Control....

This is a story about control, my control
Control of what I say, control of what I do
And this time I'm gonna do it my way
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do

I'm in control, I'm in control
Don't make me lose it

"Oh no, she di'n't", I hear you saying. But yes, I most surely did - I really am quoting lyrics from a Janet Jackson song on an LFC blog...

Control - possession of which is a stimulant like no other, the lack of (and desire for) which can drive one to madness. To wit - this quote from our manager after yesterday's draw against Wigan:

"The second half was crazy and when it is crazy you cannot control things."

People have been questioning Benitez's sanity - who and what is he raving at now? What on earth was he doing regarding those substitutions? And what was Lucas doing out there at all? Doesn't Benitez care - doesn't he know we're finally SOOOOOOOO close after sooooo many years ... DAMN HIM!!

It's been quite the recurring theme over the last few weeks, don't you think? And the multiple facets of it encapsulated in my previous not-so-subtly-pisstaking paragraph. Starting with Rafa's "rant" at the red-faced sot down the East Lancs (over Fergie's seemingly unquestioned control over refs and the FA), rejection of his new contract a week later (over lack of control in the transfer market), fans pulling their hair out ready to sack the man (over lack of control over results/subs because of course we all know better than he does), fans ready to stick Lucas up on a pitchfork (more of same but also because the soft lad couldn't control himself after harrying back 60+ yards and made the unmistakeable sin of conceding a penalty - how dare he? Liverpool's never ever ever conceded a penalty - ever)....

Oh and there was also that little matter of Steven's bit of hot water - which kicked this all off in a way as Benitez was trying divert attention away from the player's troubles - for allegedly being near/involved in a ruckus because the group wanted control over the venue's music collection.

I've been sitting on this a few days - I too would like more control; over my time to write these posts, over my job future, over Liverpool winning the league. But unfortunately, some of those things are out of my hands. And when things get away from you - or you have no say in them at all, particularly when you feel like you should - it's impossible not to feel frustrated and want to have a pop at someone. (Anyone spending more than five minutes on the streets of New York or in the subway must know what that feels like.)

We cannot control everything though it never stops us from wanting to. Do people *really* think no time was devoted in training to dealing with Everton's set pieces (and / or Cahill in particular)? Surely no one missed how thrilled Benitez looked after Lescott scored last Sunday...especially with Xabi standing right beside little Timmy waving hi. Of course the manager is responsible for getting his message through to the lads but he has no control over whether those teachings are excuted properly in every instance and that's just got to kill him. Same as it killed the team when Lucas conceded the penalty for a stupid challenge, same as it killed Lucas when Skrtel lost the ball in the midfield and he busted a gut to cover as there wasn't a teammate around.

We supporters then drive ourselves and everyone else crazy because we of course are completely powerless to do anything about any of this. We yell, we swear, some kick the cat/dog/car/etc. because of our frustration when things don't go the way we think they should (however that's determined). Some take it to extremes and think every game should be like Pro Evo Soccer - we always win and no mistakes are ever made (at least not in any way that's actually punished - how nice is that?).

Where am I going with all this? Well there's no tidy summary this time really. Just that while there's nothing wrong in and of itself with wanting control; there is in fact a need for it as we'd otherwise have complete anarchy. It breeds confidence, it makes for success. However, if we don't recognize that it's not possible in every situation to obtain or maintain - that we cannot control each and every facet of evey single thing as much as we'd like to try - one is doomed to fail. The ones who succeed are the ones who just pick themselves up and keep plugging along, hopefully minimizing the pain/damage caused the next time things don't go to plan. You continue looking to improve; you continue to support - you certainly don't throw in the towel or give up because you can't have it your way.

Because it will most certainly always - at some point - not go to plan once again.

Just have a drink (or joint, if you prefer!), chill for a minute and repeat those wise words:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference

And let's just beat the Laaandaaan Bluesh*te on Sunday.

¡Cojones de acera!

In case I wasn't already in love with our manager, I will drop my normally calm, cool exterior to pronounce that Rafael Benitez has officially pushed me to the point of Beatlesque frenzy...

It's been a very long time that I've felt so giddy over something that had nothing to do with a Liverpool result or some bit of music in my earcans.

"Rant"? Please. "Tirade"? Gimme a break. All our gaffer has done is publicly state the exact sentiments supporters, players, other managers and even referees have said in private. Are there still people out there who doubt how much this man is the embodiment of one Bill Shankly writ large for the 21st century? I know there are. And you know what?

Fuck 'em.



While I've read people worrying about playing Everton twice within the span of a week, wringing their hands over Steven's legal troubles (important as he no doubt is, I thought we resented that "one/two-man team" tag?), and always wondering when the shoe is going to drop, thank god we've got someone in charge who is seemingly made of sterner stuff than most of the rest of us.

We've asked him to show some guts and now that he has, some people are complaining?? All of a sudden we're too cocky, too cavalier, not thinking about the consequences...what the heck has happened?

All I know is that Rafa went into the hospital to have kidney stones removed - and he came out with a bigger set of stones on display. And by god I wish some supporters would get a pair themselves.

* * * * *

Two points dropped, one point gained...hard to say as we were poor today against Stoke. Can't excuse it and the timing couldn't have been worse with some tough games against Everton and Chelsea to come, as well as once again we fail to take maximum points on a weekend our rivals face off against each other - I have honestly lost track of when we've made it count. Keane not coming off the bench when we still had a sub available is a headscratcher no doubt. One could say we weren't creating enough (and looking suspect defensively) so why bother but that route one pass that Torres deftly flicked on for Gerrard might have been enough indication that Robbie deserved a go, out of sorts or not. I mean if Babel could get a run...

Ah well, time to regroup and get ready for a killer couple of weeks. Would I prefer an easier, less stressful path to the title - who wouldn't? But it is about the ride as much as the finish. Shake it off and let's get back on track.

And though it really shouldn't need saying (but some seem to continually forget): let's support our boys and our manager. Between Rafa's comments yesterday, the performance today and (heaven forbid) a win by either spawny side tomorrow, you just know the knives are sharpened and ready to go for our jugular. Time to stand tall and stand firm - long way to go yet.