Liverpool’s lacklustre performance away at Atletico Madrid on Thursday evening made me angry and concerned. As did the team selection as once again, Rafa chose to go with two-holding midfield players in a game in which he himself declared that scoring an away goal was important.
Atletico Madrid did not play well at all on the night. In fact by their high standards they amazingly under-performed and it was lucky for Liverpool that they did, because had the Spaniards played to their full potential, the semi-final may already be over.
Over 93 minutes there was not a single attempt on target from the red men. This may only be the Europa league rather than the more prestigious Champions League but nevertheless it is still a European semi-final and the character of the players on Thursday evening was extremely disappointing.
A 1200 mile journey to Madrid may have proved a huge disadvantage to Liverpool before the tie begun, but that does not excuse the lack of ambition and motivation that was clearly lacking on the night. Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva sat far too deep and created absolutely nothing for the more advanced Gerrard who towards the end of the game looked totally disinterested and annoyed at the lack of service he had been given.
Kuyt and Benayoun created very little down the wings, although arguably the latter had a perfectly good looking goal ruled out by a very dubious decision. David Ngog again flattered to deceive and created nothing of any interest.
It is not the result that worries me about last night; it is the lethargic, ponderous and predictable manner in which Liverpool went about their business. Rafa had encouraged his side to give their best away performance of the season last night. Well if that was it then we are in a much worse situation that what we originally thought.
There is simply no excuse for 0 attempts on target over the course of 90 minutes. It still leaves me bewildered that Rafa feels the need to play with two holding midfielders in the form of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva. Are Mascherano or Lucas not good enough to do that job on their own?
The manager will no doubt point to the fact that his side can turn the tie around next week. I have no doubt that will be the case; in fact I am certain Liverpool will progress to the Europa league final. That is no excuse for what was last night a shambolic and rather embarrassing performance.
Rafa had hoped that his European adventure would end in Madrid, in the awe-inspiring surroundings of Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium for the champions league final. Now he will be hoping for entirely the opposite.
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There was one, but the linesman wrongly ruled it out.
Seriously though, we’ve had Rafa for six years, how did you not know that that was how we were going to approach it last night?
These matches are played over TWO legs, and if Rafa can win the tie by being attacking for 10 minutes and defensive for 170, then that’s what he’ll do.
I’m not saying it’s the right way, but it’s his way.
I have been Rafa’s biggest supporter over the years, but I can not take this anymore. The team that played last night is not my Liverpool, if that is what he wants our team to serve up to it’s fans then he can take it to Juventus with pleasure. How in the name of God have we ended up with a player like Ngog leading the line, there is just no excuse I can accept. When I watch my team play I want to feel proud, I want to feel happy not ASHAMED AND MISERABLE.
Be fair – it requires real talent to take a team
full of internationals to Wigan – and lose !!!
no shots on target, yet a good goal disallowed?!?!