The new shirts wear released with the words; ‘It’s inspired by greatness. It’s modern tradition. It’s unapologetically Liverpool FC. It will make you feel 7ft tall’ and the kit certainly does have a retro feel to it.

“It’s a really nice kit, I’m really impressed,” said skipper Steven Gerrard. “You never know what to expect when going from one sponsor to another, but I’m very impressed. It’s retro, it’s comfortable, it’s good on the eye and the yellow is back which, of course, is the natural colour of the Liverbird. The players look forward to seeing the new kit as much as the fans. It’s very important that the players are happy wearing it. The fans pay good money and I’m sure they’ll be as happy with it as I am.”

The new kit’s design is inspired by the clubs glory days when the Reds won six league titles, two European Cups, two FA Cups and four League Cups in the ’80s.

The kit features the traditional and unmistakable red and yellow colour scheme of Liverpool’s past dominance. With the iconic Liverbird, Warrior branding and chest advertising bolding standing out from the simple red jersey. The reverse side of the jersey features the eternal Hillsborough flames with the number 96, in reference to the amount of people who lost their lives during the disaster.

Inspiration

The new Liverpool FC third kit takes its design inspiration from the classic tracksuit tops worn by the infamous LFC teams of the mid 1980’s, incorporating the diagonal stripe across the front of the shirt.

The Shirt & Design

Drawing from history and tradition, the new kit showcases a stylish modern twist. The inclusion of cyan blue in the shirt design dates back to Liverpool’s first home kit worn almost 120 years ago which incorporated alternate white and blue halves – it wasn’t until Bill Shankly became manager that  the home kit  became completely red, in 1964.

The cyan blue is used throughout the kit and incorporated into the design through the iconic adidas three stripes across the shoulders and the shirt sponsor. The shirts main design features diagonal stripes in black and cyan blue over the right shoulder and continuing around the trim of the sleeve to create a modern, stylish look whilst giving a nostalgic nod to the club’s illustrious past.

A closer look at the shirt reveals further subtle design features including a diagonal, tonal emboss running through the fabric.

Technology

adidas has again pushed the boundaries in the development of apparel technology giving Liverpool FC players an extra edge on the pitch.

TechFit™ – On the field, the players’ kits will incorporate adidas’ cutting edge TechFit™ technology, to help improve speed, increase endurance capabilities and enhance awareness. This works by stabilizing and focusing the muscles’ energy to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output.

Climacool™ -The shirts also feature adidas ClimaCool™ technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin in the key heat zones.

New for the 2011/12 season the kit also includes a revolutionary sock design which features anatomically placed cushioning and Achilles protector.

The new third kit is available now online at: www.store.liverpoolfc.tv

The Shirt & Design

The new Liverpool Football Club Away kit for the 2011/12 season takes its design inspiration from metallic elements. Solid grey in colour, the shirt is finished with metallic silver detailing on the iconic adidas 3 stripes across the shoulders, both sponsors logo’s and the laser cut woven crest. These elements combined create a modern, stylish and distinctive look.

A closer look at the shirt reveals further subtle design features. A vertical single stitch silver pinstripe is engineered through the shirt fabric and an intricate modern v-neck design that integrates red piping detail. This particular design detail also features on the front of the jersey and shorts.

New for 2011/12 season the kit also includes a revolutionary sock design which features anatomically placed cushioning and an achilles protector.

Technology

TechFit™ – On the field, the players’ kits will incorporate adidas’ cutting edge TechFit™ technology, to help improve speed, increased endurance capabilities and enhance awareness. This works by stabilizing and focusing the muscles’ energy to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output.

Climacool™ -The shirts also feature adidas ClimaCool™ technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin in the key heat zones.

The new away kit will go on sale on the 12th May but can be pre-ordered online at www.store.liverpoolfc.tv

Adidas Liverpool Third Kit

Design

The new black kit is Liverpool FC’s  3^rd kit for the 2010/11 season. The kit incorporates adidas TechFit™ technology and the club’s world famous badge has been updated for the new season. A new laser cut woven crest replaces the heavier direct embroidery technique traditionally used, resulting in a thinner, lighter badge on a sleeker shirt.

Technology

adidas again push the boundaries in the development of apparel technology with shirt evolution moving one step further in giving Liverpool FC players the edge on the pitch:

TechFit™ – On the field of play the players’ kits will incorporate adidas’ cutting edge TechFit™ technology, to help improve speed, increased endurance capabilities and enhanced proprioception. This works by stabilizing and focusing the muscles’ energy to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output

Climacool -The shirts also feature adidas ClimaCool™ technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin in the key heat zones.

Available to buy:  12^th August, 2010

Visit www.liverpoolfc.tv/store for all the information on the new kit

Adidas Chelsea Away Kit

Design

The new black and orange Chelsea away kit will be worn for the first time on August 4^th 2010 vs Hamburg. Notably for the first time in club football, adidas TechFit™ features directly in the playing shirt, enhancing muscle performance. The kit has a contemporary design with mesh integrated into the main body of the jersey. The finished fabric helps create a striking design with the performance benefit of wicking sweat away from the body.

Technology

adidas again push the boundaries in the development of apparel technology with shirt evolution moving one step further in giving Chelsea FC players the edge on the pitch:

TechFit™ – On the field, the players’ kits will incorporate adidas’ cutting edge TechFit™ technology, to help improve speed, increased endurance capabilities and enhanced muscle focus proprioception. This works by stabilizing and focusing the muscles’ energy to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output

Climacool -The shirts also feature adidas ClimaCool™ technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin in the key heat zones.

Available to buy: 5^th August 2010

Visit www.chelseafc.com/megastore for all the information on the new kit.

We make the shirt. You make it Liverpool FC

That is the tagline Adidas have used with the release of the new Liverpool away kit for the 2010/11 season. Rafa Benitez won’t be the man picking the team next season and you wonder which of the current stars will be wearing this kit come the new season. Is this the last time you will see Steven Gerrard in a Liverpool shirt. We will have to wait and see…

The white shirt features a red pin stripe design and is a throw back to the shirts worn in the 70’s and 80’s. The red Adidas detailing and red and black collar add to the design which also features  Liverpool’s new shirt sponsor ‘Standard Chartered’ on the front.

Yesterday the new Liverpool FC home shirt went on sale and to celebrate adidas arranged an interesting activity.

adidas make the new Liverpool FC kit, but the fans make the club. To celebrate them and the new home shirt going on sale adidas went to Williamson Square in the heart of Liverpool and gave hundreds of fans the chance to do a swap: give us the shirt on your back and we’ll give you the new home shirt.

Liverpool FC and adidas today unveiled the new home shirt for the 2010/11 season, featuring for the first time renowned adidas TechFit technology.

Inspiration

The brand new Home kit features a jacquard design, taking inspiration from the strip worn during the triumphant 1989/90 title winning season.

Design

The new red kit is steeped in history and tradition but with a stylish modern twist. For the first time in club football, adidas TechFit features directly in a playing shirt. The club’s world famous badge is also updated. A new laser cut woven crest replaces the heavier direct embroidery technique traditionally used, resulting in a thinner, lighter badge on a sleeker shirt.

Technology

adidas again push the boundaries in the development of apparel technology with shirt evolution moving one step further in giving Liverpool FC players the edge on the pitch:

TechFit™ – On the field of play the players’ kits will incorporate adidas’ cutting edge TechFit™ technology, to help improve speed, increased endurance capabilities and enhanced proprioception. This works by stabilizing and focusing the muscles’ energy to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output

Climacool -The shirts also feature adidas ClimaCool™ technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin in the key heat zones.

For the launch of the new shirt adidas and Liverpool FC are looking to involve the hugely passionate supporters of the club with a unique online activity. Fans can upload their pictures to sit alongside players making up the jacquard design of the new shirt. Liverpool FC supporters can be part of this activity by logging on to www.liverpoolfc.tv/store

Nick Craggs, Marketing Director, adidas Area North said “Both adidas and Liverpool FC have a long and proud heritage in football and we are delighted the club will be wearing such a technologically advanced shirt next season.”

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Commercial Director said: ”We are very excited about launching the first of 3 new shirt designs  for the 2010/11 season. The new home kit combines our authentic all red colour with a fresh and striking design featuring our 2010/11 shirt sponsor Standard Chartered Bank.”

The new kit will be available from 6^th May

*On an interesting side note: Notice Gerrard and Kuyt in the yet to be released Predator X Champions White/Blue version  which is due out next season.*

Fernando Torres (still not fully match fit) found himself in acres of space and slotted home a brilliant header to give Liverpool the lead at Old Trafford. His joy was short-lived however as Mascherano brought down Valencia in the box to concede (an obvious) penalty. Any team will contest a penalty decision and so it was with Liverpool. Torres’ frustration boiled over and what resulted was an intriguing series of events. Torres, who was standing on the penalty spot swung his leg widely and removed a chunk of green from the spot. Was it cheating? Some will say he could have been carded for ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’. Whether or not he deserved a card isn’t all that important. Nor is it important whether or not he was deliberately trying to ‘cheat’. Rooney’s penalty wasn’t the best but in the end he did slot it home as Reina’s parry only helped it back into the England hitman’s path. The significance of the ‘hacked’ piece of turf may just have had great impact on the game in the second half. With the score poised at 2-1 (advantage United), Gerrard received a ball on the right flank and whipped it across the box towards Torres. The Spaniard got an unlucky bobble and the ball went spiraling off his shin. After studying the reply over and over, I am pretty convinced that the ball bounced up off the very divot dug up earlier by the striker. Poetic justice? Maybe it served him right. I’m not saying that Liverpool deserved to score, nor that United won because of fate. What I am saying however is that maybe, just maybe Torres dug his own grave. The striker would normally have buried that shot. Instead his side left empty handed and face finishing as low as 7^th.

Rooney points to the spot after Torres took out his frustration.

Last night Manchester City, in their efforts to secure a win that would promote them to pole sitters in the race for 4^th , allowed themselves to be out-thought, out-played and out- ‘cooled’ by Eveton. What do I mean by ‘out -cooled’? The title race and the battle for 4th are incredibly tight – possibly the tightest ever! The winners will be the team that can hold their nerve. Cool heads – that is what is needed. When the pressure is on and you need to be cool, the result can depend on who has the ‘bottle’ and who gets ‘bottled’. Torres showed a lack of ‘coolness’ when he had his little tantrum. It may have come back to bite him… United have won the League for the last three years in a row, not because they are the best squad, but because they are the ‘kings of cool’. When a cool head is needed, United have one. Even Rooney, the ‘perennial hothead’ is showing great maturity (and showed it with his reaction to Torres’ poor gardening skills). The old saying (at Wenger): ‘You can’t win trophies with boys’ is truer then ever. With Chelsea, United and Arsenal all in with a shot at the title, while Villa, Man City, Spurs and Liverpool all could go to Europe next year, the test of ‘coolness’ is on. Spurs have shown before that they can’t take the heat, but that was a long time ago and with a very different squad. Now that test (and pressure) is on. Torres lacked composure. Who else will kick the proverbial penalty spot and see the title ball bounce unluckily off their expensively-assembled-squad boot and watch their glorious chance of glory loop agonizingly over the goal mouth of success? Keep your nerve, have a cool head and you will reap the reward of not seeing your lack of self control coming back to bite you in the bum… à la  Torres!

The Liverpool captain recently joined David Beckham in wax. After 300 precise measurements, a truck load of photographs and 4 months of labour, £150,000 has been spent on making the life-like wax model. Complete with Gerrard’s Liverpool kit and trademark Adidas Predator boots, the giant candle is the second footballer to enter the museum.

“It’s an absolute thrill to have my very own figure at Madame Tussauds.” said Gerrard.

The weekend is over and the biggest talking point will be the result of the match between Liverpool and Manchester United. On most accounts it was a game for United to lose – which is exactly what they did.
So where did Sir Alex go wrong?
I mentioned in my match review that Rafa often gets criticized for his team selection but that I thought Sir Alex had got it wrong this time and Rafa – spot on.

First of all: defense. I could give 4/4 to Sir Alex for his defensive selections. Most people would have done the same. Vidic has had a poor run against Liverpool but I still would have picked him. The same can be said for Rio, who is not at his best. Evra seemed rather uninterested and had a poor game. Maybe Fabio could have played but risking the youngster would have been just that: a risk. O’Shea on the right, did the job, I guess but I still feel that United miss Rafael! Taking one step back however, I didn’t leave thinking ‘thank goodness we have Edwin back!’ Foster did have a couple of dodgy moments but Edwin was hardly convincing either.

Midfield is where it all went wrong for United I thought (and by implication where Rafa showed his class). Ryan Giggs has been in the form of his life and you can’t blame Sir Alex for picking him. Valencia has been good so no surprises there. Carrick is a solid midfielder and I’m happy with his selection. That brings me to Paul Scholes. The man is brilliant, of that there is no doubt. He is also old. I think that the pace of the Premier League has left him behind. I would use him as a sub to close out games and in Europe. Anderson’s work rate and energy was sorely missed on Saturday. Nani may not always be top draw but he gives United something different – something they needed! I would have gone Nani, Carrick, Anderson/Giggs, Valencia. I give Sir Alex’s midfield a 2/4 because even though Giggs was there, he is too slow as a winger now days.

All that said what United missed the most was Owen Hargreaves. Estimated to be 6 weeks away from returning, Owen Hargreaves is the piece of the puzzle United need the most! Mascherano is 70% of the reason Liverpool got three points yesterday. Hargreaves could have done the same for United.
I would have picked Rooney and Berbatov (so 2/2 for Fergie) but they hardly had anything to work with.

Liverpool were too strong and too quick for the United’s midfield and that is where the game was lost (or won in the case of Liverpool). United played with too much patience and not enough drive. Both Nani and Anderson could have helped with that.
In the end all credit must go to Liverpool for the pressure they put on United. They played better than they have all season. Time will tell if, like last year, Liverpool get bragging rights for the games against United. But the champions may still be crowned Champions again.