Dear readers,
It's been two weeks of intense heat felt by Craig Bellamy, the infamous Welsh bad boy of English football.
This, after he got into an argument with Liverpool team-mate John Arne Riise during a training camp in Portugal last week.
The Reds were in centralised training for the midweek Champions League clash against
Barcelona.
But they had a bust-up over, of all things, Riise's refusal to sing a song during a karaoke session.
Later, Bellamy reportedly took his anger out on Riise by swinging a golf club at his leg.
Riise was not hurt though, and the pair were suprisingly fielded together against Barca on the same flank by Reds manager Rafael Benitez.
Perhaps it was Benitez's psychological ploy - using Bellamy and Riise's desire to prove a point to the critics - to help Liverpool win.
In the end, Benitez got his desired result, if it was at all intended.
Bellamy scored the equaliser for Liverpool in the first-half, and he unselfishly set up Riise for the winning goal in the second.
The pair who got into a row have now hit the headlines for the right reasons.
Bellamy even had the cheek to imitate a golf club swing as he celebrated his goal against Barca.
Here's the potential twist though: Bellamy may think he has redeemed himself and will have a long future at Liverpool.
But deep down inside, what does Benitez really think of all the embarrassing fracas in Portugal, after which he fined 15 players for their boozy antics?
In a similar way, erring goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek was hailed for his penalty-saving heroics to help Liverpool win the 2005 Champions League trophy.
But just a couple of months later, the Polish custodian was unceremoniously dropped in favour of new Spanish goalkeeper Jose Reina.
It is clear that past glory counts for nothing at Anfield.
The Postman's Question of the Week: Should Benitez and Liverpool still keep Bellamy after what he has done?
Reply by 3pm on Monday, in not more than 200 words, please (click link right for auto word counter).
Post your views here by clicking on "comments" below my sign-off here, or e-mail to The New Paper's sports desk under the title "Dear Postman".
At your service,
Ernest Luis
The Postman
The New Paper
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P.S. There was a delay today in putting up this post, as The New Paper's Post Office decided what to do with the Bellamys of Blogging we highlighted recently. But after speaking some Spanish tinged with an American accent, us muchachos decided that with the help of you intelligent, courteous and humorous bloggers here, it's best to ignore all attention seekers.
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43 comments:
I think enough is enough. Bellamy has already been involved in three major cases during his stay at Liverpool.
These cases erupted just because of stupid and lame things, fighting over a parking lot, over a teammate who refused to sing.
He's gotta control his temper but I don't think he would be able to do that.
I see him leaving Anfield after the end of the season.
Rafa has kept quiet when asked about the striker's future at Liverpool. And Bellamy has been ignoring the rumours of his depature.
31 games and 8 goals isn't much to brag about. A player who have such a record can be easily replaced.
There are rumours of Benitez summer warchest. It is said to be £100million or £120million.
With such amount of money, it is easy to find replacements for Bellamy.
He's just too notorious for Liverpool.
I can't speak for the long term because things always change, but for the time being at least, I don't see Bellamy going anywhere. For one, he was Rafa’s very own signing (unlike Cisse or Dudek), thus I think Rafa would tend to have more patience and faith in him. And as Rafa would very well tell you himself, Bellamy’s a good player whose blistering pace gives us "more possibilities".
Carragher once mentioned in an interview that the biggest "moaner" in the team (after himself) was Bellamy. But Carra also said he admired that in a player (and in fact wished there were more moaners in the team) because it shows how much he wanted to win.
Perhaps like Rooney, Bellamy’s fiery attitude, when harnessed into the right energy, can be a unique strength. It was obvious to anyone watching the Newcastle and Barca games that Bellamy was desperate to help his side win, as he translated that desire into MOTM performances.
In addition, I never really believed in the whole karaoke-golfclub fracas. Yes, something definitely happened, but I feel things were blown out of proportion by the media. If it was anything serious, Rafa wouldn’t have started Bellamy against Barca.
But if Bellamy did whack Riise with a golf club, it must have been one hell of a beating, because it made Riise's useless right leg score that sweet strike against Barca... :)
I still think the fracas with Riise was blown up by the media again ahead of the crucial clash with Barca. If someone was really hit with a golf club, would he still be able to walk comfortably, much more play in a Champs League tie? Would Riise still celebrate his goal with Bellamy? You could argue that it was an act. But it certainly did not seem that way with the embracing and smiles.
Even if Bellamy does leave at the end of the season, it could be due to tactical reasons and not disciplinary ones because Benitez, with his bigger kitty could be looking for bigger fish to fry. Remember, 15 players got fined. So it seems to me many overstepped the boundaries. But for me, Benitez is in the midst of building a diverse team. One with players to play against different team. With Bellamy's pace, Liverpool can play down the flanks, something Liverpool will not be able to do with their other strikers. As each of the players have their own individual attributes, it would be unwise to get rid of Bellamy especially as we have seen from the genuine celebrations at the Nou Camp that team spirit was not affected at all. In fact, this media incident could have even brought them closer.
Cheers,
kel
ladylala got a point from her first paragraph. It makes sense though that Rafa would tend to have more patience and faith like he did in Crouch.
But, it every striker comes to Liverpool and the fans and Rafa must wait and have patience and faith in him, it's going to kill Liverpool.
In conclusion, Bellamy will go if he can't change his attitude.
Rafa as a intelligent manager besides his sometimes bewilering tinkering should have know what he has got himself when he prised Bellamy from Blackburn,a pacy and explosvie striker who can do damages both on and off the pitch.
I don't see Bellamy leaving the Reds just yet.Look at the strikers Liverpool have in their squad,Bellamy is the one who looks the most dangerous to me alongside Kuyt mainly due to his 100miles per hour pace.Rafa should have expected these kind of incidents to happen when he bought Bellamy,surely he have some measures to deal with him.Judging from the midweek match against Barcelona,it seemed that Rafa can tamed the wild Welse dragon isn't it.A goal and an assist to his supposingly golf club victim says it all.
Even with the reported massive transfer kitty Rafa will have for next season,with new strikers bought or not,Bellamy's future still lies in Liverpool so long he do the job on the field well and keep his trouble-making scenes to a minimum.If needed Rafa can send Bellamy to those clinics set up for sports professional to learn how to curb their temper.However some things just never change,thats a fact we got to accept.
Cheers
Bellamy will remain a Liverpool player come end of the season. Being an astute tactician, Rafa has shown he likes to tinker his tactics to suit the opponent. In order to do that, he needs to have different sets of players at each position. Hence, in the striking department, it is evident each striker brings different qualities to the team.
Having Bellamy allows Liverpool to compete domestically as he is a typical British player. He has bags of pace, is aggressive, industrious and has a great desire to win. His versatility is an asset as he can play wide or as a 2nd striker. When urgency is needed, he can come off the bench and cause problems.
While he has discipline issues, what matters most is he delivers on the field. Offloading him would not benefit Liverpool because they need English players with that Bulldog mentality to win the coveted EPL. Bellamy is also aware remaining in Liverpool represents his only chance of winning trophies. Hence, he will be toeing the line after the recent debacle.
Thus, expect Bellamy to remain a Red come next season. Unless he prefers to be a professional golfer instead.
Will bellamy stay on?it really depends on his form from now till the end of the season.I dont think that benitez would offload bellamy somewhere in the off season as he is a world class player.he has got pace,good finishing skills and can dribble.what is lacking is his discipline,if he uses his driver to whack someone or gets into a brawl.I dont think that rafa would sell him because without him liverpool lack the pace upfront and crouch is not the best finisher.rafa has come here to win trophies not offload players who lack discipline so discipline does not really matter,you just got to help the club to get all 3 points.Ernest,if u had bellamy and he likes to get into brawls but at the same time,he scores and wins trophies for you.would you offload him?
No player is bigger than a team. There was once when the likes of Ince was getting too big for his boots that Fergie decided to offload him to Inter. Ditto for V.Nistelrooy who was affecting the peace in the dressing room. Thus even if Bellamy does eventually score the goals that wins trophies for Liverpool, i guess Benitez will still offload him if he feels that team harmony will be disrupted with him around. But having said that, I do not think there is any danger of things blowing out of proportion and we can see that this incident has indeed brought the players even closer. With Bellamy, perhaps his reputation has him made out to be some sort of troublemaker. May be he has toned down, for if he hasn't toned down, there could be no room in the squad of a disciplinarian like Benitez. Remember what happened to Keane? Fergie did not hestitate to offload him even though it was once believed that Keane was Fergie's 2nd voice in the dressing room. Hence, even if he scores goals but disrupts team spirit, its useless because the goals will eventually get dried up.
Cheers,
kel
Craig Bellamy continue to be in Liverpool's First Eleven beginning of next season because he is James Bond of soccer.
He has 007 licence as Street Fighter Cum Assaulter that Court drop all charges against him.
Craig Bellamy's bare body in shorts is exactly like his counterpart in Casino Royale.He is the Male Version of Ursula Andres in Dr.No.
He is also a spin doctor.With Rafael Benitez and team mates spinning a story about Bellamy, having a go at Riise with golf club, to lure Barcelona believe that Liverpool is in turnmoil.
Craig Bellamy is good in frightening opponents to tremble with fear of him, is already a pyschological victory, result in actual victory on field.That is shown in Barcelona defenders, allowing Bellamy have a free header in scoring equaliser, who have seen how James Bond trash up his opponents in the movies.
Having brillant soccer brains, like finding excellent space for scoring opportunites or goal assists, is Craig Bellamy's attribute that Benitez continue placing him in First Eleven in future.
The world needs James Bond to save her.Like wise, Liverpool needs Craig Bellamy to win EPL.
From: Chester Low
I think Rafa will not be stupid to let go off him(BELLAMY)...
He is just great...Score goals from all angles,assist in all ways...He is just great for liverpool.If Rafa will to let him go what for he want to fine his players???Rafa is concern to the media and his players ...Bellamy help liverpool to will over other clubs...Look at how strong liverpool is when he play...HE WILL NOT LEAVE LIVERPOOL...RAFA WILL ALSO NOT LET HIM LEAVE FOR SURE
So concidental that both involved in the bust-up turned out to be the goal-scorers,sounds like a script written..Anyone smells kelong?lols~
What about Fowler???
Instead of Bellamy out, shouldn't it be bye bye fowler??
After the debacle in Portugal, Bellamy must have been worried he may have bogeyed his future at the club. However, Rafa managed to iron out the wedge between him and Risse and the Welshman repaid his manager’s faith by coming to the fore with a 5-star master-stroke at the Nou Camp.
Many have questioned Rafa’s decision to bring Bellamy over to the greens of Anfield this season as they felt his suspect temperament may be a handicap. However, there is no doubt Bellamy gives Liverpool an added dimension every time he plays. Rafa likes to have a different range of players at his disposal and Bellamy’s blistering pace and work rate is an asset for any team to have.
Bellamy may have a fair-wayto go in winning over his critics but there is no doubt he has the drive and determination to be a success at Anfield. Being a boyhood Liverpool fan, the club certainly suits Bellamy to the tee. He is a winner and Liverpool gives him that chance to win trophies.
However, Bellamy is aware he is not out of the woods yet. He knows if he goes bunkers again, he can kiss his Liverpool career goodbye.
:P
Mr Rafa Tinkerman is at work again.Only that this time it worked out perfectly against a hardworking Sheffield Utd side.
Leaving not just the controversial Bellamy totally out of the side today but also surprisingly Reina in favour of Dudek who was thought to be seen in his last appearance for the Reds after the horrific performance in the League Cup.
You got to hand it to Rafa for his handling with the players he got.I expect Bellamy to have a place on the bench at least but that was not to be.Be it for tactical reasons,tinkering or punishment,this will definately keep Bellamy on his toes to keep on performing well.Unless this decision angered that fiery Welsh dragon and spit fire on Rafa,if not we will see him return for the next match which I'm quite sure of.
Why Fowler? He hasn't been scoring is because he hasn't been playing.
I think why Fowler is being singled out is preciously because what Haley pointed out, bought but not played regularly. Definitely, he still has the touches and that deadly finishing but most times, he hasn't even started on the bench.From the newspaper reports, Fowler was alledged to be one of the merry men in the center of the Portugal controversy.
It has to be said when he was brought back to Liverpool,eyebrows were raised. Liverpool fans may have rejoiced with the return of their prodigal son but the most die-hard fans have to admit he is not the Fowler of old. Fowler himself must have felt he struck the lottery with his 2nd chance at Anfield.
Apart from 2 champions league goals, his EPL tally has come from penalties? I thought bringing back Owen when he was available would have been a better option.Correct me if I'm wrong Reds fans. :)
Yes, if we could bring back Owen, it would be better. But, does he want to come back?
He rejected Liverpool the other time when he moved from Real Madrid to Newcastle.
Rafael is smart to drop Bellamy and Reina in favour of Fowler and Dudek because of impeding visit from
Faster Than Speeding Bullet,
More Powerful Than Other Soccer Teams In The World and
Able To Win More Champions League Trophies Compare To Chelsea Which Has Zero.
The Special One And Only Invincible And Always Defeat Liverpool at Anfield.
That is Manchester United
He needs a fresh Bellamy's blistering pace to deal with
almost ball proof vest of Manchester United defence.
He also wants Reina to pull up his socks or early 2007 Christmas gifts be given to Manchester United in terms of 3 points, increase in goal tallies and EPL Title.
From: Chester Low
Why talk about Fowler and Owen all of a sudden?!
Well, here's my take-
Regarding Owen:
I was once a big fan of his, and wanted him to come back, but it isn't the case for other Liverpool fans. In fact, I think MOST Liverpool fans here still hold a grudge against him for the way he left. In any case, he's injured now, so I wouldn't want him back now anyway.
Fowler:
Of course, he's nothing like the Robbie Fowler of old, but no one's expecting a lot from him. Even when our strikers are being rotated, it's usually just the 3 (Crouchy, Bellamy and Kuyt) being considered. I'm not saying the current Fowler's useless, because think back to last season, during the period when Liverpool just couldn't score. In came Fowler, and once he scored his first goal(after having 3 goals disallowed previously) in the 5-1 win against Fulham, the goals just started flowing in from everyone else.
The fact is Fowler STILL has something to contribute to Liverpool, though I know it might not seem like much, especially to non-Liverpool fans.
Ahh.. don't we all love the Manchester United arrogance..
jiahao here...
i think that bellamy had badly ruin the reputations of liverpool and throw of our face of liverpool fans,fighting over a parking lot,hitting team-mates with golf clubs?..i seriously think tat he had reached the limits...and with such huge cash on the hands of rafa, there should be no problems replacing a 8 goaler in 31 games...i would be extremely delighted if liverpool can bring in a certain number of quality strikers in to the club...conclusion,he would be leaving at the end of the season or end up like our dear goalkeeper jerzy dudek...
Rafael Benetiz said on 18 Feb, " I met this morning with the entire first team squad and made it absolutely clear to all of them the responsibilities that come with playing for this club and the way they are expected to conduct themselves both on and off the pitch."
No one knows the facts of the incidents at the Portugal training camp. But on 25 Feb against Sheffield United, Bellamy did not even figure in the substitutes bench. So, Rafa meant what he said. Fowler, Dudek, Pennant and Riise were playing. Reina was absent as his wife is giving birth. So, we know that their crimes are not serious. Watch the next few game and see if Bellamy is still missing in action. We will know if we have seen the last of him. I thinks he blows hot and cold and nobody knows for sure when he will score the next goal. Bellamy has scored only 7 goals in EPL. He has a habit of scoring 1 goal in a game and then he stops scoring for the rest of that game! Rafa has now a good chance to dispose him since other teams are interested in him.
Though Dudek may have been the penalty-saving hero (that final seemed kelong anyway), we all know he had been inconsistent for Liverpool prior to that, with much breath-taking clown acts. In a way, he was dropped because of his performance and not necessarily because past glory counts for nothing.
I had been rather surprised they got Bellamy (instead of some Spanish strikers). His playing style and temperamental was more like a misfit in Liverpool. But I do have to say he does add a physical dimension to the striking force in the team.
Deep down, I supposed Benitez is not new to the boozy antics by footballers & the fine of he 15 players was mandatory to instill some discipline.
Everyone knows Bellamy’s history. When they brought him to the club, they should know what’s in store for them. I think a more suitable question would be why they allowed Bellamy to come to Liverpool after what he has done in his previous club. Once that is figured out, it’s not difficult to see that he will stay even after his ‘golfing’ outing.
What an amazing League Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea.Everything you can ask for in a final all put into one basket tonight,the drama,tension,passion,fights,great football,a comeback victory and also the least we all want to see definately is that horrible injury to brave Terry who put himself on the line diving in for that header.
Well the better team didn't win tonight just like the FA Cup final a couple of years back between Man U and Arsenal who won the match that time round via a penalty shootout.However Chelsea being clinical kills the game off with 2 sublime finishes from who else,The Drog-ness who just can't stop scoring this season.With better luck from the woodwork,Chelsea could have won by a larger margin.But the young Gunners really impressed me with their flowing football,too bad it wasn't to be their day.
The cup goes to the Blues,the future looks bright for the Gunners and most importantly,get well soon wishes for Terry,no amount of money from Roman can get the team another Terry,theres no doubt about it.
Cheers
Hmm we could have won 4-1, but as it is, the scoreline is 2-1. Yet again, Arsenal got saved by the woodwork, but Cech stood strong to save quite a few of Arsenal's shots on target. Cech basically nullified any crosses that comes within the penalty box and he made one world class save to deny Baptista.
The press may call Robben the diver, but it was Fabregas who acted like a sissy when he fell down rolling all over the ground when Robben barely touched him as he passed him.
Then there was the massive brawl, although after looking at the incident with the replay, it appears that Mikel pulled a shirt prior to the fracas which frankly was yellow. Toure was the one who shockingly incited all the trouble out there. Lampard came to protect Mikel and push him away but Fabregas started his antics by holding Lampard and then it became a Wrestling contest between the two. Thats when Toure lost it further and started going after Lampard. Bridge was also trying to get Lamps away when Adebayor came in and did something (couldn't make out really, the actual incident was not shown clearly). Bridge got injured in the end.
Handbags if you may call it that but Toure's lunacy was shocking.
Its Jose's 5th throphy with Chelsea, but is it worth the loss of Terry?
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It's a shame that a great game of football in the Carling Cup final yesterday night had to be marred by incidents that led to the lengthy injury time. Firstly, Terry's horrific injury, and secondly, the injury-time fracas. Other than that two incidents which would no doubt be the talking points of the match, it was great football to watch, even for the neutral.
First of all, I just want to say that Arsenal's young kids need not be ashamed of themselves. When I first saw the lineups by both sides, I thought it was a huge gamble by Wenger. If they ended up losing, he would probably be blamed for it. But after 12 minutes or so, I changed my mind about that. Arsenal's exciting young kids started off with all guns blazing, and at times the football they played surpassed that of their seniors. Wenger has my admiration for always bringing in these kids who may be relative unknown names, but have got the qualities to fit into his style of play - huge amounts of pace, flair and vision.
Perhaps in the end, experience won the game for Chelsea, but I don't think Arsenal really lost. After all, the mistakes they made are those that can be corrected through experience, and I think experience is something they would have acquired a huge amount of yesterday.
First we have off the pitch violence by Liverpool players with too much time. Now, we have on the pitch violence between Arsenal and Chelsea. Toure and Mikel should be banned for rest of EPL for the poor example they set. Adebayor should be suspended for a few months for getting others involved. To see Fabregas involved in a fight makes me sad that youths must also learn discipline.
According to Wayne Bridge in an interview.Adebayor isn't the culprit who KO him.It was Arsenal's Right Back.Wrong Player to be red-carded.
From: Chester Low
The second half of the finals yesterday was kinda of drama rama thing rather than a soccer match.
The first half is nice to watch, but the second half is terrible.
Atrocious. Simply and utterly atrocious. And they say Liverpool disgraces the Game? Look in the mirror that is yesterday's match.
Bah.
Slightly curious why you think the second half was boring.
Nobody said the 2nd half was boring, it wasn't boring at all, but the drama were all for the wrong reasons.
I actually fell asleep during half-time, wanted to take a rest during that break but I overslept. When I woke up though, the first thing I saw was JT on the ground. And from that moment onwards, I was wide awake and glued to the TV because of all the drama. But it wasn't the kind of drama you would have wanted to see though.
The second half was too much like an acting script. It's just being played in the wrong scene.
Liverpool have confirmed the arrival of Ukranian striker Voronin for next season.With more new faces expected to arrive,someone from the current strike force could face the axe after this season ends.
Kuyt and Crouch are definately staying so that leave us with just Bellamy and Fowler.Sad to say but most probably it will be the back of Fowler,the Anfield proclaimed God leaving the famous merseyside club.Face it,he was long over the hill ages ago.What he can contribute to the team now is hoping he can make some impact whenever he plays or slotting in penalties like we saw on Saturday.He no longer has that tag which spells danger hanging around him anymore,something which Bellamy outshine him here.
Well that doesn't mean Bellamy will be staying for life too.One more wrong move he could be facing the wrath of Rafa.
Liverpool should keep Bellamy, at least before they find a perfect replacement, which isn't that easy in my opinion.
Liverpool now have new owners and bigger transfer budget is set to follow, but will money buy them a perfect replacement? Liverpool haven't have much luck with strikers. Heskey and Cisse are two examples that didn't work out. In Bellamy, they have a striker who is already accustomed to the EPL. He will have an upper hand over the potential transfer targets like David Villa or Etoo. All are pacy forwards but the new strikers may need sometime to adapt, having played in the other leagues.
Crouch and Kuyt are good in the air and generally targetmen. Fowler is no longer a first team regular. What Liverpool lack now is Bellamy’s pace. He can also be deployed as a winger to make up for Liverpool lack of pace.
The main reason to replace Bellamy is because of the fears that his off-field problems might affect team spirit which in turn affect results. But so far, none of the side effects have worked against Liverpool and they had surprisely beaten Barca, with Bellamy influential in both goals.
-Raymond Ng ;p
I wish to disagree with Raymond about Crouch being a good header of the ball because he isn't! :P I think Lala will back me up on this.
If he was a good header of the ball, he would have had twice as many goals in his tally then his current total. It's a mystery a man that tall can be so good with his feet yet doesn't use his height to great effect when he needs to head them in.
Previous reports suggested Crouch was on his way out, with Newcastle wanting his signature so it's not really clear who Voronin will replace if the tabloids are to be believed. If anything, Fowler should be the one making way since he doesn't seem to fit into Rafa's plans.
As for the Carling Cup fracas, I feel both sides need to shoulder the blame. To blame only one party would be ridiculous. Most of the players are Internationals and they should all know better than to behave in such a shameful manner. Some were using the incident as an excuse to throw in a few punches. Whatever it is, expect some form of deserved punishment from the FA for both clubs.
I gotta agree with Hadi that Crouch isn't that good in heading balls but hey who said tall players are always good with their head,I don't head well too!haha..
Crouch is pretty good with his feet nonetheless,his control and technique are great for someone who seems clumsy at times and his legs are more likely to tangle with one another than running alongside together.His finishing can be better but which strikers in Liverpool can said he's the better one right.All of them either took turns firing at all cylinders or firing blanks together sometimes.Lets see whether Voronin can better his compatriot Sheva in EPL next season.
Cheers
Hohoho, yah, Crouchy's head is pretty useless! He's more talented with his LONGGGGGGGG legs (think the two scissors kicks he has scored this season). :D :D
But Crouchy can still win aerial battles, although it's not so much for scoring goals (because he lacks a sense of direction and there isn't a lot of neck power with his height). He plays more of a target man role, when you knock the ball long up to him, and he'd head it down for someone else near him or he'd just hold the ball up as long as he can (using his superb control and technique) for his teammates.
Lol yes Hadi. I phrased it kinda wrong there. Was trying to say that Crouch is more like a player fitted for aerial challenges.
To be honest I'm disgusted with Crouch's heading abilities. He gets to the ball rather than directing the ball. I believe Scholesy can head better.
Call me biased against Peter Crouch.. BUT i really don't understand how a player of his calibre could played first team for Liverpool and be the current No. 2 striker for England.
He wastes the best crosses provided for him. Seriously, I feel that he missed more clear chances then the number of goals he actually scored. That sounds harsh. However, you should know how much disappointment he brings to every english fan.
I do agree with lala that he plays more of a target-man role. Erhm I'm sure there are many others in England who has that quality plus the scoring abilties :)
& haha his robo-crouch goal celebrations were one-of-a-kind.
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