St Gallen 0-0 Liverpool: Post Match Thoughts

We couldn't score!

Benayoun again! Great player!

Mass anti- climax.

Hard luck Yossi, would have made a great finish to the game.

That's it then, first game ends 0-0

ahhh well think Ill go watch it on LFC TV now

GARY PRESTON remember the name, if you hear he's commentating, reach for a radio ffs!

better in the 1st half than the 2nd... typical pre season game though, just finding our feet and trying to get up to the tempo... good workout..

Love that Pacheco lad. He should be given more runs with the big boys. Looks more potent than Ngog

We couldn't score!

Or defend to be honest.

Johnson looked good from what I saw, and considering he was played outta position.

The second half team looked alot stronger then first half. Positives where Spearing, Darby, Pacheo. Benayoun and Kuyt looked lively.

Kuyt n benny looked gr8.. and whenever they got a move goin.. it seemed a poetry..
skrtel was solid. and johnson gave a good account..
Plessis shouldnt be wearin that red jersey and voronin is horrible as ever..
enjoyed insua too..
youngsters were ok.. spearing, nemeth, kelly,darby all good..
but boy oh boy..pacheco is some talent..
lucky to escape with a draw...

Typical pre-season from what little I saw, but good to see so many young ones being given a chance.

Average display, but first game of pre season with the amount of tinkering done what more can you expect. Johnson looked good to me though, especially when he stood like a brick wall against that St Gallen fella!
Pacheco impressed to, really hope we keep giving him some runs with the big guns.

All in all it was a good effort from all
 We have to keep in mind this game is just 7 days since preseason started , ST.Gallen looked sharper ,as they finished their pre. and already played their first game of the season last weekend winning 2-1

Have to say, it wasn't a sparkling performance by any means, though we weren't really expecting that  . We had about 3 half chances and never really looked like scoring. I don't know about the rest of you, but to me there seems to be a huge difference in the skills and talent between our regulars and the reserves, bar Spearing and maybe even Pacheco.

I'll be looking forward to the game against Rapid Vienna in a few days' time.

Finally, the commentator. Aweful commentating and i sincerely think i would do a better job calling the game. It really started to piss me off the way the commentator pronounced Benitez:
Beni-tez

Wasn't sparkling.

Thought Pacheco was a bit of a disappointment.  He looked like he had the turning circle of a juggernaut.

Johnson was at the heart of everything good.

Babel and Voronin were the pick of the first half.
Johnson and Benayoun the pick of the second half.

Babel and Voronin were the pick of the first half.

I think Spearing played alright.

Nice one for thinking about all the people who didn't want to know the score because they were waiting to watch it on LFCTV.

Average really, not a worry though

How did Nemeth go?

Pacheco.


Good movement...impressed with the play leading to Yossi's attempt.

Could be big big talent for us.

Nice one for thinking about all the people who didn't want to know the score because they were waiting to watch it on LFCTV.

Aren't those people best staying away from an LFC forum if that's the case? You can't expect everyone to keep quiet about it after the game has finished. 

All the hallmarks of a first pre-season game that. Loads of changes, a good bit of rustiness, a lot of reserve players and a new signing making their debut.

I think we done really well to not concede. I think St Gallen done really well with not being clinical! Second half was better than the first. We looked a bit more of a team in the second half where as in the first, it was all a bit individual.

Fitness was the key. And by the looks of it, the lads had a really good run out.

Have to say, it wasn't a sparkling performance by any means, though we weren't really expecting that  . We had about 3 half chances and never really looked like scoring. I don't know about the rest of you, but to me there seems to be a huge difference in the skills and talent between our regulars and the reserves, bar Spearing and maybe even Pacheco.

I'll be looking forward to the game against Rapid Vienna in a few days' time.

Finally, the commentator. Aweful commentating and I sincerely think I would do a better job calling the game. It really started to piss me off the way the commentator pronounced Benitez:
Beni-tez

Jeez i know mate and he said it ALOT. Wanted to yell through the screen how to say it properly! And he said Kuyt kinda weirdly to 

How did Nemeth go?

Decent enough i thought, but hard to say. It was such a mish-mash side that alot of the time it seemed like a whole lot of confusion. Pacheco impressed me the most out of the youngsters, jeez he's good. And Johnson to, promising start.

Typical first game of pre season; no one particularly stuck out but thats expected because at the first stage its more about the fitness and just getting back into the rhythm of playing again.

Without doubt we will see vast improvements every game we play throughout this time of year.

Pretty impressive debut from Johnson I gotta say, especially playing left back.  Was involved in everything good going forward and solid at the back.  Didn't put a foot wrong from what I seen. 

First half was very pedestrian and not much going forward...second improved a bit with Kuyt and Yossi looking sharp.  Nice to see Dirk being captain in that second half.   Overall very lucky to keep it at 0-0 because they missed some sitters.  Good run out though.

Was funny Rafa let 3 keepers play there.

3 keepers?! That pr**k Itandje didn't play did he?

3 keepers?! That pr**k Itandje didn't play did he?

No, dont think he has even travelled with the squad.

Was Cavalieri, Martin and Gulasci

Thank F**k for that.

Jeez I know mate and he said it ALOT. Wanted to yell through the screen how to say it properly! And he said Kuyt kinda weirdly to  

Yeah, he even explained why he was saying Kuyt like that. He said that he saw him pre-game and personally asked the question, and Kuyt said he likes it pronounced like that.
It sounded to me like Kult or Coat, not Kowt or Kite.

Yeah, he even explained why he was saying Kuyt like that. He said that he saw him pre-game and personally asked the question, and Kuyt said he likes it pronounced like that.
It sounded to me like Kult or Coat, not Kowt or Kite.

Yeah i thought it sounded like Coat to me. Well i guess if he likes that then its fair enough. But id hate to think Benitez likes his name like that!

A good workout and considering it was the first game there were a few good performances,Jonson looks a class act, and little Pacheco was skillful and has a bright future, like to see him on the bench this season and maybe introduced at the end of games like Ngog and El zhar were last season. You could see in the match that St Gallen are way ahead in their preparation, we are just starting and it showed, so now it's onto Austria and game two..........

I always pronounce Kuyt like Kowt, jsut sounds right and best to me

I always pronounce Kuyt like Kowt, jsut sounds right and best to me

Same as me, and always will

Man, what a boring match.

I suppose it was more a run out than anything else though, and a 0-0 wasn't too bad.

I thought Johnson had a really good debut although I would have preferred to see him play in his usual position.

Roll on the next game!

Indeed, when is our next match? Sunday?

EDIT: When do the other squad lads get back?

Benitez pleased with Johnson debut

Rafa Benitez praised the versatility of Glen Johnson after the new boy filled in on the left during his Liverpool debut.

The 24-year-old was asked to play at left-back in our goalless draw with St Gallen on Wednesday night due to the absence of Andrea Dossena and Fabio Aurelio.
 
And Johnson showed some nice touches during his second-half bow.
 
Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I asked him to play on the left and he did really well. The team as a whole did well but everyone was watching Glen and he was good."
 
The boss took plenty of positives from the club's opening pre-season friendly despite the scoreline.
 
He said: "It was a good game, if a little open. There were opportunities for both teams so it's good for the fans. As a manager you are always pleased with a clean sheet and I was really pleased with some of the play in attack.
 
"We could see some really good play with some young players and everyone worked really hard.
 
"The young players did really well, though they'll need more time. Their workrate and attitude was the main thing."
 
Benitez also reserved a word for the hoards of Kopites who flooded into the AFG Arena.
 
"We have a massive following around the world and you'll see it in Asia next. It's fantastic," he said.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N165057090715-2155.htm

Indeed, when is our next match? Sunday?

EDIT: When do the other squad lads get back?

Sunday against Rapid Vienna.

Rest of the lads join up with the squad at the weekend. Doubt they will be involved on Sunday.

Just about to put this on. Recorded it on Virgin+ and not long got in so I'll get me pre-season fix of the footy.

Shame about the score mind, but it's a match nonetheless.

Decent enough I suppose. Atmosphere was OK and tempo wasn't too bad for most of it. Even Voronin looked allright 1st half Thought Johnson did well and Spearing looked to get involved as much as possible. Footy all the way now!

Just about to put this on. Recorded it on Virgin+ and not long got in so I'll get me pre-season fix of the footy.

Shame about the score mind, but it's a match nonetheless.

We lied.

It ended up 25-0 to Liverpool.

Enjoyed watching it. For only a few days back training I thought the players looked relatively sharp and some of the passing was excellent.  Good to see the likes of Voro and Babel looking interested.

We lied.

It ended up 25-0 to Liverpool.

Enjoyed watching it. For only a few days back training I thought the players looked relatively sharp and some of the passing was excellent.  Good to see the likes of Voro and Babel looking interested.

Think Babel has realised this could well be his last chance to impress, another fruitless season from him and he will be gone.

here the telegram of the first friendly. I think our hometeam did not play tooooooooooo badly:
FC St. Gallen - Liverpool F.C. 0:0 (0:0)*

AFG ARENA - 19'500 Zuschauer (ausverkauft) - SR Zimmermann.

Tore: -

St. Gallen: Bolli, Fernando (46. Hämmerli), Schenkel (46. Lang), Koubsky (46. Frrokaj), Zellweger (46. Oehri); Nushi (46. Pa Modou), Frei (64. Graf), Costanzo (46. Ciccone), Zé Vitor (46. Martic); Merenda (46. Abegglen), Cáceres (64. Frick).

Liverpool: Cavalieri (46. Martin, 80. Gulacsi); Insua (46. Jonson), San José 46. Skrtel), Carragher (46. Kelly, 80. Ayala), Spearing (46. Darby); Babel (46. Benayoun), Voronin (46. Leiva), Gerrard (46. Plessis), Degen (46. Kuyt); Nemeth (46. Ngog), El Zhar (46. Pacheco).

Echo most of what Redkenny said.

Good run out for the lads especially playing against a team whose league season has already started. Was especially pleased to see how Glen Johnson played, even better seeing him look so comfortable at left-back.

Why oh why do TV commentators take these games so seriously, that commentator on Setanta was so bloody annoying. Couldn't even get Kuyt's or Rafa's names right.

Cheers lepupe.

Yep - the extra fitness of your players clearly showed.  I think you will easily stay in the Swiss top division this year after gaining promotion.  A far better challenge than Luzern were at this stage last year.

There fans are/were brilliant (I'm still watching it! ) too I might add.

Very vocal.

Good choice for a pre-season friendly as their fitness levels and preperation were of a decent standard. If we are to win the premier league this season, we need to play teams pre-season who will push us, rather than roll over because we are LFC.We need to hit the premier league start at full tilt and in the same way as the end of last season, no cautious approach just go for it from day one.

Looking/looked handy Glen Johnson.

I'm at 50:28.

Good choice for a pre-season friendly as their fitness levels and preperation were of a decent standard. If we are to win the premier league this season, we need to play teams pre-season who will push us, rather than roll over because we are LFC.We need to hit the premier league start at full tilt and in the same way as the end of last season, no cautious approach just go for it from day one.

Cracking point.

It's quite disappointing really that we're playing Atletico last game of the pre-season because La Liga starts a bit later than the Premier League.  Their fitness will be some way off ours.

I quite like us playing teams who have already started their domestic leagues.

I predicted 0-0, so I suppose I can be rather chuffed with getting that right. 5 points on the prediction league right?

Other than that, it's always good to see the Reds back in action. Hopefully our goalscoring boots will get better as the season progresses and we end the season with a 45-0 win over Hull.

I predicted 4-1, thinking we were lucky to not actually lose 4-1

Just noticed that this thread has a sad face icon. What's there to be sad about?

F**k me 0-0?

At least we didn't get beat...

saw last 20 mins
we played well then,
I like pacheco but he did look rusty tonight, he has masses of potential
i also like babel, was he ok tonight
benyoun looks absolute class though, if gerrard is ever injured he should cover just behind torres.
im a fan of plessis, he didnt seem to be in the game though.
Jesus! degen played that must have been his debut then...ha ha

how did san jose and nemeth anybody.

Just noticed that this thread has a sad face icon. What's there to be sad about?

Smiley when we win.
Sad when we draw.
Angry when we lose.

That's the Liverpool way.

(Oh and also because we haven't got an 'indifferent' smiley)

saw last 20 mins

Part timer.

Just a friendly match. The team try to understand more on each other. No big deal. But good to watch the young lads get action more.

Smiley when we win.
Sad when we draw.
Angry when we lose.

That's the Liverpool way.

(Oh and also because we haven't got an 'indifferent' smiley)

?

Nevermind, that's not in the list!

Positive, Degen didn't get hurt in 45 minutes of play, lets see if we can continue to push his fitness to a full 90

I really enjoyed the match and it was great to see the mighty reds play after such a long time since we last played. I think everyone had a good run out and the younger players showed that maybe in a few years they could be in the first team permanently

I think Babel tried really hard to impress Rafa, don't think he actually got something there though.

I think Babel tried really hard to impress Rafa, don't think he actually got something there though.

I don't think he played that good of game but reality for him is that pre-season is about fitness, only way he will impress Rafa and the supporters if he brings good form when he plays in the games that matter. I think for the younger players like Spearing, Plessis, Darby, San Jose, Kelly etc they are the ones that have to try and catch Rafa's eye and try to get a spot within the first team.

have we got any highlights or anything?

EDIT: dw, I got it. Anyway, where was Masch? I know alonso is still on holiday, but what, he didn't feel like turnin up?

All in all, quite happy with the showing. Pre season friendlies are always unpredictable, but i think the lads did quite well and the passing and movement was good. So proud of the youngsters, did well and i hope to see more of them this season. The main thing is, no-one got twatted and they all came through alright. As Rafa said, the commitment was there, even Voronin looked like he cared!

It was nice to see the famous Red shirt back out running around the park..I've missed that.

We were a bit rusty but doesn't mater, plenty of time to get that sorted.

Thought Pacheco had some very classy touches although he really should have passed that ball to either side of him but went for goal and was denied by the keeper.

We were pretty lucky to get out of that game with a draw though, thought they should have scored 3. How good was Carra's off the line clearance? The man is a legend and for me he is a certain starter for one of the CB positions this season.

Must applaud the crowd, what a turn out for a friendly ...kudos to both sets of fans.

Looking forward to our next game against Vienna now.

have we got any highlights or anything?

EDIT: dw, I got it. Anyway, where was Masch? I know alonso is still on holiday, but what, he didn't feel like turnin up?

Wife had second child given til today to come back

While I didnt see the game Im surprised at some comments being made about the performance when you consider the following

.The boys went back training last week
.They have been doing 2 hard sessions a day to get there fitness right so to expect them to be buzzing around the pitch is silly
.St Gallen have begun there season so would be sharper then our boys

Defiantly not a bad performance,the lads were pushing the ball around quite nicely,especially in the second half.Glen Johnson had a great debut game,sh*t he was so close on scoring.Kuyt(Cowt,Kite)however that blady commentator pronounced it had a a good game,he looks a bit sharper than everyone else at the moment.Wouldnt be surprised if he was kicking the ball around at Melwood while everyone was away on holiday.Overall it was a satisfactory performance and by the looks of it we have a couple of talented youngsters that should be brought up the ranks soon. 

have we got any highlights or anything?

EDIT: dw, I got it. Anyway, where was Masch? I know alonso is still on holiday, but what, he didn't feel like turnin up?

Got a link to those mate?

Does anyone know if any of the friendlies are on sky?

A decent performance to start with,the lad's were made to work hard which will be good for them.Insua looked good in the first half,however Degen just doesn't look like a Liverpool player to me he went missing two or three time's and if not for crap finishing and Carra we could of conceded.
Good to see the likes of Spearing in the centre,thought he did a job as did Darby in the second half.
I thought Johnson looked sharp and hungry,really wish he could of put that shot away,would of been the icing on a decent debut.Yossi came into it more as the game went on.I really enjoyed seeing the red shirt again.
Roll on Vienna....

Great game that. Just watched the highlights of it on Youtube.

Here is the video.

St. Gallen Vs Liverpool[0:0][15/07/09][Friendly]

Only problem redsonfire, that commentator from Setanta. F***ing idiot! Bennytezz, Kopyites, wtf?

Other than that, thankyou very much mate. A top video to watch.

Pacheco, took one too many touches on a couple occasions. He'll learn soon though, he's only 17 which is scary.

Darby, first team is calling so soon for him.

The commentator knows nuts about Liverpool really. I watched the video just now and then he called a player with a different name, can't exactly quite remember who it was. Pacheco looks a little small for me so he has to buff up!

That channel is my local footy channel. FC stands for Football Channel, pity I don't subscribe to it.

The commentator knows nuts about Liverpool really. I watched the video just now and then he called a player with a different name, can't exactly quite remember who it was. Pacheco looks a little small for me so he has to buff up!

That channel is my local footy channel. FC stands for Football Channel, pity I don't subscribe to it.

Haha yeah! He even mixed up San Jose and Spearing in the 1st half!!

Great game that. Just watched the highlights of it on Youtube.

Here is the video.

St. Gallen Vs Liverpool[0:0][15/07/09][Friendly]

thanks for the highlights.
not a subscriber of LFC TV, and the sports channels etc dont show friendly replays.

please post the highlights of other games as well thanks.

One thing I didn't understand about this match - why did St. Gallen want to play against us when they are already into their season?

Surely that's tiring out players and risking injury over nothing?

It isn't about the result its all about the fitness.

I don't understand all the fuss TBH.

Crouchino with a good point. Darby looked a class apart from nearly all the youngsters. Wouldn't mind seeing him on bench or even starting a few games next season.

One thing I didn't understand about this match - why did St. Gallen want to play against us when they are already into their season?

Surely that's tiring out players and risking injury over nothing?

Fill the stadium create more revenue @ Ross, who is going to draw the biggest gate of the season ?, it's gona be Liverpool mate meaningless friendly or not.

Fill the stadium create more revenue @ Ross, who is going to draw the biggest gate of the season ?, it's gona be Liverpool mate meaningless friendly or not.

Yeah, once in the life-time chance for the St Gallen players, if they pass this opportunity then it might never come again you know!

As friendlies go I really enjoyed the game.Johnson looked so comfortable on the ball,never thought i'd say it but Vronin played with panach,Jay Spearing done himself no harm.Yossi & Kuyt looked fit already.Wanted desperately for Degen to do well but alas...Then there was the MASTER.Seeing Stevie again with the usual vision/passing was a treat.Can't wait for the real thing.Roll on Sunday the 16th 4pm.

                                                                                             YNWA. 

Great game that. Just watched the highlights of it on Youtube.

Here is the video.

St. Gallen Vs Liverpool[0:0][15/07/09][Friendly]

0:13
I am SO scared of Skrtel.

Just a tune - up game this one so nothing to fret about ,getting the players to ease into match fitness was the only point in this type of game,unfortunately you can't beat playing the game to reach somewhere near to the fitness levels league football needs ,but it did show how the players gel together ..or not in some cases 

I thought Darby was ok. Anyone know when his 13th birthday is?

The 27th of Shut the hell up

Only joshing.

Great game that. Just watched the highlights of it on Youtube.

Here is the video.

St. Gallen Vs Liverpool[0:0][15/07/09][Friendly]

Thanks for posting that ROF did anyone else see at 9:18 I could of sworn it was messi's twin.

Only saw a bit on the clip but how good is Pacheco gonna be.

A good run out for the squad but typical pre season with players just getting their match sharpness but still lot of positives.

The 27th of Shut the hell up

Only joshing.

Mine's the 27th - of this month! Seriously though, he looks 12 doesn't he? Rafa said he can't play for the first team until he can match the goatee.

! Well played. He's 20 isnt he?

Whats with our Academy anyway? Spearing looks like Benjamin Button and Darby looks like Torres' new born. How about we stick to making them better footballers than turning them into a freak show!

Spearing looks like the wind changed!

BOT: Shame we had no goals last night, but I'm very hopeful for sunday!

Spearing looks like the wind changed!

BOT: Shame we had no goals last night, but I'm very hopeful for sunday!

We were discussing how the players looked on the field, its fine

Cant wait for Vienna, too. More football to take in.

It was the first game back what do you expect they have all been of for about 3 months they will get back to the normal Liverpool in time for the games in Asia

Apparently some of our younger fans have found out that Steven Gerrard is one moody b***ard 

A little story that's doing the rounds.

At half time we jibbed our way into the stand and were sat right behind the dugout.

After the game we shouted Carragher, he took a picture with us and The Urchins banner, Durk Kuyt even held it and posed for a boss photo!

Gerrard walks out the dugout and we're all shouting him, bear in mind there is only about 8 scousers in this stand so he deffo heard us and completely blanked us, so he gets by the tunnel and me mate shouts "You ignorrant bellend", Gerrard turns and says "what did you say?", me mate says "You heard". Gerrard then replys, "You F***ing rat, come outside and say it". Me mate says "Sound I F***ing will you tit", Gerrard - "Yeah come the coaches in 10 minutes and say it to my face you F***ing ballbag" and then walks away.

Seriously how hard is it to turn round an put your thumb up or whatever to 8 young scouse lads who worship the ground he walks on, and then even has the F***ing cheek to front it!

You can take the lad out of Huyton 

Hah "you F***ing ballbag"

Class response.

BTW anyone know where Agger is?

BTW anyone know where Agger is?

Out with a back injury for the moment, but he should be back by the start of the season.

Sweet, I've been missing his dominant play. Should be good to see him back, I can see him being part of a positive back line for us in the future.       
                       Johnson    Carra/Skrtel    Agger    Insua