Reds Talk: Lucas, Carra, Rafa & Rodgers

THIS week I sat down with fellow Reds, Scott and Andy, to discuss all things Liverpool FC related, that have occurred over the last few weeks.

John: So lad’s, it’s been one step forwards, two steps back, two steps forward, one step back. What have you made of the last few games?

Andy: It’s almost like the players have lost interest to be honest, no titles to challenge for and no top four, it’s like they’ve given up and want to be on the beach.

John: if that’s really what they’re thinking then if I was Rodgers they’d be getting the heave right away. It’s one thing to sign for Liverpool but there’s a meaning in putting that Liverbird on your chest. If you don’t give your best, even if you’re not at the races then you don’t deserve to get in the starting XI.

Scott: I think you boys are being a tad harsh, after all it’s been the same XI pretty much all league games, therefore they’re bound to be tired. Rafa has a big enough squad to rotate, and as he’s doing at Chelsea, he’s rotating and they’re starting to not only secure top 4, but possibly lift the Europa Cup.

Andy: It does make you gasp really looking at Chelsea, how much have they spent this season and look at them, still can’t challenge despite all that money for Oscar, Hazard, Ba and yet they can’t challenge City and United.

John: The issue regarding rotation is a fair point, but we’re not good enough to rotate really. Fair enough we’ve chucked a few of the lads from the reserves in some of the games and with mixed results too. However we’ve had between 6-7 day recovery lately and the fact they’re tired seems to me to either be a mental issue or it’s a commitment issue. With senior pro’s, I’ve no idea why 6-7 days between matches isn’t enough time to recover. But then again I’ve never been a pro, so I’ve no idea of the pressure.

Scott: It’s a bit of a wonder that Rafa has managed to negotiate his fixture list so well.

John: It is, but this isn’t a Rafa love in boys. I do love Rafa, but let’s face it, apparently both Gerrard and Carra both made it clear they would consider their position should Rafa return. That is, I must say a rumour but it’s come from the sources that usually get most things right.

Andy: I can’t believe that. Under Rafa, Carra was one of the best defenders in Europe. He and Sami didn’t have off days!

John: Fair enough, Carragher, but if you think him and Sami never had an off day, then you obviously never watched us that much. I remember 07/08 getting thumped 1-4 by Chelsea at Anfield and I can safely say that Sami was culpable for most of the goals conceded that day. Sami was a great defender, but every player has good and bad days mate.
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Also, Alonso has stated that if Rafa goes to Real Madrid in the summer, then he wants to be sold. You have to remember what made Carra special was his grit and determination; I think the man himself would admit he was never top of the tree with natural talent. Every cap has been fought for, and I think that’s what we’ve missed this year.

Scott: You mean we’ve missed players with fight and determination?

John: Sort of, but we’ve missed competition more I think. If you look at the turnaround of Henderson, Enrique, Downing and even Carra this season (because at the start he looked very dodgy), then they’ve all had to compete for places and they’ve shown that simply competition for places is sometimes the rocket the players need. That’s why I believe we need to sign another defensive midfielder, someone like Wanyama or Gonalons. We need, in my view a big nasty defensive midfield – someone like Mascherano – who’ll add that ‘bite’ in midfield. Give Lucas some competition and all of a sudden we’ve got both depth and then the ability to either rotate or have serious competition for places. And if Lucas get’s his act in gear, then suddenly we may have a better Lucas as a result. He’s been poor since he came back, even if he’s had five months back in the side.

Andy: Sorry mate, forget the midfield, let’s focus on defence. Carra’s going, let’s get two or three good centre-back’s in. Lucas was world class at his best; he’ll get back to that again.

Scott: I agree about getting some centre-back’s in, but come on, Lucas was never world class. John’s right, apart from Gerrard, Carra and Reina, his name’s first on the team sheet if he’s fit he’s first on and frankly he’s not been good enough, the difference has been Henderson – he’s done the running for Lucas and let’s face it, Gerrard too.

John: Someone put it this way to me a few days ago: Lucas gave us something to be happy about when the team were frankly appalling under Hodgson and then mediocre under Kenny. Lucas was the calm and the consistency we needed. But he’s not anything near as good as either Mascherano or Alonso which Lucas has admitted himself. My point is if it’s players like him we’re going to build our squad on, then we’re aiming to be a mid-table club. I like that Lucas has done well for himself and made himself a fan favourite, but I’m not happy he’s not performing. The same goes for Agger too.

So what are your hopes for the end of the season and going into the summer?

Andy: Personally mate, I want this season to end already. And I want to see some progress next year. If we’re not truly competing for top four by January next year, then if Rafa wants the job it’s his as far as I’m concerned. Rafa is one of us and he’d be brilliant for us.

Scott: Sorry, I can’t agree, all of that was in the past. Kenny was one of us too and look what happened. Rafa was good at building on top of squads already built, his genius was tactics. For me the jury is out on Rodgers for another year, but like you if we’re not competing for top four, then its bye-bye Brendan and time to start again.

John: I agree with Scott here, and also Gerrard recently pleaded for some time for Rodgers and he wouldn’t do that if he didn’t think Rodgers had something in him. For me, next year is really all about results. But we need four or even five top players. Rodgers has to really prove himself next year and if he doesn’t then it’s time to say goodbye. However there’s one caveat to all of this: if Rodgers does need to be replaced we need someone who’s like Rodgers in terms of both philosophy and style of play, otherwise two years will have been written off.

As always thanks for your time, and join us next month for another Reds talk.

Follow me on twitter @JohnRitchie84
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