Liverpool Banter Archive August 01 2014

01 Aug 2014 20:22:57
Just a few comments I'd like to offer up for discussion. What are some of your opinions on whether or not Sterling should be played out wide or in a more central role this season? For me he is absolutely deadly playing central. Also, if a RB is brought in do you think that it is possible that this could light a fire under GJ? He was horrific for the majority of the past few seasons but at the same time he has never really had anyone truly pushing him for a starting position. Any opinions?

01 Aug 2014 23:18:00
I love the idea of sturridge and sterling linking up and playing centrally together. IMO this is why the Kono links have appeared again (just a guess though). He was awesome last year playing centrally and will lessen the burden on sturridge.

I'd play Sterling in various roles based on the weaknesses of the opposition. However, I do like him playing as a second striker, I think that is his best position.

Johnson has to go i'm afraid. Promote Flanno to first choice RB with Kelly as competition.

Red Rum

I think glen might be going. Flanno and the new lad will battle it out for right back with Kelly as further back up.

02 Aug 2014 01:56:36
For me, just like last season, I'd play 4-1-2-1-2, the diamond formation.

I'd pop Sterling in Suarez's position and Lallana/Markovic behind them and Coutinho/Lallana/Henderson/Can for the other 2 midfield positions and Gerrard/Allen for the Deep lying Pirlo role

02 Aug 2014 10:10:26
I would play lallana centrally.he's much better

Wouldn't have Allen for a Pirlo role! You watch any of our games, Allen is normally the last player to have the ball before we lose it. Most of his passes unless easy 2/3 yard short taps with time around him go astray. He has no strength to hold onto the ball, terrible at tracking back, not much pace, no long range passing. I've not seen him ever provide a defence splitting pass that assisted a goal or chance? Can he take a free kick?

Lucas/Gerrard for that DM slot.
I'd only play Allen against lower league sides in early cup games to rest our first and second choice midfielders.

I would like to use the couple of games we have left to see if Sterling can perform as a striker, if not no harm done since it doesn't count for anything. :)

I think Sterling's strength is that he can play across the front 3. Personally, if Coutinho was playing, I'd have Sterling on the wing as I think he is just as affective their as in the centre - I think Coutinho clearly struggles to impact on proceedings when played out wide. Otherwise I'd have Sterling upfront in the Suarez type position off the main centre forward (probably Sturridge).

EmreCanDo
I get the feeling you don't think much of Joe Allen.
I think he will be an important part of our squad again this season.
He is one of the best in our squad at keeping possession, keeping the ball moving. When we are in possession of the ball his movement off the ball to create an angle or to create space is top drawer.
Have a little patience with him as he may not be setting the world alight like some younger more flamboyant players in our squad but I can see him having a long and successful career with us.
If he can improve over the coming few seasons on his shooting and body strength he will be fine.

01 Aug 2014 19:06:28
I hope all these signings are going to IMPROVE the starting team and not just increase squad depth.

Manquillo - 20 years old. Played only 3 games last season.
Moreno - 22 years old. 1 good season in La Liga.
Markovic - 20 years old. 5 goals and 4 assists in the portuguese league.
Emre Can - 20 years old. 3 goals and 3 assists last season in the Bundesliga.
Lambert - 32 years old. 13 goals and 11 assists last season. Good squad player.

Lallana - 26 years old. 15 goals, 7 assists last season. Improves the first team.
Lovren - 24 years old. Brings leadership and quality. Improves the first team.

As far as I can see, only 2 maybe 3 of those signings IMPROVE the starting XI. Those being Lallana, Lovren and possibly Moreno who played well in La Liga last season.

The rest of the signings only improve the squad depth. Therefore I still see the need for 2/3 more top players to improve the starting team.

What about Reus and Schneiderlin? They have both expressed their desire to move and would both improve our starting XI.

Also, Rodgers has said he is looking to bring in another goalkeeper. So what about Begovic as part of the Assaidi transfer?

Chelsea will have Courtois and Cech/Schwarze
City have Hart and Caballero
Arsenal have Szczesny and Ospina
So why not have Begovic and Mignolet?

Red Rum

They're all young and talented. Poor defensive errors cost us the league last season, therefore should be our primary focus. Which is the case. We take care of that and the points will take care of themselves.
Is Reina not good enough? We'd like to sell him, why is beyond me. Great 'keeper! Too many people are wanting 'world-class' players, we have a first team/squad that can compete with any team. Have a little faith in Rodgers. He's done wonders in two short years.

Your view on the players bought is purely based on goals and assists. Also, it doesn't address potential growth by a player. For example, why would you judge a defensive mid such as Emre Can on how many goals/assists he gets? You could have looked at Sterling 2 years ago and said that he should be moved on based on stats alone.

Our first XI missed out on the league title on the last game of the season.! Had the squad depth been better and these players were here last year we may have won it. Who knows?

01 Aug 2014 20:22:54
So 2nd place and you wanna replace 6 players from the first team? Dunno man.

It is insane to want six new players in the starting eleven of a team that finished second in the league entirely based on the ability of the first eleven. We have brought in two new starters already with lovren improving the defense and lallana taking Suarez's spot. Mereno will improve the left back position and we now have the bench to last a full season and deal with injury. Those signing you mention will inaure we fail financial fair play and will only disrupt the great team we already have.

Ur argument on quality would be the same for schneiderlin? all good players, the squads improved, a striker is all that's needed after the fullbacks, in Brendan we trust

01 Aug 2014 20:38:12
What kind of message does it send to our players who got us to second in the league if we bring in 4/5 first 11 players? We have lost one players so you are talking about dropping at least three or possibly four from starting eleven, seems harsh considering how good they were

Based on pre season, Emre Can is pushing for a start

I agree with ikey. I belive errors and some unfortunate lead to our second place such as Toures assist to west brom. Gerrards slip vs chelsea skrtls own goals and so on. But misstakes and errors will always accur it's to minimaze em. And hopefully with our new signings we will.

"What kind of message does it send to our players who got us to second in the league if we bring in 4/5 first 11 players?"

That we're not messing around.

The defence needed improving. Stevie Wonder could see that. And we have to replace Suarez's goals. Can't do that with one person.

There were always going to be numerous changes to the squad this season as Ian Ayre already stated.

- Lovren has come in as first choice.
- Moreno will come in as first choice.
- Lallana will be first choice.
- Suarez was always going to be "replaced". (Reus would be my choice).

That's 4 changes to the starting XI that were always going to happen.

- Rodgers has already said that a keeper would come in and Begovic would be my choice.

- Schneiderlin would come in to compete with Gerrard. Not necessarily first choice, but he'd be a better option than Lucas as he has more pace and is more versatile which would suit our attacking style. Plus, I suspect Gerrard will need a little help this season. He needs to be managed wisely. Emre Can is more of a Henderson type of player than a Lucas.

My squad would look like this.
Begovic, Mignolet
Flanno, Kelly
Lovren, Skrtel
Sakho, Toure
Moreno, Enrique
Gerrard, Schneiderlin
Hendo, E.Can
Lallana, Coutinho
Reus, Ibe
Sterling, Markovic
Sturridge, Lambert

That's 2 quality players per position. It's not about dropping players that got us to 2nd. It's about strengthening effectively to get us to compete on all fronts.

The only players I'd let go would be Reina, Johnson, Agger, Lucas and possibly Allen. I think the club will look to offload the likes of Coates and Borini and other youngsters will go out on loan.

Red Rum

02 Aug 2014 09:07:10
'That we aren't messing around'
No it shows that no matter how well you play we will sign players to play ahead of you. If we sign players to challenge for first team spots that is fine. But the poster is suggesting we sign five that could go straight into starting line up.
Personally think one full back and one centre back would be retained in line up so that means replacing surez with three starters. So we are left with Gerrard, Henderson, coutinho, sterling and struddige and would need to drop two, personally don't think any deserve that

In my opinion, I don't think many players will be "going straight into" anything.

Anyone who doesn't perform will be dropped. We have enough strength in depth to do that now.

01 Aug 2014 18:16:34
LVG = Bevis and Butthead

It's beavis and he is spitting image of butthead! Lol

I always thought LVG looked like a cross between a turtle and Joe Bugner.

01 Aug 2014 22:00:27
Put a pair of glasses on him and he is hank from king of the hill

{Ed007's Note - Beaker from The Muppets....

01 Aug 2014 17:22:59
I'd be quite surprised if we got Konoplyanka but it really would be like the red arrows on the counter attack! Our slowest attacking player would probably be Coutinho/Lallana and they're not exactly slouches!

01 Aug 2014 16:57:56
Cannot believe that fans are moaning that we are getting too many wide forwards instead of an out and out striker. Simple, we are going to attack from the back.seriously though, we have to remain in every competition for as long as we can and we will need players to compete in these completions. Also 2 players for each position will keep all of the players on their toes. They know that 1 slip and they could be out. Young players with something to prove, that is what we want, hunger for success

01 Aug 2014 16:45:41
I hope we don't buy Lavezzi.

01 Aug 2014 16:27:42
Just created a league on the official fantasy premier League site (not with ssn)
The code is

781641-191102

feel free to join in

I'll need more details (what site?) but would like to join up and pit my fantasy managerial wits against fellow fans, seems like good web community fun.

Fantasy.premierleague.com

01 Aug 2014 17:05:35
Nice one Reet, off to add my team to the league.

I don't think the eds will allow a link on here
so Google "fantasy premier League " and go to the first site which comes up

01 Aug 2014 17:38:25
Def up for this reet

01 Aug 2014 20:50:55
For sure great idea. Just signed up. May the smartest man or woman win. Ed001 you going to sign up?

{Ed001's Note - I never do fantasy football, I don't have time to pick my nose, let alone a team!}

02 Aug 2014 14:40:22
That's a shame ed. I looked forward to winning against you!

01 Aug 2014 14:54:22
i hope konoplyanka is back on, what a player. if we get moreno, manquillo, bony, konoplyanka I will be chuffed. plus emre can, lallana, lambert, markovic, lovren and we've got suso and reina back! Winner winner chicken dinner.

01 Aug 2014 15:10:43
I'm happy so far with the signings we have made plus with the exciting youngsters we have, I just feel one more signing of a centre forward and we will be tickity boo. Any body agree?

I think we're 1 true defensive midfielder short of the complete package. A Fernandinho, Javi Martinez, Lars Bender, Vidal, Matic, Khedira, or even Medel, Schneiderlin. Someone who's instinct is to be in that position rather than someone who deep down needs to be the main man further forward. Except Lucas we don't have that type and definitely not to that quality. Maybe Agger could move into it or even Kelly but I'd rather that be our final signing than seeing 24m spent on Bony.

01 Aug 2014 17:43:53
FatJanMolby, I don't understand. You say we need "1 true defensive midfielder. someone who's instinct is to be in that position", then you say we might just use Agger there?

I like Agger but he doesn't fit that description mate.

Only disagrees. Well prepare to slate the defense again if we're to rely on Roy of the rovers Gerrard to protect them. It's just not his game I'm afraid and that position not only protects the CB's, fullbacks and gives the keeper confidence but also allows all the attacking players freedom to produce. Just see the difference Flamini made to Arsenal. Everyone lauded the purchase of Ozil but if you watched them it was most definitely Flaminis addition which had the greater impact on that team.

Lucas 212 successful tackles in 2 seasons, that is all.

01 Aug 2014 14:35:23
I'm a bit confused about Macca's latest post regarding Kono. Bony makes sense considering Borini is potentially off, Aspas has gone and Origi is for next year, but another wide player? Surely we have a shaky defensive issue to resolve first? I know it's only a maybe, but this must indicate were still looking for attackers. Our spending is worrying me

There have been reports online saying markovic's injury is more serious and he could be out for a while, and while kono is available for 10-12m we could swoop for him.
I hope the markovic story is not true.

01 Aug 2014 15:44:17
It's not Benny. Twitter lies that's all

It would make sense for me if BR has decided that sterling and Markovic can cover the striker role in case of injuries. I don't see both coming in, but Kono for me better fits in our system, and is more versatile than Bony. However, the "could" factor does not give me much hope.

01 Aug 2014 13:00:31
Looking at Challengers for top 4.

Chelsea will be very strong this season, they are not on the marketing wagon for pre-season and I think will be well prepared and fresh come the start.

Utd.will be a lot better and will be pushing for top 3 I think. Better tactially and stronger in mid. Depending on signings, I think defense is still weak but depends who they sign.

City - strong, skillfully, tactically good-will be challenging on all fronts.

Arsenal - keep Ramsey fit for a season and if Sanchez clicks, who knows.

01 Aug 2014 13:37:54
chelsea arsenal and man city look very strong man u still need some work to do

for us we now have a much better squad, more options and far more depth my only concern is whether our starting XI is good enough

I think arsenal are not going to live up yo all the hype around them
because a-per Mertesacker
he is the slowest center back among sll top teams he is going to end up costing arsenal
b-wenger ain't the master mind he once was no matter how good your players are a good manager is very important

UTD's defence is definitely going to be the problem. But if you compare us from last season to them this season they are pretty much in the same position we were.

They seem to have an attacking minded style of play, which compensates for leaky defence and they are not slowed down by CL or Europa.

Arsenal might have the signing they needed badly but that doesn't mean their teams mentality has changed. They do not deal well under pressure.

Chelsea and City are almost guarenteed to be near the top and Everton and Spurs are not expected to be near the top.

Its going to be a very interesting season. can't help but think its make or break for us, and i'm surprisingly not that worried.

01 Aug 2014 14:43:48
Arsenal been criticised every year but have finished top 4 and played CL as far as back as I can remember . United as Nosh said, they attack minded but vulnerable at the back . I think this year they will beat the teams they expected to beat, but will struggle with teams that finished top 5/6 last year

None of these teams look much better than last season.

Only difference at this point is Sanchez in at Arsenal, and Van Gaal in at United.

Still a month to go of window, but as of right now, we only need to concentrate on our own preparation and ignore these other teams.

They can worry about us.

01 Aug 2014 15:22:53
Over the years our starting 11 has picked itself and been obvious given the lack of squad depth. Now we have the really nice problem of not knowing what our strongest starting 11 will be, especially if we sign Kono and Bony who have been mentioned by Macca, along with the possible arrival of Moreno and Manquillo.

Our bench is going to look fantastic and provides great confidence for players to come on and change a game when needed. I think we're going to do well and regain top 4 with a decent and enjoyable European cup run, which I will be more than happy with as it displays consistency to build upon. Only two weeks to go, can't wait.
Ed's have we got a fantasy football league again this year? Thanks.

Chelsea are the bookies favourites but I'm not convinced myself. Jose will have no excuses this year and I don't think he is what he once was. Despite the vast value of the squad, I don't see them doing any better than last year.

City looked good the other night and the depth of the squad still makes them the team to beat.

Arsenal had injuries that would have made a big difference to them last season and at last AW is spending. Hard to call as I like many others don't think they have it in them every season and will be the ones to drop out the top four but every year they do enough. Top four again but not Champs I think.

As for United, another year of imploding would be just lovely! They probably have more big signings to come so the expectation will be top 4 but I think (well probably more hope) they will not be all that and the LVG ego is in for a shock.

Everton and Spurs - somewhere between 5th and 8th.

As for us, I just don't know which I find weirdly appealing. Lots of new faces, bags of potential, such an attack minded squad. I think we are expected to be 5th by the bookies. They could be right with so many changes but we could also blow the league away. I cannot wait!

01 Aug 2014 12:48:41
Is anyone else getting concerned about the size of the challenge we face in trying to integrate so many new players at once?
The pl is an unforgiving training ground for a lot of new players to learn to gel together, as spurs found out.
I hope br doesn't try and get too many into the starting 11 too soon,

01 Aug 2014 13:41:52
Why do people refer to Spurs as if they had a disaster of a season when in fact they only finished several points short of their previous seasons total when they had Bale performing fantastically. I think we will see some of those so called flops playing a lot better this season, more specifically Lamela. Everyone needs time to settle and adjust, even players who already have PL experience, take Hendo for example. The amount of players we have brought in are to add depth to the squad and will be given opportunity and time to get to grips with representing LFC on the pitch.

Quit with all these comparisons to Spurs it's getting very boring and very this is what the press and media are saying. BS.

No similarities whatsoever other than money. We already have a good squad and they didn't and don't.

Support your team and faith in the club

01 Aug 2014 15:27:17
I wouldn't worry about that anonymush
the situations are quite different,
we have bought a lot of players and granted will need time to settle but a lot of them are there to provide competition the size of our squad was an issue and we had very little options markovic, can and lambert change that

While Lallana and Lovern are going to be 1st team players they already have PL experience and Lallana is english will probably integrate quite well.

For me the real question will be whether our starting XI is good enough?

Its not a revamp of our starting eleven we are just adding depth - Who willl break tat starting eleven? Lovren, Moreno(If signed) Emre Can Maybe? and a striker if signed or another winger - The rest will be brought in as subs and broken into having game time but not all at once - This is why I don't get people shouting about us not signing all top class players - Be a worse season if we went out and bought 5 wc players or marquee signings rather than what BR done in adding intelligently - Love to see the 2 full backs sign - Konoplyanka i'm a big fan of and is a steal for £12 million so would give us more options and a another proven goalscorer then I think we have not only a great season ahead but quite a few seasons where we will get stronger with our squad being young

Ok lads thanks for the comments, some fair points made.
Maybe we should pretend we're sat in the pub having a bit of banter after a game and get the old claws back in eh? ;-)

No claws out mate just come up with your own observations rather than stating what sly sports and the press try to bring up.

Like the skirts man handling at corners.
Rafa zonal marking.
Our subs bench not as good as Spurs.
Suarez diving.

See where I'm going? Anything negative to get people talking when we are playing and being managed really well.

If we are in a pub it's your round by the way lar.

01 Aug 2014 12:39:55
Ive seen reports that Hummels may be off to United with Dortmund maybe taking Ilori on loan.
If that's correct, why can't we take Hummels and send Ilori the other way?

We simply have too many CB's

01 Aug 2014 13:08:21
erm because we've signed lovren who is a great addition AND we already have sakho

we can't buy every big name out there just because they might be available. rodgers has explained he is all about the character of the players and their ability to fit into is systems.

perhaps hummels doesn't fit that sort of profile.

Because we've bought Lovren who was Brendan's number one target. Plus Hummels would work out to be a more costlier deal than the Lovren one.

Now it's a case of offloading a couple of centre backs rather than adding another.

01 Aug 2014 13:18:44
Are you suggesting we sell Lovren?

We just bought Lovren for 20 million pounds in case u have not realised yet. U should have taken this ridiculous brainwave of yours to BR a week or two ago, maybe it would have worked then.
Players like Hummels, Reus etc will not want to come to LFC. The truth is BVB are a more attractive proposition at this point of time than LFC, they will fight for the bundesliga and champions league, while our target will be to make top4 and get outa the group stages. They would be taking a step backwards by coming to us at this point of time, unless they are after big money which we cannot offer either.

01 Aug 2014 15:28:46
Sorry Indian Buzzer but if hummels is interested in joining Man U why wouldn't he be interested in LFC?

that being said we don't need hummels

Because and i'm sorry to point out the reality of the situation but they have a world class recognisable manager and 20 years of continuous success domestically and in Europe. We on the other hand have a manager heading into his debut champions league season after every fan and journalist going mad about a 2nd place finish domestically. It's simple, not nice to write or hear but if you asked a kid in Germany, Latvia, China, Egypt or Mexico who was a bigger team right now. They'd probably choose the Mancs. They are a juggernaught whilse we are currently the plucky underdog over achieving. They had a terrible time with Moyes but most people would agree they will be a lot stronger under the new regime. I'm not talking about them having better players as if you look man for man I'm not sure there's a single player I'd choose over ours except maybe Shaw at LB, Hopefully they crumble even further though, wish they'd kept Moyes!

01 Aug 2014 20:53:45
IF Hummels leave BVB he'll have som options. Can't see Barca not acting if he is in the market. Mancs or Barca? No brainer.

01 Aug 2014 12:02:10
My perspective on the transfer news today
Konoplyanka - if we do sign him I'd be absolutely puffed lightning quick excellent shot also tracks back
people are still asking for a striker but remember kono & markovic can play as false no nines and if everything goes wrong just put Skrtel up top
Moreno- was obviously dissapointed when we failed to agree terms trying to keep my hopes in control until the eds or Macca verify it
He may be a tad too expensive but with him we are getting one of the most promising left backs in Europe and someone who may also possibly do a bale
with him and kono our team will be so quick (yeaaaaah)
But feel for per Mertesacker
Manquillo-I have no idea whether he is a good player or not
but for those who don't see the logic behind him here are two probable scenarios
A- BR sees flanno as left back cover and prefers to move on Johnson with manquillo and Kelly at rb
alternatively manquillo and Johnson at rb with flanno at lb and Kelly at rb
B- Flanno and manquillo at rb with Kelly providing cb cover

Tiago Ilori and Rafa Paez-As verified by the eds Dortmund and bologna are interested in loans for both
think both will be excellent deals for the duo giving them a chance to ply their trade at a higher level especially ilori

Reet, why would u want Ilori to go to BVB on loan? I would rather see him push Sakho and Lovren for a first team spot. He would not be first choice at BVB, even if Hummels does leave because they still have Subotic, Ginter and Sokratis who all have more experience. Not a good move by LFC if it happens.

01 Aug 2014 11:12:01
If Moreno does come I feel it came down to we:
A) pay an extra couple million for Moreno
B) pay an extra couple million for Bertrand

Then br obviously decided he'd rather pay a little bit above our valuations on our first choice Lb as opposed to our second or third choice

All makes perfect sense ;)

01 Aug 2014 10:50:12
To those who think Kelly hasn't shown enough to warrant a place bear in mind the lack of games he's had over the last two seasons. I've seen plenty of encouraging signs over this pre-season to suggest that if he gets game-time Kelly will be back to his old self. It is unreasonable to expect him to reach his previous level until he has played enough games. What is evident is how physically he's back in shape (which looked in doubt for a while) and now just needs games to attain his previous level. Also without denigrating how well Flanagan has done my own opinion is that Kelly is a superior option. Naturally on the downside is Kelly's injury history, and we all know once players start getting serious injuries how often they seem to reoccur. As he is an academy lad we should perhaps give him more of an opportunity to prove himself. After all if he does remain relatively injury-free over the next few years then we will have an excellent player who should also show us greater loyalty - which is worth a lot in modern football.

01 Aug 2014 10:40:05
Eds fellow reds . Rather than buying another striker
Do you think sterling may play up front til Xmas,
And then re asses in January if needed.

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea.}

01 Aug 2014 09:45:43
Would be absolutely over the moon with Konoplyanka. Been a massive fan of his for a while now. Yes, he's primarily a winger, but he has the capacity to play anywhere across the front. Whilst I agree we should be looking at another striker, I'd take Kono in a heartbeat. In regards to our influx of wingers, it's worth noting Ibe is still very young and needs time to develop, and Markovic will also need time to adjust too. I genuinely think you could drop Kono straight into the team and he'd have an instant impact. Unbelievable pace, wicked shot, tracks back and gets stuck into tackles too. I have no doubt at all he would be a massive hit in the Premier League.

Sturridge, Sterling, Lallana, Markovic, Konoplyanka, Lambert, Henderson, Coutinho, Gerrard. There's a LOT of goals in our players right there.

Remember when we had to play Shelvey up top against West Ham back in December 2012 as we had no recognised strikers? What a difference a year and half can make under a forward-thinking manager.

The future is looking good.

JFT 96

JP

If we get Konoplyanka we will have the fastest forword line in the world. Markovic, Sterling, Sturridge, Konoplyanka, Ibe and Can is no slouch either.
As the famous line from Rocky2 goes.
"SPEED, SPEED, SPEEEED!"

01 Aug 2014 11:02:40
Eat lightening, crap thunder!

Mertesacker will be having sleepless nights before facing our forwards Chris!

JFT 96

JP

What about the rocky balboa quote.

''Heavy-duty, cast-iron, piledriving punches that will have to hurt so much they'll rattle his ancestors''

It's the more up to date one, so I think we should go for brutes up front.
Zigic, hulk, yakubu, drogba and zlatan

01 Aug 2014 09:11:15
Seriously getting excited if we get moreno and kono. just a good front man and we will put the fear of god into teams!!

Me tooo!

01 Aug 2014 08:11:56
What the hell is going on today!

Moreno, Manquilio, Konoplyanka, Paez, Ilori all close to transfer apparently!

Ilori? what do you mean AG?

01 Aug 2014 09:22:09
It's had me glued to the rumours all summer! What a window eh? And a mention surely to Ian Ayre and the team as that bloke kops some right abuse on these sites lol

Hoping Macca is bang on again, surely if the stato's checked we'd be the quickest squad in the league. I mean some of the speed of our play last year, add moreno markovic Kono and the guile of lallana. Happy days

Whats this with Paez and Ilori?

Ilori to Dortmund on a loan

01 Aug 2014 11:46:38
Ilori is wanted by Deportivo on loan but a very interesting (maybe not so authentic) report of him being wanted at Dortmund on loan.

Rafa Paez is close to a loan with an option to buy to Bologna apparently.

01 Aug 2014 07:42:05
With what looks like the imenent arrival of moreno and maquillio, do you think that signals the end of the road for johnson or kelly?

Kelly will be fine, he can play anywhere across the backline so will be a good utility defender to have. It spells the end for Johnson thankfully. He has gone backwards ever since he joined the club. Fingers crossed QPR will meet his wage demands.

While I agree Johnson is more likely to go, saying Kelly is ok cause he can play across the back line. .so can Johnson. I think the saving grace for Kelly is age over GJ and wages.
I could see GJ going to QPR, Kelly on a make or break season competing with Flanno maybe this Manqulio?

It's a season that requires minor injury lay off along with solid displays at RB and times of cover at CB that will see Kelly here the season after this.

Kelly is ok bcoz he is a better player and of course younger and will improve. Johnson on the other hand is shocking and going backwards.

01 Aug 2014 07:16:09
Cant see why we would be looking at Konoplyanka having got Markovic unless we aren't signing another striker and one of Markovic or Sterling will play up top? Also this will surely mean Ibe will be going on loan this season and the Liverpool squad is going to have some depth to it now! (Especially if we do indead sign a striker as well, maybe Bony)

Cheers.

If we were to play 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, we will need two wide forwards to start and at least 2 for cover. Currently, we have Sterling, Markovic and Lallana as our only senior players who are comfortable in the wide forward roles. We have Suso and Ibe too of course, but I can see the reasoning of why we want Konoplyanka. Out of all the players I have listed, only Lallana is over the age of 20. More experience in the wide forward positions is vital especially since we'll be playing in Champions League.

We have to build a squad where our 2nd 11 is as good as our 1st. Game changers on the bench, these werer needed end of last season against Chelsea.
We also have a period due to CL where we will play two top games in a week.

Was it Arsenal or Chelsea who played something like Liverpool, Barca, Man Utd, Barca, Spurs in the space of a fortnight?

01 Aug 2014 01:46:38
Good to hear we are making progress on fullbacks and also bologna would be a very good move for Rafa Paez wether he eventually joins them permanently or not. And Ilori to Dortmund on loan is another possibly.

01 Aug 2014 00:49:53
Definitely see another striker.coming in. I can't think ofanyone possible I would want. Bony, will be very expensive(24 million plus being quoted) and is turning 27( same as remy). Lacazette, is.he a first teamer? No imo thus wouldn't like sitting on the bench. Sanchez was the perfect fit therefore if we can't improve or buy sensibly buy I would prefer the club.to use ibe/Peterson chances plus sterling can fill in.that.postion. If there's nothing top drawer in the market always look within and buy a top striker January/next summer.
Very happy with most of the signings thus far. If Moreno happens we have an excellent defense on.paper'

Bony turns 26 in December. I like Lacazette, pacy, good movement might need to work on his finishing. I don't particularly mind using Borini as an option if we cannot get the right striker.

01 Aug 2014 01:44:30
I think your judgment on Lacazette is a bit off. He was excellent last year.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Bony 25?

One from the random name pile, but Volland would work for me.

01 Aug 2014 08:33:52
Kevin Volland is not really a striker but he is an excellent wide forward who scores a lot of goals. I think there is next to no chance of us signing him this summer though: I remember Ed002 saying something along those lines.

RDL

Agree completely with you
Every time I watch Volland he impresses me and now would be the time to, get him- not in 3 years time when we would need to pay vastly more.

31 Jul 2014 23:48:48
I don't get the Manquillo link!? To me it says Johnson is off for sure, QPR bound? Kelly should be first choice next season in my opinion. But to be fair I have not seen Manquillo play what do people reckon is he first team quality?

I too hope Kelly gets a chance to solidify the right back spot with Johnson going to whoever will take his high wages and Flanno providing competition with Moreno.

I'm unsure of the manquillo link myself but being an optimist I hope it means we are moving on a number of defenders. Johnson Agger skrtel Coates toure any combination or all could be for the transfer list to generate funds and create competition for our team.
That could leave a back four of manquillo lovren sakho moreno with Kelly Flanagan illori to cover. Obviously I don't think all 5 that could leave will go in one window but I hate to look at signings that could stall the development of the youth

How should Kelly be first choice over Flanagan?

Before his injury Kelly was pushing Johnson so much that Johnson was switched to the left. I think Flanno did really well when needed last season, covering the left back role, Overall I would play a fit martin Kelly. The pre season as shown that Kelly is getting back to his best. I am glad we have both players that have come through the ranks and give it 100%.Kelly of course could be moved centrally so both lads could play, for his Pace and defending set pieces I would choose Kelly, but I will support whoever Brendan chooses, as they are both top lads.

01 Aug 2014 07:39:32
Taking a guess Seano, I'd say they don't believe we'll get Monero and they want Flanagan on the left

01 Aug 2014 07:49:30
I think Kelly is a better player than flanno it's just constant injurys held him back don't get me wrong I love flanno for his heart and work rate but when Kelly was fit and playing he was excellent and he's a better player in my opinion.