LIVERPOOL FC FAN SCENE: Ideal time for us take stock

Oct 12 2007 by Sam Johnstone, Liverpool Daily Post

IT’S another quiet weekend for Liverpool because of the internationals, and for once I don’t agree with Rafa Benitez about their timing.

The manager has said that it’s a nightmare that half his squad will be away, but maybe it’s good that we have a break to reflect on what’s been going on over the last fortnight.

The Tottenham game was disappointing from a defensive point of view, but again we didn’t lose and remain unbeaten in the league.

The mistakes made at the back were uncharacteristic and costly, but the result hasn’t seriously dented our championship hopes.

The international break could be a blessing in disguise when you think about it.

I know that Rafa wants time to work on problems we may have, and that would be great, but let’s think about the positives in letting the players get away from Melwood.

Steven Gerrard hasn’t been in the best form since his injury, but he’s the kind of footballer that plays his way back into form, and the two games for England will help greatly with this.

Similarly, the break gives Xabi Alonso the opportunity to play once before the derby, and that’s got to be a positive.

It’s obvious that we’ve missed Xabi, and it will be crucial for him to come back all guns blazing for the Everton game, so the one game he can play in for Spain will be a massive boost for his fitness.

The derby is going to be important for many reasons, not least of which is the opportunity to halt the decline in form. It’s a match where heart matters as much as mind and we will have the chance to get a bit of passion back into our play against Everton.

I’m expecting a tough match – my psychic abilities are well known – and that’s what we need at the moment.

I’m also expecting a better atmosphere between supporters for a change, and though that may be because of a tragedy, it will be good to get back to the banter of old rather than the hatred.

I’m old enough to remember the great days of mixed terraces, witty chants and the good natured crowing of the victors, and I, along with thousands of Reds and Blues have missed that.

The image of the city as a whole used to be reflected in the cordial yet sharp, good natured yet fierce atmosphere of the derby and it’s about time that those days returned. Let’s hope that the gestures made earlier are remembered come derby day.

On another positive note surely all Liverpool supporters would have been delighted to read of Javi Mascherano’s desire to commit himself to Anfield for a long time.

The lad is swiftly cementing himself in the team and is without a doubt one of Rafa’s best purchases… or loans, depending on who you believe.

For me he’s as good as Didi in that position, and that’s high praise.

Hamman was (and still is) a master of the art of the defensive midfielder, and Javier is a wonderful replacement for a player that I think we let go too soon.

I’m delighted that he wants to stay and is loving his time at the club and in the city, and I hope this enthusiasm rubs off on his team-mates.