Liverpool Banter Archive January 19 2016

19 Jan 2016 23:30:25
Hey eds, hope yous are well and keep up the good work
I was just wondering about all the rumours lately. Liverpool have been linked with a lot of average at best players lately, Shane long? Rob green for god sake! So regarding the summer do you think Klopp can attract bigger names and make big improvements to the squad or are we going to be getting the same average for big sums of money?

19 Jan 2016 23:45:22
A lot of posters slating Long before we even sign him : (
I am going to put my head on the line and say that if we get Long we won't regret it. Works hard, presses, makes loads of runs, not afraid of a strong challenge, a good old fashioned footballer
All i'm saying is give him a chance
Klopp is not stupid he wants a certain mould and Long fits it, I also think if we get Long, Lallana should go asap and play Ibe in lallanas place.

20 Jan 2016 00:40:07
I tend to agree wobs. If we buy Long I don't see him scoring any more than he has at previous clubs but his movement and work rate will create space for others to exploit. Benteke might score more than Long over a season but my guess is that the team as a whole would score a lot more with a dynamic forward like Long up front.

20 Jan 2016 00:00:14
Look at it a different way.

We have lots of players; a number with low resale value; a squad with most positions covered with senior players not youngsters; as ED002 tells us an issue where we need to sell before June to avoid FFP issues; at least 6 senior strikers on the books (Balotelli, Sturridge, Benteke, Ings, Origi, Yesil), we are likely to lose money on players we have as they are not playing and are unlikely to play (see Markovic - we may get 50% of transfer fee after 2 seasons) .

Adding an average player that may not see another game after May to our team makes little sense. Costs are a different propitiation.

I can understand why Klopp wants to do a deal but hopefully he see's sense - remember managers are not afforded time; maybe the board should tell him not to worry - unless we are buying for now and the future!

20 Jan 2016 01:13:28
This gets said every time we sign someone the fans don't want, its an opinion, so long as its not abusive what's wrong with it? It seems quite frequent this argument pops up and it turns out our worries over the player come to be true, Long would be an awful, awful signing.

20 Jan 2016 04:42:02
Well I'm going to put my head on the line and say if we sign Long we will regret it.

He will be another expensive average player who we can't get rid of.

The lad will be 29 years old before he plays a game for us. He's never been a prolific striker and he never will be.

If Klopp agrees this deal then he's an idiot.

19 Jan 2016 23:12:39
Cant believe anyone at the club with experience of the premier league and its players has recommended Shane Long to Klopp, who is this, what do they see in Long that many, in fact almost all don't see? Very strange, even stranger than some of our other buys and dealings, recalling Ward then extending Mingolets contract on increased wages, Benteke at £32 million, Lallana, Lovren, Markovic at £20-£25 million each, Milner on huge long term deal FFS, how much sh*te can us fans take and how much can we waste before we tip over the edge!

19 Jan 2016 23:45:28
Brendan Rodgers is his name!

Baz.

19 Jan 2016 22:39:22
Who would people prefer? Berahino/ Long/ another/ none - manage until the Summer?

Who would people realistically target?
Strikers coming into this league could take months to adjust or may not be ready, proven premier players are a lottery unless they are quality.

I agree with the eds I personally wouldn't spend money that we don't have on short term cover.

That's why the caulker deal makes sense. High wages yes, but on the whole little or no risk.

19 Jan 2016 23:40:06
None. Manage until the summer.

Firmino does a reasonable job. Benteke is available for rotation (if he started moving he'd be first choice and there'd be no problem) Origi will be fit again soon. Hell, Sturridge's legs might even re-attach themselves to his body before the end of the season.

We'll have Ings back next season too.

19 Jan 2016 23:41:53
None!

We all agree we want quality rather than quantity then as soon as some Irish journeyman is linked people are saying its a good deal.

It's the most ridiculous signing of the last 2 years and that is saying something.

19 Jan 2016 23:46:05
Wait untill summer. come its obvious!

19 Jan 2016 23:46:08
None, manage to summer.

Baz.

19 Jan 2016 23:47:03
It's a no brainier. Assess in the summer.

20 Jan 2016 00:17:33
Good question.

I'd reject any of these overrated EPL strikers like Berahino, Long. Our biggest mistakes have from buying mediocre "EPL ready" players.

Carroll and Benteke too.

For strikers, we should wait until the summer and go hard after Lacazette, Aubameyang, Icardi, Morata, etc, etc. Top class strikers that can fit our system seamlessly.

So while I think we should wait until summer to buy a striker, I *do* think we should look for a winger in this window, something to give us more predatory scoring up front.

On this count, since Inaki Williams is unlikely to leave Spain now, I think Kevin Volland at Hoffenheim would be perfect.

Volland has pace, technical ability, high work rate-- including high pressing-- and also has played previously with Firmino, where they formed a pretty formidable attacking duo. There would be far less time to adjust, as he and Firmino should immediately have a good understanding in attack.

20 Jan 2016 00:35:33
Agree. Realistically we've blown top four anyway now, so rather than add another good but not outstanding player to an already bloated squad and wage bill, we might as well save the Long money, and start scouting and planning for a carefully chosen summer signing.

20 Jan 2016 02:16:19
Agree to wait.

Of the two I prefer Berahino's play as he'd suit and clearly had the talent to improve further, but he doesn't seem particularly bright or good attitude. Unless someone is convinced they can turn him around on this point seems yet another gamble.

Overall agree with the above, we have Firmino, Benteke and soon Origi to return. Top4 seems very unlikely so let's be patient and buy smarter in summer with a more considered opinion and hopefully a better long term solution.

I'd like Lacazette personally.

19 Jan 2016 21:50:08
Times are bad when we are going for Shane long. I agree with you ed I think we jus need to get through the season then get reinforcements. Our signings and potential targets are getting worse even under klopp. I can't help but feel negative ed.

19 Jan 2016 22:29:14
Really not understanding the hate for long. Player wise I like his tenacious play. Not brilliant at dribbling but very direct and clever in the box without the ball. Presses well and gets in to good areas, as well as being handy in the air. For the stat guys, he averages a goal every 3 games, playing in weaker teams through his career. If he came I could see him grasping the chance with two hands. I don't agree on a high fee but anything between 6-10m he is worth it. He reminds me of the only Englishman to win the golden boot.

19 Jan 2016 22:37:23
What does ed002 think of Shane Long? Do you think he could be a good player?

19 Jan 2016 23:05:53
The likes of Stoke and Tottenham are aiming (and buying) better players than Liverpool. Which is probably why we are 9th and getting worse and worse each year.

19 Jan 2016 22:58:59
The club has learnt nothing from panic buying in the past. Long isn't good enuff and we already have FIVE strikers at the club. What happens to the others? Let's just stick it out till the end of the season and go again next year because panic buying will prove counter productive.

19 Jan 2016 23:26:18
Run
It don't think klopp is chosing these players. I honestly believe he's taking advice from an appalling transfer committee.

19 Jan 2016 22:42:56
My source has told me we're going for Irish duo Shane Long and Simon Cox. The addition of Long Cox to the dressing room will give the boys that bit of spunk they seem to be missing in their game lately.

20 Jan 2016 02:05:20
Arnt Spurs after long as well?

19 Jan 2016 20:21:30
Any chance of getting Bobatron on podcast. I quite like what he says personally.

Just wondering if we could get EMS to do one as a present for my sister. She's just had a baby and he's up all night crying. I could play the podcast and he'd be sleeping all night. (Joking EMS)

{Ed001's Note - good suggestions those two mate.}

19 Jan 2016 20:43:11
I would vote for EMS too, very witty with a good sense of humour. I don't always agree but I do respect her opinion. She tends to back up what she says.

19 Jan 2016 21:11:46
Waro would be good too!

19 Jan 2016 21:14:12
Haha, I'd have to make time but I'd be well up for doing it some time.

I have to say though, I want an Ed002 vs Waro special!

19 Jan 2016 22:08:34
The real ag would be a good shout as well ad think.

19 Jan 2016 22:21:36
just to clarify ems is a guy named Adam. Not a girl named Kim. Could be mistaken though.

19 Jan 2016 22:27:51
I remember a while back EMS saying his name was Adam. Nice pick of Kim tho.

19 Jan 2016 22:59:45
So why is Kim his avatar?

19 Jan 2016 22:42:01
Yeah Waro vs ed002 gets my vote.
Although EMS vs ed001 on the merits of statistics would be fun.

19 Jan 2016 23:34:33
She's my side ho.

19 Jan 2016 23:47:35
So he has a second reason to rub o e out whilst reading his own posts.

19 Jan 2016 18:27:55
Hi Eds,
Just wondering what your thoughts are of FSGs spell so far?

{Ed001's Note - they have made lots of mistakes, particularly in recruitment, but at least they seem to have got it right now in appointing Klopp.}

19 Jan 2016 21:18:14
Thanks for responding Ed001. Besides Klopp any big positives they've made happen?

{Ed001's Note - they have provided the funding for the managers to spend and begun a revamp of Anfield.}

19 Jan 2016 16:50:00
I was talking to my source the tealady at wealdstone and she says were going to sign neymar for the small fee of two packs of walkers cheese and onion and and a large bag of peanut m&ms,

Watch this space!

19 Jan 2016 17:02:04
Weird. I've just heard were receiving two bags of cheese and onion and a packet of peanut m and Ms for lallana.

19 Jan 2016 19:58:26
I thought the Wealdstone tea lady was my source only! ⚽️👌🙄.

19 Jan 2016 16:40:58
How do you cope with the drivel put up on this page everyday
Patients of a saint!

19 Jan 2016 17:02:16
*Patience.

19 Jan 2016 17:36:37
It must be like dealing with school children who can not spell!

19 Jan 2016 21:51:46
Might not be a spelling mistake, I heard Santa had some sick relatives in hospital 😉😈😈.

19 Jan 2016 16:26:40
Great to see Klopp say that Flanno will be in the squad for the Exeter game. Here's hoping he can really push Clyne for a starting spot and get some healthy competition for places going!

19 Jan 2016 15:19:18
Swap deal Joe Allen with aynew from Swansea? Any truth edds.

{Ed002's Note - Twitter?}

19 Jan 2016 17:03:21
Sounds like a Twitter thing.

19 Jan 2016 18:43:51
I have to say Allen looks far more menacing with that beard.

19 Jan 2016 23:16:16
Ain't going to happen.

19 Jan 2016 15:03:42
Question for Ed1 please, as a fan of the club.

Ed, contemplating the Klopp has said he finds the timetable "far more brutal" than in Germany, and given how the players are (apparently) taking time to adapt to the intensity of the training and demands of Gegenpressing - which has supposedly led to several injuries and players not being available do you think:

1) Klopp underestimated the demands of the game over here?

2) As a caveat of that do you think it will become necessary to have a larger pool of quality players that can seamlessly rotate into the 1st team?

3) If so, do you think it is achievable that Liverpool can actually recruit those players required - and could we afford to?

4) If not then what do you see as the long term solution/ outcome?

I played rugby in my sporting days and it always took a few weeks to get "bump fit" at the beginning of pre-season.

We had 2 weeks of camp where we trained 3 times a day, hard physical training. There were lots of injuries, lots of physio sessions, lots of strapping up ankles, but it toughened us up - as the season went on we had fewer injuries as our bodies seemed to adapt. I know it's a different sport, but the concept is mostly the same.

Thanks for your insight, always enjoy reading the site.

Best,



Rob.

{Ed001's Note - 1) Yes, I am sure he never realised just quite how tough it is here, with every game having a much higher intensity than most other leagues around the world.

2) No, they just need to be fitter, we already have a ridiculously large squad.

3) We don't need to.

4) Getting a full preseason in will make the world of difference. I fully agree with your rugby comparison, that is the major problem, the training was too soft and focused on possession and did not do enough to get the players fit. Given time the players will get fitter.}

19 Jan 2016 16:47:35
Ed1, you believe we already have the players for next season without recruiting too much in the Summer? With Matip coming in which other areas would you strengthen? Would a pacey winger help the squad?

{Ed001's Note - we have Ojo, Ibe, Markovic, Kent on the books for that. We need to sell more first.}

19 Jan 2016 18:30:24
We have a large squad, who don't seemlessly rotate into the starting eleven. We have had a few injuries, but how many players have played bar the fa cup game, that are not senior players? We have too many high waged players who don't add anything or seem to play well in our style. Considering we are still in 4 competitions, and our injuries, we have used most of the squad, but some just haven't offered much.

19 Jan 2016 14:23:28
I've got tickets for the home game against Sunderland in the beginning of February but wanted to know which were the best pubs for a drink prior to the game. Safe for lfc fans that are not actually from Liverpool? Like me my brother is a huge lfc fan but this is his first time at Anfield on a match day and my first time in a pub. I need this to be memorable for the right reasons. My brother has two sons with Autism and works very hard with them so this will be the ideal time for him to have a little release. Any pointers will be appreciated.

19 Jan 2016 14:36:39
I'll be there too and it's been years since I've been over so I'm also interested to get any pointers. Somewhere with a bit of craic and "banter" for me!

19 Jan 2016 14:45:28
Hi Poolie,

i think i'm the best person to ask as i live and drink in anfield, and i would say liverpool supporters club would be the best place for you to go to also its only 5 to 10 minutes walk to the ground from the supporters club also there are many liverpool fans that go there before the game that are not from liverpool it has a great atmosphere and the drinks are cheap then when you walk to the ground from the supporters club you will pass many pubs, so in my humble opinion of living and drinking in the area the liverpool supporters club would be the best for you also if you have a driver and need a parking space near the ground I've got a parking permit for you to use, but like i have said there is many pubs around the ground and all these are good but i would still say the supporters club would be the best place for you maybe there's other fans who live around the ground and they could give you some ideas of other pubs to go to if you don't think the supporters club is for you, if you want any more information just ask me.

19 Jan 2016 14:58:12
You have to hit The Albert it's mandatory. Have a good day mate.

19 Jan 2016 15:03:37
Hi. As stated above the supporters club or the Albert are good pubs but the Sandon is decent. It gets busy but it's got 3 or 4 bars. As for not being from Liverpool then I wouldn't worry at all about that. I tend to go the supporters club these days and never seen or heard of anything bad being said to outside of liverpool fans.

19 Jan 2016 15:48:34
Everytime I go it's Sandon before the game and then if we lose, straight back to the hotel, but if we win straight to the Albert to celebrate!

19 Jan 2016 13:45:46
Great interview with Joe Gomez about how close he has gotten with Danny Ings during their cruciate ligament rehab. He speaks about how they've bounced off one another to remain positive. Good to hear that they're both getting on well with the rehab though and from another perspective, glad to see two LFC players getting on so well. Friendships can only help with team morale.

19 Jan 2016 23:18:38
Misery loves company.

19 Jan 2016 12:45:17
Hi eds, surely it's a smoke screen Liverpool putting in a offer for long, that would be a long step back for Liverpool if it was true. Have Liverpool ever been interested in barahino from west brom, I think he would do well for Liverpool he's fast alert, younger and a better buy for only £15 mil. Reports are saying Newcastle are interested.

{Ed002's Note - There are no "smokescreens" and there as been no approach from Liverpool for Berahino.}

19 Jan 2016 12:17:08
I'm struggling to connect the dots with Lawrenson's reason for why Liverpool re-signed Mignolet. 'Because Liverpool think he's the best they have and wanna keep him, but might buy another no. 1 anyway'.

What, does Mignolet plan on going somehwere in the summer? Are there interested clubs that would tempt him? I hardly think so.

Liverpool will only buy a new goalkeeper if Ward doesn't impress.

At least we know that Bogdan's time here is finished, otherwise he'd be on the team sheet ahead of Ward. But Bogdan has killed his Anfield career by making mistakes. It does make me wonder why Klopp doesn't let all of Mignolet's mistakes lose trust in Mignolet too.

19 Jan 2016 12:55:34
Klopp trust Migs and see him as the No.1. We just have to accept that and move on. let's Hope Ward does all of us a favor. In any case the deal would never benifit Liverpool as there wouldn't be any suitors for Migs in the league with the increase on wages and the errors he makes every game.
He should have wait till summer for any contract extension for players. There was no chance of loosing Migs as he is no Suarez.

19 Jan 2016 14:59:30
I disagree, I think Ward will be pushed on and if proves himself Migs will either stay as backup or be moved on. The deal doesn't mean we won't be prepared to sell him,

19 Jan 2016 23:23:32
Contract extensions mean nothing. Ward was brought back for a reason. At worst, he goes on loan next season. At best, he plays the Cup games and if Mingo thinks he is not a threat then he's fooling himself. Ward will push him for the spot and if Mingo screws up once, twice then he's out of a job. Ward is for real and Mingo had better watch out.

19 Jan 2016 11:22:32
Hey eds. may i ask u a question which is bugging me for a while now.
As we are in need for wide players or wingers, according to you who are the players we should go for or are viable to us in the coming windows?

{Ed002's Note - Read the posts.}

19 Jan 2016 11:12:38
Reading about Lfc making a monster bid for Morata but Juve turning it down waiting for Cavani? Anything you eds know about this?

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

19 Jan 2016 10:09:50
For a bit of positive banter I think what we've learned so far from klopp is that time is needed but on our day we can give any team a go? I think so anyway especially as the season progresses and more players hopefully come back fit.
Well we're looking good to be in a final in the league cup against either city who we've shown we can beat or everton which is a game we would just have to be up for. Either way for me a chance at least.
Fa cup you would hope we can beat Exeter on Wednesday then we have west ham at anfield which is certainly no gimme but if we got through this game with players coming back for later rounds another great chance for a run. especially if boosted by league cup win!
Then the Europa league looking through the teams again if klopp gets the players up for the games and perhaps even switches focus towards the europa league depending on where we are in the league then in any given match we'll have a chance. We have a winnable tie v Augsburg and bookies have us at second favourite as it stands.
Success breeds success and with our ability to really get things going in big games we could yet have one of the most incredible seasons in our recent history for many a reason with a lot to still look forward to.
I post this as paddy power gave me 5 Euro as a free bet which went on Liverpool for the treble at 100/ 1! Dream big!

19 Jan 2016 10:55:37
I think over all. there's been stuff to be positive about.
-Youth being recalled
-Loanees actually being watched
-exciting games and attacking football again
- (Not so much Klopp) but finally the extension of Anfield
-The fact we're still in all 3 cups with youth playing massive parts.
-Press conferences, Klopp's personality is very infectious no more, ''technician, character, top class, wee. ''
-Finally beating top teams convincingly (though still being beaten by long balls)
-Summer clearout (i hopoe) is only 5 months away.

19 Jan 2016 12:07:48
The only thing is that I still feel for this season certainly unless origi steps up when he's back that sturridge maintaining fitness and form could he the difference.
Is there any update on sturridges progress haven't heard anything recently? Last I heard he was basically having a pre season and was doing well but still missing the occasional sessions with minor niggles. is this still the case?

19 Jan 2016 13:46:39
The media and ''insider'' journos all reported he'd be back 3 weeks ago. Klop made it quite clear in an interview early December he's not rushing Studge back, studge will be working on strength conditioning in training, and getting back to full fitness. I feel Klopp has certainly sided with the long term view on this one.

19 Jan 2016 14:01:19
It's been long enough without him, and this noise around signing someone else makes me think maybe Klopp is not expecting to be playing much second half of the season if at all.

19 Jan 2016 17:47:07
I would expect it to be the latter i do not envisage klopp lacing up his boots again because of our striker shortage.

19 Jan 2016 09:40:08
Ed001, I know how excited you are by both players. So who would be the better signing, Berahino or Long?

I wish we'd just spend a little more and get Inaki Williams instead.

{Ed001's Note - Long would be better, but it is like choosing between two ugly birds at the end of the night in a club. Or having the choice between doing a podcast with Harry Scousser and Brendan Rodgers. Neither are enjoyable but you might have to do it one day.}

19 Jan 2016 10:06:37
hey ed001 with southampton asking for a high fee, do you think we'll walk away and look from within or will we eventually loan some one in like we did with caulker?

i hope we don't bt looking at the caulker signing i just have a feeling we will.

{Ed001's Note - the very fact we are trying to sign suggests we intend to make a deal happen rather than looking within.}

19 Jan 2016 10:08:14
If its true and we are looking at either of these then it just shows again how we never learn from our mistakes.

Lets just leave it until summer and buy a couple of quality players.

19 Jan 2016 10:09:30
Hahaha brilliant.

19 Jan 2016 11:21:31
My money would go on Berahino purely becacause I think he MAY fit JK still better. Having aid that I fully take on board ed1 comments re his attitude. Its a difficult choice but that's why the people doingthe picking are on such big wages.

19 Jan 2016 12:22:12
In my opinion Long suits a Klopp team better. He is faster, more direct and presses better than any other striker in the league; possibly even the world.

However Berahino will score more goals because Long couldn't hit a cows backside with a banjo!

{Ed001's Note - you think Long presses more than Suarez????}

19 Jan 2016 12:41:28
I'm undecided Ed001. I was thinking about top level forwards who press well and the main ones that came to mind were Sanchez, Suarez, Long, Kuyt and Tevez. I dunno if Long presses more, but he's certainly right up there with the hardest working players in the game. Difference is the other players I mentioned score goals though! I'd still take Kuyt back at 35 odd years old. He's banging in the goals in Holland from the right wing but I remember reading Barcelona are interested in him.

19 Jan 2016 12:43:17
Got to agree with ed there, Suarez was like an annoying little dog snapping at your heels, never seen anyone like him press players, defenders hated him, how I miss him , can we have a collection please to get him back.

19 Jan 2016 13:55:14
Tough call, we certainly don't need another challenged personality in the dressing room but it think Berahino has the potential to turn into something special if he's able to change his attitude. likewise Shane Long adds some experience cover and suits our style quite well. Neither are the true top striker we crave but would rather have either upfront if we don't overpay vs. Benteke even if he's actually the better player.

Think their pace and movement off the defenders shoulder would suit having Coutinho, Hendo and Firmino playing through balls onto them.

19 Jan 2016 09:33:50
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Man City & Liverpool Send Players Abroad On Loan, Toure Might Move And Fellaini Not Good Enough Plus More News

19 Jan 2016 08:16:58
I mentioned Shane long a day or so before all the stuff came out about us being interested.

I think maybe i I should start asking if we have been looking at bigger players.

19 Jan 2016 09:16:40
Next time can you mention somebody with a better goalscoring record?

19 Jan 2016 09:32:29
Id tek Stevie Wonder being mentioned next time EMS.

19 Jan 2016 02:08:46
Question for Ed1.

I think it's there to see quite clearly what Klopp wants from the team and what his expectations are in terms of work rate and perseverence.

A lot of pundits/ fans keep saying to bite the bullet and to play to Benteke's strengths and to play more balls into the box directly and use his aerial power and strength etc. Obviously this isn't the style of play Klopp wants to implement and seems to want to do everything but resort to this. I understand why, totally.

If he were to drop his philosophy and concede to the idea do you think it will have a detrimental effect on the team in the long term?

{Ed001's Note - of course it would, it would mean throwing away all the work done so far and starting again now, then in the summer doing it all over again. There is a reason why stability is usually a good thing, part of that is because players can grow into the style of play.}

19 Jan 2016 06:41:25
What does people think his philosophy was at Dortumand?

{Ed001's Note - was it based on the teaching of Sartre as he thinks Aristotle is too populist?}

19 Jan 2016 07:10:11
Suggesting the team to throw away everything they've practised on thus far in order to formulate a new game plan revolving around Benteke, is the most knee-jerk, short-termist, and stupid idea I've heard of to get Liverpool back on track. It does not make any frikken sense whatsoever.

19 Jan 2016 08:10:36
Lols Ed01, I have been reading it over here from months. His Philosophy. What is it after all. At this rate the whole wouldn't fit his philosophy.

{Ed001's Note - I thought you were going to explain to us what his philosophy was. See this is why we had to replace you on the podcasts. That and you not listening to them!! Benny cried himself to sleep over that.}

19 Jan 2016 08:17:21
At Dorumand his side was a typical counter attacking team who relied on pace and quick movement, But His team failed against teams who sat back. And it was obvious he relied on individual performance. The team slumped when they sold a 30 goal striker to Bayern. And Dare I say he hasn't improved the team against bus parking oppositions.
he has to udnerstand The league is completely differnt to Germany. We play with body than feet here. You will have to deal with Fellaini's and Shrawcos in England.

There has been some improvements in defenders, But we are pretty much the same in Defending. I am still furious we left Fellaini jump over 4 liverpool players the only threat they actually possess.

I would lvoe to hear from him the actual reason for giving Migs a new 5 year deal.

19 Jan 2016 08:20:12
Apparently there are some real knowledgable personal here who could help all understanding his philosophy and that includes you as well Ed01 haha.
On another note. The podcast was good, But it severly lacked my presence haha.

{Ed001's Note - I felt it was improved by the lack of your presence personally ;-)

19 Jan 2016 08:34:40
Or on the off chance benteke might start applying himself to fight for his place. A player with his natural ability and movement would be brill.
Not sure he is up for the fight tho.

19 Jan 2016 08:28:13
Lols Ed01, No chance, I had a page full questions to bombard, Benny spoiled the party hahaha.

{Ed001's Note - saved us all more like......}

19 Jan 2016 08:47:24
What natural ability, if he had that he wouldn't be stood still half the time waiting for it to he put on a plate for him. The only thing he is adequate at is finishing but u need more than that to be a striker.

19 Jan 2016 09:24:20
Just about to sit down and listen to the last 2 podcasts. I feel I have missed out this week. Especially just seen macca came on to, what bad timing to be away from the site for a few days.

19 Jan 2016 12:37:27
John Barnet.
Not being bothered to move is nothing to do with his ability. The guy is a talent. Probably a wasted talent but a talent all the same.

19 Jan 2016 17:50:57
Read that again to yourself, not being bothered to move has nothing to do with ability, i would wager it has everything to do with your ability especially if you are a footballer. Jeez.

19 Jan 2016 00:18:53
Hi ed01, a question if I may, after ed02 confirmed we are interested in Shane long I must ask what you think, surely this cannot be allowed to happen, I know he has good qualities, run allday, gives 110 %, etc, but his highest total of league goals in a season is 8 since 2006/ 7, What is going on at our club to be considering such mediocre players.

{Ed001's Note - we are just trying to get players in who know the league and play the right style. It is a mistake, he is not good enough and we would just have yet another player unable to hit the side of a barn up front.}

19 Jan 2016 06:44:29
Surely means someone will leave ed if Long arrive?

{Ed001's Note - like who? The only reason he is an option is because everyone is injured, or we would not even have an exceedingly average player like him under consideration.}

19 Jan 2016 06:58:16
Owe i don't mate, just seems we will be over stacked with Strikers when all fit. Hopefully we won't bid, unless the reported 8m rejected is true?

{Ed001's Note - I know nothing of a bid, but we are showing interest.}

19 Jan 2016 07:41:19
I like long. Good player.

19 Jan 2016 08:11:20
Are there any other strikers we are looking at?

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - we were looking for someone who will get going straight away, someone within the league, so far the prices being quoted are ruling out anyone.}

19 Jan 2016 08:11:28
If we're looking at him I think it tells you Benteke has had his last chance and hope is slim on Sturridge recovery.

I wouldn't mind him on a loan to tide us over but surely there's a better option like playing Firmino until Origi is back?

I also suspect Ojo might not be a bad shout! Eds would he be any good upfront do you think? Seems to have the right size, pace, movement and temperament but not sure if can actually finish.

{Ed001's Note - he has a decent shot on him from what I have seen, I would certainly give him a go, rather than getting someone who clearly is not good enough like Long. The only hope of anything from Long is that Klopp can improve him.}

19 Jan 2016 08:52:04
Isnt remy available?

{Ed001's Note - not if Chelsea don't sign someone, he is their only fully fit striker and he is injury prone anyway.}

19 Jan 2016 08:55:31
On a serious note you talked about playing ibe in a different position. I would say he is the perfect candidate to experiment with up top. Pace to burn and actually used to be a striker. I don't see him as a winger tbh he is not too bright and struggles with the role. But as a striker he could act on his instinct more and be more direct.

{Ed001's Note - defo agree, we should be looking for the solution within instead of spending money on more average players.}

19 Jan 2016 09:04:48
I don't think Remy would be interested in joining us and it would be a joke if he actually pass the medical failing it in the past at the same club.

{Ed002's Note - REmy did not fail the medical. The manager decided he did not want him.}

19 Jan 2016 09:11:18
That was a sarcasm Ed02. I knew he did not fail. The club used it as a reason to the outside world.

19 Jan 2016 09:16:23
Agree with John and Ed01,
I would play a diamond with Firmino and IBe up front using pace and movement. That is defo a good solution. His goals have come all from the middle.

18 Jan 2016 22:22:01
Eds- nothing to do with football but just wondered how your friend is? The one you were sort of looking after earlier in the year.

{Ed001's Note - good thanks mate, in remission now thankfully and not in need of a bone marrow transplant as things stand. Fingers crossed it stays that way.}

19 Jan 2016 08:09:57
Great news ed!

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate, it is great.}

19 Jan 2016 13:38:23
Ed 01- glad to hear it. Sometimes it does us good to see that there are more important things in life, health of family and friends being one. Adds a certain perspective. Klopp says football is just a game but we see the passion he has for the game and in us fans. It's good to see but with perspective.

{Ed001's Note - very true mate.}