utusanlfc

Fabio Capello resigned in the name of John Terry

2012-02-09T12:12:00.002+08:00

Fabio Capello with his adopted son. - REUTERS

I must say it is a bit weird that Fabio Capello resigned as manager of England on Wednesday following the Football Association’s decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy. The Italian ego must be as huge as the Costa Concordia ship that eventually capsized at Giglio island.

Wayne Rooney : THE ULTIMATE MORON

2012-02-08T14:21:00.000+08:00

Wayne Rooney had to dig deep to find his lonely tune.

We know now that Wayne Rooney watch our game intensely, as he seems to be very interested to comment on Luis Suarez. Together with another scum, Gary Neville, both of them gave their 2 cents thoughts that is tantamount to prejudice and inciting the FA to take action on Suarez, albeit belatedly.

Luis Suarez to start against Spurs

2012-02-06T20:07:00.000+08:00

Luis Suarez himself doesn't know when would Dalglish play him in the match against Tottenham Hotspur at 4am Malaysia time 7 February 2012.

It's 8pm now. About 8 hours to go before the dawn match against Tottenham Hotspur to start at 4 am Malaysia time. It's just about to day light in UK, snowy I supposed. Hopefully in Liverpool, the weather is not that bad, because we really don't want the game to be postponed.

Facebook bernilai RM300 bilion Oleh Johardy Ibrahim Mingguan Malaysia 5 Februari 2012

2012-02-05T21:09:00.002+08:00

Mark Zuckerberg - Photo REUTERS

TIDAK pasti bagaimana anda rasa mengenai penggunaan Facebook sejak perubahan dibuat, saya secara peribadi merasakan perubahan (misalnya Timeline) telah ‘membina jurang’.

Pada paparan dinding akaun anda, ia hanya menunjukkan rakan-rakan yang kerap berhubungan atau mengepos pernyataan yang sama tajuk.

Jadi sekiranya anda lebih 1,000 rakan, kadar kebarangkalian untuk 30 peratus daripada mereka terlepas pandang kepada pernyataan kita adalah tinggi. Atas sebab itu, bilangan yang menekan like dan memberi reaksi, kelihatan menyusut berbanding tahun lalu. Apa erti mengepos pernyataan jika tidak dibaca oleh rakan-rakan?

Namun apa pun rungutan kita, Facebook memiliki alasan khusus membuat perubahan seumpamanya. Perubahan yang dibuat ini adalah antara senarai utama kritikan terhadap Facebook.

Safee Sali : PSSI ordered to stop breakaway league

2012-02-05T19:39:00.002+08:00

Safee Sali had a long hair when he was the in the heavy metal band in Sarawak.

KUALA LUMPUR 5 Feb. : Asian football's governing body has said Indonesia must put a stop to a breakaway league by March 22 or face suspension from world football, an official said Sunday.

Indonesian football was plunged into disarray in November when the breakaway league, Liga Super, was revived, triggering a row with the official Liga Prima.

Alex Soosay, general secretary of the Malaysian-headquartered Asian Football Confederation (AFC), said the sport's world governing body FIFA had given Indonesia's football association until March 22 "to put their house in order."

Safee Sali :Even Indonesia's naturalized players are worried

2012-02-05T12:15:00.001+08:00

Victor Chukwuekezie Igbonefo, born & bred in Nigeria, now a citizen of Indonesia.

Many of us Malaysian don't really understand what is actually happening in the football arena in Indonesia. I have no intention to meddle in the issue what so ever. But since the weird fiasco involved our striker, Safee Sali who against all the advises and criticism chose Pelita Jaya even though the league is banned by the world football governing body FIFA, I feel there is an urgent need for us to learn a bit more.

Yesterday (Saturday), I found this article in the Jakarta Post. Highlighting the concerned of an African player who made a massive decision of his life by switching his Nigerian citizenship and become an Indonesian.

Has Safee Sali made a right decision to play in Indonesia?

2012-02-03T23:32:00.003+08:00

The David Beckham of Malaysia?

For the last couple of days, Malaysia has been buzzing on Safee Sali's becoming the first Malaysian millionaire footballer, and also the other related issues: the FIFA's ban on Persatuan Sepak Bola Seluruh Indonesia (PSSI) that some parties, in particular our own FAM (Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia) seems prefer not to take the issue seriously enough.

To refresh our memory, let me take you into the historical fact that made PSSI in such a quandary state. Like in any other country, including our dearest Malaysia, having a seat in the football board is very much similar to contesting for public office. Many wants it. It spells power. And wealth. Personally, I don't mind if the football association is handled by former players or some one that has massive experience in world of football. Since I am writing on PSSI, do not think I am excluding FAM in this subject. We're talking about football's politic. We saw with horror the havoc in the world governing body of FIFA when they sacked Mohamed bin Hammam.

Safee Sali: The 1st Malaysian Millionaire Footballer

2012-02-01T20:49:00.002+08:00

Safee Sali proudly showing his No.10 jersey of Pelita Jaya FC in Jakarta on 1 February 2012. - fotoBERNAMA

PERSONALLY, I wasn't into domestic football as much as I was a decade ago or so. During my school days in Sarawak, I was a proud fan of the Ngap Sayot squad, led by the flamboyant coach, Awang Mahyan Awang Mohamad. Historically speaking, the Ngap Sayot era was a short one.

It was between 1988 to 1990 but the legacy lingers in me and most of my generation. It was when you would come to the stadium as early as 4pm, when the matches only started at 8.45pm. So what do you do for 4 hours? Smoke the Indonesian cigarettes, Djarum Super til you lose your breath and drink as many alcohol you could consumed before entering the venue. By the time the game started, you're all fired up. Since it was a home match, the target for the worst explicit words were meant not only to the opposition team but also match official. Those were fun. Those were the glory days. I didn't replicate it when I was in Anfield, though. LOL

A breath of relief to beat Wolves

2012-02-01T18:45:00.001+08:00

what A RELIEF! and oh what a FEELING! It as if Andy Carroll needed to be `threaten' to get a sack for him to score.

All the fear was swiftly put aside with that brilliant performances by the Liverpool FC squad in securing the much-wanted 3 points against Wolverhampton Wanderers last night. There were no hangover, no deja vu, no stupid after-the-big-match-must-lose syndrome. In fact, what's on show was completely opposite. It was a continuity from the crazee double whammy against the two Manchester team last week as the three goal proves.

Craig Bellamy is LFC's man of the hour

2012-01-31T22:02:00.000+08:00

Craig Bellamy to prove he is our man of the hour. - REUTERS

Liverpool FC have won just one of the last six in the Barclays Premier League and away from Anfield taken maximum points in just one of the last five. What a sickening stats, if you ask me. What made it worst, the failure to register a winning game came in the matches against the supposedly easy to win. It may sounds arrogant but hey, we just defeated Manchester City and Manchester United last week, how in the hell we failed to beat Bolton Wanderers and oh... all the bottom clubs.

Manchester United just don't get it. We, LFC only hate Mancs !

2012-01-30T22:12:00.001+08:00

T-shirts claiming Liverpool fans aren't racist is seen at a stall near to the stadium ahead of the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England on January 28, 2012. Photo: AFP

TWO massive matches in two different competition and all went well for Liverpool FC. Unfortunately for me, last week I had an infection on my tonsil, thus making me unable to do much, aside than swallowing about 1000 grams of antibiotic into my body system. We are experiencing some hot weather here in Malaysia and since my soul is half located in Liverpool, the winter in me simply couldn't cope with the hot tropical day. Obviously, when on medication, switching on the laptop was not in my top priority. That's the reason why I didn't update my blog during the brilliant and humongous win against Manchester City and Manchester United. Damned, what a week it was!

It was a clear cut handball by Micah Richards

2012-01-26T17:47:00.001+08:00

Harsh decision by the ref to award Liverpool the penalty? It is harsh if the ball hit the neck, instead of Micah Richards's hands. (Getty Images - stolen from the Internet, actually)

The supposedly unbias football commentator were quick to say ``a very very harsh decision by the referree'' and ''a controversial penalty''. To him, it was more like a `ball to hand' situation, a way to describe it was unintentional. It would harsh if in that event, Micah was yellow carded for conduct of unprofessional by using his hand to stop a goal bound shot by Daniel Agger. But he was not, isn't he?

Balotelli, you have no class AT ALL

2012-01-24T19:02:00.002+08:00

Why always you? That was generous of Mr Webb. Red card it should have been.

Mario Balotelli is a moron. If he thinks he could get away with his crime, he must have only a set of radio in his home. If he has a television, he'll know straight away that in what ever angle, every movement of his would be captured by the camera on the pitch. Yet he still thinks he can escape by claiming his stamp on Scott Parker was unintentional.

Craig Bellamy : The Man of The Match

2012-01-23T19:09:00.002+08:00

Don't worry Craig, keep up your performance and you will never walk alone.

I was browsing the Net, looking for something `nice' to read on this lazy Monday afternoon. It is a long public holiday here in Malaysia due to the celebration of Chinese New Year that falls today and tomorrow. So since last Saturday, it's a four day holiday for some. But not me. I'm in the office. I shall take a backdated holidays starting Thursday. Just nice to prepare for the match against Manchester City. And there wasn't much `nice' news to read.

Andy Carroll is not fit for Liverpool FC

2012-01-22T20:18:00.002+08:00

Andy Carroll, your time is up.

We have been patience enough, to a point of really close to blind loyalty towards the very existence of Andy Carroll within the Liverpool squad. While it is true it was Andy's header that assisted Craig Bellamy to score the consolation goal, but that was it. We wanted more. But Carroll doesn't seems capable to provide any. The frustration has gone to the North Pole. It's unbearable.

Apa kaitan kaset dan pensel? Mingguan Malaysia 15 Januari 2012 oleh Johardy Ibrahim

2012-01-21T18:51:00.002+08:00

Satu artikel yang boleh dicapai di Internet yang menyatakan anak-anak kita tidak akan tahu hubung kait antara kaset dan pensil'. - GAMBAR HIASAN

PADA pertengahan 1980-an, terdapat satu pusat jualan bersebelahan Dermaga Brooke yang juga stesen bas untuk ke selatan Kuching. Pusat jualan berbumbung bernama Dockyard itu menyerupai konsep Uptown yang semakin banyak di Lembah Klang hari ini iaitu kebanyakannya menjual barangan tiruan, selain tempat makan dan jeti penambang ke Kampung Tanjung.

Liverpool must score to win against Bolton Wanderers

2012-01-20T10:35:00.001+08:00

oooppssss..... Liverpool is meeting Bolton Wanderers, not Michael Bolton. Click here to listen to his most memorable song Said I love you but I lied...

Seriously speaking, supporting Liverpool all these years has taught me many many things that is useful in my every day life. One of it is that never to become a boastful person. It's easy since we don't have much to boast, some might say.

adidas, you're an idiot !

2012-01-18T21:29:00.001+08:00

Proudly showing off the Anthem jacket (made by adidas) that I bought in UK in December 2011.

Should we be pissed off or offended with the rather harsh remark by adidas's CEO, Herbert Hainer? That is after all the support we gave adidas by spending thousands of dollars to acquire the LFC's merchandise. The best part of the excuses given by Hainer is that LFC are not competing in the European championship, so they decided not to prolonged the contract.

A SIMPLE TRAVEL GUIDE TO LIVERPOOL FROM MALAYSIA

2012-01-13T19:58:00.000+08:00

Showing off the precious ticket for the LFC's match against Blackpool on Oct. 3, 2011 (look at that giant photo of that dumb blonde on the wall next to Steven Gerrard)

Replying to a repeat queries from various LFC's fan in Malaysia on how to go to Liverpool to watch a match, here I will try my best to accommodate.

First of all, you got to secure the stadium ticket before you do anything else. How do you do that? You can go direct to the LFC's ticketing office via online or telephone. It is a bit messy because you have to register as the international member. But if you have done so, it shouldn't be a problem.

LFC beat Manchester City. But don't get carried away, dude.

2012-01-12T20:28:00.000+08:00

No way Aguero! You won't beat Pepe Reina. The defining moment when Martin Kelly 's silly back past almost cost LFC a hefty fine. Thanks to Reina to cancel Aguero's attempt. (Photo AFP)

There were two tactics employed by Kenny Dalglish in the match against Manchester City last night. In the first half, it was attack, attack with conviction and neat passing. It was a good momentum til the whistle was blown for the break, as we have the goal in the net as early as the 13th minute.

Bellamy is LFC's real hope to beat Manchester City

2012-01-11T21:25:00.002+08:00

Craig Bellamy could be the push-factor to win the match against Manchester City in the Carling Cup at 4am Malaysia time 12 January 2012. (Photo AFP)

The best part of tonight's match (well...it's a freakin 4am in Malaysia for us here!) is that nobody seems to care that it is only a League Cup or Carling Cup, which according to the clubs that have been ousted from the league... it is supposed to be a worth-nothing cup. hahaha... But because of the competing teams are such high-profile clubs, Carling Cup or no Worth Nothing Cup, this time it retain its glamour. I like it!

It's not solely about Evra. We just hate MUFC. Period!

2012-01-10T19:04:00.003+08:00

Al Pacino as Don Corleone in Godfather III

Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement.

This is one of the famous quote by Don Corleone in a helicopter scene in the Godfather III movie can be aptly used in our everyday lives. Capish? It also depends if you have enemies as dangerous as Joey Zaza. I love the movie. I love ALL The Godfathers trilogies. No idea what I'm talking about? Google... my young Skywalker.

So you're not supposed to hate your enemies, as advised by the Lord of the Hoodlums, created by Mario Puzzo (I have the books too!!! Hell... I have the video tape, VCD, DVD...posters...).

IN SEARCH OF A STRIKER FOR LFC

2012-01-08T20:54:00.001+08:00

Where are you heading to Mr Bent?

If this is not the funniest story ever, it could be deemed as rather an insulting situation for the poor chap Darren Bent. Just a few days ago, the rumour of him becoming one of the LFC squad member hit the fever stage. Today, Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has revealed that Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has told him he is not interested in signing Darren Bent.

Liverpool FC is NOT a racist club. Ever!

2012-01-07T21:45:00.000+08:00

Oldham Athletic's Tom Adeyemi (2nd R) is calmed down by Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (2nd L) and referee Neil Swarbrick (R) after a fan shouted abuse at him during their FA Cup soccer match against Liverpool at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England, January 6, 2012. - REUTERS

For many of the Asian newspaper, they will only published the post-match report tomorrow 8 January 2012, due to the time difference between UK and Asia. For Malaysia, it's 8 hours ahead. Thus for the matches that played at 8pm in UK, that spells trouble for us here because it is 4am !!!

My concerned is only on one particular issue for the match LFC vs Oldham Athletic at 4am this morning. Even though we won the match in a staggering manner (5 goals against 1), because of that one incident involving Tom Adeyemi, the news tomorrow would focused on the racist chant and overshadowed the whole football story.

Andy Carroll's left footer was the best!

2012-01-07T16:13:00.002+08:00

We have waited for Andy's left footer for quite a long time. We know it would go in, we know it would be beautiful. Do it again in the Manchester City's match. - AFP

Speaking of a left footer, Oldham Athletic's forward Robbie Simpson was not bad at all. Thumbs up for the effort. It's not easy to beat our Pepe Reina and only such thunder strike would be exceptional. - AFP

LIVERPOOL 5 - OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1. That was the flash I read in my Twitter this morning. A relief and a bit of anger. Relief that we managed to come back from the slumped by Manchester City a few days ago and to score that a high margin, is simply marvellous.

Darren Bent, is he...? Really? Why? hmmm....

2012-01-06T21:42:00.002+08:00

He loves to do that at Sunderland.

According to a Mirror journalist via his twitter, Darren Bent is a done deal to join LFC. And he quoted unnamed sources from LFC. Was it Kenny Dalglish himself? Or some one from Standard Chartered Bank (you need money to pay Aston Villa, right?). I read this story at about 9pm Malaysia time.

No live telecast LFC vs Oldham Athletic (Grrrrr.....!!!)

2012-01-06T20:28:00.001+08:00

Somehow it reminds me of Harry Potter... the white owl. HAHAHAHA

NO NEWS ON NEW STRIKER THIS MONTH?

2012-01-05T19:48:00.002+08:00

LFC's lethal weapons on the bench in the Manchester City's match. They should be starting in the 2nd match against the Manchester City on 11 January 2012.

No posting since the match against Newcastle United? Then the heavy losses to Manchester City? Nothing out of the ordinary. I have mentioned it before, I won't be commenting on pre and post-matches that too often. So many bloggers are doing it, including who wrote once in every 3 months. I prefer to ponder on something else that is closer to my Red heart & soul.

Tonight, I would like to ask you: does anybody know when would Kenny Dalglish announce a new striker for the squad?

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 : MAY WE GROW AS CHAMPION

2012-01-01T12:44:00.002+08:00

Obviously we were too happy to be in Anfield that we somehow over-used the scarf around our neck. From left: myself, Mdm Norliza Kamaruddin and Jagdev of The Star on Dec 10, 2011.

I wish all of you : a jolly New Year of 2012. I won't be asking what type of celebration you participated last night, on the New Year's eve. It must have been a blast!!!... I'm not sure if you even awake today! It's New Year and also it's Sunday. So resume your slumber!

Luis Suarez found guilty because he can't speak properly?

2012-01-01T12:23:00.000+08:00

The FA's written verdict on Luis Suarez shed more questions than ever.

It was a long read but yet, I couldn't comprehend on the part of ``unreliable and inconsistent'' that FA summaries on Luis Suarez's testimony, The FA report says Suarez's evidence was 'unreliable in matters of critical importance' and 'inconsistent with the contemporaneous evidence, especially the video footage'.

By contrast, the FA found that Evra was 'a credible witness' and that he gave evidence 'in a calm and composed way' and was 'for the most part consistent'.

As I have suggested, Suarez's case fell apart with his admission of using the word `negro' and according to the FA, he used it 7 times.

A golden moment with LFC's legends 9 December 2011

2011-12-31T17:37:00.000+08:00

Up Close & Personal with Thommo (3rd from left) and Kenny Dalglish (3rd from right) during the special meet with the media at Knowsley Hall, Prescot in Liverpool on 9 Dec 2011. (Just got the photo from Mdm Norliza Kamaruddin (middle)

The REAL unsung hero: Martin Skrtel

2011-12-31T17:11:00.001+08:00

The REAL unsung hero of Liverpool FC. The last man, the fierce-looking bad-ass. The tormentor. The stopper. He is Martin Skrtel.

Skrtel plunged into the net in his successful clearance of the Newcastle's forward, Demba Ba when it was 2-1 and it is every body's guess what could have happened if the ball went in. Thank You Skrtel.

The match started at 3.50am Malaysian time and I put my alarm-clock at 3.55am. No, I didn't miss anything as the real fight happened in the second halves. Mind you, I had to dash to the 7-11 to buy myself a pack of ciggies during the break. I should have prepared earlier but it was raining at midnight, thus the dawn-rush to the 24-hour store. Smokers are crazy. hmmm...

We are happy that at last, and a much needed one, the squad registered a win. Thanks to the two goals by Craig Bellamy (before he was elbowed by Fabricio Coloccini) and the most exciting last goal by our long injured captain, Steven Gerrard. The win itself bring some sort of a relief after a spell of draws and failure to convert sufficiently to kill the game. The virus seems to be persisted in the match, and as many of you would testify, the arrival of Gerrard brought the stalemate into a lively fight. He rejuvenated the squad.

SIR STEVEN GERRARD, please rise!

2011-12-30T18:28:00.001+08:00

Steven Gerrard in a perfect composure taking a lethal shot...

Luis Suarez won't be playing in the match against Newcastle United today (4am Malaysian time). It does make some of us nervous. While our defence has been dubbed ''the meanest'' in the English Premier League, we can't really say much about our striking ability.

The same reason why we ended in too many draws and losing unexpectedly to a lowly team (with due respect, we thought LFC would be slaughtered by Manchester City but we didn't. Thus, losing to Fulham was puzzling to this day!)

Suarez's middle finger to FA

2011-12-29T22:15:00.002+08:00

A friend is selling the t-shirt wore by Suarez and the squad during the match warmed-up against Wigan. I have ordered 20 set. Do you want it? Offer valid in Malaysia only.

Like most of Liverpool FC fans all over the globe, the latest ban on Luis Suarez is utterly baffling. That would be a bias point of view, said those who doesn't believe in YNWA's concept. After all, the English FA got the video evidence.

However, we have to question the FA's consistency in handling such cases. I don't have to list here many other instances where players from powerfully influential club such as Manchester United or Arsenal and Chelsea were let loose by the FA. I have enough of 'bias' word thrown to me (not that would hurting me at all...)

A true Liverpool fan stays loyal to the team in all weathers

2011-12-28T11:34:00.000+08:00

WE ARE LIVERPOOL! (lobby of LFC's training centre in Melwood, Liverpool on Dec 8, 2011)

I deliberately withheld to comment on the last few matches that ended up in a rather bemusing result. Failed to score in the Wigan match then didn't get to shut off Blackburn totally. The win against Aston Villa was a bit odd for me to do so. Why? It's because there were so many people commenting on it. While there's nothing wrong with that, I find it rather awkward to read some negative points. Some even suggested for the removal of Kenny Dalglish.

I have read some detailed analysis. I'm sure many of you read it too. There are arguments that Dalglish's accomplishment were not that afar from Roy Hodgson, to telly the result between August to December. Not that far is ranging by the number of the draw and full 3 points that the squad is losing now. In that, I am disagree. To analyse the performances, you have to see the points accrued, based on the numbers of winning, loses and draw. The different is obvious. Dalglish's reign has produced more.

WINTER SONATA IN LIVERPOOL (PHOTO ESSAY PART 2)

2011-12-27T22:05:00.003+08:00

Usually you see the photo of the gate from the front view. This one is from behind. Just to show that I'm inside the Anfield at the time. hehehe...

Inside the VIP lounge. Very nice wall photo. Very nice, indeed!

LFC goes to USA in 2012 summer, not Asia

2011-12-26T16:21:00.000+08:00

Standard Chartered Bank Country Head of Corporate Affair, Norliza Kamaruddin

THE LIVERPOOL FC squad will be heading to USA during the summer break next July and will only return to this region in 2013, said Standard Chartered Bank Country Head of Corporate Affair, Norliza Kamaruddin.
Read more »

Christmas Day in Astro Arena Studio LIVE

2011-12-26T16:09:00.002+08:00

No bro, I'm not surrendering my Suarez's scarf to you, Hafizan Hashim.

Before the start of Grand Stand LIVE talk show on Astro Arena channel 801 on Christmas Day. From left is Norliza Kamaruddin, Mohd Rizal Hashim, Hafizan Hashim and Chow Yuen Fatt.

I love my Anthem jacket. HAHAHAH

Frankly, I am a bit reluctant to appear on the television. The rules of thumb is that once I got the invite, I have to inform my superior and get the green light. That's nothing really. But if the topic is a general topic or politics, I am so afraid to say things that may deemed as not in lined with the company's policy or worst, been laughed at. Which reminds me of the movie The King's Speech.
However, when Zainal Abidin Rawop invited me to participate in the Grand Stand talk show at 2.30pm on Channel 801 Astro Arena yesterday (Christmas Day), I didn't really have qualms or what so ever. The topic is not only on my hands but also very close to my heart. Together with Standard Chartered Bank's Country Head of Corporate Affairs, Mdm Norliza Kamaruddin, we will be talking on Liverpool for 30 mins on LIVE telecast. So I am okay with it.
Read more »

Ulasan Kes Luis Suarez

2011-12-26T15:25:00.001+08:00

PUBLISHED 25/12/2011 IN MINGGUAN MALAYSIA (Klik di sini untuk ke laman web : Ulasan kes Luis Suarez

Bila mulut bawa padah adalah tajuk yang disiar di Mingguan Malaysia dan dipilih oleh Pengarang MM. Tajuk asal saya adalah `menangani isu rasisme dalam bola sepak'.

Oleh Johardy Ibrahim

BEGITU bingit isu penyerang Liverpool FC, Luis Suarez didapati bersalah menuturkan perkataan perkauman atau rasis terhadap kapten Manchester United, Patrice Evra minggu ini. Suarez dikenakan hukuman penggantungan lapan permainan dan denda 40,000 pounds (RM200,000).
Isu itu menjadi rumit kerana banyak pihak tidak mengendahkan bantahan Liverpool FC terhadap kaedah yang digunakan oleh Persatuan Bolasepak Inggeris atau FA tidak sama seperti kaedah konvensional amalan mahkamah sivil.
Ramai yang memilih untuk melihat Suarez sudah didapati bersalah semata-mata dan mahu dia menjalani hukuman tersebut, selain menjadikannya kes contoh kepada semua yang terlibat atau meminati bola sepak Inggeris.
Kes serupa dihadapi oleh kapten Chelsea, John Terry yang dituduh menuturkan perkataan seumpamanya kepada Anton Ferdinand dari kelab Queen's Park Rangers, yang juga adik pemain Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand.

Tiada kelab penyokong rasmi LFC di Malaysia

2011-12-26T15:20:00.001+08:00

24/12/2011

LIVERPOOL - Malaysia tidak memiliki kelab penyokong yang menjalin hubungan secara rasmi dengan kelab bola sepak Liverpool, menurut wakil kelab LFC berpusat di Singapura.
Pengurus Rakan Kongsi LFC, Stephanie Wong ketika ditemui Utusan Malaysia di pusat latihan LFC di Melwood berkata, beliau berperanan menyelia aktiviti LFC dengan pelbagai pihak di rantau Asia.
''Namun, LFC tidak menjalin hubungan rasmi dengan mana-mana kelab penyokong di Malaysia, walaupun pernah sebelum ini,'' katanya.
Keadaan tersebut ujarnya, tidak memberi masalah besar kerana LFC sememangnya mengetahui terdapat dua juta penyokong di Malaysia.
Kelab juga menawarkan keahlian rasmi LFC yang boleh dipohon secara dalam talian bagi peminat di Malaysia iaitu www.liverpoolfc.tv/membership

Liverpool FC bantu pertumbuhan bank

2011-12-26T15:16:00.003+08:00

Oleh Johardy Ibrahim

KEDAI menjual barangan rasmi Liverpool FC dan Muzium LFC di Stadium Anfield.

LONDON – Standard Chartered Bank yakin penajaannya terhadap kelab bola sepak terkenal, Liverpool akan membantu pertumbuhan bank itu di pasaran-pasaran baru muncul di Asia, Afrika dan Asia Barat.
Pengerusinya, Sir John Peace berkata, kewujudan bank itu melebihi seabad di Asia dan Afrika terutamanya, menjadi bekalan kekuatan baginya untuk menghadapi suasana ketidaktentuan ekonomi global dan krisis hutang zon euro pada masa ini.
“Sebagai sebuah bank, kami melihat peluang-peluang perniagaan terhasil daripada ketidaktentuan ekonomi global. Memandang ke tahun depan, kami pasti dan secara strategik akan terus dan menjangka untuk mencatat pertumbuhan dalam pasaran-pasaran yang kami telah bertapak,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian dalam taklimat kepada media yang menyertai lawatan anjuran bank itu ke ibu pejabat Standard Chartered di Basinghall Avenue, London, baru-baru ini.
Bank berpangkalan di London itu kini memberi tumpuan ke pasaran Asia, Asia Barat dan Afrika, yang menyumbang kepada lebih 90 peratus perolehan dan keuntungannya.

Sinergi jitu Standard Chartered dan Liverpool FC

2011-12-26T15:13:00.002+08:00

Published 24/12/2011

KENNY Dalglish (kanan) mengendali latihan para pemainnya di Melwood, Liverpool pada 8 Disember lalu.

LONDON - Kenapa Standard Chartered Bank memilih Liverpool, bukan kelab lain untuk ditaja? Kenapa Liverpool yang kali terakhir menjulang piala pada 2005 dalam perlawanan akhir Piala Juara-juara Eropah di Istanbul dan Piala FA Inggeris pada 2006 dipilih? Dan kali terakhir Liverpool memenangi Liga Inggeris ialah pada 1990.
Ketua Hal Ehwal Korporat Kumpulan, Gavin Laws yang merupakan orang yang bertanggungjawab membentangkan idea penajaan kelab bola sepak kepada Lembaga Pengarah bank itu kira-kira dua tahun lalu, ada jawapannya.

REINA "MOHON MAAF" (kepada peminat di Malaysia)

2011-12-26T15:07:00.001+08:00

Oleh Johardy Ibrahim (melaporkan dari Liverpool, United Kingdom)

Johardy (kiri) bersama Pepe Reina dalam satu temu bual eksklusif di Liverpool, semalam.

LIVERPOOL – Penjaga gol kelab bola sepak Liverpool, Pepe Reina ‘meminta maaf’ kepada para penyokong kelab tersebut dan peminatnya di Malaysia kerana tidak menyertai skuad berkenaan semasa berkunjung ke tanah air pada Julai lalu.
‘‘Saya mengalami kecederaan ketika itu dan perlu menjalani rawatan. Saya memohon maaf kepada para peminat di Malaysia. Saya mendengar cerita teman-teman dan membaca laporan mengenai sambutan hebat yang diterima oleh pasukan.
‘‘Tentunya saya sangat bangga dengan sokongan itu dan saya harap sokongan berterusan dari para peminat,” katanya kepada Mingguan Malaysia semasa sesi khas soal jawab di pusat latihan Liverpool yang dikelola bersama Standard Chartered Bank di Melwood di sini semalam.
Reina berkata, beliau juga berharap akan dapat kembali ke Asia di masa akan datang untuk menemui para peminat di sana.

READ ALL ABOUT LIVERPOOL FC IN UTUSAN MALAYSIA TOMORROW 24 DEC 2011

2011-12-23T19:15:00.001+08:00

The past few days was extremely busy for me. Thus, making it impossible for me to update this blog as much as I would, especially with the ban on Luis Suarez and the lousy draw against Wigan Athletic. I had so many chores to attend to, and the other reason is to prepare the articles of my trip to Liverpool during the match against Queen's Park Rangers on December 10.

A buddy asked me why I was so slow in updating the blog. My only explanation is that I have to ensure that the main articles are to be published FIRST in Utusan Malaysia, then only the rest would be uploaded here. It cannot be the other way around. So at last, the articles plus photos, will be printed in Utusan Malaysia tomorrow, December 24 on page 32. Above is the photo of the lay-out.

Some of you who can read Bahasa Malaysia understand that the article is very much on the Standard Chartered Bank's story of why did they chose Liverpool FC as their investment partner. It is important to understand the dynamic that existed and blossomed between the two parties as the partnership were established. The articles are quoting the bank's Chairman, Sir John Peace and the Group's Head of Corporate Affairs, Gavin Laws who is instrumental in coming up with the idea to sponsor a football club and presented to the Board of Directors, who then ordered him to proceed, which then of course, ended up in a synergies relationship with the iconic football club of ours, Liverpool FC.

THE CUP THAT WE WON IN ISTANBUL 2005

2011-12-18T13:22:00.001+08:00

This is the Big Ear, the 5th we got and it is placed in the lobby of LFC's training centre in Melwood, Liverpool.

When ever you feel down or anxious or unsettling, it is better to think of other positive memories. Personally, I like to rewind to the Istanbul night in 2005. I was in Japan, covering the Malaysian Prime Minister visit and had the best of time listening to the Japanese commentators screaming Alonso...Alonso... Gerrardo...Gerrardo... Goooooallllll....!!!! Being in the hotel room alone (my media mates then were not football enthusiast) at 4am-6am, it is not advisable for anyone to make a commotion, what more to shout or jumping. So I did the Mr.Bean celebration. All the facial expression but without any sounds!

Read more »

WINTER SONATA IN LIVERPOOL (PHOTO)

2011-12-18T12:51:00.000+08:00

Suarez warming up with Kuyt. Funny he wore track-suit while many were already in their attire. Apparently, Suarez didn't practice heading during the warming up.

Can you identify the players?

Justice for Luis Suarez

2011-12-16T13:46:00.000+08:00

Today, Luis Suarez should know his fate, pertaining to the accusation made by the moron in the blue shirt above, that the Uruguayan had uttered a racially abusive word against the French chap.

I am all against racial abused or anything that perceived as a direct bigotry, including ethnic and religious profiling. I am commenting on Suarez not because I have any law background to stifle such accusations or that I think Suarez is guilty. This is simply because the case is very weak. It is Patrice Evra's word against Suarez. There were not witnesses, and it wasn't even recorded by the referee during the match. It was only made known after the moron, reported the matter to his manager who then together they lodged the case to him.

Suarez flatly denies the FA charge of using ‘abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour’ towards Evra when the teams met at Anfield in October and any suggestion that his comments ‘included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race’ of his opponent.

Say NO to Fernando Torres's U-Turn to Anfield

2011-12-15T20:06:00.005+08:00

This Anti Fernando Torres sign is seen in a shop near Anfield Stadium in Liverpool. 02/02/2011 (metro.co.uk)

INCITED by the UK media claiming that Chelsea is ready to sale Fernando Torres for a mere £20 million (that is more than 55% of his original selling price by Liverpool to Chelsea in January at £50 million), the whole cybersphere were buzzing with the news.

Among the LFC die hard fans, apparently there are many still sane and holding tight to our honour, thus objecting to any notions for the returning of Torres to LFC... be it £20 million or £2 !!!...

Some queried me: what's the different with the departure of Ian Rush to an Italian club in 1980's and his returned to Anfield after a season. My simple response is that Rush left our club with hopes in our heart, unlike Torres who we asked for his wisdom to stay put and help to rejuvenate the club in times of need. He left even it has been announced of the imminent arrival of the new club owner and the appointment of Kenny Dalglish.

WINTER SONATA IN LIVERPOOL

2011-12-14T19:28:00.007+08:00

This is not a photoshop. LOL. Photo taken on 10 Dec 2011 in Anfield. LFC 1 - QPR 0 and Luis Suarez was the hero!

I am indeed a very lucky Liverpool fan this year. I was selected by Standard Chartered Bank (Malaysia) with two other media representatives to watch the match thought to be Tony Fernandes (owner of QPR) against Liverpool. But in the end it was a show of Luis Suarez!

Updates!!!... Post-anfield visit

2011-12-14T16:04:00.002+08:00

l shall update this blog tonight. There will be some interesting topic for all of us to discuss, in particular pertaining to the statehood of a fan club here in Malaysia. l just got home and need to sleep for a few hours (still jetlag). Until then, YNWA!

Three days to topple the Queen

2011-12-08T02:08:00.002+08:00

I'm blogging from the Standard Chartered Bank Headquarters in Basinghall in London now. Not really covering any specific business news but to meet the Chairman Sir John Peace in a few minutes. I'm here in London, on my way to Liverpool to watch another crunch match between Liverpool Football Club against Queens Park Rangers this Saturday. Since I'm doing this a bit impromptu, I will only upload the photo when I have the chance tomorrow in Liverpool. Until then, do follow my journey til the match day on Saturday. YNWA!

Lucas Leiva will be missed (temporarily til he recover)

2011-12-03T19:14:00.003+08:00

The first three years with Lucas Leiva was pure headache. I was defending his performance then, thinking there's no way for such a brilliant manager in Rafa Benitez could be so dumb to persistently put him on the starting line. Though that would be an understatement because Rafa did made some blunders in his selection of players. Remember Mark Gonzalez, Robbie Kean and many Spanish players that I couldn't remember their names. I was ridiculed by my own fellow Liverpool supporters, for taking a stand on him.

LFC vs Fulham 6 December 2011 4am Malaysian time

2011-12-02T17:59:00.004+08:00

This is an unfortunate timing for many Liverpool fans on this side of the world and in particular, Malaysia where my crib is situated. Yes, the kick-off is at a freaking 4am on a weekday (Tuesday) Malaysian time (8pm in UK, add 8 hours). While the momentum has been steadily built for the last three matches, this Fulham match is too costly for me to miss. Yes, I will have issues with my sleeping time, and it will be worst because I will be travelling on a jet plane a few hours later. I guess I will be sleeping through the whole journey.

I don't really bothered what Fulham is preparing for the match because from what I have seen, we have sufficient firepower even in our supposedly-second team of Carling Cup to crumple Chelsea. Of course, the next match King Kenny would definitely fielding our 1st eleven. It is a bad time for Fulham to face LFC, even Craven Cottage's full house support won't be sufficient for the likes of Luis Suarez to run amok.

However, one man I wish to see in the starting line-up is the man below:

The non-controversial Maxi Rodriguez. He'll deliver when Suarez's path blocked by Fulham's busses. And what about Craig Bellamy? I vote for him, too.

PSSI : TERIMA SECARA BERMARUAH

2011-12-02T17:40:00.004+08:00

Apex hanya memandang bahagia kepada Sinaga Ferdinand yang gagal menyumbat sepakan penalti yang berakhir dengan skuad Harimau Muda meraih pingat emas acara bola sepak Sukan Sea di Stadium Gelora Bung Karno di Jakarta pada 21 November lalu.

Tarikh siaran di Mingguan Malaysia 27/11/2011

PASTI ramai daripada kita tersenyum bila membaca berita Persatuan Bola Sepak Seluruh Indonesia (PSSI) mengemukakan aduan mengenai mutu pengadilan warga Jepun, Minoru Tojo semasa perlawanan akhir merebut pingat emas Sukan Sea antara negara itu dengan skuad Harimau Muda Malaysia. Kalau tidak tersenyum pun, pasti kita jadi meluat.
Bukan kita hendak membela Tojo. Bukannya Tojo tidak ada cacat-celanya di mata penyokong Malaysia. Keputusan lemahnya yang sekadar melayangkan kad kuning kepada pemain Indonesia yang terang-terang melakukan aksi menjunam untuk cuba mendapatkan sepakan penalti, adalah amat menjengkelkan. Malah jika hendak bercerita mengenai mutu pengadilan warga Emiriah Arab Bersatu semasa perlawanan Malaysia-Indonesia di separuh akhir, lagi tambah-tambah menjengkelkan. Pemain Indonesia yang ketinggalan 0-1 ketika itu bagaikan mensasarkan kaki pemain Malaysia, bukan bola tetapi kaki. Taktik mereka itu berjaya bila tiga pemain utama Harimau cedera menyebabkan mereka tidak diturunkan semasa perlawanan akhir.

Kisah benar Nang Nak di Kulim

2011-06-21T17:54:00.003+08:00

Oleh Johardy Ibrahim
Published 19 June 2011 Mingguan Malaysia

PADA sekitar 1950-an, Ismail Omar atau dikenali sebagai Pak Meh atau Meh Pok merupakan anggota polis dalam PVR atau Sukarelawan Polis di daerah Kulim, Kedah. PVR walaupun ‘sukarela’ pada era sebelum dan be berapa tahun selepas Merdeka, ada yang menjawat jawatan itu secara tetap dan fungsi PVR wujud hingga ke hari ini. Pak Meh menjalankan tugas seperti polis biasa, lengkap dengan balai, kuasa menangkap dan sebagainya.
Tugasnya membawa beliau ke segenap penjuru daerah Kulim dan pada 1950-an, ia adalah pekan kecil dengan penduduknya tinggal di kawasan berjarak jauh antara satu dengan yang lain. Satu hari, Pak Meh menerima aduan daripada seorang lelaki bernama Mat (bukan nama sebenar) yang melaporkan kematian seorang lagi anaknya setelah kematian dua anaknya dua tahun berturut-turut sebelum ini.
Lazimnya, laporan kematian pada era pra-Kemerdekaan di kampung-kampung akan diterima, dicatat dan dikeluarkan sijil pengesahan kematian, melainkan wujud elemen kesangsian yang tinggi dalam sesuatu laporan. Dalam kes Mat ini, Pak Meh mendapati wujud elemen tersebut. Tiga anak Mat mati setiap tahun berturut-turut. Kes itu dirujuk Pak Meh kepada OCPD Polis British yang menyokong cadangannya agar kes itu diselidik lebih lanjut. Apakah kematian mereka berkaitan wabak penyakit, binatang buas atau jena yah?
Pak Meh terpaksa meredah hutan untuk sampai ke rumah Mat, yang menunggu kedatangannya. Sepan jang masa di situ, isteri Mat langsung tidak kelihatan walaupun Mat mengakui dia ada di dalam. Tidak mengapa, segan atau masih sugul agaknya. Pak Meh walaupun berpegang pada prinsip kepolisan dalam mengumpul fakta, terdetik rasa ke anehan pada kawasan sekitar rumah Mat. Pak Meh memberitahu Mat yang dia akan kembali esok untuk meneruskan siasatan.
Pak Meh tidak memberitahu Mat bahawa dia membawa Pak Din yang memiliki pengetahuan mengenai alam jin. Di rumah Mat, Pak Meh meminta Mat memanggil isterinya tetapi dia enggan menunjukkan diri. Pak Din memberi isyarat pada Pak Meh supaya beredar. Tanpa pengetahuan Mat, Pak Din telah meninggalkan sebiji telur rebus dan limau purut di perkarangan rumah Mat. Esoknya, mereka kembali dan mendapati telur itu telah ‘dimakan’. Pak Din berkata memang ada ‘sesuatu’ di sini. Malah, Mat memberitahu Pak Meh anak ketiganya yang mati ada kesan luka di leher.
Ketika mereka bertiga berbual di bawah tangga (rumah orang Melayu tradisional), tidak semena-mena kelihatan tangan dari kawasan dapur keluar dan turun memungut sudu di atas tanah. Dan jarak antara aras lantai rumah dengan tanah adalah 1.524 meter. Kejadian itu dilihat oleh ketiga-tiga mereka. Dan bagaikan satu cahaya, Mat tersedar ba hawa orang yang disangka isterinya adalah satu jelmaan Iblis. Selama ini, Mat diperdaya mata oleh Iblis yang menjelma menjadi isterinya.
Siasatan rapi Pak Meh mendapati isteri Mat sebenarnya sudah mati tiga tahun lalu ketika melahirkan anak, dan sejak itu Iblis menjelma sebagai isteri Mat dan menjalani kehidupan seperti biasa tetapi jika tidak kerana kematian anak, kisah ini tidak akan diketahui.

Seram

‘Bapa saya cerita kisah ini masa saya kecil lagi, jadi bila saya tonton filem seram Nang Nak, terus saya teringat cerita bapa. Ini kisah benar!,” kata Yusoff semasa sesi teh tarik baru-baru ini. Mujur sesi tersebut berlangsung waktu sarapan. Jika tengah malam, Yusoff kena hantar saya balik sampai depan pagar rumah.
Nang Nak adalah filem hantu Siam yang diterbitkan pada 1999. Saya menontonnya hanya satu setengah kali pada tahun 2000. ‘Setengah’ kerana saya hentikannya separuh bila saya tersedar menonton Nang Nak seorang diri adalah keputusan tidak waras pada tengah malam. Lazimnya untuk menyiapkan artikel berkaitan filem atau selebriti, saya perlu menonton semula sesuatu filem sebagai kajian atau cergaskan kembali ingatan tetapi kerana Nang Nak, saya yakin saya masih ingat tahap seram maksimum yang dirasai. Tak berani pun ada juga.
Filem Nang Nak boleh disifatkan sebagai pencetus revolusi genre seram. Ia menggabungkan elemen romantik yang teguh yakni tebalnya kasih seorang isteri yang bila mati, menjelma semula untuk membaha giakan suaminya yang baru kembali dari medan perang. Moralnya: bagi yang bercinta, janganlah bersumpah setia sehidup semati. Nanti dua-dua mati, anak yang merana yatim pia tu. Atau lebih haru, yang mati men jelma kembali...
Elemen utama Nang Nak ialah adegan seram yang memaparkan puntianak bertenggek di bumbung kuil hinggakan sami-sami ketakutan. Adegan ini tidak mencetuskan keinginan untuk ketawa kepada penonton kerana sudut gambar dengan muzik latar bergema dengan bunyi kesan khas, membawa penonton bagaikan duduk bersama sami - ketakutan sambil mendongak ke bumbung melihat puntianak mahu menerkam.
Di akhir babak filem ini, pengarahnya Nonzee Nimibutr masih mampu menyelitkan unsur kesedi han walaupun beberapa minit sebelum itu, penonton menutup mata dengan tangan tiap kali hantu Nak muncul. Sami perlu memecahkan tempurung kepala Nak bagi memas tikan ia tidak dikuasai roh jahatnya. Setelah berjaya melemahkan hantu Nak dan sami bersedia untuk meng hapuskannya, tibalah babak sedih apabila Nak melahirkan rasa cinta nya pada suaminya Mak. Merayu-rayu. Merintih-rintih. Dan inilah resipi yang membawa kepada populariti filem Nang Nak dan legenda itu sendiri, hinggakan pada 2005, versi bahasa Inggeris Ghost of Mae Nak menyusul.
Seperti kisah Pak Meh di Kulim tersebut, filem Nang Nak adalah legenda rakyat yang popular di Thailand, disebut Mae Nak Phra Kha nong. Malah, terdapat satu kuil khusus untuk Nak di On Nut, Sukhumvit Soi 77 di daerah Suang Luang di Bangkok.
Terfikir juga, seandainya kisah di Kulim itu dijadikan filem oleh pengarah filem Malaysia, apakah ia men jadi sehebat Nang Nak Siam? Atau diolah men jadi satira seperti Hantu Kak Limah?

Sorry again

2011-04-11T10:40:00.002+08:00

Last week, a lady friend who is known to be a staunch Man.U fans called me up, asking me on this blog. With a slight paranoia, I told her not to bother because I hardly updating this blog nowadays, due to my `engagement' with the Facebook. However, she said it was for her friend, a Kop I supposed. I have tried my best to update this blog. For the same reason, I failed again. I wanted to do more for this blog. After all, it has been around since 2007. Damned you, Mark Zuckerberg.... hahahaha

Is Suarez really coming?

2011-01-27T10:37:00.002+08:00

Suarez practicing his goalie skill while the real goalkeeper (yellow kit) watched with relief, to see off Ghana out of the World Cup 2010.

The whole month is has been buzzing with Suarez. As we thought that the deal could be sealed last Monday, apparently there is still business that Ajax has in mind by increasing the asking money. Some news reported it was 20 million pounds, others 25 million pounds. Is the American willing to spend? Let's see today and tomorrow. Because Saturday, has been the deadline set by Ajax.

I want to think positive. I want to believe Suarez will be joining Liverpool by the end of this week. I want to feel the happiness of having TWO real world-class strikers in our club. Torres and Suarez. Mind you, the name even rhymes with each other. They speak Spanish and while Spain won the World Cup, Uruguay were at no. 3. Not bad at all. Of course, everybody would smile now remembering Suarez's action hero in eliminating Ghana's dream.

I found this ``10 things we should know about Suarez in the Metro Online News''. I paste it here not only for you guys to read but also myself to remember & to find the data easily within my own blog.

Luis Alberto SUAREZ Diaz

Born on January 24, 1987 in Salto, Uruguay's sixth largest city, has played for his national team since 2007 (as well as leading the line for Dutch side Ajax).
One of seven children brought up by a single mother, he began his professional career at Montevideo side Nacional in 2005. During his time with the club under the management of ConCon, he won the national championship in 2006, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances.
Luis's older brother Paolo is also a professional football player.
He was just 19 when he moved to the Netherlands with Eredivisie side Groningen, transferring to Ajax two years later.
Luis married Sofia Balbi, his childhood sweetheart, in 2009.
In 2010, Suarez was named Dutch Footballer of the Year, having ended the season as top scorer in the Eredivisie with 35 goals in 33 league matches (49 goals in all competitions).
In August 2010, Luis's wife gave birth in Barcelona to a daughter named Delfina. In the same year, he joined the likes of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Dennis Bergkamp in a select group of players who have scored more than than 100 goals for Ajax in competitive matches.
Part of Uruguay's final squad of 23 participating in the 2010 World Cup, Suarez was a starter in all three of the country's group matches in the tournament.
During the 2010 World Cup, Suarez made six appearances, scored three goals, played for 543 minutes and received one red card.
He gained worldwide notoriety during the quarter-final match against Ghana, where he handled the ball on the line in the last minute of extra time. He also celebrated Asamoah Gyan's subsequent penalty miss, which sent the match to penalty kicks and led to Ghana's elimination from the tournament.

Malaysiakini says Merseyside Derby is Real Madrid vs Barcelona

2011-01-26T09:51:00.007+08:00

The picture above is not the new director of football development for Liverpool Football Club but one thing for sure, he has made a fool of himself among the Liverpool fans, and Everton plus Barcelona and Real Madrid.

This fella is Abdul Rahim Sabri, a writer for the so-called `accurate' and `free from government's influence' news portal, the infamous Malaysiakini. Apparently, in trying to create creativity by analysing an upcoming by-election, the novice writer mix-in some football analogy. But he's effort is best categorised as lame as Roy Hodgson's tactical acumen.

In the opening paragraph, the sorry-writer stated ``Merseyside Derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona''. Where? at Bernabeau, Madrid, Spain. For what? La Liga Championship.

Oh My God!...

The original text was written in Bahasa Malaysia :
``Pertembungan BN dan PAS dalam pilihan raya kecil DUN Tenang umpama perlawanan 'Merseyside Derby' antara Real Madrid dan Barcelona di Stadium Barnabeau, Madrid, Sepanyol untuk perlawanan penentuan kejuaraan La Liga.''
(http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154383)

The weirdness of his article continues when he described Barcelona as ``an underdog team''. The true fans would laugh aloud to read this. Even those who are not watching La Liga could tell which club are best to be categorised as the underdog among the football clubs. Barcelona is definitely NOT an underdog team. Stupid.

And have you ever heard of a Real Madrid's player by the name of ''Gucci''? I've seen ex-Real, Beckham & Zidane modelled for LV but Gucci?

I have no interest in the political content of the article. Why should I read the whole piece when the first thing you read was a grossly misleading reference to the Merseyside entity? I don't thing it is an insult to Liverpool fans, nor Everton. But we feel sad for the writer who only managed to make a fool of himself.

The fluke only highlighted few things that this writer is tremendously a lousy one who :
a) doesn't play football (in Malaysia we called them KAKI BANGKU)
b) a really really lazy arm-chair writer (cut & paste)
c) a novice writer who is trying to write something which is not meant for him yet (football!)
d) shows the level of editorship in Malaysiakini because his boss released the news for publication, and in a way proves that the editor himself is zero-knowledge of football (pathetic)
e) he is anything but a Manchester United fan.

Lastly, I strongly advised the Malaysiakini editor to instruct Abdul Rahim Sabri to start doing his research before starting any article in the future, be it on football or what ever he wants. Without proper research, your reputation is as good as shattered and making an arse of yourself.

Malaysiakini, to assist your football-zero knowledge editors & writers to understand what is `Merseyside Derby', I cut & paste below the correct definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The Merseyside derby is the name given to any football match contested between Everton and Liverpool football clubs, the two most successful clubs from the city of Liverpool in England.

Liverpool 2 - Everton 2 (The real Jay Spearing, pls stand up !!!)

2011-01-17T21:19:00.003+08:00

This boy is getting better! Hail Jay Spearing... !!!

If only Fernando Torres's shot didn't hit the post, if only the ball had gone in, if only we can stop feeling sorry to our sorry state at the moment, if only the gloomy feeling we're have been experiencing far too long could be thrown away... if only.
Is one point sufficient? We were completely in control in the first half but all the confidence seems to evaporate within 5 minutes of the second half. What the hell happened? I rather not prolonged my rant here. Not my style. After all, if I were to read this posting again in 10 years time, I really don't want to see myself writing negatively about my own team. So better don't.
Now, when I first saw the team sheet on the net, one name emerged as an outstanding homegrown player. Jay Spearing. This is the kid who has been nurtured by Rafa Benitez, somewhat ignored by Roy Hodgson and now, used for the first time by our new manager, Kenny Dalglish (excuse me, our interim manager).
He was chosen perfectly for this derby match which has produced the most yellow & red cards over the years. Spearing was true blood English style player. Even with his not-so-tall height, he still managed to unsettle the Everton strikers, Anichebe & Benford. Anichebe for one, built like a boxer or a rugby player but hell no, that doesn't stop Spearing at all. Of course, there were times when he miscued and misplaced the ball altogether. But as the game moves on, he was tackling left and right. That got noticed not only by the fans in the stadium but also me, here in Malaysia, some 13,000 km away!
If Jay Spearing perfected his game (and retain by Liverpool), my God... he is the reincarnation of Mascherano that we have been looking for all along. Stand up Spearing. You deserve our salute!

Seksi jadikan diri penuh keyakinan

2011-01-16T13:32:00.001+08:00

Di Barat, Kim Kardashian dianggap seksi. Di Timur, dia dianggap bintang Porno. (16 Jan 2011)

SIAPAKAH yang pertama anda terfikir bila perkataan 'seksi' disebutkan? Jika lelaki, apakah Megan Fox berada di kedudukan nombor satu carta peribadi anda? Kalau wanita, apakah Robert Pattinson jauh meninggalkan David Beckham?
Soalan di atas tercetus dan terdorong oleh kehebohan minggu lalu berkaitan seorang artis tempatan yang tersiar gambarnya berpakaian bikini. Apa salahnya? Pertama, dia berpakaian bikini di pantai, bukan di pejabat. Kedua, dia ada badan seksi hendak mengenakan baju bikini. Lainlah kalau badan penuh panau atau lemak berlipat-lipat di lokasi strategik. Itu bukan seksi. Itu ngeri dan sangat geli. Soal moral dan agama, dia dah jawab 'No Comment!'.

Sila klik: utusan Malaysia Online - Rencana

LFC can beat Everton

2011-01-16T12:54:00.005+08:00

Remember this photo? Torres celebrating in front of the stunned Everton fans? He will be repeating it tonight!

I was away for a few days last week, thus making me unable to update this blog. This may sounds a crap excuses but with the lousy result in the two matches, there's not much to comment even.
However, tonight is one of the crunch match that is hyper interesting and many of us would positioned the derby at number 2, after Manchester United - every season.
I didn't bother to visit their stadium during my historical personal visit to Liverpool last October. I didn't see any urgency to do so, nor importance. Though my buddy admitted that he is doing a part-time job at Gooddison, just because there was no vacancy over in Anfield. It's related to real survival, I won't say much. But when it concerns pure football, my buddy is as staunch as any of us in mocking the small-club neighbours.
At L1, where the ultra-modern shopping mall is situated at Liverpool, the merchandise store of Liverpool & Everton are situated side by side. I went in to Liverpool's, of course but I opted for the Sport Direct mega store instead of Everton's store. It feels not right at all to step into the enemies shop.
Kenny Dalglish has a rather torrid two early matches for him. But there won't be third time bad luck for him. Tonight (Malaysian time), King Kenny will emerged as the winner with his choice of players. If he retains his choice for the young players (Martin Kelly, Jonjo), no matter what the result is going to be, ultimately it shall be an entertaining one. We are desperately needing new players and if the young stocks be given more exposure, we might find what we're looking for in our own backyard. Let's sing it for team. YNWA !

Kenny Dalglish : Get us back to where we belong!

2011-01-09T00:48:00.004+08:00

If Kenny Dalglish is given a free hand, the fans won't object if Kelly Dalglish is appointed as the club spokeswoman. Naaa... just a wishful thinking!!!

I was on the road Saturday when I got the news alert of the much-awaited dismissal of Roy Hodgson and at last, the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as the interim caretaker for the remaining season. While many of the fellow bloggers ran to their Internet connection to post their views, I ...on the other side, decided to carry on with my normal life programme today with my family. I even allow myself to watch Hawaii Five-O just now. (I like...!!!)
I read with interest all the posting made by my fellow LFC bloggers here in Malaysia. For once, majority of us agreed that Hodgson must leave, contrary to the scenario during Rafael Benitez's era where I was among the few voices that went against the notion to expel him from Anfield, then. At least, during his time (except the last one), we win some away matches. In Hodgson's case, the away record was almost 99% ZERO and that's no way for any sympathy, not least by any sober-minded blogger like me, even!
Now, I have nothing much to write about the Hodgson's failure and all I can say to him is : Good Bye. And that's it. No more about him in this blog.
My focus is very much on the match tomorrow night (Malaysian time) against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Sir Alex Ferguson must be grinning with the latest fiasco befallen on his number 1 club nemesis and at the same time, would probably came out with a stinging criticism against the owner for sacking his old pal. Whatever! He's opinion on Liverpool doesn't make us losses any sleep, in fact we welcome it. Most of his venom has been used as an antidote to spur the players and uplifting their game.
This is what we simply want from Steven Gerrard and Co tomorrow at Odd Deadfort stadium. With Kenny Dalglish standing at the side line, we know Torres would want to show the old master what he really can do in especially big matches such as against the self-proclaimed `the new unbeatable' of Manchester United. We will prevail.

Against Manchester United, Sunday. A mountain too high to conquer?

2011-01-07T12:17:00.006+08:00

I am already standing up after posting this statement... hehehe...

This is a game we always looking forward to in every season. Be it in the premier league or other competition. This Sunday it will be FA Cup. The only true fight of all the fixtures this week.

But is it really really `a true fight' between titans? While ManUre is having a jolly good time at the top, Liverpool is lurking 2nd place at the bottom. Thus, the murky gloomy feelings we are having now and of course, the ultra-confidence among the freaking-monkey of Manchurian fans.

But what the heck? Gerrard couldn't score from the penalty spot in the dreaded match on Wednesday against Blackburn. Who knows if he had scored, the result could be even. But who cares about `if'?

While the chants and the protests among the Liverpool fans all over the world are getting louder by the minute for Roy Hodgson to leave LFC, it seems the club itself has its own mindset. The anticipation for his dismissal yesterday has not come to materialise. Apparently, the club doesn't want to rock the boat a couple of days before meeting ManUre. So be it. We know now King Kenny Dalglish is reluctant to be the caretaker. He needs to be persuaded harder. Perhaps, after the Sunday game he will take up the position, for the sake of the club and fans all over the world.

The fans have lost faith totally towards Hodgson's capability to handle our club. Just imagine the low spirit the players are enduring now and yet, in two days time they are facing ManUre. I hope they can elevate their performance and beat ManUre. Not for Hodgson but simply for the pride of it and of course, us the loyal fans.

Roy Hodgson : YOUR TIME IS UP. Go NOW

2011-01-06T11:01:00.005+08:00

Yes Mr Hodgson, your time is up... Go now...

The anger, frustration and furious that we succumbed now has reached a level of beyond comprehension. One game we win, then the next we lost. The squad miserably lack of consistency. The only consistency now for Liverpool Football Club is to register a tremendous number of losses. A total of 9 matches. Should we be panic? Should we give Hodgson `a bit more' time? With the same number of Fernando Torres's jersey, we can kiss No.4 slot GOOD BYE. Are we seeing any progress? Hell no.
Some would argue that while the manager is the easy target when ever his team is not registering any win, the blame must also goes down to the players. And in this case, those players who are paid multi-million pounds per year.
Many of us now shouting, pleading for the sacking of Hodgson. Enough is enough. Is this just a spur of the moment reaction by the fans? I doubt so. Six months down the season, and the progress that we wish for, is not happening at all.
Previously, Liverpool may slipped into bottom spot but it was due to the match differences or one-two losses, before climbing back to where it is supposed to be (at least top 6). Now look at the chart. OMG !!!
There is no other reason for the club to delay Hodgson's dismissal. Next match is against Manchester United. Even if we win in that match, is Hodgson's job still can be retain? I doubt so. His time is up.

Daniel Agger wants to leave?

2011-01-05T10:41:00.005+08:00

If I’m not playing in the Liverpool team on a regular basis, then I am ready to move on,’ he said. ‘I have only just returned from three months out injured, so I am in no position, at the moment, to say I must be in the side for every game.

‘But once I have made a few appearances and regained full fitness, I would expect to be starting games. If I’m not playing, I can’t see a reason for staying.

Such statement was fast ``decipher'' by UK newspapers as a heavy hint from Daniel Agger as ``he is ready to quit'' Liverpool Football Club. Agger could be one of the better player bought by Rafa, as proven with his ability to create havoc from Liverpool's own backyard straight up to the opponents D-area.

In fact, he assisted and even scored some memorable goals while charging onwards. One particular unforgettable goal was during the match against Wigan where he was beaten (and fooled) by an Egyptian striker Arm Zaki, which prompted him to do his own way in order to redeem himself. The game was a shocker, simply because Wigan was touted as a `small team' prior to the game. Most glaringly, it was Zaki's fast thinking that stole the ball from Agger to inflict sorrow onto Liverpool.

For much of the time last season, Agger was in & out of the team sheet due to injury and some times, due to match fitness. I supposed Agger shouldn't be despair because this month we would see Liverpool fought 12 matches, so definitely Agger will have his lion share. I doubt if the manager would play him all the 12 matches for fear of injury, and there are Aurelio, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos while our Deputy Captain, Carragher is still recuperating from his shoulder injury.
I like Agger simply because of his ability, not because of his looks or his tattoo. He was bought from Brondby because of his prowess of initiating attacks from the back, long distance passing skills and venomous shot. I'm sure every one of you won't forget that goal against Chelsea. Wowsieee...
We're waiting anxiously for the `small business' to be executed in Anfield this month. While we're expecting the purchase of a proper strike-partner for Fernando Torres, I hope we don't have to sell Daniel Agger. Since we really really in need to have a cover for Torres, perhaps it is best to let go those players in the forward department only.

FOR SALE : CUTEST NON-PERFORMING PLAYER OF LIVERPOOL - Ryan Babel

2011-01-04T22:58:00.001+08:00

FERNANDO TORRES : Stay fit, Keep on scoring

2011-01-03T19:48:00.001+08:00

Liverpool's Fernando Torres (R) shoots to score his side's first goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Bolton Wanderers at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England January 1, 2011. (REUTERS)

Joe Cole : We still adore you

2011-01-03T19:44:00.003+08:00

Liverpool's Joe Cole stretches to score their second goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Bolton Wanderers at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England, January 1, 2011. (REUTERS)

The rumour is brewing hot : Roy OUT: Dalglish IN

2011-01-03T11:03:00.003+08:00

If you're like me - it is a must to read the football news from the UK online newspapers every morning. And today, you'll find another rumour, another speculation alleging that ``NESV will fire Roy & take an interim manager for the rest of the season''. & who will that be? The reluctant yet widely popular, Mr Kenny Dalglish.
There are so many arguments that we can put forward when debating on Dalglish return (if the UK newspaper's allegation turns out to be correct). So I won't go there.
However, my focus would be on Dalglish as the living legend - with an impeccable record as the winning player & manager in Liverpool history. Imagine if things goes south by the month of May, his record would be forever tainted. Of course, if he managed to turn things around, the record could be added. But why take the risk? Look what happened to Alan Shearer in Newcastle.
One thing we should try to understand is the difficulty in finding the right replacement in January : in the middle of the season. No other club would prepare to release any manager mid-way through, no matter how much money were offered.
The ones that is available are those who failed at their respective clubs or couldn't get any back-up from the owner or loved by the fans. Which is precisely what is happening to Roy now...

This must not be the first & last goal from Joe Cole

2011-01-03T00:07:00.005+08:00

(Pictures: liverpoolfc.tv)

Joe Cole was was singled out as particularly hopeless in Roy Hodgson's post-match interviews after goalless draw against Utrecht last month. While he was absent most of them due to the red card on his debut, followed by a string of injuries, he was still missing even when Hodgson played him.
Some might say it was the transition blues, experienced by many top players when they switched clubs. But six months is too expensive for Liverpool to be patience anymore. Fortunately, Joe Cole did regain some sweet reviews with the simple tapped in for the winning goal against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
One critic suggested that during the World Cup, Fabio Capello had to ditch his 4-4-2 for 4-2-3-1 in order to accommodate Cole. When he eventually did come on against Slovenia and Germany, he was accorded one of the loudest roars of England's tournament, but was just as hopeless as everyone else.
His decision to quit Chelsea for Anfield on a free transfer was meant to be one of the summer's biggest transfer coups, but it now looks like little more than a tragic waste of £80,000-a-week. (And having missed out on Cole, Harry Redknapp promptly lucked into an £8m deal for Rafael van der Vaart, who has shown what a real attacking midfielder looks like).
Cole was adamant that his first goal for Liverpool this season would be the starting of a much more result from him. Well, he just got to do it now, not later. We are in a very silly position, we need to win as many games as we could in this hectic month. A total of 12 matches to be fought in January.
Joe Cole, you can't be invisible anymore. Bring your magic, the ones that we admire you most when you're with your previous club. Do it. Prove it. Win it for us, the fans from all over the world.

UTUSANLFC IS BACK !!! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011, YOU REDS

2011-01-02T12:57:00.004+08:00

I know... I have been neglecting this blog for almost a year. My only truth reason is I was distracted by FACEBOOK. But I can't really say `distracted' since I am still very much active in it (and many of you, too... I KNOW!!!...). I should have started yesterday but I got work to complete, then the weather was oh... so gloomy then it rains, then I went to sleep. It was superfine.
As everyone is buzzing now, we are in the same pathetic position just like 6 months ago when many were calling for Rafa to step down. Today, it's Roy Hodgson's turn. It's bad. It's ludicrous to lose against Wolves last Thursday morning (due to the Malaysian win against Indonesia on the evening before & over-active futsal match, I missed the match at 4am). And last night's win was best termed as a `delayed process of Roy's termination'.
I do not wish to prolong the debate. The new owner must have their own plans for the remaining season, in ensuring the club finished as the Top 4. But if any of you ask me what would I vote for Roy? I'll say: HELL YES... I VOTE FOR ROY TO LEAVE !!!
Instead, I prefer to focus on the players. I am delighted that David Ngog were given a roar when ever he got the ball. It proves that the Kops has taken him into their hearts. I believed his confidence is getting better, and he was shadowed tightly by Zat Knight, but yet he still managed to put a scare on the Bolton's game.
I hope my opinion is not a consolation because my greatest fear is that Liverpool won't have sufficient fund to buy new striker to partner Torres. And not merely a striker but a world-class striker. So, if we have to settle on with Ngog, we might as well give him a strong backing to excel and to score more.
What about Joe Cole? The Sun's photo above is the best to summarise Cole's performances thus far. Red carded on his first match, then injured for many-many moons and when he started the match, he wasn't that fit. So he was subbed (just like he did at Chelsea) for the remaining 10 mins or so, he managed to tap in the ball into the net. Regardless of the off-sides cry by the Bolton's player, we cannot avoid but to feel... a bit jittery about Joe Cole. Ok... lets give him some more time. We know he can do better for Liverpool.
The returned of the lethal combi: Liverpool GT (Gerrard & Torres) were breathtaking. I suspect the only reason for Torres to stay another season in Liverpool was simply the fact that he enjoys pairing with Gerrard when both of them managed to play together on the same pitch. The last 6 months it was Gerrard without Torres (vice versa) due to respective injuries to them. So the lethal combi of Liverpool GT will lit the fire for our survival in this hectic month of January.
And my Liverpool friends, it will be a fiery month, indeed. Fasten your seat belt. It will be a rough ride.

A DREAM COME TRUE! The `pilgrimage' to Anfield on 3 Oct 2010

2010-10-08T03:00:00.003+08:00

A shopping spree in the merchandise store in the stadium... more like a shopping orgy!

In front of the Paisley gateway, with the new jacket I bought for 50 pounds.

With Bill Shankley's statue, there's nothing can beat the feeling I felt then (& now).

REGARDLESS of the result where the Liverpool team lost to Blackpool on that day, I personally think my trip was worth every penny! I was on a business trip to Paris for 5 days when I got the good news from a dear friend who is pursuing his Phd. in John Moore University in Liverpool that he managed to secure 2 tickets for the match. It was 39 pounds each. Never mind. It's all on me! The most important thing is to be there ON A MATCH DAY. To be able to sing along the Kops singing YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE on the top of your voice, and felt the shivering within yourself of the anxiety & pride, that won't be able to be asses with any monies.
I flew in from Paris on the first flight to Liverpool. Never mind I had to be at Charles de Gaul airport as early as 6am, in order to catch a 7.50am flight. The journey took about one & a half hour but due to the time different (UK is an hour late than France), I arrived in Manchester airport at about 8.30am. I was wearing a LFC cap & of course, caught the attention of the immigration officer who questioned me more on the football aspect & wanted to know how did I got the ticket & where I would be sitting. Apparently, he & his mates are season ticket holder and even quipped to me that they might be seeing me later in the stadium. If that's not a warmth welcome for a far far away Liverpool fan like me, I find it so fun and `at home' when a few more people like cab drivers greeted me while mentioning about my cap. Seriously, I feel at home (even though it was Manchester's territory but I do suspect majority of the people working there are Liverpool fans).
The weather was lousy. It was heavy rain. The distance between Manchester to Liverpool is about 55km. Due to the nice motorway, the trip was easy. My friend, Masrur Mohd Khir fetch me and brought me to his house in Speke, quite close to the John Lennon airport in Liverpool. We then embarked on the trail of Anfield road, together with many local football fans.
Upon arriving at the stadium compound, my heart was pounding hard, the adrenaline were rushing in and I keep on telling myself to steady my reaction... as not to attract funny stares from the people who were in fact, looking at me with interest (hey mate, you're must be a Chinese fans of ours) if I could get their Scousers accent correctly.
Before the match kick-off, I participated in the sing-aloud of YNWA. Funny thing was that the ref had to wait until we finished the chorus. Steven Gerrard was in no hurry, even though he kept his eyes on the ref who anxiously slotted the whistle on his mouth a few times. But we didn't allowed him to blow as yet.
I won't be commenting on the game. Most of you have seen it. Miserable.
After the match, many of the fans converged into the merchandised store. Some just walk through, but in my case, I had a mission. I am looking for the new jacket. And I got it for 50 pounds (picture above). The weather in Liverpool was so cold. I came from Paris but you can still walk steadily on the streets. But in Liverpool, the wind didn't allowed you to do so, particularly for those coming from hot tropical country like Malaysia. I am not used to this kind of coldness. Thus, the jacket.
It's almost 3.30am now, I am experiencing the jet lag. I tried to sleep at 11.30pm just now but managed only for 15 minutes before my eyes were wide open. hmmm.... I will end my memoir now and try to get some decent sleep. That's all for now folks! YNWA...

(More photos can be found in my facebook account. Click here at :

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=221497&id=550474122&l=9ecdc5c982)

LFC 1 - Arsenal 1

2010-08-16T20:32:00.003+08:00

Javier Mascherano... please stay in Liverpool...

Many would prefer to dwell on the blunder made by Pepe Reina, to give Arsenal the lucky 1 point in the evidently surprising performances by the Liverpool squad who were down to 10 men after the 2nd half due to the dismissal of Joe Cole a few minutes before the interval.
I don't like to blame Reina for that one blunder, it's a one off thing from our number one. He might excused himself for being late to intercept the corner ball. Well, let it be. One thing for sure, the game was exhilarating and never failed to made us sat on the edge of the sofa (it happened to me!)
It was a night to forget for Joe Cole. Everybody be it fans alike, even the former fans in Chelsea were looking forward what kind of impact he might bring to Anfield. Unfortunately, that silly tackled and that obnoxious ref, abruptly ended Cole's game and we have to wait for another three games before he can be reproduced into the first team.
There were so many things to comment. As many of you would agree, Javier Mascherano was instrumental in the match. He assisted David Ngog for that unexpected-goal strike from him. Boy! The more we want this French kid to leave (to West Brom) the more he scored... hahaha
Another alive & kicking and convincing new lad is of course, Mr Jovanovic. He is so strong. He successfully outmanoeuvred three young Arsenal defenders and managed to hold on to the ball. Perfect! We want that kind of tough guys. That is the virtue that has been constructed in the original Liverpool DNA as proven by our own Captain Steven Gerrard (who stopped Arshavin so many times with his bulldozing technique) and Jamie Carragher no-nonsense clear-off the ball.
At first, I never thought Liverpool could muster a lively attack as soon as Joe Cole is red-carded. But with 10 men, Liverpool was different in the 2nd half and scored! Of course, the continuous attack by the two Arsenal subs, changed the whole scenario. We could have both of them locked outfield. But somehow the new manager decided to rest Javier Mascherano and brought in Lucas Leiva (I thought he is already sold...).
It's not a doom & gloom prospect season for Liverpool. Based on the performances against those Arsenal kids, Liverpool can absolutely mount a serious challenge to any team this season. Wait til you guys see what Fernando Torres could inflict on them, when he is 100% fit. You just wait!

Liverpool consider Chinese takeover (wow!!!)

2010-08-02T20:38:00.007+08:00

LONDON (AFP) – Premier League club Liverpool could be bought by a Chinese business tycoon within days, according to reports here on Monday.
Kenny Huang (pic above), head of Hong-Kong based investment company QSL Sports Ltd, is reported to be in talks with the Royal Bank of Scotland with the aim of taking full control of the club which has been up for sale since April.
"A deal has to be done before the transfer window closes (on 31 August)," a source close to Huang told BBC Sport.
"Huang has made a firm proposal. The club's board has to sanction the sale and it could be sewn up in days."
Huang is offering to clear Liverpool's debt to RBS and hand new manager Roy Hodgson funds to do business in the transfer window. The tycoon also plans to build the club a new stadium.
Huang reportedly turned down the chance to buy Liverpool in 2008 because he felt a valuation of 650 million pounds was too high, and it is believed he now values the club at around 350 million pounds (423 million euros).
The current owners, Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett, bought the club in March 2007 in a deal worth 218.9 million pounds.
The pair refinanced with a 350-million-pound package from two banks the following year but it left the 18-time English champions with a debt in the region of 105 million pounds.
The pair have had a difficult tenure at Anfield, with supporters regularly protesting at the level of debt taken on by the club after the buy-out, and new stadium plans.
If RBS decide to turn down the proposal - and no new viable bidders are forthcoming - the bank has the option of calling in their loan in October, making it important for the Reds to resolve the ownership issue as soon as possible.
Huang, who is backed by one of the wealthiest investment funds in the Far East, was first linked with a buyout at Liverpool two years ago.
He is well known in China for his interests in baseball and basketball, and last year bought a 15 percent stake in NBA side Cleveland Cavaliers.
Huang is believed to have already spoken to senior figures at Anfield to express his seriousness about a buy-out and in the hope that his message filters down to help persuade top stars like Fernando Torres, who returned to training on Monday after his post-World Cup break, the club does have a better future.

FK Rabotnicki : A name so tempting to mock

2010-07-24T09:41:00.004+08:00

Roy Hodgson's first competitive game in charge of Liverpool will be against Macedonian club FK Rabotnicki in the third qualifying round of the Europa League this early Friday morning Malaysian time 2 am.
I stopped for awhile... thinking and thinking what can I write about our first opponent this season. It is practically unknown and according to wikipedia, ``this club is has been regarded as a famous football club from Skopje, a city in a former communist country of formerly known as Yugoslavia (now it is called The Republic of Macedonia). The breaking-up of this country in the 1990's saw one of the worst genocide the world has ever saw since Vietnam War.
In its first ever World Cup match in Montevideo, Yugoslavia managed a famous 2-1 win versus mighty Brazil. The national team consisted just of Serbian players as it was boycotted by Croation players at this World Cup due to the relocation of football association's headquarters from Zagreb to Belgrade.
So FK Rabotnicki is also known as ‘railway football club’ and was formed in 1937.
If my memory serves's me right, Yugoslavia once upon a time, was a team of a real force in the World Cup during the Cold Wars.
We know now that Liverpool would be lining the `B' Players as all the stars that were involved in the World Cup are still on holiday. But there is a good chance we might see Joe Cole playing, though he too, was in the England squad. Hodgson even gave signal that due to the current situation, he might as well focus more on domestic cups, rather than the Europa Cup. Either way, I don't mind. But I hope we can beat Rabotnicki, which if we have the full 1st eleven available, could be just a walk on the park.

Bitterness from rivals with the inclusion of Joe Cole to Liverpool

2010-07-20T18:04:00.004+08:00

SO BE IT! Your lost is our gain... hahaha. Such is the bitterness shown by some of the rival fans when they heard that Joe Cole has chosen Liverpool as his next club, that they tried in vain to denied that their respective managers ever said anything official about wanting him in the first place. Or so it seems. ``Arsene Wenger never said anything! It's merely the press speculation!'', said one Arsenal fan. I replied `Your ejaculation! What Speculation? That's your annihilation!'' hahaha
Mind you, when the so-called speculation first popped-up linking Cole and Liverpool, the initial reaction by Roy Hodgson was `coyed' and `mild'. He even quoted as mentioning words like ``betting'' and `` I'm not betting man''. So it shows that every manager that were linked to him is playing the strategy. Cole apparently met all of them (may be through his agent) and tried to get the best deal. It is unfortunate that some labelled him as `money-crazy' for choosing Liverpool. My argument is simple: Cole asked for a consistent playing time, which Hodgson said he would get it. I doubt if 90,000 pounds a week is such a huge number that Arsenal or Hotspur couldn't entertained. The only reason is that Arsenal couldn't promised Cole of the only most important thing for him : the opportunity to play more. Same goes to Hotspur.
In that, Liverpool has the upper hand. Cole was guaranteed more playing time, and the salary is just the icing on the cake. To which I think, a player of his calibre and high-profile, is entitled to. It's not like Cole is a nobody from foreign countries, suddenly put into the team and paid that massive amount. No. In fact, Cole is widely regarded as one of England's most technically-gifted players. I didn't bothered too much when Chelsea bring on the African players when ever they play Liverpool. But when Cole comes in, I said to myself, the fullbacks must stop Cole, which unfortunately they failed to do so... Now that Cole is in our team, ohhhh MY GOD!... the special player will be a bomb for Liverpool this season.
According to the news report, Cole will be wearing the sacred no.7 jersey. I think, he deserves to wear it. Joe Cole, welcome to Anfield! And hopefully, sometime this season, I could watch you playing in Anfield with me in the Kops section...

JOE COLE AGREE TO JOIN LIVERPOOL ! Yahoooooo

2010-07-19T21:39:00.002+08:00

It's 9.40pm and it's so cold in the office at this hour. All of that changed when I saw the news of Joe Cole's agreeing to join Liverpool. This has been the best news so far for all of us. The talent and the inspiring performances he showed even when he was subbed during the World Cup, made all of us really satisfied with this latest coup.

Congratulation Roy Hodgson! You suddenly exceeded our expectation!

Below is excerpt from Soccernet news :

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has agreed sign for Liverpool on a free transfer, subject to a medical. It has been reported that Cole, 28, was offered wages of £90,000-a-week to stave off interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Cole left Stamford Bridge at the end of last month after Chelsea decided not to offer him a new deal.

Farewell Emiliano Insua : GOOD LUCK BRO!

2010-07-19T09:47:00.003+08:00

As I've said before, when there is a new manager in town, he'll definitely arrange to have his own players in the team. This is good news, so that Roy Hodgson can get rid of many untalented ones whom Rafael Benitez deemed to be so great. Players like Alberto Reira, Lucas Leiva and David Ngog should be shown the door. While Reira is definitely on his way out, we're still waiting for a more concrete action on the other two.
However, the news of Emiliano Insua departure to Fiorentina is a bit frustrating. This Argentinian lad is still young. At 21 years old, he has matured last season and should have been nurtured further by the club. But because of the age factor also, Insua can be sold to the highest bidder.
I suspect Hodgson is trying to find a way to raise money from Insua's sale, in order to find his own mould of players. I try to understand his strategy at this time of moment.
According to some news report, Hodgson is recognised as someone who can bring out the best from the so-called `average players' but could be attain in a more `cheaper' price. I don't know if this works on Liverpool. We have our own tradition but to think about all the misfit that the previous managers has brought into the club, I tend to believe Hodgson's formula could do some good for us. At this time of moment, he looks like more inclined to find players within the UK itself.
The best part is that we yet to hear Hodgson bringing in any of his former players in Fulham. If you dare Mr Hodgson, bring in Clint Dempsey to us.

Europa Cup : To Macedonia or Armenia

2010-07-17T23:42:00.003+08:00

Yes, liverpoolfc.tv dubbed the match as `going to the unknowns'. This is the reality that as sitting on no.7th slot in the English Premier league chart gives us. We get to play the unknowns and unheard of. The names are even funnier. Rabotnicki sounds like a name from the Star Trek drones character while Mika FC reminds me very much of that one famous F1 driver...
Who are we to complaint now of who should or shouldn't fight us? In that 2nd grade European football league, you get to fight anyone. We're lucky we didn't get to go to Israel. Not only that is a far far place from Europe (it's Middle East, you idiot!) but risk of being caught in the Middle East political armed-conflict. Never mind, having to fly off as far as Armenia or Macedonia is as good a punishment could be, for that lousy performances last season. The only lucky culprit now is in Italy, and gets to play in the elite group as a title holder.
What does this mean to us, in particular Liverpool fans in Malaysia and Asia? We could missed the live telecast altogether! I hope our satellite tv is wise enough to prepare us the live feed from either country. I am eager for the next week match. Let the new season begin.

David Ngog, go away now!

2010-07-16T17:34:00.004+08:00

Remember this chap? He's name is David Ngog. He was highly regarded by Rafael Benitez, thus last season our former manager opted to kick-out Robbie Keane, instead of this boy. According to news report, the new boss wanted to `loan' him out and the only interested club at the moment is West Bromwich Albion. But the boy's agent claimed that Ngog refuse to go, insisting on fighting for a place in Anfield.
And our simple question to the agent is that can't you do your job properly? By giving Ngog a well-deserved advice that every time a new boss comes in, he will pick his own players. Ngog is obviously forgotten that he was the blue-eye boy to Rafa. Now it's Hodgson era. The spelling on the wall is loud & clear: GET OUT OF ANFIELD!
Some of us might think that Ngog has performed well last season in the absence of our superstar and a ready available strikers. My reply is quick: thus the no.7 spot. Ngog inability to convert goals were legend in its own. He's playing is dubbed as too soft, fit for French matches but no way in the blood & leg-breaking styles in England.
Ngog, go away. It's time for you to do so. You can join Rafa for he was the reason you're in Anfield in the first place. But Rafa seems to be neglecting Ngog since he joined Inter Milan. Why is that so? And I start to wonder. Ngog, you're not good enough. Go away!

War Against Gillette & Hicks in Malaysia!

2010-07-15T11:51:00.004+08:00

This is the new t-shirt I just acquired last night, thanks to two of our fellow Liverpool fans that have an edge in creativity side. This limited edition t-shirt has its own significant, as you know majority of the Liverpool FC fans all over the world now are going against the current owner of the club, Mr Gillette & Mr Hicks. I don't know if owning this t-shirt could do them harm but I read that by not buying the adidas or official merchandise, that would eventually send a strong signal to the management in Anfield. I don't know about this because there is a proverbs in Malay saying, ``angry at a mosquito, you don't burn the malaria-net''. Meaning, by boycotting the merchandise, it surely give a noted signal to them but at the same time, that would also affect the club as a whole. hmmm... speaking of Catch 22.
Now let me introduce you guys to the brilliant folks behind the design. The couple, one Mr Navin and Ms Aishah, whom I had the honour to meet last night during the transaction, were a typical Liverpool fan - like you and me. Who will wear the colour, where ever, when ever permit (You don't wear the kit at your work place...do you?)
Apparently, they have design quite a few, including designs on Rafa, Paisley. According to Navin, it's just to supplement the non-existent of such icon in the Malaysian market. Which I agree nonetheless. So now they have received a lot of request for the current designs i.e Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano (we have to wait til the next announcement if Roy Hodgson can persuade him to stay a bit longer in the Europa Cup).
Get in touch with Aisha through her facebook account: www.facebook/.aishahmohamedshah

Aren't they a cute couple in Red? hehehe... SALUTE ! SALUTE ! SALUTE !

Torres's injured : What does it mean to us?

2010-07-12T16:51:00.003+08:00

Couldn't score a single goal makes Torres a dull prospect for Chelsea. Yeaaay!

Fernando Torres pull a hamstring in the last minutes of the extra time in clash against Holland last night. Immediately the UK media reported that the Chelsea deal of £50m to take him to Stamford Bridge is now in doubt or dead altogether.
I find some amusement in this report as Chelsea's lost is our gain. If the deal is dead, Torres will remain in Anfield. Well, he won't be fit for a month or two... never mind, let him recover and then help Liverpool to regain the Top 4 spot when it matters. Or so I hope.
Meanwhile, I like to record here that Spain has been my first choice since the beginning of the World Cup tournament in South Africa. Except the shocking defeat in the hands of the Swiss, the journey has been `profitable' for myself, personally. hehehe... Viva Spain!

Another Milan arrived in Anfield

2010-07-09T01:27:00.003+08:00

Liverpool fans all over the world (including Malaysia) are happy to wish Jovanovic ``WELCOME! From today, you know that you'll never walk alone!''.

First & foremost, we share the delights of having our superstars both in the Spanish & Dutch squad in the finals of World Cup at 2am Monday, Malaysian time. If you ask me which team would I go, I have to admit that Spain has been my choice simply because of Fernando Torres. He was not started in the massive win against Germany on Thursday and not really sure if he would be benched again in the finals.
We also have Dirk Kuyt in the Holland outfit and he has been among the lively star in that orange shirt. He even scored, remember? I rooted for the Holland team all the way but for the final, it has to be Spain.
Back home in Anfield (well, my home is in Malaysia!!!), there is some good news to share. Apparently there is a new player coming-in. He was the star for Serbia that beat Germany in the group matches. He scored the winning goal!
Below is the news from Soccernet dated 8 July 2010:

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Serbia international Milan Jovanovic from Standard Liege on a three-year contract.
Jovanovic, who scored the winning goal when Serbia beat eventual World Cup semi-finalists Germany 1-0 in South Africa, has joined on a free transfer.
Liverpool's move for the striker was lined by up former manager Rafael Benitez before his departure at the start of June and there were fears his new club Inter Milan might make a late bid to scupper the deal.
But Jovanovic, who scored two goals in this season's Champions League group stage, said he was delighted to seal his move to Anfield.
"It is an honour for me to sign for one of the biggest clubs in football,'' said the 29-year-old. "I cannot wait to start working with the manager and I'm looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates on our Swiss training camp.''

Yossi Benayoun completed his move to Chelshit

2010-07-03T20:40:00.003+08:00

Chelsea have completed the signing of Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Many of you would have read the news. One peculiar slant emanated from Soccernet, claiming that `` The sale of Benayoun to Chelsea was completed personally by owner Roman Abramovich, who will now step up his efforts to capture Torres''.
All this augurs bad news for Liverpool. While many of us would prefer to focus on the World Cup and try to ignore what is happening in Anfield at the moment, the potentiality of losing our star players are nerve-cracking. I personally hated this moment of time as an ardent loyal supporter of Liverpool FC. This could have been the most challenging time I have ever been since the departure of Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard some 5 years ago. We were relieved when Gerrard made a U-turn and became the backbone of our wins in the final of Champions Cup in 2005 and FA Cup the next year.
However, the situation now is a bit different from then. While the departure of Owen (and supposedly Gerrard) was instigated by the sacking of Houllier and the luring of big clubs as huge as Real Madrid (Chelshit was only starting then). Now, the push factor has been added not only because of the sacking of the manager but also the sad position of LFC in the league last season. Sitting at number 7 is not beautiful. It's bloody difficult. And now we are faced with the reality of being at number 7. Our star players are beginning to talk to other clubs. Mascherano has been linked to Rafa in Italy. Torres is wanted by the whole big clubs in the world, with the exception of any American clubs (hahaha) and even though many tried to paint the picture of Gerrard is also wanting to go away, I sincerely hope he won't but try his luck with the new manager in Roy Hodgson.
Sometimes I just want the World Cup to end now, so that all the uncertainties in Anfield would be cleared off.

Roy Hodgson - a splendid choice

2010-07-02T09:34:00.004+08:00

I didn't posted any news yesterday when I first read the news of Roy Hodgson's confirmation as the new Liverpool FC manager. I took some time to read the comments and evaluate a bit. However, given his pedigree with Fulham, there is no short of hope in Hodgson even though some people tend to think that a club such as Liverpool must have a foreign manager always. We had a French and a Spaniard. So it's time to go back to the homegrown managers.
Forget about those sentimental. Hodgson had done tremendous thing and achieved a lot with Fulham. Even though that club is owned by a millionaire, but the former Harrod's owner doesn't spend like the Russians or Americans. So basically, Hodgson couldn't get 5-stars players that he wanted there. I don't know if Hodgson would get any in Liverpool, not with its current financial situation but the real onus on Hodgson is how to retain the superstars, in particular Fernando Torres.
Players as great as Torres won't settled for Europa Cup, what more being in the 7th spot of the league. But if Hodgson can convinced them that only with them, and a new spirit, together him and the players can return Liverpool to where it is belong.
I would like to think Hodgson is a splendid choice. Two names that have been cropped up last week has their own attraction but not necessarily suitable with the way Liverpool has been nurtured. Can't wait to see what and how Hodgson be able to rejuvenate the squad. This is so true because inadvertently, we are somehow similar to Valencia at the moment. Burdened with massive debts, Valencia had to sell its two most valuable players. Liverpool has lost Yossi Benayoun, it seems and most probably Javier Mascherano, if the press reports can be trusted. They could be some more to follow suit. This is alarming.
Hodgson first hurdle is to stop the outflow of our valuable players.

Yossi Benayoun is joining Chelsea

2010-06-15T11:58:00.002+08:00

According to news reports, which I tend to believe is genuine - Yossi has decided to depart and join Chelsea, for money and glory. We wish him luck and may his butt won't get stiff with all the many hours he will be spending on the bench.

Yes, we the Liverpool fans find this news as disheartening to the most. It's inevitable. We lost the chances to play in the Champions League. Sat awkwardly at no.7 and all the juices and the attraction for top players to join Liverpool are all but diminished now. Lets hope Torres will stay. hmm...

Liverpool doesn't want Sven-Goran Eriksson

2010-06-06T23:25:00.004+08:00

I don't know which one is funnier. Reading Sven-Goran Eriksson's `desire' to manage Liverpool or reading his past performances with England, Man.City and what ever nowadays. I say :

NO WAY SVEN!

LIVERPOOL DOESN'T NEED YOU.

FORGET ABOUT IT! go elsewhere...

Farewell Rafael Benitez, it was ISTANBUL!

2010-06-04T10:19:00.004+08:00

What if Torres do the Titanic version? If Rafa jump, I jump...?????

A football club such as Liverpool FC which is known as a stable club, in terms of management - having to see three managers come & go within this 2 decades, is acceptable. First it was Roy Evans who eventually lost out to Gerard Houllier, then Rafa in 2004. It's a good record, compare to Chelsea or Real Madrid or Japanese government.
I will not write too much about him today since I'm not an advocate to his dismissal.
The concerned now is who will take over from him? Apparently, one Mr Kenny Daglish has been appointed to oversee the candidates. So, I'm not at all that worried. Mr Daglish won't settled for a sissy to manage his beloved club.
The next important question is what would be the reaction from the squad themselves? Would they be professional or would they also leave?
For this, I yet to purchase the new LFC jersey with that particular bank's logo on the chest.

Jose Morinho will be the most sought after manager this summer

2010-05-23T17:34:00.002+08:00

Is Inter Milan deserved to win the Champion Cup? I don't care. HAHAHAHA But one thing for sure, The Special One is one FREAKING HOT PROPERTIES now. He definitely IS the MOST SOUGHT AFTER manager in the world. He has been linked with Real & Barca but don't be surprised if Man.U is looking for his signature too.

Who is your pick tonight? Inter or Bayern?

2010-05-22T14:39:00.004+08:00

You really wanna fight with me, The Special One?

I still contemplating if I want to or not, watch the match tonight. As a neutralised observer, I reluctant to watch games that I don't have emotion-attached to. A waste of time, actually. But as a football aficionados and Liverpool fan 1st & foremost, I have to give it a thought (to watch or not to).
I hardly watch both teams play this season. Simply because they didn't go head on with Liverpool. I only remember we beat Inter Milan last season. That goal from Torres and the red card by that master-provocateur Matterazzi. Then I don't know much about Bayern except that Ribery won't be playing and the German is hoping that their new winger in Arjen Robbin would do the demolition.
In that, I am happy that the final of Champion Cup is tonight. This is the culminating match of the season. End of our own misery season. Tomorrow we really can look up for a better time next season. And hopefully, with Torres & Gerrard remains in the squad...
As for tonight, I like to see The Special One to win. Nothing sentimental but it would be a historic feat for this man. He is on the verge of winning treble cup this season. Wow...

CARRAGHER SAID BEST : GET OUT IF YOU WISH!

2010-05-21T19:14:00.004+08:00

GET OUT if you don't believe in Scousers!

The day when we left Elciego in Spain, heading to Paris, some of my mates said that I will always be a Liverpool fan even if the club melted like Leeds United or turned into a cricket club. That was the banters that I had to endure in the bus and in the plane before the Paris landscape changed the topic. It was the morning after that saw Liverpool lost to Atletico Madrid. I was gutted. But as what had been uttered by my mates, I will stay loyal.
Yesterday, Carragher made a remark that echoed species like me. He said it bluntly that if any of the Liverpool stars i.e Torres or Benayoun or even the heartbeat of Merseyside, Mr Gerrard himself wishes to leave, so be it. According to him, Liverpool will survive with or without them. The most important thing here is the club - Liverpool FC. Not the personnel.
In my clouds of anxiety I try to read between the lines. I try to rationalised. Yes, for those who wants to leave (Mr Reira, you especially), just go. I agree with Carra in that aspect. However, to lose a great striker in Fernando Torres and a bastion in Steven G. is something that would spell catastrophic to the club. I think. I believed so.
But again, if Carra's remark is meant to signal to everyone that the club doesn't bothered that much if they lose their superstar because in the end, it is up to the club itself to lift their fortune. Believed in the club, thou shall be rewarded with satisfaction.
Even then, there is a case on hand now - Valencia. They had to sell off David Villa to Barca. Another David could be next. But that David Silva has a remote chances of landing in Anfield. Not with the current status as a club that will fight only in the 2nd class Europa Cup next season.
So the potential for Torres to remain in Anfield this summer is 50-50. Barca has made their intention loud & clear with some huge offerings. What if they get Torres and send us Iniesta and Xabi. That will do. hahaha...

Chelsea to buy Torres for 70 million pounds?

2010-05-14T19:24:00.002+08:00

I cannot hide my cynical and at the same time, a bit concerned of all the speculations involving Fernando Torres's position in Liverpool. The spin doctors over in London are trying their best to create such animosity by creating almost daily news about Chelsea's huge ambition to steal Torres away from Liverpool.
As of now, I don't want to believe any of it. Yet.

Can't even beat Hull City. Liverpool in 7th Heaven?

2010-05-10T11:58:00.004+08:00

I don't remember since the explosion of Malaysian satellite TV in 1997 that broadcast English Premier League live into our living room that saw Liverpool positioned at a lowly 7th place. Somehow the team of Houllier never got down to No.5 in the chart. Under Benitez, we found ourselves at 5th position during his 1st year tenure but was forgotten due to Istanbul victory. Last season could be his best, when we got to second runners-up and beaten by a merely 4 points. Then now, we're at no.7. The myth of the Big Four has been broken. It's unfortunate that it was on our expense.
While some of us trying hard last night, to watch the two games on a separate channels : Chelsea vs Wigan and the other ManU vs Stoke... I indulged myself with an old movie of Angelina Jolie : Tomb Raider on HBO. I went to sleep at 12.30pm and didn't bother to wait for the result. Because when I glanced through slightly after the 55th minutes of the match, Chelsea already scored 2 goals and to my surprised, I got to watch the 3rd goal. Forget about it. Bye bye Man.U. I don't want to thank Chelsea. Just beat it.
The melancholy of our own team will prolonged. During the summer break and in-between the World Cup, we might be given a shock or two. I dread to think that some of our 1st eleven would leave the squad. Simply because we're not in the Champions League. I am so nervous to wait if Fernando Torres can be retained in the squad or not. Some of the UK media even played the notion that Steven Gerrard might be making his long-overdue move away.
However, Rafael Benitez must realised that his time with Liverpool is up. He must go.

Crazy crazy car owned by multi-millionaire footballer

2010-05-08T11:42:00.002+08:00

Who owns this `golden ' Ford Escalade SUV with a bling-bling sports rim? I give you a hint. He was a Liverpool player, then off to Bolton and most recently, Sunderland. He likes to spit.

You know who. hehehe...

Let Chelsea wins the title!

2010-05-06T13:01:00.002+08:00

Apparently, many Man U fans are still fretting and questioned Steven Gerrard's back-passed which was intercepted by Didier Drogba to score in last Sunday's match. Since we have nothing to win and nothing to lose, I wish not to include myself in the debate.
Though I must say, a player of Gerrard's stature won't be easily sway to sell-off the game simply to achieve a `sinister' hidden agenda. For example, Torres did mentioned in his interview that he has reduced his tendency to be easily downed by any of his defenders because the captain doesn't like it. Such is the standard that we know persist within the squad. So to accuse Gerrard deliberately passing the ball to Drogba is a total malice.
However, we must see the incident on a case by case basis. On a normal day, say if the match is early in the season, it would be deemed simply as `another lost' by Liverpool. It's unfortunate that the game was the crucial last two of the season, that has a very strong point in influencing the outcome of the whole season. People prefer to see, Liverpool demised equals Man.U's failure too. And in Scourser's mind, that's fine alright!!! hahaha...

If Fernando Torres decided to leave Liverpool

2010-05-04T12:25:00.004+08:00

This stadium was not Anfield but Singapore. Will give it another shot to reach Anfield next season!

Fernando Torres is obviously one precious asset that we must hold on to, in this trying time. He has expressed his wishes that the squad need at least 5 more quality players to play along side of him. That statement was not construed as arrogant but a reality check. The current LFC squad is not sustainable to win anything, not even the No.4 slot...!!!

Rafa gave his reason as lack of money to find those who really excel. Many would argue and many would also presented the lists of players that he have brought in over the years. The most sickening business was with the Robbie Keane thing. For a £20m deal, the striker was sold back to Tottenham after just seven goals for a 50% discount!

My personal grudges towards Rafa is his decision to let go Peter Crouch. We were supposed to have two options in attacking the opponent. One in Torres who could slipped through defenders like Speedy Gonzalez and an aerial bombardment with Crouch as the target (which Hotspur is enjoying with Crouch & Defoe combination at the moment).

So while we wait for the new owner (if there is any), I guess it is better for Rafa to go. He can't have that legacy such as Ferguson or Wenger. He obviously has tripped himself with the lousiest performance ever in the Premier League, this season. Rafa kept on complaining the lack of money but I think it is a good time to learn from the others who could be in a more dire financial situation than Rafa, and buy cheaper players but managed to develop them into a classy star. I meant David Moyes. What he did with Tim Cahill is crazy. From nowhere, the nobody Aussie is now a big name in the English League. He could be in the England squad but since Australia is also in the World Cup Finals next month, I think we would see Cahill became the main protagonist in South Africa.

One supposed 'solution' is for Liverpool to trade in Torres and use the money. If they take that route, they might as well run the white flag up outside the ground. Torres offers Liverpool their best chance of salvation. Replacing one genuine world-class talent with four or five mediocre performers is not going to do anything to restore Liverpool's prestige, it will just drag them down further.

They probably have one season to prove to the likes of Torres that they remain contenders. But a continuation of the bickering between Benitez and the board will prove otherwise, spark an exodus and leave Liverpool stranded in the margins for years.

LFC 0 - Chelsea 2 (The end of a poor season...)

2010-05-03T15:06:00.002+08:00

People prefer to see last night's match as more to a battle between Chelsea and Man.U for the title. As for us, it was more like a matter of pride. We would have prefer if we won the game but the Man.U fans could have been more frustrated than us when Steven Gerrard presented Drogba with a neat back-pass. And we know, once Chelsea is in the lead, it would be a mountain too high to climb. So we've lost the minute Drogba slotted the first goal.
There could be reasons for the lousy result. The LFC players were forced to play extra time in the Europa Cup just 3 days prior to Sunday. So many were tired and jaded. Gerrard was already thinking of the World Cup, as he wasn't that aggressive on the pitch. He tried his best but with the rest were not really on the same par with him, he knew the best he could do was to ensure that he won't get injured.
The real reason is not that we've lost Torres the whole season or Gerrard's failure to find his form. The real reason is that LFC simply doesn't have dept in the squad. When Torres is out, we don't have a ready replacement in his calibre. I doubt if we can even if we have money but at least the number one forward must be an established striker. Instead, we were presented with David Ngog who has proven not suitable for LFC or English Premier League.
Then Benitez had to shuffle between Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel at the front. These two could be the most lousy Dutch players we've seen in the league this season. While we appreciate Kuyt's industrious job every time he is on the pitch, we would have prefer him to score like what he did last season.
I shall not prolonged this condemnation. Because I don't believed in Liverpool-bashing concept. I am a true fan and I shall preserved my dignity and honour my team. There will be changes, definitely for the club during the summer.
Remember, in every crises, there will always be an opportunity. That is to reanalyse, rejuvenate, retool and reborn the team. If that means Rafa Benitez must go, so be it. This season is a total catastrophe for Benitez. I don't think he will have any more sympathy from the fans around the world. We need a new input, a new injection and new direction.
Perhaps, above all, a new investment so that the new owner can provide the necessary fund to buy not only new, but most importantly, the established and proven players.

The Final of our lives!!! Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid

2010-04-29T13:16:00.003+08:00

Once in a blue moon, I get to travel on the same time when a crucial game is on. The challenge would be - how to find the time to run to the nearest TV that shows the match! It was the case in 2005 when I had to travel to Tokyo during the final of the historical come-back of Liverpool in Istanbul. The commentary was in Japanese & fortunately I recognised the whole squad back then, especially Jimi Traore...
Im now in Elciego, southern Spain for a motoring event. The lousiest scenario is that the launch will be on the same time with the kick-off tonight. How to skip without invoking wrath on my host!
My title says the final of our lives. Is it true? I would say that. In a season such as lousy as we are having now, to win the game against Atletico Madrid will be a huge moral booster and get to the final of Europa Cup is something that can erased the whole bad episode of season 2009/2010 especially when we get to win it.
Trailing Atletico by a single goal is not much of a task, though having Kun Aguero on their side will be a tall order for our fullbacks. Hey... Carra did well to stop the likes ofmanytop top striker... what is the different with Kun? One thing for sure, I will be wearing Liverpool shirt tonight in southern Spain. Viva le Liverpool!
Thats all for now. Adios amigos!!!

Liverpool to assist Man.U for its 19th title. Obnoxious thinking!

2010-04-27T09:46:00.003+08:00

It is heavily debated now, still very much on people's mind and been analyse thoroughly since yesterday of this notion that `Liverpool have to beat Chelsea, thus in directly help its own bitter rival, Man.U to win the 19th premiership title'.
I am a bit offended on that very thought. In any way, Liverpool will never, must not, don't have to, help Man.U - be it directly or indirectly. It's a blasphemy to even suggest it. Let the nature of football take its own course. Let the goals-scored be the one to determine it. Not the interested parties who are in a foolish way, trying to belittle another party with their stupid thinking.
I prefer to see it solely on Liverpool requirement. Of course Liverpool need to win, because the need to pursue for the No.4 spot, no matter how remote it could be at this juncture with 2 other teams are in a better position to gain it! So we must beat Chelsea. And because of that, Chelsea could lost its opportunity to grab the title, well... we can't do much about that.
Liverpool must win for its own survivability. Even so, if Liverpool were already secured for the Champions Cup, I don't think we will give Chelsea any quarter. Liverpool is simply not a team that would do that.
On the other hand, with a hugely depleted squad - without Torres and possibly Kuyt (let's hope he'll recover by Sunday), Liverpool has lost its threatening charm. Chelsea don't see anything to fear of from this ordinary-looking Liverpool team. They will go for easy tactical, stop Gerrard from playing and Liverpool will stop playing altogether! So still, Chelsea come into this game as a favourite to beat Liverpool.
If you ask my opinion, I think if Liverpool is to win, they might come out as a winner with a margin of a single goal only. Chelsea is on the high at the moment. They were surprisingly beaten by Tottenham but that could be a one-off situation.
With so many focus on the Chelsea vs Liverpool match and how the outcome would decide who'll win the title, I think it is wrong to suggest that Man.U is having a free-ride for its remaining matches.
The same evening, Man.U will be going against Sunderland. On paper, this is another frustrating team. But if you watch them play, Sunderland is a team that gives themselves a 100% effort. They have a good attacking-minded team, though something must be done for its fullbacks - who kept on losing the plot!
So I think, Sunderland could spring a shocking result against Man.U. Realistically, it's hard to imagine that Sunderland can beat Man.U. but if they can hold them to a draw, that is a great achievement for the average team in Sunderland.

Burnley 0 - LFC 4 (when TV commentators became annoying!)

2010-04-26T10:15:00.004+08:00

Bunley should have more respect towards Gerrard and not trying to spark anger in him. After 1st half of taunting by the crowd, Gerrard returned the fire with a double... so are you talking to me?

Prior to the game, many of us would have expect a sure win for Liverpool. But who would score? Because aside than Torres, we really have striking issues. Fortunately, it was Gerrard. And he's double open the others (the goal-shy fellas) to emulate. The first half was horrible for Liverpool. Well... after a torrid week of Le Tour de Europe, some of them look a bit slower than the usual.

One thing was clear, it was the inclusion of Benayoun that changed our luck. Not to say Kuyt was the blunder (and hopefully his injury is just temporary and be available for Atletico match). I must also comment on Aqulaini. Now we start to see bit by bit he's real value. It's never too late because he will be good for Liverpool next season, if he stays fit majority of the season.

What anger me most last night was not the match, the ref, the pitch or even the players. It was the freaking weird TV commentator. I didn't get his name because I am a bit pissed off. He mentioned that Burnley was unfortunate to let in the first goal. Then he repeated it again when Gerrard blazed his screamer onto the left side of Burnley goal.

Fine. Burnley was dominating but nothing can be deemed as `life threatening' effort, because none of their players could beat Pepe Reina. But the TV commentator repeated the same sentences... ``Bad Luck... simply Bad Luck. The score didn't give Burnley a fair assessment by the way they play...''. Excuse me Mr Bias, you can say it once or twice but when Babel scored Liverpool's fourth goal, those words confirmed you as a `bias dim-witted S.O.B.' Who is in the right mind to say ``4-0 is not fair to a side that plays better''? Jose Morinho, may be!

Burnley play better. But in football, no matter how good you control the ball, it mean nothing if you don't freaking score. Ask Mr Arsene Wenger. He knows very well of that theory. Liverpool may have played one of their lousy game, but remember the fact that they had just travel to Spain via ferry, buses and train. Then go against a formidable opponent in Atletico Madrid's den. Rushing back, luckily with a flight available at last to face the Burned-really team.

Any team that scored four is a manifestation of a good team, in actuality. Because even when you play lousy, but managed to score... that's just fine with me.