Hicks and his business partners bought the famous Corinthians football club. Before the purchase of the club, the ownership group assured the fans that a new stadium was in development. This never materialized and after legal/financial troubles and partner infighting, Hicks retired from the company and the ownership group eventually sold Corinthians.
The NEW YORK YANKEES blog reported on April 15, 2009: “Tom Hicks, the principal owner of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, as well as the 50% co-owner of English football club Liverpool, defaulted on $525 million worth of debt. Back on April 3rd, here’s what he had to say about it (somewhat paraphrased):

The move was deliberate, a business strategy as part of negotiations with the banks. The company wants changes to the lending agreement including full access to reserve accounts and a revolving credit line. This is a nonevent for the teams, fans, sponsors and vendors.
On August 19, 2009 we got another report on Hicks financial problems:. Brandon Worley said: “Ever since news broke a few months back that Hicks Sports Group, who own the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers, had defaulted on $525 million in loans there has been an air of uncertainty hanging over both franchises. We learned that Tom Hicks and his company had voluntarily not made the payments on these loans, with the hopes that a long term plan would be worked out and he would have more time to pay the debts. What was not clear however, was just how the Rangers and Stars would be affected long-term and just what the future of each team would hold financially.

So far, the Texas Rangers have been the franchise affected the most. They’ve been forced to cut organizational payroll, which included layoffs and jobs lost in the front office, and were unable to pursue any free agents or big trade due to the financial constraints laid upon them by the owner. Rangers G.M. Jon Daniels stated that any move had the be approved by Tom Hicks personally, this coming after the news broke that Major League Baseball had to step in and “bail out” the Rangers somewhat so that the team could meet it’s monthly payroll obligation.”
5. Could the same fate befall LFC.
To be continued shortly
Mark

Retryboy - October 29th, 2009 at 8:04 pm

Also everyone raving about degen should wait and see what he is like defensively because he looked exactly the same going forward pre-season when he first arrived but got caught out loads at the other end. Still would put johnson, darby and kelly ahead of him and would rather see the english talent developed where we have it. Not dampening enthusiasm just lets wait and see his defensive abilities.

Aquaman - October 29th, 2009 at 8:20 pm

Aquilani4goals: while you have produced some great posts, I fear that you do not know that plagiarism is wrong. Give us a link to the articles with a few quotes rather than posting them here. Or else at least tell us where you got them from.

But enough bickering. The game was very encouraging, even though we lost. Insua’s goal was class (though even he concedes that he was stunned when it went in), and Aquilani looked genuinely dangerous. Maybe some people will realise that being injured all the time does not equate dircectly to lack of ability now (referring of course to Degen). Bit disappointed in Cavalieri, but he hardly ever plays so maybe thats unfair.

I agree with Donavan above about Plessis. He really hasn’t shown enough to warrant the contract he was awarded recently. But then its only for 2 years so maybe Rafa feels the same and just doesn’t want him getting away for free.

Babel is seriously pushing all of the ‘Sell Me’ buttons. I have yet to see him show a hint of the effort Rafa said he’d put in over the summer. All I need to feel a little hope is for him to at least try to try (if that makes any sense).

Pity taht we’re out of the reserve cup (fnah fnah), but in truth all that does is clean up our calender a bit, so meh.

Mark G. - October 29th, 2009 at 8:40 pm

Aquilani4goals:
This is a continuation of my response (today at 7:56p.m) where I responded to his post on the owners at 7:04 p.m.
5. Could the same fate befall LFC. Yes, it can. To have a fate of our team decided by two risk-taking, promise you anything you want to hear, before we sign the selling documents, businessman with less than succesfull past, does not instill much confidence. We need ownership with class, integrity, understanding and respect for the history of LFC, and last but not least resources to keep us competitive in the new reality of the English Premiership league. And yeas, I acknowledge improvements in marketing and busines to bring the club into the 21 Century.

dave - October 29th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

what the fuck is the point in having .5 in the ratings?

KALKITOS - October 30th, 2009 at 6:37 am

anonymous – October 29th, 2009 at 10:50 am

“Aquilani looks superb. Another great signing from Rafa. It’s a shame that certain fans only see the bad signings and forget the good ones.”

Well, only a few Rafa haters are the ones shouting their heads off as if global warming is also his fault. I recalled those few were complaining that Rafa’s a no brainer buying Aquilani who is injured. From last night’s performance and still not 100% match fit, I think Aquilani gives strong hints he’s going to be a bargain. That at the same time also indicates those few shouting their heads off clearly are just banging their empty gong without having even seen the player.

They were complaining Rafa doesn’t play Babel. Oooo…how he hasn’t start enough, if only he starts in the middle he would be the next Henri in no time. So Rafa’s fault again. I am no footy genius but anybody who plays the game a bit can tell Babel’s may be quick but you wish his thinking can match up to his running speed. Whether he refuses to link well with others or he is partially blind or deaf to other team mate’s call who are in better position to shoot/pass, I don’t know. What I know is that he doesn’t link very well with others. You need that to lead the attack in the middle. Rafa has been gracious to start him on the wings because I wouldn’t even bother until he gets his attitude sorted out.

Those same few were complaining why Degen? I confess I don’t know much about him but at least many of us in that same position kept our mouth shut when we haven’t really seen him play. It looks like he can be decent player but lacking in match fitness too. Those few Rafa haters again show themselves to actually know very little.

Well, I wasn’t a big supporter of Rafa from the beginning but must say while not everything is flourishing, he has won me over with certain progress. But these few were crapping about how ‘mate…at least were consistent right from the beginning that we feel strongly Rafa isn’t the man to take us forward….we didn’t change our mind….we stuck to it.’ Ah…now I see! That says it all. No matter what Rafa does, they’ve already decided to crucify him on the cross anyway! Sounds like the stubborn one is not Rafa. Pot calling the kettle black, eh?

RaNE - October 30th, 2009 at 9:14 pm

i dont get people in here sometimes but was it me or where people saying that Degen was crap and needed sold but now hes turned heads and people are startin to notice he is an ok lb and could play sub