Liverpool Banter Archive February 10 2015

10 Feb 2015 23:07:32
I am quick enough to criticize when we play poorly so well done lads, great game in spite of Phil Dowd, and i hope Balo's goal turns it around for him, i will wait and see on that one, still, it felt like we won the cup tonight, well done reds.

We won a really big game. Spurs are for real and thankfully, we won`t have to deal with the anymore this year as they are other people`s problems now.

10 Feb 2015 22:46:43
Loved it, loved it, best game for ages. Really enjoyed it even when they equalized I knew we would come through

Can, the new Beckenbauer ! Dan with his quicksilver feet, al looking good

Brendan out to impress by fielding all new purchases in front of John Henry

10 Feb 2015 22:39:21
What a tremendous game of football breath taken sakho and can switching the ball with quality passes and skrtel played very well mignolet was class Coutinho wasn't great but that was due to spurs and Ibe is class I could go on amd on well done LFC

Everyone played well. Couts was a bit under the bar but I`ll give him a pass because he never backed down. Congrats to the boys and the manager!

Agree, Coutinho perhaps not on his absolute top form going forward but still solid. Most impressive for me was how hungry he was in defence, he was sprinting all over the field to ensure they had no free runs at the wing backs or midfield. Think he helped Moreno out enormously.

10 Feb 2015 22:28:58
Chuffed again for Ibe and Mignolet. Can looked good in midfield. Coutinho struggled tonight, caught on the ball far too many times. Otherwise fairly average, but a good result leaving us 3 points of third.

Hopefully Rodgers isn't reverting back to type - standing off teams instead of playing the game that suits us i.e. high press apace.

We pressed very high yesterday hence why we had so many chances in the first half due to interceptions of there square passes

10 Feb 2015 22:25:09
I don't believe it. Balotelli? am I dreaming? Best cameo he's had all season. Chased everything, held up and laid the ball off well, and then scored his only chance to boot!

What a game. Were it not for a dubious free kick against Gerrard and then a blatant offside from the resulting free kick we'd have beaten the most in form team in the league comfortably. I love to be critical but I'm struggling right now! Sakho slipped over for the first maybe? ;) What a performance. I think If Lovren is going to come into our back 3 to push Can up, he needs to go central so Skrtel can go onto the right side. Lovren looked composed and strong in the air but every time Chadli ran at him I was worried. He stood up well though to be fair to him! My only genuine criticism is that our midfield was non existent when they had the ball until Can stepped up. We all know Gerrard can't defend though so that was no surprise. It put the defence under way too much pressure. I just hope we don't miss Lucas too badly. Gerrard to his credit was good in possession and his Hollywood passes out to Ibe really stretched Tottenham and gave Rose nightmares. (How good was Ibe by the way?!)

Fair play Rodgers. You keep us playing like this and give a few more youth players like Ibe chances then you might just win me over.

I liked the 'fair play rodgers' bit most of all.

Agreed EMS! IMO, the Kane goal was at the start, due to SG not tracking Lamella which made Sahko come off Kane and by the time he realized it, he tried to get back then slipped. All in all, it was a great team win vs a great opponent. Spurs are defo for real and Kane is a true CF who occupied a whole backline o his own. Brilliant player! Congrats to all the players, the staff n all reds across the globe!

BT sport were trying to pin the blame on the first goal on Emre Can.
When it was clear that a one two bypassed our midfield too easily.
Some things don't change in Football. You have to track your runners.

10 Feb 2015 22:19:11
Posted yesterday how we rarely get in the box and finish a cross with a one touch finish.

Step forward Super Mario, great play from Ibe and Lallana and one touch finish from a striker actually in the 6 yard box.

Most goals are scored in the box so really glad to get a winner like that in such a BIG game.

Let's keep it going boys!

Yaaaaaaaass

☺

3 months a go, he would not have made that run and had he not, he doesn`t score and we don`t win. That boy is ade of mental steel and as I have said b4, NOTHING can break him. Happy for him and the whole team.

10 Feb 2015 22:15:49
Mr Dennis, do you feel like a duck now.BR knows what he is doing

Gerrard was awful, looked like he was running in quick sand.
If anything was learned from tonight it's that Can is the future and Gerrard should be gently ushered to the exit.
Gerrard cost two goals tonight. That's a fact.

I would suggest to those looking to gloat should save their trash-talking for another day. BR has no idea what he is doing based on his selection because as I have posted b4, his decision-making will cost us top4 more than the other teams around us will. He played SG in a role that every man and his dog knows he is aweful YET played him. I`m happy we won BUT had we not, BR would have felt the full furor of many on here including most importantly JWH, the man who will decide come summer if he gets the boot or not. We won and I`m happy BUT those looking to gloat should stick to their day jobs.

Not the 2nd. Shouldn't even have had to make that tackle if others had took responsibility - and that is essentially what he gives now - he feels responsible while some other mercenaries couldn't give a f&^k. 11 players with that attitude and you win games.

11 Feb 2015 08:01:25
redohio the 4th position was never yours for the taking. You have to earn it. Rodgers has proved he is the man for the job to lead us at least the next 5 years.

10 Feb 2015 22:08:12
Ed fellow reds .big well done lads, especially think mario needs some credit that is what he is about play him as a striker and he'll bag a few more .but the biggest credit for me is Can gets moved around in the game and just gets on with it

10 Feb 2015 22:04:11
another impressive performance from ibe. I am absolutely delighted he is getting the chance to prove his quality, was hoping he was going to get a chance this season after seeing him in pre season, but I thought the signing of markovic had blocked that route but fair play to him he went on loan proved he deserved his shot and has taken it so well.
Hopefully this will help rodgers to see that academy players do have the ability to make it, he has only ever really given flanagan, sterling and ibe chances and all have delivered fantastically well, and out of all of them I think ibe has the most raw ability and potential and has also had the best start to his career with us as I believe he has been one of the best players in both games against good sides.
Also cannot wait to see can in midfield next season, think he is likely to see most of this one out at centre back but surely with our huge amount of centre backs then over the summer we can sort out a combination that works and release him into midfield as he looks an unbelievable presence and really has the ability to carry the ball forward almost like a yaya toure in that way.
YNWA

10 Feb 2015 22:01:57
Huge result really, they looked a good side and a bit like Man city at home last year we came up with the goods. I don't think the goal really says anything about ballo but lovren looked good when he came on and Can was on another level. Not sure were defensively secure enough to play a Can/Hendo CM but it would be exciting at least :)

10 Feb 2015 20:59:17
Going to be an interesting second half. Liverpool looking most likely to nick it. Few players on yellows hope it isn't decided by a sending off. The little brazilian isn't getting a lot of time on the ball, so he's learning a lesson tonight, how to play when constantly closed down.

Bentaleb and Mason are the best at pressing the ball in the league to be fair to PipCo. He kept them both busy which gave Ibe and Moreno acres of space out wide so fair play to him.

10 Feb 2015 19:14:42
I'm happy with the team he's put out tonight really looking forward to the match. Should be a attacking game. YNWA

10 Feb 2015 19:33:09
Would have liked to see can in midfield and Lovren given a start,stevie slows down our play.

Do you think Markovic will start wing back with Ibe up with Coutinho

How is Gerrard still getting games when he has been so awful this season? He's getting in on distant past reputation alone. That's no reason to get a game. Honestly think Spurs are going to beat us now. Well done BR. Another nail in your coffin.

10 Feb 2015 19:55:29
Hmm, Stevie and hendo in front of the defence I assume, there goes our fine run of clean sheets. Interesting to see whether ibe or markovic will play wing back. I'd go with markovic as I think ibe offers more up front, though he does also like to run at players, so not a big call there really, and they can always rotate.

Well its been attacking like I said. Dan s would have had at least a couple goals today if he match fit. Exciting to have him back.

10 Feb 2015 22:32:03
Difficult to reasonably argue against Gerrard having been poor. Time and tide.

Has to be Hendo and Can in midfield in absence of Lucas.

Everyone knows that SG is aweful at the DM position EXCEPT BR and his erratic decision-making which almost cost us today AGAIN

10 Feb 2015 18:49:59
Hi Eds, everyone. Any updates on Hendersons contract renewal? Sterlings situation seems to have taken all the thunder. Isn't Jordan's contract in a similar position? 2 yrs left?
Thanks

{Ed002's Note - No idea, sorry.}

10 Feb 2015 17:09:37
Any interest in Micah Richards? Available for free after his Fiorentina loans ends in June. Would be ideal on the right side of the 3, freeing Can up for midfield

{Ed002's Note - No.}

Would rather try Ilori thanks.

Defo think we need a 7th right back, let's go for Richards!

10 Feb 2015 16:14:01
Does anyone else agree with me saying that emre can should be given a chance to move into midfield now that lucas is injured, I think he brings far more in midfield than hendo and allen who pass back more than forward. plus he has a good shot on him so he would be more of a goal threat, Eds I would like to hear your opinion on this too

{Ed001's Note - I would prefer Can in there myself, it feels like a waste playing him in defence right now, while Gerrard and Allen are in midfield. If the other option is an academy player, then I would leave Can in defence.}

10 Feb 2015 16:42:45
Ed's1, I get the impression that you would like to see academy players get a run out even if it meant losing 3 points.The training ground is the place to see if they are good enough not against a side that could finish our top 4 ambitions

{Ed001's Note - the training ground is the place to improve their game so they are good enough. The place to see if it has worked is the pitch. You can not tell a thing about player's readiness on the training pitches. The training ground is nothing like the real thing. Some players rise to the occasion, others crumble under the pressure.}

If the other options are Allen or Gerrard we are up the creak without a paddle, if BR insists on Can in defence, I'd rather give Jordan Williams a go than Allen or Gerrard.

I'm all for the academy players being given a chance in the league, but not necessarily against the "top" dogs. Why not start Williams in a match against Leicester instead of one that's on a roll like Tottenham?

I personally hope that Can gets a run out in midfield with Lovren in his place. Most importantly, however, I hope we win the match!

All i know is I'd rather take a risk on Williams than go into a game knowing you have a has been or a never will be in centre mid(Gerrard or Allen).

10 Feb 2015 12:49:49
No Sterling tonight then. gutted.

I'm not. I hope ibe gets another start ahead of him.

I think Ibe would be a better striker than Sterling. Put him next to Sturridge and let's hope they can do some magic.

So we have a better chance without Sterling Benny?
I like Ibe as well and that will soften the blow but come on.
Nothing like a contract dispute to cloud people's judgement.

I would keep Ibe on the right and put Markowich on the left. Then try Mario and Sturridge up top with Coutinho behind. Can and Henderson in the middle and bring Lovren in.
Give Mario and Lovren a chance to shine.

{Ed001's Note - do you not think Markovic looks poor on the left? He doesn't look comfortable. I would leave him on the right and put Ibe on the left if those two were the wide men, Ibe has played well on the left in the past.}

I'd like to see Ibe given another start tbh. He can't dribble like Sterling, but he still manages to create danger, and I suspect he has a better shot on him than Sterling.
I know nobody will agree with this, but I think Sterling is not as effective in games as he could be, and he doesn't set up enough of those those quick one twos or clever passes around the box.
If Ibe and markovich are fit, I don't think we'll miss sterling half as much as people think.

10 Feb 2015 14:30:18
Sturridge
Coutinho, Ibe
Moreno, Allen, Hendo, Markovic
Sakho, Skrtel, Can
Ming

Except for Allen vs Johnson or Lovren, to me it picks itself

No doubt about Sterling is great, but wouldn´t it be nice if Ibe could replace Sterling and show him that he needs a reality check regarding his contract?

I'd go with a variation in our midfield.
Play Hendo and get him to sit and cover.
Normal keeper and defense with Hendo, Lallana and Coutinho as the 3 in midfield with Ibe and Markovic wide and Sturridge up top.
That side is boss.

Either way Ed. I would be happy with them both on the sides what ever side they play.
Not seen much of Ibe on the left for Derby but I will trust your judgement 😆.

Nothing clouding my judgement son. I believe sterling is massively over rated. Ibe on the other hand is greatly underrated.

Fair enough Benny.

10 Feb 2015 11:43:19
Regarding poll of the day:

How do you prevent concussion? Petr Cech style hats? Ban contested headers? Use an indoor Brazilian style futbol that's too heavy to lift off the ground? Ban corners and throw ins for kick ins? It's ridiculous. What next? How to prevent leg breaks? Getting hurt is part of the game. Take it out or put up barriers to reduce the risks and you kill the sport.

However, more should be done to stop concussed players from playing on. That is down to educating the physio's and team doctors though. Don't touch the game itself!

{Ed001's Note - obviously you don't understand the question. It is not preventing the clash of heads, but the damage done by playing on afterwards. Perhaps you should go and read the recent research, or the story of Jeff Astle.}

Surely that is a problem with the medical staff though, as I said? The poll question says 'prevent'. Stopping a player from continuing doesn't prevent concussion, it just allows it to be treated better and prevent further damage?

I don't think anything reasonable can be done to prevent heads from clashing. However, I do think there should be a rule that players cannot continue in the event of suspected concussion.

{Ed001's Note - it is more than just the medical staff. And you are still trying to be a pedant, which is just annoying when you know full well the question has to be cut down to a bare minimum to make it yes or no. The point is that the damage caused by concussion is being done by the lack of provision in the rules to deal with it, not just the medical staff, but the whole rule set needs work.}

Did anyone see the Wales v England Rugby match on Friday?
George North was knocked out twice in the game.
They took him off for the first blow he received as part of the new concussion rules and then he went back on.
He was then knocked out again and on the replay he was out before he even hit the floor. It was a horrific knockout.
But he played on until the end of the game.
Next day it came out that he had concussion. No ship sherlock.
This is a rule that needs to be taken out of managers and coaches hands in my opinion.
Warren Gatland was more interested in winning a game of Rugby than the players long term health and that can't be right.

Apologies Ed, I genuinely didn't know you had a character limit and was merely answering the question how I interpreted it. Am I right to assume the the question is really asking;

"Should more be done to ensure the safety of a player who has a head injury?"

If you check the current poll results, 80% of people have said no so I can only assume they've interpreted the question in the same way I have. I assure you I wasn't being pedantic. I genuinely thought the question was implying that chsnges need to be made to the game or that PPE should be introduced etc.

{Ed001's Note - no it is referring only to concussion, as head injuries do not always mean concussion. That could be a cut or a broken nose. Changes do need to be made, it is ludicrous that people's lives are being risked for a game, needlessly.}

I totally agree jonny. It has always been my opinion that the premier league should provide an independent medical team for every game so that the players health will be put ahead of winning the match. Had I known how the Eds intended this question in the first place, my poll answer would've been yes. I can't change it now though. I don't want to see changes made to prevent concussion though. I just want the medical response to concussion to be faster and more efficient; as well as independently verified so that managers have no say in it as you put it.

That sounds like common sense Adam.
And my real name is Jon or Jonny by the way.
Just so you know.
Did not feel right me knowing your name without knowing mine.

There are far too many avenues when going down this road. There is no right or wrong answer.

In my personal opinion I think modern footballers are remunerated well enough to take this risk. Such as deep sea divers checking oil platforms risking the bends etc. I personally think any person thinking constantly heading a ball you entire life won't result in effects is ignorant.

There are so many different studies out there regarding ehad safety and concussion, EG boxing 30 years ago changed to insist in head guards to reduce concussion, turns out. Those headguards actually resulted in more severe brain damage long term. Boxing gloves became heavier to protect hands however, recieving 1 knockout blow it turn out, is much better for you long term, than 200 punches received over 12 rounds whilst dehydrated.

My personal opinion would be that I don't think much else can be done. I ofcourse would expect DR's to bring off a clearly concussed player who was out cold.I think players need to be made more aware of what they put their bodies through. I was particularly astonished that the NFL had to honour the payment to former player who, of their own accord, threw their heads into tackles etc rather than use their arms, intentionally trying to knock out the opposition.

I feel that as long as enough information is given to the players, they should play knowing future consequences.

I do feel club DRs allowing players to continue need taking under review however.

Like I say there are far many different areas to this. For example I used to box and get caught on the equilibreum, which for 30 seconds would send you wobbly, but after I was fine, I'd then take an innocuous blow with a slight headsnap nothing major, and it would give me blinding nausea and headaches.

10 Feb 2015 13:35:27
Just on the mention of Jeff Astle Ed01,
I knew the family some years back, I looked after Jeffs window cleaning round for a year or two after he died for his widow Lorraine, a lovely family with great values, I got to see his England caps and his FA cup medal, they never got looked after adequately by the FA or anyone else concerned throughout a really torrid time for his wife and his daughters, and back then without the obvious sports science etc it wasnt recognised as being a problem like it is now, such a massive shame that someone with such a distinguished career should end up in a state of not even remembering his own history, top man and top top family

{Ed002's Note - It has never been an FA issue and such matters are now in the remit of the PFA. Previously the clubs were expected to be responsible. Unfortunately there were cases such as JA that slipped through the net. Hopefully it is much better now.}

Great post that Bobatron.
I just think that if you are clearly knocked out in a game in any sport you should be replaced.
That's my view.
Boxers are not asked to carry on after they get KO'd so I don't see what possible benefit this could have for a sportsman continuing to play.
But I am a player as well and if they tried to get me to come off in an FA cup final I would tell them to go away in no uncertain terms.
Its a hard one to call.

I completely agree there jonny. If video evidence has proved he's been sparked, drag him off. Or if he can't answer the (usually set of 5 questions) EG, where he is, what he's doing, the date.

I was astonished in the world cup when 2 clearly unconscious players were allowed to continue in separate matches.


If any one wants to read up on it. Our 'Enry was a driving force behind a lot of research into this.I'll try and dig up some old articles he helped get published. Also Dr Margaret Goodman a contributor to ring magazine has written plenty of articles regarding head injuries which are well worth a read.

10 Feb 2015 14:50:06
I think as much could be done as should be done. Returning to the deep sea divers analogy - yes they don't stop the job due to the risk, but they do spend millions on equipment every year (big companies who can afford to like BP etc) to avoid it happening! I like the suggestion of independent medical teams - hired by the FA and being assigned like ref's to games, but paid for by the teams

10 Feb 2015 21:39:53
Just for the record Ed002 back then the FA quickly stepped in and quickly stepped out after offering the Astle family a lot of help, it wasnt the responsibility of the FA granted but at the time they promised things they didn't back up which at the time wasnt really any help to the family in a time of need, I appreciate its not really for this page to be honest but I thought it right to clear it up, you are absolutely correct with the FA/PFA comments just back then the situation wasnt helped by the FA at all

10 Feb 2015 10:18:15
I hope we all get behind Raheem and do not fall into the trap set out by the media.
I remember when he signed the last contract.
In the build up to him signing everyone said he was after more money. City and Chelsea were ready to snap him up on the cheap and what happened?
He signed the contract.
And if I am not mistaken, was it Gerrard who first started talking about the contracts rather than Rodgers?
Maybe Rodgers felt the need to talk after hearing Stevie's comments.
Just putting it out there.

The simple fact is though that Raheem is not worth anything more than £70-80k/week.

He has had one semi-good run up front and now everyone thinks he is our best player. That's simply not true. He has still scored most of his goals against lower league teams or EPL relegation scrappers and we simply can't ignore his 20 game goal drought earler this season. He is great for his age, but he is over rated, over hyped, and if reports are to be believed he either over values himself or his agent does. Sure, he could go to Madrid a pick up £130k a week for 3 years until they stagnate his career and he ends up returning to England to be a bit part player for Newcastle etc. If he says and progressively increases hs salary at a far rate though he will eventually earn that money here and for a lot longer than 3 years.

If we bow to his demands we will make a rod for our back and soon Coutinho, Henderson, Sakho, Lucas etc will all start to wonder why they earn less despite being arguably more important to our team.

I hope it's all media BS a he's just dotting the i's nd crossing the t's, but if he seriously rates himself at over £100k a week at 20 years old, i say get a good price for him and get the next player off of the conveyer belt; Ibe, Ojo, Wilson, Kent, Sinclair, Canos etc. We won't miss him even in the short term because Ibe is already as good in my opinion.

{Ed001's Note - why do we have to talk about his goals? He is not a striker, he is being played completely out of position and yet he is still putting in some good performances. Drop him deeper, allow him to run at the opposition from there and then judge him. He is an excellent young player with the potential to be a truly great player.}

I don't listen to what anyone says apart from the Eds about supposed wages.
I think it is just paper talk about asking for 100 grand a week.
I am not too worried by it.
Like EMS says we have a lot of quality coming through.
What I don't want is for us to in essence become a feeder club, I would rather he stayed and we get the best out of him and then sell him on.

I agree with that Ed, you know i do! I've always wanted Sterling playing in attacking midfield whilst others still strongly argue he is a striker or wide forward.

I just don't think he is as critical to the team as many are making out. He has been inconsistent this season which is expected of a young player and in an ideal world, I'd love to keep him! Under no circumstances would I bow to his demands though. Potential dosn't justify top earner wages. He should be on a good, incentive based contract with clauses for salary increases.

I genuinely believe he will be world class. However, I don't think he is as important to us as the media makes out right now and I also think we have other good youngsters and could use the oney we get for him to strengthen the team (assuming Rodgers isn't in charge of transfers!)

If he stays and accepts a fair contract, brilliant! I'm not going to lose any sleep if he leaves though.

{Ed001's Note - so what makes you think the club are being asked to bow to any demands?}

A lot of media speculation about it which I was ignoring until a guy I follow on social media (who gets team news spot on every week before even BennyC) said the same guy he gets team news from said Sterling wants £130k. I've taken it with a pinch of salt but IF it's true, I'd drive him to Madrid for £45m.

10 Feb 2015 08:29:32
I've tried to search this, wasn't on this site for months and put it back on again last week and I get the impression the writing is on the wall for Rodgers. Is that true? Are the owners looking to sack him? Cheers

The eds have indicated he made promises he hasn't kept. That the ''mouth'' opens too quickly in interviews as well as other aspects. The club is currently under review as a whole as to how it's being run.
It's been clearly suggested that BR will very likely not be the manager next season.

10 Feb 2015 10:07:49
Ok so say he goes. Whose the alternative? Realistically!

As far as it is prudent for the Eds to disclose information they have, it does seem that BR assured the owners that if they invested the funds that they did last summer, then he would be able to mount a strong title challenge and do very very well in the CL.
Instead, we probably won't even make top four, and he had an awful first half of the season including a frankly pathetic CL campaign, by repeatedly sticking to a formation that even us amateurs could see was not working.
Taking half the season to find a winning formation might not be seen as a good enough performance tactically.
Also, in an era when ffp is being enforced, bad transfer decisions will genuinely and seriously damage the clubs long term prospects.
BR has repeatedly signed players who did not deliver results, or who were never given a chance, and we seem to have overpaid for some of the players that are decent quality, such as markovich and possibly moreno.
Buying balotelli was possibly his biggest mistake so far, and you have to wonder how senior professional scouts could have decided his playing style was suitable for lfc before we went in with £16m.
Choosing mario instead of remy seems in hindsight to have been a major error of judgement, and one which has contributed to the poor results.
It just seems like rodgers has been too stubborn in clinging to his possession philosophy despite continuing poor results up until december, too self confident to learn from his mistakes, and is not consistent enough in picking quality players.
The sums of money wasted are frighteningly large, and nowadays each bad player bought means there is no money left to repair the damage and buy a good player.
Smart transfer strategy is more important to a clubs future than it has ever been, and rodgers has played a big part in messing it up.
I would never want to get personal in attacking him as some do, but I fear the owners will see our likely 5th/6th place as an abject failure on his part, and they will probably take action.

Well said anonymush. We can be optimistic as much as we want but the reality is the team's improved performances have come a tad too late. It probably will not get us UCL football next year and the owners will be justified in replacing the manager along with other necessary management changes. Its all a result oriented business and if we cannot get top4 even after spending over 120 million GBP, then Brendan deserves the sack.

10 Feb 2015 11:05:26
Crackin reply lad nice one

I agree with the errors you have mentioned anonymush.
But you have to weigh up the positives as well as the negatives.
We have a young squad which it looks like it will only get younger as the academy is churning out some really good prospects.
This will bode well in the future for the balance sheet as well as the team.
I know Rodgers is not the finished article either but there are signs that we are on the cusp of something great.
I look at the reasons we have had a poor start to the season and while Rodgers deserves criticism for it (rightly so) I don't think he is solely to blame.
We lost the golden boot joint winner in Suarez and at the same time we lost our other brilliant striker for 5 months.
We bought a lot of players. some who have been really poor and Rodgers has to take his share of the blame but some are proving that we have not wasted all of our cash.
3 months ago on this site everyone criticized the manager for not sorting out the defense (me included).
We all have to say that he has sorted out the defense now!
He may not respond as quickly to some of things which appear obvious but he is only 40 which is a baby in terms of management.
I don't see the point in sacking him to be honest.
Is there a better coach out there? maybe but we might get a worse coach in trying to get a better one.
We would have more "transition".
I had this conversation with a few of my mates recently who support our rivals and they were genuinely in shock that we are even considering getting rid of him.
And it wasn't the "keep him in because he's crap" Moyes argument.
It was the "why are you on earth are you considering getting rid of a manager who clearly is on the right track" argument.
This summer I do not see why we have to give Rodgers any more money.
We have 11 players who are already going or who need to go.
What we need is to promote from within and use the funds from the players leaving to buy real quality in 2 or 3 purchases.
If we do that, get the signings right and promote the correct academy players for me we will have an amazing young vibrant and experienced squad for next year.
That is why I would like to see Rodgers continue in the job.

{Ed001's Note - how does having a fantastic academy equate to keeping Rodgers on? Sorry but I am confused by that point. It is a positive for the club, but absolutely nothing to do with what he has been doing.}

Its the Eds who've given us the insights into these situations to be honest. Otherwise I'd be reading the Metro rumours and would be convinced that Harry Kane was at this moment en route to Melwood to sign for us, so he could swap sides af half time tonight.

BR is a bit of a cheeseball, but I'm sure he's not a bad guy and he doesn't deserve personal attacks and cheap insults.
He can coach a team to play really well, and can get results, but it does seem like his strongly preferred system is not the one that wins him games, and he seemed very very stubborn in clinging to his philosophy- right up until the season was knackered beyond recovery.
At which time he then decided to change to a system he doesn't like so much, but which started winning games.
I believe he was once asked whether he had a plan B in case plan A wasnt working, and his reply was that he simply worked harder at plan A.
That probably says it all.

10 Feb 2015 11:57:01
Klopp, De Boer etc and Ed002 also said not to entirely rule out Rafa.

What I was trying to say ed is that Rodgers does play young players.
Not nearly as much as I would like but he is bringing young players into the team and that is one of his strengths. player development.
I was not seeking to give credit to him for the academy just acknowledging that he does bring players through and I think this is a positive thing given the quality of player that is now coming through.
He has made changes to the academy system but I can't say whether this is positive or negative thing at the moment.
Time will tell.
Borrell and the men rafa brought in originally to run the academy deserve the credit more than most in my opinion.

{Ed001's Note - like who? You mean Sterling and Flanagan who came in because we had injuries and there was no one else? Or Jordon Ibe, who came in because he was ordered to make more use of the youngsters after asking for players in the transfer window? I am sorry but his record with youth players is appalling. He has not got a good record. Flanno would have been sold if Rodgers had his way, he tried to offload him more than once. So we are down to 3 youth players that he has brought into the team, one because he was trying to prove a point and two because he had no one else. Hardly great management of youth products. If he was willing to give more youth a chance, I would not be so disappointed with our position in the league.}

Klopp would be great but can't see it.
De Boer would be a big gamble in my opinion. We simply can't be sure if he would be a success or not.
Rafa. I love him and what he did for us, tactically brilliant but I have to say that I prefer our style of play under Rodgers to the style of play under Rafa.

Fair enough ed.
I did not know about him asking for more funds. So I bow to your superior knowledge on that one.
Well that does change my opinion of him a somewhat.
Still think that by telling him to play more youngsters and buying players from sales rather than money set aside by the owners is the way to go.
Would Rodgers agree to that in your opinion?
And if he did those things asked of him, would you then be happy to see him continue?
Lot of if's I know. Humour me.

{Ed001's Note - if he would, I would be happier, let's put it that way. I still think he needs to be just the head coach and accept someone else appointing coaches, such as a goalkeeping coach and a defensive coach that he just has to find a way to work with. So yes, if he is just coaching the players and picking them within a plan laid out by someone else, I would be happy with him.

Someone at the club should be planning how to use the youth academy prospects to best suit their progression for the club's future. Having the manager doing it is counter productive as he is under pressure to get results now. That is why you need a DoF above him to make him utilise them at times.

Trouble is that I don't believe he would agree to any of it. Instead he would come out making stupid statements about young players and their contracts. The problem is with replacing him is who could replace him? If only he would wind his neck in a bit and stop trying to force a slow possession based system on the club, none of this would even be under discussion.}

I think there is also the issue of lucas that shows BR in a poor light as a judge of players.
Here is a player who we consistently get better results with, who is one of the best dm's in the league, and who learned his trade the hard way by making a good few early mistakes (remember those rash free kicks he conceded around the box in his first two seasons?) and he has used that hard experience to improve his game to the point where he is a superb player, and we almost always look visibly less solid in midfield when he is not playing. And yet BR was happy to let him go, right up until he finally realised how essential lucas is to our midfield strength.
Sure, he can spot the odd good player- such as the ever improving Can- but failing to see Lucas' importance despite all the evidence looks like blinkered vision- which is another bad quality in a manager. I have no doubt BR has the ability to coach a league winning side, but only if he is not allowed to buy the players, and only if he has the humility to learn from the mistakes he has made at lfc.

So what we are saying is that he needs to change a bit but not that much.
But that the things he needs to change are vital.
I can go along with that.
Given his age, I hope he can change and I hope he stays beyond the season.
Whatever happens I do think that our academy and the players being produced is where our future strength lies.
So I suppose from that point of view the club has every right to ask questions about lack of opportunities for the youth!
Especially as I was under the impression that he stated this when he got the job.

{Ed001's Note - he did state that and it was one of the main reasons behind the decision to entrust him with the role.}

Maybe we could kidnap him and gently persuade him to adopt said methods of managing??
Maybe a threat to pencil his teeth black may do the trick.
Because it does seem really frustrating to have a coach who ticks a few of the boxes but not all of them.
Is there a coach out there who ticks them all?
Apart from you ed!!

Tbh if he was capable of changing his philosophy permanently to adopt the current attacking style (which has led to him having a win percentage higher than rafa for example), and if he accepted help from a defensive coach, and if he was kept away from buying players, and if he had to personally grovel to lucas (ok that one is a nice to have) I personally would prefer to give him another season and see what he could do.
But the thing is that no matter what we think, I don't think the owners will want to trust him any more, given the bad results up till december, the poor transfer strategy, the money wastage and the other issues and problems that have happened already.

No matter how good the team looks recently (and they didn't look good against everton anyway), he's had nearly three years to get things like the defence sorted out, and its still not right.

09 Feb 2015 23:03:20
Hi Ed002,
Rodgers said something about a new "incredible" contract has been offered to Sterling and that club has been very "generous". Do you know if Sterling is willing to sign it, and if so, when? thanks.8=)

{Ed002's Note - Rodgers should not be discussing such things.}

Completely agree with the Ed here.

You would never hear any of the best managers talking about contract offers to players.

I mean in just the last few weeks Mourinho was asked about Hazard, and he just said "He has two years left on his contract, I'm not worried" and that was the end of it.

All Rodgers has done now is to put Sterling under pressure from the fans that he has to accept the offer because Rodgers has said it's "incredible" if he doesn't he'll be chastised as a money grabbing so and so, and if he does then the respect won't really be there because people will think we have overpaid for him.

When is someone going to step in and stop Rodgers from being allowed to talk?

{Ed001's Note - he has been told repeatedly to keep his mouth shut, but he is too arrogant to listen to advice. He always thinks he knows better.}

Ed1 my question regarding Rodgers is why would you repeatedly keep saying the wrong things in interviews and press conferences. I know you say he is arrogant but is he being advised wrong as well. I just don't understand why you would keep putting your job on the line.

{Ed001's Note - he is being advised to shut up, so it is down to him only, his arrogance in thinking he knows better than everyone else.}

He has to keep opening his big gob.
It's the only way we can see those pearly whites.
And let's be honest. they look B E A UTIFUL.
If I paid thousands for those teeth I would be talking non-stop.
I do anyway!

{Ed001's Note - good points. Especially the final one.....}

09 Feb 2015 23:50:10
BR thinks Sterling should accept his contract offer, etc, etc, etc.

Why can't this guy keep his mouth shut? Surely someone in the owners circle must be thinking the same thing. Almost every week he goes off in one of his many interviews.

Just a rant, but I really wish he would stop explaining the inner machinery of our club to anyone who will listen

What? So no other manager has ever talked about a players contract before? Boy, we have become perfectionists on this site! Burn him at the stake!

Someone had to say to the kid enough is enough, and sometime you have to say these things publicly so the agents understand you are serious. I have no problems with BR on this, only with Raheem and his agents. This saga already harmed his reputation a lot in my eyes and every day he doesn't sign this contract make me less patient with him. He is a decent player but he is no Ronaldo or Messi or even Hazard or Sanchez.

Isn't he saying what we're all thinking? It's double, then almost triple his wages, he's only 20 and still learning, he has a lot to prove still. Blame the agents.

He has hardly been a world beater like Suarez was last year or a supreme goal scorer like Sturridge was last year. He is doing really well. That's all. Did he drag us thought the CL like a £130k a week player would in their prime?

At least BR has put pressure on their side now, the fans know the club has done its best and what we've already given to a 20 yr old. If we had to sell him, it certainly looks like LFC had no choice, not all fans come on here to find out stuff so BR has done his bit here for them. Blame the agents

10 Feb 2015 08:10:57
It was time someone he said this. Sterling is a very good player but if he thinks he is worth 100 + K a week then he needs a reality check. He just has to look at Suarez at Barcelona

Is his agent not in dispute with his previous employers?
Once that is all sorted out it will be dealt with I am sure.
Part of me thinks Rodgers should keep quiet but the other part says it is about timing.
In the summer he has 2 years left or near to it.
That is the last window of opportunity to sell him for a big fee.
What Rodgers did was basically say "if you don't sign by the summer then we will sell you" and I don't think that is a bad thing at all.
Why could he not have said that in private though?

10 Feb 2015 09:55:08
I am very surprised to see so many backing his decision to talk about the offer to Sterling. Very suprised. Really can't see how it'll help talking to the world about personal issues that should stay between the employer and employee.

10 Feb 2015 10:09:47
Ericksen at spurs is on 32k a week and is promised a deal to double that, is sterling much more effective than him I'm not sure he does miss a lot of chances but has potential to improve but that can drift the other way in football if a player starts believing his own hype. I'm sure everyone can remember a player who was going to be the next best player in the country but ended up in the lower league's.

Whether Sterling wants too much money or not, you settle that with his agent.

the bottom line is, you don't have to say it in public, regardless of what the situation is.

It's true it dosent help talking in public, but Gerrard was the first to go public and this and Henderson. You might think Rodgers didn't have much choice and was no doubt hounded by questions. Can't see how you can't blame agents? 20yr old playing regular first team football in one for the top clubs in England, maybe still in top 20 across Europe, offered over double his current wage although not really doubled his output, being paid £100k A WEEK. Yeah I'm sure Sterling, the sharpest tool in the box, turned that down. It's the agent. If Sterling signs for 5yrs when can his agent next make money off him? 3/4 yrs time.

09 Feb 2015 23:05:41
Tomorrow's game is massive for us. Lose and top 4 could be over. I pray we get off to a flyer - high tempo - sturridge up top.