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Rodgers' Reds: Class is Permanent

The journey of Brendan Rodgers as he aims to bring Liverpool back to where they belong.
Started on 14 January 2015 by Glenn T
Latest Reply on 28 October 2015 by Maximus
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January 2020

Liverpool had a great start to the year as they downed Burton and Bolton to advance to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup while also maintaining their undefeated streak in the Premier League. The Reds are also set to contest their sixth League Cup Final in six years after disposing of Chelsea in the Semi Finals. The only downside of the month would be a 1-1 draw to rivals Manchester United, who put up a magnificent fight to deny Brendan Rodgers' side their three points.




Premier League

Man City 0 - 3 Liverpool
Balotelli
Balanta
Sterling


Liverpool 6 - 0 Hull City
Moreyra
Balotelli
Balotelli
Simeone
Simeone
Papadopoulos


Man Utd 1 - 1 Liverpool
Balotelli


Liverpool 2 - 1 Arsenal
Moreyra
Dragovic




FA Cup Third Round

Liverpool 2 - 0 Burton
Umtiti
Cornell

FA Cup Fourth Round

Liverpool 4 - 0 Bolton
Sharp
Papadopoulos
Savitskiy
Sterling


Capital One Cup Semi Final Leg 1

Chelsea 0 - 2 Liverpool
Coutinho
Romero

Capital One Cup Semi Final Leg 2

Liverpool 3 - 0 Chelsea
Balotelli
Balotelli
Coutinho

Liverpool January Player of the Month



A return of 6 goals in 7 appearances this month was enough for Mario Balotelli to clinch the Player of the Month. The Liverpool forward put on a notably bad performance against Chelsea in the first leg of the Capital One Cup Semi Final, but made up for that quickly by bagging a brace in the second leg. He was also one of his side's best players in the bore draw to United, scoring the Reds' only goal of the game.

Injury Report



Raheem Sterling - 6 days (stubbed toe)
Jordan Henderson - 3 weeks (pulled hamstring)
Kyriakos Papadopoulos - 6 days (bruised shin)

Sterling and Papadopoulos suffered minor injuries this month but vice-captain Henderson will be out for a little while longer after a hamstring pull against Manchester United.

Manager's Thoughts

The new signings had a fantastic debut month to remember, Giovanni Simeone scored 2 goals in his first game for us and Pavel Savitskiy also found the net fairly quickly as well against Bolton in the FA Cup. Our undefeated streak is also continuing and judging from our next few fixtures it probably isn't stopping anytime soon.

Liverpool FC: January Transfer Report

This January, Brendan Rodgers splashed the cash to convince Real Madrid to part with Pavel Savitskiy, and also secured the temporary recruitment of Manchester City striker Giovanni Simeone.


Arrivals - £44m




Pavel Savitskiy
Fee: £40m
From: Real Madrid
Age: 25
Position: Left Winger









Giovanni Simeone
Fee: Loan - £4m
From: Manchester City
Age: 24
Position: Striker





February 2020

Continuing to rack up league points hasn't been a difficult feat for Liverpool, but they stumbled in the Champions League after losing 3-2 to Internazionale in the First Knockout Round. It would certainly be unwise to rule them out of the tie at this stage though, with the Reds holding two vital away goals to their name.




Premier League

Liverpool 3 - 0 Southampton
Zivkovic
Balotelli
Umtiti


Chelsea 3 - 6 Liverpool
Sterling
Zivkovic
Zivkovic
Zivkovic
Zivkovic
Zivkovic


Liverpool 5 - 0 Brentford
Savitskiy
Simeone
Balotelli
Coutinho
Simeone


Reading 0 - 2 Liverpool
Simeone
Simeone


Liverpool 1 - 0 West Ham
Zivkovic


Swansea 0 - 7 Liverpool
Sterling
Sterling
Romero
Zivkovic
Sterling
Sterling
Zivkovic




FA Cup Fifth Round

Peterborough 0 - 5 Liverpool
Balotelli
Balotelli
Simeone
Moreyra
Simeone


Champions League First Knockout Round Leg 1

Inter 3 - 2 Liverpool
Zivkovic
Zivkovic

Liverpool February Player of the Month



Richairo Zivkovic has had an amazing month, scoring 11 goals in 6 appearances, and easily takes home the Player of the Month for February. New signing Giovanni Simeone has certainly been proving his credentials but Zivkovic is also starting to pick up the pace and put on a masterclass against Chelsea, smashing 5 goals into the Blues' net. In the Champions League, he was a bright positive for his side as Liverpool lost to Internazionale and scored 2 important away goals.

Manager's Thoughts

It's been quite the month, and we have had a series of rather crazy results, starting with that 3-6 win over Chelsea. Zivkovic has been absolutely tremendous, 5 goals in 1 game, holy Christ. We've been quite unfortunate in the Champions League though, but I'm very confident that the lads can overturn the defict in the second leg.
so many drubbings these past months.. all you need to do is put zivkovic some pressure and he'll thrive under it ;)
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2015-06-16 11:44#214829 Pauker : so many drubbings these past months.. all you need to do is put zivkovic some pressure and he'll thrive under it ;)

Indeed, Simeone's been great this month but Zivkovic's been even better!

Capital One Cup Final 2020



It is the dawn of a new decade, but some things certainly won't change. Liverpool are set to compete in their sixth successive Capital One Cup Final, and this year their opponents are the mighty Potters.

Stoke, under the management of Nigel Pearson, have been frequently overachieving and will reap the rewards today with their first cup final appearance in 9 years.

However, breaking down Liverpool is going to be a tough ask for Pearson's side. The Reds are the most successful club in the competition and have won it on a total of 12 occasions.

Stoke City



Stoke started with wins over Bournemouth and Swindon and matched up against Arsenal in the Fourth Round. They quashed the Gunners' hope of a cup run after a penalty shootout upset and went on to have a brilliant showing against Everton in the Quarter Finals. Newcastle were virtually wiped out in the Semi Final as Modou Barrow went to town on them in the first leg, hitting a hat trick to help his side to a 6-1 aggregate win.



Starting 11: Begovic; Hunt, Shawcross, Ekstrand, Armero; Cleverley, Chalobah, Miles, Forshaw, Brunt; Ngoy
Subs: Smith, Long, Fryers, N'Zonzi, Luongo, McManaman, Diouf



Nigel Pearson has sprung little surprises in his chosen lineup as he goes for a fairly defensive formation. However, there is no place in the starting eleven for Steven N'Zonzi and Mame Diouf, both of whom have been ever present for their side in the Premier League this season. Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross, paired alongside Joel Ekstrand today, will look to protect his goal from Liverpool's fearsome attackers. Tom Cleverley and Nathaniel Chalobah are two players who can definitely cause problems for their opponents and they will have to be at their best if Stoke are to get something out of this clash.

Liverpool



Liverpool's first conquest was of Tottenham Hotspur in the Third Round, and went on to take an unconvincing win off of League One side Bolton Wanderers. They performed better in the Quarter Final though, smashing Watford 4-0, and met Chelsea for the second consecutive year in the same competition. The Blues were expected to pose as their toughest cup challenge yet, but instead they were driven away easily as Liverpool recorded a 5-0 win over two legs.



Starting 11: Rulli; Clyne, Balanta, Umtiti, Alaba; Romero, Henderson, Ward-Prowse; Sterling, Coutinho; Zivkovic
Subs: Steele, Joseph, Papadopoulos, Aubry, Sharp, Savitskiy, Balotelli



For today's game, Mario Balotelli will sit out in favor of Raheem Sterling to start on the Italian's usual right wing position, although it is expected that the Italian will be brought on later as an impact sub. Pavel Savitskiy, a £40 million signing from Real Madrid in January, is on the bench and may be in line to win his first trophy as a Liverpool player, along with 20-year-old Ernie Sharp, who has been very impressive when called upon this season.

Kickoff

0' - The whistle goes, and Liverpool kick off. Can Stoke pull off an upset here?

24' - GOAL! That didn't take long! Nathaniel Clyne gets himself into the Stoke City box and wrestles off Pablo Armero before crossing the ball in for Richairo Zivkovic. A terrible mistake from Asmir Begovic, who dives to attempt to stop the ball from reaching it's target, but he instead crumples onto the ground, allowing Zivkovic to power his shot into the net with no obstacle.

29' - GOAL! Yet another dreadful mistake by Stoke! Callum Miles successfully breaks up Liverpool's attacking play as he intercepts a Clyne pass and gives the ball to Chris Brunt. However, a risky pass from Brunt back to Joel Ekstrand results in the pacey Raheem Sterling snatching it and rounding Begovic to score! 2-0 now!


Liverpool fans sound their appreciation as Raheem Sterling takes advantage of Stoke's mistake

35' - Jordan Henderson is in the area and Stoke's defenders are running about like headless chickens, allowing the Reds vice-captain a clear shot at goal. But Begovic is there this time around and goes to ground to catch the ball.

36' - Some great passing play from Liverpool as they maintain possession, and Zivkovic eventually gets his foot on it. The prolific Dutchman zips past Ryan Shawcross and fires away, but his shot goes completely off target.

45' - PENALTY! Sterling swings the ball into the six-yard box and Samuel Umtiti attempts a header but he's instead shoved away by Shawcross, and Martin Atkinson deems it a penalty! Armero is visibly furious and protests the decision, although he receives nothing but a yellow card for his efforts.

45' - GOAL! It is David Alaba to take the penalty and the left-back makes no mistake as he sends Begovic the wrong way.


David Alaba gestures after his penalty put Liverpool 3-0 up

45' - HT: Stoke 0-3 Liverpool. It's looking dire for Stoke as Liverpool are 45 minutes from clinching their 13th League Cup trophy.

45' - The two teams are back on the pitch with Stoke making some changes, as Mame Diouf comes into the side to replace Julien Ngoy.

66' - A fantastic lob by Henderson from the center of the field falls into the Stoke penalty area and Zivkovic gives chase, leaving Ekstrand and Shawcross behind. He gets to it and goes for glory but Begovic denies him a second goal with a brilliant parry for Ekstrand to make a clearance.

70' - Stoke look to go on the offensive as Diouf makes a long run to the other end of the pitch, but before anything can escalate, Alaba puts in a perfectly timed sliding tackle to regain possession for his side.

90' - FT: Stoke 0-3 Liverpool. The trophy returns to Liverpool as usual, with Rodgers' men completely beating down the uninspiring Potters, who have had only 2 shots at goal compared to Liverpool's 30. The Merseysiders are looking unbeatable at present and will claim their fourth trophy of the season after the Club World Cup, Community Shield, and the UEFA Super Cup.


Another day, another trophy... do we congratulate you at this stage? :P
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2015-06-16 17:00#214845 Justice : Another day, another trophy... do we congratulate you at this stage? :P

Nah, that would be like congratulating Messi for every time he scores a goal ;)

March 2020

Liverpool clinched their fourth trophy of the season this month, and are on course for a few more after they overcame Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Internazionale were also punished after their win in the first leg, and suffered a humbling 6-0 defeat at Anfield. Unfortunately, points were dropped in the Premier League after back-to-back draws to Norwich and Manchester City.




Premier League

Liverpool 3 - 0 Newcastle
Balotelli
Simeone
Balotelli


Norwich 0 - 0 Liverpool


Liverpool 0 - 0 Man City


Leicester 0 - 4 Liverpool
Balotelli
Savitskiy
Simeone
Savitskiy




Capital One Cup Final

Stoke 0 - 3 Liverpool
Zivkovic
Sterling
Alaba


FA Cup Sixth Round

Aston Villa 0 - 1 Liverpool
Zivkovic


Champions League First Knockout Round Leg 2

Liverpool 6 - 0 Inter
Balotelli
Balotelli
Zivkovic
Henderson
Henderson
Henderson

Liverpool March Player of the Month



The presence of James Ward-Prowse in the Liverpool midfield has been enormous this month and the captain especially impressed in the draws to Norwich and Manchester City, taking the Man of the Match award in both of the mentioned fixtures. With the conclusion of the month, he has now claimed 11 Man of the Match titles this season, more than any other Premier League player.

Injury Report



Jeronimo Rulli - 3 weeks (pulled hamstring)
Eder Alvarez Balanta - 2 weeks (thigh strain)

Rulli and Balanta both picked up troublesome injuries on international duty with their respective national teams. It's an unfortunate time to get injured with important games to play on the horizon, such as the Champions League Quarter Final, especially for first-choice goalkeeper Rulli. Jason Steele will now be called upon to hold the fort until his Argentine counterpart returns to the team.

Manager's Thoughts

Some good games on display this month and I loved our 6-0 drubbing of Internazionale. However, drawing 0-0 to sides like Norwich isn't particularly a good result for us, although we are still in plenty of control over our league position. Rulli picking up an injury while playing for his country has gotten us into a rather sticky situation, but I have confidence in Jason Steele's ability to step up while Rulli is gone.
That defense is tight! I can't help but see that you didn't get scored throughout your Capital One Cup win!
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Teach me the art of defense? Please?
1
Brilliant defensive record, setting a BPL record for least goals conceded?
2015-06-17 03:52#214892 Pauker : That defense is tight! I can't help but see that you didn't get scored throughout your Capital One Cup win!

Haha yeah, the defense has certainly been doing some work

2015-06-17 03:58#214896 AaronHJFT96 : Teach me the art of defense? Please?

Just get Balanta and Umtiti and you can get that art of defense sorted ;)

2015-06-17 16:02#214911 Justice : Brilliant defensive record, setting a BPL record for least goals conceded?

That's the aim!

Champions League Quarter Final Draw

We're back to that time of the year with only eight clubs left in the UEFA Champions League, all competing against each other to be crowned as Europe's best. Liverpool have taken the title for the past three years, but could the famous European Cup go to someone else this season? It has been nothing but upsets so far - Serie A champions Juventus were unexpectedly defeated by Russian side CSKA Moscow, while Olympiacos masterminded a brilliant victory over out-of-form Bayern Munich, and the two unlikely clubs go into the pot for the Quarter Final draw. Can they make something happen again? We shall see.

Teams
CSKA Moscow
Liverpool
Barcelona
Olympiacos
Real Madrid
Arsenal
Chelsea
Manchester United

Liverpool vs Chelsea



In what will be a classic matchup from England, Liverpool take on their London rivals Chelsea for a spot in the final four. The Reds are overwhelming favorites to retain their Champions League title and rightfully so, after already adding the League Cup, Community Shield, Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup to their trophy collection from this season. Brendan Rodgers' side also sit comfortably at the Premier League's summit with more than 10 points clear of 2nd-placed Manchester United. However, usual shot-stopper Jeronimo Rulli has been forced out of this particular tie because of injury, something that will definitely work against Liverpool. They have more than enough quality to back up Rulli's absence though. Colombian center-back Eder Alvarez Balanta will be called upon to protect backup goalkeeper Jason Steele, while in midfield, the Merseysiders boast the likes of influential captain James Ward-Prowse and the exciting Raheem Sterling.

Key Player: Raheem Sterling

Chelsea have a lot to play for, and not just to reclaim the Champions League, a competition they last won in 2017. A chance to get back at Liverpool after their 5-0 humiliation in the Semi Finals of the Capital One Cup will be welcomed by many Chelsea fans and perhaps even their players as well. Additionally, the Blues have dropped out of this stage for two consecutive years now and they will have to pray for a third time lucky. With Liverpool's Jeronimo Rulli out of the picture, the firepower of former Ballon d'Or winner Eden Hazard and goal-hungry Salomon Rondon may just allow Jose Mourinho's men to achieve that

Key Player: Eden Hazard

Real Madrid vs CSKA Moscow



Real Madrid were so close to a record 11th European Cup last term, but lost out at the very end as Liverpool emerged triumphant from the 2019 Champions League Final. But Andre Villas-Boas is determined to see his side being the ones celebrating this time, evident from the fact that the young Portuguese manager splashed a total of £65 million this season to bring in 10 new players into the Real squad. Despite all the new faces, the vital players remain the same and Los Blancos legend Cristiano Ronaldo, still as fresh as any other youngster at the age of 35, is one of them. Aside from Ronaldo, opponents will have to watch out for other oldies such as Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos, both of whom still pack plenty of creative play.

Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

CSKA Moscow pulled off one of the biggest upsets in world football as they advanced to the Quarter Finals at the expense of Juventus, after winning on away goals in an aggregate score of 2-2. The Russian Premier League champions fought admirably to deny the 35-times Serie A winners, but it remains to be seen if they can do the same versus Real Madrid. CSKA Moscow boast some familiar names such as captain Igor Akinfeev, a one-club man, and former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu, who has been fantastic since moving to Russia in 2017. Together, the two have to be at their best if CSKA Moscow want to get anything out of the clash and snag a win against yet another footballing giant.

Key Player: Igor Akinfeev

Olympiacos vs Arsenal



Olympiacos joins CSKA Moscow in the Quarter Final after upsetting the odds against Bayern Munich, a defeat that will only rub salt on their Bundesliga wounds. However, instead of relying on away goals, the Greeks managed to grab a complete 4-3 win over two legs, and could prove to be a tough challenge for Arsenal to handle. In history, this is only the second time Olympiacos have managed to reach this stage in the Champions League, and if they overcome the Gunners, they will make it to the Semi Finals for the first time since the club's founding in 1925. Team leader Dimitris Siovas has been ever-present in the center of defense for his side this season, while promising left winger Andreas Terlelis is someone who can give any opponent problems. But the real issue for Arsenal to handle may just be goalkeeper Roberto, who recently earned his first cap for Spain at the age of 34 just weeks ago.

Key Player: Roberto

Arsenal's recent years in Europe have been rather forgettable, although they did manage to clinch the Europa League last season. After a long ten-year absence, they have finally reached the Quarter Finals of the Champions League once again and a relatively easy draw against Olympiacos may have been a reward to a club that has patiently waited for another chance to take home their first European Cup. Indeed, the Londoners are one of very few top sides in the Premier League whom have yet to win the Champions League, but this year might just be their biggest opportunity yet. Since his appointment, Gunners manager Roberto Martinez has overseen a positive change, and with quality players such as Aaron Ramsey, Lorenzo Insigne, and Douglas Costa, it would be madness to rule them out of finally ending their European Cup heartbreak.

Key Player: Aaron Ramsey

Manchester United vs Barcelona



Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, but have failed to win a trophy since 2016. This year, manager Joachim Low will attempt to change that, although first he has to face the tough challenge of Barcelona. Since Liverpool's re-emergence back into football glory, United have been left behind in the dust, but they can sooth that easily by claiming a fifth European Cup, something that has eluded the Red Devils since Louis van Gaal masterminded a win over Chelsea four years ago. Talented full-back Luke Shaw will be an important part of United's plans to cruise to the Final, as well as enthusiastic midfielder Mateo Kovacic. Leading the attack is of course, none other than star man Adnan Januzaj.

Key Player: Adnan Januzaj

Although they finished at the top of La Liga in 2018, Barcelona have not managed to keep pace with archrivals Real Madrid in recent times. Last year, they played second fiddle in the Spanish league, and also lost to them in the Semi Finals. Their last successful Champions League campaign came in 2015 and since then, Barca have been unable to even get close to the title. Things show no sign of changing this season, but it is far too early to dismiss the Catalans' chances, especially with Lionel Messi in their ranks. The forward, fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or, is an absolute menace, and along with his partners-in-crime Neymar and Luis Suarez, is capable of blowing away almost any opposition.

Key Player: Lionel Messi
Quality update, good to read how those clubs have fared in the past 6 years (gametime) United not won a trophy since 2016? noooooooooooooo!!!
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