Haven't seen it. I'll troll the internets for a video later.

I think if there's no trophies and no CL football next year, then Wenger's out. Shame, one of the best managers the PL has ever had, IMO.

_________________
Rzzzzz...

this was a classic mismatch. It could have been 5-6 goals. Bayern truly showing their class. No offense to Arsenal, that Bayern team would roll through the PL with ease.

So what the heck happened to the so called class of Europe Barcelona? Excellent effort by Milan, I can see them holding on to reach quarter finals. All they really need is one goal away.

_________________

Fair play to Milan. They did the same thing Chelsea did last year. Barca struggle when the other team defends their lines well. Barca were hard done by the first goal, but despite a massive possession advantage Milan desreved the second and were just as dangerous all night.

Still think they will have to score one more to get through. But who knows. They really confounded Barca

Well, what Milan is going to do at Camp Nau is defend, defend and defend while looking for a quick counter attack. I have a feeling that they would find a way to win on aggregate. Regardless of the result it should be a great match to watch.

_________________

Well peaches, ISWT.... what do you think about this afternoon? Do we have two in us?

No.

_________________
Rzzzzz...

Unreal. I just want to not care. And when Zenit scored, I pretty much accepted the loss.

Now it's 3-1 and we just need one more to go through (assuming they don't score again.)

COME ON THE REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

_________________
Rzzzzz...

This happened:

Nice one.

_________________

Even though I wasn't able to watch because of the new job this loss has left me gutted on a lot of levels.

No more European play for Carragher, and likely Gerrard. When the team gets back into Europe our squad will look dramatically different than it does now, Hopefully Suarez and Sturridge are still with us.

Our season is essentially over now. Sure 6th place looks better than 8th but it doesn't mean anything besides a little less embarrassment.

F&*@!!!!

Pretty much, ISWT. But this is what I expected going in to the season, although I would have preferred a deeper cup run or two.

Number one priority has to be keeping Suarez. He's tied up long term, so it'd cost the guts of 50-60 mil for someone to buy him, but stranger things have happened (Torres).

Carra and Gerrard have to go. I'm sad to say that about Stevie, but it's time. Allen isn't giving us what we need, either. Lucas is still good and Shelvey has looked decent at times, same with Hendo, but we need more quality in the middle of the pitch. Hopefully Sterling can find form again. Need a big imposing CB back there, and a LB.

_________________
Rzzzzz...

Stevie has to go? Come on peaches. He wasn't strong last night but he's been performing as one of the stronger CMs in the PL, especially over the last three months. His renewed run of form is very promising.

I'm just not devastated by last night. Great match, and a quality victory over a very good Zenit squad. I still think European football is a real possibility next year as 5Th isn't unattainable. Also, and I find this funny, we are second for the Fair Play spot behind Chelsea, who probably won't need it.

As for next year, yes Carra, Skrtel must go. I don't see a place for Shelvey, as I think Henderson and Allen should be the reserve CMs. We need two new cbacks (one that can start), a new CM that can run the field well and a new winger (which may send Downing packing.) A new leftback may be necessary as well.

I think we will see a nice run in league to end our season. I assume some bumps in the road along the way as well. Now worse than 6th

I just don't see it with Stevie, Simon. He's a Liverpool great, but I honestly feel he's holding us back right now. We have no creativity coming out of the middle of the park at all. I think the strike pairing of Sturridge and Suarez is fantastic, I think Coutinho, Sterling, Assaidi and even henderson all have potential going forward, and I think we need some better defenders. It's going to be a long road to recovery, and it starts with moving on from players like Carra and Stevie G.

_________________
Rzzzzz...

After watching the match from Thursday.......I just can't put it into words the effort and passion showed by our boys, especially Suarez.

Does Gerrard have on and off games? Yes. Do I believe he is stunting someone's growth by always being on the team sheet? Absolutely not. Allen, Henderson, or Shelvey over him on a consistent basis? You're having a laugh, sir.

I'm sorry guys, but this is the problem with Liverpool fans. No-one is bigger than the club, not even Stevie. Keeping him in there just because it's Gerrard is holding the club back. I'm not saying any one particular player's growth is being stunted, but the TEAM needs to move on. It's painful, and it shouldn't happen until the season is over, but it's time. We're not consistent enough, and it's because Gerrard isn't consistent enough. Sometimes you just have to move on as a club from players who are no longer helping you to win.

_________________
Rzzzzz...

I honestly disagree with this almost 100%. I do agree we are inconsistent (so i disagree with your post alomsot 90%), but it is not on Gerrards shoulders. Its not him that is wasteful around the goal, and its certainly not him making laughable defensive and goalkeeping errors in games. Gerrard's decison making with the ball has not been the same as in years past. However, its better than last season and seems improving as he himself gets comfortable with a 433. But Gerrard is a far better option than Joe Allen, Jordan Henderson, Jonjho Shelvey... and its not real close right now. I'm sorry, I dont see him stunting their development. I like Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen, but they are 3-4 years from handling a midfield on their own. The Oldham game clearly reflected that. And I dont believe that any of those three fit the same role that Gerrard does.

Now, if we pass up on a top drawer CAM in transfer (such as Isco, Ericksen, etc.) because "we have Gerrard" than i'd be more apt to agree with you.

Im far from afraid to lose Stevie. I just disagree with your premise on losing him. He's not holding this team back. He may in a couple years, or may if stronger, younger players are brought in. But right now and looking at the next season Gerrard is one of our best three mids. Until someone in the squad shows more promise why would we ship him off?

More consistent defending and better finishing and this team is in the top 4 this season. that's it. That's been the issue. the midfield hasnt been able to fully adopt to their roles in the 433 (and Rodgers passing philosophy) but none of the squad has. I think Gerrard has been the only mid player who sees the different levels of passing available. I'd hate to restrict our possession and attack by not having the one player who can move beyond the triangle system of Rodgers when it breaks down (which it does far too often with our group because they arent accustomed to it)

Just my thoughts. If Gerrard does go (and i think 2014-2015 is more realistic) it has to be because he is standing in the way of someone impactful not simply serviceable.

We'll have to agree to disagree. you're still not understanding what I'm saying. Stevie is holding the TEAM back. He's not a fit for Rodgers' system, and he's still looked to by the team to help them win games and he's just not capable anymore. Yes, we're wasteful in front of goal, but there's just no spark coming from the middle of the park anymore. We're being consistently out-played and out-muscled in midfield, and Gerrard is a big part of that. Stevie's position is one of the most important on the field, and he's not helping us win games anymore. It's time to move on from him.

_________________
Rzzzzz...

I'm not disagreeing with your assessment of Gerrard. I just disagree (or if you didn't say this) don't think there is anyone currently on the squad that could bring wjat he currently does to the squad. Like I said if we bring in 1-2 new cms that immediately can stand in than yes, you bid farewell to Gerrard. Until that happens sadly he's the best we have in the middle. I like the progress of Shelvey, Henderson and Allen, but they're all only 20-21. We need someone of experience to link that gro

Who would you like any names?

Yeah, that seems to be where the disconnect is here. I'm not saying we have his replacement on the current squad, but we need to bring in his replacement. Maybe it is Allen and he'd be better without Gerrard in there? I don't know.

As for names, I'm really not sure. I don't think we can afford a big name, so we may have to settle. What about moving Coutinho into the middle as a CAM? I dunno. Just think we'll be better off moving on from Stevie.

_________________
Rzzzzz...