That was pretty brutal last night. Real showed the difference in the PL and top European competition. Admitedly there are only really two other sides that good (Barca and Bayern) but we were still very much second best all over the field.
So we were taught a lesson, what do we have to learn in order to prevent a repeat in the future?
1) You need to be able to defend. We got away with it last season thanks to a lethal strike force and good attacking play. However entertaining it may be against the very best sides you must be able to defend as well, particularly in big European away games. Its becoming a real problem our defending.
2) Balotelli cannot play the lone striker role. I'm not convinced he is good enough full stop. I've still never seen him playa full game of high quality. That said he certainly isnt a lone striker. He cannot hold up the ball and link up with attacking midfielders and his movement is poor. In my opinion if we are going to put Sterling up front I'd play him alongside Balotelli rather than instead of.
3) Gerrards influence is shrinking. He's been a fantastic player and certainly still has a role to play. However he isnt a natural DM. For one his positional sense isnt brilliant for that role. A natural DM covers the full back area of the attacking full back, Gerrard rarely does this. He can still play the role thanks to his creativity against less attack minded sides but with sides seeking to dominate us a little more we need someone a little more natural to the role.
We were really taught a lesson there!
posted on 23/10/14
comment by milkwasabadchoice (U10056) posted 26 seconds ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by T Bone Steak Roysters (U3947) posted 9 minutes ago
I was glad that Real took their foot off the gas in the 2nd half or it would of been double figures, Thank god for el classico
So was I as it could have been a massacre
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Still might be
I know the novenas are being said and the candles lit in anticipation of the game in Madrid but if they are in the mood and really up for it then it could be an almighty hammering.
posted on 23/10/14
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 28 seconds ago
comment by milkwasabadchoice (U10056) posted 26 seconds ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by T Bone Steak Roysters (U3947) posted 9 minutes ago
I was glad that Real took their foot off the gas in the 2nd half or it would of been double figures, Thank god for el classico
So was I as it could have been a massacre
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Still might be
I know the novenas are being said and the candles lit in anticipation of the game in Madrid but if they are in the mood and really up for it then it could be an almighty hammering.
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At the time of the draw I said to a gooner at work the one team I didn't want was Real and this is why.
posted on 23/10/14
Milk, they are just light years ahead of us plain and simple.
Last nights game was a classic example of a team currently (or very close ) to the peak of their powers against a team that is trying to get back to that point.
If we qualify for the CL again next year I would not be suprised if qwe recieved another beating from one of the top sides.
Its a learning curve buit at times a very harsh and brutal one.
Now lunch time!!!!
posted on 23/10/14
Doesnt excuse defence.
posted on 23/10/14
Rodgers has got to change his style at the bernabau.
He needs to do what Rafa did and get everyone behind the ball with more defence minded players on the pitch and hope for a counter attack.
I would drop Gerrard and get a younger player in there that has energy. He looked all over the place last night.
Skrtel has got to go in the summer. the man is a total liability. I watch him every game and he is always marking space. Last night he had chances to stop 2 of their goals but was not decisive enough. I know he scores goals but we pay him to defend.
Hopefully Sturridge is back for the game as Balo is useless in every way. He is not going to get bette. He has not improved in the last 3 seasons why will that change now??
posted on 23/10/14
Real showed the difference in the PL and top European competition.
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No, they showed the difference between them and you.
posted on 23/10/14
Say My Name (U18558)
We finished 2nd last season and are near the top of the table this. We havent been outplayed to such an extent by any English team for a long time.
So no, they showed the difference between ourselves and every PL side by doing what no PL side has shown themselves to be capable of. Coming to Anfield and bossing Liverpool.
posted on 23/10/14
Tbf city never dominated us like madrid did.
posted on 23/10/14
To be fair, Madrid, barca and bayern are way ahead of the EPL teams at the moment. A whole level above, with the exception if chelsea who would play negative backs to the wall stuff, they'd have turned over any other EPL teams convincingly. I'd say you were lucky it wasn't 6 or 7, they took the foot off the gas 2nd half.
Not as shameful as people make out, they are a truely excellent side, even without bale.
posted on 23/10/14
Can't argue with too much you say. Liverpool were very fortunate they didn't get a hammering like Roma on their own ground. The gap between them and the likes of Real, Bayern and even Barca at the moment is huge.
I really don't think Balotelli is a good fit at Anfield but I'm sure Rodgers will give a bit more time to prove himself.
Losing Alonso a few years ago and Suarez this year seems to have stopped 'Pool's progress in it's tracks.