Liverpool Banter Archive October 19 2012

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19 Oct 2012 23:32:49
Just been told tomorrow is the same team as the other week except jones in for reina.... Great

Mpc

Also, expect Yesil on the bench in place of Borini because he didn't play for the u21s, also it isn't confirmed whether or not Pepe will start.

19 Oct 2012 22:58:38
Just bumped into Sean Dundee down the shop he is still very much in contact with the likes of Stevie and Jamie, he has it on good authority that djimi traore is coming back, expect to see him add some experienced steel ( champions league winner) to our defence. I personally am buzzing at the thought of it, if only diouf would return too he had everyone at his feet at one point (crippled with laughter at his delusions no doubt).

Djimi traore - He has more success passing wind than the ball - in a Brenden Rodgers squad, I don't think so!

Dyimi has winner on his medal . bon chance, lfc

19 Oct 2012 22:35:46
Hi eds, wondering about Shane Long? How much in your opinion would he cost? ..and what do you think about him? Also are we interested? Cheers mate! Would love some feedback on this :) {Ed063's Note - I doubt it mate. Doesn't really fit Rodgers style, he's ok but kinda another Doyle so not good enough in my opinion mate}

I disagree with that completely, his movement is fantastic which is exactly what a striker needs in Brendon's system, and he knows where the net is. He reminds me of a less classy version of Aguero. He is already a fan's favourite at West Brom after a year and I fully believe he could make the step up.

I think that long is at his most effective playing a route 1 game.
derryred {Ed063's Note - He is just not that good imo}

Borinis movement is better and look how he's done so far! Hope he comes good though still young!

19 Oct 2012 22:39:03
Sorry if this has been mentioned already but now Borini is out how about giving Adam Morgan a chance.
Watched him quite a few times this season,he is hungry and always looking for the ball.Full of energy and seems to be a team player.Can't understand how on LFCTV they call him a goal machine but never give him a chance in the first team.
Ngoo reminds me of Ameobi all arms and legs but could be a future first team player but not at the moment.

I would prefer to give yesil, Pacheco and ngoo a chance. But Morgan should get his for sure...eventually.

19 Oct 2012 21:34:48
I bet the eds will keep on having to answer this question before every transfer window until Torres retires, even then some might be convinced that he may do a scholes to play for us again

Torres was great for lfc and we were great for him , i wish he still played for lfc and i think there is a mystery about his transfer but alas he plays for some one else but i respect him and i will not boo him when i am at the bridge next month.ynwa.

19 Oct 2012 21:33:25
Reina's wife is a right belter.

JFT 96

JP

Very true, made me chuckle!

Arent all footballers wives gold diggin bitches

Most women mate not just wags lol

MIKEY {Ed063's Note - Amen to that Mikey!}

19 Oct 2012 21:26:10
how refreshing is it to see borini cry after he missed a good chance for us i have not rated him that much till i seen this wish we had a few more like him hope he comes good as attitude is not enough alone

He is bount to cry he is italian thats what they do best

In this day and age. Unbelievable!

19 Oct 2012 21:25:33
just want to give some credit to the captain of our Reading, Jobi McAnuff, one for saying the Suarez is being victimised by all and sundry and that Suarez isn't a cheat and secondly for saying that footballers are overpaid and out of touch with the supporters, give the lad a round of applause when his name is called out at Anfield as he is a decent working class lad.

20 Oct 2012 01:25:41
Hasn't he also told the team to be wary of him because he dives all the time? I was a little confused by the whole article to be honest, one minute he was saying Luis dives and the next he was saying he is getting unnecessarily picked on...I was talking to someone at the same time as reading it so may have got the wrong end of the stick though...

19 Oct 2012 21:25:03
Anyone else uncomfortable with the LFC documentary?

Could you imagine Slur Alex agreeing to this?

As a fan and supporter who loves LFC beyond words, I am of course interested in seeing behind the scenes. But there is a large element of me which thinks we shouldn't be doing this. It just doesn't feel right.

Anyone else feel like this?

ConnorsLFC

Nothing going to change mate. It has been done so no need to worry about it.

Mighty reds

It's quet refreshing to see the behind the scene's

19 Oct 2012 23:07:25
Couldn't care less whether or not Fergie would do it! Would you not have signed Sahin because whiskey nose didnt?
We cant base our activities on what United are doing!
WBD

Its very poor just like our new kits.

19 Oct 2012 21:24:41
Chris Kirkland punched in face by fan at Leeds match

Disgraceful. He should be arrested and banned for life.

RedKopite

NotInTheKnow {Ed063's Note - Whilst that was funny mate, given the events of what I happened I won't post it. But it gave me a chuckle}

19 Oct 2012 20:12:26
Chelsea fans have invaded our (everton) site. Where have you all been? Can you please come back and give us the best worst you have.

19 Oct 2012 22:53:10
I have been backing you guys up on their page...

19 Oct 2012 19:58:27
The best signing Liverpool can make this Jan or next summer is to give Rodolfo Borrell a new contract. This is one guy we do not want to lose.

Lee73

Why don't they chant his name when suso's name is called on the team or reserves list on Saturday
I have no idea who the chanting initiators are in the Kop but eds please if you know someone how about getting it started. If it isn't protocol I apologise. But what a statement, maybe sing stand up rudolfo?
Anyone?
Chris in REDditch

19 Oct 2012 19:43:10
If rodgers is sacked,then blame it on gerrard and co,who are underperforming at the moment.Agree or Disagree.

19 Oct 2012 21:15:20
Unless we were in an absolutely dire position, I'd blame it on FSG for not having a lot of patience and giving the guy a couple of seasons at least, rather than Gerrard or any other senior player, tbf.

- Something Red -

Depends what he's sacked for really.
He could give Tom Werner a slap over Dempsey gate and get the sack lol

MIKEY

19 Oct 2012 19:25:54
Macca, has Cheng got you tide up in a basement somewhere?

Lee73

19 Oct 2012 19:08:40
Remy £15m

Michel Bastos £7m

= £22m

Downing £8m, Cole £1.5m (QPR)

£12.5m

Bastos is heavily linked to Spurs at the moment and would probably favour a move there?

8 + 1.5 = 9.5 not 12.5

No it's £22m -£9.5m= £12.5m you bafoon!

Oh god... 22 - 9.5 equals 12.5

19 Oct 2012 16:49:01
Suso signed a new contract today!

Will be the best signing of the season for us. He is our next gerrard.
derryred

19 Oct 2012 16:46:46
I know it's a rumour but would definately take nathan Redmond,I know he is a winger but think he could play as a central attacker,he has all the attributes to become a top class player..
Paisley's genius

I expect Chelsea or arsenal to exploit birminghams situation and take Redmond

Redmond is like Sterling except hes rubbish and hasnt even stood out at Championship level

Martin

19 Oct 2012 16:44:20
Suso signs contract!

I'm excited about Liverpool's future, don't care what the doom and gloom merchants think!

19 Oct 2012 16:41:38
Official: Suso has signed a new long term deal. Great news

19 Oct 2012 16:38:29
Well it seems El Hadj Diouf has hit the nail on the head in regard to our illustrious captain.... just need everyone else to realise, hopefully sooner rather than later

Kiwi Red

19 Oct 2012 18:20:18
It's strange.

The criticism I've always heard of Gerrard as captain is he's too introverted and quiet. Not exactly the kind of person who'd dominate a dressing room with his ego and irritate his team-mates.

Not that I'd believe anything Diouf says about him in the first place. He's a born wind-up merchant.

- Something Red -

If you noticed Diouf slagged off Carra & Gerard and stated that he was the number one at Anfield at the time and they couldnt handle it.The only thing he has ever been number one at is being the most selfish vile person to ever step foot on a football pitch who is even hated by the supporters of Leeds where he is playing .If you think so badly about Gerard you should hang your head in shame or crawl back into the hole you came from

EHD the biggest disgrace to ever soil a Liverpool shirt. Big mouth then, since and still is. Absolute A...hole.
ND

Dont know what the p*** said and dont care either, hes a no mark.

He was never even particularly good

Number1? Sorry mr diouf you are more of a number 2

I'd just like everyone to know that that is not me who posted that and he is an impersonator.

I would never write that rubbish.

KiwiRed

19 Oct 2012 16:36:51
Suso - Legend in the marking. Nuff Said.

AsianRed

Not sure who added a disagree but hey hi. I am really looking forward to our youngsters coming through. I really think Robinson is very solid but would love to see Ngoo Nd Adjoran get a chance. Not sure about Coady though. Ther are some other good prospects there. I enjoy watching the youth play on lfctv.
Chris in REDditch

19 Oct 2012 16:33:32
Suso signs new contract:)

Haha what is there to disagree with? He did! I swear there is a phantom disagreer who trolls the pages just to disagree with anything positive people say about LFC!

19 Oct 2012 16:30:40
Not LFC-related, but Gareth Bale surely has to be one of the MOST OVERRATED footballers in recent years.
Cockney person Harry putting him in same sentence as Messi and Ronaldo, and their fans throwing around valuations of £50m/£60m... gotta be kidding me, seriously LOL!

Bloke's so one-dimensional, predictable and unimaginative. Knock it into space behind the FB, or drag it to the outside, sprint, byline, cross... that's all he ever does.
Force him inside and he's guff.
Put him in front of campers and he's guff.

No doubt he can skin a man, two, even three.
Sure, his pace is electric.
Fair enough he can cross a nifty ball.
But I'd argue modern football demands you have much,much more in your locker.

It's not everyday you'll meet Internazionale and Maicon.
You'll more often than not fall upon a well drilled Stoke City and the like, dead set on bricking up it's 18.
No athletic track, no 40 yard runs, no knocking it into space behind the FB.
Only 2, 3, 4 yards of breathing space.

This is where one-trich phoney like Bale and Antonio Valencia are found out, and genuinely class footballers like Iniesta, Messi, Kagawa, Cazorla, Silva, Mata, etc distinguish themselves.

Probably 70%, 80% of your games will be against teams who park the bus. Close control, agility, fair dribbling ability, balance and intelligence are crucial to breaking down such teams as they allow you to maneuvre in and around tight, limited spaces.

Here Boltesque speed and 40 yard sprints are no option. And for me, from what I've seen of Bale, that's all he only has to offer.
That, I'm afraid, simply isn't enough, if he's to be consider a top footballer and spoken of in the same sentence as Alves, Marcelo, Coentrao.

All these three players have varied repertoire. They were school in proper modern values and learned their trades in various positions on the field, which is reflected in the variety of their skills set.

You must, or nearly, be an all-round complete package.
Bale isn't. Other than just a traditional, old-fashioned wide man, not much else can be said about him. (Doing what he does takes little to zero engaging of the brain.)
And it's no surprise than none of the top sides (Barca, R Madrid and Bayern) have taken any serious interest in him.
He'll have to considerably adapt his game for that to change anytime soon.

I honestly would be confounded if any manager worth his salt were to pay even £25m for Bale, let alone some of the ridiculous £50m valuations bandied about by their fans, honestly. Zero value-for-money.

Ed61, ed63 or 001, I'd be interested in your takes on the lad? See anything in him to suggest he'll be anything remotely resembling class?

Ray Burmeister

Im sure 90% of defenders would disagree with you every defender is scared of pace and he has it in bundles
princey

I'm inclined to agree struggles in tight areas more athlete than footballer,good never in the same class as iniesta messi xavi silva alonso & co though,honestly think joe Allen is a far better footballer more dimension to his game..
Paisley's genius

I would say he was a good footballer and very good on his day but hardly world class or even close like you say.
His pace is his main asset and that will go long before he retires.

MIKEY

I'd be more concerned with him having
a head like a Caveman

What a ridiculous post, Bale is top drawer and would walk into all top 4 teams...which doesn't include Liverpool.

AJH

One thing you have all forgotten, there is no way any manager in their right mind would pay £50 million considering his injury record.

Kopite81 {Ed003's Note - his injury record is in his head not his body even 'Arry said as much last year}

Best player in the premiership. Would love to see Bale at Liverpool with his explosive power and pace that even the best defenders can't cope with. Unplayable on his day. Compare Bale with the likes of Joe Cole or Downing!

19 Oct 2012 20:00:41
Fair point being made by the original poster. He's nothing more than a traditional wide man, with pace his only advantage. Not creative, doesn't have flair, etc. As underrated as Theo Walcot is, he had more goals and assists than Bale last season, yet they give him stick. U have modern complete players in Kagawa, Carzola, Mata, Silva, Hazard, Sterling, Victor Moses, Gervinho, Marin, Nasri, etc.

Bas!cs.

A very stupid post, quality player better than anything we have!

He's much better than most give him credit. He's got very good technique and whips a decent cross. Is a very good finisher with both feet, has ridiculous pace and a very good engine. Yes he doesn't play with finesse like Iniesta, Silva etc but with pace and power. Personally we lack/have lacked that kind of player for a long time. Now I know Sterling has a lot of potential, but anyone that wouldn't take Bale is crazy.

Papa G

19 Oct 2012 21:06:51
Bale and Suarez would make a wonderful couple!

Jimmy Neutron look-a-like

Well i do agree that he is overrated but he is nowhere near as bad as you are suggesting. He is mediocre and then hits a spell of good form for a few games twice a season. nowhere near 50 million but he has a good finish, delivery and technique and touch for a playr of his pace.
derryred

I personally feel as he doesnt have the flair he should concentrate on being a full back. He could be a world class full back especially in the modern game where full backs are needed to push foward

He isn't worth the £40m Spurs seem to think he's worth, but he's not as bad as the OP made out. He's a really good player and I think most sides would take him given the chance. My gripe with him is the acrobatics that he doesn't get slated for and all the sh*t he comes out with "I dive to avoid injury" pffft...

19 Oct 2012 16:08:37
I'm fed up with this! I don't support Liverpool anymore, I'm a Liverpool U21s supporter! Woooo top of the league, we're amazing! I am however a bit afraid that we're becoming a bit of a feeder club for LFC - I don't understand why Rodolfo keeps selling our best players to them, what's he trying to do? Strengthen the enemy?!

XD

Surely it shows how many quality youngsters we have coming through. I think blooding the youngsters early has been fantastic and demonstrates that several are ready to step up. It bodes well for the future of this great club. On the flip side, if the the owners had spent a lot of money during the summer these youngsters probably would not have got such an opportunity.

19 Oct 2012 17:14:26
Yes - I was joking mate, been watching the U21s this season and they're doing great, thought it was worth a mention :-)

19 Oct 2012 17:29:50
Lol, I think it was a joke, calm down leem

19 Oct 2012 16:04:50
El hadj diouf. His recent comments have backed up everything we ever thought of him...a helmet!

DaveyBootle

19 Oct 2012 16:00:47
Does anyone else think Adorjan is a carbon copy of Suso?
If yes, can we play both? Keep both? Rotate Both?

I did not think iniesta & xavi could play in the same side as I thought they were to similar,but guardiola just played them both good players can play together pretty much..
Paisley's genius

19 Oct 2012 15:42:20
Ed please post and reply! I know you dont know how much we will have to spend in January but if you had to have rough guess, how much would you say? Also what positions are we looking at?
Thanks {Ed002's Note - There is a need for a striker. However it is never a good time to buy as teams prefer not to sell in the winter. A loan player may not be out of the question. I would not want to suggest any figures as invariably folks will get upset.}

19 Oct 2012 15:32:09
Dani Pacheco just scored an absolute screamer - more of that please lad :-)

19 Oct 2012 15:22:38
Hi Eds & Reds,

***BORING DISCUSSION ABOUT STRIKERS***

Rodgers recently said in an interview that he sees many players in the squad as having the flexibility to play as a striker.

My guess at the players we could have playing up front are (excluding Suarez)-

Gerrard
Cole
Pacheco.

He has already experimented with Pacheco up front; I felt while Pacheco played well he never had the goal threat to warrant him taking that spot.

Lots of discussion about SG starting up front but I doubt this will happen for a few reasons: I assume our strongest line up will always see Suarez playing as striker, and our need for a cover striker are for cup/europa league games. Can't imagine SG being played in these games either.

Joe Cole: I would be inclined to think that he may play this role very well. His touch and awareness are the strongest parts of his game and his poor fitness might not be so much of an issue in a central forward role.

of course we have a variety of youngsters we could play but I would think that they cannot be considered the answer to the problem.

Cheers guys
FOrzaRed

Shelvey !! X

Having seen the doc earlier,BR mentions playing Gerrard out wide with a Midfield trio of Jonjo,Allen and Lucas. So could well be possible!
WBD

19 Oct 2012 15:03:44
Quick question eds. Apart from Sterling, Suso and Wisdom who else in the youths and reserves does Rogers see progressing to the first team.
Great site and all of the eds are legends.

Ricardo {Ed001's Note - Robinson, Coates, Sama, Ibe, Sinclair and Morgan off the top of my head.}

Plus Mclaughlin

Conor Coady

19 Oct 2012 15:03:11
Hi ED's a couple of questions if thats ok.

There was so much promise of Teixeira yet I haven't seen him play I know a lot was because of injury but is he still out?

I like Adorjan however with our midfield being so competitive do you see him breaking in any time soon?

Also is Shelvey available for reading?

Thanks {Ed001's Note - last game I managed to catch he played, so no he is not still out. Though he might have been injured again since, I have not been able to keep a close eye on the injury reports lately. I also like Adorjan, but I don't see him breaking into the team, maybe not even at all, unfortunately. Shame because I do think he has something about him. Shelvey is available.}

19 Oct 2012 13:11:31
ed001 I remember you once saying gerrard has too much of a say at lfc..if so is what diouf said about him and carra caring only about themselves true? {Ed001's Note - no, not only about themselves, I think that is going too far. He does put himself first, yes, but he he does care about the club too.}

Who cares what Diouf says. His record speaks for him. One of the most vile people ever to play footie.

The Irish Rover

Diouf! Urgh! Vile boy!
Paisley's genius

Diouf the spitting cobra

They do both love the club yes but enough for stevie to take a back seat now and again and not be started every game?
Ed do you think stevie knows deep down he shouldn't be starting every game?
Carra seems to just want to be part of things and seems to know he can't start as much as he would like.
I would like to see gerrard adopt a similar attitude.

MIKEY {Ed001's Note - no, Gerrard believes he is good enough to play every week and not on the right either, or he will just throw another sulk about it.}

19 Oct 2012 13:46:41
I hear today that Bendan Rogers hasnt yet thought bout recalling Carrol from west han in january.....ffs he needs to think bout it and do it...we need Andy Carroll..fact!!!!!!

No we don't. How many goals has he scored for West Ham? They have already paid over half a million in wages for no goals. he ain't the answer and never was.

Excellent reply mate..andy caroll is an absolute joke....we are atuppid we paid 35 mill for him...he is an england striker..coz...they dont have any one apart welback and rooney...
we need out an out striker..who scores with foot first and then with head.
someone who can hold the ball and control and has speed.
someone liek torres wen he arrived in 2007..

19 Oct 2012 14:44:26
I just love it when people end their rants with "fact" when there is no actual fact behind what they saying or all the facts prove otherwise. We need a striker, not a promising hopeful but a striker we all know will score goals, fact! it will be easier said then done, coz any striker worth his salt would be far to expensive. What's your profile on Hooper Eds I know I should ask this on the player profile but I just wanted to know what you actually think of this guy coz I haven't seen him yet and Youtube can make Heskey look good so just wondering? Leem {Ed001's Note - I am not a fan, he will always score goals, but he is lazy, if he hits a bad patch you are playing with ten men.}

19 Oct 2012 15:58:20
Thanks for the reply much appreciated,I'll trust your judgment and not get to excited then, maybe we could change that part of his game though if we go for him.

I agree with the last three posters. At the end of the day we paid 35 million for a player who simply did not fit into our style of play. Big Andy has no skill, lacks pace and does not possess many other qualities you expect from a striker. BR was right to loan him out to West Ham, as he saw an opportunity to put Carroll in the shop window, in the hope he would score goals playing for a team under Allardyce. Hopefully things will work out for him and we will recoup more than 17 million!! We now need a predator in the box but this is going to be hard to find in January. However, I do think LFC have already agreed the transfer, otherwise we could potentially be without a striker until 31 Jan....

In all honesty i think that is one of the factors in dalgleishes acking. I always supported dalglish and carroll but i don't know why kenny went for him, carroll has no measurable technique at all and his movement is poor. I was beginning to lose the rag with the number of times he was stationary in the box.
derryred

19 Oct 2012 13:45:48
Well said my friend. Just like all these so called stars being called "legends". 3 or 4 yrs at a club playing well doesn't make you a legend. Being at a club all your life, 600+ appearances, staying while not winning anything that's a legend. We won 2 home games in 2012 yet we still fill anfield and are looking at another 25,000 seats. Any of those clubs that are BIG CLUBS could say the same. Not even man utd could boast that.

Similar to Man City when they dropped down a few divisions .The fans stuck with the team and ok they got wealthy owners in but now look at them. Got to keep believing and keep the faith.

19 Oct 2012 13:43:45
I love the fact that the site is now being bombarded again with ridiculous rumours linking us with everyone, I hope that there is at least one striker signed but I won't get my hopes up about who.
We do need a couple of wins strung together soon and hopefully it starts this weekend.
McB

19 Oct 2012 13:27:58
One of the best things about the academy constantly churning out talent is that not only do we have a chance of unearthing a Gem, but those that don't quite make the gradde, can be sold at a decent profit. Imagine if we'd held on to Ince and Kackaniclic and just loaned them out? They'd still technically be our players, and we'd now be looking at £8m for the pair! Key is to develop the youngsters, put those who make the grade into our squad, and loan out those we're unsure about to see if they can prove themself, or at least raise their stock. Its how Dortmund run. Every year they sell a few youngsters who didn't quite make it, invest in another 5, and one out of those 5 make it, whilst the other 4 are sold to fund the next 5 in. Perfect financial model. Its like farming talent! Every now and again you grow a prize winning turnip that makes the world stand up and watch, but the rest can be sold off to make the profit!

YNWA! (Adam)

(P.S. Sterling, I am in no way suggesting you are a Turnip!)

Sell them for a decent profit? what like Toni Silva and tom Ince?

Laughable!!!

Laughable you completely missed his point .

Jargon .

Maybe the ed can help me out but is it possible we can put sell on clauses in players contracts?
An example would be ince, could we have put in a clause that we get say 10 or 20% of whatever the blackpool sells him for in the future?
We seem to be producing a lot of talent like the original poster says but not all of them will make it at Liverpool but may do very well elsewhere.

MIKEY {Ed002's Note - It does happen sometimes but it would not involve the players contracts, it would be covered by a caveat to the transfer agreement.}

He said imagine if we had held onto them so don't be so quick to ridicule, sure some people just come on here looking for an argument.
Great point Adam, I think that is the future for LFC.

Jay

19 Oct 2012 13:19:55
Question for everyone including the eds.

Why do we need a replacement for Steven Gerrard, when i believe we already have it in Jonjo Shelvey.

BigD

I believe you have answered your own question there.

MIKEY

Nice one mikey shelvey is not the answer

I asked it Mikey because reading on various sites we are lining up bids to replace Gerrard with Eriksen, Illicic etc.. No one ever mentions Shelvey he has all the attributes needed to replace him ...

BigD

To the 3rd poster if Shelvey is not the answer than who is bear im mind

1. Who will join us at the moment when we are not in the Champions League.

As Brendan would say .. Jonjo have all the tools , just need a calm head and he can go far .. he has a good passing ability (forward pass -- not side ways or back) and he makes the right runs at the right time .. he just needs that little bit more maturity.
Roy

Agree with last poster i have seen a great improvement in Shelvey this season now that he has been given more games. Not afraid of a tackle (ManU game although he got sent off) and great in distribution of ball from midfield plus good from the edge of the box scoring goals. He reminds me of across between Gerrard and Souness.

BILL

19 Oct 2012 13:00:45
am i the only one to see this, when we lay 1 up top it dont work, we havent got the world class midfielders to slip it through, it happened with benitez when torres was our only good striker[ ngog etc] we need to play 352, i also believe gerrard is frustrated at his own performances this year hence trying the 1 off ball, plz stevie get back to the basics and form will come back

I think it's a fitness issue with gerrard.
A few years ago he was a gut busting box to box midfielder who would cover every blade of grass, this was one of the main reasons he has been so good for us in the past.
His fitness has never really returned since his injury so although he is just as skillfull and talented he has lost a large chunk of his game in that he isn't as quick or sharp and his stamina has gone.
It looks as though he is just lazy or can't be bothered because he seems to save his best for bigger games but I think he just can't keep up with the pace like he used to.
He can't start every game now and be effective he needs to be managed properly and rotated.

MIKEY

So, utilise Shelvey where necessary if Gerrard can't do a full game or consecutive games. JJ is a massive talent who deserves the opportunity.

ConnorsLFC

Rubbish! A few years ago he was playing behind Crouch and then Torres as a second striker scoring goals galore. He certainly was not playing box to box and covering every blade of grass.

The Irish Rover

19 Oct 2012 12:54:36
I know it was only scotland (and I'm Scottish) but Joe Allen had a good game for Wales last Friday. Was quite surprised by the amount of times he was in and around the Scottish 18 yard line. Obviously a holding midfielder behind him for Wales helped him out. That is what Lucas will do for him when he is fit again.

This will be the spine of the team from now on. Reina, Skrtel, Agger, Lucas, Allen and Suarez will be the first names on the sheet leaving everybody else to fight for the other places. I do believe Gerrard should not be Captain anymore. Being Captain makes him first pick when he is fit and he shouldn't be. Now I am huge fan of Stevie but I think he struggles with the system. We push forward as a team playing good one touch, Stevie gets it, tries a hollywood ball or at least not a percentage pass, we lose the ball and the defense are exposed on the counter. This of course will change when Lucas gets back. But I think when Lucas does comeback it will be to the sacrifice of Stevie.

Gazza

Spot on mate.
We won't see the best of Allen or the system until Lucas is back.
We should of bought decent cover in the summer for Lucas. I'm hoping we bring in another holding player in January.

MIKEY

What? We should brought cover for Lucas when we were ans still are short of firing power? Thats clever.

The Irish Rover

Irish rover I didn't even mention strikers.
You having a bad day?
We lost spearing so should of took that opportunity to buy cover for Lucas.
We lost Carroll so should of brought in cover for him as well.

MIKEY

19 Oct 2012 12:43:09
Eds what is the chance of us loaning in Pato with a view to a permanent summer deal around £18m, Milan were willing to sell him for £24m in the summer to PSG but Pato rejected it, although he has had struggled with injuries i believe he and Suarez would be potent.

BigD {Ed002's Note - Slim.}

What why would we spend 24 million on a player who will be camped in the hospitable wing.

19 Oct 2012 12:42:06
The situation with Demba Ba is this: He has a get out clause in his contract which states that can leave for 7.5m in January (he and his agents (his brother!) actually pocket half of this money). This clause only comes about if he is transferred to a team in the Champions League. Anyone else will have to pay what Newcastle ask for him - in our case £35m!

No gambles please we need to get a good player who is also fit

19 Oct 2012 12:39:31
In Jan expect 2 of:

Demba Ba £7m
Gary Hooper £7m
Daniel Sturridge £10m
Theo Walcott £10
Dres Mertens £11m

The way our transfer negotiations go we will be lucky to get 1 of them.this has to change whoever is in charge of are transfer policy needs a good kick.tommy Irish Red

19 Oct 2012 12:43:49
I really don't want to sound negative (but probably have done anyway!), but I just can't get excited about the Jan transfer window. Don't get me wrong, I look forward to seeing what new players can offer to the team, but already people are throwing names around like Sanchez, Villa, Llorente etc - is this really going to happen?

Summer transfer window before last we were all excited about all the apparent money we had to spend and we ended up with players who were not only expensive, but did not replicate their previous season's form (I actually think LFC supporters could have better spent that money). The window after, following much expectation, we signed no one. Then in the summer just gone, we knew we wouldnt have much to spend, but got all excited about which striker we were going to get on deadline day, only for us to shut up shop early, signing no one!

I trust Brendon. I'm not expecting him to set the league alight this year, or maybe even next, but I believe what the club are trying to do by reducing the wage bill and redeveloping Anfield in order to make us self-sustainable is the right thing to do in order to take us forward. I believe that if we give Brendon 3-4 years he will have us playing beautifully, and successfully.

As much as I believe the above paragraph in my head, I would of course still love us to bring in this 'marquee' striker, we've been justifying to ourselves for years. But I really don't think it will happen, and I think by believing this we are only exposing ourselves to feeling more anger towards our owners and of course Brendan will get the blame for it. It's logical isn't it? We missed out on Dempsey and have been short up front as a result, therefore FSG will HAVE to fork out £25million+ for a striker, as a sort of sorry present to the fans. Thing is, FSG aren't our parents who owe us an apology, they are businessmen and if they have a plan in place, they will stick to it. They must be used to getting stick from supporters, and be thick skinned as a result. I mean, you can't please everyone. Half of us want to cut spending, the other half want to buy every player that has an 80+ rating on FIFA!

I guess in my quest to be un-negative I have come across as a little too realistic, and boring, but I guess if were expecting Messi or Ronaldo to be unveiled and we end up with Hooper instead the boards are going to be full of negativity again until May...don't get me wrong, I would love nothing more than to see the world 1st XI hand in transfer requests because they want to join us, but I just feel like, yet again, we are building ourselves up for a massive fall come January 31st by expecting the unrealistic. That's not Brendan nor FSG's fault.

Apologies for the essay - and lack of full stops!

Super the Super

If that's the case, then why would Brendan come out and say he expects some signings in January. He hasn't said he's going for a marquee signing which tbh no one should really expect. Kenny dalglish did the worst possible job with the money he had and that left us scarred unfortunantly. But if Brendan and Ian ayre fail to bring anyone in jan then they only have themselves to blame. If the owners fail to provide the funding for players then they shouldn't complain about the wage bill and keeping players like cole and Carroll on high wages but on the bench, in that case the owners only have themselves to blame. The owners shouldn't be out to please the fans I agree with that. Everyone has a job and theirs is to run the business, ours is to support the team. But if running the club means, minimal funding (which comes mostly from sponsers anyway) failing to meet targets year in year out (champions league football, redeveloping anfield/ a new stadium) then they are as a result doing a poor job of it. This is being depicted on the football pitch also. They are out of their depth owning two sporting organisations as big as the Red Sox and liverpool fc. To put it simply I have no idea where they thought the profit was going to come from and how to achieve success (especially in football) when your not a very rich organisation (fsg). Millionaires cannot own football clubs anymore and be a top four team.

19 Oct 2012 11:55:58
With Lucas closing in on his return, will be interesting to see how Rodgers rejigs the midfield.
I seriously think Lucas should be the constant in this team. Our best and most balanced performances are with him in.

-----------Pepe----------

Wisdom--------Ninja-----Dagger--------Glenda

-----------Lucas----------
Allen---------------Sahin

Sterling-------------Suso
-----------Suarez---------

There you have it, a poor sketch of a quality outfit.
That for me would be our best line-up.
Massive respect to Stevie, but tbh, he isn't the man to do it for us.

His 100mph Hollywood tendencies frustrate our play. He misplaces too many passes and does little precious job tracking back.
Nearly a half dozen of the goals we've conceded have been as a result of his recklessly giving the ball away.

He's a massive hindrance.
I feel that a Giggsy role would suit both the team and Stevie well.
No doubt he'll have his odd good days and make somewhat of an impact.
But he's no starter anymore.

Allen and Sahin playing further high up the pitch will give our attacks fresh impetus. Both are far more cultured on the ball, keep it better, pass it better and grasp the system better than Stevie.

This means that there will be patience and ball will be better retained, allowing us to control the one vital part of the pitch- the final.
Also crucial, the play would be decentralised, whereas currently everything more or less goes thru Gerrard.

It has to change, and in my mind I've no doubt that Sahin and Allen will be better support for the trio of Suso-Suarez-Sterling.
Sahin has shown in recent weeks just what an excellent job he can do controlling and dominating the midfield and driving the play forward, not to mention his well timed runs into the box and ability to find space.

Joe Allen has been superb taking the ball out from the back, dominating the midfield and keeping the play seamlessly flowing with his simple but nifty passes.
Now we need him to do the same in the final third.
If he can control and dominate the play there, which I have no doubt he could, we can do something nasty there.

I've watched us keep and move the ball superbly, that is, until the last 3rd. Here we seem to rush it, bumbling, bumbling , bumbling!
The composure, patience and assuredness of Allen and Sahin would come in handy here.

We all adore the bloke, but I think it's time Stevie started taking the back seat now.
I see it as a natural progression in us becoming a proper Brendan Rodgers modern passing TEAM steeped in the age-old pass-and-move ideals, and, crucially, breaking away from the past.

Does Rodgers have the pair to do it? I'll wait till Lucas returns and is back firing to say yes or no.
For his own sake, I hope he does. Could prove to be his undoing.

Lastly, ed001, just wanted your take on when Ryan McLaughlin, Jordan Ibe and Marc Pelosi are likely to break into the 1st team. How are they rated?
Also, apart from Jerome Sinclair, who are you most excited about in the ranks and when do you see them breaking thru?

Ray Burmeister
Ps: ed002, saw your reply re stadium. Very enlightening. Thanks, pal.

Gerrard HAS to play.. he is a match-winner.. on the right of the front 3?

Watch out for Conor Coady he is gonna be a real talent for us.

BigD

You missed about jonjo.
st
ynwa

Ive honestly never read a better post than this. It's everything we as Liverpool fans have been saying. Gerrard needs to give up the captaincy to Agger and move aside just like Hyypia did when Gerrard came into the team. Hyypia was a true leader of men but Gerrard has lost that influence.

Whoever in their right mind says gerrard needs to give up the captaincy is nuts imo i see no reason to do this until he is no longer an automatic pick when he is available which i cant see for at least 2 years.Tommy Irish Red

He already isn't an automatic pick or at least he shouldn't be.
I would let him be captain for this season then give it to someone else next year.
Whoever starts most games, reina maybe?

MIKEY

19 Oct 2012 12:33:31
With the likes of ManCity, ManUtd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle, even Everton, all not looking like going down anytime soon, what do L'pool need to do to get back on top?

19 Oct 2012 12:54:34
The owners need to make the club self-sustainable, all the time maintaining the development of the academy, so that the money for transfers is automatically there every year to use if needed. We have a better academy than most out there, and all players come from somewhere, so we can bring in top class youngsters, and spend out when needed. Putting money into the academy makes sense - if we can't afford the wages or transfer fees of top players from Europe we can grow our own!

I guess a little bit of luck comes into it too. Chelsea want Falcao, and have the ability to spend £46m on him, or whatever it is, yet he is not dead cert to replicate his form for Porto or Atleti in the EPL. On the other hand we could spend £4m on an unknown player from a relatively unknown league and he could be a perfect match for us and set the league alight, at much less of a gamble.

I know it's frustrating for us to sit back and watch Chelsea, Mancs and Arsenal, even Spurs and Everton up there while we are in 14th, but employing Brendan was never meant to be a quick fix - we will slowly improve until we can challenge again. We need this after the mess the previous owners left us in.

19 Oct 2012 12:10:51
We will never be a big club again with Rodgers in charge and players the likes of Henderson, Downing, Allen, Johnson and Enrique - and this lot cost a fortune.

Go support some1 else then. Negativity not welcome

Only 2 are first teamers

Funny how rodgers is blamed for all these players when he only bought allen who has been up there as our best player this season . look at other managers for the dimise in recent years

I wish supporters would support instead calling our players,if you don't like our team or rodgers find another team.

You on your man period?

19 Oct 2012 10:16:03
Hey Ed's, what's the score with the Armin Hodzic transfer? Is he eligible to play for us? {Ed002's Note - I assume he is with the reserves, but he is able to play if selected.}

19 Oct 2012 11:24:48
I know this subject is a bit of a broken record topic, but i want to say it anyway.....

I'm really excited about our future and trust BR to make the right decisions and support him all the way. BUT i disagree with him about Andy Carroll. I think he should be recalled if it's possible, as i feel the team is perfectly setup right not for him to slot straight in.

Think of a front 6 of
Suarez Carroll Gerrard
Sahin Allan Shelvey

This would solve the Gerrard debate, take the pressure off Suarez and allow us to play with goal scoring midfielders.

You could also then have Sterling & Suso coming off the bench and allow Suarez & Gerrard to stay fresh.

Just to reiterate, i support BR and his style, but just because i do doesn't mean i can't disagree with him about Carroll. At the end of the day, i'm just a smuch at the end of a computer, BR is the boss and I give him my supoort 100%. If he thinks it's best not to recall him, then we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Maybe youth IS the answer but i'm excited about every match under BR, and it's been years since that was the case so thankyou Mr Rodgers.

Thought welcome!
Mike in leeds

I agree Mike its rather baffling to think we desperately need a striker and we have a £35m england international aged only 23 on loan at West Ham, would it not make sense to recall him in Jan and give him until the end of the season to impress the boss and if he don't then sell him, rather than panic buy in Jan transfer window ?

Reserve for the front 6

Sterling Borini Downing
Henderson Lucas Suso

New additions of:

Sturridge or Hooper
Walcott or Mertens

gives us another striker and winger that can both play across the front 3 which would gives more options in the final 3rd.

BigD

19 Oct 2012 11:02:01
Hello ,

I owuld llike to see luis Suarez put his foot on the ball from time to time in the final third , every time he gets the ball he turns and runs directly at the back four without exception .

I understand the opposition find this difficult to defend but the rate of success requires many many attempts , I just wonder if Luis Suarez will change tac' from time to time ?

Jargon . {Ed063's Note - You are spot on my friend}

Hello ,

I was hoping someone would agree with me and not criticise me for questioning our player of the month , Lol .

The concern I have is the team are controlling the ball and being patient , only for the strategy/style to go completely another way as soon as Suarez gets the ball .

I would like to think he can become something of a fabled nuimber 7 over the course of the teams journey under Brendan Rodgers .

Jargon .

19 Oct 2012 05:30:02
Heya eds
Is there any interest in Demba Ba still? Just wondering
YNWA {Ed023's Note - Not sure}

19 Oct 2012 10:36:37
When will people start to learn that we are not one of the big clubs in the premiership. You have your big clubs such as the Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea. Then there is the second tier which includes Spurs, Everton, Newcastle and Liverpool (and I would put us at the bottom of that group).

19 Oct 2012 12:08:35
Quite agree, well said. People do need to realise we are not up there with the big boys anymore.

You do know nobody cares what you think right?
AnfieldUSA

19 Oct 2012 13:12:56
I guess this all depends on how you go about rating the 'greatness' of a club.

Supporters of various teams do things differently...

Chelsea supporters seem to think it's only the last ten years that count

Utd supporters choose the last 20 years

Arsenal choose the last 20 (excluding the last 7)

City conveiently rate themselves as the best club in the EPL because they were the last team to win it.

Us on the other hand reflect back on 'forever'.

I mean, do you judge which teams are big depending on the last game, and which team out of all that played ended up with the biggest goal difference? This season? Last few seasons - no, because we all base our arguments/banter on what makes our team look good! Come on if we end the season in 14th but beat Utd at old Trafford, we will still rib Utd supporters over it, and claim that we are the better team because we beat them!

No, we are not doing well in the EPL so far this season, and we didn't last season, but that does not mean we are not one of the greatest clubs in world football.

Take Inter and Juve for example, who have had their sorry moments in recent years - no one would say that neither are a member of the World Football Big Boys Club! Amongst us supporters we bicker and argue about our teams being better and make all the arguments we can to suggest other teams are crap, but in football, Liverpool is still a greatly respected club, and many players dream about playing at Anfield whether it is against us or for us.

So no, we haven't had much in the way of success in recent years, but other clubs will have to make our trophey cabinet look insignificant before we are no longer one of the big boys.

22 years since our glory days, and still no English club has won more than us - that's true greatness.

"Us on the other hand, reflect back on forever"?

(Reaching for sick-bag) Behave yourself mate, are you serious?

I'll give you the 70s and 80s, but before that you lot were no better, or no worse than many other teams around. In fact Utd won the league just as many times pre-1070, and I seem to recall a European Cup back in the 60s too.

This post made me chuckle more than most that I read on this site - the self-delusion, and re-writing of history amongst you all, never ceases to amaze me.

StevieK

Oh come on I didn't mean it in a romantic mOvie kind of way, I was merely demonstrating how different clubs supporters view their own teams with rose tinted glasses, justifying being the best team in the league by pointing out specific times when their teams have done well. As LFC supporters we include everything we've ever achieved as we still have the most tropheys of all the clubs in the EPL.

19 Oct 2012 10:33:17
hi eds reds re ed63 and ballotelli. i agree completly , ballotelli is a brilliant player , needs to play and feel wanted but kept ih check. if rogers can do that , he might just be the answer worth a try on loan, i said all thisd in the summer so hope it happens. come on redmen!! godblees96 steviep62.

Ballotelli is a fruit loop,last thing we need.we have enough trouble controlling saurez at least he puts in a shift.jack

I think we need more nut jobs in the squad, people like suarez and balotelli have some balls about them, getting bored of watching nancy boys like downing and henderson!!

Nancy boys like Henderson? Get a grip of yourself, the last few times he's played he's been getting stuck in with some crunching tackles and been pushing himself a lot harder than some of the other players on the pitch.

JFT 96

JP

19 Oct 2012 09:53:09
I wish people would stop going on about net spend. It's irrelevant as it assumes that the values paid don't change. For example you want to buy a car for £10000 and get £2000 for your old one. After 12 months you realise the car isn't what you want and you want to buy another one for £10000 but you can now only get £3000 for the one you have. How much has it cost you?

Barrym

Oh dear, you I don't think you have got to grips with FSG's plan. Cars only depreciate in value but FSG are keen to buy young players who can appreciate in value. Mind you, having seen Comoli's performance in negotiating prices I can see where you have been mislead.

Redpath

I couldn't have put it better myself. At last, some logic!

Ash

Buy yourself a new kit car for 3000, build it and sell it for 10,000. Don't keep buying new cars

mike-m

Net spend £15000 mate, simples!
Jason

Hi Redpath

You are missing the point. I understand and support FSG's strategy for very reason I have set out. Players do depreciate like cars. Have AC/SD/JH not shown value impairment and that is why looking at net spend is misleading and leads to trouble. It is the muppets who keep expecting FSG to fund replacements for overvalued failures who have not got a grip on reality and FSG's plans.

Barrym

Yes and what if that car turns out to be a treasure and you can sell it for 100,000?
AnfieldUSA

Of course the net spend is £15000 but for that you've only got a car worth £10000. That's the point - by focussing on net spend you lose sight of actually how much you are in fact losing.

Yes the car might turn to be worth £100000 and that is where the commercial risk is. But how often has that happened?

Barrym

19 Oct 2012 12:52:44
I think you missing the point buddy, FSG has spent millions on player that don't demand a re-sale value anywhere near what cost. that will not happen again any time soon and rightfully so. Leem

19 Oct 2012 03:51:36
Hi Eds,
Is there any truth behind the latest Daily Telegraph speculation linking us with a move for young Nathan Redmond? {Ed023's Note - We have scouted him, not sure how true or false speculation is for now}

What's with the complicated analogies between football players and cars? Alls I know at the moment is Liverpool represent a broken down banger!

19 Oct 2012 09:25:52
Hi Eds. Any truth in the Kevin Prince Boateng rumours? Would be a great replacement for Steven as he retires. {Ed063's Note - What Boateng rumours?}

19 Oct 2012 08:53:52
morning eds,a mate of mine told me there is 71million registered liverpool fans worldwide in fan clubs now myself and my mate aint in any club would this figure b right 'now i dont know where he got this 1 from'cause he comes up with some crackers every now and then,but what i getting at if this is true there is probarly another 30million not in clubs r maybe more,anyway if this is the case we surely should have alot more money coming in and there for we should be able to spend alot more money on top class talent,not saying all of that figure is spending money on merchandise and club related stuff but if even half where the turn over must be massive if the club is getting run properly.td

19 Oct 2012 10:09:04
71 million registered Liverpool fans! Maybes in the 70s and 80s, not now. Will people get their head round the fact that we are no longer a big club - the table never lies.

Yeh your right we are not a big club we are a huge club with huge potential you dont know what your talking about thats for sure m8.ray

19 Oct 2012 08:51:57
Right, im going to be taken to the slaughter house for this one. Ed's, just out of curiosity, would Balotelli be a option on loan in January? He doesnt really seem to be getting a sniff at City due to his 'relationship breakdown' with Mancini, John Guidetti has just signed a new deal so chances must be coming his way fairly soon and Liverpool are in need of a striker. Might be abit far fetched, or not? A opinion would be apreciated Ed's.

Sam Adzii jft96 {Ed063's Note - I don't think he is an option tbh. I was just saying an option I would love. I will try an find out for you though, ask again in a little while mate and I'll be able to tell you more}

Why balotelli he is not a full shilling would cause more trouble than he is worth even the special one couldnt handle him he said he was a great footballer but a fruit loop {Ed063's Note - All of his problems stem from him not playing games. When he goes on a consistent run of games he keeps his head down and performs, at LFC he would get a run of games and I believe would kick us on to the next level}

Hated balotelli at first but now, id love him at anfield, only one word to describe the lad. Enigmatic! {Ed063's Note - He is just unbelievable imo. He could easily be the best player in the world and maybe of all time if he gets his head on straight, stunning talent.}

I think there is too much of a common relationship between Mancini and Mario. He knows within reason he could get away with anything at City. If Mario gets a consistant run of games (which he would), works under a manager who has a skill in nurturing young talent(as BR does) and the fans learn to love him, I think it would be impossible to say no to. A match made in heaven in my eyes. Ahh i can keep dreaming aye!

Sam Adzii

Rafa offered him to us when he was at milan , part x for agger and kuyt we were unsure about his attitude.

I love Mario he's awesome and he's obviously got a soft spot for us he always talks highly of Liverpool and he backed Suarez, of course this is dreamland we would never be able to sign him.

Square tomato {Ed063's Note - Yeah same Square}

He would do well. Already loves the anfield crowd he told a team mate cant remember who. Bellamy had a bit of a rep but with regular football and the great support especially if they perform balotelli would flourish, he does have talent and can finish. One of the players capable of real moments of quality. Definitely would take him on loan in jan but cannot see it happening. Jdog

Could easily be the best player in the world and maybe of all time? Big statement there Ed063 mate, what makes you such a fan of him? Just interested to know, as I think he's a fantastic striker however I don't know whether I'd go that far?

JFT 96

JP {Ed063's Note - He is big, strong, fast, athletic, brilliant touch, great movement, is a poacher, creator, and target man all rolled into one. I honestly think he is the most all rounded striker on the planet. He can do it all, if he does realise his potential then there will be no stopping him}

Best player of all time ed? Behave.... {Ed063's Note - He could be - if he settles down, gets regular game time and works hard}

Ballotelli is bad news, LFC have had enough bad press of late he would be a risk of more. I agree he is a good player and we could use him but theres others and he is nowhere near best player of all time.

£23mil ? I reckon that would do it, not too expensive for a proven forward!

Lads you all to read ed063 point again and right this time he said "could"be best player in world "could"not is the best player.ray

19 Oct 2012 08:42:27
With Cameron Jerome not happy being left out the stoke side surely a move for him in january would make sense. He is a proven predator and would fit right in to Rodger's system. What do you reckon Ed's? {Ed063's Note - Hahaha a proven predator?? Fit into Rodgers style? No way in hell}

No way Jerome is no where near the standard required!!
Hunter.

Times must be bad if Cameron Jerome is the 'predator' we have been missing

Jay

19 Oct 2012 07:00:16
Mate Benitez was the difference he had lots of tactics and used different tactics to win games where Rodgers footy is based on style and playing same fomation(4-3-3) which makes him predictable {Ed063's Note - i don't know why everyone goes on about how Rafa was a 'master tactician'. We were 7 points clear at christmas and he blew it so he wasn't that good.}
__________________________________
Ed63 mate you forgot that we lost torres and Gerrard coz of injury in christmas which was one of the big factor. We had to depend on babel to lead our line which didn't work for us. Last year manchester united were clear more then 12 points (just 10-12 games were left) but city won the title. Now are you going to say fergie is not good manager. At the same time we finished with 86 points and scored more then 80 goals and just lost 2 games another day those points were enough to win us title.

Master tactician name was given by spain when he won consecutive la liga trophys with valencia against teams like Madrid and Barca.at the same time he managed us under the worst owners in liverpool history still gave us some memorable moments like beating barca (with messi and ronadinho playing for them) in camp nou and becoming the first english team to beat barca at camp nou beating Madrid home and away with aggregate of 5-0 beating manchester united at old trafford 4-1. Taking liverpool fc to two champions league finals in three years etc etc. We were the most feared team in europe defeating some of the biggest teams in europe with scores of 4-0 or 5-0.

Honours achieved
La liga champion: 2001-02
La liga champion: 2003-04
Uefa cup: 2003-04
Uefa champions league:2004-05
Uefa super cup: 2005
Fa cup:2005-06
Fa community shield:2006
Supercoppa italiana: 2010
Fifa club world cup: 2010
Just imagine how many trophys he won consecutive.

Individual honours
Don balon award (1) 2002
Uefa manager of the year (2) 2003-04, 2004-05
Premier league manager of the month (5) November 2005, December 2005, January 2007, October 2008, March 2009.

At the same time he gave Liverpool its respect and pride back which we lost since 1990 interms of europe. Structured liverpool academy which is one of the best in the country.
Is that not enough for you mate {Ed063's Note - It had nothing to do with losing Gerrard and Torres and everything to do with him acting like a twat and trying to take Fergie on in mind games. He could have just beaten him by winning the title but he wanted to make it about himself.}

Well said Ed. My sentiments exactly. Who had the last laugh that season? Rafa took his eye of the ball with his Fergie obsession and itundermined his coaching and motivation of the players.

Barrym {Ed063's Note - Thankyou Barry}

Thers a difference between being a great coach and a great manager benitez was a great coach but lacked in the managerial department

He also sold Keane when we were clearly lacking in the striking department {Ed063's Note - Actually Rafa was completely and utterly right to sell Keane. Keane should never have been bought, that was the problem. And it had nothing to do with his ability.}

19 Oct 2012 10:07:00
Oh so you guys think loseing Torres and Gerrard was not a big deal. And some fans here compare Rodgers to Benitez just look at those honours. Rodgers has got long way to go forget shanks and paisely they are too big for him. Some fans here are fools

19 Oct 2012 10:26:33
Keane was not bought by Benitez, benitez wanted David Villa but Parry was against it instead bought keane then there was problem which very few fans Know about it. Ed1 will telll you more {Ed023's Note - I know what you're talking about but Rafa had him and should of kept him until the Summer. You never know, he could chipped in with a few vital goals}

The comparisons between BR and Shanks and Sir Bob are facile when you compare their achievements over their whole career. But the key point is that at the same point the comparison is valid. Neither Shanks nor Sir Bob had any trophies to show as managers when they started their LFC careers and for those of you who remember there was a lot of doubts expressed at the time at the wisdom of appointing Bob to succeed Shanks. Didn't work out too bad did it?

Barrym

My money is on BR will never win as much as Rafa. Not sayin i want rafa back nor am i saying i want BR out i just think Rafa is disrespected massively.

Roy Evans is the one I have most sympathy for in all this. He was sacked but if the present CL qualification rules had been in place then he would have qualified every season and yet no-one ever gives him any credit. He is unfortunate to be judged against a different (and higher) standard.

Barrym

19 Oct 2012 07:15:28
dunno about anyone else, but i for one will be seriously disappointed if we dont have a new striker in place on 1st january. surely we cant wait until deadline day to get business done?? {Ed063's Note - The 1st of January? What are you, 5???}

I think what he means is get the ball rollin now then sign straight away instead of waitin till 22:55pm dead line day.
Kp

19 Oct 2012 00:44:44
Hey guys, Im going to Montreal this weekend. Do any of you guys know a LFC pub in montreal with the game?
Andrew

Ffs go watch the impact.
top flight in North America not good enough for you?
besides that mtl has plenty of pretty girls and a bunch of nudie bars. even dollar drinks at the peel pub go down st laurent to little portugal - ton of soccer games on tv at bars there.

What's 'soccer'?

'Soccer' is a word that originated in the UK - it is an abreviation of Association Football and distinguishes it from 'Rugger' Rugby Football.

Redpath

Montreal sounds good...

19 Oct 2012 00:20:20
just thought I'd throw this out there to see if it sticks, but what about Balotelli? Do you think Man City would consider selling him? {Ed063's Note - Well, there have been problems with Balotelli and Mancini ever since he arrived. It is very much a love-hate relationship. I would say there may be a possibility that City would allow Balotelli to move on loan in January in my opinion - this is not fact, merely my opinion. IF they were willing I would love to see him at Liverpool on loan.}

19 Oct 2012 08:27:32
I'd love to see him with us as a player, however the press would have a field day with two 'problem' strikers. However Mancini is a bit

19 Oct 2012 08:30:40
I'd love to see him play for us, however the press would have a field day if we had two 'problem' strikers - having said that Mankini is a bit of a d*ck, so he possibly wouldn't be a problem here. And from what he's said in interviews he has a lot of respect for LFC. What a deadly partnership that would be!

Don't think it would happen