Liverpool Banter Archive March 11 2013

 

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11 Mar 2013 21:54:54
If Ed001 is around how higly rated are Joe Maguire and Harry Wilson. Maguire was training with the first team last week and I heard Wilson had a stormer for the U18's.

GuvTOB {Ed001's Note - Maguire is extremely highly rated, him and Smith look very good options on the left, Robinson needs to buckle down or he will be getting pushed down the pecking order when he comes back from loan. Harry Wilson is the Welsh lad isn't he? If so, there is a lot of talk he, and Rossiter, might be pushed up to the ressies next season on a fairly regular basis. Not sure what that means for the lads currently in the reserves though, such as Coady.}


I was thinking U18's more frequently for the both of them but Reserves though! Isn't Rossiter 15 and I think Wilson is the same age aswell.

GuvTOB


 

 

11 Mar 2013 22:51:50
i want to thank brendan for getting the something out of our 'flops' this season :D I mean we seen the potential and talent that they have and he has given them confidence. stewart downing is the main example, this half of the season he has been brilliant! i'd rather have someone who wants to wear and is proud to wear the jersey than someone who isnt! he puts so much effort into cementing his place in the team and I think he has done it. I haven't seen raheem play for a while? KEEP IT UP LIVERPOOL

paul


Completely agree. He doesn't get enough praise for improving Enrique, Henderson, Downing and to an extent Suarez.


And Kenny doesn't get enough credit for buying them in the first place!


 

 

11 Mar 2013 22:36:00
Ive heard there will be record spending this summer in general, but how do you reckon Liverpools finances will be this summer in regards to finances for signings. {Ed052's Note - most, but not all signings will be made through sales}


 

 

11 Mar 2013 22:33:07
Liverpool need another holding midfielder, in my opinion they should sign diame, I think he is a quality player, he offers strenght, height, pace and solidness to our midfield which is needed! the last day dembele was very effective and we need somebody like diame. I am a fan of lucas but the last day he was poor and he is injury prone so we need to act on this :)

paul


What are u on lucas has had 2 injuries all be it bad but he is not injury prone in my opinion. we do need cover and he played good his job was to stop bale bale did fu** all in the game


Diame is a very powerful all action midfielder but perhaps not best for a fluid pass and move system. I agree we need pace, height and power but that deep lying midfielder has a thankless task on the ball of receiving, turning and moving the ball on, not to bomb forward. The right player is a must 'if' we are to think about covering/replacing Lucas, tactical awareness is just as important. We saw at the weekend on the 2 or 3 occasions Lucas was sucked out of his area, we had problems with Bale and Sig.


First of all, I wouldn't say he's injury prone, rather just unlucky because the injuries weren't related. Secondly, his job was to stop Bale attacking and he did that perfectly excpet just before Sigurdsson hit the post. One of his assists was a free kick and the other was when he came onto the field during the middle of an attack so lucas couldn't stop him getting the ball. Yes his passing wasn't the best but we should judge him mostly on his job rather than any extras.


IMO, it's a tall dominant centre back (or two) we need more than another holding midfielder. Another Sami Hypia type player, who will clear free kicks and corners with his head as well as adding height to our attacking set pieces.


Irish Red whilst half of your post is perhaps valid did you miss the fact that Bale got two assists?


Oh you referring to cross for the first goal. the one where he was on the sidelines and happened to come just at the point of crossing it? Oh and you must be referring to the freekick when Lucas had his hand on his shoulder but bale clutched his face in 'pain'. any fool can kick the ball into the area and hopefully someone will get on the end of it!


The fact that Bale got the second assist is a joke. The ball went into the box to carragher, who headed it away right to Vertoghen. Definite and intentional contact that changed the intended course of the ball - not an assist


 

 

11 Mar 2013 22:27:22
Watching under 21s and think Shelvey is going backwards - hope he gets a loan next season or he may be offloaded. Suso different class though!


He was playing as a CDM because Coady had to move to CB due to Sama's ban. I wouldn't judge him on this match due to him being out of position. He was better when going forward and I think he had large parts to play in at least one of the goals after he took the ball off of opposition players.


Jon joe has to go


I heard one of his interviews after he filled in at LB, and he said it was to help with positional sense as well as to help team. I'm all for players covering positions and believe we have done it with other players. It not only improves their own game and fitness but they realise how hard a time other players have if they choose not to track back etc. that aside I'm glad him and our other prospects are getting game time and staying active.


Shelvery and G Johnson are puddings in my view. NO mobility whatsoever and should be moved on.


Shelvey asked to go in to the U21's for match fitness and that is some commitment to keep himself match fit if he needs to be brought to the 1st team. He played DM, not his best position but he attitude shows that he's willing to fight for a top spot. Remember he's just turned 21, so still pretty young.

FowlerGod.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 22:25:35
Hi ed, guys /gals, it puzzles me when people on here say we were lucky against spurs, what about the bad luck we had against many other teams both this season & last, hitting the bar/posts numerous times, so we have to take good with bad & I for one would like to be lucky & WIN than to be unlucky and lose. (godin)


Spurs were just as lucky as we were to score yesterday. Both teams had their share of luck. We deserved our win.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 21:50:16
To those doom-mongers out there that say we are going nowhere and that one game doesn't make a season, etc. , etc. ; Well, progress should be measured throughout the season, especially a first season under new management who need time to impose their strategy and improve the squad.

There are too many so-called supporters who haven't a clue as to how close we were to administration, and how poor our squad was. This season has always been about change, development and progression. It's unrealistic to expect a top four finish this season, just as it is total ignorance to criticise BR after just 29 league games.

I like to compare the first 10 games of a season with the last 10 games played.
We have 20pts from our last 10 games, compared to 11pts from our first 10 games.
We've 14pts from our last 8 games, compared to 9 from our first 8 games.
We've 11pts from our last 6 games compared to just 5 from our first 6 games.

So, as you can see - WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS this season, and we are continuing to improve.

It's a work in progress, it will take time - and it will be worth waiting for.


I agree Digger.

If we compare the first half of the season with the 2nd half so far you can see good signs of improvement across the board.

Ist half:

Played 19, Pts 25, W6, D7, L6, Goals For 28, Goals Against 26, Goal diff +2, Clean Sheets 6.

2nd half:

Played 10, Pts 20, W6, D2, L2, Goals For 28, Goals against 10, Goal diff +18, Clean sheets 5

Our improvement may have come too late to get top 4 this season. The first 5 games (only 2 pts) in particular have hurt us badly. However we have been showing signs that we can challenge for top 3 or 4 next season.

The funny thing is that we all have an impression that our defence is not playing that great, however we are only averaging conceeding 1 goal per game (which isn't bad at all) in the 2nd half whilst averaging nearly scoring 3 per game. The main issue in the games we don't score we seem to conceed 2.

Hopefully as the team get more experienced and with good purchases in the summer the team can get more consistent next season.

The Red Indian.


Good shout lads - I think it's also worth comparing our form post Christmas this year with our form post Christmas last year. I don't have the stats but our terrible league form this time last year was one of the key factors in KK losing his job.


I totally agree, but we must also consider that Lucas was injured and absent at the start of the season, and we brought in two very valuable players during the transfer window. We have vastly improved players in Enrique, Downing and Henderson so the inexperienced youngsters aren't starting anymore and this has all helped us greatly. We also seem to be playing a more direct game than we were at the start of the season. I feel very positive by what I see

Red V


 

 

11 Mar 2013 21:12:30
hi ed I read that allen will undergo a surgery how long do u think he will be out?
but I think our silver lining will be suso. he scored two goals for u21 and more importantly BR was there to watch the game. I am very happy for the lad maybe he will get some game time. he will be our future iniesta esque player. {Ed002's Note - I have no idea.}


He's a more of a d. silva kind of player. We need to keep hold of him and within the next 12 months he'll be a top quality player.

FowlerGod.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 21:29:05
Hey ed (s) do u know if any other players are coming on trial at Liverpool? we already know about the likes of OLGAR and CARR.

ACHILLES. {Ed002's Note - Nope.}


11 Mar 2013 21:44:26
Nope u don't know? or nope there will be no more players coming on trial?


No, as in the only people who know anything about this are the Liverpool hierarchy.

Red Owl


 

 

11 Mar 2013 21:22:55
ed are real likely to try and get bale and el Shaarawy or would it just be one or the other and do tot want modric back as part of the deal with higuain as well or just all cash thanks {Ed002's Note - Why not take this to the Spurs page.}


 

 

11 Mar 2013 21:06:22
We need a player like Dembele in our midfield, who is a good on the ball, powerful, can defend and attack. He was excellent yesterday. Are there any midfielders like that we are being linked besides from the name everybody says (Diame). Any midfielder we are looking at? Thanks eds


11 Mar 2013 21:45:53
Ive read a few post of people talking about LARS BENDER for that position but havnt seen him play.


Selcuk Inan?


Lars Bender
Kevin Strootman
Ettiene Capoue
Benat

Have seen much of these but from what I read they seem to be great talents!

F5


 

 

11 Mar 2013 20:55:19
I read a very interesting article the other day about Ferguson. Apparently he has a huge collection of books, but one in particular was written by an american baseball coach, whose name I cannot recall. This is one of Fergies most read books and he uses it as his bible.

The overiding message from the book is that before you try and beat the team in front of you, you have to learn to beat the man in front of you. Fergie has taken this guys thoughts to another level, he knows that he has to beat the manager he is playing and will try every trick in the book. History has shown on numerous occasions that he wrecked the brains of anyone who tried to beat him, Keegan, Wenger, Rafa etc.

Personally I do not like the man, I believe he is using EVERY trick in the book to intimidate, including haranguing officials, (Fergie time etc ), but you have to give it to him, he makes it work.

His latest trick was to deliberately not shake hands with Rafa, a petty and deceitful trick, meant to unnerve Rafa, but it clearly didn't work. Rafa kept his ice cool character and plotted Fergies downfall by a reading the game and making a masterly substitution. When asked if he would be having the customary drink of wine with Fergie, Rafa responded cooly, 'I don't drink wine '. absolute classic.

What is becoming increasing an old dog trying old tricks will soon be a thing of the past. The new generation of managers while respecting his achievements, are no longer intimidated or affected by him. His days are clearly numbered. He is an analogue manager in a digital age, a red telephone in an age of Ipads.

Brendan Rogers and Michael Laudrup are just two of the next generation of young managers, and luckily we have one of them. Brendan is learning fast, and so are the team.

The next few games could be very interesting. If United lose a couple on the trot, who knows what could have to the 'invincible' Fergie? Whatever he had he is losing fast, won't be long now boys, and we can have an open run at the title ( with no old f**t trying old fashioned mind games )

Heres hoping United falter as they have clearly demonstrated in recent weeks, and City nip in and take the title, plus we continue to inch our way closer and closer to 4th

Tel 1949


Tel 1949
You say it won't be long now boys, and we can have an open run at the title ( with no old f**t trying old fashioned mind games )

Even if fergie retires this year or next your still guna be no where near a run for the title. Are man city and chelsea also retiring when sir Alex does?
Djay


Few good points but I don't believe so. He may not intimidate managers but he sure intimidates referees. But he gets away with it, all the time. He will always be a great manager though, you cannot take that away from the man.

Danny


Who cares about any of them Djay? We are building a good team and steadily improving. the game is changing and no one team is going to rule the roost soon.

We have the pedigree and the ability, so why can't we mount a serious title charge next season?

Tel 1949


Tel 1949

"He is an analogue manager in a digital age, a red telephone in an age of Ipads"

Interesting comment about the man who has been winning trophies since the early 80's until present? With most of them coming in recent years. I'd go as far as to say it's SAF's ability to adapt with the times that has made him so successful!

Liverpool having a clear run at the league is clearly far fetched. You must have forgotten to take your midicine again. Top 4 this season is still unlikely although certainly more likely than 3 weeks ago. If you don't get top 4 this season then it'll be a desperate for you guys to get there the following season, otherwise the business model may need a re-think.

Your post also assumes that:
a) United won't get a good replacement manager and will plummit.
b) teams like City and Chelsea will implode too?
c) Arsenal and Spurs will fail to improve/maintain form.
d) Liverpool will somehow manage to overhaul all these teams on a limited budget.

All I'll say is, good luck with that.

HBadger


Havent we been saying it won't be long for the past 20 years?
What we need is owners, management and players with total commitment and desire to suceed.

And I do believe we are not far away in the bigger scheme of things.


12 Mar 2013 12:01:20
HBadger
The way I see it, Fergie being the most successful manager of all time, United HAVE to get worse when he retires.

No replacement will be able to replicate his achievments.

So it stands to reason that if your next manager cannot replicate when Ferigie has done, United will get worse.

By how much is open to speculation, but that's how I see it.

Football goes in cycles, and after 20 years at the top of English football, their time has to be coming to an end.


WelshBoyDave,

Thanks for a sensible reply without resorting to abuse etc.

I'd say you have come closer to the truth than what Tel did. He stretched it way too far, think he wrote down something he had dreamt about perhaps.

Obviously if you look at it rationally, one of the greatest ever manager's leaving is not going to be a good thing for United. But like you say it's 'how much worse' that is vital.

Luckily we have many things going for our new manager, including:
a) big stadium = big revenues
b) healthy finances regardless of current debt, we make a healthy profit each season having spent decent amounts on transfers
c) we currently have the biggest and deepest squad in the EPL imo (perhaps not the strongest starting 11)
d) lot's of promising youngsters who will hopefully be at the club for years to come - DDG, Rafeal, Jones, Smalling, Powell, Zaha, Welbeck etc.

Whoever the new manager is I think he will have a good base to build from. He may not achieve what SAF has (far from it) but I'd guess it would take a pretty big balls up to take the current United team (based on what I've said above) and make it useless i. e. outside the top 4 for a long period.

SAF and United have spent many years ensuring that the next manager is in a good position. Our recent transfers have been heavily geared towards setting up the squad for the long term and we have always looked to keep increasing the stadium size in order to stay one step ahead. As such, I feel we are in a much stronger position than say Liverpool were in the early 90's.

But only time will tell, one thing is for sure - the whole world will be watching to see how the next United manager gets on. And it could go one of many ways.

HBadger


Welshboy,

Forgot to add, in response to -

"Football goes in cycles, and after 20 years at the top of English football, their time has to be coming to an end. "

I agree football often works in cycles but I see no definitive reason that the current cycle is coming to an end? 'Has to be'? Many thought that with the emergence of Arsenal, Chelsea then City but it wasn't necessarily the case. If anyone takes the mantle back off United I'd prefer it to be a team with history but I'd think it more likely to be City or Chelsea as things stand.

Interesting times ahead!

HBadger


12 Mar 2013 17:36:11
I'm not saying things are going to go tits up for you straight away mate, after Fergie leaves the potential for decline starts, but nothing is set in stone.

The club has good foundations in place, and you can imagine they are doing every neccessary to make things run as smoothly as possible.

But Its not Fergie making all the big decisons, sooner or later something will go wrong.

As I say, how much worse is open to speculation, but LFC as a club have won 8 or 9 trophys in 13 years, and Liverpool havn't been quite at the races for a few years, so that stat alone proves you don't need to be winning the title/top four to enjoy continued success!


 

 

11 Mar 2013 20:07:34
Hi Ed's&Red's. Sorry if this has been asked already. Is it true with Warrior that we have to change the kit every year?. Thank you in advance.
Barrypool72


Initialy one a year. but they have already stated it will be.
1 new home it each season
2 away season half one
3 away season half two
4 alternative kit
5 european home
6 european away

all on their website, give it a read


To the person that has replied first, have you got a link to that mate, because I can't find it on their website.

Thanks


 

 

11 Mar 2013 20:43:06
I think if you look at the team going forward here is kind of what we need to do:

Forwards: I don't think we need to buy unless we get someone who makes a real impact. If for our front 3 we have: Suarez, Sturridge, Countinho, Downing, Sterling, Borini, plus Suso. That's 7 guys for 3 spots. Like I said if we can get an impact guy that's one thing. However I don't want to take playing time away from the youngters. Its a tough balance.

Midfield: It's weird cause coming into the year we looked so deep at this spot but I think now we need 2 midfielders. A starting caliber attacking midfielder, this should be our biggest signing of the summer. I also think though we need a true DM midfielder to back up Lucas. I think Allen's biggest issue is that the position he is best suited for is the same position Gerrard plays. And Gerrard hasn't missed a game. I think Allen next to a true DM playing in the deep lying playmaker role would do well. So I think for next year we want something like: Gerrard, Lucas, Allen, Henderson, new AM starter, new DM backup. And obviously some of the guys I listed as forwards can play in a behind the striker role to provide additional depth.

Defense: This is the trickiest part. a lot of it depends on how much faith we are going to put into youngsters like Wisdom and Kelly. Personally I think we need to sell Skrtl, sign 2 central defenders. That would give us a defensive corps of Johnson, Agger, Enrique, Wisdom, Kelly and 2 new signings. Actually we need to sign another fullback in addition.

So there ya have it, I think this offseason we need to sign 2 starting players: An attacking midfielder and a central defender. Then maybe 3 or so smaller signings of backup type players for DM and a couple more defenders.


If Suarez and Sturridge were unavailable through suspension, injury where would the goals come from.
Man utd had Rooney, Wellbeck, Berbatov and Hernandez plus wide men Giggs, Nani, Young and Valencia, they sold Berbatov and brought in RVP and not a World class midfielder that utd fans had been clamouring for. Why?
Goals win games is the answer.
It's those utd players listed above that makes them supremely confident that every time they step out on the pitch they will score goals? That's why they can go behind in games and not panic.
We need more goalscorers to include a centre forward and a goalscoring wide player.
Defensively 1 centre back as we have Kelly and Wisdom for cover or to make the step up.
We don't need to waste money uneccesarily on defenders.
Every time we step out on the pitch we should be supremely confident we will score.
Do you know what, were getting there.


If Sturridge and Suarez are both injured? Well that argument can be carried on however many strikers you have - Borini will be expected to provide a threat in the box, or Sterling, maybe Suso up front etc. You can't have cover for every single position and we are not United - if we aren't in the CL or winning the league, we can't keep that many players happy if all goes to plan and we don't take major injuries


Age has never been a factor for me more an excuse, I've always said if your good enough your old enough.

Admittedly younger players have to be managed correctly but age should never be a factor in my book.


If Reading go down, a proven goalscorer like Alf would do us as back up. While were waiting fo Yesil, Suso etc to develop further.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 20:33:27
I hope the Brendan doubters are know are going to get behind him. We are becoming a real force, he is starting to make anfield a fortress. His ideas and influence was always going to take time. I feel after a few pain staking years, that we are finally turning a corner, it's still going to take time to be challenging for the title. However, we have got a great chance for champions league next year.

Scouse 1892


 

 

11 Mar 2013 20:05:30
Empire of the kop have got a good report on the 5 most likey signings this summer. interesting reading.
I didn't know honda is on a bosman free at the end of the season, although imagine his wage demands will be sky high as he's on a free. Great for shirt sales in asia though, and he's proven class. {Ed002's Note - Not the end of the English season though.}


Good point ed, missed that one. Should imagine he will be on the cheap though. if they let him go mid way through the season


 

 

11 Mar 2013 20:00:23
Hi EDS is their interest in Somma of Basel from Liverpool or anyone else? {Ed002's Note - Not that I am aware.}


 

 

11 Mar 2013 19:53:21
Read before that Ed2 wrote the deadline for toting up yellow cards is midnight on 14th April so hope Luis can stay clear of yellow cards over the next four games because if he picks up another 2 then he could miss the games against Chelski and Le Toon. {Ed002's Note - Right.}


Does Luis have 8 yellows as stated on LFC website or 9 as stated on the tv website? Anyone confirm?
MM


4 games till then, think he should just about manage it.


He just needs to keep his mouth shut. Or have gotten one this weekend and missed Southampton


 

 

11 Mar 2013 19:52:12
Alonso available for around 4m at the end of the season. daily express is claiming, because alonso wants out.
Can anyone see alonso and gerrard possibly rotating next season. if we get him?


Why would they be rotating? I assume they would both start.


As much as I would love it to happen I just can't see it


 

 

11 Mar 2013 19:23:14
Just watched a few old clips of Jari Litmanan playing for Liverpool I had forgotten how good a player he was. So good on ball so much composure. Was a joy to watch. I know not here very long & past his prime but total class.


Never got the game time with us sadly


I agree, a great player who houiller messed about


We could do with a Jari type player now.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 19:22:06
A lot of people saying how lucky we were yesterday, 2 pieces of awful defending by us and I'm pretty sure their second came from a dodgy free kick decision. Yes we were outplayed at times but there was nothing lucky about the first goal by king Luis.


Awful defending all game you mean


Don't be slagging the defence mate
C


Agree with domihiho: Loris. Walker and Ekotto were guilty of awful defending all game.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 19:01:16
I think Downing has certainly earned the right to stay next year. He's played well and although he's not dynamic he has played well. We have other areas of need and I just don't think at this point we'd be well served to spend time or money on improving over Downing.

Plus if we make a move for an attacking midfielder we likely will switch to a starting front three of Coutinho-Sturridge-Suarez. Downing would be solid cover and also could start on certain occassions when you want someone who can be a tad more defensively responsible.


ESPN and the Anfield wrap are currently running a good article about Downing that basically runs to the point of 'he might not be Bale, but then not everyone has to be Bale and a solid reliable player is needed in some positions sometimes'. Well worth a read


 

 

11 Mar 2013 18:56:25
Mile Jedinak from Crystal Palace - I think we should look at the guy he is exactly what we need 28 years old reminds me of Alonso with his passing and Mascherano in terms of Aggression


Boom Shake shake shake shake the room {Ed039's Note - He has been linked with Celtic in recent weeks, I think both Liverpool and Celtic should be looking for a much better calibre of player than Mile Jedinak with the greatest of respect to the guy)


Showing your ambition with that suggestion


Mate, I follow the Aussie boys who are playing overseas and I am afraid to say that none of the Australian squad are LFC quality at the moment.

There are some decent players, but none good enough to even be squad additions.


Put it this way - at 28 he's still in Palace. If he was as good at passing as Alonso or as good at breaking up play as Mascherano, he'd be somewhere higher if not particularly bigger


 

 

11 Mar 2013 18:33:33
I saw Tom Ince on Saturday at Watford and he is massively over rated, yes he did score from a yard out and that was it. He brought nothing special to the team and would be better suited at a team like QPR he was arrogant and as a Liverpool fan I pray we do not sign him
Sterling and downing are far better, there is much more talent than him in English football.


Wouldn't make an assessment on one game mate. He's scored a lot of goals - more than virtually every out and out striker in the Championship. He's a talent.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 18:25:30
I see the U21's defend set pieces as well as the senior team! I know Brendan Rogers wanted continuity throughout the whole club, but I'm pretty sure that's not what he had in mind! Lol

Other than the defending, they looked pretty good!


Until we address the personell to do with the defence, we will always concede 2 goals per game average.

The current so called world class defenders we have are very ordinary to say the least.

Sort this problem in the summer and we will be a force again, if everyone worth keeping stays that is.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 18:08:30
There is no doubt that Suarez should win player of the season. Bale and RVP can be classed amongst the top players in the EPL, but Suarez is amongst the top strikers in the world. He could get into any team he wanted.

He won't win it, but that's not the point


Your right he won't win it and its a
disgrace, but rvp or bale will get it


 

 

11 Mar 2013 17:56:19
Please eds, with either of Wigan, Millwall, and Blackburn potentially playing the final of the FA Cup, does that mean that only the 5th spot is available for Europa, or will there still be Europa league qualification for the team that finishes 6th, if Man U, Man City, or Chelsea win the FA Cup? {Ed002's Note - Just fifth.}


If Utd, City or Chelsea finish in the top4 and also win the Fa Cup. 6th place in the Premier is then guaranteed Europa place. {Ed002's Note - That is true for the Europa League but not for the FA Cup.}


Ed002: I don't understand your answer, It's perfectly simple 6th place gets Europa if a top 4 team wins the FA Cup? Am I right or am I right? {Ed002's Note - No, unlike the League Cup, the runners up in the FA Cup get the Europa place if the winners have already qualified.}


Thanks, sorry to be a pest, I've got it.
at last, doh!


Where would we be without the www.There are only two other ways of getting a place in the Europa League at the moment. If Newcastle were to win the competition they will gain an extra place. The only other route is through the Fair Play League. The top 3 countries gain a place each. Norway, Sweden and Finland currently lead with England in 4th spot. If England was to finish in 3rd the place goes to the team that finishes top of their Fair Play League. This is currently Arsenal so the place would go to the next team who are Southampton. After trawling through the UEFA site the only way Liverpool can get into Europe is to finish in the top 5. I stand to be corrected if anyone finds fault with what i've posted.

Confused?


 

 

11 Mar 2013 17:37:38
Ello fellow reds, just want your opinions on who you think will leave in the summer?

El Red


Skrtel
Coates (maybe loan)
Carroll
Carra
Possibly Reina

The Crowman.


Skertel, Carroll, maybe shelvey and prob 6 or 7 fringe players such as assaidi NGoo Flanagan brad jones prob Reina as well IMO


11 Mar 2013 18:32:08
My uneducated guess would be:

Reina
Skrtel
Coates
Shelvey
Carroll
Spearing
Carra - obv!

Suarez is a 50:50 - wouldn't be surprised either way, obviously would love him to stay, but I don't know any player who would turn down a massive club like Real, Barca or Bayern. Except our Stevie, but he's all round pure class


 

 

11 Mar 2013 17:23:13
Hi eds,

Just wondering if you could clear something up for me, a lot of people are saying we need back up for Lucas so does this mean Connor Coady isn't ready for the step up? Also we are supposed to be looking for centre backs but aren't Wisdom and Kelly centre backs originally? I'm only asking as I thought Brendon Rodgers was a big believer in bringing youth through which he has shown a lot this season.

Thanks in advance {Ed002's Note - I cannot "clear up" what fans are saying and what they think of Coady.}


Coady will be playing some 1st team football next season, weather that be with us or a loan to a good epl or Championship side.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 17:06:40
Is there anyone at Anfield who practices Ronaldo and now Bale style-Method of Free kicks? In the manner of how they hit the ball to get it up and over with pace, swerving all over the place? Seemingly pair of them practice for hours on end. And it's about how you connect with the ball


Ronaldo said a while back that he kicks the air valve on the ball, because it swerves a lot more but I don't know how true it is.


11 Mar 2013 18:19:09
I'm not sure, but I've been pretty happy with Luis' free kicks since he's been practising


Ronaldo and bale create top spin on the ball by placing it firmly on the ground and then deliberately 'topping it' like a poor golf shoot. Suarez on the other hand gets a lot of side spin on the ball as demonstrated against zenit. Both techniques require amazing amounts of skill, but I'd choose Suarez every time because he's less predictable.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 16:58:02
See a few posters are going along with the media hype,
Spurs this Spurs that!
Look Spurs to their credit obviously weighed us up before the game? Realized it would be tight and to play the percentages, Liverpool are vulnerable to crosses played into the six yard box, we don't defend them well, we havn't got a great header of the ball in there.
So Spurs scored 2 goals from a defender that Stoke City would have been proud of.
We, Liverpool obviously weighed Spurs up before the game and realising they have a defensive weakness at right back we exploited it with Suarez's excellent 1st goal and exploited it once more for Kyle Walker (he's cost Spurs about 5 goals this season from defensive lapses) to be forced into a hurried and misplaced backpass.
Big games are won and lost on getting an edge on your opponents and exploiting there weaknesses.
We won because we exploited the weaknesses better than they did.
So I think it's fair to say " We made our own Luck"


Spot on mate.

KJS


Well said Kid.
A lot of games have been lost by the odd mistake, we have been involved in our fair share.
I think this goes to show how tight the premier league is, a lot of teams are quite equal in terms of skill and tactics and it is the odd mistake that can cost you comming away with the points.

Phooey


 

 

11 Mar 2013 16:57:36
I hop yesterday is a watershed and we kick on from here, Rodgers has been unlucky, but for some sloppy play and bad refereeing and maybe some naevity but at least he isn't a kick and rush merchant and we are playing good football, we need to treat every game as a cup final! Get behind the boys


 

 

11 Mar 2013 16:52:00
this siggurdsson has a lot to say for a pretty average player hasn't he in the mail today saying they should have beat us. ahwell that's football a lot of games we should have got something outa like the match at whl for instance.


Spurs were in the game but, there players made the two mistakes. Our players punished them.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 16:27:58
Something that felt different last night compared to most of the season is after Stevie scored the penalty I didn't think we'd concede. I've never felt comfortable winning by one goal this season apart from yesterday; there was just a feeling that the players weren't going to let it slip, and that's what happened, we never looked like conceding in the last 10 minutes.


Have to say that I still had jitters for the last 10 mins or so


 

 

11 Mar 2013 16:16:03
With the recent Pepe Reina injuries (I think there has been a few. if not my memory is rubbish and this post is redundant), I have a suspicion that BR has got him training really hard to improve.

The reason for this is in an interview a while ago, Glen Driscoll was talking about how he was keeping Agger and Stevie fit and saying it's about when/how often you push your players hard to improve and when they are protected.

A very speculative post, but I think the injuries (which we have never really seen from Pepe before) added to his improved form point to intense training from Pepe.

Do you agree/disagree?

B101


 

 

11 Mar 2013 16:14:20
Assuming Everton lose at City (good chance) and Arsenal lose to Swansea (also assuming we rout Southampton)we will be in 5th place. Even if we don't make 4th place i'm pleased with the way we are playing, and last night was a positive turning point


Arsenal and Everton will still have a game in hand though. We can beat everton to cancel that advantage, but nothing can be done about Arsenal anymore. Just got to focus on our own results and hope for the best


I think we just need to play our own games and not think about anything else, we can't predict other results just need to focus on ours


Arsenal and Evertons game in hand is against each other so someone will be dropping points.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 16:11:37
What a game yesterday. Very happy with three points. That just shows that we can come from behind. We wasn't amazingly good but we stuck in the game and got our rewards. Downing is proving people wrong. Suarez just continues his great form. Stevie G steps up when you need him most.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 16:00:22
Liverpool 3 vs 3 West Ham U21 Report

Suso 2, Sterling 1

Liverpool dominated the game and conceeded 2 goals from free headers and another from a corner. Trialist Daniel Carr played for an hour, and didn't do much/get many chances to impress. Obviously however it is far too early to judge. It was ran by 3 players; Suso, Wisdom and Sterling.

Suso I have to give extra credit to, he was absolutely unplayable today and I really mean that! Scored 2 great goals and had a couple of shots that needed good saves. And boy oh boy can he beat a player! He was just ghosting past their defenders every time and could do whatever he wanted today.

Wisdom looked very impressive also, acting as the ball playing centre back and made lots of Agger-esque forward runs to start attacks. Composed on the ball and had his man covered the whole game.

Sterling too showed why he is a first teamer. Looked back to his best and his goal was immense!


The main negative from this game was our defending from set pieces. 4 times I counted free headers from set pieces, 2 of which were their goals. The last minute goal for them also came from a corner. They struggled to play their way through our defence and set pieces were their only real avenue. Shelvey didn't look too great if I am honest, but he was playing in the deeper controller role, and for me, he wasn't moving the ball on quickly enough and by then the pass had disappeared.
But overall, a game that I think the coaching staff will be happy with.

B101


 

 

11 Mar 2013 15:57:49
All this talk of potential CL place is whack. We'll need not 1 or 2 but THREE out of spuds, chavs, gooners and the bitters to collapse for that to happen.

While it's not impossible, why not let's keep our feet on the ground and take it a game at a time.


We are playing some really good footie and scoring a few. Let's keep that up and let's see where we are come May. Then maybe we can get excited.

I'm really happy with things right now tho. We can't control how other teams do but we can try our best to maximise our results.

Next up, Saints. The lads must focus and get the result. Then on to the next game, and the next after that.

1 game at a time. :)

Singapore Red


Let every one else play their games and we'll play ours. It's a big ask, huge really, but if we win all our remaining 9 games we'll have 72 points which would have gotten 2nd, 3rd and 4th place in the previous 3 seasons.

So, let's just focus on winning out the season and see what happens. :-)

SpudRed


True that


All this fuss to get in the champions league just to watch the top 4 bomb out before the quarter finals!


Actually, we only need 2 of them to bomb. Everton we can go in front of by beating them, so they are entirely in our hands


The chances of any team winning 12 PL games on the spin is less than 1 percent. If we get 60-64 points we will have done really well in the second half of the season.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 15:53:50
Just watched the U21 game v West Ham. A good all round performance, 3 great goals, 1 from Sterling, 2 from Suso. McLaughlin was impressive on his return from injury. Dominated the game, but terrible defending on set pieces cost us all 3 goals. Sound familiar?


I'm sorry, there was some very good play at times, and some very good individual performances - but the defending from set pieces was absolutely comical.

I'd be furious if a school team defended like that. Need to get some hard graft in on the training ground, and some players need to take a long hard look at themselves - corners would come in and they'd just stand there admiring the flight of the ball. Pathetic.


Why are you sorry? You just agreed with everything I said.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 15:51:15
hi eds all reds obviously summer is still a way off, but fans guessing and second guessing, who might be comeing into lfc in the next window, could I ask the eds who, if anyone they've heard strong rumours or info about, thanks steviep62, godbless96. {Ed002's Note - You need to read the posts, we can't start writing summaries.}


You could but then you wouldn't get the same satisfaction of reading the same posts over and over as soon as a newpaper spouts some daft rumour


 

 

11 Mar 2013 15:45:08
I've heard it mooted on this site that the club have looked at bringing someone in to assist Rodgers on the football side of things.
We are in dire need of a coach specialising in the defensive aspect of our play. We seem to have a massive issue with defending crosses coming into the box as we saw with the two goals yesterday and both the goals in the Under 21 game against West Ham today.
Maybe Carragher will be tasked with this if he stays on while doing his badges, although I think someone like Phil Thompson could be a good shout purely to eradicate the uncertainty in the back line with respect to crosses.
My preference would be Fernando Hierro as he has a great pedigree and has done some amazing work with Spain's youth teams - I'm also pretty sure he and Brendan Rodgers are well acquainted.
The Doctor46


Make that all 3 of the goals against West Ham now after their injury time equaliser!


So to iron out errors like the ones that lead to the 2 goals Spurs scored, you want to bring in a player who was heavily involved in the errors that lead to the 2 goals Spurs scored? Oh that's right Carra never puts a foot wrong, pity the same can't be said about his aerial abilities
Arnold


 

 

11 Mar 2013 13:42:30
".
Surely only one thing can stop Luis Suarez from being voted as the Players' Player of the Year. his fellow players.

I can think of 11 Spurs footballers who might not vote for him after his antics on Sunday. I don't think he will be very popular around White Hart Lane.
But I would vote him and not just because I played for Liverpool for 11 years. I don't think the vote should be in any question. He IS the Footballer of the Year.


This award is for the player of the season, not for a player of the last two months. That should rule out Gareth Bale, who has been sensational, but only since Spurs drew at Norwich on January 30.

It is a run of 10 goals in 10 games and he has carried his team into the top three, but is that enough?
Robin van Persie has scored only once in the last nine games (it was nine in the previous nine before then) after an explosive start to his time at Manchester United, but he is also playing for the best team in the country, where chances are regularly created.
Suarez has been Liverpool's Mr Incredible: consistently brilliant, with 29 goals in 39 games.
He is playing with a team still developing and has dragged them through the season.

Some strikers wait for chances, they wait for the killer ball, but Suarez goes hunting for the ball


When he gets the ball at his feet, he runs at defenders and uses the rebound skill where he bundles the ball past them, like he is playing football in the street, That's not luck, it is what he does


But if he doesn't win the players award, then surely he must win the journalists' vote. If we are recognising brilliance, he has to win one of the awards, doesn't he?

Luis suarez. You know you are a star from day 1.

harry scousser
ynwa {Ed002's Note - The voting has already taken place Harry.}


I posted before the season started that he would be a good bet for top scorer in the league, PFA player of the year, and the writers player of the year. The only reason I didn't put money on it is because of his portrayal as a pantomime villain. His skill combined with his work ethic and never say die attitude puts him above every player in the league in my opinion, and the only reason why any fan of the game would disagree is because they lap up all the media nonsense.

I hope for Luis' sake that he does get it as I think he deserves it, but I doubt he will. The good news is that if he doesn't get the awards that he deserves, he will set out to put the injustice right next season.


He will not win. End of.


Copied and pasted from Jamie Redknapp column in The Daily Mail.
You've deleted the part were Redknapp says he never ever voted for Cantana even though he thought he was a great player?
Therin lies the answer? Suarez is definitely the best player of the season but he will not get enough votes.
You should have pasted the whole article, harry


The voting has already happened? What a broken system, you vote for the player of the year with a quarter of the year still left!


11 Mar 2013 19:11:30
Kidmillions.
I just love suarez. and wanted to people to know what I feel. yes ts redknapp quote. but so mine too.


If any team in the league (inc. Spurs) was offered Suarez right now, he'd be gone. Instantly! I acknowledge the niggly stuff-and I know that Suarez never gets grief from defenders. He just likes to take people out because it makes him look good and he's Uruguayan. But if i'm being honest I wouldn't swap Suarez for any player in the world right now. I include Messi and Ronaldo in that statement for pretty straight forward reasons. I have never seen a player with more guile, skill, spirit, character, and sheer devilment than Suarez currently. He fights, claws, megs, kicks, irritates, bewilders, and bewitches. Whatever it takes. That may sound unsporting to overtly say, but how can you resist a striker who plays and exasperates defenders to the extent that Suarez does. He gives more than his fair share and defenders don't like it.


Mate I don't really think you can use the fact that Bale and RVP play for "better teams" because didn't we create the most chances in europes top 5 leagues.
derryred


 

 

11 Mar 2013 13:19:42
Just wanted to say well done to Downing he has proved a lot of people wrong in the last few months hopefully he can keep this form because on he's day he is a quality winger.


Id give a lot of the credit to Brendan Rodgers. Excellent man management.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 13:01:40
it was a great to see us win against spurs. finally some luck is turning our way (is it the sign of good things to come maybe). but I don't think we should get carried away spurs were very good and I don't know why we were playing so many long balls.
i have been critical of BR tactics but his substitution was very good we were getting overrun in the midfield and it was a smart move to change our formation. allen did well but personally would have loved to see hendreson come on don't know why he is so down in the pecking order he was starting to show some form I actually rate him higher than allen and shelvey. he has not featured recently just hoping it does not effect his confidence. I must say after some not so fruitful transfer windows we have finally struck gold with coutinho and sturridge both are turning out to be smart purchases.
YNWA


We played a lot of long balls because Spurs defend very high up the field and there is space in behind them. AVB played this way when at Chelsea too. It was a sensible tactic, and just shows that Brendan can be flexible depending on the team we are playing. I expect this tactic surprised Spurs too!
KJS


I don't think so as spurs were comfortable, best team we've come up against at home? Two mistakes cost them not our tactics!


'Two mistakes cost them, not our tactics'? What if our tactics were to press them hard and push them into making a mistake and then capitalise on ot? I just don't get some people - not sure if they are seriously simple or are just looking to wind people up.

Were Spurs tactics to score with only a defender? I'm pretty sure that they were trying to score with Defoe and Bale as well - and everyone else for that matter.

Fair enough if you said that we look soft against set pieces, but to say Spurs gave us the result is ludicrous.


I didn't say Spurs were uncomfortable. and yes they are a good side.
But our tactics were playing to potential weaknesses and the fact they made two major errors and handed us the game is due in part to us making them uneasy.
Downing would never have been in the end of that poor back pass if he had not been told to push up into the space. hence Spurs may have been "surprised " by it.
And Defoe panicked because we were in the ascendency and pushing hard.
So, they may have been mistakes, but we had a hand in manufacturing them. give our team just a little bit of credit.
KJS


Rodgers and the players got it spot on. no one in the prem is going to dominate against spurs for 90mins.

if you take spurs mistakes out of the game you have to take the refs mistakes out too, both spurs goals were from poor calls by the ref, the first was from open play but the only reason that the belgian was in the box was because of the free just before it, if a player a player can't go for a 50/50 in the air in his third of the pitch you can't call football a contest.

countinho should have had a pen so that is a score line of 1/2-0 yet another clean sheet.


Arsenal were by far the best team to come to Anfield. They totally dominated us throughout the game and nobody could get near Diaby. No offence to Spurs as they are a stronger team as the season has unfolded but Arsenal were much better on their given day. I actually thought that had we played at a level we produced against Man City in both home and away games we could have really shocked Spurs yesterday. We produced for the first 20 minutes and the last 20 minutes when we came back. The level just wasn't there for the whole game yesterday and I think Rodgers touched on this at the end of the game.
I also thought Sturridge looked a little flat at times, maybe lacking a little sharpness due to overcoming the thigh injury. Had he been at a higher level like previous games Spurs may have had a lot more to concern themselves with at the top end.
s. p


 

 

11 Mar 2013 12:49:36
Hey Eds, am I correct in thinking that clubs cannot loan more than 1 player to another club? I've always thought this, but then saw that we have both Wilson and Ngoo at Hearts.

Can this please be cleared up for me?

B101 {Ed002's Note - It is an EPL rule.}


Thankyou Ed002

B101


 

 

11 Mar 2013 12:49:09
Guyz top4 is there for grabs, after benitez having dig at ferguson, ferguson is not going to keep quiet in fact he will walk all over Rafa in media and that will cost top4 for Rafa/chelsea. Ferguson just wanted opportunity and Rafa has given him.

Ed2 mate you always defend ferguson now you will see the true colours of fergusson, how he uses media to destroy people, careers, clubs and whatever he says media blindly accepts.

He purposely didn't shake rafa`s hand so he can start again to play his dirty games in media and this is what fergie knows better then managing team!

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you are talking about in terms of my "always" defending Ferguson, nor what your apocalypitic ramblings about the media mean.}


If you read it in a scouse accent it makes sence perfect


Yep! You're right inside their heads.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 12:41:51
Ed002 would uefa ever consider making the winners of the Europa league automatic qualifiers for champs league the following season? {Ed002's Note - I would very much doubt it. It was discussed at the pre-draw meeting in Monaco back in 2008 or 2009 but dismissed.}


That's a shame, seems like a great way to promote the tournament and a fair prize - you win the lower cup, you get promoted!


It was put forward for discussion in a uefa meeting last year but no further action was taken.
McB


 

 

11 Mar 2013 12:16:26
1 of these would be nice:
Honda
Turan
Erikson

And for CB
Simon kjaer


All four will not join!


Kjaer is not good enough. For me the ideal 2 defenders for our system are De Vrie and Matip.


De Vrij, Lovren, Sakho.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 11:51:30
Ed002, how would you rate Liverpools chances of qualifying for the Champions League in this season? We do have a favourable run of games, although we do have tough fixtures too, but they are at home (Chelsea and Everton). Perhaps a dark horse? {Ed002's Note - I think it most unlikely but will stand by the statement that the club will be fighting for a Europa League place. There is every chance that 6th will be enough.}


6th isn't enough since Wigan, Blackburn or Millwall are certain to be Fa Cup finalists. {Ed002's Note - Yes sorry, confusing you cups again.}


I think ED2 is right-we should not get carried away- its probably too late to mount a realistic challenge but that does not mean we can't have late flourish which will inspire us all for next season


 

 

11 Mar 2013 11:56:39
i posted the few days ago I felt after next 4 or 5 games we would be right back in the fight for 4th spot now I really do think its possible by the time 14th april comes I believe we will be level on points if not ahead of spurs arsenal and the blue noses as think we will get maximum points and spurs will drop alot


You lot really do live in a make believe world where princess`s ride unicorns and trees are made of candy! Give it up, You will not, I repeat not get in the top 4 this year or probably not next either!

Much love


11 Mar 2013 12:40:39
spurs will drop. so as everton.
but arsenal will get it there.
should finish in 5th. abive spurs and everton.


This year probably not, next year will be a different prediction with new players, young players bedding in and Rodgers gaining more experience, have a bit of faith.


11 Mar 2013 13:02:58
southampton away newcastle away everton home chelsea home qpr need a win to stay up. these r not as easy as some think but we can all hope can't we.


Much Love, You cannot predict how the Prem will go for us next season. You have used nothing more than your own base opinion to come to that conclusion. In truth you just come across a somewhat bitter.

I think it for you it would better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

Jed


I did the predictor on tv a few weeks ago and got us 4th with Spurs dropping lots of points. Unfortunately they then went and got 6 pts from West Ham and Arsenal when I'd predicted two draws so safe to say my biased predictions won't pan out. Funny because Liverpool won my Subbuteo league 11 out of 12 seasons when I was a kid.


Much love also posted we had no chance of beating spurs. Seems he's a man with no belief and a bitter one at that.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 11:33:25
renia is not replacable!


Yes he is. Whether or not we will replace him is another matter, but he is not a player who does what no-one else can do and therefore almost by definition is replaceable


I felt we really missed Reina yesterday for his leadership, presence and organisation at the back.


11 Mar 2013 13:23:22
i really don't know. what you meant by the word. replaceble in this context.
a loyal servant for almost 7 years.
irreplacable.
simple.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 11:19:12
just realized that we have scored 56 goals this season second only to man utd. we also had only 1 fit striker for most of the first half of the season.

THIS IS PROGRESS!


11 Mar 2013 12:37:22
People always say we are a one man team, but we have 18 different goalscorers this season! I'm pretty sure that is only equalled by united.

YNWA! (Adam)


11 Mar 2013 12:42:06
no use. is not the number of strikers.
i can't see borini scoring 20+. if he was fit.
its about quality. not quandity.

most of the goals scored by luis suarez. is his own creation sometimes. which is what makes him unique.

or if we had two suarez. we would have scored double.


Last calender year we were 1 goalscorer away from breaking the record for number of different goalscorers - and Sturridge scored 2 days later


 

 

11 Mar 2013 11:09:51
A lot of fans have criticise our legend, did you see yesterday how Gerrard helped lucas marking bale and tracking him back with all his pace, LOVED IT!


 

 

11 Mar 2013 11:03:39
Wish F. A would be more like Uefa and get hold of this Taggart. Pleasing self when not doing interviews. ranting over officials


 

 

11 Mar 2013 10:59:46
One huge effort now from fans and players alike and you never know. Personnally don't think we'll make Champs Leauge after too many daft results and mistakes in earlier Season games. But having said all that Chavski have huge fixture pile up. So with that huge last effort as said-you just don't know!


 

 

11 Mar 2013 10:50:19
Although I did not like him having a go at "our Luis" I thought that Dembele looked a class act - tidy and skilful on the ball and very hard to shake off it- if he adds goals to his game he will be a star.
On the other hand, Suarez outshone a poor Gareth Bale.


Br made shore we marked bale out of the game all he could do is fall over when the wind hit to get the free kicks the spuds need to win games


 

 

11 Mar 2013 10:36:46
Winning is a habit, a good habit that is a learnt behaviour. I am pleased to see that no matter what the performance they ground out a win. I think we are all sick & tired of playing well but not getting the points, so here's hoping that this is a major progressive mental step towards returning to being one of the big 4. Atmosphere is also returning. Well done all.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 10:24:21
Anyone sick and tired of listening to Rafa whine?
Grow up I say.
Red Knight


Who cares if other teams managers are squabbling? Nice to see Fergies face get redder though :)


No lad were sick and tired of fergie always getting his own way! He's the one who should grow I say.


11 Mar 2013 13:13:17
fair play to rafa he is the only manager with the balls to get stuck in to fergie there's enough managers in awe of him and their teams r beat before they go out on the pitch. great to see utd fans put in their place chanting you don't know what your doing, rafa brings on subs that get chelsea back in the game and should have won it, let's hope he puts that bully boy out of the cup


 

 

11 Mar 2013 10:21:57
Hi eds with Suarez on 8 yellows. Is there any stage of the season when yellows get wiped out? Or is it automatic ban after ten? {Ed002's Note - A player gets a two game ban if he has 10 yellow cards by midnight on April 14.}


Thanks for the reply.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 09:42:54
I was thinking we need cover for Lucas, and someone who is available and wouldn't command a high fee that could do the job and wouldn't mind being sat on the bench is Tom Huddlestone, he reminds of Michael Carrick of Utd, he does an excellent job.


11 Mar 2013 09:58:27
yes lucas need a cover. but he is what our engine is all about.
He protects our back 4. like no one. wins the tackels pretty clean. he was simple great yesterday. kept bale in his undergarment.

He is not a pass maker. he is a Holding Defence midfielder. liek mascherano. somtime people forget that. and expect him to be gerrard.

Wish honda plays ahead of him and gerarrd in the midfield. with suarez, countiho and downing/mertens.
My god gaols from every part

harry scousser
ynwa


11 Mar 2013 10:35:40
how on earth someone disagrees to it?
My GOD. we won the match. and lucas was pretty good.
I also meant a good adition to our squad.

IMpossible sometimes


Maybe they know huddlestone is rubbish


Lucas and Gerrard both done a great job on Bale.

The Irish Rover


In my opinion it will be difficult to get a quality player with hunger to come and accept his place as a cover for Lucas. Maybe look to the Academy but it seems Coady's development has stalled a bit. [FR]


Defensively Lucas was outstandingyesterday. However, we shouldn't ignore his consistently poor wayward distribution with the ball - how many times did he give it away yesterday? He needs to improve that part of his game, our "system" demands it.

SMc


11 Mar 2013 12:45:29
common dude. the problem is people don't understand what's a Holding Midfielder does.
his duty ends in winning back ball. and passing to the next should be a proper CM.

You can't expect lucas to be alonso + masherano.


11 Mar 2013 13:07:11
i think you are right my personnel choice would be lucas biglia I think we can afford him would cost around 5-6mil. {Ed002's Note - Anderlecht rejected an approach from Parma last season but I suspect he will move in the summer with interest from Napoli, Fiorentina, Southampton, Wolfsburg, AC Milan and Arsenal. There may well be interest from other Italian clubs. He has, on a number of occasions, expressed an interest in playing in Spain but previous interest from Real Madrid seems to have waned; lately his desire is to move to Italy. Anderlecht have found a replacement already. There is every chance he might interest a club like Liverpool, but there is nothing right now.}


So Sturridge is no longer in first team mr Harry.
Think Lucas has one of our best pass completion rates? No


 

 

11 Mar 2013 09:38:28
I have to say, I haven't been this optimistic about the direction LFC is heading for a long, long time.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 09:21:09
Hi all, after watching yesterday game which gave me all the emotions possible I think we need as a priority in the summer to sort out the defence. We cannot defend set pieces and need bigger and stronger players who have got a bit of pace also. It was a great performance and was good to see long passing with the short game to keep the opposition guessing. Yes we got gifted if you like 2 goals but feel sometimes you make your own luck. Coutinho looks like could be a bargain, downing played well tracking back when needed. Think BR is starting to get his message across to how he wants to play and what I noticed yesterday was that the players are responding. Keep the faith my friends keep the faith.


11 Mar 2013 10:10:39
Slaphead it doesn't matter even if we bring world class defenders, if you see again their goals you will see that we had 4-5 players defending set play compare to spurs 7-8 players attacking, we were completely out numbered, at the sametime there is no cover for our defenders which makes life very difficult for them.

I know we need defenders this transfer but trust me we need a midfield who can dominate opposition and protect our defenders which is very, very important in this systeam.

Yesterday spurs completely ran our midfield and we had no choice just to plumb the ball foward I'm afraid we have got lots of midfield who are not up to the mark, we need to sell some of them and buy quality playmaker who will make things happen from midfield, and buy one strong midfield who can dominate opposition at the sametime can protect our defenders.

Before people say we have coutinho no need to buy another playmaker, I think coutinho should continue playing left foward where he is more efective and closer to opposition goal.


11 Mar 2013 10:37:32
keisuki Honda. 8 mill will do the business. on the pitch. will dominate. with he skill. cracking left foot.
also a very good option on deadball. with left foot.


Cant agree with you 11 Mar 2013 10:10:39 - we lost the midfield battle for large periods because they had a 3 man CM compared to our 2 man CM. We must have expected to lose that battle and focus on the wings, which we did to great effect. Once we decided we needed to change up and take control of the midfield, we brought on Allen and matched them 3 on 3. And scored twice in a dominant half hour.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 09:17:13
I had some Technical issues during the match, so missed a few chunks of it. Then I read several posts saying how we finally got some deserved luck for once. I watched the extended highlights on Sly expecting to see us get lucky. Why were we lucky? I didn't see us get any lucky breaks. We had 2 very strong shouts for a penalty, and a third weaker shout. Spurs had 2 soft decisions given which they scored from (more acting from Bale). If any team had luck, I would say it was Spurs. We scored one sublime goal, pressed them into a mistake for the second, and scored a deserved penalty. We got no lucky breaks.

Maybe things have got so unlucky for us recently that winning a game fairly, and not having the right result taken away from us by a dodgy call is now considered lucky!


11 Mar 2013 10:01:23
then difference in simple. spurs played with 3 in midfield. which allowed them to controll the midfield. with better passing. in first half.
since our wingers are not speedstar. we didn't press too much in first half through flanks.

wen we bought allen in the middle. that kept. ball rolling from our side. and we started loking more and more. forward.

defenders are worries. but if we can score 4 goals every game. I don't care. how many we concede.


Got lucky with Walker deciding to do that silly pass back, that's all I can think of


 

 

11 Mar 2013 08:19:57
Morning Guys,
Not sure if i'm being a bit harsh here but watching us yesterday made me fume, we looked scared of them and made them look like Real Madrid standing off trying to hit them on the break : ( I think we were very lucky to get the result overall and cannot go through the season playing like that against the so called bigger teams : (.
I watch us against Utd and City and we destroyed them playing like we should at home but for some reason yesterday we looked very defensive and stood off only trying to find Suarez/Sturridge with long balls over the top, maybe it was nerves with this game effectively ending our hopes of a top4 finish we der'nt lose that game but it's obviously the mentality we still have that we are unable to compete with quality sides.


I think we sat back a bit because of the likes of bales, walkers etc pace and so that they couldn't expose carraghers lack of pace by getting in behind. sometimes you change your tactics to suit who you're playing. in saying that though I think we started and finished the game in the ascendancy


I agree we didn't play our usual game but in saying that we only had 2 midfielders really even though downing and coutinho tracked back, they outnumbered us in the middle. I agree we need to mix it up a bit more but who cares we won and we deserved it.


A large slice of lady luck and a theatrical dive won the game for lfc, in saurez own words when asked was it a pen "i don't know" was his reply llf, at least he's honest


11 Mar 2013 09:37:24
Mate the reason we couldn't dominate, they had 2 extra midfield compare to us, they were playing 4-5-1 where we were playing 4-3-3, that's the same reason why coutinho was sub despite playing so well in favour of Allen to add extra body in midfied, to be able to control the midfield, once we controlled the midfield we quickly scored 2 goals and brought another midfield hendo to shut spurs completely out of the game. Once hendo came in spurs were totaly marked out of the game and the longer we could go on we had more chances to nick another goal then spurs to equalize.


Think you may have been watching the everton game if you thought you'd seen nothing but long balls to Suarez or Sturridge. Didn't see that in our game.

We did seem to be standing off at times, particularly just prior to the Downing goal, sometimes we're guilty of seeing a forward/incisive pass, ignoring it, dribble in circles and then play a sideways or backwards pass in it's place.

And that should get ironed out with confidence, which seems to be rising in the team.

Johnson had a very poor game which was hidden by the win. his passing was woeful at times.

misterdrumz


We actually played 4-4-2


Thought we played a more 4-2-3-1. 2 being Gerrard and Lucas, 3 being Coutinho, Suarez and Downing and then Sturridge as the one.
Whatever we played, IT WORKED at the end of the day and I'm happy at least!


 

 

11 Mar 2013 07:55:26
Have to say hats off to BR, when he took off coutinho yesterday I was absolutely furious, the little guys so creative on the ball I expected him to make things happen. Bright future ahead of him at anfield!
Have to mention downing, didn't think he had much affect at all until he scored, not slating him. I think he's improved huge amounts since particularly jan so fair play to BR for keeping him on


Coutinho was completely exhausted after 60 mins. He needed to come off. He is still gaining fitness.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 07:47:57
i really enjoyed the game yesterday but what was the long passes all about? everytime Enrique got on the ball in the first half he tried to play it long? where was the possession game? Spurs didn't run us off the park because they were better but because we failed to keep possession by trying to force the play.

our attack seems more potent when we pass the ball into those areas rather than trying to play it long from the back.


Maybe we were trying to exploit their very high line by playing the ball over the top for our pacy forwards to run on to. The word tactics spring to mind. Everyone was moaning about possesion a few months back. But BR is clever and will tweak tactics to suit who we play sometimes it will come off sometimes it won't. let's be thankful for the win and don't criticise.

Thebritvickid


You obv dident see the 1st goal then sstemlocc1


Play the ball long if we are winning the ball upfront, but don't keep doing it if the opposition team is winning the ball and coming ctraight back at us, that is ho SPURS racked up the poseession stats in the first half,


 

 

11 Mar 2013 05:20:54
LFC makes me angry, frustrated, neglectful, joyful, exstatic, tearful, and for that I love you. My life would suck without this football team.

I loved it. Echoed my sentiments truly.
People who don't watch football would never realize it. Life is so bad at the moment that only Liverpool FC keeps me going. It even helps me forget my love (it ended before it even started)

INDIAN SCOUSER YNWA


11 Mar 2013 10:15:49
top draw. seems you experience same what I does.
just can't live without this team.

If we start a process to pick the best fan in the world.
I would certainly be in top 50.
sure. sure. sure.

harry scousser.


That's sad but I'm glad they are keeping you going

Yvonne


11 Mar 2013 18:28:24
LFC helped me through a difficult time of being made redundant, and having too much time to think about everything else that was wrong. so I echo your sentiments mate


 

 

11 Mar 2013 04:59:26
Well it looks like Howedes signed a new deal at Schalke! Too bad as I feel he would have been the ideal compliment to Agger for next season. Really hope BR brings in a class CB to start and De Vrij would form a great backup tandem with Kelly.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 00:47:59
How many people have been watching the reserves games and Jo�o Carlos Teixeira?

He's 19 so by the end of next season he should be pushing for a few first team appearances if he is really is that good. But how good do people think he is now, and how good could he become?


He's 20 mate


 

 

11 Mar 2013 00:39:05
Great result against a strong team in good form, special mention to Vertongen who despite scoring two was fantastic in defence, apart from the Downing goal : p. Downing was very good, tracked well and took his goal well on his weaker foot. We contained Bale fairly well and we are now a lot more clinical in our finishing which is a great sign.

A tight game and props to Spurs but I'm very pleased with how we handled the game mentally, showing determination and capitalising on Tottenham's mistakes. Slim slim outside chance of top 4 so I'll keep believing. Hopeful this season, expectant next. let's put Saints away and keep kicking on.

The A man.


All we can do is win as many games as we can and hope other teams mess up. Unlikely but not impossible.


 

 

11 Mar 2013 00:12:21
We have the nucleus of a very good squad, we just need a few quality additions and to add some depth.

1) I think we should keep hold of Reina, and I believe we will, he's a top keeper and I don't think we could get a better replacement. Do people honestly think Mingolet or Al Habsi would be an upgrade?Although I do feel a new number two could be signed - Jones is decent, but I feel we need someone younger and who will keep Reina on his toes. Ochoa's 27, but could be a decent back up - although it's unlikely he'll want to be a no. 2.

2) We need to replace Carragher. I think we'll sign someone young with potential to relace him. Coates and Skrtel also look likely to depart. So we probably need to sign 2 new defenders (we already have Kelly and Wisdom who can play centre back).

Suggestions:

De Vrij, Lovren, Sakho, Williams, Kjaer, Pearce, Amorebieta, Zambrano, Diakhite, Mirin.

verdict:

personally I think we'll sign De Vrij, who's a good young replacement for Carragher. If Skrtel leaves I'd like to see Lovren or Sakho come in, but I think Rodgers will go for Williams - I'm not crazy about the idea, but he's shown he's a good, conistent premier league defender.

3) There could possibly be a left back coming this summer, it's not a necessity as we have Kelly coming back so Johnson could fill in for Enrique if needed.

suggestions:

Cissokho, Shaw, Taylor, Indi

verdict:

I personally think we should concentrate on other areas, but if we find the right player and have the funds, a new left back would bring welcome depth to the club.

4) Gerrard and Lucas are a fantastic midfield pairing. I think we should keep hold of Henderson who is showing a lot of potential this season and I feel Allen could do the same next year. Shelvey could go out on loan, or possibly sold, as his form has seen him fall out of favour this season. I think we need another midfielder, either one with experience, or one with potential and youth on his side - either would have to be a top midfielder.

suggestions:

Honda, Alonso, Strootman, Eriksen, feghouli

verdict:

Rumours of Alonso coming back might just be rumours, but it isn't unfeasable. Eriksen or Strootman would also be fantastic additions, but they may be unattainable. Honda would be a great signing if available for the price people are talking about.

5) Assaidi will almost certainly leave. Downing has been much better of late, but none of us can deny the fact that if a decent offer comes in, we'll take it. I feel we need a new winger even if Downing does stay.

suggestions:

Sanchez, Ince, Turan, Mertens, Ben Arfa

verdict:

I think we'll probably go back in for Ince - if Blackpool budge from their high demands. We will only go for another winger if Downing leaves. any of the above would be quality, but we'd have to sell first.

6) Carroll is certain to leave. As for Borini, it's very harsh to judge him on this season due to his injuries, but he has looked out of sorts when he's played. If Fiorentina offer something close to what we paid, we'll probably sell him, if not he'll stay; either way we need another forward to support Suarez and Sturridge.

suggestions:

Bony, Gameiro, Jovetic, Benteke

Jovetic would be great, but it's not really realistic. Any of the others are not unrealistic.

Overall I think we'll prioritise a new centre back (De Vrij), a midfielder (Honda, Alonso, Strootman or Eriksen) and probably Ince. But that's before you take sales into account:

If we get £10-15m for Carroll we could go for another forward (most likely Gameiro or Bony); if we get an offer of £8-10m for Downing we'll probably sell, and bring in a new wideman - Turan and Sanchez may seem unlikey but you never know; if Skrtel goes we'll replace him with probably Ashley Williams although I'd like Saho if he were available (he can also do a job at LB).

A new GK and LB may also be looked at. This seems like a big turnover of players, but if we keep most of the first team in tact and add a few quality players and some depth, we could be a force next season. The reason we missed out on the title in 2009 is because we lacked depth (e. g. when we sold keane we haD N'gog as back up for Torres and we drew too many games) and if you look at the teams above us - City, United and Spurs - they all have depth.

Mozzer


I would get rid of Johnson from defence as he's a liability, ok at going forward but never a true defender.
He was out of positon again yesterday for goals, can't jump always falls down and positionally inept
Move him forward and get a right back who can defend, GJ looks like a puddind in my view.


 

 

10 Mar 2013 23:57:00
Sturridge poor. Suarez superb, could have done with the idle (today) Sturridges help


Sturridge didn't have his best game but he was still better than Defoe.


Harsh on Sturridge. Not his best game. Probably a 6 out of 10 game.


I think we can all admit he's struggling for fitness at the moment, I wouldn't be surprised to not see him against Southampton.

For me, I'd love him to play each game but I think he'll have some work over the summer, chance to get into a routine with strength and conditioning coaches at lfc and then next season become much less injury-prone.

Remember what Agger and Gerrard were like a few years back? They rarely (if ever in Gerrard's case) miss a game these days and a big chunk of that will be down to the backroom staff.

misterdrumz


 

 

10 Mar 2013 23:55:24
Stevie and co should've got around Suarez at the end when they disgracefully and unsporting
Y kicked off. We need some tough nuts who can play


Stewie got stuck in, but I agree even if suarez brought a lot of him on himself with dembele (spelling) y. n. w. a


They did get round him


 

 

10 Mar 2013 23:53:35
Made up but a jones shocker!


He was better than Loris on the day, which is all that counts?


 

 

10 Mar 2013 23:51:50
Excellent game regarding atmosphere and drama. Demble is Some player. We need to be looking to future with the likes of him. Reminded of Viera. Nice movement in their midfield whilst ours at sea at times. Balance doesn't look right still. Positives were our dogged determination and gave it all. Downing had good game, as did Stevie and Suarez per norm gave everything. Thought officials poor, especially towards us. Scottie Parker did well with Demble and at times ran the game in 1st half. BUT BALE, Great player as he is-is an absoloute DISGRACE! I was going nuts in Lower Kemlyn (as was) A player of his calibre conned the two set pieces in witch they scored. And the Ref fell for it. And then Demble, Parker and Co had the temerity to have go at Suarez at the end. Its like the Media have driven the anti Suarez agenda so much that opposition, officials etc-Never let the facts get in the way of the truth. Parker dogged Suarez cockily in the game. And Suarez virtually assaulted for winning pen. Yet they All overlook the disgraceful underhand outright cheating of Bale-shocking and xenophobic. Indeed Ironically Suarez would have a case claiming inert Racism v Him! as Johnny Foreigner to be slated by likes of pathetic (I don't dive-but yes you do Nevin) F. A need to get hold of Bale. Shocking antics. Get in REDMEN now don't UNDO GOOD WORK V Southampton. Truely good sides are consistent!


 

 

10 Mar 2013 23:33:43
Just watched MOTD and Sturridge did celebrate Suarez's goal.
I'll shut up about then.
I hate the way they still focus on Suarez being a pest when Bale won both dubious free kicks that led to Tottenham's goals.
The second one especially.
Commentator "Lucas has been penalised for putting his hand on Bale's shoulder. "


Watch Bale, in every game he tries to get up the Ref's a. se, never stops talking to officials


 

 

10 Mar 2013 23:26:45
Anyone else hear that joker Pat Nevin and the other pundit on M. O. T. D regarding Suarez saying he's a dirty player he never gets the credit he deserves let's face it he won't get player of year the media darlings Bale or Van P will get it there shouldn't even be a debate fact. also we have battered sides this season an got nothing an yet spuds mistakes gave us the win today belief an spirit gave us that win today another fact. Walk On.


 

 

10 Mar 2013 23:21:49
Blues childish as ever yesterday, judging their season on what we do. Yesterday-"we'll were above you!". And ok a game more but-ahem!-And huge difference is-We see it as poor Season!" Ho ho ho. No Wonder their so Bitter


How the mighty have fallen to be above an everton team who have only won 3 games since xmas but well done its only taken millions of pounds and 18 months to finally get there


 

 

10 Mar 2013 22:58:27
Just wondering.
Does anyone still want rid of brendan Rodgers?
I'm 27 and honestly can't remember the last time we played such attractive football. The results are coming through thick and fast now as well.

MIKEY


11 Mar 2013 08:42:48
lets forget the attractivness yesterday. we were the same as spurs were when we dominated at white hart lane.
should have started with 3 man in midfield.
dropped sturidge in the bench. suarez is in the form of his life. he is enough in the front. with countinho downing and hendo/allen. behind him.

would love honda. to play behind him. what a line up that going to be.


 

 

10 Mar 2013 22:57:00
Eds do you think any of the top sides are intrested in cabaye

Basy {Ed001's Note - depends on what you call top, Arsenal have certainly looked at him.}


 

 

 
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