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It’s been a difficult few weeks to be a Liverpool fan. I think the thing that has hit me hardest hasn’t been the defeats – which have obviously been a bit disappointing – but more the fact that we are so, so close: we show so much promise, with swashbuckling action, and near-misses, but just can’t quite get over the line. We’ll still be in the top four, but, even at this stage of the season, we can’t afford to screw up against the lesser teams (e.g. Aston Villa) if we want to top the table come May. We know we can do better, so let’s do it! Thankfully the Champs League campaign started off on the right foot: three points at home is the minimum we needed from a game against the group minnows, and we’ll take them however they come. I was sat in a Manchester pub to watch the game and there were a few choice words when the ref awarded that penalty…! Our last issue was before transfer deadline day, and I have to say, I’m genuinely excited by signing Balotelli. He finally got his first goal on Tuesday, but he has been a threatening presence up front, and is exactly the sort of champagne footballer that people love to see, and who we should be signing. I have no doubt he will be a massive success at Anfield – in fact, I’ll wager that Balotelli will score over 25 goals for us this season. We shall see. But if you’re a Mario fan then you are in luck, because this issue is bursting with articles about him! There’s also plenty of optimism about the other signings we have made over the summer – we take a closer look at a few of these – and we say farewell to Daniel Agger, review the LFC musical and wax lyrical about the Class of ’14 in this fanzine. Enjoy the read! YNWA
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Message from the Editor
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Excited for the new season!
Postbox
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Fan rants and opinion
Super Mario
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Is he the superhero we’ve been waiting for? Can he replace Luis?
Why Always Me?
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Ronan McCourt tracks Mario’s progress and reckons Liverpool will be good for him...
Great Expectations
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As the season settles into shape, we ask what are realistic expectations for LFC?
Class of 2014
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Suddenly we have a young English core at LFC—can we rival the class of 92?
Transfers - Who came?
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Just in case you missed it (somehow?!) A round-up of the new boys
The Official Story - review We sent one of our reporters off to the theatre to find out more...
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Introducing… Mario Balotelli
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A fuller biography on our star striker, tracking his developments.
Introducing… Emre Can
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The boy that Bayern wanted - he could do very well for us with Hendo
Introducing… Albert Moreno
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The one I’m most excited about—looks World Class already!
Farewell… Daniel Agger
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He was Liverpool through and through, but sadly he has gone home :/
The Month Ahead
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We preview the big fixtures, and predict the results (and we’re only slightly biased!)
CL Opponents
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Who stands in the way of our SIXTH European Cup?
Best of Youtube
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Who els e?! A Balotelli special. :)
As Clear as Day Is Roy Hodgson the most boring manager around?
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We asked ‘How do you think Liverpool will manage this season with recent results?’ Dear Anfield Roar, Let's be honest: Liverpool overachieved last season. No shame in that, but be realistic. Their only serious objective this year is to remain in the top four. It'll probably come down to them and United for fourth spot (Chelsea, City and Arsenal taking the top three, probably in that order). Beyond that, whether they survive a round or two in the CL is academic, as they sure ain't gonna win it for a few years. It's imperative that the consolidate their top four status, that is honestly all that matters - not chasing silly cups. I hope they make it. If they can keep United off fourth spot, MUFC will be in serious trouble and may well be finished as an elite football club. That really is far more important than beating Ludicrous Ratsgrad. Callacab, London ________________________________________________________________ Dear Anfield Roar If there is one criticism of Rodgers it’s that he can on occasion try to be too clever. I just hope that adding the Champions League to our schedule doesn’t make him over-complicate things and have him thinking he’s Valeri Lobanovski . 6
POSTBOX Rotation will be important, as will a certain amount of tactical flexibility, but our aim should be to keep up the intensity and attacking verve for as long as possible. Just bloody well go for it! Caution will do us no favours. Obviously we need to defend better, but much of that is just cutting out individual errors rather than resorting to a Rafa Benitez borefest. Our model should be a club like Dortmund. Intensity, high pressing and attacking. No one is allowed to shirk (that means you Mario). I’d also quite like Brendan to grow a beard as luscious as Klopp’s. I think that will help. Beardless Brendan Cavelier, Liverpool __________________________________________________________________ Dear Anfield Roar, Mayday mayday, this is Liverpool. Mayday mayday, we're in a tailspin and we urgently request a defensive coach. Repeat, we need a defensive coach or we're doomed. Making one change from the team who lost to Villa on Saturday, Rodgers opted to start with Sterling rather than Markovic seeing as Liverpool only improved at the weekend when Raheem entered the fray. Unfortunately this had little effect and Liverpool again looked lightweight, unfamiliar with one another and only playing well in flashes. Oh and need I say that the defending was shocking again? Simply shocking. Lallana was the signing I was most excited about. He dazzled at Southampton so I have no doubt all he needs is time. I would have said the same about Balotelli except for the fact that this might well have been the game where he settled his nerves and got into gear.
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POSTBOX It was a great poachers goal and as soon as he scored he seemed to lose some inhibitions and let loose with an absolute screamer which was unfortunately fired too close to the goalie. Speaking of goalies, we really should have been peppering their keeper to try and take advantage of the obvious considering their keeper crisis. We really are a slight team at the moment. Jordan Henderson looked our beefiest player. Apart from Balotelli of course, he's a different breed to the rest of the team. Next to Sterling, Lallana, Coutinho, Borini et al he looks a monster. It puts me in mind of how it might look if Mr Gilbert formed a 5 a-side team with Will, Neil, Simon and Jay. Anyway, we were lucky. We didn't play well and defended poorly and I feel a draw wouldn't have been an unfair result. Would this team be better if Gerrard was nudged towards being an impact sub/rotation option rather than a starter? I do wonder. Jeremy Hillary, Liverpool ————————————————————————————————-Dear Anfield Roar, The current lack of thrust when going forward is a tactical problem. Last season whenever we played with one striker, we were abysmal. The first three 1-0s in the opening games. Then Sturridge got injured and we couldn't buy an away win until November.
Striking savour?
Sturridge was injured for two months and we scraped through December losing to Hull, Chelsea and Man City (although we put Spurs to sword). 8
POSTBOX It is only from February onwards that Rodgers actually had a fully fit attacking trio and managed to shoe horn them into a diamond formation. Only then did the blitzkrieg begin. We need two strikers one with the ability to hold the ball and bring others into play and another one to make runs behind the opponents defensive. Coutinho's game breaks down without runners and Sterling lacks without a more creative attacker. It may seem premature but I think Lallana has been disappointing until now. And I'm not sure it's going to change. He is a very important player if we are going forward with the diamond. A midfield of Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana and Sterling is actually decent. Lallana and Henderson are supposed to be the engine, pressing, harrying, making late runs and covering for others (Gerrard). Unfortunately Lallana hasn't settled yet—his pressing is awful right now. I won't even talk about our defensive issues because I think it will be a persistent problem until Gerrard stops playing DM... Bacille De Koch, Liverpool
Time for fresh legs?
Contact us Email: editor@anfieldroar.com Tweet: @anfieldroarmag 9
Aizaz Sheikh reckons we’ve got an absolute bargain in Mario Balotelli! The deadline for this article was September 16th. That also happened to be the day of Liverpool's return to our beloved Champions League. You know, the one we won five times. Technically, that should not have affected this article heralding the arrival of Mario Balotelli. Super Mario signed on August 25th, and debuted a week later against Tottenham. Balotelli could have scored a couple of headers early on. But, if this article was written then, something would be missing. After a two week international break, Balotelli led the line against Aston Villa. The player, like the team, underwhelmed. This time I actually wrote an article, and I admit, some of that material is below. But something, again, was missing.
Feeling down
Liverpool's opening tie in the Champions League had a real sense of occasion about it. Over in the Kop, as well as a mosaic of the 10
SUPER MARIO said five Champions League trophies, there were a few new banners. One was simple: "Boss" for Brendan Rodgers. The second was a gigantic "We are Liverpool" banner. You had to see it in comparison to a person holding it to gain perspective of its size. Then, over in the corner, there was a banner that stated: 'Non ho nulla di dichiarare tranne il mio genio.'
‘Non ho nulla di dichiarare tranne il mio genio.' I don't speak Italian, so I had to search online to have it translated. The words were inspirational: 'I have nothing to declare except my genius'. The banner was for none other than Mario Balotelli, of course. And with that, you could see that The Kop is ready to crown a new darling. Time for Balotelli to shine? Surely, right? Well, the evening didn't go to plan. The famous Anfield crowd tried to ignite something. But, on the night, it just wasn't happening. Mario had a few sniffs. Nothing came off. And, as the game looked like it was heading to a flat 0-0, Balotelli popped up, sending the whole stadium in to a singing their new "Mario fantastico!" song! The Balotelli era had officially begun. If anything, the last two games have shown how much Liverpool NEED Balotelli to shine. I heard Robbie Savage argue that Daniel Sturridge is not 'injury prone' on BBC's 606 on Saturday. Maybe not, but his injury record is not great. And although Liverpool manage him well, he is an international player. And there are no scarcity of England games during the season. So more chances for good old Woy to hamper Liverpool success. Again.
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SUPER MARIO That would explain why signing Balotelli was a no-brainer. Even after Brendan Rodgers' categorical denial of his arrival weeks earlier. In the end, the deal was too good to not take a punt on one of the most bizarre characters the English game has ever seen.
And just like that, the outlook changed. The team had needed squad depth, but as the summer drew to a close, it looked like Rickie Lambert was replacing Luis Suarez. The Balotelli transfer corrected that.
And just like that, the outlook changed. The team had needed squad depth, but as the summer drew to a close, it looked like Rickie Lambert was replacing Luis Suarez. The Balotelli transfer corrected that. It won't be lost on many, especially Mario himself, that he wasn't first choice. Especially after the denial mentioned earlier. But when you consider one quality, he was undoubtedly the only choice when replacing Luis Suarez. Unpredictability! We all know that at times, Liverpool play swashbuckling football, i.e. poetry in motion. But those performances were built on being well-drilled, both tactically and positionally. But for that system to be successful, there needs to be an x-factor. A wild card.
Genius
Raheem Sterling is one. Daniel Sturridge is a second. But if we had three (including Suarez) spread over a challenge on one front last year, we had to have at least as many this time round. We also would like to have the option to play the 4-4-2 diamond that was so effective last year. That is now a real possibility, and
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SUPER MARIO can supplement the 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 you'd expect the team to play before Mario arrived. And when you do decide to play one of those, Balotelli can most certainly be a reference point for the team. Now, let's look closer at the fee. You will have heard it many times, but HOW can £16m not be a no-lose situation. Remember, Shane Long joined Southampton for £12m. £16m is a bargain, and yet the risk element to it makes it as exciting as if we'd paid the £40m his talent would command without his flaws. Ok, enough of the being rational, and balancing arguments. Remember, we Liverpool fans are dreamers. So let's call a spade a spade. When Rodgers was asked on live television what Balotelli will bring to Liverpool, his response was “trouble”. Needless to say that was tongue-in-cheek. What Balotelli brings, above all else is not trouble, nor unpredictability. It's not value. It's not tactical options. It's not a wild card, or the x-factor to open up a tight game. What he brings more than anything is showbusiness. As Liverpool finally take their seat on the top table again, we have one of the most iconic men in the game with our Liverbird on his chest. People watch Mario Balotelli. They want to see what he'll do. They salivate over what he'll do next. He is charming. Charismatic. And on his day, he is very, very good at football. And, for the foreseeable future, he is ours, all ours! We go again.
On with the show...
Expertly written by: Aizaz Sheikh Tweet us your thoughts - @anfieldroarmag
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Ronan McCourt reckons that Mario is is the perfect place to become one of football’s greats! “Why always me” is a phrase that became synonymous with Mario Balotelli, stealing headlines on the day when his side destroyed Man United 6-1, and one that poses a more serious question that many may have realised when he revealed it in that now infamous game. Why always him? The obsession with Mario has followed him all his life. The bad boy image is nothing new from an Italian striker, yet in a footballing culture that embraces its Totti’s, Baggio’s and Cassano’s, Mario hasn’t always felt the same affection from his fellow countrymen. Born in Palermo to Ghanaian immigrants, Balotelli was a sickly child whose intestinal problems made it hard for his parents to fully look after his needs. Placed in foster care with Francesco and Silvia Balotelli, a white couple, he enjoyed a comfortable upbringing, and one that led to challenging questions about the nature of his identity.
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ALWAYS HIM Football was an outlet. Balotelli’s natural talent soon marked him apart in ways that were not always desirable.
“His ability, combined with the colour of his skin, provoked a certain amount of jealousy and antipathy. I think growing up, Mario felt he was not accepted, because he was black.” youth coach Giovanni Valenti On the pitch, he responded by refusing to celebrate his goals. Valenti puts that down to his desire not to draw any more attention to himself than he had already done simply by virtue of his skin colour. Some things, though, you cannot hide from. He was racially abused during his first professional game, aged just 15, and it was sadly not the last time it would happen to him. In a sense, Balotelli has already delivered the best response that he can to such people, by becoming one of his country’s foremost players. But even then, he has been made to feel like an outsider along the way. Even once he had finally overcome all the legislative citizenship hurdles and made his senior Italy debut, he was informed more than once by hostile crowds that “there are no black Italians”.
Mario bites back
These stories provide some insight into the way that Balotelli carries himself today. If he behaves like an outsider, perhaps it is because that is how he has had to live his whole life, knowing that he is just a little different to everybody else. It might also explain why he is still having such a hard time finding a place that he is happy to call home. Milan seemed perfect for Balotelli when he returned from Manchester. He would be representing the club he supported growing up, and living close to 15
ALWAYS HIM his friends and family. But the joy was short-lived. Despite scoring 26 in 43 games, Balotelli cut an unhappy and isolated figure. News of his move to Liverpool was met with resignation rather than surprise in Milan. Many wondered whether he was destined to spend his entire career moving from one place to another, always feeling dissatisfied. However there is reason to believe it will be different for Mario this time around. Perhaps for the first time in his career, he has come to a city and club where he will be truly loved and welcomed. His personality will be celebrated, not criticised, and he will be able to “thrive in a beautiful new environment” having made “a mistake” returning to Italy.
Perhaps for the first time in his career, he has come to a city and club where he will be truly loved and welcomed. Balotelli simply has not found the right environment or the right manager to shake him out of established patterns of behaviour. In Liverpool, nobody walks alone, and here’s hoping Mario will prove everyone wrong yet again at LFC. Expertly written by: Ronan McCourt You can tweet your responses to @anfieldroarmag 16
GREAT
EXPECTATIONS After a hectic few weeks, Paul Baker takes a closer look at where we need to be at the end of the season. Now that the 2014/15 season is well and truly under way, it’s only right that it is stopped for an international break! The clubs will be frustrated to lose their players after only having them back for a few weeks after the World Cup. The Liverpool Manager will be hoping none of the players pick up injuries while on England duty! After the manner of victory against Spurs, he would have been keen for the next game against Aston Villa! With the break in the Premier League schedule and a record low interest in the England side, this may be a good moment to consider, how the new season has begun and where the supporters hope and expect the side to be next May.
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EXPECTATION Although the defeat at City was disappointing, if you take the three results this season against the same teams last season, the players have improved the overall points total. This can only be seen as a positive! Brendan Rogers and the Club have said yet again that the minimum requirement this season is once again to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League. Without the income and prestige of playing in Europe, the project currently under at Anfield may slow down or could even stop! Taking fourth as an absolute minimum finish in the League, the fans will then start to consider playing in Europe and the Cups at home. All Liverpool supporters will be looking forward to the welcome return of the Champions League. There are few better places to be than at Anfield for a European night! It will be the hottest ticket in town!
There are few better places to be than at Anfield for a European night! It will be the hottest ticket in town! Given the length of time the club have been out of the Champions League, the majority of fans will not be openly saying we will win in the final this season, however we can all hope and remember what happened in 2005! It would be a fitting end to Steven Gerrard's career! (Though hopefully that day will not happen for many years!) The group draw was not great, but could have been a lot worse. It’s now up to the players to make the step up and try and show their best League form in the group stages. 18
EXPECTATION Rogers will prepare his starting 11 the best he can. This of course will be a new experience for him too. If the side can make it out of the group, then who knows what can happen? Knock-out football and all that! A key signing, especially thinking about Europe will be Balotelli. He is a top player who will bring an vital experience of playing and more importantly scoring in the Champions League. If he is able to strike up a partnership with Sturridge, the results could turn out to be amazing! Whatever happens, the experience of playing will be important. The extra revenue will help the Club to sign the top players needed in the future.
Still bedding in...
The F.A. Cup and the League Cup may not feature highly on the Clubs priority list, given the extra number of games, however the fans will be keen to see the Boss give the younger members of the squad some minutes on the pitch and the chance to shine! As to what the fans would be happy with come the end of the season, it really depends on who was answering the question: overall a successful season would be a top four finish, coupled with getting to the knock-out stage of the Champions League and maybe a trip to Wembley. Whilst all or none of those things may happen, the most important thing is that progress has to continue to be made and that the Club continue to move forward. Going from 7th to 2nd last time out was outstanding. The M anager, with help and support from the owners, now must try to ensure last seasons’ highs were not just a one off and this is what the fans can expect from the best Football Club in the World, season after season!
Expertly written by: Paul Baker Feedback? Send your feedback to : @paul_baker 19
Class of 2014 TJ Jordan reckons we’ve got a core of young English talent that can take on the ‘Class of 92’ “You can’t win anything with kids” – or so thought a certain exLiverpool centre-half on the opening day of the 1995-96 Premier League season. Since then, the success story of Manchester United’s league and cup double of that year, led by the ‘class of ‘92’, has been well documented. Yet, it is symptomatic of today’s financially-driven age of football that we now look back on this celebrated pool of talent through films and TV programs with a warm nostalgia for an home grown footballing era that has become remote and disconnected; it now seems a distant prospect that a side could achieve such heights with a team so heavily based around academy-produced players. Brendan Rodgers, however, has found the modern equivalent. His current crop of young English players – Flanagan, Sturridge, 20
CLASS OF 2014 Sterling and Henderson – may not all have come through the club’s academy system, but the amount of responsibility he has placed upon such a youthful bunch recently carries echoes of Hansen’s words of warning. All four players were regular starters during last season’s unexpected title challenge, and are now becoming important vertebrae in the spine of our manager’s redeveloping squad. Based on the current progress of this young, English core, Rodgers will feel he could be the second manager to prove Hansen wrong.
Based on the current progress of this young, English core, Rodgers will feel he could be the second manager to prove Hansen wrong. Although Jon Flanagan will have to prise his way back into one of the full-back positions after returning from injury, the other three of this English quartet have started each of the opening three Premier League games of 2014-15 – a clear sign of the manager’s confidence in them. And this faith is certainly not unfounded. Sterling is already widely being talked of as one the most impressive players in the league so far this season after scoring confidently against Southampton and then Spurs. Sturridge and Henderson have both looked sharp, with the former providing hints that he may be able to tame the enigmatic Mario Balotelli into forming a healthy strike partnership, while the latter continues to quietly add quality and technique to his puppy-like energy; it is no longer an unfamiliar bonus to see his creativity craft the chances that gave Sterling both of his goals so far this year. It is unsurprising then, to see these three currently holding fairly undisputed places in the national side. Flanagan, too, will get his chance once he has regained his fitness – Glen Johnson is surely now on the cusp of letting go of
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CLASS OF 2014 the right back position that he has never really held with true confidence for England. Of course, Hodgson’s 2014 World Cup squad was forced to be a little too fresh-faced, and just came too soon for this new generation to really settle into international football. Hence, following such a poor tournament and the departure of the wise elders of Gerrard and Lampard from the international scene, the Liverpool boys will be all the more motivated to press ahead with their clubs in order to retain their part in the rebuilding of the national team. Sterling in particular has reacted positively to his newfound responsibility in a central role both back Kop Hero at Anfield and on international duty; his recent man of the match performance against Norway was followed by an assist against Switzerland five days later, pointing to an international maturity far beyond his nine caps. Brendan Rodgers’ philosophy doesn’t yet seem a gamble. The rest of the squad, whether English or not, is still based upon youth – Coutinho, Balotelli, Allen, Moreno, Markovic, Manquilo, Sakho and Can are all possible starting players who are aged 24 or under – and while it may be an ambitious thought that Rodgers could disprove Hansen to the same extent as Sir Alex did almost two decades ago, there is plenty to suggest that this ‘class of ‘14’ could be ripening.
Expertly written by: Thomas Jordan Tweet Thomas - @teejbusbys1
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Just in case you missed it...
Just in case you missed all the transfer shenanigans of the summer, Paul McFarland rounds them all up. Well, now that transfer deadline day has come and gone, I think it's worth having a look at who Liverpool have actually signed! First of all there's Ricky Lambert, as close to a footballing fairy tale you're going to get. Lambert was born and brought up in the Westvale area of Kirkby, Merseyside. He joined local club Liverpool as a youngster aged 10, but was released when he was 15, then via a number of clubs comes full circle back to Liverpool. What you see is what you get: a big strapping lad, good in the air and at holding the ball up, he also has a great eye for a pass and a fantastic striker of the ball. Plus he only cost four million quid. 23
TRANSFERS Then Adam Lallana, also from Southampton, a bit pricier at 25 million, but I'm sure he'll be worth every penny. An attacking midfielder who is capable of changing a game with a moment of brilliance. Injured at the minute but by the time you read this he should've started his first game for Liverpool. For me, the best signing this season has been the Croatia centre back Dejan Lovren, the third from Southampton (for ÂŁ20million on a long-term deal). To be honest, before we were linked with him I really hadn't paid much attention to him, but what a player, absolutely outstanding. The ball seems to look for him - not the other way round. I think he'll be Liverpool's first choice centre back for a few years to come. Emre Can, a defensive midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen is another signing. I haven't seen too much of him, but what I have seen he looks like a no nonsense defensive midfielder who also likes to run with the ball. It might take him a while to fit into the team but I've no doubt when he does he'll be fantastic for us and well worth the 9.75 million Liverpool paid for him. There's also Lazar Markovic who Liverpool paid 20 million for, we also haven't seen too much of the 20 year old winger, but with the Champions League and the cup competitions coming up I'm sure it won't be too long before we see far more of him. He must be good at that price tag. Javier Manquillo joined Liverpool earlier this summer on a two-year loan. The 20-year-old signed from La Liga champions, Atletico Madrid, and already the right back seems to have leapfrogged Glen Johnson for his position, but only time will tell if he's good enough to hold on to it. 24
TRANSFERS On 12 August 2014, it was revealed, after a month and a half of negotiations, that Liverpool had agreed a ÂŁ12 million deal with Sevilla for Moreno. He then made his Liverpool debut against Man City which Liverpool went on to lose 3-1. He had a bit of a shaky start in that match but went on to make up for it in the match against spurs. He robbed Townsend of the ball near the half way line and then went on a great run that ended up in him scoring a fantastic goal. When he gets the chance to get his head up and run at defenders he is going to be brilliant too watch and although he looks a bit smaller than most defenders he makes up for it in his aggressiveness winning the ball back. And then last but far from least, on 21 August 2014, AC Milan agreed a ÂŁ16 million fee for Balotelli to return to the Premier League with Liverpool. The signing was confirmed on 25 August. On 31 August Balotelli made his Liverpool debut, in a league match against Tottenham Hotspur and according to Brendan Rodgers and most of the press he seemed to have done well. Now the way I see it is, the signing of Balotelli will either be a stroke of genius or a total waste of 16 million. I More of these please! think from what we've seen on the pitch so far and heard from Brendan, Balotelli seems to know that he's running out of chances in football and this is one he's going to have to grab with both hands - and that can only be good for Liverpool Football Club. YNWA, JFT96 Expertly written by: Paul McFarland Feedback? Send your feedback to : editor@anfieldroar.com
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The Official Story of Liverpool FC: Review
We sent top theatre critic Aizaz Sheikh along to see the epic LFC production... There may be a good few clubs who have a movie based on their 'story'. But to my knowledge, there is only one club steeped in enough tradition, and with an unrivalled tale, that has a stage show dedicated to it. Of course, that club is our beloved Liverpool F.C. As the summer drew to a close, and the new season dawned, I was lucky enough to watch the “Official Story of Liverpool FC� make its arena debut. (Thanks again to Anfield Roar for the tickets!) Hugely entertaining, the show spanned the generations, taking the audience through a time warp. The story is set against the backdrop of a local pub and a view of Anfield. And told through the eyes of a family of Liverpool fans who have been there in one capacity or another from the very start. The formation of the club in 1892 was depicted by the arguments between Jon Houlding, the owner of Anfield, and the Everton board. Houlding stood his ground despite an F.A. hearing going against him and founded Liverpool FC. The rest as you know is, well, history. 26
REVIEW And it is that 122-year history that is retold in the following 2 hours by a small cast who took on the role of portraying several characters. Their flawless work deserves great credit, particularly the versatility shown changing costumes and accents. Not to mention, transporting the audience across the world. Songs aplenty act as the narrative, knitting the pieces of the puzzle together. The audience is carried on a rollercoaster of the ups and downs that the club has experienced through the ages. The first Cup final, the effects of the World War, relegation. And then comes a certain Bill Shankly. How he changed the club forever and how his principles still live on. A superb accompanying video montage leads to a rapturous ovation for our club's Godfather.
And then comes a certain Bill Shankly. How he changed the club forever and how his principles still live on. We are then treated to the greatest era of the club as Bob Paisley wins 3 European Cups. He also has an honours roll that seemed to last for 5 minutes as his achievements are listed on the screen. The triumphs of Fagan and Dalglish. The transition of Souness. Evans and The Spice Boys. Houllier’s treble. Rafa and Istanbul. In a hilarious comment, we are choosing to “ignore the Hodgson era.” Bringing us right through to Brendan and the future. It is all covered in great humour and with a razor sharp wit. But we would expect nothing else, would we? 27
REVIEW And in the middle of it all, the harrowing tale of the two tragedies that have haunted the club. Both told from the points of view of those who affected first hand. The one that stood out to me was a mother's account of her son never coming home from Hillsborough. She still has the Pepsi can that he didn’t drink on the day. Her words served as a poignant reminder of just how deeply people were affected and how real the pain still is. The show ended with everybody, crowd and cast, singing along to You’ll Never Walk Alone. At that point, everyone was on their feet. And they applauded the wonderful job that the producers have done. In fact, the noise was emphatic and confirms the resounding success the show is. (No bias here!) As on a couple of occasions throughout the evening, it feels like you are actually in the ground. The official story of Liverpool FC does a superb job of keeping the morals which are engrained in the football club at the forefront. Family, tradition and character. It’s not just the story of what’s gone on at Anfield. It’s the story of human beings who come together for a greater good. For a common belief. Through the good times and the bad, human beings that give the utmost love to the badge upon their chest. And the love that the badge reciprocates. YNWA Expertly written by: Aizaz Sheikh Tweet us your thoughts - @anfieldroarmag 28
Liverpooltees.com Proud to be helping fundraise for the Hillsborough Families Support Group
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Introducing Mario
Balotelli Emma Rhodes introduces us to one of the biggest players signed to Liverpool this season. A familiar face has dominated the media at the end of the summer transfer window, Liverpool’s marquee signing, Mario Balotelli. Known for his outrageous and controversial behaviour, Mario claims to be misunderstood. So what do Liverpool fans need to know about Super Mario as he starts his Reds’ career? Mario was born in Palermo, capital city of Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants Thomas and Rose Barwuah; however in 1993 Mario was placed into foster care with Italian family, the Balotelli’s. There are many rumours over the reasoning for the adoption including bad health which resulted in his family baptising Mario in hospital after worrying he would not overcome intestine illnesses. Mario’s foster mother Silvia was a Jewish daughter to Holocaust survivors who Mario was seen hugging after Italy’s victory over Germany at Euro 2012. Mario claimed his Barwuah parents have only been in touch since his success, offering only game tickets to his eligible siblings. 30 30
BALOTELLI At 18 Mario requested Italian citizenship which was granted in 2008 as he further removed himself from the Barwuah’s. Aged only 24, Mario has had a colourful career with trials at Barcelona, playing for the Italian National team, and formerly playing for Manchester City and Inter Milan whilst playing under Roberto Mancini and Jose Mourinho respectively. Mario moved from Lumezzane to Inter Milan in 2007, becoming their youngest player at only 18 years and 85 days of age to score in the Champions League. Although on paper his career seemed to be going well, the controversial behaviour started with a selection of disruptions following Mario from club to club.
Controversy at City
Mourinho accused Mario of a lack of effort in training and explained a young player like Mario cannot afford to be lazy compared to fellow teammates including Luis Figo and Javier Zanetti. Mario has also faced horrific abuse in the form of racism throughout his career. He has been subjected to racist chanting and had objects thrown at him resulting in Juventus being charged on two separate occasions for their fans actions towards Balotelli. Mario joined Manchester City in 2010 for €21.8 million where he enjoyed a special relationship with Robert Mancini who claimed “The problem is because of his age, he can make some mistakes. He's Mario. He's crazy – but I love him because he's a good guy." Mario scored 2 goals in the 2012 Manchester Derby, beating United 6-1 and revealing the now world-famous ‘Why always me?’ shirt. Balotelli also provided the assist to Sergio Augero allowing City to win the league for the first time since 1968. In 2010 Mario won the Golden Boy Award, claiming he had never heard of runnerup Jack Wilshire. However after clashes with West Brom’s Youssuf Mulumbu, Spurs’ Scott Parker and the infamous training ground bust up with Mancini, it was time to move on. Nobody can deny Balotelli is an interesting character. In 2010 Mario was seen with two members of the Mafia, a UK rap star has 31
BALOTELLI written a song about him and he has driven through an Italian women’s prison security to “have a look around”. In 2011 he surpassed his curfew in a curry house whilst he signed autographs, posed for photos and had a sword fight with rolling pins! Mario was Greater Manchester's ambassador for firework safety after his friends set fireworks off in his house, setting fire to part of the building. He has driven his Ferrari round a go-kart track, been seen playing on his iPad whilst on the Italian substitutes bench whilst he practices Buddhism and does not drink alcohol. And who could forget ‘that’ bib incident which he handily re-enacted in one of his first training sessions with the Reds. Mario was also spotted wearing an AC Milan shirt whilst playing for Inter Milan. However, Liverpool fans would not take this type of behaviour lightly.
Since being confirmed as a red for £16 million, Mario has been on social media showing his affection for his new club. Since being confirmed as a red for £16 million, Mario has been on social media showing his affection for his new club. He has been active on Twitter and Instagram where he has posted numerous images including Bill Shankly quotes, images of the Beatles, wishing Sturridge a happy birthday and his face painted with the Liver Bird. His heart certainly seems to be in Liverpool, so fans will be hoping their number 45 keeps his personal life out of the media. There is a question that has dominated the English press for a few years; will you get ‘Super Mario’ or ‘Stupid Mario’? Only time will tell.
Come on, Super Mario
Expertly written by: Emma Rhodes- you can send your feedback to us and we’ll pass it on - editor@anfieldroar.com
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Introducing Emre
CAN Ivan Emanuel introduces us to another of Liverpool’s new signings, Emre Can. From Germany's U15 team to Liverpool in a matter of five years. A few words about a footballer that was predestined for Bayern Munich, but ended up wearing the jersey vacated by Anfield legend Jamie Carragher. Emre Can was born in Frankfurt am Main, the fifth-largest city in Germany. The youngster started his career at the local amateur club SV Gelb Frankfurt, but was soon spotted by Eintracht Frankfurt, who wasted no time in recruiting him. During his spell at the Bundesliga club, Can was closely monitored by a lot of important clubs, and, at the age of just fifteen, the German youngster moved to Bavaria to join Bayern Munich, the country’s most successful club. 33
EMRE CAN After four years spent at the five times European champions, Emre Can was sold to Bayer Leverkusen, where he signed a four year deal which included a buy-back clause. Bayern’s plan, as the club’s chairman pointed out at that time, was to allow the player to develop, and then buy him back a few years later. “Emre Can is one of the biggest talents in German football”, said KarlHeinze Rummenigge after Leverkusen spent €5m for the young midfielder.
Underrated talent?
“We wanted to allow him this step so he gets more match practice - just as we have previously done it with Toni Kroos at Leverkusen, Philipp Lahm at Stuttgart or David Alaba at Hoffenheim." Can netted four goals and notched up five assists during the 39 games he played in 2013/14, season during which he also made his Champions League debut, against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Emre Can performed brilliantly for Bayer, a team coached at that time by former Liverpool player Sami Hyypia, and everyone expected that the Turkish descent player will return to Munich sooner rather than later. But things didn’t work out quite as planned for the Bavarians. And this is the point of the story where another five times European champions step in. Yes, Liverpool. On June the 5th, Bayer Leverkusen agreed to sell the midfielder to 34
EMRE CAN Liverpool, after the Anfield side met the ÂŁ10m release clause in his contract. Accordingly, Can became the sixth German footballer to play in a Liverpool shirt, after Markus Babbel, Dietmar Hamann, Karl-Heinz Riedle, Christian Ziege and Samed Yesil have done so in the past. Regarding his style of play, Emre Can is a box-to-box midfielder that has often been compared with his fellow-countrymen Michael Ballack and Bastien Schweinsteiger. He is not yet the finished product, with work still to do on his positioning and a tendency to let his discipline shake a little when things go against him - but that should diminish as he matures. Another important aspect is his ability to play in different positions on the field. Apart of his natural deep-lying midfielder position, the youngster has been often used in defence (left-back or central) when playing for Bayer Leverkusen or his country, mainly because of his athletic presence. Emre Can has the potential of becoming a crucial player for Liverpool in the following years. The fact that he wears the number 23 will hopefully confirm that in the future. At present, Can is recovering from an ankle injury he picked up on international duty, but if everything goes ok, he should be available to play around the start of November. YNWA Expertly written by: Ivan Emanuel Feedback? Send your feedback to : editor@anfieldroar.com
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Introducing
Albert Moreneno Michael Reid introduces us to one of the new players at Liverpool and why we should be excited about him! What a way to introduce yourself to English football! In only his second game for the club, new Spanish left back Alberto Moreno was not only part of the back four responsible for Liverpool’s first clean sheet of the 2014/15 Premier League season, he also scored what could be one of the best solo goals any player in the entire league will score all year in our 3-0 away victory over Tottenham. Robbing the man not so long back dubbed England’s new “saviour” in Andros Townsend, after what was the Spurs wingers first touch of the match, Moreno went on to run well over an entire half length of the White Hart Lane pitch before coolly slotting the ball with some power and finesse past Hugo Lloris. Townsend couldn’t catch him; Etienne Capoue was left chasing his shadow; indeed the entire Tottenham backline could do nothing but back off to almost their own 6 yard box, such was the pace of the 22 year old! 36
MORENO Liverpool have had an issue with the left back position ever since John Arne Riise left the club way back in 2008. Fabio Aurelio’s injury proneness meant that despite his undoubtedly exceptional quality, he was not the answer to the problem. Paul Konchesky was certainly never good enough for the role. Jose Enrique was and is a reasonable option, but with Jamie Carragher saying “I stopped talking to Enrique in the end, I had no idea what he was going to do and he didn't listen to me anyway” when talking about playing alongside the Spaniard, I think that made it pretty clear he is not the right man for the job. John Flanagan had an excellent stint in the position towards the end of last season, but is a natural right back by trade and therefore seemingly not the long term solution.
The Reds new number 18 is reasonably used to success, even at a young age and will be looking to continue that at his new club. But Moreno looks an entirely different proposition to any of the aforementioned full backs. He looks to be a vast improvement, and at only 22 years of age, a long term one at that! Part of a Sevilla side that last season won the Europa League as well as finishing 5th in La Liga, the Reds new number 18 is used to reasonable success even at such a young age and will be looking to continue that at his new club. Like most modern day full backs, Moreno is much more adept when it comes to going forward than he is at defending. Against Manchester City, he was caught sleeping, waiting for a floating ball to drop, by Stevan Jovetic for the Champions opening goal of their 3-1 defeat of Liverpool at the Eitihad, and whilst he was exceptional for most of the game aside this untimely error, this indicates that our £12m Summer acquisition may need to take some time to get fully used to the pace and physicality that comes with playing in the English league. Perhaps this is a harsh presumption to make. After all this was a mistake made in a game away from home against the toughest opponents the Premier League has to offer, and it was Moreno’s debut for the Reds; it is safe to say he was thrown in at the deep end. Nevertheless, errors like this cannot keep happening and must be addressed by the Liverpool coaching staff. 37
MORENO
However, as has been shown in his time at the helm of Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers is a fantastic coach for players on an individual basis, and with this paralleled by Moreno’s tender age, one can only assume that the Spaniard will get better and better the longer he remains part of the Liverpool set-up. Immediately, the tutoring of our Northern Irish manager was showcased. “He should have got tighter to Navas in the Manchester City game, and we spoke about that. At this level and how we play, the philosophy is to press and to get tight.” Just ask Andros Townsend if he thinks Alberto Moreno has learnt “to press and to get tight.” If this is Moreno’s improvement in what was only 6 days between the Man City and Tottenham games, just think of what Rodgers can get out of the young left back in months and years of training and experience. Moreno already has the pace to bomb up and down the Anfield touchline quicker than most wingers will be able to deal with. He already has the passing and crossing ability associated with many a Spanish professional footballer in the modern game. He already has the ability to add goals from a position where you would not exTuning in pect many; 4 goals in 31games for Liverpool and Sevilla since the start of last season is a record you would not expect from a defender! Indeed, Alberto Moreno will only add to this list of qualities with experience and with the coaching provided at his new club. Alberto Moreno is the answer to Liverpool’s left back problem. Expertly written by: Michael Reid Feedback? Send your feedback to : editor@anfieldroar.com
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Farewell Daniel
Agger Ross Webber says goodbye to one of Liverpool’s favourites and gives us a look back at his years with the club. After eight years at the club, Daniel Agger paid an emotional farewell to Liverpool as he sealed a move back to his boyhood club Brondby in August 2014. Not only was the Dane an integral cog in the Liverpool defence for the last eight years, Agger also proved to be one of the most committed players to have played in a Liverpool shirt. In January 2006, the Reds dished out £6 million for the youngster, making him the most expensive player sold by a Danish club to a foreign club. After an injury plagued first season in England halted any immediate impact, Agger soon made his name known in 2006/07 season. His first goal for Liverpool came against West Ham in August 2006 and it was an absolute screamer, later awarded with Liverpool’s goal of the season award.
Daniel proved to be one of the most committed players to have the fortune of playing in a Liverpool shirt. Agger continued to progress for Liverpool, competing with fellow centre backs Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia and in the spring of 2007, Agger hit arguably the most important goal of his Liverpool 39
AGGER career: with Liverpool needing to level the score on aggregate in the Champions League semi final second leg against Chelsea, a well-worked free kick routine found the ball land at the feet of Agger who coolly smashed the ball home. The Reds progressed thanks to a penalty shootout and Agger featured in the final against AC Milan but Liverpool unfortunately came up short on the night. It was clear by the following season that Agger was becoming Carragher’s right hand man in the centre of defence with Liverpool needing to find a long-term replacement for the ageing Hyypia.
An injury plagued career
However, in September 2007, the Dane suffered a metatarsal injury that ruled him out of action until January. When he eventually returned to training, a reoccurrence of the injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Due to injury and the uprising of fellow central defender Martin Skrtel, Agger was made to work hard in order to force his way back into Rafa Benitez’ plans. Rumours began to circulate regarding his future with the club with suggestions that there had been a rift between Agger and the manager. That was all forgotten however, when Agger signed a new long term deal with the club in 2009. Injury again affected the Dane’s game time in 2009/10 season but it did not stop him scoring an audacious, yet crucial goal against Benfica in the Europa League. Agger also played his 100th competitive game for Liverpool that season in a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
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AGGER Again, the Danish defender spent much of the time on the side-lines for the following two seasons and there was growing speculation with each transfer window that came along regarding a move away from Anfield. He helped Liverpool win the League Cup in 2012 despite coming off during the game due to a rib injury.
Agger’s most admirable quality is his commitment to Liverpool, proven by his YNWA tattoo. Following the retirement of Carragher at the end of the 2012/13 season, manager Brendan Rodgers named Agger the vice-captain of Liverpool. This put to bed a number of rumours over the summer of 2012 that Agger would soon be completing a move to Spanish side Barcelona. However, a year later, Agger called his time at Anfield by completing his move to Danish side Brondby. Along with bundles of talent at either end of the pitch, Agger’s admirable quality is his commitment to Liverpool, proven by his YNWA tattoo printed across his knuckles. Despite a number of injuries ruling him out of long periods in a Liverpool shirt, the Dane has been a huge part of the Liverpool family for the last eight years both on and off the field.
Always a positive force
Expertly written by: Ross Webber - you can send your feedback to us and we’ll pass it on - editor@anfieldroar.com
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Gary McPanaby gives us the rundown on the next few matches and what we can hope for... Another month, and another chance to shine. After finally setting off the Balotelli-goal-machine, the points will start to trickle in and we’ll be in the top three by the time we get to the next issue of Anfield Road. There’s one, maybe two, slightly tougher games in an otherwise fairly non-descript month. West Ham– Saturday 20th With the new found momentum and enthusiasm from playing Champions League football, this should be a bit of a stroll in the park. West Ham were last a good team in about the 1960’s, and shouldn’t be able to string together a few passes, let alone stir up anything that might trouble Mignolet. Liverpool win 2-0. Balotelli scores twice. Middlesbrough– Tuesday 23rd Then it’s a chance to show the world what our squad is made of. This is the first chance of the season for BR to play a not-top strength team, and hopefully it will give us a chance of seeing what a few of the new signings are like, and whether they will be able to cut it: if they can’t beat a Championship (?) side like Boro, then they shouldn’t be playing at Anfield…
We’ll take a 2-0 win! 42
FIXTURES Everton– Saturday 27th Playing an under-strength team is also useful because it gives us time to get properly prepared for the big Everton match. Everton haven’t exactly been thrilling the masses so far this season (which is odd, because normally they start good and then go to sh!t, so god only knows what will happen to them this season!), so threepoints thankyouverymuch. Maybe a sending off of one of their guys, and another Alberto Moreno wonder goal! FC Basel– Wednesday 1st There’s no easy games in the Champs League – and that includes places like Basle away. They are an experienced Champs League team who will be looking at this game and thinking that they have to win: essentially our Champs League group boils down to ‘Real Madrid to qualify, plus one of Liverpool or Basle’, which makes this a bit of a play-off that we almost certainly can’t afford to lose. Expect a cagey game, maybe slightly more defensive than usual, but possibly with us nicking it at the end…? A hopeful dream West Brom– Saturday 4th And then West Brom. Three points. Need I say more? Comp Prem
Opposition West Ham (a)
Date Sat 20th Sep
Time 17:30
Predict WIN
Lg Cup
Boro (h)
Tue 23rd Sep
19:45
WIN
Prem
Everton (h)
Sat 27th Sep
12:45
WIN
CL
FC Basel (a)
Wed 1st Oct
19:45
DRAW
Prem
West Brom (h)
Sat 4th Oct
15:00
WIN
Expertly written by: Gary McParnaby Feedback? Send your feedback to : editor@anfieldroar.com 43
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DREAMING
George Way profiles our Champions League opponents - Real Amdrid, Basel and Ludogorets. We can do it! 5 years is a long wait for anything, but when it’s something as substantial as Champions League nights at Anfield, it’s almost unbearable. It’s been 1,742 days since the Reds quite shamefully bowed out of the 2009/10 group stage following a home defeat to mediocre Italian outfit Fiorentina. Since then changes have been extreme in both number and effect at Anfield; 3 managers and 2 world class strikers have notably left the club following varying levels of success. Now though, under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers, it would appear the Reds are back in the big time – and we’re definitely not just there to fill a space. Watching the draw for the group stage, one thing was apparent: of all of the pot 3 teams, nobody wanted to face Liverpool. What’s more, Liverpool could’ve seen anybody drawn from the other 3 groups without so much as a deep breath.
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CLASS OF 2014 Having been out of it for so long, there is a clear longing to see the mighty Reds once again go toe to toe with the best Europe has to offer. And who could be a better challenge than our pot 1 opponents and 10 times winners Real Madrid. Off the back of winning ‘la decima’ last time out, Ancelotti’s men will be keen to truly cement their place in history with yet another win this campaign.
And who could be a better challenge than our pot 1 opponents and 10 times winners Real Madrid? However, when they saw Liverpool come out in their group, I’m sure even the most optimistic fan would have shuddered. Despite their unique European achievements, they failed to beat the Reds in either of the fixtures back in the 2008/09 season, when Rafa Benitez guided Torres and Co to a memorable 5-0 aggregate victory. This time they will of course be looking to set the record straight when they visit Anfield. Moving from the Spanish giants to a fairly less substantial opponent; whilst Basel are smaller however, their threat is just as real. The Swiss outfit are appearing in the Champions’ League group stage for the 4th consecutive year, but will be happy to escape the group, a feat they haven’t achieved in the previous 2 attempts. With regards to their record against Liverpool, you would have to rewind 11 years since the sides last met. On that occasion, 2 draws were played out between the teams – but by no means were they dull. The first was the more dramatic of the two – a 3-3 draw in Switzerland and saw a particularly poor performance from the Reds, who quickly slipped to a 3 goal deficit. However, the comeback was not enough, as a win was the minimum required to progress from the group on that occasion.
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CLASS OF 2014 From a team looking to escape the group to a team which it would seem are bewildered just to be in it. Ludogorets of Bulgaria are competing in the Champions League for the first time in their history, having only reached the qualifying round for the first time in 2013. More remarkable than their recent turn of fortune however, is the way in which they progressed from the final round of qualifying: having had their goalkeeper sent off, the odds were already stacked against them – nevertheless they managed to hold out to take the game into penalties. Champagne moment Even so, it looked even more unlikely that they would progress, as they were forced into playing a centre back in goal for the shootout. Remarkably, Cosmin Moti stepped up to both score a penalty, and save two from the opposition, to send them through. A romantic story perhaps, but it would seem highly unlikely that they will mount any kind of charge on the group. If you looked upon our group from a neutral viewpoint, you would probably pick us and Real Madrid to progress; but having seen what can happen in the Champions League in recent years, I’m sure Rodgers won’t be taking any chances come kick off against Ludogorets on the 16th. Expertly written by: George Way - you can send your feedback to us and we’ll pass it on - editor@anfieldroar.com
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This month we’ve focussed on the big guy—we bring you the very best of Mario Balotelli! He seems to follow the sublime with the ridiculous, but we love him for it! First Goal
His very first goal for Liverpool http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F-LUh-mjjk
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YOUTUBE
Stevie on Mario
Stevie G talks up just how big a player Mario could be for Liverpool. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhvBLL2kigs Mario Moments
The best five moments of Mario’s crazy career so far! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBJ18GMXvLI
Send us your favourites - @anfieldroarmag 48
As much as I find witnessing another person suffering slightly uneasy, I couldn't help but raise a wry smile when viewing Roy Hodgson's recent post-Norway outburst. After subjecting the nation to yet another snorefest, the usually placid 67-year-old launched into a foul-mouthed tirade at journalists who had finally begun to ask serious questions about his reign as England manager. Quite why it has taken the hacks this long to mirror the longstanding thoughts of most supporters is beyond me; in the main they've been unbelievably reserved, especially given the World Cup shambles. Previous manager's would, and did, receive both barrels from Fleet Street's finest for far less obvious failings. For a Liverpool fan, there is a massive amount of deja vu involved when listening to the wider public question Hodgson's methods and ability to do the job.
Bad memories?
I've tried my very best over the past four years to erase all memory of his ill-fated spell in charge at Anfield. Granted the club was in a massive mess off the field at the time but nothing can excuse the dross served up on the pitch under his stewardship.
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CLEAR AS DAY His teams were, and often still are, negative, far too rigid and overly reliant on long balls. In many ways the complete opposite of what we are fortunate enough to be enjoying now at club level under Brendan Rodgers. I can recall being at Anfield in December 2010 when Wolverhampton Wanderers deservedly won 1-0 - it was, and still is, the worst Liverpool performance I've ever witnessed.
I desperately want England to do well; this certainly isn’t a personal vendetta against the man. I just don’t think he has moved with the times. If memory serves me correctly, Pepe Reina had more touches of the ball than Fernando Torres on that depressing winter's afternoon. Fortunately, following a 3-1 humbling a week later at the hands of Blackburn Rovers and the renowned tactical genius that is Steve Kean, it proved to be the beginning of the end for one of the worst periods in our entire history. Kenny Dalglish would soon return to steady the ship, thankfully jettisoning Paul Konchesky in the process, allowing Fenway Sports Group the time needed to get their feet firmly under the table. Given the heroics of last season and our return to the Champions League, it's incredible to think we were just four points above the dropzone when Hodgson departed. Unlike many Liverpool fans, I had a genuine interest in the international game and desperately want England to do well; this certainly isn't a personal vendetta against the man. I just don't think he has moved with the times.
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CLEAR AS DAY Any smugness and a sense of 'we told you so' from Liverpool supporters has no doubt been dampened somewhat by the news that Daniel Sturridge suffered a thigh injury and is now a doubt for a number of our upcoming fixtures. The 25-year-old striker has become a key man for both club and country, as have Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson, both of whom were prominent in the 2-0 away win over Switzerland which subsequently relieved some of the pressure on Hodgson's shoulders. Thankfully, Sturridge's injury is less of a concern now that Rodgers has signed maverick Italian Mario Balotelli from AC Milan. The £16m man had an encouraging debut during the impressive 3-0 away win over Tottenham Hotspur and will relish playing through the middle while his strike partner recovers. Moving Balotelli inside will also presumably present an opportunity for either Lazar Markovic or the fit-again Adam Lallana to shine. Or perhaps Rickie Lambert will come in to take Sturridge's place through the middle? Or maybe Philippe Coutinho will return to the starting X1 after dropping to the bench at White Hart Lane? Whatever Rodgers choses to do he must be ecstatic to have so many options and talented personnel at his disposal. Despite a indifferent start against Southampton and Manchester City, we appear to be progressing nicely and after some preseason pessimism I now firmly believe we are all set for another successful season. Expertly written by: Gavin Day - tweet him @superbag Visit Gavin’s site at http://www.liverpool.vitalfootball.co.uk
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FULL TIME
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