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

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

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

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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 !!!
   
   
5. 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?

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.

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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...
   
   
5. 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

FERNANDO TORRES : Stay fit, Keep on scoring

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

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

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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

(Pictures: liverpoolfc.tv)

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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).
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. 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

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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'.
   
   
3. 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 !!!
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. 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

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).

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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).
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. I won't be commenting on the game. Most of you have seen it. Miserable.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. 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)