Well, that's a shame, but you could say that Milan's name was being etched onto the cup the moment they had their points deduction reduced just enough (coincidentally) for them to be able to qualify for the Champs League. Such is life. However, Liverpool were well-equipped to defeat them and could have done so if Rafa had lived up to his billing of being one of football's great tacticians. He played two wingers...well, two players who are supposed to be wingers and have the ability to accurately cross the ball. Bearing this in mind, he had the choice between "Twizzle" Crouch and "Garden Gnome" Kuyt as the lone striker. Who did he choose? Yes, the Garden Gnome. If that's the sign of a master tactician, then I'm a Dutchman. Kaka himself said before the game that they feared Crouch. Obviously, Rafa thought: "Hah, they're trying to bluff me. I won't fall for that, I'll play Kuyt!" He played Gerrard in a similar role to Kaka, but that only showed up the fact that Gerrard is not God and does have his limitations. I think he's much better in his role of marauding midfielder, not back-up striker. Also, he persevered with Zenden for far too long when it was obvious the guy wasn't up to the job. When Crouch and Kewell came on, Liverpool looked a better team. In the end, they lost to a deflected shot from a silly free kick, and a beautifully executed goal that would have dismembered any defence in the world (it had to be that annoying, whining little faker Inzhagi who got both the goals), but they had their chance in the first half and didn't take it. A more adventurous approach from the off would have been better, with the typical Liverpool line-up going hell for leather for the goal that would've made Milan attack more. Rafa seemed to want his team to play in the Italian style, but Milan practice that week in, week out. A chance lost.
Benitez hasn;t got the balls to fully go for it. Milan's defence were tired. Instead of bringing on probably their fastest player to cause havoc, he brings on Arbeloa because, apparently, he has good aerial presence from set pieces. I'm still walking around with a massive grin plastered on my face. Liverpool will never win the premier league with Benitez in charge. You can write that down, take a picture, whatever. They will struggle to even get to second with that fat headed Spanish tit at the helm. I hope they sign him to a lifetime contract.
He is a good tactician on his days but not most of the time mostly in the CL is where he tries he flops when its the Premiership.
How much of a difference can 3 weeks be? I only ask because when Milan twatted United 3-0 they were the greatest thing since the wheel but 3 weeks later in a final that Liverpool should of won that same Milan team were past it. How does that work out?
