Tony Barratt's webchat

[GWistooshort]

Some interesting bits in Tony Barratt's webchat from the other day...........

 

Tony Barrett, The Times Liverpool FC expert, will be here on Thursday at 1pm to discuss, Hicks, Gillett Jr, Benitez, Gerrard, Torres and all things red on Merseyside. In the meantime, leave him a question at the bottom of this article.

by TimesSport at 10/13/2009 8:34:26 AM13 October 2009 9:34:26 AM

 

Welcome to today's webchat. We are expecting a wealth of questions, so make sure you set a good one for Tony to answer. To leave a question, click on the "make a comment" button at the top of the dialogue box. Let's get going.

by TimesSport at 10/15/2009 11:54:26 AM12:54 PM yesterday

 

How close has Rafael Benitez actually come to leaving Anfield over the past 18 months and is there any end in sight to the ongoing ownership saga?

by Kenny edited by TimesSport

 

Afternoon Kenny, thanks for being the one to get the ball rolling. To be honest, I don't think there was ever a time when Benitez considered leaving Liverpool. Crucially, his family is very settled in the Merseyside area and Benitez himself believes he is edging closer to putting a team together that is capable of wining the Premier League. That's not to say there haven't been low points though, there have been occasions when he has been deeply frustrated with goings on behind the scenes at Anfield. The Liverpool manager seems really settled right now.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 11:57:56 AM12:57 PM yesterday

 

What is going re the possible sale of part of the club ?

by mark

 

Hello Mark, you would have to get into the minds of Messrs Gillett and Hicks to know exactly what is going on and what their motives are. From my perspective it looks like a process has begun which will see investment sought with a renewed urgency. The banks have made it clear that they require investment if there is to be any chance of refinancing being done next July, hence the reason why Gillett is currently in Saudi Arabia.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:00:14 PM1:00 PM yesterday

 

During the summer LFC were linked with various names - Lavezzi / Hamsik / Defour / Martinez / Turner / Villa / Saviola to name but a few. Were these just paper rumours or were some of them true?

by Anonymous

 

There was an inquiry over Turner but nothing more than that. His price was prohibitive. Lavezzi is a player Liverpool have watched but they have never made an offer for him. None of the others were considered.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:01:35 PM1:01 PM yesterday

 

Do you think any of the up and coming players have a genuine chance of making it? Jay Spearing is the most obvious but Danny Pacheco and Nathan Eccleston look good too - good enough?

by Robbo

 

Alright Robbo, Dani Pacheco clearly has a lot of talent and would have featured in the recent Carling Cup tie against Leeds had he not been injured. He is on the small side though and the feeling is that he needs to work on his physique as much as his technique if he is to make the next step. Spearing is already on the fringes and just needs to continue his improvement. Eccleston has certainly got goals in him but must prove himself at reserve team level before even contemplating being involved in the first team.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:04:07 PM1:04 PM yesterday

 

Do you feel Liverpool are better suited to the Premier League rather than the Champions League this season?

by Kenny

 

Hello Kenny, that's a good question and it's one which had never been posed before this season. I think that Liverpool are more suited to Premier League football this year simply because they have a much more attacking philosophy. You can't really visualise this team grinding out results in a similar manner to its predecessors under Benitez but you could see them wiping the floor with inferior opponents, which has been their weakness domestically in recent seasons.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:06:44 PM1:06 PM yesterday

 

Was the transfer budget Rafa believed he had at the start of the summer, the same as what he ended up with, in your mind?

by Shaya

 

Hello Shaya, Liverpool's transfer budget has been a cause for debate since the summer and with good reason. Benitez would have wanted more money to spend - as he has admitted himself, every manager always wants more money - but with cash being in short supply at Anfield he had to cut his cloth accordingly and he had to ensure that the likes of Gerrard, Torres and Benayoun were secured on long term contracts. The disappointing thing from his point of view, although he will not admit it, is that the money spent on these contracts came out of his transfer pot.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:10:01 PM1:10 PM yesterday

 

there has been lots of speculation about ownership of the club; does the Fans buyout initiative stand any chance of success?

by TM

 

Hello TM, ShareLiverpool now has 16,000 people who have made it known that they are interested in fan ownership of the club. That is quite a number considering it has been a relatively low key venture up until now. Fan ownership may seem an impossible dream, particularly with the asking price for the club likely to still be in the region of £500m, but if two Americans with money problems could purchase Liverpool, why can't tens of thousands of supporters?

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:12:53 PM1:12 PM yesterday

 

Hello Tony - Will the owners give Rafa money to spend in January or with the possible buy out will they want to hang onto their money? Also, has Rafa set his sights on anyone in particular?

by Neil

 

Hello Neil, I don't think Benitez will have any money to spend in January. There were reports that he could have £12m made available to him but unless there is a cash injection from somewhere in the next couple of months such a scenario would be highly unlikely.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:14:14 PM1:14 PM yesterday

 

What news of Alberto Aquilani as he is a tremendous player that will fill the that Xabi Alonso left and at the moment Liverpool are paying a price for no filling yet?

by Simon

 

Alright Simon, the good news is that Aquilani is very close to being at the stage where he can join in with full training with the rest of his team mates. His debut is now just a matter of weeks off with the Carling Cup tie at Arsenal a realistic target.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:15:21 PM1:15 PM yesterday

 

is Lucas better than Carrick?

by Dead and Red

 

Good question Dead and Red. Lucas only cost around a third as much as Carrick and he has spent much less time playing football in this country so I think it is understandable that there is still a gap between their performance levels. Lucas is doing okay but can still get better.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:16:47 PM1:16 PM yesterday

 

The decision to sell to Hicks and Gillett must be the worst decision made at Anfield in 50 years if not since 1892. How do you think it will work out over the next season or so?

by Dave

 

Hello Dave, I agree with your assessment 100%. That decision has plunged the club into almost three years of crisis and those who made it should be explaining why, it is the least the fans deserve.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:18:03 PM1:18 PM yesterday

 

Are certain people within the media making too much of Xabi Alonso's departure from Liverpool? Will Aquilani's impact on the side turn Liverpool into a different and perhaps stronger team than last season? Finally when will be treated to seeing him in action?

by marcus

 

Hello Marcus, Alonso's name is brought up after every Liverpool defeat. It is predictable and to an extent it is understandable as he was a key part of the team last season. But it should also be remembered that he played in eight of Liverpool's draws last season while they were able to win 4-1 without him at Old Trafford, 3-0 without him at West Ham and 5-1 at Newcastle with him on the bench. Alonso is and was a great player but for some reason his influence appears to have grown in the eyes of some since his departure.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:18:25 PM1:18 PM yesterday

 

There's a weight of expectation regarding Aquilani. What can/will he bring to the team?

by Paul

 

Hello Paul, Aqulani is very different to Alonso. He plays much higher up the pitch and is more likely to play the final through ball to Torres than he is to pick up possession from one of his central defenders. Benitez saw him as a key part of his newly shaped attacking strategy so it will be interesting to see how he fits into the side along Torres and Gerrard.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:22:54 PM1:22 PM yesterday

 

Jamie carragher has been pretty poor by his own standards over the past 12-18 months, any signs from within in the club about a long term replacement.

by Ash

 

Hello Ash, that's not something I can agree with mate. Carragher, by his own admission, has not been at his very best in recent weeks, but he is still a top class defender who has a great deal still to offer. I can recall Sami Hyypia being written off after Didier Drogba inspired Chelsea to a 4-1 win at Anfield a few years back and the big Finn came back as strong as ever. Expect Carragher to do exactly the same because he has a similar level of psychological resilience.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:25:04 PM1:25 PM yesterday

 

To what extent do you think that Mascherano has been affected by the Barca talk and do you see him still being a Liverpool player next season?

by Kim

 

Hello Kim, I don't think there is any doubt that Mascherano has been unsettled by a combination of things. The interest from Barcelona, Argentina's struggles to qualify for the World Cup and the fact that his wife has not settled on Merseyside have all combined at the same time. Will he still be at Anfield next season? He will be unless Barcelona, or whoever, come up with the kind of massive offer that would tempt Benitez to part with him. Otherwise, he will be told to get his head down and focus on doing his bit for the club which rescued his career.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:27:45 PM1:27 PM yesterday

 

Alright Tony. Why did the Voronin and Dossena deals fall through? Also, does anyone at LFC think Deggen is good enough for the 1st team?

by James

 

Alright James, the only reason why those potential deals fell through was that Benitez could not afford to see his squad depleted still further. In the absence of a clear reassurance that he would be able to reinvest money brought in then he didn't really have any option but to keep him. If there is anyone at Liverpool who still believes Degen is good enough for the first team then questions should be asked about their ability to work for the club.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:30:05 PM1:30 PM yesterday

 

There were rumours that a deal for David Silva of Valencia had been all agreed in the summer only for Rafa having to pull the plug as the funds were pulled. Is there any truth in this?

by Michael

 

Hello Michael, that's not true. Silva was of interest to Benitez earlier in the summer but the price Valencia were asking for him made a deal a non-starter.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:31:09 PM1:31 PM yesterday

 

OK Tony, a serious question then. Do you think that Rafa is doing a good job at Liverpool and why/why not? Just for the record I think he's doing an excellent job all things considered.

by fairdes

 

Hello Fairdes, Benitez is doing a good job. Could he be doing a better one? Undoubtedly.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:32:38 PM1:32 PM yesterday

 

Tony - has there been any further update on th enew stadium? and are there any deadlines in terms of the validity of the permits and permissions?

by AM

 

There are no updates on the stadium. I wouldn't expect this to change unless and until new investment is secured as it has been apparent for quite some time that Hicks and Gillett do not have the money to build the stadium that they promised.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:34:03 PM1:34 PM yesterday

 

Hiya Tony, Why do you think Liverpool have been so poor at defending set pieces this season? Lots of people seem to be blaming Carra for 100% of the defensive issues but that clearly cannot be the only or even main contributor for set pieces given that we typically have all 11 players back to defend those.

by Kanonkop

 

Hello Kanonkop, every time Liverpool concede from a set piece zonal marking is brought up. For me, though, the problem is much more straightforward than that - Liverpool lack players of sufficient height and genuine aerial ability. There is no Hyypia, no Crouch, no Sissoko etc. The tallest player on their books at the moment is probably Torres and although he is good in the air in the opposition box, he isn't dominant in his own in the same way as, for example, Emile Heskey.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:34:26 PM1:34 PM yesterday

 

Tony, have you heard any whispers about possible transfer targets? Go on....you can tell me!!!

by Phil Reed

 

Alright Phil, I can tell you no problem. No money = no targets! Sorry I can't be any more positive than that mate.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:37:13 PM1:37 PM yesterday

 

Agger & Aurelio are back from injury, do you think they should slot straight back in the side?

by Neil Jones

 

Hello Neil, I've believed for some time that given the players at his disposal, Benitez should look at playing three central defenders with wing backs and Agger and Aurelio would fit naturally into that system.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:38:40 PM15 October 2009 1:38:40 PM

 

who is responsible for the signing and selling or robbie keane??

by sohail jabbar

 

Hello Sohail, Rafa Benitez wanted Robbie Keane. He also wanted Gareth Barry. In order of preference he wanted Barry first and Keane second but it didn't work out that way.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:40:27 PM15 October 2009 1:40:27 PM

 

why did rafa start with reira against chelsea and not yossi whos int he form of his life??

by sohail jabbar

 

Riera's extra strength and height are likely to have given him the advantage when it came to team selection for the game against a very strong and physical Chelsea side.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:41:40 PM15 October 2009 1:41:40 PM

 

why are my comments not being show this is a waste of time

by Harry

 

Hello Harry, sorry I couldn't get round to answering your questions quicker mate but there are literally hundreds to answer!

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:42:30 PM15 October 2009 1:42:30 PM

 

Hi Tony, Is there any confirmed news with regards to injuries at the weekend? Are we likely to be without Gerrard and Torres?

by Graham edited by Tony Barrett

 

Hello Graham, both have a good chance of playing on Saturday and are being assessed at Melwood ahead of the trip to Sunderland. There were reports that Liverpool are unhappy at the way Gerrard was treated by England but they are not accurate.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:43:11 PM15 October 2009 1:43:11 PM

 

Obviously, Gillette and Hicks and some of the recent results are not very encouraging, but what do you perceive to be the biggest problems at Anfield at the moment.

by Clive

 

Afternoon Clive, the biggest problem at Liverpool at the moment is the instability that has plagued the club for far too long. The blame for that can only be laid at the door of the owners.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:46:18 PM15 October 2009 1:46:18 PM

 

i dont think we will finish in top four

by Harry

 

Harry, good of you to keep on trying! It will certainly be tougher than ever to remain in the top four given the intense competition this season but expect Liverpool to get stronger as the season wears on and the balance which has been lacking is established.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:47:41 PM15 October 2009 1:47:41 PM

 

Do you agree Rafa benitex has bought too many mediocre players hence such a weak bench which will cost us dearly?

by Simon Pople

 

Hello Simon, Benitez has bought a lot of mediocre players, there is no question about that. He has also bought a lot of top class ones. When everyone is fit Liverpool's bench is much stronger than it looked in the early stages of the season.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:49:36 PM15 October 2009 1:49:36 PM

 

Hola Tony - if you were me, who would you buy to improve my squad. Adios!

by Rafael Benitez

 

Hola Rafa, if I were you I would be training the team right now instead of logging on to web chats! One player? If money was no object? Iniesta.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:51:00 PM15 October 2009 1:51:00 PM

 

hi Tony, in light of the fact we have no adequate cover for torres, benitez's decision not to sign michael owen on a free transfer and a virtual pay as you play deal is looking more and more baffling , are the any underlying reasons as to why benitez's turned down such a deal which on the face of it seams a no brainer

by Richard

 

Hi Richard, Owen would undoubtedly be a better bet than Voronin but it was probably a bit much to expect Benitez to move for Owen considering the way the Manchester United man has treated the club in the past.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:51:21 PM15 October 2009 1:51:21 PM

 

Do you think Liverpool will still be able to win the league title?

by Lynne Paul

 

It's going to be very difficult having lost three games already but there are still 90 points to be played for so it's far too early to rule anyone out of the race, let alone a team featuring the likes of Torres and Gerrard.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:54:26 PM15 October 2009 1:54:26 PM

 

Do you believe the pool will put in a bid for van der vaart or villa?

by Adam Joyce

 

Hello Adam, van der Vaart could be a possibility if he is made available on loan but I'm afraid Liverpool just don't have the resources to do permanent deals for these kind of players right now.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:56:01 PM15 October 2009 1:56:01 PM

 

Do you think that Carragher will become manager one day? If so, would it be a good choice?

by Bri

 

Hello Bri, Carragher is doing his coaching badges and it would be hard to imagine him doing anything other than working in football. In my eyes, he's got everything you would look for in a potential manager - passion, knowledge, determination, tactical awareness. He'll definitely be a top flight boss one day.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:56:18 PM15 October 2009 1:56:18 PM

 

There is five minutes to go of the webchat, so if you have a question for Tony you'd better get it in now.

by TimesSport at 10/15/2009 12:56:22 PM15 October 2009 1:56:22 PM

 

Gillett said that Liverpool are in a better financial position than Man Utd / Chelsea / Arsenal? Is this true or just spin?

by Anonymous

 

The last question goes to an anonymous poster, are you Tom Hicks?! Gillett is doing a lot of talking of late and a lot of what he says does not make too much sense when it is subjected to financial analysis. All I know is Gillett is currently haring around the Middle East trying desperately to find investors, I don't see anyone from United, Chelsea or Arsenal doing that.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 1:03:12 PM15 October 2009 2:03:12 PM

 

That's all the time we have for the webchat today. We hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for sending in your questions and thank you to Tony for answering so many of them (as he mentioned earlier, there were hundreds).

 

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle6872396.ece

[richwilks]

Hello Shaya, Liverpool's transfer budget has been a cause for debate since the summer and with good reason. Benitez would have wanted more money to spend - as he has admitted himself, every manager always wants more money - but with cash being in short supply at Anfield he had to cut his cloth accordingly and he had to ensure that the likes of Gerrard, Torres and Benayoun were secured on long term contracts. The disappointing thing from his point of view, although he will not admit it, is that the money spent on these contracts came out of his transfer pot.

by Tony Barrett at 10/15/2009 12:10:01 PM1:10 PM yesterday

 

 

Rafa secures the clubs most prized assets on to long terms contracts and his reward is that he's told it's come from his budget.

 

Perhaps Rafa should have let their contracts run down and see the clubs fixed assets plumet in price over the coming years.

 

Club is run by financial clowns who have taken on more than they will ever be able to chew and are too stubborn to take a profit on their investment and f*** off, always hopeful that when the stadium is up and club functioning in a more marketable way they are sat on a gold mine. What they forget is that if the club don't perform on the pitch the other things are irrelevant.

 

These guys make me fume.

[Flight]

The decision to sell to Hicks and Gillett must be the worst decision made at Anfield in 50 years if not since 1892. How do you think it will work out over the next season or so?

by Dave

 

Hello Dave, I agree with your assessment 100%. That decision has plunged the club into almost three years of crisis and those who made it should be explaining why, it is the least the fans deserve.

 

 

 

This bit really stood out to me.

 

 

 

It's time SoS put pressure on Moores and Parry to explain their decision. Whatever they say will be valuable PR and ammunition for the upcoming battle over ownership.

[GWistooshort]

Maybe an opportunity to start the ball rolling with Parry here...........

 

Liverpool FC and Everton FC chief executives brought together for Liverpool University debate

Oct 15 2009 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

 

FOOTBALL professionals who studied at Liverpool University will come together for a unique discussion on the “beautiful game”.

 

Rick Parry, the former chief executive of Liverpool FC, will join former Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick and Robert Elstone, chief executive of Everton FC.

 

The debate tonight will be hosted by Dr Rogan Taylor, senior lecturer in the management school’s football industries group.

 

Mr Taylor said: “Our football MBA remains unique, 12 years after it first started.

 

“We attract all nationalities and as you can see from our alumni, past students have qualified in significant positions.

 

“I will ask them about the pleasures and pains they have experience in football before they take questions.”

 

It is hoped the discussion could be an annual event.

 

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...92534-24934924/