First of all, congratulations to the team and staff for getting us to another European semi-final. Whilst I was tentative before the Benfica game and had doubts throughout, and yes the score flattered us a little, I was very pleased to see players running around smiling.
Javier Mascherano was immense for me, and clearly captain material. Kuyt did excellently and seems back on top form, and whilst Torres will no doubt get the plaudits, congratulations should also go to Lucas whose positive running set himself up a goal and who was constantly involved.
Steve Gerrard looked like his form is levelling out as 'good but not great' but frankly that was the best news of the night for me. When players like Masch, Kuyt, Torres et al step up to the plate, I'm really happy that Gerrard can finally be more of a passenger - we've waited a long time for that.
Interestingly both George Gillett and Tom Hicks were at the game last night (Hicks looking rather ill if I may say) and I'm almost sorry it ended 4-1 in case it gave them a false impression that everything is rosy. Reports today state that both parties are conducting meetings in London regarding new finance and the possibility of an 'independant' chairman, possibly Martin Broughton of British Airways.
To me this move indicates one of two things - either they genuinely want someone to chair board meetings (though why Christian Purslow can't do that I don't know), or another party has made it a requirement of them buying into Liverpool. given the brief history of their stewardship, any new party would not want Hicks or Gillett dictating things completely. So new finance may be forthcoming after all, especially given that our great keeper Pepe Reina today penned a new 6 year deal.
What I also found interesting was Benitez leaving Torres on despite a knee injury - very different to Sunday's game. It made me think whether Benitez - canny as he is - doesn't mind missing out on the Champions League next year, as it may reduce the asking price for part-club ownership and therefore ultimately work to get rid of the American owners. It's been such a ridiculous season that I really wouldn't put it past him - winning the Europa League would keep the fans on his side for one more year.
However I did cast that theory aside on the basis that Hicks can certainly afford to pay RBS off having sold his Texas Rangers last year in a deal rumoured to be worth $310 million. But whilst he seems to avidly see the potential of both Raarfa and the Liverpool Empire - does he really want to stick around now?
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