Daniel Agger disgust at Liverpool's performance

Agger: Liverpool's 'headless chickens' can forget Champions League if we carry on like this

Daniel Agger delivered a withering assessment of Liverpool’s latest wasteful Anfield performance and has warned their Champions League ambitions will evaporate with further repeats.

The Denmark defender is usually economical with his words but he did not hold back following a 0-0 draw with Swansea, a result which means Liverpool have already squandered eight points on home territory from six games this season.

‘Sometimes we looked like headless chickens running around after the ball,’ said Agger, before cryptically adding: ‘I think everyone was angry and disappointed, some more than others, but that is the way it is.’

Certainly there was no disguising Agger’s fury. Kenny Dalglish selected the same side that had dismantled West Brom seven days earlier but the display was far removed from the one they had produced in the Black Country.

Therein lies a key point. Despite the significant overhaul that took place this summer, all the old problems that have stymied Liverpool in recent years remain. They fall down against sides they should beat, there is an over-reliance on certain individuals and consistency is frustratingly elusive.

Faces may change in the dugout and on the pitch but everything seems to stay the same at Anfield. The more Liverpool fail these type of examinations, the more restless the crowd becomes. Teams arrive at the fabled old ground sensing their hosts are vulnerable.

‘We were really, really bad,’ said Agger. ‘When we got the ball we lost it straight away. We were not sharp enough. We did not press well enough. There were so many things that were really disappointing, especially after we played okay last week.

‘We have to win these types of games, no matter which kind of team we put out. We are Liverpool Football Club.

‘If we play like this, we won’t (get back into the top four). We have got to move up a level or two. I won’t say it is not possible, because it is but it is up to the players. We are the only ones who can make a difference. We definitely have to do a lot better.’

While Liverpool were poor, it would be wrong to overlook a terrific effort from Swansea. They played the better football, should have won the game had Mark Gower shown some composure when he had the Kop goal at his mercy and never flinched in the face of a late rally.

‘This is a difficult place to come, so for us to play how we played, get a clean sheet and a point was a fantastic,’ enthused Swansea’s impressive manager Brendan Rodgers. ‘I like my teams to be technical and tactically organised and understand their job, but psychologically this was important.

‘To stand there when You’ll Never Walk Alone was going around the ground was a real tear-jerker. Ultimately, I am judged to do a job and I thought psychological this point was a step forward to us.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2058304/Daniel-Agger-Liverpools-headless-chickens-forget-Champions-League-carry-like-this.html#ixzz1d0PiLzhc

Can't disagree with him. 

 Well said Agger every player should be having the same thoughts.

Agger echoes our thoughts.

He is dead right. I think the line some people will be more disappointed than others is very interesting.

Well said Danny , not afraid to say it as it is .
Seem to recall he criticised Hodgson's style of football last season.
It wasn't  good enough , it isn' t good enough and he's right to say it.
Hate the international break , especially after a game like that.

He is dead right. I think the line some people will be more disappointed than others is very interesting.

Was indeed a little controversial!

Although he did say everyone was angry and disappointed so I suppose that is a little bit more positive than the types of similar comments we have had in recent years.

Just about!

On the field he looked piss off as hell with his midfield and attackers. He was our biggest threat from midfield simply because he kept bombing forward and urging others to follow him.

He's brilliant.

I think it's something we all know, nice of Agger to confirm that the players know it too. Made a few good comments over the years Agger, especially the one about Torres leaving. Top man.

As for the  "some more than others" comment, I think we all know that some players don't always put a full shift in, even if we may disagree on who they are.

To think some people would consider selling Agger, He's not only a top footballer but he's a top bloke too, stright talking and you can see from the comments how desperately he wants us to be competing at the top of the table.

Do you not think the comments would put  pressure on kenny and may even cause one or two ripples in the dressing room?

Do you not think the comments would put  pressure on kenny and may even cause one or two ripples in the dressing room?

Not so much Kenny, but I would hope it may cause one or two players to take a long hard look at themselves, Agger is right especially with this comment "‘We have to win these types of games, no matter which kind of team we put out. We are Liverpool Football Club.",

Do you not think the comments would put  pressure on kenny and may even cause one or two ripples in the dressing room?

I don't think so as Kenny has already said the performance wasn't good enough. Also if some of the players are not happy with what Agger says then perhaps they should look at themselves and how they react to poor performances.

I think it is good when a player speaks like this from time to time as it lets us know that, Agger in this case, they know that they didn't play well and they haven't just switched off after the game.

Can't see it being a problem.  Kenny admitted the performance was sh*t and Agger did say all the players were angry and disappointed.

It's not like he said some of the players couldn't give a sh*t.

spoken like a leader, a scouser really. well said danny here's to you in our side as we get into the top two by christmas

Surely players seen not pulling their weight should spend some time not being selected, until their attitude clearly changes, after all the side cannot afford to carry any passengers, if they are going to achieve european football in the near future.

Well said, Danny.

He was probably one of the better players that night.

Don't see it as a problem because Kenny did say our performance was unacceptable.

Well said Dagger. There are a few that need some time to reflect on the bench. Big decisions needed by Kenny. Mind you we have the Internationals to stew over it all.

He was our biggest threat from midfield simply because he kept bombing forward and urging others to follow him.

I noticed that too crouchy. It was only when he joined in that we gave Swansea something to think about in that area.

The malaise he speaks of can't be allowed to creep back in and good players (like Daniel) shouldn't allow it to. They should act to rectify 'problems' quickly on the park and have the confidence and freedom to do so. If they can't, or won't; replace them with players who can and will.

Well said Danny.

God I hope we have him at our club for many more years.

I am really scared of the situation if we don't make champions league, how many players will want to leave again.

Agger is a top player. He could play at any club in the world in my opinion, and I'm so glad we have him. I hope that we get back to the top so we can hang on to him.

On the note of this interview, he is 100% right. He shares the same view as the fans, and from his position on the park it must be even more frustrating. You could see that in the way that he was eager to get forward whenever he could.

Completely agree here with Danny.

Read  between the lines and the fact the lad was making 30-40 yard dashes up field with the ball and the frustration can be pin pointed to the static midfield.

Really glad about his attitude. This kind of performance should not be accepted, no need for sweet talks, say it as it is. I am bored of the usual politically correct talks all the managers and players use in modern football.

This is how it should be. Straight talking and no excuses.

Get out there, pull up your socks and put a full shift in.

Like it Agger lad.

Completely agree here with Danny.

Read  between the lines and the fact the lad was making 30-40 yard dashes up field with the ball and the frustration can be pin pointed to the static midfield.

Noticed that as well as if telling our midfielders . .  "please have the b***s to run at their defence and stop waltzing around and stop the dallying". Why should the players be angry with themselves after every poor game, they should be ashamed with themselves instead and they owe John Henry and fans an apology. They should be angry with the opponent during a game (not after the game), no matter who we face and maul them. Last Saturday's performance is truly embarassing, we were taught how to attack and take on defenders at Anfield. Replay the game to the same players in midfield and ask them are they proud of their performance? Enough is enough, the same players that have been given the opportunity week in week out to perform have failed miserably, it's about time KD wield the axe and give Bellers, Kuyt, Jay and Maxi a start in the next few games. Otherwise, complacency will set in and the same players as if telling KD, it's ok I perform badly against Norwich and Swansea I'll still get pick for the next game. We really need to try somewhing drastic as after 11 games we have not seen what the midfielders can do except exposing all the flaws and haven't shown the urgency and commitment.

it's about time KD wield the axe and give Beller, Kuyt, Jay and Maxi a start in the next few games. Otherwise complacency will start creeping into these players as if telling KD, it's ok I perform badly against Norwich and Swansea I'll still get pick.

Agree with this bit.

Agger is that lad who knows what to say. Has had a couple of big interviews in the last few windows, like saying how he wanted to stay here no matter who the manager was, speaking out against Roy and now really telling his fellow players to pick the finger out.

You can tell that on the pitch too, that he hates the fannying about some players too, he takes the ball and brings it up the pitch.

I  would rather they thrash it out amongst themselves rather than in the press if he has got something to say about a players he should do it in the confines of Melwood.This sort of thing just makes us look like we are a dis-organised rabble rather than a team. Whilst not disagreeing with the content I am sure Kenny will not be too happy he has gone public.
It may be an old fashioned viewpoint but if he has a problem it should be the Manager he talks to and not the press.Now everyone will be thinking who was it that wasn't upset by the result or performance.

If I'm KD, since our midfielders does not know how to do a proper job after so many games, I would put Agger in midfield and make him the captain until Stevie is back  and start shouting orders from there and bring the ball into the box where our midfielders have failed miserably. I began to like Agger more and more. Can't blame him for blasting away as the midfield has allowed Swansea to strolled past us at ease leaving Agger and team having to work overtime.

As Henry Ford said, "don't find problems; find solutions"

Love this bloke

As Henry Ford said, "don't find problems; find solutions"

Ironic since you've been slagging Kenny and saying he shouldn't of come back.

Hypocrisy, have you heard of it?

Let's face it, Danny had the bollocks to say how he saw it under Project F***ing Owl and he was spot on then as well!

Love that all the people questioning the negativity on here don't seem to be questioning Dagger's attitude. Absolutely spot on and glad he said it, some points in the match you could see him waving his arms furiously at not getting the ball when in the most space, always thought he's our best defender just gutted he's had such injury problems. Here's to a long spell in the first team and hats off for coming out and saying what most of us our thinking. Personally think the comments were directed towards Downing/Adam but that's pure guess work of course.

Got to love this lad. He's speaking from his heart. His sincerety showed when he said that. We are infact Liverpool Football Club and nothing else. Got to give Danny a f**king round of applause because he said what he saw. If you read between the lines, you could sense the love this lad have for this club.

He is Liverpool through and through. He knows what it means to pull on that shirt and play for the greatest club in the world.

Remember when he was hinting Woy was forcing him out of the club because he was a ball-playing defender? He came out with this gem:

'He'll have to drag me out of the club.'

I love Danny.

This kind of attitude that makes a Liverpool player a Liverpool Legend.

This kind of attitude that makes a Liverpool player a Liverpool Legend.

Top quote, wish a few more had this kind of ballsy attitude at our club.

With these statements he has asserted himself on the pitch as leader, I think that is what we have been missing when Jamie and Stevie are not in the line-up. You have to have someone on the pitch willing to be the vocal leader and rip some arse when it is needed.

Interesting that Kenny has today come out and praised Agger.

"Daniel's a fantastic player but it wasn't just down to Daniel that we've had two clean sheets," said Dalglish.

"He's a fantastic player and he's probably as good as anyone else in his position in the Barclays Premier League.

"He's comfortable in possession and he's a very good defender as well.

"He's a top defender, a top player. He played left-back for us at Stoke as well and did very well.

"It's great to have him back and I hope his fitness remains as it is for a long time."

Suggests to me that he doesn't have a problem with his comments.

Interesting that Kenny has today come out and praised Agger.

Suggests to me that he doesn't have a problem with his comments.

I think Kenny see's alot of Alan Hansen in Agger, I know I do.

Our best player Saturday and totally agree with him.

Not only a great player but great mentality too.

D'Agger is spot on, give the fella the armband so he can dictate to those in front of him, there was'nt one performance on Saturday you could say was worthy of wearing Liverpool red IMO, it was like going back in time to Hodgsons day, we were sitting to deep inviting swans onto us, and when we did have the ball they were swarming all over us, the gap between midfield and attack was immense so between them Adam, Hendo and Lucas failed to make up ground or run into space and back up Suarez and Carroll, where is a Aquilani when you need him ? Gerrard of course would have been perfect but he is injured,

it's times like these you have to question why players that we clearly need are farmed out on loan, Henderson has simply not been good enough, Adam is not consistent enough and Downing so far has been disappointing and nowhere near what the lad is capable of,

I think changes should be made now because the aforementioned have had long enough, i would bring in Bellamy for Downing on the left, put Spearing in for Hendo, i would promote GJ on the right and bring back Kelly as RB,

the balance of the side would be the same and possibly better, we need to bridge the gap between midfield and attack, bringing in Spearing could provide that link and also give us some muscle in the last third to not only support the front two but to help break up play when we lose the ball, he is young and hungry and could be the perfect box to box player, to me we are weak down the right so it makes sense to have GJ operate in there for his experience and to give another dimension to our play,

i think he can become a decent winger with the ability to tackle, he can cross a ball and he can shoot,so why not use him in that position?,
                                       Reina
                           Skrtle             Agger
           Kelly                                             Enrique
                                     Lucas

           Johnson            Spearing             Bellamy

                           Suarez        Carroll

Bench; Doni, Carra, Downing, Hendo, Maxi, Kuyt, Adam

Thanks Danny

Great to see a player putting there hands up, the incredible thing here is he was 1 of about 3 players who done well Saturday!!

Hope the fook his team mates take it on the chin and respond. However one concerning qoute

I think everyone was angry and disappointed, some more than others, but that is the way it is.’

..Some more then others? Id love to know who the others are

..Some more then others? Id love to know who the others are

Without mentioning names

Downing

Without mentioning names

Downing

Is that the word on the street?

Is that the word on the street?

Just my guess, I maybe wrong and shouldnt post such things buy hey ho.

Conspiracy time.

Gerrard did mention Downing could be our new Barnes...'If he wants to be'. Not as passionate?

Its refreshing, in a strange way, to hear one of our players coming out and saying this. Well-in Dagger!

Have you thought of the effect this might have on other players in the squad it may well cause problems. Don't forget that Agger has hardly put in a shift for a few years now not his fault but he hasn't been like Jamie an ever present has he.
Its hard to argue with his point of view but this could spell trouble and I can see the press having a field day about the different factions with Anfield thew splits and arguements.Keep it in house please.
he should concentrate  on his own performance and if he has issues with any players speak to them man to man.

The only issues this would cause in the dressing room is if those it's directed at take offence. I personally hope they do and address the serious worry Dagger and many fans have on here of lazy cash hungry players not putting the effort in, because if they take offence and raise it with Dagger I'm sure the rest of the team will back him up and embarress the culprits.

The best scenario will be that the people in question (I believe Downing / Adam) will buck up their ideas and stop boxing and start running and playing a full match at premiership speed rather than the odd little run here and there because it's depressing to watch someone like Enrique or Suarez bust a gut just to be let down by people who seem to not care as much.

I think Kenny see's alot of Alan Hansen in Agger, I know I do.

Exactly what I was thinking!

Well, I don't think it should be an issue as Danny is probably one of the most senior players in the size alongside Carra, Gerrard and Pepe. I mean he's been there for such a long time and he has seen us reach a European final and finish second in the league and it's only fair that others put their shift in by putting more effort.

Dan Agger is my favourite player but i can't help feel like comments like this to the media shouldn't happen and that this should be held behind closed doors.

But i guess it's good to see his passion and that he doesn't just settle with collecting his wage every week. 

I hope the same disgust is directed towards the "fans", including some of the people here.

Some people here are about as happy as a dead rock, even when we win.

Well said Agger!

I cannot believe how people wanted to sell him. He makes such a big difference in our defence, for the team and our club! Hope he can maintains the rest of the season free of injury.

 I don't like it when players post stuff up which can be construed as even slightly negative towards their teammates. The "some more than others" comment was unnecessary, particularly given Swansea carved us open through the middle of the defence on a couple of occasions. There's little point in the King saying we'll sort it out "behind closed doors" if players come out with such daft statements.

 IMHO the following players were way below their best on Saturday- Downing, Adam, Lucas, Henderson, Suarez. None of the rest were dazzlingly good either, it's a team game and the team were sh!te.

Not so much Kenny, but I would hope it may cause one or two players to take a long hard look at themselves, Agger is right especially with this comment "‘We have to win these types of games, no matter which kind of team we put out. We are Liverpool Football Club.",

Absolutely love that commment.

why do we have to motivate players who earn so much. after all they are supposed to be fullfilling thre dream and love what they are doing. The same thing happened at the world cup with the english players similar attitudes prevail at LFC.

Danny doesn't get anywhere near enough credit for his attitude towards the club. Remember after Roy's departure he came out and said 'we were sh*t'. He's an absolute credit to the club and his knowledge of the Liverpool Way is on par with the likes of Kenny & Rafa.

He should do his talking on the pitch I think he is in his 6th or 7th season so far for us and has avg about 20 games a season and scored about 3 goals.
That in my mind dosen't give him legend status despite his obvious talent. he needs to get on and prove himself through his performances not through having a go in public at his team mates.

Basically spoke how we want a player to. Realise what went wrong and realise that the finger needs to get pulled right out.

Well said too many under performers, starting to look like if Suarez dosn't score we don't score

God I hope we have him at our club for many more years.

I am really scared of the situation if we don't make champions league, how many players will want to leave again.

Agger is a top player. He could play at any club in the world in my opinion, and I'm so glad we have him. I hope that we get back to the top so we can hang on to him.

We all want to win the league, and be in the European Cup, but we need European football back next year, even if it isn't the European Cup.

It's no coincidence that the players we have signed in the past 12 months, have mainly come from clubs a long way off playing in Europe, if at all, at their previous clubs. To attract that extra bit of quality, we need to be in Europe, in order to get noticed.