Liverpool Banter Archive August 17 2015

17 Aug 2015 23:39:44
Again as last week we showed grit in defence and better organisation at defending set pieces. These are the positives to take from this game and Benteke proving a point that he can play football and is much more than a target man. Never easy in the Premiership especially against well organised teams and Bournemouth played really well. Last season we'd probably have drawn or lost. Football is about fine margins and this season we seem to be much more resilient. Though Skrtel and Lovren aren't the world's best central defenders, they're not as bad as many say they are. They worked hard today and they can only get better.

18 Aug 2015 00:47:27
Skittles (I say it with affection like the candy, not derision like skittling bowling pins) is not terrible, he has always stayed with us and has had great years, he just has a mistake in him that costs points, especially with being overly physical. Tonight he gave one Bournemouth player the old forearm to the head treatment, luckily the ref did not see.

Would like to see more of a Sakho and Lovren partnership, or get Illori in to start gelling the team for the future.

18 Aug 2015 10:14:40
Lovren and skrtel are our best two c/b . Two games two clean sheets. We got 3 pts but performance was not great

17 Aug 2015 23:23:46
Well we won but that's about it. Hard to watch tho. Saying that i would take the same again if it meant winning. Big test coming up.

17 Aug 2015 22:56:52
Eds and Reds,

Another 3 points but not the most convincing of performances again, I'll take the clean sheet and Big Ben getting off the mark happily tho! anyone else notice that there seemed to be massive lack of communication on the pitch? Couple of occasions 3 Liverpool players stand looking at the ball expecting one of the others to claim it, example was lovren hendo and I think Milner edge of our 18 and almost gave up a shot on goal. There were a couple of other times as well and then lallana in particular getting caught in possession after just receiving the ball, no one talking to him telling him man on? Now to be fair he should already have an idea of his surroundings and know he's got someone up his clacker but a bit of talk on the pitch wouldn't go astray. Anyways 6/6 is a decent enough start, start firmino next week I reckon he needs to be involved from the start and as he tires bring ibe on to stretch arsenals defence.

17 Aug 2015 23:13:22
I genuinely believe O'Driscoll will turn out to be the best signing of the summer.

17 Aug 2015 23:03:23
Not a great performance by any stretch and Skirtle and Lovren do not fill me with confidence. But at the end of the day it's 2 wins from 2 games. Let's just see what happens away at Arsenal now , hopefully a better performance and a point away to a top 4 rival. Ambitious but you never know?.

17 Aug 2015 22:39:51
Watched the game tonight and seemed like lpool didn't much attacking flair about them but every time Bournemouth attacked they looked dangerous wide and through middle.

17 Aug 2015 22:24:08
I'll take the 3 points and the clean sheet but that was painful to watch. On the bright side,we are unbeaten and can really only get better. I think.😁

18 Aug 2015 00:16:31
If BR keeps making the selection and tactical blunders he's been making the pst two games, we won't get better and will only get worse

18 Aug 2015 00:50:09
It will be a lot more painful if we don't fix our tactics and team selections. I couldn't be bothered about the six point haul because it is only papering over the severe cracks I saw tonight. We were played off the park for decent spells and with the cold atmosphere at Anfield, it emboldened them to simply run ring around us almost at will, atimes. Must do better or the Arsenal game will REALLY be painful to watch

17 Aug 2015 22:18:50
Torrid game, but some encouraging signs throughout the pitch. SHould have won much more comfortably, Cou being his erratic self again, Milner and Tekkers missing chances (Benteke took his bloody well in fairness). The USUAL worrying signs in defense, and again midfield seemed the main culprit, especially in the first half; BR's formation was simply overrun by the nethusiastic visitors.
Henderson was immense in my opinion, Clyne was also really good, top notch signing, Coutinho dictated proceedings, but mishit his shots - could've had a hattrick, come on lad, you have to make this final step to greatness, grrr! Benteke - IMMENSE. He didn't stood out, but he played like a complete striker, contributing in all phases of play. Very happy with him.
Disappointed with Lovren, looked erratic in the beginning. He recovered later on - when Skrtel had a few blunders.
Joe Gomez - He is still doing very well for a 18 year old. A future star in the making. But. not a complete left back. Blend him and Moreno in one and you get a top, top left back. but shouldn't we have one already, with a lot of money invested in that position last year?
Ibe - disappointing. I expect much more, huge potential there.
Lallana - errrr. Errrr. He oozes class. He has great technique, solid pass. he never used those attributes for anything threatening. He always picked the cowardly decision. Might've been a management instruction. He did contribute much to overall play, defensively and in keeping pocession. But he is supposed to be threatening offensively! He just didn't.
Rant over. Benteke man of the match.

18 Aug 2015 00:20:41
In the first half, I think we were playing a man down because Lallana was no where to be found. He was poor for me and frankly, BR's stubbornness will be the end of us because he s made the same tactical and selection blunders two games in a row now. Trust me, if he doesn't stop, we will be thumped by Arsenal, for sure.

18 Aug 2015 01:16:03
For the first hour, I forgot Lallana (who I'm a fan of) was playing to be honest.

17 Aug 2015 22:12:51
Well. 3points. Not the only positive.

Bournemouth had nothing to loose and played like it, Couts should have had a brace, benteke got rid of any home game nerves and to be fair should have scored another, WE DEFENDED ALL SET PIECES. There were periods where we actually looked more balanced.

Not to say there were periods when we looked awful.

Odriscal is having an effect. Truer test at Arsenal next week.

Cant say I was surprised at this result and I think Bournemouth will do this to many other clubs over the season.

Not sure on the Moreno substitution. Perhaps to get Firmino more central but have to say he did well.

Traditionally we always raise or game when against "top" clubs. We manage a draw at the gooners and our season is under way

17 Aug 2015 22:07:09
I am sure I'm in the minority here but I am satisfied with 6 out of 6. We have such a tough start we needed to get the points on the board.

We will get better. I don't care about the performance. We need momentum and only points can start that off.

17 Aug 2015 22:04:44
Big clubs get big decisions
That's the match summary from me.

Massive credit to Bournemouth.

17 Aug 2015 21:55:55
That was a long game! Benteke was actually quality, but we got very lucky. Coutinho still can't shoot from less than 20 yards. Lallana played 90, battled well, but every good thing he does he does a bad one. And when he breaks on the back line he just plays it wide or turns away and plays it backwards.
I said it earlier but Clyne is a great buy.
Cant believe we have 2 clean sheets though

17 Aug 2015 21:45:27
Been only one team in this one, and it isn't Liverpool. Very deceiving score. We look disorganized and defending to save our lives. Results are all that matter, I accept that, but this team will be demolished by anyone in top 6. Really can't figure out how we are still so poor?

17 Aug 2015 21:53:40
I can its the management

17 Aug 2015 21:58:13
I'm actually encouraged. No goals allowed and Bournemouth were fantastic today. We sniffed out all danger and defended really well. Everyone was wanting us to dominate that half but the truth is Bournemouth were very difficult to dominate. We sat back and defended and tried to hit on the break. We saw out the win and that's what matters.

Am I saying we don't need to be better? Absolutely not, but there were some encouraging signs as well.

17 Aug 2015 22:02:14
Yep, unfortunately we always seem to be bang average now. Can did a bit better for us, but if he's going to be a DM long term he needs to get better positionally, he hasn't the pace to make up for being caught out. But generally poor pressing and all round play from us.

17 Aug 2015 22:04:29
55% possession, 18 shots vs 13, 1 goal vs o goals. Hardly any chances against us in the last 2 games. What else exactly would you like?

17 Aug 2015 22:26:28
You have to give credit to BR on his ability to impose his style on our team regardless of the players - we changed half a team in the summer and we still play exactly the same as the start of last season.

I agree that you cannot argue with six points from two games but we were massively lucky today and Bournamouth were robbed by the officials, twice.

Anyone who saw the City-Chelsea game and Arsenal playing over the weekend knows we are miles off pace of the big teams.

We can only hope we to improve with time. It is easier to improve while winning. I personally cannot see massive improvement though unless Sturridge is back and fit.

17 Aug 2015 22:55:26
I agree in that I'm worried for the trip to Arsenal next week a draw would be an excellent result, but to say our defending is poor is not true. Compared to last season we are finally starting to look solid at the back and gomez n clyne are good buys, i think the new coaching setup is working

17 Aug 2015 21:36:49
Eds, can we have a 'Liverpool Whinge' page to go with the 'Rumours' and 'Banter' pages?

It'll give you somewhere to put all the moaning posts even when we're winning.

17 Aug 2015 21:44:32
I am sorry mate, But are you really happy with what you see now? I am certainly not mate.

17 Aug 2015 21:47:11
Winning against Bournemouth. Wow. We have been abysmal!!

17 Aug 2015 21:52:34
Johnny, are you for real

17 Aug 2015 22:01:18
2 wins, 2 clean sheets. Not the prettiest game to watch but I will take 6 points all day long

17 Aug 2015 22:06:16
Winning by sheer luck

17 Aug 2015 22:09:00
I think Johnies post refers to the utter disregard for an objective view. There are a few pretty pathetic posts down the page criticising An injured Hendo being subbed. There are plenty of people (me included) who think BRs time should have been up, but the petulance because he's still here is just childish.

17 Aug 2015 22:10:41
EG, just 1 question mate, would you rather win ugly or lose playing good football. And don't say you would rather win playing good football, because we would all rather that, but you don't always get that

17 Aug 2015 22:57:52
Dead right Johnny,I would take 38 1 nils at the end of the season. results are what matters at the end of the day

17 Aug 2015 21:24:21
Coming on 65 mins and what a mess, look like no structure no ideas , same as last year and captain taken off.

17 Aug 2015 21:56:50
And playing a team with 7 or 8 players new to the premier league. Generally poor except for PC

17 Aug 2015 22:50:40
Captain picked up an injury did you not see the game ?

17 Aug 2015 21:21:45
Nothing has changed from last season! Nothing. Anfield is deadly quiet again, only ever hear a ripple of applause or the away fans.

17 Aug 2015 20:56:37
We are lucky to be ahead our football is so slow it's shocking no pace or movement upfront. Henderson is wasted as the deep lying midfielder. Skrtel & lovren are there usual self can't defend & far 2 slow to play a high line what does shako have to do. 442 diamond with a high press is the way we have to play if we are going to improve not just the results but our style of football. Can't face another season of that slow possession crap

17 Aug 2015 20:53:34
Clynes awesome, Gomez is good, benteke is doing well, we're actually supporting him a bit today. Hendo and Milner are playing well, but are leaving the middle exposed, our centre backs will get found out though. Better than Stoke but not great, hopefully firmino gets some more mins this week

17 Aug 2015 20:51:14
Happy to be leading first half Luckily enough. I know Bournemouth had a goal disallowed but did any one else look at migs and him in no mans land. Shocking.

Bournemouth then targeted Lovren who I thought looked nervous as hell. He kept dropping off and to the side of the pitch leaving big gaps in middle. Good tactics by them. Ibe looking off the pace and not In The game. I suppose the same could be said of Milner. Being shackled don't help him.

We are starting to get into it more and more. Just hope we keep clean sheet and we should be able to tire them out later in game

17 Aug 2015 20:36:30
What a defender we have in nathaniel clyne!!

17 Aug 2015 20:24:05
Hate to say it, but I am pretty sure Skrtel has got an own goal coming.

Lallana completely lost out there.

Why is our new approach to kick downfield and hope Benteke does some kind of magic?

17 Aug 2015 22:08:21
Were you watching the same game as me? Lallana lost?

17 Aug 2015 20:20:23
Does anyone know what football were playing ?

17 Aug 2015 21:14:42
the one where the ball is round, not the egg shaped american football.

17 Aug 2015 20:13:34
10 mins in feels like 30, months might be a long night

17 Aug 2015 19:54:47
Or maybe its just a reward for the same squad that just won at Stoke. A ball hasn't been kicked and the moaners are out already. I give up!

17 Aug 2015 19:35:42
Any live streams for tonights match guys?

17 Aug 2015 19:28:52
hey lfc fans.

im caught between 2-1 and 1-1 tonight its a tricky one.

no goals for liverpool in the game. until he makes a sub.

i say that because lallana and ibe. do not support benteke. and coutinho is a long range shooter
basically i don't see goals. unless ings or origi come on. or firmino

anyway we shall see

17 Aug 2015 19:24:23
Wow Rodgers is even more clueless than I thought

17 Aug 2015 19:43:05
Are you surprised Chris - everyone, without exception agree it didn't work last week until Can came on, Rodgers has to be the most stubborn manager at any level - although it shouldn't make a great deal of difference tonight ( hopefully ) - cannot believe he'd leave a £28 million pound signing on the bench. Unbelievable.

17 Aug 2015 20:56:34
Yeah he must be seeing as we're in the lead. I do wish some of you would stop with the permanently negative nonsense.

17 Aug 2015 20:58:06
Same as watching last years rubbish. Lallana needs to be off and can needs to come on, all about coutinho this one!

17 Aug 2015 20:59:46
Nah man, just the opposite i'm afraid he's got so much clues that its gotten him confused. I swear the man think himself a genius but i'll bet yah if you tell him touch your head he'd be touching his elbows or toes.

17 Aug 2015 21:04:59
Nonsense?

17 Aug 2015 16:05:38
Hi Eds. We all know how Parry and Moores left us years behind the other clubs with the sale of LFC to H&G instead of the Dubai consortium. Just wondering, prior to this, the then Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was keen on purchasing liverpool and even held press conferences talking about the liverpool players. He went on to buy City instead and the rest is history. But why did we not sell to Thaksin? It surely can't have been that he wouldn't have been 'fit and proper' considering we sold to the undoubtedly unfit and improper H&G.

{Ed001's Note - Thaksin never came up with the money.}

17 Aug 2015 19:07:16
lallana again?

17 Aug 2015 19:06:21
Team unchanged from last week. That means a shackled henderson and milner then. sigh.
Good luck to the boys though!

17 Aug 2015 19:30:23
He doesn't learn at all mate. Obviously the new staff aren't having much influence on his selection

17 Aug 2015 19:52:02
Well, for all their stated intentions to "play football" I expect that Bournemouth won't commit many bodies to their attacks, so 5 attacking midfielders might actually not be a form of insanity here.

17 Aug 2015 13:32:24
Ed's, haven't had a chance to listen to the podcast yet waiting for the cassette version to come out. was just looking at the stadium expansion page on the LFC website and would like to know, how is the expansion being financed? I couldn't find the answer in the FAQ section on the official page. Thanks

{Ed002's Note - Borrowed money and the club are trying to sell naming rights.}

17 Aug 2015 20:47:46
Stadium stands or both ed?

{Ed002's Note - Whatever they can.}

17 Aug 2015 14:21:08
Hello fellow reds,

I just want to put my thoughts on the team out there based on Rodgers latest interview on Can.

I think Rodgers needs think pick on formation (preferably 4-3-3) and pick the players suited to the formation and give them an extended run.

No more playing Can at rb or cb or playing henderson at wing back

Consistency will help us get the results

17 Aug 2015 16:55:13
Yeh I agree with you there. After seeing can come on and change the game last week it's a no brainer. However, I think he will start the same way as last week with 4 5 1.

17 Aug 2015 12:38:32
I have a feeling that it may take us a little longer than hoped to break down Bournemouth tonight. I just hope the crowd remains supportive throughout. I reckon 2-0, both goals in the second half, Benteke to grab his first goal at Anfield.

17 Aug 2015 14:50:57
Looks like we will have to be patient and wait until the second half when Rodgers makes the following changes :
Extra man In midfield (Can)
The 2nd striker (Firmino or Ings)

17 Aug 2015 12:16:53
Can anyone explain to me why Brendan Rogers chose to attend the City Chelsea game yesterday when we play arsenal before either of them? Would he have been better placed at the Arsenal Palace game?

17 Aug 2015 12:41:13
Two best teams in the league and we have struggled against chelsea. i'd go watch to learn how two better managers approach games like that.

17 Aug 2015 12:45:16
Can someone tell me why Brendan Rodgers has two years two eyes and one huge nose?

17 Aug 2015 12:46:12
Someone had to chaperone Mario lol,
p.s great job on the podcast guys. Sorry I only got round to listening this morning.

{Ed001's Note - cheers Simon, glad you enjoyed.}

17 Aug 2015 13:07:37
Maybe it was due to the match being in Manchester which is a lot closer.

People need to relax on Rodgers.

Him watching a live match is a good thing, fair enough it may not have been 100% the most suitable but that's only your opinion - it was 2 of the top sides in the league who we are supposed to be trying to rival. We are not trying to compete with Crystal Palace so maybe he could learn more watching City Chelsea.

17 Aug 2015 13:13:03
Whilst you make a very fair point, I think let's not nit pick for the sake of it. Maybe he's finally getting out and going to games. One step at a time.

17 Aug 2015 13:14:59
Complete spitball as I've no obvious answer but perhaps he wanted to see how they set up against title rivals as he thinks that's how they'll play vs us?

Meanwhile Arsenal will approach the game vs Palace differently to how they would approach us?

17 Aug 2015 13:34:19
He was looking at our new signings aguero

17 Aug 2015 13:47:42
Obsession to some fantastic attacking football, with Full back bombing up and down, DM covering them up well with CM dictating the play.

17 Aug 2015 13:59:35
Can Rodgers do anything right?

17 Aug 2015 14:52:50
Personally if I was BR i'd have gone and watched Ars vs Pal, as palace have constantly had the better of us in recent seasons,and arsenal are more likely to be our rivals than than Chelsea.

That said I understand why he'd want to go watch the set up of both those teams,but Mourinho typically sets up defensively against teams he expects to pose a threat. EG Utd 2 years ago with schurle up front,Citeh this weekend with ramires,us when SG slipped. I don't think his team set up/orders will be the same when he plays us this yearunless Chelsea are really off the pace

17 Aug 2015 18:02:38
Chelsea were hopelessly defensive against City. In addition to Costa having no effect, Hazard was kept under wraps and Terry was subbed halfway for. no apparent reason while Cahill, bloody nose still pouring, remained on the pitch. Chelsea need a wonder signing to get their confidence back after a poor preseason and being outplayed by Swansea and smashed by their rivals for the title.

17 Aug 2015 18:54:07
He should go to a match every weekend in my eyes, the more he can learn the better

17 Aug 2015 11:27:10
Hi All,

Loan update.

Sheyi Ojo played the first 74 minutes of Wolves 1-1 draw at home to Hull.

Lloyd Jones played the full 90 as Blackpool lost 2-0 at home to Rochdale. Early signs say it is going to be a long season for Jones at Blackpool, I questioned this loan move considering the current state Blackpool find themselves in.

Vigouroux and Williams played the full 90 and Stewart played the first hour as Swindon drew 2-2 away to Bury.

Andre Wisdom was an unused substitute as Norwich won 3-1 away to Sunderland.
Early signs are this loan is not going to get him the playing time we had hoped for.

Danny Ward played the full 90 as Aberdeen continued their 100% start to the season with a 2-1 win away to Motherwell. Early signs in the Scottish League are that Aberdeen and Hearts will be the teams (If any!) to push Celtic for the scottish title.

17 Aug 2015 12:47:07
Ojo came on with 15 minutes to go Carra

17 Aug 2015 14:02:11
So he did! Sorry Essex, I read it the wrong way round

17 Aug 2015 16:30:40
hope wisdom gets to play soon.

17 Aug 2015 16:38:50
The weird one for me is Wisdom. If he wasn't going to be first choice he may as well have stayed with us as back up to Clyne, could have played cups and Europa. Very very odd

17 Aug 2015 18:04:57
Early days yet Essexred.

17 Aug 2015 18:33:08
Yeah, Wisdom is wasted at Norwich, but maybe he'll break into their squad at some point. Should have gone to one of the newly promoted clubs or someone fighting for promotion in the Championship

17 Aug 2015 10:54:21
Made Benteke my captain on Friday and played my triple points card, he who dares and all that. Come on Boys.

17 Aug 2015 12:42:07
Bit early to be playing that card

17 Aug 2015 13:10:59
Triple points card?

17 Aug 2015 14:43:20
Random, it's a Fantasy football thing.

Forza, it won't be too early if he bangs in a hat trick.

17 Aug 2015 16:02:39
Can somebody explain fantasy football, how do you play what is the objective. How do you win if there is such a thing. Who are the opponents? Am not being funny.

17 Aug 2015 17:30:00
Ron,

It's a game of predicting how well players will do. You pick a team of players and they score points based on their performance in real life games (goals scored etc). Someone else picks a team and hopes their players do better than yours.

Over the season you score points and whoever gets the most wins.

17 Aug 2015 10:04:49
So, Daveyboy and Ronald. Were are we meeting before the game tonight for a pint and for me to help the pair of you see the error of your ways with your man crush on Swiss Tony?

Just to let you know, I'm not meeting in Bootle Davey because my passport is out of date so I won't get through border control! And Ronald, there's even less chance I'll meet yers in a bistro in Allerton so don't even suggest it😉

17 Aug 2015 10:57:42
Be an interesting podcast that Waro!

{Ed001's Note - that would have to be a vodcast mate.}

17 Aug 2015 13:40:30
What's your feelings on Ben and eds podcast waro?

17 Aug 2015 15:23:15
Can't listen to it Molby, I've got a smartphone mate.

{Ed001's Note - it should play on a phone Waro.}

17 Aug 2015 16:07:42
Plays on my phone ok.

Flat Iron ok Waro? Followed by a bag of chips?

17 Aug 2015 17:01:44
Hi waro , I listened to it through you tube on my smartphone as I couldn't get sound through on this site , hope that helps.

17 Aug 2015 08:56:30
Hi Eds, I believe you mentioned that we need to be careful with Ibe this season which makes sense to me (although he is built like an ox!) what number of games do you think would represent the right level of rest, balanced with the correct level to progress over a season for a young player?

{Ed001's Note - you just have to monitor as the season goes along, personally, for me, he needs to play as often as he is physically capable to build his experience.}

17 Aug 2015 09:51:38
IMO, He needs to sratr a lot of games.

17 Aug 2015 09:55:30
I'll keep saying it but bringing him on off the bench for last 30-40 minutes against tired legs paired in with starts here and there would be the perfect season for him and I think would see him excel the most as he can just do what he does best be direct and cause defenders nightmares!

17 Aug 2015 10:41:54
I would keep him as an automatic starter myself. Give him strings of games, when he starts to show fatigue, drop him and make sure he knows it's down to that and that only.
Once he's recovered from fatigue, start him again.
I'm sure he will suffer a loss of form at some point so drop him to the bench until he's back to his best again in that instance.

17 Aug 2015 11:12:58
Someone has to tell me what exactly is this impact sub?
If he could do a he in the final 30 mts why not in the first 60 mts? If people believe he is better than Sterling, then he needs to start a lot games just like Sterling

17 Aug 2015 11:49:23
harry are you seriously saying you don't understand the idea of an impact sub ?_?

I personally agree with Shanek. Ibe can start plenty and come of the bench plenty to make an impact. Vs tired legs Ibe wins a lot of free kicks too which can help see out a game. For someone who has ran around tirelessly for 65 mins, the last thing you want to see is someone as strong and fast as Ibe coming to play against you.

17 Aug 2015 12:24:58
An impact sub is some one who can come on and take advantage of a situation in a game EG.
There have been lots of impact subs in various roles across the game.
Dzeko as much as he hated it was one. Both seasons City won the title he was used very effectively to come on and add 2 up front or alter the attack to allow Aguero to play off him,when the defence was used to Aguero by himself and silva operating centrally,Silva moved out wide allowing for more accurate crosses for dzeko to use his height and strength against tired opposition who's legs had gone and stuggle to jump. City used it to great advantage.

Arsene Wenger used it for several years with walcott in the champions league and premiership. You only have to watch our quarter final vs Arsenal to see how it can be used effectively when countering.

You also have the advantage sometimes of your opposition using al their subs before you and thus showing their tactical hand of their approach to the last 15 (usually). You can use this to alter your tactics,say,for example moving the ball out wide ifthey are attempting to play narrow. by putting on 2 wingers,instead of maintaining a narrow diamond.

Impact subs are there to alter the play of the game and force the hand of the opposition to use tactics they may not prefer especially when tired legs are on,or when certain players are clearly not in the game. Why would you not target opponents in their weak areas later in the game.

I mean come on,considering your love of the winger role being one of (speed) surely you realise the importance of trying to tire out fullbacks and then bring on fresh legs,especially if you have a quick winger waiting who is fresh and can cross. I think that was the reason JM wanted SWP from 2005/2008,he got roughly 30 appearances in the prem often as a sub for Duff or Robben,it really helped stretch out defenses.

17 Aug 2015 12:31:13
In my opinion he has to play when fit to give him every chance to develop, he has the potential to be one hell of a player and we have to nurture it.

17 Aug 2015 12:35:48
LFC Fan

Sarcasm, Ibe is the only natural winger we have in our team and rest are all ACM and creative players. Ibe provides width and pace on the flanks and I fail to udnerstnad How would Milner or Lallana replace a winger?
We play with a target man whose biggest strength is his height, yet we don't play wingers.
Utter nonsense

The only reason Ibe wouldn't start as there is no place for him in the team and is occupied by a Midfielder.

On Merit the kid has to start. Play Him and Firmino either side of Benteke and Countinho in the hole. what's the issue there?

17 Aug 2015 13:39:36
Harry if you don't understand the difference of playing against players that have ran for 60 minutes against players with fresh legs then I'd be worried.
Put it like this I'd have a better shot of survival running away from a 3 legged tiger than a 4 legged tiger.

17 Aug 2015 13:48:03
If we played the diamond again I don't see why Ibe would have to start if say you had lucas/can as the hold,henderson and milner either side (which would stop them occupying each other spaces hopefully) then countinho up top,with firmino and Benteke as frontmen. I don't see Ibe as a sure fire starter. in a slightly narrowformation such as that

17 Aug 2015 14:22:19
Bob

Your last sentence summed up pretty well, Diamond makes it narrow and some teams would stretch us and we easily become a 4-3-3. Ibe provides pace and power on the flanks something Countinho wouldn't as he would cut inside and play centrally.
Y not a 4-2-3-1 with Lucas/Can and Henderson in the middle, Firmino nd Ibe either side of Benteke with Countinho playing the third Attacking Midfielder?

Shanek

Y don't you put like this, The only way Ibe gets a start is when you drop Henderson/Milner from the team.
And that's happening after 4 years mind you.

17 Aug 2015 15:22:02
I don't personally know how Ibe would play there. I certasinly don't disagree with the notion of using him as a ''supersub'' when defenses and midfields are tired. I think sticking with a same starting 11 and formation is suicide and quickly gets found out. So very it. You don't have to start Ibe every time,just like you don't have to bench him every time.

You have this notion that pace is everything.Till you leave that fifa mentality behind Harry you'll be stuck in a rut. Ibe was well marked vs Stoke and lost posession a lot of time trying to beat men he should have played the pass against. He still has a lot to learn about the game,such as when to play the ball instead of beating the man. Coutinho is better at that understanding for me at this time. Firmino I haven't watched anywhere near enough off to make a call but I expect he will soon be a starter,and of course Benteke will be playing. so as much as Ibe can help it flow into 433,so can the players I mentioned.

17 Aug 2015 17:08:42
Harry our very own David Fairclough was great example of an impact player , look him up to see how a player such as him is in my opinion vital in any successful club .

17 Aug 2015 06:56:34
Hey Eds 001. Do you think your voice will break by the time of the next podcast? Oh to be 13 again fella!

{Ed001's Note - you are just jealous old man!}

17 Aug 2015 08:34:42
It's ok Ed, I get the same but with Barry White jokes because my voice is so deep!

{Ed001's Note - Mrs Rogers is just jealous mate, when he turned 40 Queen Vic was not a pub in Eastenders it was the woman ruling half the world.}

17 Aug 2015 10:00:12
hi, what are the podcasts called, trie looking them up, but no luck. thanks

{Ed001's Note - the link is at the top of the page mate.}

17 Aug 2015 10:29:47
whats the podcasts called, had a wee look there and can't seem to find them. thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - it is the only thing on the page really mate. Are you sure you went to the podcast page? There is just a player right in the middle of the page which plays the podcast. It does have to get going, as we don't have a jingle or something to launch it yet.}

17 Aug 2015 10:48:23
thanks very much, i lookforward to giving them a listen!

17 Aug 2015 13:08:39
p.s. sorry for the double post, your directions were spot on, my internet was playing up, and it looked like the first one didn't post.

{Ed001's Note - ah ok nice one.}

17 Aug 2015 03:36:03
Not being negative and I understand that we're only guessing as to the extent of out interest in Kovacic, but of all the players we have been linked with, this was the one I would have loved us to have signed. Oh well, can't have them all and I know we are heavy in the middle.

17 Aug 2015 05:26:26
Y He is the perfect CM for any team.

Mateo Kovacic: Completed more passes in the final third (615) than any other player in Serie A last season; Franco Vázquez second (595)

Mateo Kovacic: Played at least 2 more accurate through balls (11) than any other player in Serie A last season.

Kovacic made dangerous forward runs thanks to his phenomenal dribbling skills, as he completed 90 take-ons—the fourth highest total in Serie A and with a better success rate than those above him.

At such a young age the Croatian is already close to being the full package in midfield and has the potential to enjoy a similarly distinguished career as Gerrard's.

17 Aug 2015 05:41:47
His heroes include Cesc Fabregas but he has been compared to Croatia legend Robert Prosinecki

17 Aug 2015 06:56:54
No more attacking minded midfielders. We already have so many and people still want more.

17 Aug 2015 08:36:04
EG, are you stalking him or something?

17 Aug 2015 08:38:56
Kiwikop

He is much more than an attacking midfielder. Fabregas and Carzola were attacking midfileders in their past and look where they operate now.
If you have seen Chelsea match yesterday, You would realize how much then depend on Fabregas and his range of passing.

17 Aug 2015 08:53:48
HSF

Well, He is the only Midfeilder I really really wanted us to sign.

17 Aug 2015 09:30:56
We've signed 7 good players. Can't win them all. Who knows, maybe we knew real we're interested so forgot about him

17 Aug 2015 09:58:53
I remember similar stats about aquaman when he signed! But I do agree kovacic is a quality player and I too was sad we couldn't get that deal done! Harry give us a breakdown of what position carzola actually plays and where you think he should play will you? I think you'll need a whole new term for him !

17 Aug 2015 11:22:22
Carzola plays in the center of midfield alongside a DM and does an excellent job. Carzola is a creative playmaker and is a fantastic passer.
I would play kovacic alongside Can / Lucas and push Henderson up.
The club currently has no CM and that proved against stoke city. Henderson was asked to play a deeper role and was poor. Milner occupied the role alongside Henderson and was poor.
The game changed when Can was bought in and the roles of Milner and Henderson changed.

16 Aug 2015 22:42:08
Listened to podcast today. Really enjoyed it. When's the next one?

Best thing about the podcast? No "RTP" comments from Ed :)

{Ed001's Note - as soon as we have the chance we will do another. At some point I will need to put together that FSG one as well for Juicer, as that will need to be an extra long one, being as they have done so much in their short time in charge.

Don't worry though mate, we will have LTPP comments on there as soon as we have a few previous podcasts for you......}

17 Aug 2015 07:02:48
Ed001 you need to set a fixed time, it will give the fans something to look forward to in the week.

{Ed001's Note - or dread? But yes that is the plan for this one, we also intend to do other ones, if time allows, such as a weekly preview to the weekend's games and review after the weekend.}

17 Aug 2015 01:37:51
Really enjoyed the podcast, we'll done men. Great to finally put voices to the names. Is there any chance a member of b rods team might have listened?
Hopeful red . Oh wait !