Passed to death

Last night's Champions League final was a showcase for possession football and what to do with it when it really matters. Although the scoreline was 2-0 the margin of victory in terms of class on the night was far larger. Manchester United fans would argue that if they had scored the first goal then it could of been different (based on the fist 10 minutes) but they didn't and Barcelona did. The side from Old Trafford have certainly had a good season and deserve plaudits but the midfield saw a massive gulf in class between the two teams and Guardiola certainly won the tactical battle. Messi rightly grabbed some headlines but watching Xavi and Iniesta was delightful. For Utd, Ronaldo was perhaps their best player but so many didn't really turn up. If Ferguson could have his way again, surely Park Ji Sung and Giggs wouldn't have started the game. Personally I think Carlos Puyel is a liability waiting to happen but somehow Utd didn't take him on and put him under pressure. On the night Barca showed up not the weakness of Utd's squad but the deficiencies of various parts of their team right now. It will be very interesting to see what affect this will have on both Utd and Ferguson. Will they splash the cash this Summer? Regardless, Bryan Robson's outrageous pre-match claim that if Utd went on to win the game then they'd be the best team EVER was blown out of the water.


Being a Liverpool fan for over twenty years I was in two minds whether or not to watch the game as I couldn't bear the sight of seeing Utd winning a fourth European Cup but I stayed up till 6am here in Korea and I'm glad I did. Usually I really miss the English language commentary on football games but was delighted not to here ITV's Clive Tyldesley waffle on about 1999 and "That night in Barcelona" as he has for the past ten years. The word Barcelona is now a memory of a different kind as well as carrying a different resonance. In the aftermath of the game I can't get it out of my mind at how overrated (though still very good) this Utd team has been this season. Surely based on the past three months evidence winning the English Premier League was something that my beloved Liverpool should have done. Perhaps we have blown our best chance for years to come - unless Benitez gets some serious spending money. Never mind, "This time next year we'll be millionaires"...

Not to be: Liverpool dream over for now

So that's it then for another season. One game left but the best we Liverpool can finish is in 2nd place. Despite setting a personal club record best points total in the Premier League, Man Utd's draw on Saturday gives them a record equalling eighteenth title, level with us. A feat that not even the most pessimistic fans could have seen coming back in 1990.

Is it never to be? A question most reds will surely be asking themselves right now. Sure there this season was good at times. High points being two league wins over Utd, but too often we flattered to deceive just when we needed to perform. Signs of progress? Definitely. Benitez can be pleased that we have lasted the course but the margin between success and (ultimately) failure is small, but we are lacking in some areas. Food for thought for the backroom staff then. What cannot be argued is that this Summer is a pivotal point in the future of the club.


Rick Parry's (welcome) ousting means we face an uncertain immediate future until a new Chief Executive is appointed. Rafa has what he wanted - careful what you wish for? The press reports suggest the owners loans will be restructured but the debacle of club ownership still rumbles on with no end in sight. And lastly, the matter of Summer club transfers. It is clear, as Rafa is inclined to say, that 'we' don't have much money to spend. I do not envisage us having a large transfer war chest. But we MUST buy and buy quality not quantity. Last season's transfers hindered us rather than helped. A repeat just cannot be allowed to happen.

The side is desperate for three significant signings. Players for the flanks and a striker. One thing is for certain, the other sides will spend and maybe heavily - especially Chelsea. Continued press reports suggest Alonso may be sacrificed to sign Gareth Barry. I doubt any Reds fan would like that as Alonso has inarguably had his best season at Anfield. What is certain is that players will have to leave. Voronin, Dossena, Itandje, Deggen and maybe Babbel and Riera won't be missed but will hardly bring in the money for super signings. Replacing Hyypia's professionalism and influence in the squad may prove difficult too. It all points to three massive months for Liverpool FC. Will we push on, stand still or fall back like we did under Houllier? It could still end on an even sourer note. There's the small matter of the Champions League final in Rome. Viva España!