Liverpool Banter Archive April 19 2016

19 Apr 2016 23:44:19
A question for Eds 002.
With the gossip of FSG cashing in on their investment?
Just how close did LFC come to falling into a abyss of Glasgow Rangers proportions before FSG stepped in.
We're there other suiters who may have been better or worse at the time.
Personally I think we did well with FSG.
Sorry if this was done to death at the time I've only been on here about 2 yrs or so.

{Ed002's Note - (a) Not at all. There is no comparison with Rangers. (b) Not that would have been better.}

20 Apr 2016 08:46:57
FSG have stood by the things they said they would do. They have stood by the managers and provided funds, they have looked to make more money commercially and they have rebuilt Anfield. They've made naïve mistakes, sure, but they have learnt from them.

20 Apr 2016 09:42:18
There is no reason for FSG to cash in on Anfield as we are growing again. we have a manager that has the potential to make us a decent team in the premiership and in Europe again. extending Anfield and if they end up making Anfield like the artists drawings have been released then it will be one hell of a stadium. They have made mistakes like everyone knows and they know full well they have but they are realsing the mistakes they made and amending them now. Maybe if they have not won anything in the next 2 years or three then they could think about selling as they would of built Anfield and made it commercially huge so they can make a bigger profit until then they are not going anywhere and come on ITS THE DAILY STAR WHO HAS WRITTEN THIS STORY.

{Ed001's Note - actually you sell when the value is at its highest, the trick is knowing when that is. Maybe now, before the debt level rises even further, is the right time? I don't know, nor do they, but more importantly none of us know whether they do believe now to be that time. If they do believe that, then now would be the time to sell.}

20 Apr 2016 09:58:12
if you were FSG ed would you sell right now?

how would you feel if an arab came in and we ended up like a city psg?

{Ed001's Note - it would depend on if I had the money to invest to do what City have done, with regards to regenerating the area. If not, now would seem to be the right time to sell, as there is no telling if we would get anywhere near a future super league that is almost certain to arrive. If we miss out on that, then the club will be worth little as an investment, sadly. If it was me looking as a fan then I would never sell, but it is an investment for FSG.

I would not be keen on anyone from this area buying it, having lived here. The way people get treated here is not something I am comfortable with.}

20 Apr 2016 12:16:00
ed, apparently employers in UAE confiscate expatriates' passports?

20 Apr 2016 12:16:00
ed, apparently employers in UAE confiscate expatriates' passports?

{Ed001's Note - yes they do. Which is illegal but they do it anyway. Not just the UAE either.}

20 Apr 2016 13:27:34
Yeah I can imagine it happening in other places like Qatar too.

What brought you to Dubai then? Hope they didn't do it to you too.

{Ed001's Note - no mate, I came out here for my health as I had a bad liver infection and needed sun and sea air for recuperation.}

20 Apr 2016 14:29:25
Ah I see, well I hope you're starting to feel better! Not a bad place to rehabilitate either!

{Ed001's Note - much better, though I will probably never be back to what I was before it. It is ok, but far too expensive these days. Going to spend a few months in Spain from next month to save some money to pay for my wedding before I come back. Rent is obscene here. And thank you, I appreciate the well wishes.}

20 Apr 2016 14:40:28
Get well soon Ed, and enjoy Spain. It is awesome down there.

{Ed001's Note - I have never been before, I don't speak a word of Spanish so it should be...... interesting. Thank you mate.}

20 Apr 2016 15:07:14
Personally would recommend Portugal at this time of year ed some where round about villamoura is beautiful this time of year (and the food imo is a lot better especially for fish)! But enjoy Spain none the less will you make it there in time for the villarael game?

{Ed001's Note - Spain is cheaper as I will be staying with my parents and it is an excuse to spend some time with them as they hit landmarks last month - me ma is now 60 and the auld man is 65. Plus the village they live in has some facilities I intend to use to work on a new project I am planning. They have a TV studio there that I hope to be able to talk my way into borrowing to produce some interviews and some other video footage.}

20 Apr 2016 16:33:14
Sounds great ed wish you well with and video additions to the site could be great if you were thinking down that route. Video analysis or any interviews you do get I'm sure would be a great watch! Would love to see you v ed002 in a football debate one man either side of a table, I have a picture of it ending up like grumpy old men ;) anyways enjoy!

19 Apr 2016 21:49:55
Zielinski and gotze wil be lfc players next season . heard takeover talks about 5 weeks ago, think I posted on here . interest in Ibe from Swansea Leicester and Watford.

19 Apr 2016 19:03:12
Just a thought, and a question, for the Eds and fellow Reds on here. Is there a more complete midfielder in the Epl today than Dele Alli? And is there anyone else who was potentially better suited to take over from Gerrard (the mid career version)?

{Ed001's Note - Gerrard was never complete and nor is Alli.}

19 Apr 2016 19:15:07
You're right Ed001. No such thing as a truly complete player. I just have not seen a midfielder who can defend, pass and score with as little ease as Alli this season.

{Ed001's Note - he doesn't really defend, but he doesn't need to so long as he presses. He has plenty covering behind him.}

19 Apr 2016 20:50:37
Never judge a player after 1 season.

19 Apr 2016 20:51:25
Is he that much better than Coutinho? Is he better than Mahrez or Payet? Ozil? he is not the only midfielder around.

19 Apr 2016 21:28:08
Fano, are you seriously suggesting Alli is better than Coutinho? I don't understand, he's scored some cracking goals for a young lad and he has seamlessly progressed to the EPL, but he's not the messiah! maybe I'll think differently in a few seasons, but right now I'm not too bothered that Spurs have him and we don't, I'd take Coutinho any day of the week. And I say that with no disrespect to the lad at all, I just think LFC supporters spitting dummies out over us not signing him is a little premature and unnecessary.

19 Apr 2016 22:34:18
And all this boot licking of Alli makes us sound bitter, jealous and sore losers especially those of us who couldn't give a rats butt about what he or Spurs do.

19 Apr 2016 23:03:45
Red, you have to have some interest in what Spurs do, they play in the same league and compete for the same players as us?
I do get your point but every opposition team should be of at least dome interest to us. I do think Alli is superb, and yes we were linked and didn't move, but I won't waste time on ifs buts and maybes, we are where we are and that is that.
There was a time when I would have loved the club the break the bank to bring in Alexandre Pato, now look at him; tome moves on.

20 Apr 2016 02:26:56
Gerrard was never a natural centre mid. He was a right midfielder who struggled his way into playing at centre mid because that's what he preferred.

So when people compare Lampard/ Scholes to Gerrard, they may have a point that they were better midfielders, but Gerrard was a better all-round footballer essentially playing out of position.

20 Apr 2016 07:48:09
In our squad he'd probably be a better option than Lallana, but still behind Coutinho and Firmino for most situations.

20 Apr 2016 09:17:06
I don't think Alli is better than either Coutinho or Firmino. But my question was about being as complete as possible, ie., having a variety of skills. Coutinho is purely an offensive player for me, even though he does backtrack to defend at times and presses high up on the pitch. Firmino is far more complete with his different abilities and capabilities. The question came up simply because I see us being linked (falsely or truly) with various midfielders of the same type as Alli. There's no boot licking of any type going on here, simply pondering and wondering about a player we wrongly let go and then are going about trying to find another similar one. Some may choose to have a narrow focus on LFC only in terms of interests and posts over here, and others may choose to be interested in a wider range of teams and players. No right or wrong here. Just different.

19 Apr 2016 22:19:14
Eric Dier - Dembele - Alli
The best midfield in the league without a doubt
Discipline - Passing / Controll - Goals

People mentioning Coutinho / Ozil and all others doesn't play in his position.

Gerrard back in 2008/ 09 behind Torres is the closest of Alli this season.

Brilliant player with first class technique and what a composed finishing skills.

20 Apr 2016 12:14:45
Coutinho plays from the left whole Firmino is playing more like a striker. The comparison to Alli is pure rubbish.
Alli reminds me of Gerrard back in 2008/ 09 playing behind Torres. He is technically first class and his goals ain't any fluke.

19 Apr 2016 17:53:54
How many of you would be happy if we signed Kante?

I'd be delighted. He'd be awesome for the gegenpress, too.

Apparently with a 20m release clause. That's nothing.

Ed1 u think? :)

{Ed001's Note - I wish!!}

19 Apr 2016 18:21:12
How much did Leicester buy him for? :-/.

19 Apr 2016 18:51:50
I'm hoping klopp can unearth one for us.

19 Apr 2016 19:04:38
I wouldn't mind one little bit, but I'd also like to see what Grujic can do.

19 Apr 2016 20:15:41
Around 5.6m, Irish Rover. Has to be transfer of the season along with Alderweireld and Payet.

19 Apr 2016 20:28:59
I don't see any Leicester player leave them and come to us this summer unless we play in the CL next season.

19 Apr 2016 17:01:55
Klopp about the bitters "they are not used to playing 2 games a week at this stage of the season" ha ha ha ha brilliant.

19 Apr 2016 16:49:10
Just watched the kolo comes round for tea thing on YouTube, I know there's no room for sentiment in football but I'd love it if he stuck around for a bit longer after this season. He hasn't put a foot wrong when called upon and it's obviously a good bloke to have around the place.

19 Apr 2016 17:04:56
I've watched that and I completely agree. I want him to stick around as well, great back up and good person to have in the dressing room.

19 Apr 2016 22:08:05
Just watched that after reading the op. What a lovely guy! In stead of coaching when he retires he might want to try teaching humility to other footballers!

19 Apr 2016 15:26:42
Was looking up our most effective attackers earlier. Interesting reading and a few surprises.

Coutinho: 11 goals, 4 assists
Origi: 9 goals 3 assists
Sturridge: 9 goals, 1 assist
Firmino: 10 goals, 7 assists
Benteke: 8 goals, 4 assists
Lallana: 5 goals, 9 assists
Milner: 7 goals, 10 assists

Aside from Benteke there is a decent core of attackers to build around in there. Milner and Lallana's goal/ assist return is actually quite good. Perhaps there is more to them (than just mindless running) after all? In Lallana, Milner and hopefully Ings we have players willing to fight for a place and do the dirty work whilst still offering a bit of quality in the final third.

On Benteke, his return may be good. But it is deceptively so. He was the focal point of the attack for almost 20 games and the team plays worse when he is on the pitch due to his lack of effort.

19 Apr 2016 15:51:23
It doesn`t show all the games where he was completely hopeless and couldn`t be arsed to even try to make the effort nor does it show all the sitters he missed during those games.

19 Apr 2016 16:50:43
Or the sitters he missed, easiest goals ever and he missed them, unforgivable!

19 Apr 2016 17:18:25
Milner has scored mainly pens and assists from all the freekick and corners he takes.

19 Apr 2016 18:03:25
People complain about Milner corners and say they are terrible and now we complain he gets assist from them? lol.

19 Apr 2016 18:13:34
What i take from this is that we need a forward who can get 20 plus goals a season.

19 Apr 2016 18:13:47
They are terrible. Getting one out of ten right is not a high rate of success but maybe in your world it is.

19 Apr 2016 19:32:01
I think you missed the point I was making.

19 Apr 2016 21:48:28
I think what you can read from that is that Benteke has a lot of pure scoring ability, and if he ever gave a hoot on the field he'd be dynamite. Consider that he doesn't challenge for balls in the air unless they're directly at him and he's spent most of the year out of form because he didn't try enough to play and you can't be in top form if you don't play. Shame, but he needs to go. No ability to play the Klopp way, it seems.

20 Apr 2016 10:14:27
10 assists is 10 assists. and it is a bit unfair to minimize the impact milnet has had. He brings a lot to them and provides that spark and creativty in the attacking third from our midfield that wr had from hendo 2 years ago.

{Ed001's Note - creativity? Hmmmm not sure you can call him creative. Firmino provides creativity, Coutinho does too, but not Milner. Hard running is what he provides.}

19 Apr 2016 15:07:56
Any truth to the rumours of this 700m middle eastern Sheikh up?

19 Apr 2016 17:39:10
Nope, I really don't want them, our club is OK as it is and can stand on its own two feet without oil money.

20 Apr 2016 03:41:03
I would not be against it. Who doesn't want Man City type investments into the club infrastructure and players? Its better to have money than not.

19 Apr 2016 14:23:55
Ruours of a £700m takeover of LFC by the brother of the Man City owner has again made the press today.

19 Apr 2016 14:38:19
So I see in the paper. at the moment I would take news like this as all hear say. chances are its to fill up columns in their paper cus they are a bit light on the real news!

19 Apr 2016 18:03:25
One of the eds has said all along that he/ she wouldn't be surprised if fsg sold us when the big TV money was due in again. If the £700m price is right then why not? That's a hell of a profit!

19 Apr 2016 21:59:04
How's it a profit with player expenditure, stadia expansion and loan interest,700 mill might just give them a exit without getting their fingers too badly burnt.
For me they've been good owners (a little naive but they've done pretty good in a sport/ country outside their comfort zone) .

{Ed002's Note - You are correct.}

19 Apr 2016 23:26:20
Screen shot taken, eds 002 agreed with me, happy man, cheers eds.

19 Apr 2016 11:49:52
I know a few games left and football can turn in an instance but i'm loving the look of the team/ squad at the minute.

Young lads coming through add to the excitement. Bigger name players seem to realise that some special could be happening and want to prove their worth. Also Klopp will not take players who are with us for a handy pay day. A lot is looking positive and the klopp effect is most defiantly starting to role.

Not saying the classic next year is our year but the positives weigh out the negatives for me at the moment.

19 Apr 2016 14:01:32
If Liverpool can get that solid centre back like an alderweld that Spurs nicked at the death over Southampton in the summer then I think that could be key for the season
They must get a solid centre back and let's hope that happens.

19 Apr 2016 01:22:14
If any of you guys haven't seen it, the Liverpool FC Hollywood actors on YouTube is one of the funniest things I've seen come out of a football club. Sakho and Lucas had me in tears. Whoever's running our social media team are doing a pretty good job I must say.

{Ed001's Note - Jose Enrique will be pleased you like his efforts since he retired from playing.....}

19 Apr 2016 07:27:05
Sakho was very funny! He's a great character, whoops did I just say character? Sorry.

19 Apr 2016 09:30:04
what's the link? Can't find it.

19 Apr 2016 09:59:58
Sakho has got a trade after football haha class hendo voice doesn't change for any of them haha.

19 Apr 2016 10:48:16
Davey Sulls

It's on the Liverpool Echo website now. LFC page .
It's very funny.

19 Apr 2016 12:39:56
Klopp is an excellent badass, no wonder the team works so hard for him!

Ward is not someone you want to take apt he ball from. he will find you and he will kill you. Sakho does a brilliant jaws impression.

19 Apr 2016 14:27:27
I don't think Henderson watched any of them before. I hope not anyway!

19 Apr 2016 16:45:48
Lucas' scouse accent is impressive.

19 Apr 2016 18:49:19
My conclusion from watching that was that Henderson has got to have the deadest and dullest sense of anything, out of the entire squad.