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Reds need to show possession with intent, during reunion

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Liverpool ChelseaTHERE’S not much point speculating what’s going to happen this Sunday at home against Chelsea, with two major homecomings – Rafael Benitez and Fernando Torres.

The striker hasn’t been himself – the way he was in his heyday – but he has been playing well of late and now may be as good a time as any for him to get that goal on return to Anfield.

Benitez on the other hand, while he probably won’t be shopping about to immediately impress FSG to return to his old hunting ground, it may light a fire hot enough under Brendan Rodgers to want a win this week, more than ever.

That’s not to say he hasn’t wanted to win other games but this Sunday Liverpool need their players to step up bigger than seen in a while. Not a few here and there (such as Gerrard and Suarez, or maybe even Philippe Coutinho) but all 11 need to perform. Certain players stepped up against Arsenal at the Emirates, same thing happened at the Etihad only for an error here and a lapse in concentration there to nullify everything.

As usual, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a number of people start calling for Rodgers’ head once again. The old “he’s a small timer” and “he has a mid-table mentality” arguments seem to be flowing back and forth. It needs to be pointed out though that teams like Manchester United in the past and Tottenham right now haven’t gotten stronger by just flipping one manager after another. They’ve done it showing faith in the right players, as well as make the odd mistake by rooting for someone who turns out a damp squib.

A number of examples come to mind such as Juan Sebastian Veron at Man Utd and Mauricio Taricco at Spurs. Gareth Bale on the other hand, benefited from confidence shown in him consistently despite not many impressive performances initially.
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Against Chelsea this weekend, it’s a simple task although it’s more than likely that the arguments and responses here will agree otherwise. Possession, and not just that but possession with intent. Sounds more like a legal terminology of a criminal charge but in this case it may work as a sports metaphor as well.

It’s not enough to have the ball if Liverpool aren’t showing any intent to attack the goal. At the same time, someone like Lucas Leiva or Joe Allen needs to remain withdrawn in a more covering role. Having Daniel Agger or Martin Skrtel always going up for corners may not be an absolute necessity if the midfielders and forwards attack in enough numbers.

Depending the which side of the flank the attack comes from, the other side should deploy all but one man in and around the penalty box. The extra one left behind, to try and retain possession if a cross or a pass happens to get past attackers and defenders. If Gerrard happens to be crossing in from the left, then apart from Stewart Downing on the left flank, perhaps the likes of Suarez, Coutinho, Henderson and maybe even Sturridge should all be in and around the area – waiting for a chance, or maybe even create one with their movement.

Defenders need to be confused and given something else to worry about. This isn’t expert advice, but it hasn’t happened in the games which haven’t seen Liverpool get all 3 points from a game.
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Broadcast Journalist and Football writer.

Twitter handle @abhijan_barua

15 comments

  • Cou says:

    Hmmmm. Joe Allen is injured and Martin Skrtel clearly will not be playing in this game. Where ya been mate?

  • Raymond says:

    2-0 for liverpool.ynwa

  • fitsum says:

    i hope u lern this kind of tactics from rafa.br he never lisn to u and he never lern from his mistec.i hope we all see who is the best manager from today game.

  • sbaphiwe says:

    rogers all the way

  • Real says:

    Where do you get those tactics from a Xmas cracker?… Jeez more deluded fans. As if some 2 bit fan will know more than an experienced coach.

  • Real says:

    2 draws and the SACK ROGERS brigade are out. Shallow fickle stupid fans. The beginning if the end for this club I see. Not because of the manager or the owners or the players. But a section of negative short sighted impatient immature fans. Whose negativity WILL be the end of the club.
    Try actually listening to the words of YNWA when you sing it, not just sing like a hymn you idiots.

    “Walk on, through the rain
    Though your dreams be tossed and blown
    Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart”

    If you think it’s stormy times, walk on with hope and be brave. Don’t be a wining moaning little girl. Be a soldier. A crowd of soldiers behind the team WILL overcome the odds eventually and make that success so much sweeter.

    Do you think Man City players or fans felt anything near the same LFC fans would feel if we won the prem league, NO! Cos they bought that success. Do you think Chelsea felt anything like we felt at Istanbul, No! Cos they didn’t overcome adversity.

    Be soldiers or leave. Better to have a few thousands MEN then a million wimps who are just a weight in the clubs back.

    • GAZ says:

      Blah blah blah
      Same nonsense…from the same deluded fool..who always tells everyone to support someone else

      Bog off and support a local team u armchair fan

      You must be a Chelsea fan because the only fans wanting us to keep a loser like Rodgers are Mancs or Chelsea fans

      Are u a Chelsea fan ? Or just delusionsal

      We will not ssupport a rubbish manager who is dragging us backwards

      When Rodgers is sacked ..go with him back to championship

  • Mikkyslim says:

    Am highly disapointd in our current nature of fans.

  • Mikkyslim says:

    It does’nt make sense this myopic fans are willing 2 cheer opposition manager (team) all for d glory of d past wt Benitez- it breaks my heart! They (d myopic fans) were responsible 4 d carrol nd co buy. y? coz they cried 4 a certain legend 2 b made manager nd we’re livin wt d consequencies 2day- an average team. Now cup-winner ‘legend.’ and they cant jst stop longing 4 his return. If we go on dis way we’ll never catch manure coz dey had faith in ferguson nd today luk at their trophy cabinet.

    • Terry Mac says:

      I’m disappointed with the myopic fans who think the totally inept rodgers will ever improve us

      We are going nowhere under Rodgers and can not move forward until a decent manager is put in place

      Another miserable season falling further behind the Mancs next season , unless we rid ourselves of this loser

      Wake up please

      • Mikkyslim says:

        U ppl once sent us 2 fairytale lands wt daglish. FSG wnt make dat mistake twice. Beta in bed wt rodgers dan allowin get-it-by-all means fans force any manager on us.

  • tobi3 says:

    Great thing you know JUST what we need…the problem is you’re telling the wrong person(s)

  • Ben says:

    Rogers out b4 he does even more damage

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