Liverpool Banter Archive June 17 2015

17 Jun 2015 21:55:19
Actually encouraged by the firmino rumours. Think he's the only possible signing that's a genuine improvement on what we have that doesn't stall the development of youth ie kovacic. However think we have to be realistic, if we're genuinely up against Man U for his signature then he's unlikely to sign. Let's be honest what do we offer over United. United have UCL, we have EL. United have renowned manager with proven success, we have Rodgers. Man U can offer significant wages, we're hampered by FFP rules as well as FSG model of lower wages propped up by bonuses. Man U have a strong squad with a number of arguably "world class" players, we have a unsettled squad that does not have any identifiable system with limited "world class" players. The only thing I can say we offer over United is pretty much guaranteeing game time. However this is a double edged sword as it would indicate he's more than likely using us as a springboard to bigger things ie Suarez to Barca. All in all as much as would love to see it happen, I'm not getting my hopes up

18 Jun 2015 01:09:55
If Rodgers can talk FSG into letting him keep his job, he should be able to easily talk players into joining us! The man must have a gift, surely.

18 Jun 2015 23:16:33
Doesn't need to. FSG bottled it before he started trying to twist them

17 Jun 2015 21:12:55
Just a little banter eds and reds, STERLING

We all have to wonder.

Will Sterling ever be worth more than he is right now?

. . .

17 Jun 2015 21:24:07
Doubt it

17 Jun 2015 21:24:59
No, he may get getter but nobody will pay over 45 million after this deal.

This is his big move the next move he makes will be west ham in 10 years time or 4 depending on development.

17 Jun 2015 22:02:41
If he continues his development and is with us for another 10 ( or more ) years, you will all be calling him a legend, and he will be.

17 Jun 2015 23:50:29
He has all the abilities to be legendary. It's a matter of whether he wants to do that with us or not. City is in the CL perennially, may challenge for the title next year and will likely offer more wages than FSG would be willing to cover. Its nonsense really, because he's just young lad who is bound to be a little lost at another club.

For me, you take the best offer on the table and reinvest in the squad. We don't need a makeover. We do need a relevant striker to accompany Ings, Origi, and eventually, Sturridge. In some respects, Benteke would be a fabulous acquisition in the absence of a Sterling-type player, but I doubt Rodgers would like making such an alteration to his strategy.

I will continue to support Raheem though, whatever his decision. Those who doubt his talent are asinine, and City will likely prove how much they value him.

18 Jun 2015 00:37:37
Always find it hard to judge sterling (will admit to biased!) his first few years stats suggested the ability was there to develop but massively stalled last season.

Question is how much was down to BR and a struggling team. If memory serves right Eds said he trains well and listens to coaches - but is miles away from even approaching legendary status!

Think messi has spoiled us but look at Bale and Ronaldo their ability wasn't apparent till about 22/23 then just grew into amazing players in a short space of time.

Hard to call as stats in a good team, clear has ability and intelligence of play suggest he could be special - but still can't remember him doing anything that blew me away (eg Bales inter hat trick before he became the player he was). Sadly think he is gone though as don't see how the club can accept his actions, fans have turned and he clearly wants out.

18 Jun 2015 00:52:21
Hard to tell, I can see him being brilliant if he stays with us.
If this move puts him on the bench then he will never get any better than he is now.

18 Jun 2015 02:43:57
What are these "abilities" he has which mean he could be legendary?

He's quick which as Owen found out, is not enough if you get a bad injury.
All the other abilities I would say are average for a premier league footballer. His ball control is variable, his shooting is often wayward, he does not have fantastic vision.

Compared with Owen at the same age he is light years behind in my opinion.

18 Jun 2015 08:04:05
He absolutely shone in a team with Suarez and Sturridge flying and taking a lot of the pressure off him.

He has bags of potential but has certainly not moved from that status for me. If someone is prepared to pay a ridiculous sum for the boy, we have to take it.

The big test for BR and the management team is how they use it!

18 Jun 2015 08:41:59
Where ever he goes i have a felling he will spend an awful amount of time on the bench.

He will end up like Torres IMO!!

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

18 Jun 2015 08:57:49
He will be successful elsewhere, he is a good player.

17 Jun 2015 20:39:00
Is BR still on holiday?

Have been reading with interest the posts about the AM and coach, with a lot of people (Ed001 included!) confused and perplexed by FSG's strategy.

As Ed001 said, either back him or sack him, but don't leave him exposed to hang himself (metaphorically) as that's just intensely cruel.

I'm therefore wondering whether the hold up in the appointments could be that BR is on hols and he would have a part to play (no matter how small) in the make up of his immediate team?

Just a potential alternative view, but wondering if BR is still away topping up the tan?

17 Jun 2015 21:26:11
He's away on a scouting exercise to shagaloof ,

18 Jun 2015 01:40:34
He's been on a holiday for almost 3 years

17 Jun 2015 20:06:05
Can just scored a great goal for Germany. He received the ball at the edge of the box, made a trick shot and placed it low in the left side of the goal - 17th minute.

he hasn´t contributed to much else.

17 Jun 2015 21:04:43
He's much better box to box of you ask me. Wasted in a holding role.

17 Jun 2015 21:17:45
He scored a good goal according to your description. Isn`t that the best contribution you can make in a game?

17 Jun 2015 21:59:03
I could only watch the first half but Can looked like the best player for Germany, would love to see him, hendo, and proper sitting midfielder with coutinho on left coming inside and moreno overlapping. Sturridge upfront with Ibe on the right. Sadly I doubt this will ever happen.

17 Jun 2015 23:25:28
Instead BR is trying to buy Kovacic instead of giving the player he himself bought, a chance to prove himself. Just like he's done with others like Sahko, Marko, Aspas, Alberto, Lambert, and Ilori. Mismanagement at its worst

18 Jun 2015 06:27:43
To be honest Redohio, I would be pretty stoked if Kovacic comes in, whether we actually need another CM or not, He would easily be the best of all of them.

18 Jun 2015 09:19:02
redohio Don't you think we need 2 class players for every position. You keep bumping on that we don't need to sign this or that player because we already have a player for that position What about injuries?
we need good players to come straight onto the pitch when that happens. All the top teams have 2 GOOD players for each position

{Ed001's Note - who do Chelsea have to replace Matic? Or Hazard? You can't have a squad like that, which is why you have utlity players.}

18 Jun 2015 23:19:53
Thanks, Ed for responding so I don't have to waste my breathe explaining myself as I have explained my reasons countless times. We are overloaded in midfield so those who can't contribute need to go and be replaced by either academy players or true upgrades and not just buy players to replace players who weren't playing to begin with

17 Jun 2015 19:05:16
Why we are not interested in Trippier for under £5m is beyond me!

Much better value than Clyne imo.

Missed the boat there I think.

17 Jun 2015 19:18:23
Value for money trippier would be the better option.
Ed1 mate what do u think of trippier especially in comparison to clyne? Think he is a better player myself

{Ed001's Note - not convinced by either, I don't see how they are much of an upgrade, if at all, over Wisdom. Trippier struggled when facing anyone of quality and his delivery was average. Clyne was well protected so it is difficult to judge him, though he is better on the ball than Trippier.}

17 Jun 2015 19:32:17
I watch about 10 Burnley games and everytime a team scored I had no idea where trippier was on the field while the ball was in the net,he was constantly blowing hard by about 60 minutes,and struggled following his man at set pieces.
I have only seen a small sample,usually against a decent team,but I wasn't ever impressed. Personally I thought it looked like a UK media hype

17 Jun 2015 19:46:52
Another name we have no interest in but janmaat would be a fantastic signing

17 Jun 2015 20:59:23
Montoya for me

17 Jun 2015 21:20:36
Montoya spent most of the last two seasons in street clothes so why would he be better than Wisdom who has been playing fairly consistently for the past THREE seasons? Wisdom is a very good one on one defender who can pass the ball effectively due to his ability on the ball. All of which Clyne or Trippier can`t do

18 Jun 2015 00:09:09
RB is a position we should either sign someone who is a very clear upgrade or else just go with Wisdom. Trippier would only be competition for Wisdom, if anything if we signed him I'd prefer him as backup with Wisdom starting. Signing more backup isn't what we need.

18 Jun 2015 06:31:02
A clear upgrade on RB would be Darmian. As Ed001 said yesterday, it seems unlikely that Wisdom will get the chance. Its a shame really. Clyne? Montoya? i'm not convinced either are better than Wisdom personally.

17 Jun 2015 18:19:26
Firmino, Clyne and Kovacic and that will be a successful window in my opinion

17 Jun 2015 18:34:06
And selling Sterling for an eye-wateringly high fee would make it even better IMO!

17 Jun 2015 18:38:25
The way we played this season does not merit a transfer window that good, lol.

17 Jun 2015 18:42:23
I actually think that c be done f we sell sterling. Especially kovacic and clyne. Firmino I'm not sure about we got Manchester United and Manchester City. And do we even have interest. I remember ed2 saying last we had a look and that was it?

17 Jun 2015 18:47:12
As if haha

17 Jun 2015 19:42:20
A top striker should be the priority.

17 Jun 2015 19:49:37
Still think we need a top striker

17 Jun 2015 23:33:52
Lavers and AG are on the money

17 Jun 2015 17:38:58
Hi Ed's,

How much do you rate welbeck, I was going through possible options in england.

Welback is very similar to sturridge in terms of dribbling and pace.

I would not have hold a breath when he was in Manchester United.

But again he seems to down the pecking orders when Giroud, Sanchez and Walcott is fit.

Player has lot of potential but did not get run of games at Manu.

I see lot of fans asking probability of walcott. Is there a chance liverpool can get
Welbeck ,

Or he is very much part of the plans in Arsenal's title challenge.

He comes under 20 mill but again under 25 years.

Thank you.

{Ed001's Note - dribbling? You mean dribbling as in on a bib? Because he is awful on the ball. He is bambi on ice, loads of pace but completely lacking in ability. Please no, not him. He was a desperation buy by Arsenal just to fill a gap until Wenger could find a long term answer.}

17 Jun 2015 18:45:10
Now I've seen everything. Gosh who are we going to ask for next? John i shea????
Welbeck has the ball control of an elephant on roller skates and rhe speed of an athlete

17 Jun 2015 20:14:49
I think u mean Rik o shea Reet mate 😉

17 Jun 2015 20:50:54
He can run, that's it. Probably has the worst first touch of a PL player I have ever seen. He also would cost north of £10 million. No Thank You!

17 Jun 2015 23:41:50
Wouldn't make our academy bench. That's how bad he is.

18 Jun 2015 00:17:30
I would get a serious doing from the lads in work too, I laughed so hard when Arsenal signed him and a huge Arsenal fan thought he was a good signing.

It was funny right up until we signed Balotelli, that quickly shut me right up!

18 Jun 2015 02:46:38
Welbeck is gash

18 Jun 2015 07:23:07
i'm going to assume you are joking

17 Jun 2015 17:05:22
Hi again guys,

Sorry I didn't respond to those who replied to my post about city offering £40m for Sterling a few days ago. Looks like I was a few days ahead of the press.

Can't shed any light on to whether or not this will be accepted, so I won't lie to you guys and make something up. What I can do, though, is give you all some context. I have access to an extremely large database through work, of every pass, every cross, every take-on of the last 5 seasons of premier league action.

Let's not forget that selling him for £40m would make him the 17th most expensive player of all time. Players that have sold for in the region of £40m in the past include Ozil, Mata and Figo. Stats on Figo I can't get, but taking a look at Mata and Ozil's production pre-transfer can give us a fairly decent (but by no means conclusive) insight on to whether or not we should accept this transfer.

The link below is of a comparison matrix of the three in the year before their transfer (or prospective transfer):

http://goo.gl/4viQO5

We can clearly see that Sterling is in an entirely different ball park to these two. Now, hopefully that will quell those asking for £50m+ as that is quite obviously ridiculous. £50m would be daylight robbery in itself, anything in excess of that is just absolutely outrageous. Think about how good Torres was when he went for £50m, Sterling couldn't even finish a rice pudding.

The other factors that need to be taken into account are his home grown status, Manchester City's disregard for the laws of transfer physics, and his age (as to say his potential). These all magnify his potential fee, but if I were Liverpool I would be seriously looking at this £40m offer.

17 Jun 2015 21:22:27
Let's also remind ourselves that a young Eden Hazard who was destroying Ligue 1 cost Chelsea £32m a few years back. £50m for Sterling is a joke!

18 Jun 2015 07:27:27
Sanchez cost less than 40 Million
Willian cost less that 40 Million
Isco cost less than 40 Million
Eriksen cost less than 40 Million

This, in my opinion, is an incredible offer, let the kid go

17 Jun 2015 15:22:18
HI ed.

What do you make of Gerrard's claim that he wished that he had met Rodgers earlier in his career so he could have won more trophies? Was this just a bit of PR or do you genuinely think that he believes in Brendan? I don't remember him ever saying anything similar about Rafa/Houillier

{Ed001's Note - he has said many similar things about the other two. Saying Rafa is the best manager he has ever worked with and Ged is a father figure to him etc. It is just PR, he was only saying the other day that Rodgers should be explaining why he is still in the job when his assistant is gone.}

17 Jun 2015 15:53:12
Gerrard Loves LFC. He will always say right things about LFC and its managers, which may not be true.

17 Jun 2015 17:58:01
To be fair when he said that about the assistant managers ed, I thought it sounded like he was saying Rodgers was being hampered by something last year?

{Ed001's Note - there is no way he would have asked Rodgers to come out and stab his friends in the back. He was clearly saying that Rodgers should explain why he chose not to go with them I believe.}

17 Jun 2015 23:51:16
Only you felt that, OG. It was clear that SG was asking a question anyone with half a brain cell who knows footie would ask. What the owners did was just cowardly and nowhere else would this have been done because I have never heard of such BS in all my 30 plus years of watching footie. He put BR on the spot but I won't hold my breathe for an answer because no answer would make sense.

17 Jun 2015 14:50:44
FSG have made a lot of mistakes since becoming our owners. Is there anything they have done right in your opinion?

17 Jun 2015 15:03:10
Pretty much save the club

17 Jun 2015 15:07:31
Stopped us from going into administration

Started work on the stadium

17 Jun 2015 15:11:54
'Reducing' the massive debt, stadium expansion.
Just because we haven't signed a marquee that'll make LFC fans melt. Doesn't mean they haven't done anything good!

17 Jun 2015 15:20:03
FSG are a huge step forward from the previous planks. Making a firm decision to redevelop Anfield another good decision.

17 Jun 2015 15:24:44
Not allow the club to go bankrupt? Fund the club despite making huge operating losses.

They've have done plenty right when it comes to the commercial side of the club and have dipped into their own pockets many, many times.

Bit confused why some fans refuse to acknowledge this.

17 Jun 2015 15:28:36
They have done a lot right.
Getting rid of Gillett and Hicks will always be appreciated.
They have improved the turnover of the club not least with better marketing.
They are increasing the capacity of Anfield and also the corporate facilities.

They have fallen down massively on the football front.
I don't know who advises them, so I can't comment on individuals, but I know they are being advised and the advice they are following leads to recurrent failure.

Like I say, I will back Rodgers and any manager whilst they are in the job, but it wasn't my preferred choice, and the way the process was conducted was pure farce.
I also think they made mistakes with Comolli and the transfer negotiations for their whole tenure has been foolish.

17 Jun 2015 15:56:18
Yeah I meant what have they done right regarding the playing side of things. Obviously they saved us but that was 4 years ago

17 Jun 2015 16:10:40
The problem isn't FSG. The problem is the personalities in the general management of the club - Ayres, Rodgers etc etc

17 Jun 2015 23:56:48
Agree with Ron! They have been great and supported every manager under them so none can complain. However, they seem not to learn from their mistakes and who ever is advising them should be fired and they should hire Ed01 because clearly these "advisers" are nothing but mugs who have no idea what they are doing.

17 Jun 2015 14:31:33
All the top teams in Europe and esp the premiership play with a strong defensive midfielder - just look at how much better Arsenal played this year with one.

I'm a big Lucas fan but even if he stays he simply will not be available for every game. I know BR is collecting midfielders but he needs to sell some and get someone like Kondogbia in. I don't necessarily subscribe to the "we need a big brute in the middle" ethos but we have been bullied out of far too many games for too long. Even an Nzonzi would help protect the back 4.

Just my view.

17 Jun 2015 15:10:32
Fair views but I disagree. All the top teams play with a deep lying playmaker who reads the game well.

Real have Kroos, Juventus have Pirlo, Barca have Busquets, Bayern have Alonso.

The idea of football is to push the opposition so far back that you don't need a brute like N'Zonzi.

That's why Lucas and Matic are the best in the Prem. They aren't just brutes, they're excellent at reading the game and always look to play the ball forward to start an attack.

Coquelin, N'Zonzi, Bentaleb, Mason, Wanyama etc are all massively over rated and wouldn't make it in any other top league due to a complete lack of technical ability.

Schneiderlin and Carrick are both good examples of classy holding midfielders. As are people like Cabaye, Medel, Strootman, De Rossi etc.

Why do you think Barca got rid of Yaya? He's a brute with no ability to read the game. The simple fact is that brains are better than brawn. It's about time English football recognised that.

{Ed001's Note - Madrid play Kroos because they lost their defensive midfielder and are having to shoehorn someone in there. The exact same thing that cost us so badly last season, which also cost them the league. Pirlo is the single most over rated player currently playing, if the other ten players were not so far above the others, and worked so hard to cover for him, Juve would struggle with him, just like they did against Barca, who found it easy to overrun the Juve midfield. Busquets is not a playmaker, he does not playmake, he looks to give the ball to the playmaker, Iniesta, or Messi. He is a holding midfielder. I really think you are missing the subtle differences that differentiate things. Alonso you can not count, he is a special case because he is a defensive midfielder who is also a playmaker. There is no one else like him currently playing. You are so wrong about Coquelin and N'Zonzi, they would be fine, they are better than you give them credit for. Mason is not even the same style player in any shape or form, so why you include him I don't understand. Schneiderlin is NOT a holding midfielder, Wanyama holds, he is a central midfielder that sometimes drops in alongside him when they are under pressure, there is a big difference. Cabaye is an attacking midfielder! This is just a nonsense post EMS. Yaya was let go because he is not a holding midfielder and kept charging forward and was unhappy at being played in defence.}

17 Jun 2015 15:47:19
Wow EMS, bet you wish you could erase that post!

I agree with pretty much everything Ed001 has said here. Even Pirlo looked shocking in the semi finals as well, hovering around but not adding any defensive steel it reminded me of Gerrard the past year.

I think Coquelin has done well and he plays it forward starting attacks. I don't get all the fuss over Mason, don't know how he got into the England squad. I think Wanyama is a very solid defensive midfielder, don't really rate Nzonzi but if we were looking for someone for DM I'd rather Wanyama.

17 Jun 2015 15:50:41
Edd001 man I hate trying to get your input because you and the edds have enough to do and it's not fair asking.

but I wish there were more Liverpool fans like you who have a clue about the game and players on the pages especially this onE!

{Ed001's Note - thank you.}

17 Jun 2015 16:12:20
Agreed with Ed01 about most apart from Pirlo being overated.
Maybe now for sure i would agree but for club and country he has been great often imo, and i don't personally think that you can always say that was because of the people playing alongside him.

{Ed001's Note - but it was, he has never done any work for the team, they have always had to do everything for him. A truly great player breaks sweat.}

17 Jun 2015 16:14:26
lucas "the best in the prem" OMW, can i have some of what EMS is on please!

17 Jun 2015 16:22:21
I agree in principle with EMS, the eds are knowledgeable but they aren't gods. There opinions can be just as wrong as ours. I don't think we have to have a primarily defensive player in midfield to be successful.

17 Jun 2015 16:23:54
''Pirlo is the single most over rated player currently playing, if the other ten players were not so far above the others, and worked so hard to cover for him, Juve would struggle with him, just like they did against Barca, who found it easy to overrun the Juve midfield.''

Thank you ED001 I thought I was alone in this :'-)It's brought a tear to my eye. I genuinely thought I was the only person who thought the other 10 juve players prop him up

{Ed001's Note - it annoys me, he is quite brilliant with his passing, but so lazy, how many times do players just run past him with the ball at his feet and he does absolutely nothing. I don't know how his team mates don't punch him! It drives me mad seeing a player not even blocking passing lanes or acting as an obstacle to runs.}

17 Jun 2015 16:33:14
Why would I wish to erase it? My opinion hasn't changed just because Ed001 disagrees with me.

I'm just going to agree to disagree tbh because it's not worth the grief I'll get off other posters Ed. And when I agree with you people just say I'm rehashing what you said or that I copy your opinions.

The beauty of football is that different people have different ideas of how it should be played. It's almost entirely subjective and in my opinion it is best to play with a technically gifted holding midfielder who lioks to play quick passes into the feet of dangerous players (which in my opinion is playmaking; it doesn't have to be an 80 yard raking diagonal) and that the whole team should press forward as a unit. If you sit back and play compact then yes you need brutes who can win physical battles as the play will be narrowed. Mourinho has made a career out of this.

I just have a different idea of the holding role and a different idea of how the game in general should be played. Doesn't mean my post is nonsense and it certainly doesn't mean I want to erase it because you're all siding with the Editor.

N'Zonzi in my opinion is identical to M'Vila and nobody wanted him.

{Ed001's Note - N'Zonzi has a lot more ability than he is given credit for. Reminds me of the way people that don't see a lot of him just see how awkward he appears, Crouch being another one, but fail to spot that they are actually very good on the ball.}

17 Jun 2015 16:48:26
Cheers muscatred. I get slaughtered if I agree with the Eds and slaughtered when I disagree with them. Can't bloody win haha.

17 Jun 2015 17:12:25
They say the same about Sakho

17 Jun 2015 17:43:15
Ems
It's not about disagree or agree. Most of what you said is not viable nor valid. You fail to recognise the actual positions' of the players you mentioned and the quailty of player. Made for the recycle bin so you can come back again with sense and actual knowledge of what you say

17 Jun 2015 17:49:27
I'd have to disagree with EMS here.
You can't quote teams in other leagues as an example of how to play in the premier league in my opinion. The premier league is very different to La Liga, Serie A or the Bundesliga.
We were at our defensive best in recent times when we had Mascherano as our DM. Like Suarez, I don't like the way he treated LFC but you have to admit they were brilliant at what they did. Lucas didn't get a look in when we had Mascherano and there is a very good reason why.
In my opinion we have never replaced Mascherano or Hyypia and that is why our defence is so bad these days.

17 Jun 2015 17:59:38
Arsenal didn't do anything differently to any other year!

17 Jun 2015 18:26:50
Looks like I started a healthy debate which is what it's all about really - thanks to Ed 01 and everyone else for your thoughts and views.

As I said at the start, just my view and there are plenty of managers out there who disagree - just not too many of the successful ones.

{Ed001's Note - it is something I have been saying for a while, though I want Medel personally to fill that role, because he is better on the ball.}

17 Jun 2015 18:53:39
Agreed re Medel but that looks unlikely.

M sissoko looks another loss bet (rumoured today) and while not a true DM offers a fantastic athletic ability to disrupt whilst also popping up in the other box.

I mentioned Nzonzi because he doesn't get a mention and is v underrated.

To one of the posts above that said Arsenal did nothing new - they did, they promoted Coquelin to the first team, played him as a true DM and sacrificed one of their many attacking midfielders - take note Brendan - also look at Chelsea.

18 Jun 2015 00:04:22
Pistol has Vidal, Marqicio and Pogba doing the running just like he had Gattuso doing all the running for him during his Milan days. Great player, great passer and tremendous ability but is and never will be a DM

17 Jun 2015 12:35:50
The thing that bothers me most about this transfer window is the lack of ambition we have in signing players. Its like lfc don't believe they can sign quality players, for example cech is looking for a transfer and I know he might not join us but I'd be happy if we at least bid for him and you never know what could happen. Instead of instantly settling for players who won't push our starters for their position e.g bogdan. I think all supporters are the same we can live with the fact the top players might not want to join us but at least make an effort to get them if they are available

17 Jun 2015 12:55:27
Cech clearly wants to stay in London, hence already turning down PSG. He would never want to come to us so what would the point be in lodging a bid knowing he doesn't want to play for us. It makes more sense to go for players that we A- have a chance of signing and B- want to play for us

17 Jun 2015 13:23:53
The sooner you realise liverpool are not a big team , a top 4 team, and just as good as 5-7th place level
The sooner your expectations will drop a level so you won't be so disappointed all the time.

The goals and ambitions of this club has changed over the years so you better get used to it mate. Just look at the evidence

17 Jun 2015 14:43:19
red lobster

Last season our team was good enough to make top 4, but through bad management we didn't.

Theres only going to be 2 teams challenge for the league this season (City & Chelsea) with arsenal 3rd. Leaving the likes of spurs,liverpool and united challenging for 4th.

Although I think united will get 4th you can't really put them down for a title chance. Time united fans realise they aren't what they where.

17 Jun 2015 14:46:46
What evidence is that Lobster? Consistently outspending Utd and Arsenal for years?

17 Jun 2015 14:59:13
Bar Chelsea and City Lavers i think everything esle is up for grabs.

17 Jun 2015 15:35:30
Irish rover

I think arsenal will start progressing, they seem to be getting a good squad together.

17 Jun 2015 17:19:54
If Arsenal get Cech and a good striker then I would expect them to seriously challenge and quite possibly win the league.

They could do with adding another defensive midfielder and improve at left back but Cech and a top striker and they have a serious chance.

17 Jun 2015 12:32:03
For years Liverpool has had a superiority complex it cannot justify.

Why do people care about us playing away games to all of the top teams early on? Last season we lost away games to Stoke, Palace, Villa etc.

Those are the away games we need to turn into wins. But we just look at them as easier games. Newflash people, there are no easy games in the Premier League! If you turn up expecting to win, you won't. The players need to turn up to every game with exactly the same mentality; "I believe we have the ability to win, but we're going to have to perform to our very best".

The only thing I'm worried about is whether or not the Europa league group stages will drain and deplete the squad. I honestly don't care whether we play Arsenal away in October or May though.

We have no god given right to beat anybody so the players would still have to prepare just as hard if our first 7 away games were Newcastle, Leceister, Sunderland, Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford and Aston Villa!

Why does the qulity of opposition change anything. At the end of the day, there's a chance to win, lose or draw every game we go into. And the club and it's fans need to get out of this mentality that there are hard and easy games. That is exactly why we drop so many points against teams we have the ability to beat comfortably.

17 Jun 2015 12:57:42
EMS you are right it makes little difference as to when we meet the so called big boys, and to be honest I would much rather face them in home fixtures towards the end of the season. It certainly aided our strong run-in season before last. I would say the fixture list probably puts that little more emphasis on our home games early on as we really need to be picking up near to maximum puts in the first few months of the season at home.

Cheers

17 Jun 2015 13:35:24
I think you may have missed the issue ems, i don't know any lfc fan atm who thinks we should sweep all before us. That is just not realistic, the problem is under rodgers we revert every season to slow possession based football at the start of the season. There is nothing to suggest this will change next season and the tough start will undoubtedly leave us playing catch up yet again and having to do some miraculous 20 game winning streak to get into the top 10. Its timing combined with the difficulty that i think some people are alluding to.

17 Jun 2015 15:15:21
That's like getting shot by someone and blaming the Gun.

If that's really why everyone cares so much, then you're all confusing why you're distressed. It's not the fixture list creating the problem you just described; it's the manager!

17 Jun 2015 17:25:21
I agree in principle with what u are saying Adam, everyone has to play everyone.

But the thing why I think your lfc fans are a bit down on the fixtures is because if u don't play well in those opening games away to the likes of Chelsea, arsenal, city and us(United) it hardly creates a platform of confidence to go on and beat the likes of Newcastle, westbrom etc which u say u should be looking to do.

I'm sure most lfc fans would rather a nicer run of 3 games against more than beatable teams followed by an arsenal etc than one at home against a villa then away to an arsenal followed by a Bournemouth at home then off to Chelsea.

I said a while ago, a Rodgers team only wins consistently when confidence is high. Dropping points every other week (if u do) will not build that as the end of last season shows.

17 Jun 2015 17:49:05
No not at all ems that analogy does not quite work. The manager and team go hand in hand, without proper direction the team will not function as it should. I am also not distressed at all, i have no expectations for next season for a number of reasons the manager being one of them.

but i think people are being realistic in thinking that a tough start will see us initially drop behind based on past experience. Last season we did not have a particularly difficult start but found ourselves way off the pace after 10 games.

Of course i expect the team to try its best and fight for every point but i didn't see any of that against stoke in our last game.

17 Jun 2015 12:36:27
{Ed001's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Stoke Fixture List

17 Jun 2015 11:12:32
Happy Birthday Hendo!

17 Jun 2015 17:20:51
Cheers mate

17 Jun 2015 11:05:17
After seeing the fixture list this morning Brendans got his work cut out for him.
Anyone think we will take more than 5 points from first 5 matches. I hope we do but can't see it happening.

17 Jun 2015 12:15:41
Yeah, i'm dreading Bournemouth

17 Jun 2015 14:53:33
On the positive side Brenda could be gone after 5 games and we may actually try for klopp!

17 Jun 2015 15:03:00
War we were playing towards the end of last season Bournemouth are more than capable of putting three past us.

17 Jun 2015 10:24:39
whats with all of the fuss regarding the first lot of away games? we have to play them all at some point or did that fact escape you all? let's start off with a couple of away wins and hey presto, everyone will forget all of the pessimism shown on here now. as for the criticism of us signing Danny Ings, I remember a certain John Aldridge who had been ripping up the lower leagues when we signed him. we all know that we have needed someone to score the easy tap ins and the 6 yard box goals. he will do that. give the lad a break and boost his confidence before he kicks a ball. support the team irrespective of whether you like or dislike the manager. if wenger or morinho or ferguson would have signed Ings everyone would be shouting why we didn't sign him. some people are born to moan.

17 Jun 2015 10:42:07
Well said re- Ings bored of all the pessimism on here!

17 Jun 2015 11:12:59
Danny Ings haven't been rippin up anything, hence the pessimism, and that's just the thing isn't it? "If" is a big word that says a lot. why do you think non of those managers went in for him?

17 Jun 2015 11:36:29
I think the only problem is they will be better prepared than us.The bulk of their teams will be same as last season and will have played together for a while whereas I think our team will be quite different (certainly needs to be) and will take longer to blend together.
If we get good results it will give our new players a lot of confidence and help them to blend and we should have a decent season. If we get bad results maybe Rodgers will get the sack. Always two sides to everything.

17 Jun 2015 12:51:52
There's a difference playing

Winnable, winnable, winnable, top 6 and so on

Than all in one block, ots great if you win the majority of them and get the confidence sky high but you night

D,l,l,d,l,w,d and your playing catch up for the rest of the season with must win games.

We could very well lose and easier fixture list aswel but it gives us a better chance to get some much needed points on the board if its a bit easier.

But saying that we got tonnes by palace and stoke last year, so is there easy games haha

17 Jun 2015 10:05:56
City have allegedly tabled a bid of £40 million for Sterling.

At least, that's why Sly are reporting.

17 Jun 2015 10:26:19
BBC say £35.5m.
I don't trust our club/Rodgers/transfer commitee not to waste that kind of money, if we had a decent manager or DOF in place who could get the most out of that money then I would sell.

17 Jun 2015 10:32:41
I´m sure that LFC would rather let him go in January, as we can´t afford to lose a player out of form with such a difficult fixture schedule.

17 Jun 2015 10:36:27
I'm hearing £35.5m and is likely to be rejected

17 Jun 2015 11:07:07
So far the bid for RS only equates to approx £26m once payments to QPR are made. Man City clearly haven't reached the bottom figure that would make the powers that be accept the offer as yet - looks a definite for £40m upfront. I'm not going to get annoyed the Transfer Committee are tying to do business so that money in and out breaks even or is as close to minimal as possible. I do not delude myself any longer that we are somehow a financial force in the world of the EPL. I just want us to be run well and stabilised with some sense of club strategy and identity. which we currently appear not to be.

17 Jun 2015 09:25:49
Just seen our fixtures for the start of the season. I fully expect posters on here to be busy slagging off Rogers in the first few weeks because our away fixtures in the first few months are horrendous. We would never have been expected to get much from them in the past, so looks like the Brendan Out brigade will have a field day

17 Jun 2015 09:49:18
It looks like the new manager will have the whole of November and December to settle in before the window opens on 1st January . Brendan's last game will be at Stamford Bridge .

Another transitional season then .

17 Jun 2015 10:10:25
Sound.

What would you do if Brendan and the boys get off to a flyer?

What then?

Moaning??

17 Jun 2015 10:21:20
I won't slag Rodgers off - there is no need to do that, I would like to list the good things about his tenure, and to be honest I am having difficulty thinking of even one.
My real problem with him is his stubbornness to accept any sort of responsibility for our performances, the list of his mistakes would take me hours to list.
If he had any dignity or self respect, when Marsh and Pascoe were dispensed with - he should have resigned - simple.

17 Jun 2015 10:32:52
Im calling it 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses to start.

17 Jun 2015 10:33:44
For us to get off to a 'flyer' we'd have to beat Arsenal and United away.

Let's be realistic. That's not going to happen.

Gone after the Chelsea game

17 Jun 2015 10:34:27
Davey , unfortunately for your concept, Brendan and the boys are pulling in totally different directions .You must have seen the players celebrating in Dubai after the Stoke result, none of them expected Rodgers to still be at the club next season .

Imagine how they will feel when they turn up for the first day of training and he is still there !

17 Jun 2015 10:37:28
You want the tough games at the start of the season because injuries and suspensions are more common at the end of the season.
It is a tough start especially without Sturridge.

17 Jun 2015 12:15:05
Sound.

Let's just wait and see then.

If we start poorly, then fair enough, but come on, this ingesting silly this.

17 Jun 2015 14:58:24
Yeah the top teams must be quaking in their boots with Ings upfront, bogdan in goal, no Gerard, probably no Lucas.

17 Jun 2015 09:23:22
lIVERPOOL'S first 7 away games of the season Stoke, Arsenal, Man U, Everton, Spurs, Chelsea, Man City.
It does not get any harder than that away from home for us. Rodgers could be off the pace by January and in real trouble, let's hope he gets this team playing well early.

17 Jun 2015 09:48:09
Get them out the way with start to the season not many teams find there feet until a few weeks in
Could work in our advantage
Maybe maybe not let's wait an see :)

17 Jun 2015 10:02:57
Best time to play Arsenal, Everton, Spurs and City away. They're all notorious for slow starts in the league; usually hitting form in February time.

17 Jun 2015 13:32:43
And we start well?

17 Jun 2015 09:19:39
Stoke away.

Brendan Rodgers will be judged extremely early on.

17 Jun 2015 14:28:20
Judged by whom?

On this forum 95% have already judged him based on last season and indulge in ritual mocking on a daily basis. He has already failed next season in their eyes and nothing he does or tries to achieve with the team will be good enough for them.

18 Jun 2015 00:20:49
He hasn't failed next season. The owners have.

17 Jun 2015 09:15:20
Looks like the Premier League fixtures computer doesn't want Brendan to be Liverpool manager for very long!

He won't last until November.

17 Jun 2015 09:53:36
Or maybe we could do ok in them fixtures and go on to have a good season . Stoke away is a chance to put it right straight away imo

18 Jun 2015 00:21:56
If he is as clueless as he was in that final game then expect another hiding

17 Jun 2015 08:20:38
Hi Ed's,

Do you think Ings has been bought in as No3 striker, I have seen so many fans and pundits saying he is not our first team striker.

He has been in Burnley as main striker for last 2 seasons, not sure if he want to come to us as 3rd choice, having said he is only 22.

I could have believed it is true , for a 32 year Lambert.

He would definitely want to be a first team material.

Once sturridge is fit, it will be hard to believe, he will be bunched.

I don't believe origi will be used as a winger either.


Thank you.

{Ed001's Note - Ings expects to get regular starts, which is why he joined.}

17 Jun 2015 08:53:44
Good post Jerrin. And if Ings will be getting regular starts Ed, with Studge and Origi its difficult to see were another Striker would fit in? We only play with one Striker so is it right that we probably won't look to sign another one?

17 Jun 2015 09:23:30
If we play two up top it will hopefully be ings and another.

Sturridge will take time to get fully fit, so ings may get a good run till October/November.

Plus with the number of games in uefa and prem. Not to mention sturridge may only be a luxury we see every now and again with injuries.

17 Jun 2015 09:26:11
I'd like to say its simple - score goals and you stay in the team. but it's BR we're talking about here!

17 Jun 2015 09:43:01
Sturridge won't be fit before next year. I´m not sure but I would think that there will be taken certain precautions when Sturridge is fit, so he won´t play every game.

We will be in the EPL, EL, FA cup and the Mickey mouse cup.
I think he will get plenty of game time.

17 Jun 2015 10:14:54
Gerrard spoke about how excited he was regarding Ings at being at Liverpool, but believes he will be eased in gradually by Brendan. If the lad gets some starts for us and can near his goal tally of last season then I'll be happy with that. Apparently he thrives of the pressure and works very hard in training and improving his game. If we can develop him the right way then he could prove to be an excellent aquisition in the coming seasons.

17 Jun 2015 07:15:13
Hi Eds,
First Post. Just wondering if there is any truth in Talksport's rumour that we tried to get Kovacic by throwing in Mario and now the deal has disintegrated? Thanks

{Ed002's Note - I really don't know.}

17 Jun 2015 11:27:25
ahahahaha,brilliant if it is true,chancers! only lfc could have the brass neck to try that on lol

17 Jun 2015 06:56:27
Dear Eds, have we officially announce who the team captain is?

I can't seem to find any site saying Henderson is the one.Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - not yet, not even sure there will be an official announcement.}

17 Jun 2015 09:26:44
Milner will be Club Captain with Henderson the Deputy!

17 Jun 2015 00:00:36
when I look at the whole situation i can only conclude that i must be dreaming or this is some fu**en joke? at this rate top 4? we won't even be top 2 in our own city!