microcosm

It's my final appearance at my business today before I will be blessed with three weeks off! Stay tuned for some records what is going on in my vacation, hopefully with lots of sunny days without any stress.

Finally the tournament will start tomorrow with 14 teams now. I guess there will be three groups with 4 or 5 teams and I hope our two teams will not face each other in the group-phase. Here is who Michael H. and Fabi G. will lead out:

Speaking of the group-phase - a winning start will be vital for tomorrow's campaign! The teams are able to win matches if they put some pressure on their oppontents and play tactically clever and gain the lead early. They could earn at least one place in the final round. I'm confident the boys and girls will do it tomorrow and we can have a wonderful day tomorrow! Be excited - not nervous!!!

Rafa Benitez earmarked that he is desperate to sign Robbie Keane and Keane himself is also desperate to move to the Reds as he is a boyhood LFC fan. He would be a great purchase but from where will his chances come from? If you watched ManU or Chelsea, they seemed to be able to score from everywhere and to be honest - the only two players at LFC, who could carry this are Torres and Gerrard. The offense should be strengthened by wingers to give Rafa more options. He is also still in the hunt of Gareth Barry, who is also not a winger. This transfer doesn't make any sense and if Keane arrives, there will be no funds to purchase Barry.

The other problem in the squad is actually that LFC has a shining first eleven but this quality is not continuing on the bench. The absence of Mascherano is not easy to handle. I can't see a player who could replace him. Therefore the rehabilitation of Agger is going on really well and he will crush the opponent's striking as good as Carra. Here we come back to the wings with the full-backs.

Dossena wasn't bad at his early performances. He will compete with Finnan for the right full-back's position and it will be the right one to win a starting place, no matter who. The left side is the one to worry about. Degen has to improve as well as Aurelio, who hasn't an outstanding appearence since his arrival. This position has been weakend so far with the exit of Riise and the supposed exit of Arbeloa, who is intending to head home for personal reasons.

Welcome to the new boys Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena - the two defenders arrived at Merseyside! I'm courious who will follow them. I think LFC need a new winger to give the offense options.

Good-bye to Harry Kewell and Peter Crouch who exited Anfield and join Galatasaray/Portsmouth.

Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Lucas were selected by their national squads for the Olympics, so they will miss the start of the news season. Mascherano will leave a gap in the first team.

And - unbelievable - the works on the new stadium has been started!

My moment of truth will be this evening when I will visit a medical specialist with my injury. My ankle is getting better everyday and I'm nearly free of afflictions. The question is: What is really with my ligaments and how serious is this injury? Wish me luck when I'll try to find out!