Liverpool Banter Archive January 20 2016

 

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20 Jan 2016 23:44:08
ojo's goal was amazing but I really liked Teixeira's goal. He showed another top class trait of faking were he was going to put his shot and done the keeper. very clever. I think players like these score plenty of goals because keepers eventually figure out they can't commit to dives, because players like tex will read it. and when keepers are afraid, players find it easier to score half chances.

there are some great youngsters. I really believe are continued spending on average players is stupid when we could just give the youngsters a shot. we need to take a page out of arsenals books.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

21 Jan 2016 02:29:54
Texeira can replace Lallana as one of the front 3 .


21 Jan 2016 04:30:34
Tex more an attacking mid than a wing IMO. we should rather try Ojo there.

Ojo really proved he's a natural wide forward as opposed to Milner being used there. Can then put Teixeira or Coutinho in a midfield 3 to feed in the through balls and to make runs into the box eg.

Llalana---Firmino------Ojo
-----Teixera----Hendo-----
------------Can-----------

Where I think Teixeira would fit best though would be 4-2-3-1 as in

-----------Firmino----------
Llalana----Teixera---Ibe/ Ojo
--------Can------Hendo------.


20 Jan 2016 23:37:49
Let's see Joe start for lallana. What could it hurt? Makes runs into the box which we are sorely lacking.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

21 Jan 2016 04:31:46
Joes not a attacking mid despite his great form last few games. happy to see him start as part of a midfield 3 though.


20 Jan 2016 23:37:45
I have to say until Ojo's (great) goal it was quite a nervy game. We should have been 3 or 4 up by then but our disease of not being able to translate possession and chances to goals seem infectious to whatever team we put on the pitch. As usual Ibe is the main source of frustration for me. The gap between his ability to run on defenders and what he does with the final ball is really painful.

In contrast, Smith doesn't have all the trickery that Ibe has but in three games he played he has two assists and one goal, and all this as a defender. This is what I call end product. Allen is also doing fine in front of goal recently.

Was fantastic to see Flanno back. Looked solid as well. Wasn't he a left back though? or does he play both sides?

Believable1 Unbelievable1

21 Jan 2016 00:09:51
He spent time covering RD before his injury I think.


21 Jan 2016 01:31:30
Right back that was played at left back because Johnson was marginally better on the right.


21 Jan 2016 02:07:21
He was a left back due to a gap. His standard is right back.


21 Jan 2016 03:06:48
Flanno is a right back.


21 Jan 2016 04:46:34
Flanno made his debut at Arab four five years ago. He only played LB because we had no cover and he did a heck of a job there.


20 Jan 2016 22:55:32
Was at the game and regarding benteke. he did press more, but hedidn't fully commit. Like didn't completely follow up his pressing to put a challenge in, he would run up then slow down to let them hoof it. Where as saurez would fully go for it and occasionally win it, providing great chances to score especially against a team that looked likely to loss possession from the back.

but did show what makes him frustrating. Got into positions to score but should have scored, especially that open header. know people miss but was a sitter. then his run and set up for the goal showed something he rarely shows. he has well more pace and ability to be more then just a target man.

Though this talent is severely limited by him looking completely lost. would
Attack and he just didn't seem to know what to do. Remember smith breaking from the left across the pitch with benteke in front and just didn't know what run to make! easily could have been played through but completely read it wrong.

Can forgive being off tonight (sloppy touch or not being on it) but has the Potential to be one of the best strikers in world football. But seems to lack the desire atm and worry the reason he isn't fitting in with how we play might be down to the effort he is putting in to fit into our team. sorry to rant!

Believable2 Unbelievable1

20 Jan 2016 23:10:41
He's a 25 year old Belgian International with substantial Premier League experience we paid a gob for. He should be a bit more than 'potential' and frankly I'm not seeing why anyone thinks he has much potential anyway. His movement is terrible, he has the turning radius of a cruise ship, is about the slowest striker I think I've seen in ages, and is a bit lazy to boot. Did have a few decent moments, but this the second game now where several of the kids have stood out far more than he did.


20 Jan 2016 23:30:01
He lost it completely, seems like his confidence is shuttered big time. I don't think it is about desire, only confidence.


21 Jan 2016 00:05:41
I'm not sure where anyone gets the idea that Benteke has the "potential" to be world class.

He is, at times, above average in the air in relation to good strikers in the EPL, and above average power. But compared to good EPL strikers, he has below average pace, average technical ability, average hold up capacity, average link up skills.

There is nothing world class there. His upside was always "very good EPL striker" but that required a team that builds its entire attacking system around him. So, at Liverpool, even even that is a mirage.

Sell.


21 Jan 2016 00:32:26
Think you're right fanobip it is confidence he just needs some goals.

I really hope he succeeds, why wouldn't we?


21 Jan 2016 04:49:45
His touch, runs, dribbles and movement are all off. The guy is trying to do too much because his confidence is shot.


20 Jan 2016 22:38:33
We all see the rumours of comings eds but us there any news on any more outgoings?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Not right now.}

20 Jan 2016 22:46:15
How good was Brad smith tonight? Has to be in contention vs Norwich right?

Believable4 Unbelievable2

21 Jan 2016 04:50:24
Smith needs to play. He should no longer be on the bench.


Leicester Relocate To London According To US TV And More As Former Arsenal Defender Fears For His Career

20 Jan 2016 22:35:48
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Leicester Relocate To London According To US TV And More As Former Arsenal Defender Fears For His Career

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 22:27:26
Well played lads, but I seam to notice something quite often during the play, Ibe isn't actually a good dribbler of the ball he gets knocked off quite often and he is a bit selfish he does not pass the ball when there is an easier opportunity for other's to score and happened many times in the game.

Believable4 Unbelievable5

20 Jan 2016 22:34:30
he's caught continho fever. trying to do everything on his own.


21 Jan 2016 00:06:09
I think he just tries to hard to impress sometimes and instead of using his footballing knowledge he tries to show off using his natural ability. Ibe is a good dribble though but he cuts in too often and sometimes that favours defenders. I think you're forgetting that he's only 20 and this is his first proper season getting consecutive games. I'd love it if we had a more established winger though.


20 Jan 2016 22:25:36
Owen on Ojo's goals
"on his left foot, his favoured left foot" as opposed to his other left foot that's not as good hahaha.

Believable5 Unbelievable3

20 Jan 2016 22:28:52
Benny is there any live question sessions in the offing?


20 Jan 2016 22:39:40
We once did a live webcam Q&A. But we saw more than we had bargained for from one very lonely person, so I think ed is a bit worried about doing it again lol.


{Ed003's Note - crikey}

20 Jan 2016 23:21:23
I don't know whether or not I hope that's true, Benny.


20 Jan 2016 23:59:32
I took part in the live Q and A and enjoyed it. Shame, it was very goodles.


20 Jan 2016 22:23:16
Another enjoyabl live chat eds cheers from me.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 22:27:45
Yep very good, funniest yet!


20 Jan 2016 22:18:10
Well played boys, job done.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 22:11:49
I thought benteke had his best game for us. worked hard!
Still chasing at the end. Fair enough should have had 2 in the net, but involved in 2 of the 3 goals. Striker's have off days.
Not enough to play the weekend but if he keeps working on his pressing, positioning and running angles. We have a player where the sky is the limit for his potential.
The only one in your way is you benteke,
Now go out and fight for it!

Believable3 Unbelievable8

20 Jan 2016 22:34:38
I have to disagree he got bullied off the ball he occupied space outside the box or to the left when he should be in the box, I agree he worked a bit harder but the bar wasn't set very high so minimal movement is a vast improvement. For a club at that level with the chances createD for him he should have dominated that game. On a brighter note, I thoughthink Smith had a good first half Ojo showed potential Cafu is back Ilori looks good on the ball and Branagan is some player, just a bit light to start in the league though.


20 Jan 2016 22:47:11
I think an option would be to see some of the goals scored against us; where the opposition forward leaps higher or bullies our defender and gets their head above our players and rifles the ball into the net.

Exactly what Benteke doesn't do or most of the time appears to be in the right place to do!

1 on 1's and he doesn't score.

Not a game to be proud of if I was him!


20 Jan 2016 22:03:48
That Kevin Stewart is some player!

Believable4 Unbelievable3

20 Jan 2016 22:40:13
All hail our father, who art at Anfield, STEWART be thine name!


20 Jan 2016 22:48:44
You have to take the opposition into account but he has looked v composed in the two outings; he's also playing in an unfamiliar position - fair play to the lad he's done himself no harm - not too sure what the future holds with us though - and the other 5 or so Right backs we have!


20 Jan 2016 18:09:08
happy with the Pato Signing Ed002?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Someone has stayed on longer in Brazil to make a decision on Pato but it smacks of panic after not getting the preferred players - hence the very low, if it happens, fee.}

20 Jan 2016 22:49:24
Seems to be a lot of panic buying from teams ed, surely just sticking with what teams have until summer is best option rather than buying for the sake of it, Wenger gets rinsed for his buying philosophy but he sticks to his guns and only buys if the right player is available.


20 Jan 2016 22:49:24
Seems to be a lot of panic buying from teams ed, surely just sticking with what teams have until summer is best option rather than buying for the sake of it, Wenger gets rinsed for his buying philosophy but he sticks to his guns and only buys if the right player is available.


20 Jan 2016 22:58:20
Have money will spend an panic buy nice one chelsea.


{Ed002's Note - It is not that, it is a case of struggling to bring in the attended targets whilst one striker is rather crocked and another may well leave. The money is low in the big scheme of things if it happens. The person dealing with it has to get back to Europe in the coming days so it is sort of a now issue.}

20 Jan 2016 21:58:56
Well done lads . Thought they all did well . From what I saw Benteke tried a little to hard to impress and it didn't really work .
Most will go for the goal scorers or the flair players but I thought Stewart was quality tonight . Think he made 1 mistake and that was right at the end but everything he did was positive . I also think Ojo should be on the bench for the 1st team and given the chance . Great to see flanno back too . Cheers
Jamesee.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

20 Jan 2016 22:14:40
Benteke looks as if he was kidnapped by aliens, had all his football memory deleted and brought back to earth.

Seriously, I am the biggest fan of this guy here but there is 'lack of confidence' and there is 'Benteke in Liverpool this season'. It is so much worse even than Torres in Chelsea because it is not only him missing his shots, he looks so lost on the pitch, like its his first time in an actual game of football and he doesn't know what is the role of a striker and where he should be. His body language is so poor. I am sure in Villa, in a game like today last year he would have scored at least 2-3. I mean even compared to the begining fo the season with us, back then he would at least win every ball in theair, he now looks so soft, and is losing balls in the air to players a head shorter than him. It is a bit like Balotelli, he had so much quality in City regardless of what you think of his personality and then last year playing for us he looked so lost, you couldn't believe it is the same player.

Maybe the pressure of playing for Liverpool is too much for him. I mean credit for him that he at least didn't lose his passing skills in the box, had an asisst and a half today, but other than that just sad. We paid so much money, it doesn't work for us with him, his confidence is ruined for God knows how long, and Villa are relagated without him. Everyone seem to have lost something from that deal.


20 Jan 2016 22:26:06
Over the two Exeter games (where i saw many LFC players playing for the first time) Stewart was the eye-opener for me. Calm, poise and efficiency - what's necessary for a good holding midfielder. A few mistakes but that comes with the inexperience. Very good potential.


20 Jan 2016 21:54:23
I think 1 name that we seldom mention here is Kevin Stewart. Think he perform very very well tonight. Very compose. Keep things simple. Win back the ball on lots of occasion. Know when to press and when to drop off. Yes he did give the ball away on 2 occasion but overall a promising performance from him.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 21:31:53
Not a bad debut goal from Ojo, that.

Believable9 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 21:57:00
That was top draw . if Rooney or some other big name did that you would never here the end of it . On debut 15 mins in quality lad . keep it up kiddo work hard and you be ok.


20 Jan 2016 21:59:49
Benteke is truly awful sorry.


20 Jan 2016 22:10:40
Cmon Benteke had a decent game.


20 Jan 2016 23:03:10
Come on pankaj he's a cent forward that over two games against second division got bullied and out played. His positioning is woeful for an international player never mind premiership.
Dont get me wrong I want the bloke to rip the premiership apart but on what i'm seeing not a chance in hell sorry.


20 Jan 2016 20:56:33
Ed001? When Sinclair leaves will it go to a tribunal? I ask because is it not worth just using him instead of Long till the summer and we can assess the situation when we have a full summer? if he does well his fee may go up slightly. Sorry if I've misunderstood but be interested to hear your thoughts, just in my one track mind we are paying him so is it not worth using him rather then blowing more cash.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - it depends, the club signing him can make us an offer rather than it going to a tribunal.}

20 Jan 2016 22:16:48
If the fee is based on how he rates himself, it could be the biggest ever transfer fee in the UK lol.


20 Jan 2016 23:37:34
I've got to say, as much as I think he's acting childish here, the kid feels ready for first team football. If he thinks he's ready then it becomes hard to make a player happy to wait, plus the signing of Ings and Benteke in the summer must have sent a message to him; trouble is that message was from BR and to pass up the opportunity to work under Jürgen Klopp confirms his ignorance to the bigger scheme of things in the club's future.


20 Jan 2016 20:33:53
Good evening ed001

Are you watching game mate?

Can i ask your opinion mate please on Morata rumours. We can't have any serious hopes of getting him can we? His fee and wages would be out of reach.

Dont no why anyone would report this?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - he is struggling for first team football at the moment and we are looking at loans to see us through the season.}

20 Jan 2016 22:14:40
are you saying we're trying to get him on loan ed or someone else.


{Ed001's Note - I don't know sorry.}

20 Jan 2016 22:40:41
Cheers mate

So a loan might be possible? But expensive.


20 Jan 2016 23:27:59
So possible loan mate, instead of Long on a perm deal?


{Ed001's Note - we were initially trying to get Long on loan but Saints only want to sell if they let him go.}

20 Jan 2016 20:01:41
Can not stress enough how Lacazette needs to priority in the summer. Pacy, clinical and most importantly isn't lethargic (benteke) . Also young enough to develop but has plenty of experience. Please Ian Ayre!

Believable6 Unbelievable1

20 Jan 2016 20:52:04
We definatly need a lacazette, griezmann type of player.


21 Jan 2016 00:20:02
Lacazette would be great. As would Auba, Morata, Icardi, Dybala. I even like Volland.

We should also keep our eyes on Breel Embolo. Kid was rated above Martial among rankings of young players in Europe (he was #14 and Martial #15). Martial has walked into United and has been an impact player (probably their most dangerous forward) .

Embolo is a little more rough, but with his pace and power-- arguably more upside than Martial.

I'd love for LFC to take a chance on him. Even play him out wide until he develops.


20 Jan 2016 19:43:09
Looking forward to seeing Joe Allen run this game tonight. I've always liked him, despite the criticsm he gets. Intelligent player, keeps himself under the radar and just gets on with it. Must be brilliant for someone like Kev Stewart, having Allen to talk you through the game.

Believable7 Unbelievable4

20 Jan 2016 21:11:47
Joe Goal Machine Allen.


20 Jan 2016 21:56:27
I don't think Allen look like the vocal type.


20 Jan 2016 19:38:35
Hey ED's and anyone else who may be able to help,

I'm from America so don't really know the best options, but I am trying to get tickets to a game in March when I can hopefully get to England to finally see a game live (last time I went god intervened) and was curious if you had any tips for the best way to find tickets. Sorry if you don't answer ticket questions just thought I would see if anyone could help.

Thanks
ElRobbeNino

Also is preference matters when looking I am praying to find some for the Chelski game on the 12th of March.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

20 Jan 2016 20:54:38
your only option is some of the agencies/ hospitality tickets. You can look at viagogo and the like. A league game would be around 150 to start with, Chelsea game maybe 200. Other option is Europa league if we are still there. With luck you may find tickets from the club in a general sale. Not for league games.


20 Jan 2016 19:08:29
Enrique captain? Benteke obviously didn't show enough leadership qualities 😂 got to feel a little for Allen and mingolet mind.

Believable3 Unbelievable3

20 Jan 2016 19:20:18
This is a squad game. Ward isn't available so Mig plays. Allen on the bench so was Benteke. They get games. Makes perfect sense to me.


20 Jan 2016 19:37:44
Thrilled to see Flanagan on the bench tonight. If he can find his pre-injury form he is the best full back we got!


20 Jan 2016 20:08:56
This all just reinforces. why caulker?


20 Jan 2016 19:05:44
Dissapointed not to see ward in goal why bring him back? Team dosent look that great and balanced. Hope benteke can get some goals tonight and kick on from there if we need him we need him to start tonight and start banging them in from now on.

Believable1 Unbelievable8

20 Jan 2016 19:12:37
Isnt he cuptied?


20 Jan 2016 19:13:05
He can't play, literally been discussed hundreds of times.


20 Jan 2016 19:14:38
Ward is ineligible for this game.


20 Jan 2016 19:15:52
Ward can't play tonight, as far as I'm aware.


20 Jan 2016 19:16:55
Ineligible for replay.


20 Jan 2016 19:12:37
Isnt he cuptied?


20 Jan 2016 19:13:05
He can't play, literally been discussed hundreds of times.


20 Jan 2016 19:14:38
Ward is ineligible for this game.


20 Jan 2016 19:15:52
Ward can't play tonight, as far as I'm aware.


20 Jan 2016 19:16:55
Ineligible for replay.


20 Jan 2016 19:17:24
Or he wasnt registered in time. he can't play I remember ed002 telling us.


20 Jan 2016 19:22:10
So Ward's not playing then?


20 Jan 2016 19:22:25
I would just like to add ward is ineligible to play if some people didn't know.


20 Jan 2016 21:12:21
I can't understand why he isn't even on the bench!

Ridiculous.


20 Jan 2016 21:54:59
Whys he not playing again!?


20 Jan 2016
The real time live chat page is open for today's Liverpool match at the below link for you to talk to each other during the match
Liverpool Live Chat page

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 18:09:06
Any teams news yet before I have a bet? Just in the sandon waiting for the 4-0 win.

Want to bet on first scorer?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 19:06:20
Enrique starts at cb. Ibe tex and benteke up top.


20 Jan 2016 17:10:52
rumours again we're after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, is this possible, i know ed02 said it won't happen because Barcelona can't replace him, are things still the same.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - Barcelona don't think he is good enough and will sell if any one pays €30M plus all costs. They are looking at a replacement.}

20 Jan 2016 18:13:10
30 million plus costs, WOW.


20 Jan 2016 18:33:41
Can't imagine they will get any takers at that price.


20 Jan 2016 18:39:34
Counter offer :
£4 million pound, a Signed pair of Emre Cans boots, and a bag of Hot n Spicy flavoured monster munch?


20 Jan 2016 19:06:26
They must really think he's rubbish 😄

Counter offer : Mignolet, Balotelli, Caulker on loan and Bogdan for M-ATS.


20 Jan 2016 21:46:17
They also felt Valdes WAS good enough for years so who knows.


20 Jan 2016 21:59:40
They can have a ready made replacement with Mignolet and heck it let's throw Bogdan in as well. How about Enrique as their club photography.


20 Jan 2016 19:14:13
If they don't think he's good enough, will they budge on the price? It isn't an extortionate amount anyway for a keeper who is still very young.


{Ed002's Note - I doubt there will be interest from anyone at that price.}

20 Jan 2016 22:39:37
Well the first step is for the club willing to sell which now seems to be the case.

I'm sure if we were interested now or in the summer and wanted to put together an offer, there would be room for negotiation on the fee.

Like Ed002 said, I can't see anyone paying that kind of money.


20 Jan 2016 16:48:25
So Pato as apparently reached an agreement with Chelsea.
Can't wait for all the "missed another target" talk to start!

I know we all get excited during the silly season and in all honesty, always nice when a new player joins. Although we LFC supporters have this awful habit of slagging off any new player before they are even given a chance!
Right now, I would just like Klopp to try and fix the issues that have haunted us for the past several years.
The biggest issue for me, and has been a very big problem of late, is our lack of ability to defend set pieces.

I'm a firm believer that if we defend well, and make it harder for teams to score, that's half the battle won. If we don't concede, we don't lose, simply really. Don't you think?

On a final note, I'd like to suggest something here (and let's see how far this can stretch) .
I'd like to suggest that we all start supporting everyone associated to LFC. Let's stop having a go at the owners, coaches, staff, players, etc. Let's show everyone what it means to be a LFC supporter.

Everyone says we are very Knowledgeable when it comes to footy, so let's start showing it.

Who knows what a positive attitude can bring to a club.

Believable9 Unbelievable1

20 Jan 2016 18:06:03
Atleast ed002 will be happy, I'm sure he said he was useless and we shouldn't be looking at him.


20 Jan 2016 18:23:16
Joe - I think it is the opposite, our problem is that on the one hand we play a very attacking open game, that expose our defence to a lot of attacks and a lot of set pieces and on the other hand we don;t score goals. If our scoring numbers would have matched our style of play and the chances we creat, no one would look too much on our defence, because a game like agaisnt ManU we would have won 2:1 or 3:1. If we start score I don;t think our defence look so bad.


20 Jan 2016 18:20:38
Pegleg, you are awere ed002 is a chelsea fan, ye?


20 Jan 2016 22:40:46
Fanobip, yes that's why I said it!


20 Jan 2016 16:29:03
Hi eds! great site and great work!

I was wondering with all this rumors. Do LFC have the financial meanings to even make a transfer in Januari without selling?

I as a Swede i was wondering if you know anything about Oscar Wendt the left back? He is having a great season in Germany and should have some scouting eyes on him?

Sorry for the spelling English is not my main language.

1301and.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - Wendt won't be leaving Borussia Monchengladbach during January. Liverpool has already spent a fair amount of money in January without selling. With the players returning from loan the first team squad number around the 40 mark already.}

20 Jan 2016 16:43:31
Yes ok thanks for your answer! But when you put it like that it sounds like we already spent the money we had? Sounds like a January transfer is far away then?


{Ed002's Note - Where there has been interest (e.g. Long) I have said. Always a tought time to buy though.}

20 Jan 2016 16:26:29
According to the Liverpool Echo, we are interested in Alvaro Morata. Have you heard anything Ed's? Surely he's way out of our budget and would opt for a champions league club?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has not made any offer for Morata at this time.}

20 Jan 2016 17:08:39
Do we hold an interest Ed, or is it just paper talk (I. E. Rubbish)


{Ed002's Note - Another English side spoke to Juve and were told he would not be sold now - they are keen to avoid him returning to Real Madrid if they can. Liverpool has not made any approach at this time.}

20 Jan 2016 17:22:21
But is there any interest from the club in him or is it just more newspapers making up stories Ed002?


20 Jan 2016 18:36:03
Put it to bed eds. No interest from us is there.


20 Jan 2016 16:16:13
Only really thought about match day revenue and how much that can affect a club today, when I saw Byram sign for West Ham.
The difference between our revenue and Arsenal's must be massive.
Tickets to our games at £45 for 45,000 people works out as £2.25m, Arsenal charging £65 for 60,000 people is £3.9m.
Makes you realise that we are fighting a losing battle against Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and now they have a big stadium, West Ham. In financial sense they absolutely destroy us.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

20 Jan 2016 16:28:30
You got all that from West Ham signing Byram?!


20 Jan 2016 18:21:29
West Ham move into a new ground next year with a 54,000 seater stadium typical adult price ticket £70 young adult is £45,showing intent to progress as a club moving into new stadium, getting in Bilic, building a decent team, Byram, Sakho, Payet, valencia, Ogbonna.

We ''were charging'' £50 for BR'S football, a stadium that's falling apart and desperately needs modernising, all the while p! ssing money against the wall loaning Caulker, buying Long possibly, paying for BR's purchases of Balotelli, Clyne, Lallana, Firmino (overpid) etc.

I imagine AA was insinutating how badly some of our action in the markets have been and the whole stadium disaster under H&G.


Man City Star Set To Stay, Klopp Backs Liverpool Forward And More

20 Jan 2016 16:18:36
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Man City Star Set To Stay, Klopp Backs Liverpool Forward And More

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 15:10:06
We spend enough on fee and wages to compete on all fronts but at this stage would you prioritise match prep for the cups or t league? I'd like a trophy and top 8 this season. Agree for cups disagree for league- get voting!

Believable8 Unbelievable4

20 Jan 2016 15:51:36
Our owners probably wish they'd bought Greece instead.

With the amount of money Dalglish, Comolli and Rodgers have p'd down the drain they'd own a debt free country with lovely weather, steeped in history.

Instead they own a debt ridden football club, faltering on the pitch in a country with god awful weather. At least it's got history though!


20 Jan 2016 16:17:56
And with fith fans who never short of insulting them and their efforts?


20 Jan 2016 16:12:41
Debt free country? Pretty sure it's the amount of debt Greece has that would make it affordable for them!


20 Jan 2016 16:21:42
Ems no I think they expect a lot better but have yet to make big changes in this "transfer committee and scouting ". The players we buy are usually always terrible buys, financially or straight of the bat not good enough. Even their backgrounds aren't even looked into or information ignored when giving it onto the manager. For example why the hell did we buy benteke with all of what his Belgium manager had to say about him?! ballotelli the same.
Whoever recommends players needs sacked sooner than later. Caulker, long? How long, no pun intended can this go on before the club goes further down the drain financially. Chelsea are an excellent club for buying and selling player. We are absolutely absimal.


{Ed002's Note - The scouting network has changed considerably already. The transfer committee changed last year and there is no plan to change it again.}

20 Jan 2016 17:16:43
Edd002 The committee changed? I don't remember Any change in personel. I don't know, you know far more Edd002 but man our targets are concerning as per usual. We are better off giving our younger players a chance than sign caulker though temporary and potentially long.


{Ed002's Note - Mike Gordon is now involved. Klopp is the one to ask about the kiddies.}

20 Jan 2016 18:24:46
They will turn a healthy profit when they sell Ems. Hard to feel too sorry for yhem.


20 Jan 2016 15:07:43
Half way through the window it said we agreed a 11m deal pato klopp said it was not true and same with Chelsea and There manager said similar that they have no interest and they have signed him 3 year deal apparently no disrespect to Shane long I think he is a good playe r and I would not mind him coming but I would also have been happy with pato I don't know what was going on I gus Chelsea manager said that because he did not anyone to know that there going to sign pato
Good luck tonight lads come on YNWA.

Believable1 Unbelievable6

20 Jan 2016 15:17:25
Take a breath jonny.


20 Jan 2016 14:52:32
Rogers has signed three players this window for LFC, some top international players, including the Dutch captain, a certain Swedish forward and a Scottish midfielder, fact!

Believable2 Unbelievable1

20 Jan 2016 12:19:48
Ed01&2:
Try to forget about the nonsense rumours floating around in this crazy month, most of them generated by the rags.
I know its hard to determine now, but if you where in charge at LFC and were given £50m plus any income from sales, which 3 players would you both try to sign, based on the high press tactics adopted by Klopp.
Just out of interest, and it might take your mind off the Barry White some posters are asking about January buys!
My personal choices would be a keeper (maybe Sirigu) a CB and a central midfielder ( maybe Goetze) . I would sacrifice Lallana, Milner and some of the youngsters to part fund it, but would like to see OJo and Smith next season as a firm part of the first team squad.
Appreciate any thoughts, and keep up the great work on this site.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - (a) Rajkovic or Arrizabalaga (b) Diawara (c) Promes.}

20 Jan 2016 14:57:44
I hope even we couldn't spend that kind of money on those players but I'm not easily surprised nowadays.


20 Jan 2016 15:04:30
Quincy Promes would be a class signing.


20 Jan 2016 15:55:26
[Insert abusive paragraph aimed at Ed002 with made up financial BS, unrelated pops at Chelsea, and death threats for him daring to share his opinion].


20 Jan 2016 17:34:07
I love Ed002 answers to these questions, never even heard of 3 of those 4 players. Always good shouts to try and catch a game with them in!


20 Jan 2016 18:38:46
Isn't Diawara the DM that Chelsea were looking to sign? Had to look the other two up both young goalkeepers.


20 Jan 2016 12:42:02
Ed1/ posters,

Just wondering what you make of Jamie Carragher and his tactical analysis during MNF and all. I know you probably don't watch it much, but do you think he is bang on with what he says or speaks out of his arse a lot of the time? Just wondering if you think he could make a half decent coach some day?

Cheers and hoping for a good result against Exeter.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - he doesn't want to be a coach.}

20 Jan 2016 14:32:15
He's said he doesn't want to be coach several times ont he show especially seeing what the stress did to certain managers.

From what others have said of him, he doesn't stop watching matches and lives for football on tv.

I agree with some of his analysis, other bits not so much. He as with any uk pundit isn't allowed to be to critical of Englands wonderkids, and is partly responsible along with the press for hyping up prospects in England. (see andros townend, Raheem Sterling (though G nev for that one) as good examples.

He needs to put personal feelings aside a lot more, his dislike of colocini coming through when he analyses nufc is unprofessional IMO, his love of Stevie and Barkley is quite vomit inducing, he clearly hates Moreno.

In terms of his tactical analysis. I like his analysis of set pieces he stands out there, but in terms of midfield roles I really don't think he has a clue (I didn't think Nev did either) Lampard in his 2/ 3 times doing with them was much more enlightening, especially talking about the number 10 role, attacking mids and defensive mids. {Harry should watch when he gets a chance :) }

That's all just my personal opinion when I've watched him on sky.


20 Jan 2016 15:29:53
He's training to become the next British ABA champion!


20 Jan 2016 13:42:08
I posted earlier about long, to get a feel of what supporters really thought about him. I must say I was surprised to see a 50/ 50 response. I am a pool fan from Ireland and would only love to see another irish man on our books, he is also a better footballer than a lot of ye are given him credit for. He scores all types of goals, great speed and does make runs at the right time. He does get dragged out wide at times but is a great crosser of a ball.
COYBIG YNWA.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed023's Note - I'm also from Ireland and trust me I would love an Irish player playing with the club but Long just isn't one I would like us to sign.}

20 Jan 2016 14:39:51
I know, heart saying yes but head says no.


20 Jan 2016 15:31:07
Agree Robbie.

Nice to have the scouse, Welsh, Scottish and Irish influence at the club.


20 Jan 2016 15:37:35
Same here lads. I loved it when Michael Robinson, Aldo, Ronnie etc played for Ireland but Shane Long just isn't up there.


20 Jan 2016 17:11:22
Lads, he's just not good enough!


20 Jan 2016 12:48:38
Just reading your posts down the page and on the others page muscatred, and you really are a sad individual and not a fan IMO!

You continue just justify the Rodgers era and back him up at every opportunity, whilst chipping away at klopp (not downright having a pop or saying, you dislike him, just being very subtle with your digs! )

You put all your eggs in one basket with Swiss Tony and it left you with egg on your face and your fuming, your desperate to be proved right, and when he blags himself another job (which is why he's come out of the woodwork recently with his "they weren't my signings " cobblers) you will be desperate to come on here if he does well to say I told you so. Well that scenario will NEVER present itself, so give it up with the defending of Rodgers, nobody is interested, get behind klopp, take down your Brendan topless posters and the signed photo you keep next to the rose in a vase and let it go. You were spectacularly wrong so get over it.

Believable8 Unbelievable2

20 Jan 2016 15:29:17
Waro,

I'll respond this once because you've written a post specifically, I really don't give a damn what you think of me. I'm confident in my opinions and my feelings towards Liverpool. I'm not even remotely embarrassed about my support of Rodgers, if I were the one making decisions he wouldn't have been sacked when he was. Am I angry about it? No, the reasons for it happening were justifiable. What does anger me is the juvenile and petty name calling that a number of posters on this site resort to, your post is a wonderful example of that.

As for my opinions on Klopp you simply don't get it. I like the guy but unlike a lot on this site I won't call him the messiah until he actually does anything to earn such adoration. If you want me to judge him I'll do it on evidence, sadly the 22 games we've played under his management so far and our forays into the transfer market are not very reassuring (our wins against City and Chelsea being glorious exceptions) . Thankfully though I don't make knee jerk reactions so he's got plenty of time to prove he's the right guy for the job, I've waited 20 years for a title, I can wait longer.

I come on this site because it's a great place to talk about the club I love, I come on because I hear news before anywhere else. I come on here to test my opinions against my peers. What I dislike on this site is the vitriol and bile that effects so many online forums, sadly people like you are the price I pay for admittance.

Yours Sincerely,

Muscatred.


20 Jan 2016 15:33:01
There are two spectacular blunders in Liverpool Rumours history:
1. Some guy called EMS predicting that Balotelli would turn out to be a 30 goal a season striker for us.
2. Mustcatred defending Rodgers to the hilt!

Some people really do embarass themselves eh? ;)


20 Jan 2016 16:46:49
Hi Muscat. enjoy reading your posts and I supported BR till almost the end. But having said that:

1. Klopp is under more pressure now than BR was in entire first season. Most if this is down to the media who project as title contenders after one match and mid-table after another. It is the clear manipulation of public opinion and expectations.

2. Our squad while quite large is clearly unbalanced. Most of them were acquired under BR. If you defend BR saying that TC was involved then how can you judge Klopp based on 2 transfers which comparatively cost much much less and still with the TC involved.

3. Nobody including Klopp thinks he is a Messiah but we need to be fair and supportive. It is much too early to begin criticizing him. To support BR till now and not completely support Klopp when he is a little more than 100 days in his job feels wrong.

I know anybody can be defended and anybody can be criticized if one is stubborn enough but I honestly think that Klopp is our best chance with the resources we have to take us to the top.

Also, I believe Klopp has done more in his last 3 months than BR did in his last 15 months. That's a fact.

We didn't judge BR till 2-3 years were up, then why the double standards with Klopp. Give him time!


20 Jan 2016 17:18:24
Rodgers was a bodger and should have been sacked way before he was. Klopp is no messiah but the very fact he speaks his mind and does not blame everyone and their dog for his mistakes endears me to him greatly. Onwards and hopefully upwards with kipperty i say.


20 Jan 2016 17:38:56
Hey Pankaj,

1. I don't disagree, when Klopp arrived I posted how we shouldn't put unfair expectations on him and he should be given time. I will admit that I wanted to see more improvement by now but I won't be making any sort of final judgement on Klopp for a long time yet. That doesn't mean I won't comment on how I see things in the meantime, just that he has plenty of time to win me over.

2. Sorry, I've not made myself clear. I don't use the TC as an excuse for Rodger's transfers and I'm not having a go at Klopp for his transfer's so far. I was just making the point that, at the moment, Caulker, Long and Mig's contract are the only thing we have to judge Klopp on. What he did before has little relevance now he's here.

3. With respect many posters on this site think Klopp is untouchable, everything that hasn't worked since he's arrived has been blamed on anything except him. Don't mistake what I've said as not supporting Klopp, it's merely observation on how things have gone. I do support him and he was my choice to replace Rodgers but that doesn't mean we have to pretend everything's perfect.

As I said mate, Klopp was the guy I wanted when Rodgers left, I very much want him to succeed and he has a good pedigree so hopefully he can achieve what Rodgers failed to do. I don't think it's a case of being with him or against him. He's a new manager and I'm waiting to see if he improves the club or not.


20 Jan 2016 17:49:11
I love klopp but i don't excuse him at all, i thought he should have set us up better against utd and i am not happy with bringing ward back from a very good loan to sit on the bench etc. But. that does not mean i don't support him still, i have every confidence in him. couldn't say that for bodgers and his forked tongue.


20 Jan 2016 13:01:04
Just seen an article about Aubamayeng and why arsenal should sign him so curious.

Not of players randomly linked with, but with ones we apparently (sorry if i'm wrong) nearly or had a chance to sign, who would you say was the biggest miss?

As much as I think having a player like konoplyanka or kovacic in our current squad would be great. Have to think the collapse of our deals for either villa or david silva were our biggest lost merely down to the quality of our team then.

If you add either to our team that finished second that season under rafa we would have had an absolutely unbelievable squad. imagine replacing babel or kuyt with one of those two.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 14:01:20
Cristiano Ronaldo. Apparently Liverpool wouldn't pay the extra few million to get him or so the rumour goes. Phil Thompson was apparently adamant we should get him. How different things could have been.


20 Jan 2016 14:10:37
Kovacic and Sanchez I would say. I would love to of seen them in our team. I think missing out on Remy was a mistake too, I know he hasn't found himself anything special but I feel at the time he had his medical with us he would of been a much better fit than Balo and Benteke. If we had Remy last weekend I'm sure the result would of been different.


20 Jan 2016 16:12:29
Stuie boy. I always thought it was thomo that said he WASN'T good enough and we should steer clear of him.


20 Jan 2016 16:33:54
STUIE, I think Thompson wasn't convinced, Cheers Phil!


20 Jan 2016 16:47:29
Oh really? I thought it was the other way round! Thanks for the heads up. Bloody Thommo!


20 Jan 2016 11:27:39
Hi ed,
There is lot of talk about long. How do you rate him, i think we had his younger version in borini. he did not get look in. .

Again is there someone who really pulling strings. it seems whenever a player is surplus to southamptons requirement we buy them.

Believable6 Unbelievable2

20 Jan 2016 12:37:21
For some reason always liked long (maybe it's his work ethic or a softness for the accent) but don't think comparing borini to him is fair as different players. Both have movement and press but long is more of an athlete and borini is a better finisher - only reason we don't see it is doesn't play striker.

But even if he is injured think Ings is similar to long but a much better scorer. But worried as seems short sighted - next season will have both fit and are very similar players. Would prefer we assess Sturridge fitness and at least give benteke till the summer to prove himself (won't happen but for 30 odd million least give him a season) .

If both don't work think priority would be to move them on and provided we generate enough cash put majority of money on getting a striker in - then would have firmino and Ings as back up.


20 Jan 2016 13:03:35
Either way, it's a Long shot.


20 Jan 2016 13:16:41
Imo long is a solid £7m player.
If he played every game in a season he'd get you 10 goals.
So in otherwords, not good enough.
Although maybe he might be decent at a Dirk Kuyt type of role.


20 Jan 2016 14:35:19
Is this the same Long who has only scored a maximum of 8 league goals in a season?

You can look apparently 5 years ago he scored 10 - but not in the Premier League.

2 short on that account.

If your argument is that he doesn't play every game then that should give you reason to keep your £7m in your pocket!


20 Jan 2016 15:34:46
Longs best ever goalscoring run was 18 goals in 24 games for Reading in the Championship.

He's never come close to replicating that though.


20 Jan 2016 11:17:58
Eds or reds just wondering if anyone had a time frame on sturridge? I know we keeping him out to get him fully fit but I'm wanting to know how long does it take to get someone fully fit? The way klopp was talking was that they want him to have a full preseason to get his body back up to pace we talking months or weeks?

Believable2 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 11:39:37
The club nor the manage has set any specific time. All we could do is just speculate. I would wait till he is ready.


20 Jan 2016 11:42:25
{Ed002's note: we cannot sensibly answer questions about time}.


20 Jan 2016 11:59:09
I think patience is the key. This season will be a 'write off' for Sturridge. I think the club are just going to use the rest of this season to try to get him in as best shape as they possibly can. Hopefully he makes a late appearance towards the back end of the season.


20 Jan 2016 13:51:24
I take the view that due to the number of games played over the last 2 seasons Studge is eminently replaceable.

I would like to see him fit and in a red shirt but is it ever likely to happen consistently?

That being said as soon as we sold him he would probably score a bucket load of goals and never have an injury again.

I would consider selling abroad but what's the point of strengthening a rival?

Kobi.


20 Jan 2016 15:06:39
If it were me and I were going to sell and replace one of our strikers, it would be Benteke.


20 Jan 2016 16:23:08
The time frame is he will be ready at some date in the future. He will be out injured again 2 games later.


20 Jan 2016 11:14:28
I think people are looking at this Shane Long situation in slightly the wrong way. We all know he's not being brought in to score 20 goals a season, that's not him. I'm sure Klopp knows that too. What he can and will do is provide options, make space, pressure high up the field and hopefully pitch in with a few goals. As mentioned already, he could turn out to be a very Kuyt-type player and we all loved him.

Of course now he's going to get bashed and if we do sign him he'll get bashed some more as most signings do but give the lad a chance. Come the end of the summer we'd have himself, a fit Sturridge (hopefully) Ings and Origi and maybe someone else that will score the necessary goals in Sturridge's absence. I know most, and the Ed's, are against the move and I understand why but we need to look at this a bit differently. Plus we're only 8 points off 4th place with 16 games to go and we'll be far better off with Long leading the line than the statue that is Benteke.

Maybe I'm wrong but will back him 100% if he's signed and hopefully everyone else does too.

Believable8 Unbelievable1

20 Jan 2016 11:32:41
We need a goalscorer.
We have plenty of strikers and attacking midfielders who between them do everything you could possibly ask for apart from score goals regularly.


20 Jan 2016 11:37:08
Are we actually going for him at all?


20 Jan 2016 12:02:29
If we wanted someone to run about and do eff all we could just stick Milner upfront.


20 Jan 2016 12:17:41
Milner or Lallana. Lallana will even keep possession, do nought with it but he'll keep possession. It's the 20 goal striker we're missing not the effort.


20 Jan 2016 12:27:51
. but I do agree we need a goalscoring striker but doesn't look like it's going to happen in this window.


20 Jan 2016 12:43:41
What's all this about scoring goals? That's why Caulker was bought in weren't it. Plays him upfront 😉
Long is going to be out defensive rock if we continue to play players out of position.


20 Jan 2016 12:59:36
I get what you are saying about him and will support him if signed.

BUT i really think this is not a good piece of business. We will just have one more player in our team who does not score enough.

We have enough squad players. First we need to offload players who don't fit Klopp's plan, then go for that one big signing who can make a difference day in day out.

I am afraid this is the wrong approach we are taking and I am perplexed that we have not learnt from our past mistakes.

As ED02 likes to say. "this will end in tears"


20 Jan 2016 11:08:00
Yesterday there was a long thread about who's expected to leave in the summer, it's not surprising that people are looking to the summer as this window seems way to strange to figure out. Whilst there are a lot of easily predictable departures (our senior loanees and our youth players who haven't stepped up) I think we're foolish to be confident about which first team players will depart.

The usual names are Mignolet, Skrtel, Allen, Milner, Lallana, Coutinho, Sturridge and Benteke, I will tell you right now that half these guys will be still be in the Liverpool squad next season, quite probably more. I say this for a number of reasons, firstly, everyone of these players, with the possible exception of Allen will need replacing and that's a lot of money and a lot of disruption, neither of which the club will be keen on. In anticipation of replies about our youth players I appreciate they will be used more but none are ready to take the first team roles that the above names currently hold.

The other reason most will stay is because Klopp clearly has different opinions on these players to the fans. Migs has got his new contract with the most likely explanation being that it's already been decided that he will be our number 1 next season. Skrtel has played every minute in the league he's been fit and the only midfielder that's been used more than Milner is Can, Lallana has been played more than any other attacking midfielder (and that take's into account injuries) . The player's who most frustrate the fans (except Benteke) have all been trusted by Klopp.

So who would I predict will leave? I think the player's most at threat are the ones Klop's shown less faith in and the ones who could bring in some cash to fund Klopp's spending. To that end:

Likely - Only Allen sits in this category, Klopp's barely used him in the league at all, he's behind Hendo, Can, Milner and Lucas and Rossiter and Grujic will likely overtake him. He's superfluous and will leave.

Possibles - One of Coutinho and Lallana and maybe neither. Coutinho is our most valuable asset and there are suggestions that he will want to leave, if that's the case Klopp would welcome the money to bring in his own players. I'm pretty confident that Lallana will stay if Coutinho goes but if he doesn't then Lallana's one of our players that would bring in decent money. I wouldn't rule out them both staying though as Klopp does seem to like them.

Lucas may be fearing groundhog day. it's early days but there's evidence that Klopp prefers a Hendo/ Can midfield and Lucas' game time may be limited. If that's the case he's in the same situation as he was in last summer and may look to move on.

Benteke and/ or Sturridge. I think Liverpool and Klopp know that it's in their interests to get a fit Sturridge playing but if we get to pre-season and he's still no closer to a return then Klopp may look to bring in a new lead striker to build round. I have a sneaky suspicion that Benteke's future depends on Sturridge, if he gets fit then Benteke can be plan b. If Sturridge is dropped then a new striker is needed and Benteke would be sold to help fund the move.

A CB. I can see us spending money on a new CB this summer and if we were to do that I think one of Lovren, Skrtel or Sakho would leave. Although most of us assume Skrtel is the one to make way the more injury prone Sakho would bring in more funds, Lovren as the apparent third choice could also be the one to make way.

Unlikely - Milner. Despite his reputation amongst fans Klopp is a fan of Milner, when he's available Klopp plays him. Couple that with the fact the he has little re-sale value means the only reason to to move him on is to get rid of his wages but if Klopp's a fan he'll pay those. Expect him to be a Liverpool player next season.

If I was a betting man I'd say the first team players leaving this summer would be Coutinho, Lucas, Allen and Sakho. A mix of players that would bring in funds and that either want to be gone or we can spare.

Believable1 Unbelievable4

20 Jan 2016 11:28:09
You could rule out Migs departure in the summer. I would move Milner and Lallana before Allen.


20 Jan 2016 11:53:09
So muscatered, u actually think Klopp will want to sell 3 of our best players at one go? While keeping the likes of Milner, Skrtel, Lallana and Benteke who are absolutely a waste of space right now?
Just because they would raise good cash does not mean we sell those players. They would raise cash because they are quality unlike the above 4 players i mentioned that should be sold before anyone else. Selling your best players just to raise cash is not progress. The squad will be back to square one if Klopp uses that approach. We need to move on the unneeded players for what we can get and find some bargains in the market. Many clubs have done that in the past and built decent teams with minimal cash. That is what will be expected of Klopp, to keep our best players and bring in more quality to go with what we already have.


20 Jan 2016 12:05:03
Indian

You did say to move Migs out in the summer which was rejected by Klopp. So let's wait and see what his plans are and which players are moving out.


20 Jan 2016 12:16:17
Indian, clearly from my post I do. Coutinho's intimated that we need CL to keep him and at the moment it doesn't look like we'll make the top 4, if he changes his mind then Lallana may well be sold in his place. I don't think Klopp agrees with you that Lucas is one of our best players. As for Sakho that's a bit of a punt, as I said I expect a CB to leave and it could be any from the three, Sakho would get us the most money, he has got a history of injuries and Klopp may decide that Skrtel plus new CB plus money is a better prospect than Sakho plus new CB.

Of the player's you mention only Benteke is not trusted by Klopp. he may well be sold but I don't think it's guaranteed.


20 Jan 2016 12:38:45
muscatred to me it seems that there are two things you've missed in your analysis

1. Klopp has never had a full squad. We actually have no idea who he would pick from everyone because he's been injury managing since day 1 and it's been rare that he's had bench options of potential first team players aside from Toure and Allen.

2. Klopp shows full support to every one of his players until they are no longer his players. It's like the anti Mourinho, it's just what he does and how he works and is no real indication of any movement for anyone either for or against.

Overall, although I agree with some points, I think (and hope tbh) that you're underestimating how much clearout we actually need, and how much we plan to use younger players to fill in for the squad options and focus on a core of top level quality.


20 Jan 2016 13:07:13
people really need to learn how to write about their opinion.

you can't start a post with "I will tell you right now that half these guys will be still be in the Liverpool squad next season"

with respect, you can't tell us anything with any sort of validity, it's all conjecture - which is fine but make sure you phrase it that way rather than making out that you know something others don't.


20 Jan 2016 13:08:55
Muscatred
You keep stating Klopp trusts these players but what other option does he have, I know some posters want youth to start ahead of Lallana and Milner and smith ahead of Moreno and ilori at the back but it's not going to happen so Klopp has to trust these players because it's all he has got. These players have been forced on him so he has to use them.


20 Jan 2016 14:20:44
Indian I agree with you. Allen, Milner and Lallana offer very little and should be long gone before Coutinho. Even Coutinho isn't the big hero everyone seems to think he is though. I'm looking forward to seeing how Klopp does and the fact is we can all only guess. I don't even think you can consider game time this season as a factor, that just shows Klopp thinks they are the best option from what we currently have, it doesn't mean Klopp think they are good enough for what he wants.


20 Jan 2016 14:32:36
87, you're right, making statements like that isn't good for debate, I'll retract that bit but how about I replace it with a friendly wager for bragging rights. I say that at least 4 of the players I mentioned will be in the Liverpool squad next season, I'll even go as far as to say 5 to sweeten the deal :)

Hjikle (I've always wanted to ask where your handle comes from), Injuries do play apart but I did do a little bit of science when I was looking at this, I only didn't include it because my post was too long already. I worked out average game time per squad player based on games they were available. Sakho, Skrtel and Clyne have been played every minute they've been available to Klopp, you then get Moreno who's played an average of 88 minutes per game. Where it gets interesting is that Milner is the 6th most played player based on availability with an average of 84 minutes per game. Of the other usual suspects, Lallana matches Coutinho on 76 (for comparison Firmino is down in 13th place on 64. Benteke shows that that Klopp's lost faith in him by playing just 52 per 90 available. Lucas is on on 65 but I think that's inflated by Hendo's absense, it's notable that that number goes down to 35 in games Hendo's started. Finally you get Allen who's down on just 9 minutes per 90 available. The hardest thing to predict is the strikers as only Benteke has been regularly available but Origi's down on just 25 minutes per game when he's fit which doesn't suggest that he's ahead of Benteke yet.


{Ed001's Note - random numbers, it is too small a sample size to get anything from, as you have shown by having Benteke ahead of Origi, when it was clear that Benteke got the early nod then dropped for good. Attacking players lose minutes when we are ahead and they got replaced by Kolo, for example, to help hold a lead. This is more meaningless stats.}

20 Jan 2016 15:40:31
All I'm doing Ed is trying to get some evidence to back my thoughts. Everyone thinks Milner's rubbish but Klopp plays him every single game, he's played far more than Lucas or Allen let alone Firmino, Ibe, Coutinho or Lallana and only slightly less than Can. Klopp clearly appreciates him.


{Ed001's Note - Milner doesn't play in the same position as Lucas or Allen, so how is that relevant? Firmino was carrying an injury, so he can't be compared, plus he very rarely plays wide like Milner. What we do know is Klopp looked at Milner central and wasn't happy as he has not played him there after his first couple of games. Anything else is speculative, as there is no competition out wide other than a woefully out of form youngster.}

20 Jan 2016 10:47:07
I meantioned not to long ago that we needed a striker like Shane long but who scores a lot more goals and is more of a big time player and javier Hernandez was the player that really came to mind. He'd be perfect for klopp, I just wish there was some way somehow to get him. It would be a win win situation, we'd do one on Utd and have a world class striker (in my opinion) playing regularly to our style. If only.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

20 Jan 2016 11:03:43
He has been knocking them in for his club in germany and is integral to their team. Not a snowballs chance in hell, well not this window anyway.


20 Jan 2016 13:31:48
He can't come in this window as he's aalready played for two clubs and can'tplay for 3 Iin one season.


20 Jan 2016 15:02:49
Whose he played for apart from Southampton? 😳.


20 Jan 2016 10:40:30
Hey eds,
These strikers that we are being linked with are we looking at bringing one in now or in the summer? Have tried reading through the posts but couldn't find anything on this. Apologies if i have missed something.

Thanks in advance.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - now.}

20 Jan 2016 10:28:43
On the Long debate, I don't think we should sign him. But if we do I will support him. Could be our new Dirk Kuyt on the right side of an attacking trio I suppose as he works hard, makes runs in behind, creates space and chances for others etc.

That's me being optimistic though and going with my heart. As I don't see him as a good enough goalscorer to play through the centre once our other strikers are back. Sturridge or Ings should play there. With Coutinho on the left and Firmino in behind that would then give us an attacking quartlet who all work hard and score goals. Long will put in a shift a score the odd goal. I just don't want to rely on him as our main goalscorer though.

I'm trying my best to be positive about him as It looks like he will sign and I am a big believer of giving someone the chance to prove themselves before writing them off completely. I am skeptical though.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

20 Jan 2016 11:03:02
If you could guarantee that he would be like Kuyt and chip in with the same amount of goals then i would gladly take him. If he is come and play the central striker role, then no thanks.


20 Jan 2016 11:28:21
I doubt he would play on the right at the moment, what's the point in buying a striker and not playing him as a striker.


20 Jan 2016 13:08:26
I think EMS mentioned 'not good enough to play through the middle once all our other strikers are back', which I think is a fair point. Long could be a useful option out wide at some point in the future when Sturridge/ ings/ Origi return and we want to play 4-3-3.certainly better than Milner out there.


20 Jan 2016 13:42:00
Long plays out wide for Southampton sometimes Fencey.


20 Jan 2016 13:46:36
I agree with a lot of this. I think he could play either on the left or the right and improve the current team (ahead of Lallana or Milner) . He would score more goals than Lallana or Milner and he would be a runner for Firmino to link up with.

Lallana and Milner not scoring at all puts more pressure on Firmino playing down the centre and I think Long would help with this.

Long term it would be another signing we don't really need though so I can see why people don't want him as well. We want to be qualifying for the champions league and challenging for the title, is Long good enough for these aims? I would say he is plenty good enough for a squad/ backup role in a club with these aims but not for a regular starting role. I would prefer to wait until we can get someone who would be pretty much a definite starter long term but if he signs then I don't think he'd be a bad signing either.


20 Jan 2016 14:10:06
EMS Fencey was clearly insinuating there's no need to play Long on the right, he knows he plays there, but that buying him to play there wouldn't make sense. We have Ibe, Lallana, Firmino, Milner who can all play there.


20 Jan 2016 10:27:34
Been reading a fair few posts recently that are either flat questioning Klopp's ability or having sly or thinly veiled digs at him. Are we seriously already having a pop at a manager most of the top teams in Europe would love to have? No wonder are reputation as fans has nosedived.
I for one am still buzzing that every match day I see Klopp in our dug out. He has inherited an unbalanced squad of average players mixed with youngsters who need to develop. He is trying to totally change the way we play and the way we train without a preseason. The players aren't fit enough to press in the manner he likes again he is trying to improve fitness without a preseason.
He has already been able to show glimpses of how a Klopp Liverpool can play. Let's give him this season to settle and assess the squad, then he will have a preseason to fully implement his methods and recruit players that suit. I am excited for next season and I really believe Rodgers left our club in a worse mess than out realise. It was never going to be a quick fix post Rodgers and I think that is partly what attracted Klopp to begin with, the project of getting us back on top.
Can we please all just agree this season would a success with a trophy in the cabinet and nothing more, we will not get top 4 because we do not have top 4 players. Let's be happy and excited about Klopp and our future under him, the constant pessimism on this site can be draining at times.

Believable6 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 11:43:06
Popa, it's more that people are now in a position to comment on his actions rather than his reputation. I think everyone's happy with him but up until this point he's been some mythical figure that will improve us simply by deigning us with his presence.

We're now at the stage where we can't absolve him of responsibility. Caulker and Migs are strange choices that are on his head and that goes for Long if he comes in. We can't blame Rodgers, the TC, the owners or the scouts. These are all things that Klopp's agreed to.

No matter what happens no one's going to be calling for his head this summer. but come next season it's time for him to demonstrate why his reputation's so good.


20 Jan 2016 10:16:43
If we accept this alleged bid for Sturridge from Spurs (or any other team for that matter) I admit it will be hard for me to continure support the team, at least in the short term. I do hope we are patient with him.

Believable3 Unbelievable9

20 Jan 2016 10:27:36
I admitt the club will have a good look into the matter in Summer and not in this window. I would still keep him and put him to a different fitness rgime and play him only 60 mts a match. A 20% fit sturridge is miles better than some of the strikers in the league.
We would never truly replace him. Some of his goals have been world class and made out of nothing. We won at Saints because Danny scored two blinders out of nowhere.

My take on this.


20 Jan 2016 10:42:16
Harry I think we can get Sturridge up to about 23.7% fitness if we get him on a bit more red meat.


20 Jan 2016 10:35:57
I agree. I'm a Sturridge fan before I am a Liverpool fan. I've spent my whole life watching Sturridge win us the 2001 treble, lead a comeback in Istanbul etc.

If Sturridge goes to West Ham then I won't follow Liverpool anymore. LFC is a tiny dot conpared to the man that is Sturridge. He is steeped in History. Remember Shankleys famous quote, "If Liverpool were playing in my garden, I'd close the blinds because we won't sign Sturridge for another 50 years. So they're not worth watching. "


20 Jan 2016 11:01:17
Adam
I know where you are coming from.

IF sturridge goes to west ham for 18 mill (rumoured), Its a joke. He could score more than 18 goals in a single season.
Given we get the money on sturridge, We would roam around europe and get another Balotelli at best.
Not many strikers would fancy a non CL club who has featured once in 7 years.
We just cannot let this happen, Every Year we sell our best player and then buy a new player who is comptely new to the system and league.

If you have no doubt on his quality, Y do you want him to sell a player who has expressed no interest in moving out?

How many games does Aguero plays at City mate?


20 Jan 2016 11:07:14
I would try hypnosis on sturridge, its partly a mental issue with him for me.


20 Jan 2016 11:15:15
Be patient? That's exactly what we have been. If selling sturridge means we get a good replacement foward instead then so be it. How long do we perservere before enough is enough. He'll be fit in time for euros and will get injured again. Why would you reconsider supporting your team for that? We have treated other players far worse than pay them 150k a week to play 6 games a year.


20 Jan 2016 11:41:43
Agueros least pl appearances was 23. Every other season he's been 30+ . sturridge has managed 23 and 30 as His 2 highest in 9 seasons. He is twice as injury prone as aguero. If he could play half the games people would probably say keep him but he's nowhere near that in the last 2 years.


20 Jan 2016 11:44:12
It's the same old story for me. If a player doesn't work out for us, get the best price and replace him with better. I'd hate to see Danny go but if we can find a 20 goal a season striker who doesn't get injured much for the same price, let's do the deal.


20 Jan 2016 11:56:16
Like Ed002 said, its time for the club and Sturridge to part ways. If an offer of more than 12 million comes in (what we paid for him), then i hope the club take it without 2nd thoughts. If our scouting department does its job properly, i'm sure we can get our hands on a quality striker who would not cost too much. Sturridge won't be a big miss then.


20 Jan 2016 13:10:57
I think if we get enough for him and have a replacement lined up then makes send to get someone more reliable in, but still have a fading hope he'll come good.


20 Jan 2016 13:29:19
Who would you suggest we could get in with his quality for the reported £18m. Benteke was 29m and he is half the quality of sturridge. I say we should be patient but i can understand if the club makes the hasty decision to cash in.


20 Jan 2016 10:15:19
West ham rumoured to go for sturrdige 18 million

Loads crap I'd say but what would you lot like if it was true.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 10:33:52
I would Keep him, The money is not good enough and there is no replacement lined up yet. I do not want another torres situation ( Panick Buying )


20 Jan 2016 10:38:33
Swap deal for Carroll? Looked good against us earlier in the season. Could do a job up front in a front 3 of Carroll, Benteke and Caulker. Lots of height, strength, heading ability, tall, tough, good in the air, all over 6ft, hench, win the aerial battles etc.


20 Jan 2016 11:08:17
Lots of sarcasm from you today ems, love it lol.


20 Jan 2016 11:43:37
Haha I'm In a good mood Barnez!


20 Jan 2016 13:33:25
if these injuries are partly down to klopps training methods, what chance do we have of getting a full pre season out of him never mind a full league campaign. We all know what he can do on the pitch but he is no use to us in the treatment room. I think we have been patient with him.


20 Jan 2016 09:42:12
Rather than waste money on Long to solve our striker problem, why not spend the money on a winger who can cross the ball perfectly? It would allow benteke to sit in the box heading in balls all day solving our goals issue plus having the added bonus of solving our crossing/ free kick/ corner kick problem as well.
If Klopp decides to sell benteke in the summer then we still have a winger who crosses the ball for next season and that to me is much more useful than Long who will only end up as back up to Sturridge/ Ings/ origi/ firmino and whoever else Klopp buys in the summer.
We have benteke already and although he's clearly not fancied by Klopp if you play to his strengths he's going to get you a lot of goals, I can't see why we can't do that.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

20 Jan 2016 09:56:27
But would you not rather Klopp plays the way he is going to play next season (even though he doesn't have the players for it) so then when summer does come and he recruits the players that suit him the players already at the club who will be staying (Hendo, Can, Firmino, Moreno, Clyne etc. ) will already know what is needed for Klopp's style of play and there is not yet another 'transition' next season because this season is clearly a write off.


20 Jan 2016 10:06:42
Stevie 8,
Including Long, the club would have 5 strikers plus Firmino. How are you going to manage them all? I would rather use IBe up top with firmino, If all you need is to chase and press hard. Ibe has got serious pace, He is young and would chase all day, His goals have come all from the middle. If you are a wise manager you would use your resources wise.


20 Jan 2016 10:20:02
It's a right off league wise but we still have 3 cups to play for with a great chance of getting to the final in one of them. Someone said yesterday about giving ibe a chance up front. Personally I think that's a good idea instead of wasting money on players who don't improve the first team. See where we are in the summer.


20 Jan 2016 11:19:16
I'd use Ibe up front too, needs to leant how to chase down a short corner first though!


20 Jan 2016 11:42:14
Have to agree about style of play posts, this season wasn't never going to be a huge success even with Rodgers at the helm. Now with Klopp in charge this season is being used at it should. Of course we want to perform and win every game but this presents us with an opportunity to implement the way Klopp wants to play whilst also finding out who in our current squad can adjust and adapt to his style, it's better than just having a pre season with the players provided everyone keeps in mind this season is in some ways being used as an extended pre season, but as stated we are still in 3 cup competitions, 1 of which we are 1 game from the final of, we have progressed past the group stage of the europa league and hopefully will get into the 4th round of the F. A cup.

Loaning players is the ideal situation for us in this moment, but if the right player for klopps style was available then go for it, but Shane long is far from the answer we have have options within the club and should be using them. But we are in a right mess financially and this can't be ignored. But people already saying Klopp can't do it or dosnt know what he is doing need to wake up, this mess wasn't created overnight it's been years of bad decisions and mismanagement that's created what we have and it will take just as long if not longer to sort it and get it right, Klopp is the man to do this and he will do it. I myself am still pumped he is here and still honestly can't believe we pulled it off and got him, he will bring success and stability back to Liverpool along with silverware.

In this moment, I believe.


20 Jan 2016 12:13:19
Not again
I didn't mention once we should sign long but what would bringing in an out and out cross the ball winger in who is very unlikely to feature next season?


20 Jan 2016 13:20:41
Last thing we should do is change our style. we've played wonderful attacking football without Benteke in the side so the onus is on either/ all of
1) Benteke to fit in with that style (we look rubbish playing to his strengths)
2) the existing players to step up - even more disturbing than striker issues for me are how infrequently we see goals from our midfielders
3) patiently wait for the right Long term solution to come available if Benteke doesn't adapt/ Sturridge can't make it back from the treatment room.


20 Jan 2016 03:22:32
Ed02.
Reading your replies and all the info you (and all eds) has made me a more educated supporter. All that said I was wondering if you could give a little more detailed info into the backroom differences between LFC and Chelsea. By reading your responses go different posts, you seem to prefer the way Chelsea does business as opposed to LFC. I am not disputing that at all. Just hoping for your insight.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I would be more than happy to do this but it will only upset those that think Liverpool is anything other than a financially mismanaged mess with no direction regarding loan players, players they buy etc.. Not worth the grief, sorry.}

20 Jan 2016 11:13:58
I agree ed02 much like this nonsense buying a non descript player for 8 plus million like we have that sitting around under the matress or something. We are in serious hock and need to sell the multitude of mediocre players on the books so we can buy real quality to elevate the club. I said we had become a mid table club under rodgers and the decision makers in the club seem to want to keep us there.


20 Jan 2016 13:01:51
How come the entire world can see Liverpool are failing to deliver on the pitch and behind the scenes yet nothing seems to change for the better. Are the board really that stupid or arrogant and refusing to admit the whole thing is a mess? Why can't they just copy the business model of a successful club out there now and try to replicate that, at least until they achieve some kind of stability or a genuine plan for the direction they're looking to take the club? Sorry if that's a bit ranty, the whole thing is just eternal confusion.


20 Jan 2016 08:50:02
Well if trust about Shane Long it can only be back use he would be cheap and is already a PL player.
How bad could he be though, 32 million for Benteke who's been poor, 29 million for Firmnho again hasn't been top class, Lallana 24 million and not much, Milner I'm sure wasn't free and huge wages and pretty poor. Long will run and chase as much as any of these guys plus he will score some goals and make runs leaving space for others to exploit and is a lot more physical than any of these guys.
He's young so should be able to recoup some or all of the fee when he's sold on.
Just my thoughts.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

{Ed001's Note - young? He turns 29 in a couple of days.}

20 Jan 2016 09:03:46
I'm 46 Ed so he's young.


20 Jan 2016 09:51:37
Mcgoveb, I am 68 so you are young.


20 Jan 2016 10:10:57
Red since 64, going to have to ask; who did you support for the first 16 years of your life :O.


20 Jan 2016 10:47:06
Haha excellent banter all around from the Coffin Dodgers.
Only joking lads. Hope the Shane Long rumours disappear and the Morata ones develop further.


20 Jan 2016 11:16:08
How would we pay for morata, as a matter of fact how can we afford long.


20 Jan 2016 11:44:49
Charlie Austin has just been sold for 4 million hasn't he, that's cheap, has a few years left, will run around, might even score 1 or 2, better option than long, damn might even have been a better option than lallana and Benteke.


20 Jan 2016 11:54:42
Red I could then possibly play up front. Long distance runner here with no football skill so could fit in with some of our friend mids 😜.


20 Jan 2016 08:37:30
There is so many lads on here bashing Shane long. Liverpool are mid table and need points. Klopp needs a striker who can pull defences apart and create space for oncoming attacking midfielders. Benteke is not clever enough and he will never make correct runs to create that space which long does all the time. I think he could be a good addition at the right price. 15-20 goals a season man.

Believable6 Unbelievable7

20 Jan 2016 08:55:20
Shane Long has never scored more than 8 goals in a Premier League season. Ever. He is basically a 1 in 5 player. Not even close being a good enough player for LFC.


20 Jan 2016 08:57:28
Shame you wasn't manager in the summer Robbie could have saved the club 20 million. I totally agree it's all about styles mate and Long will score goals in a Klopp team. And I said at the time when we bought him that Benteke was lazy and way overpriced.


20 Jan 2016 09:18:27
Long never has been a 15-20 goal a season player barely even a 7 goal a season player.


20 Jan 2016 09:41:31
If you focus on Long being just a goal scorer he's not worth splashing out on but if he brings 8 goals this season and runs behind defenders creating space and goal scoring opportunities for the rest of the team, he might be an asset.


20 Jan 2016 10:51:12
Sorry but not one sentence of what any one has said is true.

Shane longs premiership totals are 2,3,8,8,3,4,5,5 (so far) that's 38 in 191 matches

People say shane long runs a lot and creates space, he does, it's just a shame that most his running takes him out far too wide to actually make an impact. He cosntantly tries to drag central defender wide with him toc reate space, but when they don't come he just carries on and puts himself wide vs the left back, in doing so he then occupies the space the right winger or wingback will be wanting to get into, he doesn't think about the next move, in dropping in between either to create indecisiveness or simply being able to receive and turn.

Throw in he requires a very high line to use his pace, even then his finishing is very poor usually when he does get in behind.

It's not about being in the right team. West Brom attempted to play to his strengths in having him up there with another pacey forward in Odemwingie and then also Lukaku, he didn't shine with either competent forward, playing counter attacking footbal with Odemwingie and getting between the lines, or getting in behind from a lukaku lay off.

This all elads me to believe shane long will not:
A get us the required goals from a striker
B create the space necessary centrall
C offer anything else lallana's Ibe's Firmino's workrates currently don't

We will be buying a 28 year old striker known simply for workrate (which we have in Firmino) who across several prem season barely gets more goals than Firmino already has, who will be replaced again if Studge or Origi is fit, who doesn't have a footballing brain and doesn't do much more than run head down toward the corner flag. We had that with Diouf for 2 years!

No thanks.


20 Jan 2016 08:26:47
Regarding the Long rumour, do the Eds think this is prelude to another player leaving the club this window ie a replacement? or is it just adding to our already bloated squad?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - adding.}

20 Jan 2016 07:58:00
I think Long will do a decent job, i'm sorry Ed I understand your views on him but give hin a run of games i'm sure he can convert sone of the chances were creating. I also think
Klopp cam get him playing.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

20 Jan 2016 08:41:43
How old is Long? i would be happy if he can press well, his mobility and injury records is an upgrade on Benteke and Sturridge. and he won't be on 120k a week like boring Milner.


20 Jan 2016 08:46:31
How old is Long? i would be happy if he can press well, his mobility and injuries is an upgrade on Benteke and Sturridge. and he won't be on 120k a week like boring Milner.


20 Jan 2016 08:50:16
When Liverpool bought Aldridge and Lambert fans at the time said are they good enough. But because they where known fans and scousers, they knew they would try. Aldo was a predator give him the service and he would score, Barnes Beardsley and Houghton where brought in to create chances and Aldo put them away. Ricky unfortunately didn't have players like Barnes or Beardsley to help him. The thing with Long he will put a shift in, Aldo's sell by date was short 2 and half seasons and gone. I believe Long in a 3 up front will take more chances and score more than Lallana in a 3 has. I think he will score more than Ricky did. He's good enough for what we need at this time and will score more than Milner and Lallana, so he's better at putting chances away than what we have got. I would take him. I think he will be a pest and something different.


20 Jan 2016 09:26:22
Would he improve our current situation given injuries - yes. is he the right long term solution for our ambitions to be a top 4 side - unlikely.

He's a squad player but with one upside can also play on the wing.

My own preference would be to do nothing and be patient, but I'm also somehow OK if he comes in cheap enough (say 10-12m) to allow us to still chase a top class striker in the summer if one becomes available (assuming we'd then be selling a couple too) .

A reasonable outcome could potentially be to bring in Shane to provide air cover at wing and striker now, and then look to sell on Benteke and Sturridge (if doesn't prove his fitness by then) to buy a genuine lead striker like Lacazette or Aubemeyang.

Aubemeyang, Ings, Origi and Shane Long and Firmino able to play either wing/ striker would be a useful line up. Perhaps I've just been playing too much football manager though!


20 Jan 2016 09:29:21
To be fair ricky never got a chance!


20 Jan 2016 11:24:41
Im sorry but the argument that he would score more that llalana or firmino etc is a moot point. There has been no evidence based on his record so far that he would be any better than benteke. In fact without checking i would wager benteke has scored more than him this season and that's with him warming the bench most of it. 8 to 10m is not chicken feed or confetti its real money the club does not currently have to waste on dross.


20 Jan 2016 06:29:11
Ok. hearing a lot about Long transfer. I know he is in good form atm but I think we should not do this transfer for anything more than 8mil. Definitely not worth it.

And why the hell we keep buying players off Southampton?

I would rather we make do with what we have until summer than get into this mess of acquiring average players again.

Idk why the club are suddenly so impatient, is the pressure of media and maybe some fans getting to them?

Anyways hoping that this one doesn't happen.

P. S : 5 years contract to Migs based on what? Has he been performing awesome in training matches which we don't see.

Bizzare stuff going on at Liverpool.

Why doesn't everyone take a chill pill and see where we are at in the summer.

Believable7 Unbelievable2

20 Jan 2016 06:49:28
Given we sign Long then like many other outside th page I would start believing there exist a TC people sit around a table and throw random names while the manager is mum and the players are imposed on the manager.

Shane long is not the answer. Someone has to realize Klopp. He keep insisting he has the final say on all the transfers.


20 Jan 2016 08:06:25
It does seem bizarre, however I can only assume they are looking at now. Obviously Benteke doesn't do what Klopp wants. Having seen Long (son at Saints so get tickets) he does work hard and would fit in with what Klopp wants. I am NOT saying he is "it" but just that he would be better than what we have in Benteke to do the hard work.

Who else would be a realistic alternative? As the Ed says, Benteke doesn't create space for others to get into scorong positions. Long does and actually may help the others get a few.

Not a Shane Long is great post, just a thought.


20 Jan 2016 09:04:31
Regarding Migs being given the 5 year deal, perhaps this is one way that ensures a slightly better return when he is sold in the Summer!?


20 Jan 2016 12:49:42
Dalglish, 2 years or 5 years? Won't make a difference. His 'old' contract still had 2.5 years left to run.

Only way this makes sense to me is if Migs has agreed to a pay cut in the new contract.

I believe this is unlikely!


20 Jan 2016 06:28:09
Shane long is not the answer Klopp. He hardly knows about PL and the players and insist he has the final say on the transfer.
Like every top club we need a 20 goal season striker and that is not Long.

Cheers.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

20 Jan 2016 08:42:31
I do not think that Long is envisioned as our long-term 20 goal striker.


20 Jan 2016 08:46:57
So what your saying is you know more then klopp about the prem?


20 Jan 2016 09:25:47
Majority on this site knows more than Klopp about PL, simply because we have been watching the games and players from a very long time while Klopp is very new to the league.
I don't think he would have even seen Long play ( Did he actually play for Saints this season )


20 Jan 2016 10:12:51
So you know more about the league than klopp but don't know if long has played this season.


20 Jan 2016 12:52:05
Harry, harry, harry!

What an idiotic and patronising thing to say!

On that basis, why isn't Sam Allardyce our manager? Surely he's been watching the EPL from the start, and therefore should know more than Pochettino, Klopp etc?


20 Jan 2016 06:16:23
Anyone explain the Premier League trend of not wanting to start two strikers?

Believable4 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 06:28:40
Coz there are too many CM and ACM in the club.


20 Jan 2016 06:56:52
Really?

Does that apply to most clubs in the league then, over the last few years?


20 Jan 2016 07:05:19
Yes Davey.
Majority of the teams plays 3 CM for better stability or 3 ACM for better chances creation.
While they they also ensure there are enough goal scorers in their ACM and CM.
Football mainly is won in the midfield and there you would need more bodies.
But yes you could definitely play two up top if one of your striker possess an instinct to drop deep be the third body in the midfield.
Aguero for example.


20 Jan 2016 07:46:25
Watford still play 2 Strikers, and are really good at it.

A lot of managers seem to prefer playing 4-2-3-1 at the minute. In attack that soon becomes 3-5-2 with one of the midfielders dropping in and the full backs pushing up on the wing allowing the 3 behind the striker to get in and support around the box.
Seems to offer more stability and more potency. That is why so many teams like to have a strong front man such as Giroud, Benzema, Costa, The Zlat. All of these players bring the midfielders into the game. They are good goal scorers themselves but add more to the team by creating space for the others to get in.
I think we were hoping Benteke could do that for us, but he is not mobile enough.
There are definitely teams who still play 2 up top though, although Watford are the only team who spring straight to mind.


20 Jan 2016 08:08:43
It's not working for us though, how I yearn for us to go 4-4-2.


20 Jan 2016 08:21:47
We don't have enough fit strikers! haha.


20 Jan 2016 09:05:12
Watford have lost their last 4 games. Managers have now worked them out, stop the supply.


20 Jan 2016 09:28:56
I would like to see Benteke played as two upfront, too static to play 4-2-3-1 for us.


{Ed023's Note - He played in a 2 against Exeter and still looked static and isolated}

20 Jan 2016 14:01:19
We haven't got two fit strikers 😫.


20 Jan 2016 17:04:32
But surely we can play Benteke and Firmino upfront ahead of Hendo, Can, Milner, Lallana (or Coutinho) as a 4 man midfield?


{Ed001's Note - what on earth? We played a two up top against Man Utd! Lallana was alongside Firmino as the two.}

20 Jan 2016 05:27:10
Was told a statistic the other day that I found incredible.
In his first 100 days as Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez had 8 games to manage. that's 1 every 12 days, with plenty of time between to properly train and educate his players to his style.
Klopp has had 21 in his first 100 days, because he was appointed just before the festive madness. that's is 1 in just under 5 days, including European fixtures and FA Cup and League Cup. He really has not had any decent time between matches to fully implement his style, certainly not with a fit squad. No wonder there are so many hamstring injuries, his change in pressing means we are coveing an average of an extra 5km per match, at a higher pace, without a pre season.
As the eds have said, this is a bit of a nothing season, were Klopp could still lift the League Cup. He needs time and a full pre-season before we can really judge.

Believable10 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 06:29:25
He is recruiting wrong players and handing wrong contracts which is a real worry my friend.
I have no idea why the club is after long.


20 Jan 2016 07:16:37
Rafa was appointed 16.06.04, the season wouldn't have started till 2nd week august (approx. ), that's almost 8 week with a couple of 2 bit friendlies. Don't pay too much attention to stats, they can be sugar coated a lot of the time. Klopp has had a lot of games in not a lot of time. So what? He's doing a job with what he has. At least we have him and casn look to the future n not pollute this constantly with the begging / crying out for his appointment.


20 Jan 2016 07:49:33
LFC 84, you mistake the intent behind my message. All I am reading into the difference is that it will take Klopp longer to train the players into his style because he does not have as many 'free' days to train with the players, nor does he have the opportunity to get a pre-season in.
Not_Again, the transfers and contracts are from previous regime still. That is why the scouting department is being moved around and why Klopp has not began signing his own targets yet.


Messi Owes Ronaldo, Man City Upset Australia And Dortmund Not Quite Ready Plus More

20 Jan 2016 05:33:39
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Messi Owes Ronaldo, Man City Upset Australia And Dortmund Not Quite Ready Plus More

Believable0 Unbelievable0

20 Jan 2016 04:01:00
I think what klopp overlooks is that while he had hard working players at Dortmund, he also had players that matched it with quality. I don't know enough about long but klopp needs to look for quality players who love to fight no matter what, players like suarez, costa, ibrahimovic, aguero etc. look for the next star. take risks, instead of playing it safe all the time.

firmino has quality, but he's weak and goes missing. he looks like a fighter at times but I think after he beefs up a little bit and adjusts to the pace of premier league, he will be a valuable player.

right now our only player who fits these important qualitys is sturridge. (might not have the workrate, but uses his energy very efficiantly) Players like can, henderson, origi, sakho, flanagan, lucas, allen, continho, firmino, Ibe are all good players and some have the potential to be great.

everyone else i haven't mentioned are ethier not good enough or haven't had the chance to prove themselves yet.

Believable2 Unbelievable5

20 Jan 2016 07:06:30
Im also hopeful and think Firmino can be a great player. a lot of people forget Suarez was not too great his first season (Well half) . As long as he doesn't let his head drop and he keeps working hard and learning the BPL, then there's no reason he can't prove to be worh the 29 mil spent on him.


20 Jan 2016 10:00:46
Is the reality that we are a mid table team? We are very very poor and we have been talking about change and transition for years and years. We will get better but it is going to take a great deal of time and patience. We need to clear some deadwood and begin the building process again because everywhere you look in our squad screams mediocrity in my opinion. We clearly have financial problems at the club and we cannot attract big name players that everybody craves until we get back into the c. l. it's going to take klopp a a while to get the players he wants and then we can truly assess his managerial skills and get a true reflection of what we can achieve. I love the club and I love klopp but I just watch us at the moment and kills me because we are just poor. Run around an awful lot but with no end product at all and then we get punished. We have been unlucky with injuries and robbed of most of our forwards but we have to move onwards and upwards. Roll on the end of the season. . YNWA.


19 Jan 2016 22:21:51
{Ed001's Note - I would prefer us to make use of what we have. This season was never going to amount to anything due to starting it with Rodgers in charge, it should give Klopp free reign to just look at the kids in competitive matches with no pressure.
===========================

LFC can't have a nothing season, we need to be in Europe next season, CL or EL, our finances and sponsorship dependant on it . I agree with you, Long is not the answer in my opinion, but someone somewhere convinced Klopp that Long fits the profile, and in his first season you can't blame the manager for not arguing . As I posted before when Klopp was hired, our problems is not just the manager, there are many others that need showing the door in positions around him and in top of him.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

{Ed001's Note - none of our sponsorship is dependent on European competition and we are financially struggling regardless.}

20 Jan 2016 00:18:47
Long will be a good signing. like cfc under AG did with Anelka in his twelight career over the years back when Drogba went for AFCON Championship. he was brought to paper the cracks, which he did perfectly and went on to achieve some success. so who knows, Long might come and surprise many. after all Firmino is yet to return the favor of fans expectation here when he first sign and it is 5months now, besides Long and Firmino have something in common, they both scored brace vrs afc. by the start of the season if we were linked to Vardy many would have killed Rodgers. football is a unique and strange game, we have to see positive in every doing our manager untill he is gone. Klopp is the gaffer?

Believable1 Unbelievable5

20 Jan 2016 01:48:49
Long's highest goal scoring tally in the PL was 8. And that was several years back. He's a hard worker and probably a better fit than Benteke (although most would be), but we simply have to stop giving long term contracts to players who aren't clearly better than what we have.


20 Jan 2016 01:59:46
I am a fan of Shane long. I don't know why. I just rate him. He could be a kuyt. Who knows. I reckon he and ings together would be pretty damn good. I'm hoping it turns out to be shrewd business and not just cheap business.

As far as our new loan signing goes, sorry, forgot his name at the moment, it's been a long day at work, well. Klopp seems to use him up front or as a holding midfielder rather then a central defender. I find that extremely interesting. He isn't defensive cover. He is a tall option down the middle.

I trust klopp and I'm happy to have a manager with passion and vision. I trust his, and his assembled crews judgement. Sometimes it's the signings that make us go why? Might actually be the best ones. I hope :/.


20 Jan 2016 02:37:19
Most of fans here are delusional. First we have no $. 2nd its a jan window, most clubs or players don not want to move. Third we are not as attractive a proposition compared to mega rich clubs. We are 3rd tier as we have no UCL football and languishing in midtable. So we really need to patch a hole, a half decent player who can do the job for now without breaking bank, we should.


{Ed001's Note - patching a hole is how we got a hole in the first place. We need to rebuild not patch things up.}

20 Jan 2016 03:01:25
Rodgers said on goals on sunday "Young Vardy is doing well. he's only going to get better" Vardy is 29!


20 Jan 2016 07:12:04
Im Irish so i'm slightly bias towards the Irish. I do like Long, most likelt because he's Irish and as much as i'd like to see some green boys wearing the red, he's not good enough. I think he has the right game to suit Klopp but his qualities are close to nothing. We need 20 + a season striker. We already have Origi and Benteke with INgs and Studge (Maybe) to come back. Other than a fit sturridge none of these are the first choice striker we need and adding Long to that ridiculously long list of strikers is shambolic!


20 Jan 2016 08:33:10
I have to agree with my Irish compatriot Walkon.
I've always liked Long and have been calling for him to start for years, but being a starter for Ireland isn't the same as for Liverpool, even Conor Sammon has started for Ireland for dog's sake. As much as I miss the days of Boys in Green playing for the Reds, I just don't see this rumoured transfer as good business. I would rather keep the money and loan somebody like Jesé or even Rossi and reexamine the situation in the summer.


 
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