Liverpool Banter Archive June 14 2016

14 Jun 2016 22:04:23
Question for the knowledgeable eds and a point for debate. Do you think having a wall for all free kicks is a help to the keeper or a a help for the taker. It seems that sometimes it obscures vision and makes the keeper step out of position to get sight of the flight. At certain distances or angles I think no wall would be better. Clever strikers use the wall as a guide to bend the ball round to an unsighted keeper?

{Ed091's Note - as a goalkeeper ill take this one on. I always set up a big wall and say to the kick taker, go on then, beat that, then beat me. As for being un sighted that rarely happens, i always see where the ball starts, and thats enough, once kicked, to know which side to go. Im pro walls.
However my club is reluctant to try my own design called the rashoumon. a five person wall, 3 wide 2 high, thats right, two players on the threes shoulders, one day it will become the norm.

14 Jun 2016 22:16:24
Basically like a human pyramid then Ed?

14 Jun 2016 22:31:00
I was having a conversation about this tonight while watching the tail end of the Portugal game. Time was well up when Ronaldo had the 1st Free Kick. I said that I wouldn't have had a wall, I'd of had 10 on the goal line and the keeper in front, just for that free mind you. Ronnie would have had to score direct and would have been nigh on impossible to score with the goal covered. Play it short and the ref blows the whistle. Good tactic, no?

{Ed091's Note - Is it better than the human rashoumon pyramid? im not so sure.

14 Jun 2016 23:00:03
Like the pyramid idea.

14 Jun 2016 23:24:18
I've thought of that and or a guy lying on the floor to prevent the cheeky under the wall effort.

{Ed091's Note - the rashoumon covers that, as the rashoumon would not need to jump.

15 Jun 2016 00:14:30
Ed. Is this a joke? Wouldn't the kicker just pass i to someone else, and while these morons try to climb down, the attacker would have ran passed them and finished? can't see this working out.

{Ed091's Note - It is all about the dismount NL. Not to mention the other 5 defenders. I find your lack of faith disturbing.

15 Jun 2016 02:58:53
Come to think of it Ed, we can use the same tactic to actually take free kicks too. Kick the ball up to the guy on top of the rashoumon, who would have a free shot at goal.

15 Jun 2016 04:35:36
The pyramid wall would all probably be booked for ungentlemanly conduct and the free kick would end up 10 steps closer:)

15 Jun 2016 01:55:57
So you still play Ed. unless I missed it I'm still trying to find out your identity
With that choice. Is not tempting for a whizz over the head of the outer wall defender and try and beat you with pace of shot? (Not saying that works)

{Ed091's Note - if they do that, then they deserve a goal gazza

15 Jun 2016 07:43:20
As a goalkeeper in my younger days I came up with the idea of having no wall, then the opposition started forming there own wall.
It benefits both teams and it's better to have your own men in the wall.

15 Jun 2016 08:14:22
"Ed. Is this a joke? "

😄😄😄 gave me a great laugh this. I think we can safely say the human pyramid idea is probably a joke.

15 Jun 2016 01:42:42
Is it legal to monkey hang off the crossbar 9 on the line 2 hanging feet and legs on crossbar lol.

14 Jun 2016 20:31:27
havnt posted for a while, totally agree with kates post and why are there so many knuckle draggers on
this page.

15 Jun 2016 00:04:28
Maybe Klopp looking at playing a 4 3 3 with firminho up top . that's why the rumours looking at mane to play wide . Just a thought.

14 Jun 2016 17:02:14
Thoughts are with you, look after yourself and family at this sad time,
BARRYINLOUTH.

14 Jun 2016 11:55:32
Eds, have ye heard of any interest in centre backs for Liverpool?

{Ed002's Note - Nothing new.}

14 Jun 2016 13:31:06
We already have Lovren, Matip, Sakho, Gomez and now Brewitt who we need to find game time for! Plus we still haven't shifted Wisdom, L. Jones, Ilori, and Skrtel.

Think it's far too early to be looking at another centre back. Maybe if we sell those surplus to requirements, and Uefa come back with a big ban for Sakho. Otherwise, I think we are solid there for next season now.

14 Jun 2016 14:56:09
Disagree lovren not good enough for a team challenging for top 4. People are overating matip too. We need a partner for sakho. I would love to see us sign Jonathan Tah.

14 Jun 2016 15:15:38
Lovren was better than Sakho this season just gone, and Matip was voted into the Bundesliga team of the season. That is a league which has Hummels, Boateng, Howedes, Martinez and many other top class defenders. I don't even think Sakho will be an immediate first choice next season. Matip, Lovren and Sakho will all have to fight for their place.

14 Jun 2016 15:51:19
I wonder how many times you've seen Matip play to make that judgement. I'll admit I've only seen him play maybe 2 or 3 times, but two German friends of mine rate him very highly, even more so for Karius.

14 Jun 2016 17:10:45
Square tomato posted an update from Gomez a few weeks back stating that klopp wants him as 4th choice cb.
Since then kolo has left and skrtle is on his way out.
That leaves sakho lovren matip and Gomez
I don't believe cb is an area we are looking at.

14 Jun 2016 17:13:48
Sakho was much better than lovren, lovren set expectations at such a low level that any average performance would be lauded by people. Just have a look back and remember sakho's performance vs United away in the Europe league he was the key to coming the through that tie. I'm fairly confident that matip will be a decent signing.

14 Jun 2016 18:22:23
Mk is right, I watch bundesliga regularly and matip is better than any other cb we have.

14 Jun 2016 19:10:23
CB is also about effective pairings. We need to see which pair can make an effective partnership. I agree with the OP that it's not a priority, unlike LB.

14 Jun 2016 20:50:56
I don't think he is Lerchy but we shall see i guess.

14 Jun 2016 13:10:36
Hi all I hope it's ok if I share this with you guys.
Yesterday I said goodbye to my mother in law she lost her short battle against Lung Cancer at only 60. She was a real Dub in every way. Was born in the inner city then moved out to Lucan to raise a family. She didn't know too much about football but was delighted when Liverpool won and then told me to support Man. Utd when we lost. She was also a fantastic Nanny and my wee girl is heartbroken but we all know that she is pain free now. Lots of people sad today but happy to have been in her company.
Rest in peace Loraine
You'll Never Walk Alone.

14 Jun 2016 13:14:49
Best wishes to you and all the family Barry.

YNWA.

14 Jun 2016 13:24:04
Sorry to hear that barry! Love the description of a true dub in every way sounds like a top woman! YNWA.

14 Jun 2016 13:29:36
Thoughts are with you and yer family Barry, stay strong and make sure your wee girl never forgets her.

14 Jun 2016 14:55:23
She was Shane mate. Especially slagging me to support Man United.

14 Jun 2016 15:19:10
Haha that is mums for you! Mine always says I should just support a team that wins every week so I'm not always depressed on Monday mornings! It's only because they care more than they understand.

Hope your partner is holding up alright. I can't even imagine what it's like losing a parent (thank god) . Best wishes to both sides of the family.

14 Jun 2016 15:35:17
She's doing ok MK. We have a little 18mt old so he's putting a smile on her face so he's the main man now.

14 Jun 2016 15:41:39
Sorry to hear the news Barry mate.

14 Jun 2016 15:44:34
Condolences Baz 60 is no age.

14 Jun 2016 16:14:07
I've just showed the replies to my wife and she can't get over how good you all are on this site. We have all taken great comfort from the replies. Thank you all so much.

14 Jun 2016 16:23:26
Sorry to hear your sad news mate all the best
Up the pool.

14 Jun 2016 16:46:16
All thoughts are with you and yours Baz, keep your chin up YNWA.

14 Jun 2016 17:16:46
Best wishes good sir sorry for your loss.

14 Jun 2016 18:11:57
Sorry to hear the sad news Barry, all the best.

14 Jun 2016 18:21:05
Sorry to hear that buddy.

14 Jun 2016 18:47:48
Sorry to hear the news mate all my best to you and the better half. Lucan is only down the road from me never nice to lose a neighbour. YNWA RIP.

14 Jun 2016 18:54:28
Barry your mum in law may now be at rest but she will never be forgotten by you all.

You are all part of the LFC family and you will never walk alone.

14 Jun 2016 19:03:06
My thoughts with you and your family Barry.

14 Jun 2016 19:04:46
Best wishes to and your family . rip. ynwa.

14 Jun 2016 19:30:17
My heart goes out to you and your mrs. Lost my Mum last year and my Dad in 2009.
Dr Seuss said "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. "
But, hey, you need to cry at times like these.

14 Jun 2016 19:50:36
Great to hear Barry. Tell her to keep her chin up. In marrying a Liverpool fan, she's part of our family now too buddy!

14 Jun 2016 17:38:11
Sorry to hear of your loss mate.

14 Jun 2016 19:07:35
Thoughts with you and your family Barry.

14 Jun 2016 22:14:48
Sorry to hear about your loss Barry. Thoughts are with you. YNWA.

14 Jun 2016 22:41:08
Condolences mate.

15 Jun 2016 01:10:19
Sorry for your loss mate
YNWA.

15 Jun 2016 01:41:30
It's never easy losing a loved one. Sorry to hear this Barry. YNWA.

15 Jun 2016 02:04:55
Very fond of your posts Barry. Saddened to read that my friend.
She's going to be in good company mate. I lost a friend to brain cancer yesterday too. Heavens got a gooden coming.
Thoughts with you and family.

14 Jun 2016 11:57:39
I've got high hopes for next season, think Grujic will be a gem and Matip will help sure us up at the back. Karius may take time to settle in as it's different for keepers in the Prem but he looks a step up from Migs. A new left back and we are all good. Ings back, Origi and Firmino now settled, Studge injury free (fingers crossed) and a full preseason for Klopp. I seriously think we'll surprise a few people next season.

14 Jun 2016 12:06:48
Add Gomez to return to that with Ings, plus I hope Markovic will get a chance.

14 Jun 2016 13:36:36
I don't understand all this we will surprise a few talk. This team finished 8th. Unless significant improvements are made mid table will be the target again.

We are not going to sign a couple kids and suddenly jump into top 4, don't see why any fan would think that.

Klopp didn't work any magic. 8th is what he managed with the squad he had.

The 8th best team in Spain absolutely battered us for 45 mins and we couldn't get out. Yet we will go into the season with the same midfield. I want to be happy but am very worried.

14 Jun 2016 13:39:25
Lovely positive post :)

14 Jun 2016 14:27:06
Dontgocountinho, let's add a bit of perspective, given you seem to be keen on pseudo-facts.

1) "The 8th best team in Spain battered us for 45 mins" - after we had battered them for 45 mins and not converted our chances. We were missing strikers for a lot of this season.

2) "suddenly jump into top 4" - sounds like a massive jump. We actually finished 6 points behind 4th place, after Klopp had basically concentrated on the EL for the last 4-6 weeks of the season.

3) "a couple of kids" - let's see a) who we end up with at the end of the window, starting to judge in the next 3-4 weeks is daft whilst Euro 2016 is ongoing as a number of targets will be busy playing, and b) the 'kids' we have signed so far - Karius, Grujic and Matip - all have a decent amount of first team experience. Its not like England taking an 18yo striker with a dozen first team experiences to a major champs. SO let's see how they fare before writing them off, although I know that's what some of us 'fans' like to do.

I'm not saying everything is rosy, but there are certainly far more reasons to be positive than negative right now. Of course you're entitled to your opinion, but I happen to think its wrong.

There is no guarantee.

14 Jun 2016 16:03:05
Our squad is far better than the league performances suggested. It's just needs consistency which hopefully a new left back and keeper will do ( strikers staying injury free will also help) . If you look at the teams above us whi would honestly swap our squad with utd's, Southampton or west hams? I wouldn't.

14 Jun 2016 16:20:34
Two Cup Finals .

14 Jun 2016 17:03:15
In Sturridge, Origi and Ings we have three very good strikers, in Coutinho and Firmino two of the better attacking mids in the PL and Milner and Llalana are at the very least solid performers if not spectacular. I'm very happy with Hendo and Can in midfield. i'm happy with Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Sakho in back 4 and I think Karius could well be significant for us. that's 10 out of 11 positions I'm comfortable are filled with players capable of being in a title winning side, and hopefully a signing at LB to come.

One can argue depth or injuries can derail us, but we also have Ojo, Markovic, Stewart, Grujic coming through and no question in my mind if we can stay fit and with the extra time between matches it's a team capable of top 4 and maybe even a tilt at the title.

Looking back at the 8th place finish is misplaced given injuries, suspensions, distractions with EL and fatigue towards the end of season. The players proved we can take on the best on our day (especially after we settled post Jan), and with more time under Klopp and a less frenetic schedule, we should be excited about the next couple of Seasons!

Up the Reds!

14 Jun 2016 17:03:59
Could be worse tho we could still have Roy Hudson as manger and play boring footie and put 46k people to sleep at anfield every other week?

14 Jun 2016 19:21:00
I can see the points of view of both camps, put it this way, if brendan was still the manager and got the same result would we be as optimistic? Not sure myself.

If we sort the defence we have a chance to turn some of those losses into draws and wins. But, and its a big but, does this current crop have the right mentality to win things? Judging by our failed title tilt a few seasons ago and more recent bottling in cup finals empirical evidence would suggest otherwise.

I am certainly not advocating wholesale changes, but a couple of inexperienced youngsters in midfield do not inspire me with much confidence. The jury is out on karius and matip has been touted as the second coming based on opinions of people who have watched him a grand total of 4 times. They may well turn out to be inspired signings but i will reserve judgement until they prove their worth or not as the case may be. .

I was hoping we would replace the weak areas such as lb, cb and keeper with demonstrably better players. But i cannot honestly as yet say that is the case. And then with outgoings we would fund the signing of a difference maker. This may yet happen, so again i echo that i understand both sides and with a few weeks of the euros to go there will definately be developments that none of us envisioned and those craving their so called marquee signing may yet get their wish.

14 Jun 2016 20:03:53
My god some people can't see what's staring them in the face! dontgocoutinho if you think our squad is mid table with the manager we have then start watching cricket mate because you seriously don't have a clue.

14 Jun 2016 18:11:20
dont forget to count the number of games we played to some who finished above us, and dontgocounthino by your assement that means chelse will finish in the same position as well, our main striker was injured most of the season so had to use inexperience strikers, in benteke klopp never played him that much because of the style of our play, but he did get a few goals also we had a new manager and lots of injuries, look at hendo he has been getting stick but he played with an injury most of the time, in any team in the prem the striker should be the top scorers but i think it was firmino or Couthino who was our top scorers, but like I've said before i believe in klopp and i believe he will get the players in who willl improve the team which means we will improve in the league, have a bit of faith as there's still a big name yet to sign for us, who i don't know but i bet klopp gets one.

14 Jun 2016 21:49:54
Another harry account?

14 Jun 2016 11:46:55
Hey eds n reds. So if Zielinski is added to our midfield, i'm thinking our midfield is going to be something like Henderson, Can, Grujic, Zeilinski. I just think that there is not much more needed next year with no Europe. There is a case for 5 midfielders with Lucas being a senior head in the team but not for me. Milner is a tricky 1 for me. i know he had a great season, but in my eyes i feel like it has to be either Henderson or Milner. i can't see us moving forward with Milner as one of our wingers. I could be wrong as there is the possibility of him playing there while we develop someone like Ojo into that position. thoughts.? Hope all is well.

14 Jun 2016 18:37:29
Milner, great season! Behave!

14 Jun 2016 08:55:28
I hope we buy a recognised striker. Benteke looks like he is off and we need someone to put the ball in the back of the net when games are tight. That's what we have missed. We have to make Top 4 at least and in my opinion we are chasing 4th Spot with Spurs and maybe West Ham next season so room for error must be limited.

14 Jun 2016 09:15:33
what about the other 3 we have. We play with 1 up front why would we need 4 striker plus firminio?

14 Jun 2016 10:20:59
We have Sturridge, Origi, Ings and Firmino who can play there, not forgetting if we struggle to offload them this summer, we could be looking at Benteke, Balotelli and Yesil as well all vying for 1 spot up front and you want us to go out and sign another striker!
There are far more pressing positions in our first XI and squad that need addressing than up front.

14 Jun 2016 10:37:39
i don't think we need a striker, we have more than enough goals in the team. the main focus should be on getting players who can stop the goals going in the other end. our striking options are decent, and yes we know Dan could get injured, but he might not. Balo will be gone, somehow, even if we have to pay i reckon. but i would not be too shocked if Benteke is still with us. I'm sure we value him more than anyone is willing to pay atm.

14 Jun 2016 11:18:12
Yesil has been released.

14 Jun 2016 13:22:33
Sturridge WILL get injured. He's made of tracing paper.
I'm already hoping origi and Ings can score the goals we need.
I can still see a beast of a signing this season though. It'll be a midfielder or wide player. No way will Klopp think this squad is good enough. Not a chance.

14 Jun 2016 13:48:26
And what do we do with the other 3-4 forwards we have, Redfan?

14 Jun 2016 14:28:45
DBol, if he's made of tracing paper, I have high hopes of him floating into the box unseen.

14 Jun 2016 01:52:30
Why is it loads of fans want us to continue signing players? . To be honest I trust the team we've already got. I think we have a strong and capable side. Further time under klopp will be interesting. We don't need to go spend tons of money for this n that player, yeah a few positions may need strengthening and no doubt we will. End of the day we're not in Europe, you can't expect us to go signing top top players for ridiculous amounts of money. Roll on the new season. The lads we have already are capable of bringing success.

14 Jun 2016 05:13:09
I don't think there are a lot of players that are exactly what we need in the current squad, but unless there are more-suited players available, I don't see the point in wholesale changes for the sake of it. Sell and replace 2 or 3 if possible each window (as need and availability dictate) to improve the squad, not to please restless fans.

14 Jun 2016 07:16:36
We have a good enough squad to compete in the domestic competitions we're in.
It's a good opportunity for Klopp to slash the size of the squad.

14 Jun 2016 08:00:19
Yeah that's it Ron. Don't get me wrong if we was in the CL then I'd be expecting a bit more. But for this next season I think we'll be more than prepared.

14 Jun 2016 08:05:26
Yeah.

In an ideal world, given a chance Klopp would refresh the entire squad. However since this is not possible, he will try to add based on his view of how we can develop.

As someone earlier said, our strategy is still:

1. Buy player with potential and hope they come cheap and good
2. Buy at nearby Shopping Mall (read Southampton) and overpay
3. Bid at 25% lesser than asking price and keep dragging entire window. This one is funny and that is why end up being a joke.

We should be realistic with our position and no CL, who would like to come to us.

Hope Matip, Gjuric come good and the new Keeper is in for first team. Don't want Mig"Will"Let to be the first choice.

Cheers,
SamiKewell.

14 Jun 2016 08:12:33
I think we need a left back and an established winger with a bit of pace and goals in him, klopp seems to have his heart set on a cm too.
But other then that I agree, I expect more outs then ins.

14 Jun 2016 08:33:37
If I am not wrong, this group of players with this manager took us to 8th place in the league. And it looks like we are going to lose one of our most talented players in Coutinho. I know people here believe that Klopp is an almighty magician and can win the CL with our under 21 team if he only wants to, but it doesn't work like that.

All the big managers, and I definitely think Klopp is a top manager, became successful partly because they bought very well. Levandovsky didn't grow up in Dortmund's academy. Klopp brought him there after he was the top goal scorer in Poland.

With our current squad minus coutinho we are a mid-table team at best. This is why people want us to sign players. One great signing - Suarez, Mahrez, Vardy, Coutinho, Levandovsky, Hazar can change a team.

14 Jun 2016 08:33:57
Probably because the same very squad finished 8th last year. We don't need an overhaul but certainly a few 'different' players to what we already have. Perhaps Klopp has already signed these players.
The only people obsessing about liverpool signing every player on earth is the tabloids, personally I trust the ed's as they consistantly have a strong incling to who we're scoiting/ interested in. Peoples lives would be so much easier if they RTP regarding the ludicrous amount of players we're linked with. Daily it is someone different, we can't be interested in 100 plus players.
Apologies for the rant!

14 Jun 2016 09:12:08
Well said, fanobip.

Right now, it looks like our remaining major summer moves will be:

Incoming: Zielinski, Chilwell, Sadio Mane.

Outgoing: Coutinho.


Can someone tell me how this is a net gain for us?

Zielinski *may* be a marginal upgrade on Hendo/ Milner in central midfield, but even that I'm not even sure of.

Coutinho is literally a class above Mane. Not even close.

Chilwell is going to be nothing more than a backup option for Moreno; someone with a bit more upside but incredibly unproven at this stage.

If those are our major final moves, we're staying a mid table side. Period.

14 Jun 2016 09:22:24
Fanobip i think we missed the 5 spot by 3 point so in all honesty we were not so bad. Not exactly where i want to be but still for a team with lots of injury a new manager not as bad as people make it.
We don't need to change the whole team just few player, clear off the ones not required and we should be ok.

14 Jun 2016 09:32:16
1) it's not the same squad
2) we're not in European competition next season.

14 Jun 2016 09:34:04
Well said crazy horse my sentiments exactly.

14 Jun 2016 09:56:40
Ron
1) yes it is the same squad, unless we buy/ sell 20 players
2)you make no european football sound like a good thing. European football should not be such a major distraction when your SQUAD is strong enough. It doesn't affect the bigger teams who consistantly challenge both domestically and in europe. That is complete nonsense I'm afraid.
Anyone thought that perhaps zielinski is seen as a replacement for coutinho if it happens? From what MK scouser has said about the lad, he sounds more of a number ten than a cm.

14 Jun 2016 11:38:54
Playing in Europe has consistently been a hamper to teams in the premier league! The stats on teams playing a premier league game after Europe are atrocious! To say that teams in the premier league will have no advantage playing only one game a week being able to consistently train and work with players which klopp has had no chance to do by the way I think we had a game something like every 87 hours since he took over on average. With resting in between games etc he's had no time to work properly with these players this year he will have that chance and hopefully with a much smaller group being able to pin point exactly what he wants. If you're saying all that will make no difference you're daft I'm afraid.

14 Jun 2016 11:49:19
Why does klopp need a 6/ 7 day break week in week out with his players? City, arsenal etc etc would be gutted by not playing european football.
Imagine liverpool being knocked out of the league cup and f. a cup early doors, finishing 7/ 8 in the league. what's the excuse then? Players discontent at not playing week after week because the game time simply is no available. So from what you're saying shane Liverpool should have a clean sweep next year then yeah?
And I'm clueless!

14 Jun 2016 12:35:16
If you want to misinterpret everything that I wrote then fine. yet again having that extra time to work with the players will make a difference, we were 3 points off 5th a tiny difference can easily lead to 3 points!
And yeah of course we'll have a clean sweep I forgot to write at length about that but I'm so glad you were able to read between the lines so well and take that from it! Congratulations to you!

14 Jun 2016 06:52:44
We need players for 4 critical positions. First teamers and not squad fillers. We have bought a GK and a CB who should be starting from the first day. We need a first choice LB, A winger and a CM all first team quality.

14 Jun 2016 12:56:50
In Istanbul - I'm gutted we're not in Europe, don't get me wrong, but the reduction in games means we don't need as big a squad. We must have played about 15 games last season in Europe.

14 Jun 2016 15:54:58
Ron - we did play 15 European games last season - we won only 6.

We need European footie, and preferably CL, because without this we will continue to lose our best players. So in my opinion we need the players in who can get us there. I'm not confident we have them right now.