Master Tactics or "Parking The Bus"

Firstly I am writing the piece as a fan of football and someone who likes to think he understands a game of football. Yes I'm a Chelsea fan and yes, the majority of Liverpool fans will disagree with what I say. Let's see...

After reading and watching the reactions of the game yesterday, both from a professional and fan point of view, here is what I think about, "Parking the bus".

A few comments I have found browsing the Internet:

"I believe if Chelsea win the league this season they will be the worst team to win it in years in terms of how they play football if you can really call it that #parkthebus"

"No matter how you win it's win is a win that's all"

"Doesn't take muck tactics to put 10 players in the 18 yard box and defend Good game tho"

"Fuck Chelsea. Ruined football. Why the fuck would I watch such a disgraceful team who can't do anything but put 11 men in the box? Fuck the premier League too"

"Wow... Sooo many angry comments... You should know, the right way to play football, is the one that yields results... It's not as simple as just putting 10 men behind the ball... Mourinho got it spot on, evident by the score line... If you don't like that we did what it takes to win.. Please stop watching competitive sports"#KTBFFH

Mourinho played a very tactical game yesterday. Completely outclassed Brendan Rodgers and he knew it. We went to anfield with another big game in mind, close to yesterdays fixture. A fixture may I add that Mourinho and Chelsea requested to be re-arranged. The board at Liverpool and FA were asked and it was declined. I bet Liverpool fans now wish they accepted that request that may have allowed Chelsea to play more attacking football with a better squad. Think of it that way.

Mourinho played with what he had available, keeping in mind the big game we face on Wednesday. To me, this is why he is a master tactician. He got a result at anfield when at the same time resting a few key players needed for Wednesday.

To me we defended very well when at the same time playing very good counter attacking football. Counter attacking football is one the most recognised tactics when playing away from home against big clubs. Many people suggest we played boring, defencive football that is killing the game. Personally I thought the match yesterday was brilliant to watch. We saw brilliant defending against one of the best strike forces in the world, when at the same time we saw Liverpool attack like there was no tomorrow. We saw great tactics, mind games, mistakes and the crowd were electric. A great occasion!

To say, "Chelsea park the bus"... Yes we did. We didn't have the squad to go to Liverpool and attack like we would have wanted to. We don't have the greatest attack in the league and we haven't all season. We went to get a result whether it be a draw or a win, we got a result. That counter attack from Willian and Torres was perfect football when playing with a weaker squad than the opposition. It's how to beat big teams away from home. 

As a Chelsea fan and a football fan from both points of view, I would still say that Mourinho got it spot on. Any football fan would say the same. Deep down inside we all saw a master in action. The odds were against him and Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers were tricked into coming at us, forgetting what we did against the best team in the world, Barcelona. Rodgers played it wrong yesterday.

The way I saw it. We defended deep for the majority of the game with the odd attack. We invited Liverpool on. I saw way too many crosses from Gerrard along with way too many shots from distance after he slipped and caused the first goal. Gerrard can't put his laces through the ball like he used to. He wanted the Istanbul scenario, to be the hero and to make amends for the massive mistake he made in the first half. Once Gerrard made that blunder the game changed. Liverpool got desperate. Mourinho no doubt knew this taking the team in at half time. He used it against Liverpool and it all went in Chelsea's favour.

Playing with a weakened defence than normal, risking that until 10 minutes to go and bringing a rock like Cahill on was genius. To make it even better he brings on fresh Torres who loves waiting up top for a ball to drop and make his run. That is what he and Willian did, and that is how Mourinho saw it in his head. 

We wasted time, which was stopped by the referee, but it got under the players skins. It's a huge difference in class here but, I have played competitive football and we all know what is said in that dressing room before big games. Such things like, "kick him", "wind him up", "waste time", "Talk in his ear".. It happens and it's part of the game!

"Mourinho complained of West Ham doing the same thing", which is a reply I am waiting for from the majority reading this, But ask yourself this first. Were West Ham in a big European match a few days later? Or did West Ham have key players missing? No.

An awkward occasion for Everton fans, knowing if they beat Man City they could potentially hand Liverpool the title. I am going for a City win. Yesterday was a life line offered and I am sure they will take it.

Suarez To Madrid - Done His Job At Liverpool

Suarez has more than done his job at Liverpool if they win the league this season. Looking more and more likely now, if they can rise to the occasion. 

Will Brendan fight another summer trying to keep Suarez or is it worth letting him go to buy the players they need to carry on competing at the top. Liverpool already have Sturridge who is firing on all cylinders and will continue to do so. Why so certain? Sturridge is arrogant, self obsessed and is always proving to himself he's a great player. 

To let Suarez go for a huge price would make sense. To let him go abroad would be the only option and Real Madrid are knocking on the door. Players like Suarez like to explore other avenues when at the peak of there career. Playing for Madrid is a childhood dream. Why wouldn't he go? It's all speculation but makes for great conversation.  

Brendan Rodgers would have all the money he needs to keep Liverpool at the top. Let's face it, they have had a good season, but they have had more gaps of rest compared to other competing clubs. To carry on at the top Liverpool would need a better squad next season. A better bench of players. 

Steven Gerrard is close to the end of his career, and if they win the league I wouldn't be at all surprised if he calls it a day and end on a all time high. Playing for the team he supports, winning the CL, and now the Premier league would be the best ending to his career. Common knowledge is that Gerrard suffers with injuries and some say he has to have injections before each game to get him through the pain.

Liverpool have used what they had this season to there full advantage Just like Fergie did last season. Brendan Rodgers deserves enormous praise for the way in which he has dealt with what he had to do that. Proving he is a great manager. Patience and support from the fans has helped just as you would expect from Liverpool fans. Loyal supporters has been a great help to Rodgers. Keeping Suarez and the way in which he dealt with him before last season shows he had a plan. They have used what they had and it has put them back on the map as a team who is a threat, especially going forward. Selling Suarez would give Rodgers Millions to sort out the flaws in the squad. Without Suarez would they still be able to compete. Of course, he is only one player.

Now if the board gave Rodgers the money he needs without selling Suarez, then I'm afraid Liverpool will be absolutely lethal next season and will see them compete for every competition they compete in. Imagine that... Suarez, Sturridge, Coutninho, Sterling plus millions to spend on new, younger talent.

Either way, If Suarez leaves I don't see Liverpool having any problems going forward. It would be good business. A financial injection and a range of players who will be interested signing for the premier league winners. 

It's not just about the money, it's also about attracting players. Something Manchester United will struggle to do with David Moyes in charge. Top players would not want to work under a manager who has no control over his players or a proven past record of success. 

Speculation of Torres to Spurs in the media today. Now that's a whole other story to come. I will say this though. You watch him leave and become, "The Torres" who was at Liverpool. 

"Congratulations Mike Riley"

We all have emotions. We all say and do things in the heat of a battle. This season has been by far the most interesting season in recent years. Liverpool are on the verge of clinching the title. Manchester United are having a terrible season due to, "Transitional changes" apparently. I don't have to run through every team here but, I think we all know it's been a better season than previous, obvious seasons in recent years!

Chelsea lost fairly yesterday. Sunderland defended really well. My only real issue, is that when these teams who battle relegation at the end of a season, all of a sudden come out with a fight when they see the drop in site. From interviews and fan reactions yesterday, it was almost as if Sunderland were on the verge of winning the league, not facing the drop. 

I think the fact we lost to a side that has played poorly all season is the real issue I'm having to face. Play with that fight all season and I have no problem. 

At the end of the day they won. We once again weren't clinical enough in front of goal. All we need is a proper, consistent striker. It's over for Fernando Torres. A £50 Million striker, once a god send to the league and Liverpool FC. What happened?

Chelsea is what happened to Torres. It's common knowledge that Liverpool played every game around Torres. Chelsea have never done that and never will. I was surprised that Rafa never tried to introduce that. £50 Million happened. I would actually much prefer to see Fernando still at Liverpool, linking up with Steven Gerrard. I love football, and that was football. 

Anyway, Mourinho has emotions like the rest of us. His sarcasm yesterday was the sarcasm of a competitive man. I would rather see him like that than act like he didn't care. Hey, he's still getting paid millions for doing the job whether he succeeds or not. He only shown bitterness because he likes to win. Isn't that why we have a league table? To compete?

BIG game today for Liverpool. This is the time. The time that will tell if Liverpool can handle the pressure at the top. If they can handle it, good luck to them and most of all, good luck to my favourite player of all time, Steven Gerrard. That man deserves a premier league medal.

IT'S NOT OVER YET!