Let's learn from history lesson

Oct 25 2006 Red Watch by Andy Proudfoot, Daily Post

That said, I don't buy this 'play your strongest side' argument,, implying that there's a discrete set of 11 'best' players that should play every week.

Team selections should always be subject to form and tactics, picked according to the opposition and context of the game.

Like others, I just think Rafa has brought too much change too soon, making it difficult for established players to adapt to a new style and for new players to settle.

Injuries will usually take care of the rest players need, and further changes just invite problems with cohesion.

Rafa has already shown a willingness to admit mistakes, off-loading the likes of Josemi, Pellegrino and Morientes when it became clear they would not flourish in the Premiership.

Let's hope that privately he acknowledges the lessons of our away form and acts accordingly; I'm sure he needs no reminding that the fans invariably win in the end.

Old Trafford shame

I'M usually a fierce advocate of the loyalty, knowledge and patience displayed by Liverpool fans, but occasionally we let ourselves down so badly that shame can replace pride.

Perhaps it was naive to expect the measures taken at Old Trafford to tame the enmity between the respective fans, which ranged from the necessary to the futile, to have any sort of impact.

I suppose the 'Munich' chants are hard to resist when faced with taunts of 'Murderers', but does this excuse the taunting of Alan Smith after the match, or the churlish silence and sporadic booing that greeted Sir Bobby Charlton?

Sir Bobby in particular has always been generous in his admiration for Liverpool, and didn't deserve this response. Taunting our rivals with their meagre total of European Cups is one thing, insulting greats of the game quite another.