Disqus - Latest Comments for Raatzie

Re: Fox Soccer Channel & Setanta Sports Announce 08/09 EPL TV Schedule

Raatzie — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:08:09 -0000

Do you get Setanta Xtra on the broadband service?

Re: Tottenham Hotspur Is Ready To Crack The Big Four

Raatzie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:17:21 -0000

I think someone took their "Spurs are making the top four" article from last year, replaced all Jol references with Ramos references, filled in the names of the new signings, and republished it.

To be fair, though, I'm a Liverpool fan, and I'm pretty sure a dozen or so "Liverpool will win the League!" articles were similarly edited and republished.

That said, Liverpool will win the League. :)

Ah, the optimism of preseason. Everyone enjoy it now - for most of us, it will dissipate by Halloween.

Re: Which Club Will Crack The Big Four This Season?

Raatzie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:09:41 -0000

When all is said and done, Manchester United will just barely hang on to fourth.

/wakes up.

Re: Liverpool Does the Right Thing: German Clubs Do Not

Raatzie — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:14:33 -0000

Who fed the troll?

Re: Why Sky Sports News Sucks

Raatzie — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:13:26 -0000

Please don't feed the troll.

Re: 2008/2009 Premier League Table Predictions

Raatzie — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:31:27 -0000

Is this a repost from last year?

Re: How Premier League Players Flaunt Wealth Is Absolutely Sickening

Raatzie — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:53:33 -0000

Society places a high value on the players vis-a-vis other professions. Whether it should is debatable, but entirely another question. I agree that of all the ways Stevie G might spend his money, this isn't really near the obttom of the list.

Re: How Premier League Players Flaunt Wealth Is Absolutely Sickening

Raatzie — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:10:43 -0000

@ Chris:

It's not that people get paid what they're worth. It's that people get paid the value assigned them by society. Lots of folks (police, fire, teachers) get paid less than their value to society. But it is what it is. Like I said, whether it should b otherwise is another matter.

Re: Warning Signs For Liverpool Despite Injury Time Winner Against Boro

Raatzie — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:44:18 -0000

"But most of all, what was missing from Liverpool’s performance is their ability to strike the killer blow."

Good to know that the 94th minute screamer from Stevie G. doesn't count as a "killer blow."

The fine writing staff at spurstalk.com is (understandably) getting a bit bitter, very early.

Re: Warning Signs For Liverpool Despite Injury Time Winner Against Boro

Raatzie — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:50:25 -0000

"Here are my predictions of how I think the Premier League will finish at the end of the 2008/2009 season. . . . I believe Spurs have the talent and determination to break into the top four knocking Liverpool into fifth place."

Well, this prediction's sure looking spot-on, Gaffer.

Re: Warning Signs For Liverpool Despite Injury Time Winner Against Boro

Raatzie — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:54:45 -0000

Kartik, you appear more scared of logic than of LFC fans.

Had Gaffer writen that LFC, despite taking 6 out of 6 points, has not played well and/or has had some issues their first two games, I doubt anyone takes issue.

Saying LFC can kiss their dreams of winning the Prem goodbye, when they've taken 6 out of 6 points and reside atop the table, is ludicrous.

As ludicrous as saying LFC's locked it up.

Long season to go, peeps. Christ.

Re: Warning Signs For Liverpool Despite Injury Time Winner Against Boro

Raatzie — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 21:22:42 -0000

"If Liverpool keeps on playing like they did against Sunderland and Boro, . . ."

. . . they'll get to 114 points and win the Prem easy.

Should they stop winning, however, they could have a problem.

Re: Warning Signs For Liverpool Despite Injury Time Winner Against Boro

Raatzie — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:10:17 -0000

So all those Liverpool fans throughout Europe and Asia, as well as the US, who have never been to England are just clueless, huh?

What an ignorant point of view.

Oh, wait. You're an Everton fan.

So I'm being redundant.

Enjoy being the New York Mets of the Prem for the next hundred years.

Re: Warning Signs For Liverpool Despite Injury Time Winner Against Boro

Raatzie — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:03:06 -0000

I don't know how to have a rational discussion.

I don't live in England.

P.S. If non-Englanders are clueless, release Tim Howard.

Re: Warning: Websites Are More Dangerous Than Football Grounds

Raatzie — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:57:05 -0000

Can't stand the heat when you say something asinine, Gaffer?

Then get out the kitchen.

Re: Warning: Websites Are More Dangerous Than Football Grounds

Raatzie — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:35:41 -0000

http://www.epltalk.com/warning-signs-for-liverp...

Re: Can Liverpool Turn Luck into Fortune?

Raatzie — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:16:38 -0000

Phil and Beto:

Agreed on all points.

If Liverpool want to contend in the League this season, they have to take four of the next six points, eevn if Gerrard misses both games. The next two results will be very telling.

Re: Hypocrisy Typifies The Reaction of Opposing Fans to City Takeover

Raatzie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:13:04 -0000

The best thing that could happen to the Prem (but which, unfortunately, never will) is a salary cap.

As a Liverpool supporter, I say that today.

And if DIC or the Sultan of Brunei bought LFC tomorrow, I'd keep saying it.

Re: Hypocrisy Typifies The Reaction of Opposing Fans to City Takeover

Raatzie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:20:37 -0000

@ Darren

I think MLS struggles for other reasons as well.

Make it about who best can evaluate talent, not who has the deepest pockets to buy it.

Imagine a club like Wigan, on a level financial playing field, making the Champions' League because, in a given year, they evaluated talent more shredly than the so-called "Big Four."

Better yet, imagine four different clubs in the Champions' League every year.

Re: Hypocrisy Typifies The Reaction of Opposing Fans to City Takeover

Raatzie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:19:05 -0000

Don't come back till the Toffees win a home match.

Re: Legend of Cahill Continues

Raatzie — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:41:24 -0000

Beaten by 21 minutes.

Re: Poll: Fernando Torres Or Dimitar Berbatov? Your Pick

Raatzie — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:08:45 -0000

El numero nueve de Liverpool > Tottenham's число девет

Re: Poll: Fernando Torres Or Dimitar Berbatov? Your Pick

Raatzie — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:13:28 -0000

Man U. Blew my own joke.

Re: Poll: Chelsea Or Manchester United?

Raatzie — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:10:14 -0000

Hoping for a draw, but have a sneaking suspicion United pull a 2-1 win and snap the streak.

Re: West Ham United To Wear Squad Numbers On Shirts

Raatzie — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:26:37 -0000

Divine.

/ shows self out.

Re: No Excuse for Attack of Manchester United Team Bus

Raatzie — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:46:02 -0000

Speaking of pathetic . . .

Re: ESPN2 Shows EPL Teams Too Often In Champions League

Raatzie — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:25:50 -0000

If they're considering acquiring EPL rights, they'll want to expose their audience to, and prime their interest in, EPL clubs.

Plus, casual American fans, and non-fans, likely are more familiar with, and, thus, more interested in, EPL clubs than even the continental giants. I say this as an American fan who four years ago would have guessed that Celtic was in Ireland (or Boston) and knew Real Madrid as "that team Man. U. 'traded' Beckham to."

EPL interest is a gateway to overall football interest for the neophyte American fan. At least, it was for me.

Seems like a good business strategy to me.

Re: Poll: Did Vidic Foul Blackburn Goalkeeper Jason Brown?

Raatzie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:12:28 -0000

Brown needed to take a page from Ronaldo's book and drop over as if he'd been shot.

Re: Hull City: Punching above their weight or a blessing in disguise?

Raatzie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:13:49 -0000

Story of the season to date. Hope they keep it up.

Re: Poll: Did Vidic Foul Blackburn Goalkeeper Jason Brown?

Raatzie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:43:54 -0000

Hee hee hee.

Re: Poll: Did Vidic Foul Blackburn Goalkeeper Jason Brown?

Raatzie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:54:40 -0000

Unless he's playing ManUre, of course.

Re: How To Get Setanta Sports On Comcast Cable

Raatzie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:41:18 -0000

Two questions - likely nobody knows the answers, but worth asking in case you do.

1. I bought a yearly subscription to Setanta by Broadband Aug. 1. Any way that can be transferred to Comcast?

2. Do cable/satellie Setanta subscribers also have access to Setanta by Broadband? I travel for work and don't want to lose out on Setanta during travling weekends.

Thanks.

Re: How To Get Setanta Sports On Comcast Cable

Raatzie — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:30:13 -0000

Crap. Well, guess I'm keeping the broadband then. (Could they get a bigger screen, for Chrissakes?)

Thansk for the input.

Re: Why Liverpool Won’t Win The Premier League Title This Season

Raatzie — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:39:17 -0000

This has to be the third "Liverpool won't win the league" post Gaffer's made this season.

Replacing his previous features "Spurs - great team, or greatest team?" and "Who will Spurs draw in the 09-10 Champions League group stage?"

Each of the "top four" has had one bad draw, and Arsenal's had two bad losses to boot. Objectively, as a Liverpool fan, Chelsea look to be the favorite at this point in time.

But can we wait 'till Boxing Day to make any grand proclamations and predictions?

Damn.

But

Re: Why Liverpool Won’t Win The Premier League Title This Season

Raatzie — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:58:58 -0000

"meanwhile united have traveled to the bridge and anfield . . ."

Way to pick up one point out of those two.

"not to mention tough trips to pompey and blackburn . . ."

in the latter of which you got a goal by fouling the keeper (not called).

Re: Scolari Is God, Benitez Is The Devil

Raatzie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:52:14 -0000

Part 78 of Gaffer's continuing series "Liverpool sucks my [Gaffer's] left nut."

If Benitez walked across the Mersey, Gaffer would whine about the arrogant SOB's inability to swim.

Spurs - 2010 Championship playoff runners-up.

Re: Poll: Who’s To Blame For The Disaster At Tottenham Hotspur?

Raatzie — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:52:43 -0000

Gaffer.

Re: Poll: Who Is The World’s Number One Authority On Soccer?

Raatzie — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:47:18 -0000

Andy Gray.

What a CALL, son! WHAT A CALL!

Re: 7 Premier League Players Who Used To Be Brilliant But Now They’re Crap

Raatzie — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:07:57 -0000

For example, if Liverpool wins the quadruple without conceding a single goal OR point the entire rest of the season . . . well, then Gaffer will acknowledge that they had an above average year.

Then he'll write 793 posts about why they won't win anything NEXT year.

Re: 7 Premier League Players Who Used To Be Brilliant But Now They’re Crap

Raatzie — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:48:53 -0000

"It's time for Liverpool to walk the walk instead of talking the talk."

I certainly agree with that.

And as I've said before, if I were a betting man (and objective), I'd be plunking a sizable chunk of change on Chelsea, not Liverpool, to win the League.

But mid-September through mid-October is too early for a "Liverpool (or Arsenal or Man U or Spurs . . . well, not Spurs) won't win the league" article.

Much less the approximately 17 you've written in that span.

Re: Where To Find Chelsea v Liverpool On U.S. TV This Weekend

Raatzie — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:25:58 -0000

No 10 a.m EST Saturday match on Setanta?

Re: If You Were A Professional Footballer, What Club Would You Sign For?

Raatzie — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:23:28 -0000

Arsenal.

Somehow I got scored on by Ronaldo AND Ronaldnho and still got called up for my World Cup team.

Did you see my free kick at the edge of the box?

I'm trying to remember what I did with that one.

Re: Liverpool Win Against Chelsea Conjures Up Memories Of Golden Period

Raatzie — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:29:07 -0000

Still think Chelsea's the team to beat.

Would have liked to see both teams at full strength.

But I'll take the three points.

Re: Spurs Snatch Last Gasp Winner Against Liverpool

Raatzie — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:14:30 -0000

I had a feeling Gaffer would post something quickly this afternoon.

Even though he's "not a supporter of any club."

Spurs still go down - and stay down.

Re: Spurs Snatch Last Gasp Winner Against Liverpool

Raatzie — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:07:01 -0000

Gaffer, if Spurs had dominated for 70 minutes and Liverpool had won on an own goal and a last second winner, you would have written about how the lucky b******s still aren't winning anything. There wuld have been no mention of "creating your own luck."

Either call it down the middle or rename the site to something more appropriate, like spurstalk.com or liverpoolblows.tv.

You are the Joey Styles of bloggers.

Re: Spurs Snatch Last Gasp Winner Against Liverpool

Raatzie — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:30:29 -0000

Rob Styles. Brain fart.

Re: Alan Parry Scores Own Goal In Bolton vs Liverpool Match

Raatzie — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:59:47 -0000

Or not.

Re: Chelsea Suffer Arsenal Disease In 1-2 Killer Blow

Raatzie — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:28:06 -0000

Looked offside to me.

I still think Chelsea is the most complete club and will win the league. One point at home from the Big Three is worrisome, but they TCB against the others better then the other three, particularly Arsenal and Liverpool, seem able to.

Congrats to the Gunners for two giant-killing performances.

Re: Cristiano Ronaldo: What Were You Thinking?

Raatzie — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:32:32 -0000

A hearty thanks to the United delegation for chiming in.

Considering you've already won one match this year by shoving a keeper out of the way, you might want to pipe down about the reffing, yes?

Re: Man United: One Step Away From Equaling Liverpool’s Greatness

Raatzie — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:30:57 -0000

Is the sale still viable given the current price of oil? Isn't Abramowich struggling right now?

Re: Does Anyone Want to Win the Premier League This Season?

Raatzie — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:23:53 -0000

Infuriating. Keane is driving me nuts. As always, too much pressure on Stevie G. to score when Torres is out (and vice versa).

Re: Poll: Who Is The Best Manager In The Premier League Right Now?

Raatzie — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:48:06 -0000

Brown 1, O'Neill 2, Hodgson and Megson in a race for third.

Re: Benitez Attacks Ferguson: Press Conference Video

Raatzie — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:37:53 -0000

Sing it, everyone, sing it.

Ra Ra Ra Ra-fa Benitez!
Oh, yes, indeed,
Lay the smack down on Fergie!

Now just the women!

Re: Benitez Attacks Ferguson: Press Conference Video

Raatzie — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:38:49 -0000

Unlikely. He's players know he's a whiner too.

Re: Benitez Attacks Ferguson: Press Conference Video

Raatzie — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:38:56 -0000

"As a United fan I know I have a manager that has class, taste, and history on his side."

So why don't you let that guy manage instead of Fergie?

Re: Benitez Attacks Ferguson: Press Conference Video

Raatzie — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:25:41 -0000

Mr. red-in-the-face-abusing-the-refs! No, not so much.

Re: Benitez Attacks Ferguson: Press Conference Video

Raatzie — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:30:14 -0000

Whatever. Rafa doesn't respond, he's "weak." He does, he's "losing it."

Given those choices, his measured response was more than appropriate.

Lot of season left. The League will not be won in January - and certainly not in the papers.

Re: Benitez Attacks Ferguson: Press Conference Video

Raatzie — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:34:04 -0000

#1. 5 points ahead.

#2. By definition, the match with Liverpool is not a match in hand, wanker.

Benitez gambled and rested Torres and Keane for the Everton-Everton-Zenit London stretch.

With no Alonso, I would have started one, but so be it.

Friday had no impact on Saturday.

And this season is far from over.

Start flapping your trap when Man U. is top in reality, and not just in "matches in hand" theory.

Re: Benitez Attacks Ferguson: Press Conference Video

Raatzie — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:46:27 -0000

Such an insightful comment. Next time throw in a "yo mama" joke for added measure.

Re: What Would Martin O’Neill Do?

Raatzie — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:38:21 -0000

Well put. And while we're at it, aren't David Moyes and Steve Bruce, like MON, doing more with less this year? Everton doesn't even have a striker.

Re: The Truth About the Hillsborough Disaster

Raatzie — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:35:20 -0000

As the historical record and evidence suggest precisely that (that Liverpool fans caused Heysel but not Hillsborough), how does this demonstrate hypocrisy, you toolbox?

Re: A Weekend of Drama in the English Premier League

Raatzie — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:32:26 -0000

Gaffer,

Liverpool did precisely that - against Sunderland and Boro - the first two weeks of the season.

That's when you declared that they had no shot to win the league.

They've also done it to Wigan and City.

A little intellectual consistency, please?

Re: Liverpool’s Title Chances On The Brink

Raatzie — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:36:07 -0000

Giving Man U. three points for their game in hand, they're one point up on Livepool (assuming Liverpool wins today)

And their season is on the brink?

The haters are out in force.

Re: A Weekend of Drama in the English Premier League

Raatzie — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:02:44 -0000

And United missed opportunities against Newcastle, Everton, and Spurs.

And lost to Arsenal to boot.

Your point still appears to be

Liverpool - late winners in Aug-Oct - no chance in hell.

Man. U. - late winners in Nov-Jan - have wrapped up the League.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Because if that's your point, it's nonsense.

Re: A Weekend of Drama in the English Premier League

Raatzie — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:39:34 -0000

No, points are everything. Timing is nothing.

The League isn't won in January any more than it is won in October.

Your failure to acknowledge your intellectual inconsistency is disappointing, if not surprising.

As is the anti-Red bias.

P.S. Gerrard 68. So, so much for that theory.

Liverpool - 2008-09 triple winners.

Spurs - 2009 Carling Cup runners-up, 2010 Championship play-off runners up.

Re: A Weekend of Drama in the English Premier League

Raatzie — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:48:23 -0000

Never mind. You win.

Re: Liverpool 1-1 Everton: Video Highlights

Raatzie — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:25:03 -0000

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

(deep breath)

OK. Better now.

Re: FA Cup Fifth Round Draw Announced

Raatzie — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:29:51 -0000

Either half of Merseyside-Villa and round 2 of Arsenal-Bunrley would seem to be the spotlight ties.

Re: Liverpool 1-1 Everton: Video Highlights

Raatzie — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:11:48 -0000

I know Spurs can't sign him. Can Liverpool loan him out to Spurs for the remainder of the season?

Re: Liverpool 1-1 Everton: Video Highlights

Raatzie — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:59:42 -0000

And while we're at it, there are reported rumors of a Keane loan to Everton.

I'd love y'all's thoughts on that.

Re: Liverpools Title Challenge Is Slipping Away

Raatzie — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:14:25 -0000

There is absolutely no justification for taking Gerrard off last night. None.

Without Keane to replace him, there was absolutely no justiifcation for taking Torres off in the Everton league game, up 1-0. None.

These are the straws breaking the camel's back of odd substitution decisions, which also include (a) a very steady winger in Riera being taken off almost every game that he starts, and (b) Keane being taken off almost every game that he starts, regardless of situation.

It's very possible - but to me, mind-boggling - that a week from now, Liverpool's goals for the remainder of the season could be down to (1) winning the Champions' League and (2) beating out Arsenal for the fourth CL spot for next year.

Of course, they may have to sacrifice the former for the latter, putting depleted teams out in the CL games and saving their best 11 for the League games.

In other words, a mirror image of the last two years.

Assuming they get by Everton (huge assumption given their current form), they'll need some Anfield fairy dust to avoid a defeat or a Villa Park replay in Round 5.

The doubters have been proven right by a nightmrish December/January.

Re: Liverpools Title Challenge Is Slipping Away

Raatzie — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:23:05 -0000

I agree they're the favorites, with Man U. the second best bet.

Which is why, unless they put away Arsenal and any other contender (Everton?) for the fourth CL spot early (unlikely give their current form) I don't think Liverpool puts out its best squad in the CL this year.

Re: Poll: Who Will Win? Liverpool Or Chelsea?

Raatzie — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:06:02 -0000

It's Liverpool. It's 2009. It's a draw.

Chelsea to equalize in the 86th minute, followed by the immediate replacement of Torres, Keane, and Gerrard with Lucas, Hyypia and Plessis.

Me? Bitter much?

Re: Only a Miracle Will Save Premier League for Liverpool

Raatzie — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:14:09 -0000

Agreed. The difference in reaction between now and the beginning of the season is the difference in form.

Doesn't change the fact that some of Gaffer's anti-Liverpool screeds in August through October were ridiculous.

Re: Mike Riley Should Never Referee a Big Match Again

Raatzie — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:28:46 -0000

Man U, the 'Pool is coming for you!!!!!!!!!!

/not really
//distant second in the league
///just wanted to flex a little, on a day that I felt like I could.

Re: ESPN Loses Premier League UK TV Rights Battle

Raatzie — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:03:10 -0000

Agreed. Will be interesting to see the distribution of games in the US.

Re: Arsenal Or Villa: Who Is Your Favourite In The Race For Fourth Place?

Raatzie — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:12:17 -0000

I think most neutrals would dig Villa making the Champions League.

I simply hope it's not at Liverpool's expense.

Re: Who Would You Rather See Relegated: Tottenham or Newcastle?

Raatzie — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:23:29 -0000

1. Libel is a civil, not criminal, matter - on both sides of the Atlantic.

2. Nobody would have standing to sue.

Your end of the lesson.

Re: Villa Continue to Amaze While Chelsea Needs to Think UEFA Cup

Raatzie — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:28:44 -0000

Villa's been an enjoyable club to watch the last two years. I'd like to see them in the CL.