Liverpool Banter Archive July 13 2015

13 Jul 2015 23:28:12
I know back a few months ago it was mentioned Walcott could have been a possibility as a replacement for Sterling? Has he signed a new Arsenal deal yet. If not, and if the Benteke interest disappears, could he not be a perfect choice as an up top striker (where he wishes to play) but could also do the same as Sterling out wide if needed?
Thoughts? Cheers

14 Jul 2015 00:47:13
Agree 100% with this, Walcott upfront would suit better than Benteke while Sturridge injured, and once Sturridge back he can play either twin striker in a diamond or on the wing if we go to a 4-3-3, replacing Sterling out wide.

Kills two birds with one stone and if we can get him for c.20mln then a better option than Benteke at 32.5mln.

14 Jul 2015 03:26:57
Firstly Walcott is a winger,secondly he is injury prone.If Walcott gets injured early in the season then we are left with inexperienced striker,then people start saying that manager doesn't have brain to buy an out and out striker.Why do we care about money it is in interest of owners and committee members,they will knoe the risks.All that matters is to buy an out and out striker.

{Ed001's Note - Walcott is a striker. He gets played out wide, but he is a striker, ask him.}

14 Jul 2015 06:14:42
Walcott is a perfect fit and I have said this the other day. He would blend in well with our amigos behind.

13 Jul 2015 22:00:10
Hey eds any news on reus coming to us

13 Jul 2015 22:09:48
Use search

13 Jul 2015 22:25:48
Yeah he's not coming.

13 Jul 2015 22:43:26
The links in the Echo report to 'Metro',, and Metro's "reports" when you click on it,, take you to the original source "skuawka". Which is probably Ian Ayre himself sat in his bedroom with his Ninja Turtles Pyjamas on typing up Liverpool rumours to compete with our site

14 Jul 2015 05:50:41
Dbol

That was class.ROFL

13 Jul 2015 21:30:08
Hey ed, a question about you about the exact mechanics of transfer business ;> The latest rumbling from the all-knowing twitter is that "an offer is on its way" for Benteke!
Now, it is the phrasing that makes me wonder - what exactly is an offer and how does it travel!
Have we sent it to Birmingam via courier pigeons? Or perhaps the Pony Express?
Or in fact, is this "offer" in actuality a SENTIENT BEING? Tell us the truth, eds - is the Offer for Benteke even now soaring through the star-lit sky, beating its mighty wings??? Are there wild Offers lurking in the darkness, and waiting to waylay late travelers like the legendary Chupakabras?
Who knows - maybe the Offer for Reus is creeping beneath someone's window even now, waiting, watching.


Need some sleep, I think.

{Ed002's Note - Formal offers will be made in writing by fax or email.}

13 Jul 2015 21:35:04
Best to listen to Ed and not Twitter.

13 Jul 2015 21:40:03
I always thought it would be a phone call for some reason.

13 Jul 2015 21:40:57
Or carrier pigeon.

13 Jul 2015 21:58:20
Fire breathing dragons with armored knights carrying bids on scrolls written with one's own blood

13 Jul 2015 22:40:07
Do premier league clubs still really use fax machines?

13 Jul 2015 22:49:14
Which Ed is the tech savvy one again? Go on admit it, you hacked City's email didn't ya???? £49 million :)

13 Jul 2015 23:00:03
What's a fax machine?

14 Jul 2015 09:24:25
In the old days they would shave the hair off a YTS lad and then tattoo the offer on his head he would then jog round to the selling club and show his head. It seems extraordinary now, what with faxes and what not.

13 Jul 2015 20:52:53
Eds in for a rtfp session tonight regarding Reus. Paul Joyce mentioning him in the express. So as usual twitter goes mad then they come on here and ask.

13 Jul 2015 21:49:33
Who's paul Joyce? Ed joyces father?

13 Jul 2015 22:15:15
Damn fine cricketer.

13 Jul 2015 20:04:25
Any doubting our owners can hide their head in shame.

Liverpool Football Club mean business this season, and a successful season from our manager will back that up.

If he does, then it proves sometimes that a little faith can go a long way, regardless of peoples opinion of the manager, but if he doesn't, then they can not be criticised for trying to steady the boat and will learn.

Only time will tell, but either way, we should be grateful who we've got.

That is all.

13 Jul 2015 20:29:46
With you on that Davey boy
Up the pool

13 Jul 2015 20:43:34
I've heard it all now.

13 Jul 2015 20:49:39
We still haven't got a striker with Sturridge being injured. And as for the manager, 'the yes' man who'll do anything to save his own bacon. If the Americans asked him to shovel pig s. t he'd agree. I wouldn't want to be in the trenches with Ted.

13 Jul 2015 21:45:32
We've signed a championship level goalkeeper, a kid from Burnley and a decent midfielder in Milner all on free transfers, another one-hit wonder from Southampton and one good signing in Firmino, all whilst keep our incompetent manager.

So why would I have any more faith and belief that this will be a good season? This comment will be criticised no doubt, but guaranteed those who disagree will all be feeling the same way come June 2016.

13 Jul 2015 21:51:05
EMS - Adam
Adam - EMS ??!

13 Jul 2015 22:00:34
Spot on Adam, whilst of course selling one of Europe's best young talent and before you all start with "it's the sale of the century", mark my words he'll come back and haunt us at Anfield. Sterling a return won't be a shrinking violet sketch as with Torres. With the likes of Aguero, Silva, poss Pogba, Toure etc., he'll roast defences just as he vid alongside Suarez.

13 Jul 2015 22:01:21
It's not about throwing money around, its about spending it wisely and whilst there are reasons to be positive, we should also be realistic. The acquisitions so far this summer are reminiscent of last year i.e. leaning towards a policy of quantity rather than quality. Last season, the keeper position was an issue. This has not been addressed. Last season, scoring was an issue. The only two players that - just about - got into double figures for us have now left. I hope Ings comes good and Benteke, if we buy him, same as everyone else, but are they really going pick up that mantle?

All last season, we funnelled play up the middle or changed tactics and formation several times a match. The 'new' coaching staff might address this.

So a mixed-bag really far from convincing that the 'review' evidences much learning from past mistakes.

Hopeful, but realistic.

13 Jul 2015 22:02:40
And before you all start about Sterling and Suarez etc., with the 'they wanted to go" argument, ask yourself this, why did they want to leave? Do we see petulance at the Ethiad, Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford? No, different business models.

13 Jul 2015 22:05:07
Isn't Ings a striker?
What happened to Balotelli?

13 Jul 2015 22:13:06
I don't understand the post. If they are right then great, if they are wrong then also great because they will learn? or because the owners are always right?

We just finished an awful season, our manager who didn't win a trophy for three season kept his position despite the fact that apperantly one of the most succesful manager in the current generation of managers wanted to come to us. BR wouldn't have kept his place with Abramovich, with City owners or with United's owners. What reason is there to believe that next season will be better? If you look at how this summer goes we have no realistic chance whatsoever to finish top 4. What is there to congratulate the owners for? The may have good intentions but they don't have a clue about how to build a trophy winning team in the PL.

I said here several times. As much as I admire Hazard and Costa as much as I think Mourinho is an amazing manager, if I had to take just one person from Chelsea to us it will be Roman Abramovich.

13 Jul 2015 22:19:28
Ozone. De Gea wants to leave Old Trafford, Ronaldo left too. Without champions league football its hard to keep hold of the best players. And I have no clue why you're slating the FREE signing of Ings and already doubting Clyne.

13 Jul 2015 22:33:21
Go on Ozone, break a habit of a lifetime. Instead of telling us all about how money grabbing and opportunistic the owners are, give us your own preference: a 'fan'? Someone like Newcastle have? Would you prefer Man U owners? Or is it you are gazing enviously at Man City's 'lifelong fan' Arab owners? Put your xenophobia aside, and give us your version. skip giving me the cheap shot generalisations about anyone who disagrees with you, tell me who you want to own us.

13 Jul 2015 22:34:46
Ozone. No petulance at the etihad or old Trafford? You have a very short memory if you have forgotten Tevez refusing to come off the bench and then going home and refusing to play for citeh. And what about Rooney when he threw his toys out of the pram and said he wanted out unless he got a massive pay rise.With your negativity I don't understand why you don't go and support these wonderful clubs

{Ed001's Note - Yaya and the birthday cake....}

13 Jul 2015 22:36:22
You tell me about Ballotelli, Borini, Lambert etc Ron as Ted felt it appropriate to play Gerrard up front against Stoke last game with a further 7 midfield compliment.

13 Jul 2015 22:38:19
Ings is an unproven U21 Ron.

13 Jul 2015 22:47:43
Yeah ozone they wanted to go but the chavs top players don't we sell ours at the top of their game do you think sterling would have left united city arsenal or chelsea

13 Jul 2015 22:58:29
Ohhh I thought you'd vanished Ben. Didn't here off you last season. Feel as though you've got something to cheer about do we. Answer me this Ben, Teds just announced he was behind sacking Pascoe and Marsh. Why has it taken him 8 years to realise Pascoes not up to the job?

13 Jul 2015 22:59:52
Red since 64. Is Rooney still at Old Trafford?

13 Jul 2015 23:01:37
MrYoxall - where have I said I doubt Clyne? Ings is an unproven U21 so until he proves himself, there will be doubts. He's not a proven 20 plus goals a season striker now is he.

13 Jul 2015 23:09:55
I'm confused.
All the BR haters are the FSG supporters ?

13 Jul 2015 23:20:09
Well primarily Ben I'd prefer owners who go the game and not stay away number crunchers who appoint financial gurus to interfere with footballing issues. I'd prefer owners who have the etiquette and good grace to attend the final game of a club legend. Owners who invest in the team and not individuals who fit 'hedge' criteria. Owners who employ a manager befitting of LFC status not a mouthpiece with a failed CV backed up with an academic dossier.

14 Jul 2015 01:35:26
Yeah ozone it's not like they have other business to attend to. That Red Sox team is a pretty small team they can be ignored. Oh wait. I do appreciate that you're old fashioned ozone and that you want what's best for the club, but I think you're clutching at straws. Sterling needed to go. He's on 200k a week now. You think even if he wanted to stay we could match that?

13 Jul 2015 22:58:56
Ed001, has Yaya left?

{Ed001's Note - you didn't say anything about leaving, you asked about petulance. Yaya is on 250k a week and still showing it and trying to get a move away.}

14 Jul 2015 06:21:14
Finally we are getting somewhere Ozone. So we need owners like Mike Ashley? He goes to every game. As far as investment goes, you need to drag yourself out of the last decade where sugar daddies could splurge to their hearts content. Clubs are required to work within the boundaries of FFP, which I'm sure you are aware we have pushed to the limit. Your obsession with hedges, whilst touching, ignores the simple fact that on field success generated the biggest returns for the owners. CL revenue, sponsorship deals etc will provide better returns than the fantastic 'resale value' that the likes of Aspas bring in. They have made mistakes from a footballing perspective, but they do not dictate the footballing and transfer activity day to day. Yes, they have stuck (wrongly IMO) with Rodgers, but that aside, tell me who fits your criteria as better owners?

14 Jul 2015 06:52:13
Rodgers and Pascoe have not been in the job for 8 years?
Assistant manager of Swansea is a different job with different requirements to Assistant manager of LFC.

Surely even you can accept this Ozone?

14 Jul 2015 07:21:28
Mr Yoxall, Ings is NOT free.

14 Jul 2015 23:57:13
I'm with you wiwar1000 - The reality is (and no doubt i'll get slated for this), we're just not one of the big clubs anymore. We are comparable to Spurs. And there is a big difference between spurs and the top 4 last season. Not only do we not have the quality the top four from last season had, we don;t have a business model that seeks to ensure we are in the top four, at all costs. Players see this! and they know that ultimately Liverpool isn't going to win squat, so they leave. Can you blame them? It's bloody depressing but it's the truth. We are Liverpool -why on earth do we have a manager that came from Swansea and hadn't really proven himself?!! Why do we buy strikers from a relegated team, or the likes of lambert? So DaveyBootle, you're damn right i doubt FSG, cause as a fan I want tropheys and they aren't fighting for them.

13 Jul 2015 19:41:25
hi eds ,

just a quick question or 2 , is Markovic in BR's plans and in your opinion is he good enough to make the grade , i think given a regular start for over 10 games he would come good , i think last season Balo had more playing time than markovic i might be wrong but if i'm right its wrong to judge him on so few games i would love to hear your opinion on him

{Ed002's Note - I think it will be even more difficult to get game time that last season.}

13 Jul 2015 22:38:54
If its going to take him 10 games to come good then we might as well get rid of him now. We just don't have the luxury of allowing him 10 games to see if he will make the grade

13 Jul 2015 22:40:17
id keep marko. really like him.

13 Jul 2015 19:38:23
We probably don't have interest but what would everyone's thoughts be on a potential move for Mario gomez? Was class at bayern now not so much. Ed001 your views?

{Ed001's Note - no wonder Sinclair is not signing a new contract! Waste of time signing him, he is past it.}

13 Jul 2015 20:01:03
Gomez ll make lambert look an excellent player.

13 Jul 2015 20:57:29
Excellent target man nothing else nuff said

13 Jul 2015 22:04:31
Making it sound like he could sign there ed001. He's one of my favourite players but he is definitely on the downward slope he's been poor for the past few seasons now not a patch on his form of 4 ish years ago

13 Jul 2015 18:18:39
Eds do you expect Teixera to be included in the 25 man premier league squad now that he is of age where we have to register him?
Or do you think he'll be loaned or sold?

Natural

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea if he will be included or not but it is tough to see him getting much playing time. I am not aware of plans to sell him.}

13 Jul 2015 16:59:17
Begovic Is a fantastic goalkeeper. Shame we didn't Sort out our goalkeeping situation effectively. Can't understand the lure of sitting on chelseas bench. Must have been few options or something I am not aware of.

Reus is a special player but also a player we will not be signing Unfortunately

13 Jul 2015 17:19:23
Begovic to sit on the bench most weeks is a confusing one, I must admit.

13 Jul 2015 17:23:18
Begovic would have been our first choice. Rodgers really trusts mignolet. Probably because he wanted him. let's hope mignolet proves us wrong. I have mates in Sunderland who still swear mignolet is world class haha

{Ed002's Note - Just add Begovic to the list of players Liverpool missed out on. You may as well add Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Aranguiz, Alderweireld, Bellarabi and anyone else who will be getting transferred this window whilst you are about it.}

13 Jul 2015 17:31:25
Only the player can tell you what the attraction is of sitting on the bench and playing every now and then. Money? The chance of a few trophies even as a bit part player? Who knows!

13 Jul 2015 17:56:19
No eds I just feel we should of gone for him instead of a championship goalkeeper

{Ed002's Note - But Liverpool had no interest in him and I would imagine would not have wanted to pay that much for a goalkeeper - hence looking to Bogdan.}

13 Jul 2015 18:50:59
Tell them to sort it then ed

14 Jul 2015 00:41:50
Don't knock Bogdan down just because he's played in the championship. Let him show us what he's got.

13 Jul 2015 16:31:22
Are we losing Sinclair now? Wow, something fundamentally wrong at the football club.
No more are the days of bringing through academy players such as Gerrard, Fowler, Owen ect and turning them into stars.
Money has spoiled this,,, now let's go get Reus lol

13 Jul 2015 16:59:46
Look, a small percentage of trainees can ever become stars. You mentioned 3 but forgot about all the others in their years. Why? Because nobody remembers their names.

Losing any given young player doesn't prove that anything is wrong.

If Sinclair is the cream he will rise. If he does then you can say we missed a trick.

13 Jul 2015 17:11:42
Yeah sterling and Sinclair are the end of our production line.

Same as Barcelona really because they lost adekanye to us. Famed academy my arse lol

13 Jul 2015 17:23:50
You can't force the lad to sign a new contract. He has a year left on his current one. Whatever his reason is for not signing. Maybe he wants more money, maybe he wants assurances of first team opportunities etc who knows. He is not deemed good enough for the first team yet and that's the reality. If he moves on he moves on.

13 Jul 2015 17:28:31
if he wants to leave let him leave. you don't force players to stay.

13 Jul 2015 18:33:04
Sign marquee players! Promote more youth!

You guys do realize only 11 can play at a time right?

13 Jul 2015 18:39:01
Kaizer, him wanting to leave is a sign of a bigger prob with our club and it`s uncanny inability to truely invest in bringing youth through and that is a bigger worry for me. i would understand if they were all woeful BUT that is not the case. The ones that ghave played for us over the past 4-5 yrs (Kelly, Wisdom, Flanno, RS, Ibe Rossiter, Tex) have not done too badly so why do we never continue to do that? Sure, not all will make it BUT to just slam the door in their faces by buying other youth from other clubs to play ahead of them (some aren`t even better than our youth in the cases of Marko, Luis Alberto, and Manquillo)is just disheartening to see and as someone who played the game at a decent level, I can understand if Sinclair and others have the feeling that their chance will never come hence, they have to go and pursue their dreams elsewhere.

13 Jul 2015 18:53:46
What do you want to have in the team? The best players we can get or ones that came through the academy irrespective of whether they are the best we can get or not?

And by the way, a good proportion of those on your list of successes didn't come from our academy. Was signing Sterling the wrong thing to do because it denied an opportunity to one of "our" players?

13 Jul 2015 22:52:29
Use, I understand your point that they were bought from other clubs' academies. The point is that they are not being given a chance and we are buying other youth from other clubs who just stroll into the first team and get chances ahead of said players who have been over looked for years. That's the point I'm making.

13 Jul 2015 13:37:20
Eds Brendan says were lookin for a DM, would we b lookin at William carvalho? Good sell on value and young, would he fit the bill?

{Ed002's Note - No.}

13 Jul 2015 14:01:41
The idea is not to ' sell on' the idea is to deliver enough succes that people want to stay.

13 Jul 2015 14:02:34
When did Rodgers say mention that?

13 Jul 2015 14:14:58
Did Rodgers actually say that?

13 Jul 2015 14:46:47
He didn't say that did he ed?

{Ed002's Note - Not as far as I know.}

13 Jul 2015 16:19:29
Medal. Probably. ( Michael Caines ) voice

13 Jul 2015 13:22:27
People seems to have accepted that Benteke will be a decent buy for LFC.

I know he is not Andy Carroll but there are similarities.
They are both target men who thrives in a team that crosses the ball a lot. Last season we were the team that crossed the ball the fewest time, so either we change our tactics to get the most out of him, or he changes to he fits within the team. The former choice is terrible, why not just buy a player who fits in instead? Even severe injuries and transfer fees will be alike.

If you look a Bentekes goals throughout the season, then it is obvious that something changed when Sherwood replaced Lambert. They went from possesion based style (Benteke: 3 goals, 1 assist) to a more direct counter attacking style (Benteke: 12 goals, 2 assists).

Rodgers have tried both style, have success with the counter attacking style, but for some reason he went back to the possesion based style last season. The success of Benteke will depend on how Rodgers intends to play his game - He has used a targetman when he were manager of Swansea (Danny Graham), and he seemed to get the best out of him.

13 Jul 2015 13:49:12
1.Gerrard poor form was one reason where we went from the counter attacking diamond set up to a much more rigid 4-3-3 last season.

2. We ran out of stream playing the high press.

3. We had too many flaws last season inspite of buying shll load of players, no natural goal scorer, no creative center midfidler etc.

4. we tried this interchangable front three of lallana/countinho/sterling and was flop.

Agree with you on we should go for someone who fits the system, But who knows what's the system is?

13 Jul 2015 14:32:45
Ran out of steam playing the high press? We didn't even play it for half the season?

13 Jul 2015 15:35:50
Swish

The previous year.

13 Jul 2015 17:29:45
we have a squad, not eleven men to play the whole season. surely with a better squad management running out of steam wouldn't be an issue.

13 Jul 2015 18:40:31
Spot on, Kaizer!

13 Jul 2015 13:06:49
Hello all 1st time poster question for all Edds
With the sale of sterling to man c
Do you think the money will just be used to buy benteke or is that money that we already have and do you think there possible for a big star to join keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍

{Ed002's Note - Financially it does not work like that.}

13 Jul 2015 12:54:51
That was a pleasant press conference I just read about. Sterling is gone, and Rodgers didn't reveal everything under the sun to the press. And, he seemed focused on what we have, as well as Lucas being a popular reference. I can't believe what I just saw really.

13 Jul 2015 15:10:53
You must have been really disappointed that there was nothing to criticize Rodgers about

13 Jul 2015 18:41:51
Not yet at least, Red!

13 Jul 2015 12:18:25
Hi ED's appreciate all the info you share keep up the great work! I think the most successful business model for the club is to utilise the youth, as highlight by Sterlings sale, that in mind do you think any of Dunn, Yesil, Smith, McLaughlin, Paez & Brannagan have a future at LFC? As they haven't gone on preseason tour. Apologies if any of these have already been dealt with.

{Ed001's Note - the first four have little chance of a future. The other two might do.}

13 Jul 2015 13:05:07
I don't think any of them have a chance at LFC. Perhaps Brannagan, who signed a new deal not to far back.

13 Jul 2015 12:10:12
Hope the Gomez rumours aren't true to old to be coming to the prem.

Also shout out to begovic for ending his career. Never going to get past courtouis.

13 Jul 2015 12:18:24
He'll probably get a couple trophies as a free rider along the way.

13 Jul 2015 12:50:06
Didn't begovic turn us down? Says a lot about him, why on earth would a talented goalkeeper choose to sit on the chavs bench?

13 Jul 2015 11:30:52
"I spent a lot of last season talking about transfers and that's something I don't really want to do this year."

Hopefully Brendans turned a new leaf!

13 Jul 2015 11:55:26
Probably under instructions to keep his mouth shut

13 Jul 2015 11:56:22
He's been replaced by a clone

13 Jul 2015 12:07:17
LoL I think he's brain-wash !

13 Jul 2015 12:55:28
Also he didn't go into the sterling stuff too much either.some good press for Brendan. he's hopefully learning lads hopefully

13 Jul 2015 14:06:03
The owners are fed up with his embarassing comments and have put a muzzle on him, simple.

13 Jul 2015 11:01:05
Lets just make something clear on the sterling v ibe situation.

As it stands now sterling is the better player but ibe imo has the greater potential.

All he needs now is a good run in the first team but it's going to take time.

Sterling got his chance due to the club not buying kono a couple of Januarys back.

13 Jul 2015 11:41:13
Sterling also benifted largely by the system we played with Suarez and Sturridge up front, They use to draw players wide out making acres of space through the middle for him to run with the ball which he did near perfect.
The moment he was shifted out wide Sterling looked ordinary and average.
City will have to play to his strength.

Ibe is a different player to Sterling, much more direct and out and out winger, loves to cut isnide, also would reach the byline to whip in some beautiful croses.

there is no comparison whatsoeever.

13 Jul 2015 11:55:36
Sterling got a chance because Downing couldn't run, Borini had a little injury, and Rodgers didn't want to play Carroll. All that was left was Suarez.

I have not heard a bigger fail in a while. No comparison between Sterling and Ibe? Disagree, they are very similar players, with similar style and at similar age, at the same club.

13 Jul 2015 12:06:31
The real AG

Exactly sterling brought speed to the team which is exactly what we where missing.

He got games like you said because there wasn't much choice but if kono came in in the January window I feel sterling wouldn't have got as much game time.

And European glory how can you say that you can't compare ibe to sterling?
Yeah there both different in qualities but the both play the same positions.

13 Jul 2015 12:13:54
Sterling's best form came in the season where we were the best in counter attacking. Sterling needs space to run and that's a fact, He plays through the middle. So the diamond was effective with him being at the tip of it.
He looked near ordinary when we shifted to 4-3-3 with Sterling occupying the wide position.

Ibe is a winger to me any day, he might go on to become sterling type player.
I would compare Markovic to Sterling, byt the style they play.

13 Jul 2015 12:22:43
Lavers

They haven't yet played the same position at all, Ibe has played as a winger and WB, While sterling has played his best at the tip of the diamond and that's two differnt things.

Remember sterling goal against Arsenal at Anfield. He was inside the box when Suarez put him from wide right and that's where hs is deadly best, running at the defenders.

13 Jul 2015 12:36:45
Just because ibe was played at WB it doesn't make him a WB.

Just as sterling is no striker.

Sterling looked good playing with saurez and sturridge.

Sterling does look best running at defenders because that is all he has speed.

13 Jul 2015 13:01:06
Gonna have to agree with European Glory here. If they weren't both young and black there would be no comparison.

Ibe is bigger, faster, stronger, more direct and has better shooting and crossing technique.

Sterling is more skillful, has a better touch and better vision to see a pass.

Ibe is best out wide and Sterling is best in behind a striker.

I'm not sure what Sterling you've all been watching, but he isn't a good wide player at all.

Both have the potential to be world class, but Ibe also has the right attitude.

13 Jul 2015 13:07:53
Lavers

Agreed mate, When did I claim he is Messi? check my first reply, clearly written play to his strength.

13 Jul 2015 13:10:46
LAVERS, Konoplyanka interest was the January after Sterling had already played a full season, it happened a year later man.

Harry, all this rubbish about Sterling NOT being a winger is ridiculous. Are you telling me Sterling is a better attacking midfielder than a winger? Rubbish.

13 Jul 2015 13:16:37
EMS

Where do you see sterling playing in the city line up then?

Because to me I only see sterling playing out wide.

13 Jul 2015 13:19:37
EMS

Saved my day mate. Thank you. owe you a pint.

13 Jul 2015 13:39:23
AG

I know sterling had played a season but it was the season after with saurez and sturridge where he had his best spell.

That was the Jan we were after kono.

13 Jul 2015 13:42:36
"Sterling looked good playing with saurez and sturridge."

To be honest lavers my nan would have looked a player behind those two in that form.

13 Jul 2015 15:24:40
This made me laugh aha. I was thinking the same thing, most people playing behind the SAS would look good!

13 Jul 2015 10:44:12
Not liking the rumours about Jerome Sinclair wanting out.

13 Jul 2015 11:51:30
Eds do you guys know anything about this Jerome Sinclair rumour at all?

Cheers

{Ed002's Note - I know he has turned down a contract offer.}

13 Jul 2015 12:55:16
Do you expect it to be resolved Ed002? Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea. Sorry.}

13 Jul 2015 10:29:09
Hey eds had to re-sign up as Ibe, as sterlings gone, I wanted to say I'm glad sterlings gone irregardless of whether fans think we will miss him or not he wanted to go, he tried to make a mockery of our club his actions were uncalled for he said everything he could to get out too many excuses to recall as to why he had to get out, he had no care for the fans at all because if it was Rodgers, it is clear now Rodgers is in the last chance saloon so sooner or later he would of been gone and sterling would have still been there, anyway I wish him well because he still plays for England so fair enough. my question is do you think it's right a 20 year old player is on £200,000k a week ( if reports are true) or is it just another sign of the bad times football is facing?

13 Jul 2015 12:07:26
Could be a new jinx. Whoever you name your account after, they leave. I hope not.

13 Jul 2015 13:07:16
Should of named yourself skrtle

13 Jul 2015 13:46:08
If this is true call yourself Mingolet :-)

13 Jul 2015 14:18:09
If he is indeed on that amount per week then, English football is down the toilet in terms of transfers because the precedent being set here is very disturbing going forward

13 Jul 2015 10:54:22
Ahoy - Does this mean we will not see the fantastic Nivea advert again ?

BOILED ONIONS

13 Jul 2015 11:18:15
Maybe Nivea has some vanishing cream?

13 Jul 2015 10:06:21
Rediculous how many posters are now saying sterling is "average" and "overrated". Ibe is better already etc etc. 6 months ago I got shot down posting he wasn't as good as people think. 6 months later 90% of you have changed opinion. Funny really.

13 Jul 2015 10:13:54
You mean just like how many Utd fans have changed their tune on Firmino?

13 Jul 2015 10:14:44
Sterling scored close to 10 goals last season and no way Ibe would better that stats coming season.
The burden will be shared by Benteke and Firmino.

13 Jul 2015 10:22:31
Your lot did the same with Firmino. Suddenly he became average and overrated. It's funny how people are so critical of others but act like hypocrites when it comes to them

13 Jul 2015 10:25:29
This is how some people deal with the situation (being biased). The thing is he has a terrible attitude and that might influence whether he is able to fulfill his potential. Last season we saw a him missing a lot of 100% chances, and he is still far from the finished article - To be honest he has had 1½ good season. The thing is that city is not the place to develop, but a place where they need to deliver every single week.

I wouldn´t be surprised if he turned out to be a quality player, but then again I wouldn´t be surprised if he turned out to be the next Scott Sinclair.

13 Jul 2015 10:39:19
6 months ago you were stating that you wouldn't pay more than £30 million for him. So you couldn't have thought he was that hot yourself. Also there are many posters on here who have stated that Ibe was the better long term prospect so the loss of Sterling would be no great loss. At the end of the day £49 million is an unreal deal for LFC.

13 Jul 2015 10:44:59
Agree red fuzz, I liked sterling before all this kerfuffle but more so for the player he COULD become.( in many games he was as poor as he was good ) I don't think he'll fulfill his potential now because he's attitude seems to have changed and won't get the game time, he thinks he's the finished article which he most certainly isn't. It's a hell of a fee to get for potential which may not be realized. As for Ibe being better I commented a year ago how impressed I was with him after their Australian tour- he looked far superior to sterling when they were on the pitch. Genuinely think if he works at he is the better prospect.

13 Jul 2015 11:05:14
Redreet , how can I be a hypocrite when I've never even posted about Firmino? So I'm not being hypocritical at all. You keep banging the drum about the lad but we never made an offer for him. So we didn't lose out on Firmino to you boys.

13 Jul 2015 11:08:52
He's nothing special now, but he has the potential to be something special. He's performed well beyond his years and quite rightly caught the eye of many, but he's certainly not £49m quality. If Liverpool were to sign someone of his quality I'd expect no more than £25m to be paid, so for the club to get almost double that for him, I'd say that's excellent business.

Red Rum

13 Jul 2015 11:40:10
To be fair a lot of the posters on here didn't really see the bad side of sterling until the last 6 months or so.
We have lost a good player who had he have stayed would have been great, however, that amount of money for a player with his attitude?!?! Yeah give us some of that. Ibe can take his place in the team and is potentially just as good if not better, but only potentially. He needs a good run of games and a bit of luck.

13 Jul 2015 11:49:38
I am not talking about your current post SU. I am talking about when we signed Firmino. And as much as you guys want to convince yourself you weren't interested everyone knows you were. But you're twisting my point. My point was what gives you the right to come on here and dish us when basically Manchester United fans did the same two weeks ago?

13 Jul 2015 12:28:38
Reet I think Ed002 made it very clear the nobody was interested in Firmino at the price you offered.

13 Jul 2015 13:00:42
Euro Glory: Sterling did not score "close to 10 goals". He scored 7.

That isn't setting the world on fire for a forward.

13 Jul 2015 13:15:10
RedRosie, that's a juvenile argument. LFC offered what they thought would get the player. How is that related to other teams who had an interest in Firmino? Ed002 also clearly mentioned that Man Utd , Man City and plenty of others had a very serious interest in him.

13 Jul 2015 13:34:47
You mean people have changed their mind?

Is that allowed? Report them to the CPS.

13 Jul 2015 15:33:40
Sterling Scored that many this season because half the time he was played in a strikers role, he missed a lot of chances, i bet if Ibe got the chance there. He won't he would easily match sterlings record if not beat it. I have always liked sterling sicne he debut but i think his attitude changed for the worst, i have no problem in taking 40m from city, (taking out QPR fee) for him, Ibe has a better attitude and i think will make a top player if he carries on, i'm glad he's getting some game time!

13 Jul 2015 09:57:26
morning eds is reus a possibility think it would be best sighing we would have made in years

{Ed002's Note - Try searching.}

13 Jul 2015 09:00:36
Sorry to interfere in the celebrations of what a great day we sold a a poor player and made a fortune. I said it before and I will say it again and surely everyone will disagree with me but I don't care. Sterling going is a sad day for the club, another nail in the coffin of our ambitions to be a legitimate top 4 club.

He may be way overpriced but I still think we will miss his goals and assists and still don't see who will replace him. And us letting him go to a main rival is a very strong message to the rest of the league that we are just a feeder of the big clubs.

You may say there was nothing we could do, he was greedy and wanted to go to a richer club. Fair enough, but without defending his actions and him speaking against the club I think he and his agent identified correctly our owner's lack of ambition/understanding how to build a trophy winning team.

Sterling said several times he would have stayed had Klopp replaced BR - something all of us basically agreed it is a no brainer. If the other players would say the same maybe BR wouldn't be here today.

I don't see us bring a strong replacement for him and for Gerrad. I hope I am wrong on that and the money we get for him will go on bringing world class midfielder, My guess is that it will be spent on 2-3 avarage midfielders.

For me, so far this summer when you look what happened to us transfer wise and what happened to the other big 4 the gap is bigger than ever.

13 Jul 2015 09:20:13
Fanobip

Sterling and his agent wanted the move, greed is hidden behind many a lies.

Everything sterling said was so he didn't look like a money grabber.

What's wrong with firmino as sterling's replacement?

13 Jul 2015 09:21:52
No player is bigger than the team. Now let's wish the boy well and hope he'll continue to develop.

13 Jul 2015 09:19:29
When in the world did Sterling say that? You just make things up in your mind like pedro to Chelsea or whatever nonsense? Firmino will score more goals than sterling this season and I'm damn sure about that. Any decent player would have scored twice of what sterling did with thw amount of chances he got. And that top gap thingey all people said the same things at start of 13/14 season. Then we also had title challengers spurs.

13 Jul 2015 09:31:19
after saurez he was liverpools best player by far and until he got his head turned late last season he was propping up liverpool almost on his own,lfc will miss him

13 Jul 2015 09:44:27
Reet comong up with more prediction than last season.
Remember Midfielders and attackers scoring goals? Firmino has to score now and that's a necessity rather a wish.

13 Jul 2015 09:47:35
When a player acts this way and doesn't want to wear the shirt, then regardless of talent/potential they have to go. Simple as. People who say it's a huge loss aren't looking at the other fantastic players we already have to fill that position and also i would agree that Sterling has great potential but is nowhere near a complete player or world class. It could be argued that Markovic & Ibe have just as much potential, the latter in my eyes is the better all round player and can improve quicker if given game time. He also has a much better attitude than Sterling. When you then add the addition of Firmino and Lallana being giv3n more game time then the team looks a lot stronger without Sterling. With the above in mind and the huge fee received then i don't see this as a loss to the club. LFC have lost some world class player's over the years but we always seem to find another great p layer to fill that void. All will be well going forward this season as i believe we have a good balanced squad with players who have good attitudes and mentallity who are willing to improve themselves and give 100% to fight for their place. Add Benteke to the mix and we are looking good.

13 Jul 2015 10:05:08
Fanobip you completely got it wrong mate.Wat abt Chelsea selling Mata to United? If one sterling leaves then we will get another,infact we have Ibe and Markovic.And more importantly his attitude will not help a team when chips are down,He might be a good player but I don't think he will be match winner.And as for Gerrard we cannot replace him just like we cannot replace Dalglish,Keegan.But we miss a match winner in Gerrard.Who will be our match winner,we will come to know that this season.

13 Jul 2015 10:07:20
ibe will be more than able replacement stronger than sterling with good pace think he will dob well this season. jurys still out on sterling big season for him next year. will he get in? can he improve his finishing and improve his consistency? we will see but if he doesn't his carrer could stall like Richards, sinclar, rodwell ect

13 Jul 2015 10:11:28
Well even if you look at past records firmino has a much better scoring record for a far poorer side as compared to Sterling. And yeah midfielders do score goals. 50 of them if i remember. Second highest in the league. Shame our attackers couldn't. You need both to succeed. You harry hsd said that midfielders don't score goals

13 Jul 2015 10:12:57
Let Firmino get some time to adapt. Last season we said the same thing about Markovic, but the thing is that he has had a hard time adapting to the english game (especially because he has been used out of position). The responsibility for goals scored and conceded must be shared between the entire team, so let's not put any unnecessary pressure onto a single player.

13 Jul 2015 10:19:19
When Sterling leaves, his position in the first team will be taken up by a player, a better one in Firmino, who will IMO provide more goals and assists than Sterling. So, I disagree with your sentiments, and as for being "sad", why would should you care about him now that he is no longer associated with LFC, and thankfully his baggage too.

13 Jul 2015 10:29:48
I have said this an year ago, Firmino should have been bought insetad of Lallana which has become a reality. He is a class player and much like other brazilians, He comes with flair and skill.very much natural.
I am not going to make a bold prcition the no of goals he would be banging next season, But I am realy happy with the player.

13 Jul 2015 10:32:54
Resfuzz
Thing is msrkovic came from an inferior league. Firmino hss come from the bundesliga on par with epl imo and is a proven goal scorer 1 in 3 if i remember correctly.

13 Jul 2015 11:49:37
Markovic is a fine player to me and looks like only to me on this page. he hasn't scored a shell load of goals and how would he score from a full back position.
Look carefully as he is a player who would want to play through the middle and never got one single opportunity unlike sterling was given more than a season.

He wears no.10 for Serbia and plays the exact position where sterling excels.

He is not a natural out and out winger like Downing or Kono.

13 Jul 2015 12:32:23
I agree with European glory. Markovic can be really good for us if allowed to play his proper position, but he'll have to wait for his chance because Firmino, Coutinho and Lallana are bound to be ahead of him to start the season. Rather see him play every third game in his proper position than forced into an odd role, played over and over, and then sent to the bench for half a season.

13 Jul 2015 13:36:59
word up: did you attend any of our games last season?

He was not our "best player by far".

13 Jul 2015 15:54:04
I think in terms of where he stands Marko is behind AL so would struggle to get a more central role. I think he's got a lot of potential though. I agree with Amerigo who can he score bags of goals from RB. I think he's not quite up to speed yet phiscially with the english game and the season playing at RWB has hurt his confidence a bit. For me i'd like to see him out on loan where he will get regular game time in his favoured position, i don't want him warming the bench but i can't see him being played ahead of quite a few players, so best option get him playing, get his confidence back, maybe try to get time just to put on a little more muscle play more physically in the next year, as Barca wanted to do with Neymar and i think coming back he could be a brilliant player or start to become a brilliant player!

12 Jul 2015 18:25:12
Hi ed002,
Sterling out - any ideas who will be brought in using the fee? Any news on Lambert, Borini or Mario going? Is Mignolet staying? thanks.

{Ed002's Note - It doesn't work like that Tom.}

13 Jul 2015 10:21:25
I think it is pretty clear Mignolet is staying, Tom. Also, by their omission, it is pretty obvious LFC want Balotelli and Borini gone. Lambert is a tricky one; I think LFC will sell him if they get Benteke, if they don't they wold want someone experienced like Lambert to stick around a little longer IMO.

13 Jul 2015 10:57:05
Tom, do you not think we have enough attacking midfielders in coutihno, Firmino, Ibe, markovic, lallana, Milner plus we currently have 6 strikers and youth players with potential.

13 Jul 2015 07:52:37
The 30th place to fill Sterlings absence will be all but finalised today.

Anagram below!

Hiscritan tebeken

13 Jul 2015 08:08:10
He's in game of thrones isn't he? With daenerys targaryen

13 Jul 2015 08:22:15
I thought it'd be Carmo Suer

13 Jul 2015 06:37:46
I only got round to watching Danny Ings' interview the other day and you can really tell how made up he is to be here, I think he'll be a big success personally, the fact he picked a number which means little shows he really wants to earn his respect and love from the fans, really impressed with how he carries himself, he's a very good player and in our team I think and hope he'll do very well!

13 Jul 2015 06:59:46
He has a football institution for the disabled. He is 22
Respect

13 Jul 2015 07:38:38
Ye I heard about that, excellent work.

13 Jul 2015 05:29:52
Eds and Reds.

After some deep searching on Medel,I realised that Medel is the hidden gem out there.
Firstly he is loved by his defenders,he has this sixth sense in identifying dangers.But surprisingly he is not only limited to his defensive duty he is also a decent dribbler and has got a really good passing Range.More importantly his desire to win a game is very high and infectious which will be helpful to his teammates on pitch.

If we sign Benteke,Medel,Kovacic and sell Leiva(which i don't want)&Allen then We can definitely challenge for trophies this
season.Come on Transfer committee make it
happen

Thanks.

13 Jul 2015 07:01:46
Indian.

This page isn't a big fan of selling Lucas. Medal and Koviacic would be excellent but would make us look like a joke in going for Milner.
I still got no clue where would he play Milner given he is neither a CM not a DM. Over the top he has to play Henderson and Can.

13 Jul 2015 08:24:58
If we did sell Lucas and got medel I would be pleased, I love lucas and he is quality, but medel adds a little more and his injury record is better. I wouldn't then get kovacic but would try and sell allen if possible. Milner, can, hendo and medel is enough, with the youth squad as cover.

13 Jul 2015 09:17:01
Or keep Lucas, scrap the plans to go for Kovavic and sign Medel and a top forward.

We also don't need another winger.

13 Jul 2015 03:47:29
To all sterling haters, he is only 20 and has been regular and is an important player going to next season if he was with liverpool.

When you look at the fact he has been starter for a PL team which finished 2 and 6 in consecutive seasons.

The fact that Mancity is paying 49 mil is cause sterling is the highest rated youngster in whole world. He was also given award for the same.


Torres performance against chelsea was damn hot. So is sterling's performance against chelsea and arsenal if you can check out the videos.

That indicates quality rather than scoring hattrick against QPR every now and then.

If he can improve shooting skills, he is going to score more than 15 goals per season, that is no brainer.


Losing suarez for whatever money is loss as he made players like sterling look amazing, but we should be happy to get 30-40 mill for sterling. because that does not make any huge difference.

13 Jul 2015 06:36:24
Sterling clearly is a very talented young player even though I'm not convinced I wouldn't be shocked if he became one of the best players in the BPL.

That being said for Liverpool at this point in time the £45-50m is more beneficial for the club as we need quality up top not in 2-3 years. Think city have over paid as for the money quoted would expect a ready made player, but if sterling improves and city get a quality player for 5+ years then fair enough.

Understand wanting a transfer but think he handled it terribly but suppose he got his way

13 Jul 2015 07:05:42
Nothing would have happened had Liverpool spend the money wisely last summer instead of buying players after players. We could have easily been inside top4 and Sterling would have signed a deal months ago on a decent wage.

13 Jul 2015 07:32:44
Nobody hates Sterling. Everyone realises he has a lot of potential and may go on to become avery good player one day PERHAPS world class( although I'm skeptical about that part). Right now he isn't realizing his potential. He's got in with the wrong people and wasting his time smoking shisha and what not. His development has stagnated over the past year. You could say his finishing has improved but it's still atrociously bad. Then you have his desire to leave want to play for a bigger club and you could see towards the end his mind was not in tje right place. He was screwing up frigging 5 yard passes. Taking all that into consideration and when you consider the offer we got for him and our need to get cash flowing it was the best move for all

And as regards to sterling I fear for his future. He has got his big money move. But what he also will be getting is some major hate. Not just from Liverpool fans but from all sets of fans as for everyone he signifies what is wrong with English Footballers today. And if he doesn't clean up his act and starts concentrating on the football side another * insert failed English playet with potential *.

P.s I am just looking forward to his interview with City to see what new lies that knob of his agent has come up with.

13 Jul 2015 07:46:08
i think we got a price that was over the odds , i cannot see sterling getting any better than he is , what is there for him to improve on , you say he has potential well if that's right where is he going to improve , i just can't see it , and if its right he is on 200 k a week then i don't see what everyone else sees , i remember how bad he played in the 2nd half of last season , not just on game , with surez he never had a bad game if he did not score he set goals up , sterling just about stays on his feet now days

13 Jul 2015 10:27:10
And your point is?

13 Jul 2015 10:59:07
I wish him all the best

13 Jul 2015 00:08:17
Hi Eds, if we do end up going for Benteke, can you see Rogers playing Sturridge/Benteke as twin strikers? I'd assume he'll be reluctant to leave him on the bench once Sturridge back?

I think Sturridge/Benteke with Firmino tucking in just behind would a potentially lethal mix, with defenders unsure whether to hold a high line and give Sturridge space to run into, or sit deep and risk giving Firmino too much space/facing Benteke in the box.

I'd rather this than Benteke as sole striker TBH.

{Ed001's Note - it is the only way I can see it working is to have him as part of a pair.}

13 Jul 2015 09:19:06
@zimbo, where would you play Coutinho then?

12 Jul 2015 22:19:38
Ed01, you have been vociferous in your opinion about signing Benteke. Given the lack of alternatives, would you prefer us to sign him or not? Do you think his presence may give us a platform to build attacks as Feillani did for the other lot, or would you rather us stick with what we have?

{Ed001's Note - I really do not think he is the right player for us. I would rather we worked on improving the way we played as a team, rather than looking for alternative styles of play. Get what we have working together well and defending first and foremost.}

13 Jul 2015 07:08:23
Benteke in all possibility will bail out Rodgers just in case we desperately need a goal by hook or crook.

12 Jul 2015 21:01:17
Well for once i'm happy rodgers opened his mouth and lfc tried to bully sterling into a new contract lol as 49 mill - 20% to qpr for a 20 year old twit and his baggage is best bit of business liverpool have ever done lol well done brendan and well done sterling for your complete cluelessness brilliant

12 Jul 2015 23:52:22
United fan in peace.

What are your thoughts on Firminho? Do you think he'll live up to his potential or not?

He performed well last season but didn't seem to have a good Copa America. How do you think he'll perform in comparison to Depay. Different players I know, but who will be most effective?

Also decent bit of business offloading sterling for that amount of money. Who will you invest in?

13 Jul 2015 01:54:16
Firminho is a far better signing, Depay attitude is nearly as bad as Sterling's.

13 Jul 2015 02:11:53
All I can say is the relationship will be hopefully a big bonus. Chemistry between players is underrated in my opinion.

The eds are confidant we can get a deal done for benteke. there's a chance for Kovacic as well as we have an offer on the table. The sterling deal was amazing business but I wouldn't quite right him off becoming a great player. You never know in football

13 Jul 2015 02:22:27
I think the money has already been reinvested, preemptively. Wouldn't surprise me if the Kovacic 'deal' were to become b'back on' and of course people are now expecting Tekkers. I think the transfer window has been a mixed bag for us, some good deals, some not so good, and I feel at the end of it a Striker and their performances next season will make or break it for us.

On Firmino I think he should be able to settle quickly enough and by all accounts is a very good player, hopefully he can become an integral part of a proper challenge for us but I wouldn't expect much off the bat. Depay seems to have an awful lot of potential, but I think like Firmino should be given time before we see their best.

13 Jul 2015 02:44:07
Both quality players - think Firmino will have a better debut season but Depay to go on to be the better player in the seasons that follow.

13 Jul 2015 07:27:13
Firmino - pure class
Depay - unknown. You can't judge a player on stats from Holland. Doubt he has a better record than Dirk Kuyt in Holland or Afonso Alves. Neither scored enough in England.

13 Jul 2015 07:48:27
That's the way I see it too seano. I think a lot will depend on how both teams start off in general and who else man u sign. as it stands I'd say depay would be a guaranteed starter first few games but I feel man u fans I've talked to are putting too much pressure on the kid. my concern (for both players) will be if they have quite a bad start and the pressure builds on them. but we shall see

13 Jul 2015 08:03:32
I just wonder, what if Depay was a Liverpool Player?, Ofcourse we would have trashed Firmino up down and center.

13 Jul 2015 16:09:06
I think Firmino will do well. He's a decent looking player and Proven in Germany, Depay looks class imo, though comes from Holland and possible questions over the kids attitude though i do expect him to have a decent season should VG play him correctly, i don't know why so many people missed it his main tactic for playing fellani so high up was DG had a decent kick and Fellani was good in the air so won the ball most of the time Mou spotted it. So you have to question utds tactic for using Depay. Di maria wa one of my faovourite players at Madrid, even at utd i expected him to make the prem more entertaining but he's not even half the player, for a player to carry madrid one season and then just go missing at utd so many times you have to think about the coaching methods, mata has been good at utd but far superior at chelsea when given game time. So we will see. Depay might be quality, he's got a lot of potential but more question marks over him than Robbie! let's see how it plays out, i don't think Pool fans on here are calling out depay for being Utd more unproved things about him! Kuyt was a god in Holland remember!

12 Jul 2015 23:41:44
Are Rodgers and Van Gaal competing with each other to see who can sign and then play the most midfielders this season?

Liverpool have Milner, Henderson, Can, Coutinho, Lallana, Firmino, Lucas, Allen and are targeting Kovacic.

United have Carrick, Fellaini, Blind, Herrera, Mata, and are looking to add Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin.

Also a side note, may I ask who are these cretins who (badly) photoshop players into the kits of the clubs they're linked with? Possibly the saddest thing I've seen, knowing someone's devoted effort to photoshop Angel di Maria into a PSG top or Cech into an Arsenal kit.

13 Jul 2015 05:07:51
If liverpool sold lallana lucas allen and can and didn't buy kovacic would you be happy then?
there is no real thing like too many players. the idea is to rotate players intelligently and keep them fresh motivated and at the top of their game. the thing is rodgers is inept at this he can't manage players, he can coach them yes but can't manage a stick. As for Van gal he will manage those players and rotate them around, he will have a favourite and he will have workmen who he will use as per need.

our manager favourite is allen!!

13 Jul 2015 08:05:10
Akshit,

Do you know why Chelsea won the league last season. One reason being they always kepth their best eleven on the pitch without rotation, Infact their back 4 got hardly changed during the season.

Squad rotaion was one of the biggest downfall of Rafa era