I was actually rooting for Chelsea since I HATE the scousers, but I'm not too disappointed, it will be fun watching them get crushed by Milan.
Liverpool left it all out on the pitch and their fans were really vocal. I couldn't believe Tommy Smith was saying that goal was obviously in. Maybe this will keep Mourinho's ego in check.
maybe not. "The best team lost. The linesman thought they scored one goal and we didn't score, so we lost. I don't want to criticise them but they played the way they want; they fought and fought and fought. Of course we are disappointed, but I am very proud of my players." -- Jose Mourinho's post-match comment
To me the best team did lose- in terms of players and football. I don't know... what else could you expect? Liverpool was up, so they had to defend... in a way. Still doesn't sit well with me. Then again, Chelsea was lucky with the first goal. Other option would have been Cech out and penalty for Liverpool. Would have been even more difficult to score with them defending like they did. I was very unhappy to see Liverpool score that early, changed the face of the game. It could have been more open and free, that completely closed everything up. Chelsea threw everything, but didn't really manage one real chance except for at the very last minute. So, Liverpool did deserve it. They kept to their game, they arguably have the lesser players, and they didn't really give a chance away. Chelsea should have created a bit more.
Kind of a blahhh game, thank god I am being paid to work and not watch soccer - but let me just say that coolstreaming kicks ass.
I'm very glad Chelsea is out of it, i just cannot stand mourinho. I hope liverpool can bet Milan(there is no way PSV wil beat them).But i think they do not stand a chance, on the other hand i also did not thought they could beat Chelsea. lets hope AZ will be able to reach the finals of the uefa cup
It would be great if PSV beat Milan..... Then Liverpool would win it .....buuuttt they wouldn't be able to defend it the following season though
No, because the winner is not guaranteed inclusion in next season's league AND they're **** in the EPL
I agree. Benitez has done a fantastic job in the CL. Have to wonder why they can take on Juve and Chelsea and perform so poorly in the EPL?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=332257&cc=5901 Uefa boss raises hopes on Merseyside UEFA president Lennart Johansson today paved the way for both Everton and Liverpool to compete in next season's Champions League. Johansson claims 'the door is open' for Liverpool should they win the European Cup in May but finish outside the top four in the Barclays Premiership. UEFA has previously insisted their rules are clear, that only four teams from any one country can go forward to play in the Champions League. With Everton set to clinch the coveted fourth spot, and with Liverpool still in with a chance of lifting the Champions League trophy, UEFA have told the Football Association to decide who should join Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in next season's tournament. A precedent was set five years ago when Real Madrid won the Champions League, but only finished fifth in the Primera Liga, resulting in the Spanish football authorities opting for the `Galacticos' ahead of Real Zaragoza, who had finished fourth. Remarkably, Johansson could not recall that incident, but insists England could have five teams in next season's Champions League if UEFA's executive committee allow Liverpool to defend the trophy should they win it, but finish outside the top four. 'This is a very demanding case, but it doesn't mean it cannot be discussed,' said Johansson on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme. 'They [Liverpool] are welcome with their point of view. They can make any proposal and we will deal with it and we will give them a quick answer. 'The door is always open. We are there to serve football and not just dictate, so they are welcome to make a request if the situation occurs. 'If there is a possibility to make an exception for the winner of the Champions League then there could be an additional place. 'It is for the executive committee to decide and anything can be granted if they decide to go to the member associations and ask for a change in the regulations. 'But it would be unfair on Everton who have played the whole season and qualified via fourth place to then exclude them.' Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry refused to be drawn on the issue, although he did concede Johansson's comments were encouraging. 'I've heard Mr Johansson's positive words, but it's not an issue that's a live debate at this stage,' said Parry. 'There's a long way to go in both competitions and we are still in contention for fourth place and playing for that. 'As far as the Champions League is concerned, with a big game against Chelsea still to come, it's very disrespectful to our opponents to speculate on what may or may not happen beyond that. 'It's an intriguing possibility, but at this moment in time it's still a theoretical possibility. If and when the time comes, that is when we will express a view.' Johansson, though, has stated there will be a tightening of the rules for next season to ensure such an eventuality can be adequately dealt with in the future. 'We will make it more clear than we have before as to what is valid because it will happen again and again,' added Johansson. 'In my opinion the rule is already there, but if there are exceptions to the rule then we have to clarify the situation and make a clear statement about it.' Parry believes UEFA should have foreseen such a dilemma, and feels it is wrong they have placed the onus on the FA to resolve the thorny issue. 'It is the responsibility of UEFA, after all it is their competition and it's for them to address what should happen to the winner,' insisted Parry. 'I don't think it is appropriate that national associations should be left with such extraordinarily difficult decisions. 'There is clearly an element of inconsistency within the rules. On the one hand there is a desire for the champions to participate, but equally a very clear rule that says no country can have more than four participants. 'It works fine, providing the champions always finish within the top four, which I guess they generally do. 'It makes sense going forwards that this sort of uncertainty doesn't arise again. It should be clearly spelled out. 'It shouldn't be left to discretion and unseemly arguments as to who is more worthy. It should be clear from the outset. 'I think the principle of competition winners being allowed to defend is perfectly sound, but again that should be within the rules of the organisers of the competition.'
well I stand corrected. I always thought the winners were back, no questions asked. The more you know...
