Football may not be the favorite game in the Indian Sub-continent but there are plenty of football fans here. Players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo and English skipper David Beckham are practically worshiped in some parts of the country. Brazil is the name that pops into one’s head when it comes to World Football. In the local leagues Real Madrid are favorites in Spain, AC Milan in Italy and Manchester United in England. But I am not here to write about the Champions of this game but rather the teams that are not less than Champions in their own way. Teams like Newcastle United, Chelsea, Everton, Leeds United & Southhamton may not be the leading contenders of the English Premier League title but they definitely give the regular Champions a run for their money. Oh I forgot to mention FOOTBALL CLUB LIVERPOOL in the list I made above.
Manager - Gerrald Houllier carries a cool head over his shoulders. He wants to make the most out of every match and makes sure his teams gives it full to the opponents every time they get on the pitch.
- The Team - - - - - - - - - - - -
Liverpool FC squad numbers - 2003-04 season
1.Jerzy Dudek 15.Salif Diao 28.Bruno Cheyrou
2.Stephane Henchoz 16.Dietmar Hamann 29.Patrice Luzi
3.Steve Finnan 17.Steven Gerrard 31.Alou Diarra
4.Sami Hyypia 18.John Arne Riise 32.John Welsh
5.Milan Baros 20.Anthony Le Tallec 33.Neil Mellor
6.Markus Babbel 21.Djimi Traore 34.Darren
Potter
7.Harry Kewell 22.Chris Kirkland 35.Stephen
Warnock
8.Emile Heskey 23.Jamie Carragher 36.Jon Otsemobor
Pongolle
9.El-Hadji Diouf 24.Florent Sinama- 37.Zak Whitbread
10.Michael Owen 25.Igor Biscan 38.Michael Foly
Sheridan
11.Vladimir Smicer 26.Richie Partridge
13.Danny Murphy 27.Gregory Vignal
- The Staff - - - - - - - - - - -
Liverpool FC Staff - 2002-03 season
Gerard Houllier - Manager
Phil Thompson - Assistant Manager
Sammy Lee - First Team Coach
Hughie McAuley - Reserve Team Manager
Joe Corrigan - Goalkeeping Coach
Dave Galley - Physiotherapist
Mark Browes - Physiotherapist
John Wright - Masseur
Stuart Welsh - Masseur
Paul Small - Masseur
Mark Waller - Club Doctor
- Why are they different..? - - - - - - -
This Incredible team had done many upsets in the past.
Stopped ’’The Gunners’’ Arsenal on 2-2 and 1-1 in the last two encounters. Had beaten Manchester united 4-0 last season though they lost both their matches to the English Champions this season.
Liverpool is famous for it’s rapid counter attack after they get the possession. Steven Gerrard and Danny Murphy are the in the driving seat for this.... El-Hadji Diouf is really good at wining corners.... and when corner is being taken John Arne Riise and captain Sami Hyypia from the defense line come into the opposition’s penalty area and the attack at it’s peak. Though the bad part about it is that if the team fails to score the goal is left wide open for the other team to strike. The team has a good striker strength...it’s mid-field is very effective link between the attack and the defense.... but the defense is a little weak and that what effects the performance of this one. The transfer of Nicholas Anelka and Robbie Fowler to other teams has affected the quality of performance but the incoming of El-Hadji Diouf and Milan Baros has added variety in the team. The team needs some senior players to guide the newcomers like in Arsenal or Newcastle.
Michael Owen and Milan Baros are the ultimate strike attack. The team has a great potential to win the next Premireship title...all they need to do is find an answer to their ’’a bit weak’’ defense and make sure they stay out of injuries. Overall this one is one of the teams that are threat to the Champions Manchester United and the runner ups Arsenal.