Champions League Final: AC Milan vs Liverpool (ALL-match comments)

I maintain that Abbiati is a very good keeper

I would hate to see a bad keeper then.

i won $5 today i made a bet with someone from my school. he was saying ah man liverpool will whoop ur ass (he is a juve fan) like 10 times. i got pissed so i was like lets bet on it then and we did.

A quality post by GattusoKing, from www.devilsmania.com. I copied and pasted the paper without obtaining written permission from the author.

A brief guide to all-things Liverpool was requested. Here's my take

Jerzy Dudek - Rather ironically, the CL Final may conceivably be his last hoorah in Liverpool’s colours if rumours of Jose Reina’s impending signature are to be believed. Even if that deal fails to materialise, there’s a strong possibility that Chris Kirkland will be given preference next season, fitness permitting. Extraordinary cup-run or not, Liverpool can no longer attempt to paper over the considerable crack that’s been the goalkeeping position ever since the departure of Bruce Grobbelaar of 1994. Some may consider that harsh on Dudek, but if one assesses his Anfield career, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a consistent spell of good form. He may string five good performances together, but then he’ll gift a goal away, his confidence deserts him and then the frequency of mistake is increased considerably, before, ultimately, he’s dropped.

Generally speaking, a solid shot-stopper, but susceptible on crosses and from a confidence perspective.


Steve Finnan – Converted RW who’s played his way through the lower-leagues before finding his feet, somewhat belatedly, at Liverpool. The omens for Finnan weren’t looking promising in the summer when Benitez signed compatriot Josemi to fill the problematic RB berth, but his dire performances quickly saw Finnan restored to the position which he’s now made his own. Akin to Cafu, he’s not what one would call a textbook defender, but as the modern day game demands, he’s a potent threat on the counter-attack and he’ll take advantage of any situation allowing him to overlap.

Energetic, pacy, craves his licence to overlap, but exploitable.


Djimi Traore – Highly unorthodox and with a concentration span that is better measured in split-seconds, but when everything comes together, he’s surprisingly effective. As LBs go, he’s as physically imposing as any and when he surges forward, literally anything can and usually does happen. The aforementioned lack of concentration - the only facet preventing him being a potentially excellent defender – however, is a major achilles heel, as any Liverpool fan will testify to. Be it switching-off or simply failing to clear his lines, it’s been a consistent problem. A loan spell at Lens has improved his awareness and ability to cover the CBs, but one still watches him with due trepidation.

Powerful, loves defending, but incredibly erratic and error-prone.


Sami Hyypia – What a difference a successful cup-run can make to a career. Prior to the New Year, the sun had been slowly setting on his Liverpool career after a disappointing previous two seasons, but his mammoth displays in the CL may just have given him a stay of execution. A traditional CB if ever there was – tall, imposing, physically strong, a leader among men, a good man-marker and masterful in the air. And as we saw from the Juve tie, he’s also more than capable in the opposing area. Expose him to pace, however, and he’s found seriously wanting.

Old-fashioned CB, uncompromising man-marker, excellent aerially, but slow as slow can be.


Jamie Carragher – Mr Liverpool. In spite of his childhood devotion to Merseyside rivals Everton, Carragher is the living essence of the club itself and as professional a professional you wouldn’t wish to find. A squad player for nigh-on six-years, he only began to truly establish himself last season as a full-back and this season, he’s successfully made the switch to CB. Such a good job he’s done there that he is, for many people, the EPL player-of-the-season. Whilst I wouldn’t go that far, I’d certainly award him with the accolade of most-improved-player-of-the-year, after his remarkable transformation into a potentially international-class CB after a mere season of playing said position. Potential weak points? I could ponder the question for an hour, a week, a month and still struggle to find anything noteworthy. The only two concerns are his relative lack of experience as a CB, and his physical build. Other than that, I’m stumped.

Lionhearted, born-defender type whose lack of experience may conceivably tell against him.


Steven Gerrard – As the old adage goes – when Gerrard plays, Liverpool play. For far too long, he’s had to carry the weight of the club’s expectation single-handedly on his shoulders while those around him wilted. A world-class long-range passer of the ball, a tireless engine, a stunningly keen eye for goal from distance, confident when running with the ball, a dangerous late-arrival in the opposition penalty area, and an inspirational captain – he is Liverpool’s all-action hero. The midfield tussle between both he and Xabi Alonso pitted against Gattuso and Clarence is going to be an epic, mouth-watering battle. Whoever wins the midfield wins the game. Fatefully, Gerrard has always had that unfortunate knack of sustaining injuries prior to major matches, so his fitness will be a decisive factor in events. That, and his occasional over-enthusiasm are, for me, the only elements which can be construed as a weakness.

A truly world-class CM, a constant inspiration and a considerable threat…………..if fit.


Xabi Alonso – The other half of what comprises the best midfield pairing in the EPL, and akin to Gerrard, he taxes the superlative. Cultured, vivacious, efficient – he instantly won the adoration of the Kop and has become an integral part of the team. Were it not for the series of horrendous injuries he’s suffered in his debut season, I think it’s a fairly safe assumption to say that Liverpool wouldn’t currently be languishing in 5th place in the EPL. If the point needed labouring, geez is the midfield battle going to be titanic.

One of the aspiring midfield greats of the decade to come. Will he be able to steer clear of injuries, however?


John Arne Riise – Another revitalised player under Benitez’s reign. One more season of Houllier’s incumbency would surely have seen him seek pastures new, but experiencing a healthy second-wind and approaching the impressive form of 2001/2 - Liverpool’s halcyon year of cup success. Like your stereotypical Scandinavian, he’s as strong as an ox, committed to the tackle and has a left-foot like Thor’s hammer. He’s never quite developed the offensive element of his game as he should have, rendering him rather limited on occasions, but he’ll offer solidity on the left-side and a willingness to run himself into a stupor.

Strong, potent left-foot, industrious on the left-side, yet restricted by his lack of offensive ability.


Dietmar Hamann – An unsung hero and similarly to Xabi Alonso, his absence from the side is telling. Surprisingly talented when one puts him under the microscope, with a neat, intelligent passing game both short and long, and an intelligent eye for a through-ball. Afford him space outside the area and you’ll repent at leisure as he also boasts a stunning shot, which Leverkusen, among many, can vouch for. Were I Gattuso, I’d make a conscious effort to get under Hamann’s skin from the outset (subtly, of course) as he has been known to lose his self-discipline from time to time.

Typically teutonic, dangerous long-distance shot, but with potential for indiscipline.


Igor Biscan – One of those players whom, by rights, should probably be toiling away on a construction site somewhere, but fate saw fit to show him a slightly more fortuitous hand. Mention his name to a Liverpool fan prior to Christmas and you’d be collecting your teeth off the pavement, but, to his credit, he has been quite effective in the CL run-in. When blessed with as little talent as Biscan is, the magic formula is to keep it simple and that’s precisely what he does for Benitez: win the ball, swiftly give it to someone else with more talent than you (any of the ten will do), press the opposition when possession’s been conceded and then win the ball back again, and on, and on………….

Bless him, no one tries harder, but he’s severely restricted talent-wise and more than a little aloof.


Antonio Nunez – Makeweight in the deal taking Owen to Liverpool. The fee, I believe, was somewhere in the region of £500,000, which is roughly £499,999 too much. If being a right-winger entailed nothing more than running 70 yards with the ball at pace before overrunning it out of play, Nunez would be an icon. In reality, he’s very fortunate that his manager is a fellow Spaniard, otherwise, he’d still be back in Real’s X-team cleaning the groundsman’s boots.

I’ve seen better players in umpteen playgrounds. In fact, I’ve been one myself. Pacy, but woeful control, woeful passing and crossing ability, and a shot to put the fear of death into any corner flag.


Harry Kewell – This is my cue to groan audibly. If only he had the mind to match his precocious talent, we’d be looking at one of the stars of the modern game. He still has ample time to fulfil the potential he showed at Leeds, but he gives the impression of not caring whether he does or not, as though everything’s one giant imposition. Having given up on Liverpool, rumour has it that Liverpool will finally give up on him this summer, leaving him free to look elsewhere for another club. Said potential new club will be buying, on his day, a world-class player who exudes both skill and confidence, a genius for cutting-in from the left-wing and clinical eye for goal from any distance, any angle. However, probability dictates that he’ll threaten nothing more than breaking sweat, if that.

From the Recoba mould. Potentially devastating, but those days are few are far between.


Luis Garcia – Our tie against PSV showed the consequencies of failing to adequately deal with the threat of deep-running, attacking-midfielders/forwards. Hopefully, amid the autopsy of said shambles, a solution was found as we’ll need one to combat the threat posed by Luis Garcia. With five-goals in the competition and the manner in which they were scored, I consider him to be Liverpool’s most potent weapon.

Brimming with confidence, maker of intelligent runs from the entire width of the pitch, creator of space and a great eye for goal. Can be slightly over-audacious and it remains to be seen how he’ll fair against more detailed marking.


Milan Baros – A real Jekyll & Hyde player: sublime at international level and ridiculous on the domestic front. Physically tuned with good technique, he’s missing the third and most integral component of the striker’s Holy Trinity – clinical finishing. One of those players whom you wouldn’t entrust your only chance of the game to, as probability dictates that he’ll contrive to miss it, even if it’s far easier to score. Anyone who saw the recent games against both Everton and Juventus will appreciate my point. Messrs Nesta and Stam cannot afford to be complacent against him though as he’s a cultured target man, more than capable of working the channels and creating opportunities for his colleagues.

Everything but the end product.


Djibril Cisse – That he’ll be fit to take his place on the bench is a success story in itself having suffered a horrendous leg-break in November. Powerful, technically superb, enigmatic, with no second invitation needed to test the goalkeeper, the initial transition from Ligue 1 to the EPL was a testing one with the squad rotation policy and lack of goals seeing him spend more games on the bench than he would probably have anticipated. Nevertheless, he managed to convey glimpses of his potential worth that have whetted the appetite of Liverpool fans and left them eagerly anticipating a swift return to full-fitness.

Hugely unpredictable – the most dangerous breed of all. Still finding fitness, but will almost certainly make an appearance from the bench.



Fitness permitting, Liverpool will line-up as follows;

--------------------------Dudek-----------------------

Finnan-------Carragher-----Hyypia-----------Traore

------------Hamann--------Xabi Alonso----------------

Luis Garcia-----------Gerrard--------------------Riise

-------------------------Baros------------------------

Originally Posted by Laudrup

I would hate to see a bad keeper then.

Nonsense.
I'll always remember that sublime save Abbiati made 1-on-1 against Kallon in the dying seconds of the Semi Final against Inter in 2003, it was the save that put us in the final. Just an example.
Give the man the credit he deserves.

Originally Posted by Ruffian

No, Dida will be playing in the final. Blackjack and I were just beginning negotiations for Abbiati's loan to Liverpool next year. But now you've discouraged him.

I maintain that Abbiati is a very good keeper, but he's rusting away on our bench. He needs to play.

Hi guys, it's me again. Had to re-register again cos for some reason I could not log on and when I asked them to re-send me my password, it never came. Oh well........back to business.

As for how Benitez plays in the final, I just really hope it is 2 strikers that play which leave us with Cisse and Baros. A lot will be dependant on how Cisse performs against Villa tomorrow though I feel. I also think he will get Gerrard and Garcia inter-playing each other with Gerrard sometimes moving onto the right flank whilst Garcia cuts in. I strongly believe for us to win, Alonso's passing will be the key so if you can get Gattuso or Costacurta to shut him down then your chances of beating us has increased.

Riise on the left I think could be well shackled out by Cafu but he knows how to suddenly pop in out of no where as can be seen in the Arsenal game but he did not have the sense to square the ball to Garcia which could have changed the whole tempo and mood of the game.

I think Hyppia and Carragher can hold up against Sheva and Kaka but I never underestimate them. Traore has to remember that Gattuso has about as much team spirit as Carragher so better watch him well.

Overall, I think Benitez will try to control you guys like how PSV did in the 2nd Leg. Who knows if we can but that will be his aim. High tempo for the whole game which we will be more used to cos of playing in the EPL (though I highly disagree given our league form).

Alright, Abbiati for Diao and Kewell. Diao is supposedly the next Viera whilst Kewell will sort your left wing problems. hehehehehehehehehehehe.........

Honestly, is he still really good? Have not seen him play for ages. I was talking about this with some fellow fans the other time but they rather go for one season hits like Reina and Kameni.

Just found out that Liverpool is an amazing "young" team. The oldest player was born in 1973.

Goalkeepers
1 Jerzy Dudek 23.03.1973 POL
20 Scott Carson 03.09.1985 ENG
22 Chris Kirkland 02.05.1981 ENG
40 Paul Harrison 18.12.1984 ENG
Defenders
3 Steve Finnan 20.04.1976 IRL
4 Sami Hyypiä 07.10.1973 FIN
6 John Arne Riise 24.09.1980 NOR
17 Josemi 15.11.1979 ESP
21 Djimi Traoré 01.03.1980 FRA
23 Jamie Carragher 28.01.1978 ENG
28 Stephen Warnock 12.12.1981 ENG
31 David Raven 10.03.1985 ENG
37 Zak Whitbread 04.03.1984 ENG
Midfielders
7 Harry Kewell 22.09.1978 AUS
8 Steven Gerrard 30.05.1980 ENG
10 Luis García 24.06.1978 ESP
11 Vladimír Šmicer 24.05.1973 CZE
13 Anthony Le Tallec 03.10.1984 FRA
14 Xabi Alonso 25.11.1981 ESP
16 Dietmar Hamann 27.08.1973 GER
18 Antonio Núñez 15.01.1979 ESP
25 Igor Bišcan 04.05.1978 CRO
26 Richie Partridge 12.09.1980 IRL
32 John Welsh 10.01.1984 ENG
34 Darren Potter 21.12.1984 IRL
Forwards
5 Milan Baroš 28.10.1981 CZE
9 Djibril Cissé 12.08.1981 FRA
24 Florent Sinama-Pongolle 20.10.1984 FRA
33 Neil Mellor 04.11.1982 ENG

www.uefa.com

Can't believe my eyes..

our youngest player was probably born in 1973

Originally Posted by mk18

our youngest player was probably born in 1973

Our average age (except defence) is about 28. The best age since there's experience. Examples....
Crespo 29
Shevchenko, Tomasson, Seedorf 28
Ambrosini 27, Gattuso, Kaladze 26, Pirlo 25, Kaka 23

Quote (el_stinger @ May 11 2005,22:21)
Quote (woof woof ! @ May 11 2005,22:15)
Quote (chiggz_likes_owen @ May 11 2005,17:21)
He ain't worried, its all mind games.

He should be Fu'cking worried . Shackle Shevchenko and we'll beat these B'stards .

No one can the guy is enormous. Shackle the feeder to Shevchenko and you got yourself a winner.

The guy is a class finisher GIVEN SPACE ,but from what I've seen deny him the space and he's just another strker . Step up Jaime Carragher


this is the shi* which i read in liverpool forums in the topic on ancelloti. this LIVERFOOLERS think they can shake milan players who r made up of true muscle.liverfoolers should be concerned abt milan enormously huge players like JAAP STAM and the devilsh GATTUSO who can easily shake up their crippled players like baros,cisse,kewell,risse etc..... liverfool players will need an old man's stick to walk after the match if the milan players start shaking them.

Originally Posted by dcvg

Nonsense.
I'll always remember that sublime save Abbiati made 1-on-1 against Kallon in the dying seconds of the Semi Final against Inter in 2003, it was the save that put us in the final. Just an example.
Give the man the credit he deserves.

Abbiati did very well for us during those 5 months he played for us in 99, the save from Cristian Bucchi in the dying minutes against Perugia was worth lo scudetto.

He's very quick on the line, great instincts, but he always lets in the easiest of goals from set pieces and long shots and he's very weak in terms of guarding his goal from crosses inside his goal area.

Let's just be thankful that Dida very rarely is injured.

Originally Posted by Xudong

A quality post by GattusoKing, from www.devilsmania.com. I copied and pasted the paper without obtaining written permission from the author.

Ask Simon about it. It's better.

Liverpool are getting £35 million in earnings from this season's UCL campaign. It includes anything related to the UCL. We get the same amount.

Money matters aside ... I want the 7th European Cup.

Originally Posted by Black Jack

Hi guys, it's me again. Had to re-register again cos for some reason I could not log on and when I asked them to re-send me my password, it never came. Oh well........back to business.

As for how Benitez plays in the final,...........Overall, I think Benitez will try to control you guys like how PSV did in the 2nd Leg. Who knows if we can but that will be his aim. High tempo for the whole game which we will be more used to cos of playing in the EPL (though I highly disagree given our league form).

Black Jack, sorry for the difficulties in getting back in...dont know why that happened, but I do apologise for the problem...we have been having some probs lately...

Now these are my feelings exactly, Rafa will try to use the Premiereship style of play, crowding, fast paced, attacking...which will trouble our players, who all prefer time on the ball, though the wild rushing about could also be the Reds downfall, as they will tire more rapidly than us, and make cruical mistakes come the 2nd 45 minutes.

I do think, that though the team that scores first has the better chance of winning, I dont think that in and of itself is enough to guarantee the win. Both teams posess enuf character and talent to force an equaliser..and a go ahead goal...

But the difference IMO between the two teams is the class that Milan have, player for player, and this is where the distinction will prove itself cruical for us....and for our victory.

About Luis Garcia: I love this guy. He's one of my favorite non-Milanista all around. Smart, tactically disciplined (unusual for a Spaniard), quick, technically superb, hard-working, deadly in front of the goal, useful in different play-styles, great runner, unpredictable and he can score in many different ways (headers, long strikes, scrimages, you name it).
As much as I enjoy watching him, he's the one I'm a bit worried about. I hope Carlo will have the sense to go for wingers instead of center players. We need Serginho in that position and Kaladze behind him to have the initiative ourselves and for having enough defensive cover to hold Liverpool back. Seedorf on the left midfield would be a real problem.

Originally Posted by Laudrup

Abbiati did very well for us during those 5 months he played for us in 99, the save from Cristian Bucchi in the dying minutes against Perugia was worth lo scudetto.

He's very quick on the line, great instincts, but he always lets in the easiest of goals from set pieces and long shots and he's very weak in terms of guarding his goal from crosses inside his goal area.

Let's just be thankful that Dida very rarely is injured.

Oh no.......sounds a lot like Dudek. I remember from what I saw of him, he seemed very steady in his box and was not prone to blunders. A confident keeper.

Dun worry about the re-logging in. I think we agree that Benitez will try to make the game faster paced and whilst everyone thinks Liverpool is not quality enough for that, just look at what we did to Juve in the 1st half at Anfield.

I think Carlo Ancelotti will play more a of a patient game and try to play possession football with Pirlo aiming to get Sheva with one of those long passes. I expect Cafu and Maldini playing hard on the flanks too.

Player for Player, Milan outclasses us but so did many other teams and this has also been their downfall.