Are We (or Were We) Cursed?

I think the original poster may have phrased their topic title a little better, however

I believe the point they may be trying to make is that Liverpool tends to be too big a step up for the mentality of some players.  Unfortunately there is very little that can be done to prevent this happening.  The sign of a good manager is always when they make bad buys, and all invariably do, that they can ship them out as soon as possible and not let pride get in their way.

Houllier had a problem with that, Rafa didn't seem to mind taking personal flak.

I think the problem may be that some players are at clubs were they are top dog, and find it hard to cope when they are just a number at Anfield.

Thank you for that clarification.

I was exercising poetic licence with the word 'curse'.

Basically, some players only realise the magnitude of playing in front of the Anfield thousands when they pull on the shirt. Imagine how much more pressure if that shirt has a number '7' or '9' on it.

Not Cole - he's played all his career in the Prem.

Yeah but he's playing in a team which is currently doing terrible and is 18th. You can't expect him to being doing well in our current state when almost every player is doing bad.

Yeah but he's playing in a team which is currently doing terrible and is 18th. You can't expect him to being doing well in our current state when almost every player is doing bad.

The poor performance of other players is little to no excuse for the amount of times he has given the ball away. By his own admission he's playing the worst football of his career. Sure the lack of movement up front means he has to keep the ball longer, or find a more difficult pass, but some of his passing has been terrible.

I guess that's what separates good players from great players. Those who can, rise to the task. Which is why I admire Gerrard so much. He's had his off games (by his usual standards) but he always comes back. Torres on the other hand, lets his head drop, his body language screams petulance. It's a mindset because most of the players have the ability.

There is no curse.

When you see the word 'Curse', read 'Expectation', or 'Pressure'.

As for the players who come here and don't buckle to expectations and pressure, I guess they don't buckle under the expectations and pressure.

I guess then; the players who come here and do buckle to expectations and pressure, er, buckle to expectations and pressure. I'm really not trying to be obtuse here; I just can't get my head 'round what point you are trying to make.  

Some players can handle the "pressure", some can't. In that respect we are no different than any other big club - to borrow your phrase and to answer your question: we are not "cursed".

I guess then; the players who come here and do buckle to expectations and pressure, er, buckle to expectations and pressure. I'm really not trying to be obtuse here; I just can't get my head 'round what point you are trying to make.  

That playing for Liverpool takes a special calibre of player and personality. That it's one of the most difficult clubs to play for because of expectations. That we are a victim of our past success.

Some players can handle the "pressure", some can't. In that respect we are no different than any other big club - to borrow your phrase and to answer your question: we are not "cursed".

No, we have a much more expectant atmosphere than any other big club because we are the most succesful and because of that our decline is much more pronounced.

You forgot to put Poulsen and Konchesky on the list too 

a new excuse to our bad performances

I think the reasons can be found far away from the realms of voodoo when you consider that all the names you have mentioned have been recent players.Of all the names you have mentioned only Morientes can be called a notable failure,Johnson,Meireles and Cole are all suffering from the Roy-effect.

Maybe not brilliant but still the best winger we've had at the club since.....erm....Jermain e Pennant or Bernard Diomede!!

I'm surprised there's still so much hatred for Riera - what did he ever say that wasn't true?

Nothing a jar of gypsy tears won't fix.

That playing for Liverpool takes a special calibre of player and personality. That it's one of the most difficult clubs to play for because of expectations. That we are a victim of our past success.

I understand, now, what you're asking; I just happen to believe that you are wrong in your assertion.

It is a fact that all clubs sign players who do not preform as well has they have previously. Some players meet high expectations, some don't. ...but it happens in every league, in every country.

I don't believe that we are, in any way, different in that respect.

Wanna buy some clothes pegs?

Explains everything.

Yes we are cursed. Cursed with a pox of a manager. We succeeded in getting rid of the cancer off the pitch.
Now it's time to get rid of the curse effecting us on it. That's you Woy. Do one and lift the curse.

I remember a few religious fans who thought we actually were cursed (literally) because of our prior alcohol sponsorship.

It"s time to get the local priest in for an exorcism .

Maybe Torres is a jinx :f_tongueincheek:Well he is always out most of the season with injury due to havin 3 or 4 players kickin all over the park every other game.Also look what 'append to Atletico when he left them.Their grazin' on Pastures new now!