Liverpool Banter Archive February 12 2017

12 Feb 2017 20:40:25
The main difference between yesterday's performance and the rest of 2017 was it was pretty much our best 11 barring Lucas. Just shows how much we rely on our first 11 and struggle when someone has to swap in into the team. Depth next season will be key to our success so will be interesting to see who we target.

13 Feb 2017 05:08:28
Liverpool's lack of quality in depth is really irritating, but it's a hard problem to solve with haste. Fans expected Liverpool to go out in August and buy at least 12 new players to strengthen not only the first team but the squad. They then expected the depth to be fixed in January, which as the eds keep on stressing is not ideal for that month. Fans wanted part of the deficit in quality squad depth to be remedied in January but players typically don't leave their clubs during that month unless they are looking for more game time, not to play a role as competitive depth.

13 Feb 2017 09:28:16
We should never buy squad players only ones that improve the first team: creates depth and competition and gets the best out of everyone. I never really understood buying players for the 'squad' - what that means is your buying players not quite good enough for the first XI - what's the point of doing that?

13 Feb 2017 09:30:00
I think you have nailed the problems we have just had. We have a great first 11 that will compete with anyone. It is a very well balanced team.

The problem came when any needed replacing.

You have to do this like for like. Winger for winger. striker for striker. Can only plays when Hendo is injured or needs a rest. It upset the system too much.

We have a great foundation now to get in the players in the summer that can give us 2 options in every position. Mix of youth and new faces.

And we still have a lot to play for this year and I'm confident unlike previous managers. If we can finish strong and get close to winning the league this manager won't implode and ruin the team that got him there. He will add more quality to take us on a level.

13 Feb 2017 11:15:42
If you are well and truly aware players won't leave in Jan why not buy them in summer? We simply passed the windows without buying a left back and another winger / wide forward which has cost us what another real chance at the title.

13 Feb 2017 11:58:40
Maths the Jan transfer window is a joke and is only in existence because of Sky milking it (but that's a conversation for another day)

Alfie, Seano and Robin, I couldn't agree more we have brought players for the sake of it in the past and it's got us nowhere. In the summer we should look at a keeper to replace migs, a lb to replace moreno, and a first 11 cb to partner matip anything else should be dependent on sales or if someone comes up that improves the first 11 outside the priority positions.

13 Feb 2017 18:07:09
Harry, The Jan transfer window is a shambles and if football was as simple as you describe it, it wouldn't be as exciting and unpredictable as it is now. If it was that easy to get the player you want, why did conte get rejected when he wanted Bonucci, Ruddiger and then Coulibaly as CB only to opt for David Luiz in the summer? Also, why did no one in the top 6 sign players in Jan?

Cos no one will sell you their top player in Jan unless something crazy happened as in Suarez's case with Ajax where he threatened legal action against them to force a move to us or us panic-buying Carroll for stupid money.

Buying for buying sake makes no sense and we are in the best position to know that but hey I guess it's easy to moan cos that's always better than thinking and analyzing situations pragmatically (not referring to you personally, Harry) .


We now know the type of players we want cos we have a great first 11 as a blueprint. Stick to that in the summer and we go again next season hopefully, in the CL.

12 Feb 2017 18:06:22
Evening eds

Ive reas youve said we've been looking at left backs wide players and forwards. I don't expect you to tell all but as regards to Strikers, an out and out Striker? Can you give any names please? Surely means Studge possibly moving on?

{Ed002's Note - You have been told over and over who Liverpool has been looking at - this is getting desparate. Try the Sharkopod.}

12 Feb 2017 18:52:57
Ok mate fair enough. When was the latest Liverpool Sharkopod?

{Ed002's Note - I really don't know - perhaps I will do another soon.}

12 Feb 2017 19:02:03
Would be great if you could. I think the last one was a good while ago. Appreciate your busty.

{Ed002's Note - Don't expect too many changes - clubs tend to identify players they are interested in and stick at it.}

12 Feb 2017 19:16:54
Bit personal saying you think Ed's is busty lol.

12 Feb 2017 19:09:11
Cheers ed, obviously I meant busy 😋😭😫. Lol.

12 Feb 2017 21:14:38
Ed002 has given us plenty of snippets! All the way through January we got updates as well.

Ed002 has stated that Brandt is an option we may look to in the summer, Mariano is of interest to the extent we made an effort to do a deal last month, and that during discussions with Real Madrid we also asked about Nacho Fernandez (according to an Arsenal scout) .

I cannot remember which Ed it was, but I recall it being mentioned that we were also keen on Tymon of Hull City. Forgive me if I am wrong or if anything has changed though!

12 Feb 2017 21:30:28
Lol lfcdiamond got the giggles there.

12 Feb 2017 23:46:47
I appreciate ed002's bustiness too 🤤.

12 Feb 2017 16:35:12
Ed1 correct me if im wrong, but I believe you once said, unfortunately we 'may' see Lucas been moved on in the summer. (I think it was you) - Do you still believe this to be the case? I'd be gutted to see him go, always liked the fella.

With Klopp playing him it makes me think maybe he will keep hold of him? I know he isn't going to be on every game or anything like that but as a backup he's perfect.

{Ed001's Note - Lucas nearly moved in January, the club have left it in his hands, as a reward for his service. It really depends on the offer that comes in, as he is only a back up in Klopp's eyes, so the right offer will see him leave.}

12 Feb 2017 16:51:51
Ahh I see, cheers mate. In this case I'd expect a decent offer to come in this summer, hopefully not mind.

12 Feb 2017 17:20:48
He's an asset to the club as he can provide in midfield and at centre half.
Injuries and age have affected his stamina.

As he is getting towards the end of his career he probably wants to play as often as possible and to do that may need to move to a less intense league like serie A.

But I hope he stays with us as he seems to be a top guy who always has a smile on his face and can still put in top performances.

I'd say also that he is a mentor like figure to Firminio and Coutinio who has helped them settle in.

12 Feb 2017 17:57:42
Hi Ed001,
Been a while since I posted.
Do you think Lucas will get a testimonial? I hope he does, he surely deserves one.

{Ed001's Note - I expect him to.}

12 Feb 2017 20:08:00
Love the guy to bits and would be sad to see him leave. I would see if he would be interested in a role when he eventually retires. Has shown a great personality since he's been and whether he was to be a coach or an ambassador i think we need more people like him around.

{Ed002's Note - He has only just turned 30 - what role would you offer him?}

12 Feb 2017 20:48:10
I did say eventually, but I'm not sure ed. I Just think a few players could learn a thing or two from him.

13 Feb 2017 09:39:01
When he does retire I'd like to see him alongside Gerrard with the youngsters, would do them the world of good, two ex players like that teaching the youngsters the way would have to be a plus for the academy. Still far too early to talk about I guess.

12 Feb 2017 11:43:58
Anybody else think that Klopp would love to have Dembele in the squad? He's such a good player! On a sepereate note, Ed001 if you're about, if Leicester do get relegated this season, is there a chance we could rekindle our interest in Ben Chilwell? Or has that ship well and truly set sail? Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - the ship looks to have fully sailed.}

12 Feb 2017 12:29:14
Dembele is the only one I would want from Spurs right now even tho, he got owned by Hendo last night.

12 Feb 2017 12:48:21
Was AH referring to the Spurs or the Celtic Dembele? I was assuming the latter.

12 Feb 2017 13:37:45
Noah you wouldn't want lloris, alderweirawld or Kane then?

12 Feb 2017 13:40:46
Maybe Paredes will be back on the summer shopping list?

12 Feb 2017 13:54:33
Dembele from Dortmund?

12 Feb 2017 14:13:41
To be honest I'd love dembele, lloris and one that always catches my eye is son extremely underrated talent shame we didn't get him a couple years ago would of been perfect for us.

12 Feb 2017 15:01:40
alderweirawld would have to be my first choice from the spurs team, he's a fantastic defender. If it wasn't for him yesterday we'd have got more goals for sure.

12 Feb 2017 16:48:29
Dembele of spurs.

12 Feb 2017 16:41:55
Most underrated in the league. It's too late to sign him.

12 Feb 2017 19:05:31
Alderiewald and Lloris. I like Dier too.

13 Feb 2017 02:47:37
Sorry, Red. I forgot about Alderweireld. Lloris? I'm a bit iffy on that one.

12 Feb 2017 09:40:44
I know this question has been asked before but i can't find the answer. If Spurs or Utd win the Europa league does that mean champions league will be taken of Liverpool, City or Arsenal if they finish in fourth.

{Ed002's Note - No.}

12 Feb 2017 11:11:27
Thanks eds.

12 Feb 2017 11:40:40
That would only happen if Leicester also win the Champions League.

12 Feb 2017 12:04:13
5 teams qualify for the next season.

12 Feb 2017 09:28:03
Sturridge has had a huge opportunity through Dec and January with injuries and Mane out to ACON. I think he failed to take the chance to nail a first team place. I don't think he's been terrible but he hasn't scored or done enough. I can't help but think, do we need him anymore?

{Ed001's Note - it takes a long time to return from the injury he had, he deserves our support not writing off.}

12 Feb 2017 10:29:35
Ed the symptoms he has shown ie lack of pace and sharpness where apparent last year. My example is the euro final.

Thats what 8 months and a full pre season ago. How long do you think this will take?

{Ed001's Note - it can take years mate, Falcao is a good example, he has only just started to get back to his best this season. How many years has it been since his knee op? Is it 3 or 4? Something like that. It is a long road back as you even have to mentally reprogram yourself to run properly.}

12 Feb 2017 10:33:02
He was about as useless as I've seen, lad will be off in summer.

{Ed001's Note - then you have not been watching footie for more than about ten minutes, if Studger is as useless as you have seen.}

12 Feb 2017 10:44:00
'useless as I've seen' Very harsh and false.

I as many, I'm frustrated about it and I do agree I think his time with us is about up, but at the moment he's a Liverpool player and deserves support.

My opinion, we can all make excuses for him, but for how long? he's getting paid wages most of us would dream for yet he's doing nothing in return. I don't think he fits Klopps system and I don't think he's good enough for Liverpool anymore. He was fantastic the season with Suarez and that was it, ever since he's never been at his best. We need to cash in on him but for now I wish the lad the best of luck with us, I'd love to be proved wrong and see him smashing in god knows how many from now till the end of the season but it won't happen.

12 Feb 2017 11:39:35
No one can doubt Studge's ability, he's awesome. But he doesn't seem to fit the Klopp style of play. Top teams unfortunately don't have the luxury to wait years for players to return to form from fitness, especially if they want to win trophies. I think Klopp will want to buy a striker that fits his system and cash in on Studge in the Summer.

12 Feb 2017 11:38:13
To be fare though ed. Falcaos return to form has weirdly coincided with him moving back to a weaker league?

He couldn't cut it at chelsea or united.

Maybe studge can't with us and needs to move?

And for every falcao there is a torres who never got it back.

The problem is the following points.

Sturridge game was built around 5 yards of rediculous pace and clinical finishing with the space that gained him.

If that's gone then he's still a good player.

He can't play up top anymore because without the pace he comes far to deep to get on the ball.

Without his pace for us and how we play. is he better than adam, phil, rob and saddi?

Is he better back up than origi? 20 minutes left you usually want pace to come on.

So maybe he's just not suited for us anymore but still could have a good career elsewhere

Do me a fabour. The next time you watch him play or look at some highlights there is a run in behind and his left leg looks to go on him and he's starts pulling back.

Is he scared about injuring it or did the operation he had where he was sent to america under brendan as they thought they found the route to his injury problems cause it?

He came back scored against west ham, played a few games and then they sent him for his operation because alongside the recovery time he would be due back for preseason and fresh for the upcoming campaign and when he retured he never has that yard of pace.

I don't know but im not imagining his running issues.

12 Feb 2017 12:10:34
Good debate. Ed's right that it can take along time for injuries like this to heal and to get back to fitness. At the same time though lot of Sturridges movements rely on his ability to shift weight on is knees and ankles quickly. For me watching him at the moment, there's a lack of confidence there, and currently a lack of pace, he does look slower.
Falcao rushed himself back. I think after his injury he was back playing withing 8months which was just f'ing ridiculous as in seriously stupid, how any medical team let him play is beyond my mind. usually acl's take about a year or so to simply recover from, building the strength in the surrounding muscles etc.

Ultimately I don'tfeel Sturridge has a place in our team, but it's not due to his injury I just don't think he does the dirty work Klopp likes his forwards to, and we tend to have a slower build up in possession and look to shift it out wide than central again, rather than straight in behind. If he goes he goes, if he stays he stays.

I've said before I think we can get a replacement for him in the squad that fits better, and won't be out as much. Idon'tpersonally see the point in having a bench/ 1st team player that's only fir for 33% of available games. But Studge has quality.

12 Feb 2017 12:05:12
Daniel will win the title at Arsenal, What they need is a striker of his quality.

12 Feb 2017 12:45:23
Spot on, Cleanred. Falcao was desperate to play at the WC in 2014 and hence, rushed himself back and it took 3 years for him to actually get to where he is now. Studge did not have a devastating injury like Falcao did, I'm sorry. Even if Studge was fit, do you see him putting in the serious kilometers that Firmino put in last night? That would be a NO so don't know what the excuses are for really? I know he has been injured and has been struggling for form. Dec was his time to get it right as he got chances to play and sadly for all parties, he didn't step up. We can make excuses for him all we want but the last time he was on form for a decent period of time was 13/ 14 season, 3/ 4 years ago, a small eternity in football terms. The issue is simple. If you cannot play the game the way we did vs Spurs last night (the standard moving forward), then LFC under Klopp, is not for you, period. That doesn't make you a bad player. It just means you don't fit our style and if you don't fit in, what are you still doing here and why exactly should we keep you?

12 Feb 2017 14:29:00
Spot on noah. Its not becauses he hated or a bad player but he's just not suited to us anymore.

He just had 2 months of games and can anyone name atleast 1 momen5 where you rhought bang he's still back. Or did you see any imorovment in fitness/ sharpness as the games went on. I didnt.

Hes a proffessional footballer who trains week in week out with klopp! It can't take this long to get your fitness back and if it is maybe he should start doing more. Gett8ng a personal trainer and doing private work alongside normal stuff.

Or ask for a loan just a short one to go and bang the goals in like the chanpionship. Get some confidence and that.

Its not really an excuse and injury 18 months ago for me. Take control of the situation yourself and start working your ass off.

{Ed001's Note - you really have no idea. Utter and complete nonsense. This is the kind of crap that I would expect from S*n 'journalists' not from supposed fans. If you think it is that easy, then you are so completely ignorant of the truth it is pathetic. I am sick of the modern day 'supporter' who just wants to jump on a player's back for no reason. Sturridge works hard and deserves our support. You should start educating yourself instead of wasting everyone's time with this ignorant crap.}

12 Feb 2017 14:34:25
Harry lol they have Sanchez.

12 Feb 2017 16:18:34
Well said ed1 mate.

12 Feb 2017 17:20:34
I feel if we went back to a formation of 4231 he could still do a job up front, but he's still well short of fitness, I agree with ed he needs support from us, top professional who has nothing but respect for the club and klopp, well worth keeping hold of.

12 Feb 2017 18:03:19
He's clearly not "match fit".
Physical fitness he may have, but he's always struck me as an 'instinct-player'.
It's hard to get your match-fitness back when you are not first choice, he needs a run of 10 games of 90 minutes with the first team.
Anyone who thinks we need "another Mane" well they don't come with more suitability to that role than Sturridge. He has pace, he can finish and he has an instinct for goals.

12 Feb 2017 18:19:48
You have your view ed but you think having 6 months at newcastle as a starter would of be a disaster? Do you not think he should be doing extra fitness work?

If his injury was as bad as you believe and its going to take this much time then what's sitting on the bench doing for him. If noone else gets injred frow now until the end of the season then how does he get in the team?

Ramsey was sent on loan after his leg breaker. a lot of top players have been on loan. I think it would of been a good move. Play all games for the rest of the season, get ya confidence back and smash in a ton of goals.

Confused why that's utter crap but hey im not an ed 😊.

{Ed001's Note - so you think he is not doing the fitness work set for him by the fitness coaches? You think they have not set limits on the amount he does, so he does not do irreparable damage to his body? Like I said you are ignorant in this matter. You haven't a clue what you are talking about but are calling the lad lazy for not doing what someone who is pig ignorant of his circumstances deems to be the right thing. He is not Ramsey, he does not have a broken leg and to even compare the two is laughable and shows that this is a pointless discussion, if you think the two had in any way comparable injuries and recovery issues.

I fail to see why everyone is so busy digging out Sturridge when he has done everything possible, and taken the time to help others out in their recovery. Studger is one of the good guys in football.}

12 Feb 2017 18:33:54
Ive shared the info I got last year at the Cheltenham festival from some sporting agents in the Ladbrokes box, info that came via Sturridges family, from what i've seen this last year i've no reason at all to disbelieve it and the fellas I spoke to didn't strike me as the type to tell lies either.
He's going in the summer i've no doubt about that at all, shame as I always liked the lad but he's no good on the bench or the treatment table all the while.

14 Feb 2017 12:15:41
Ed are you not one who hates this red zone nonsence?

I didn't say he wasnt doing the work set out for him. i said whys he not doing extra. Trying differemct things/ methods like swimming, yoga, meditation. it sounds daft but that'd what i mean taking a grip of the situation seing your not fit enough or sharp enough and maybe finding another way of getting there without doing a lot of running.
An issue i think it is though for studge is below

Gerrars and sturridge himself have said that he/ i need to be 100% fit and stevie said that during the 13/ 14 season the battle of players like suarez was what ebcourage daniel to play through some niggles.

He said it himself last year when he returned from injury played a game and was injured again (november time klopps first months) . remember klopp having a proper go at him in the media and making him sort of renounce the injury and a week later this hanstring injury had gone. Ssturrixge did an interview after the match and sort of gave a nod to the i have to be 100% fit to be at my best but i think klopps said to him being at 70/ 80% will mean you can be avaliable a lot more becauze injuries and nigglwa are going to happen all throuvh your career and they have devised this training plan for him. which just is not working.

So maybe its up to Daniel to take charge of the situation.

{Ed001's Note - nothing to do with zones and everything to do with his body being simply unable to cope with more. I know what is being said publicly, but there is a lot more to it than that.}

12 Feb 2017 07:41:36
Well played Liverpool.

12 Feb 2017 04:10:58
Great to see what is without question our best front 6 together again. Coutinho, Firmino and Mane just work together and smart runs from all over the park. Behind them the 3 works with Llalana for creativity/ movement, Gini for control/ passing and Hendo for defence and control. It just works.

Noticable for the first goal Llalana nicked it back high up the pitch, then Firmino dropped to link the play and Mane runs in behind into the space with perfect timing. Second is Mane/ Firmino again nicking the ball up high and Llalana quickly breaking forward into the box in support. Firmino is unquestionably important to making the whole thing work IMO.

Against sides sitting deep I still question the setup and whether we need more cover against the breaks and a more clinical pure CF, but for games like this with bodies spread all over the pitch, our intensity and ability to use Manes pace into the spaces is irresistable.

Think Can and Sturridge must be sweating on their chances of getting back into the starting lineup.

12 Feb 2017 05:04:20
Glad Klopp decided to drop Can in the game. Hope he improve himeself though. I still like him.

12 Feb 2017 06:36:47
The one thing which is clear, Lovren is not the answer to Matip's CB partner. Lucas put in a match winning performance. Pending Lucas's injury, I would be happy to see Lucas keep his place ahead of Lovren.

There is no doubt that we are going to see Klopp ring the changes in defence this coming summer. Whether it be promoting 2 fullbacks from the academy or signing new fullbacks better than what we currently have and most definitely signing another CB on the level of Matip.

Can't see much changes being made to our midfield or to our attack. Sturrdige is likely to go so we probably will see at least one forward being added. Defence is the department which needs to be overhauled. Will also be interesting to see what Klopp decides to do with our GK situation.

3-4 first team quality additions will take our squad to the next level.

12 Feb 2017 09:04:55
Southampton robbed us for Lovren. He was never good enough. Positinally inept. We just have him time after time after time.

12 Feb 2017 13:05:41
Zimbo, I like our post. Vs lesser teams who sit deep, we need to be more precise in our passing, a bit more pace in our movement, make forward runs into the opposition defence which will drag defenders out of position hence, creating space for runners from midfield like Wij and Lallana to run into. That is the way to go. Vs Hull, those opportunities were there to do all the above (watched the game breakdown on Youtube with Matt Holland and Phil Neville) but due to lack of confidence or poor attitude, we kept passing backwards and missing said opportunities. Hopefully, this win has instilled some confidence to allow us to take such chances moving forward.