Liverpool Banter Archive April 22 2015

 

Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.

22 Apr 2015 21:16:01
Saw a response from DaveyBootle earlier which was a breath of fresh air on here, an old school (daft) rumour.

Going back to the days of the old rumours when this site was first born and where mine and many others addiction started.

Question is, has anyone got any good old fashioned rumours from their mate's dad's brother has heard from someone in the pub that Wonderdog Sparky has put in a transfer request?

Someone must have heard something from inside the club or around the city? Unfortunately I don't live near the city anymore so don't her any whispers, but would greatly appreciate anything from anyone .

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23 Apr 2015 09:28:38
There is one of the most unbelievable, ridiculous ones ever going round at the minute.
Skrtle to get a new contract, I laughed so hard my head fell off.
Oh hold on.

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23 Apr 2015 21:03:30
heard a beauty Brendan rogers is a tactical genius

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22 Apr 2015 20:58:27
What's the transfer status of and do Liverpool or any sides have any interest in

Serge Aurier
Pedro
Christoph Kramer
Ahmed Musa
Gary Medel
Angelo Ogbonna

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{Ed002's Note - There is interest in a couple but not from Liverpool.}

22 Apr 2015 20:10:18
Evening Eds

In your honest opinion, from what you know about realistic targets & what you also know about the clubs finances, do you think we can be competitive in the transfer market in the summer? I know we have no Champions League money to look forward too next season & have read some of the Eds posts that things are still not quite there yet financially at Liverpool yet but with the new kit & sponsorship deals, new Sky TV money & the alleged multi-millions saved on wages were going to have from big earners leaving, could we get in those maybe 2-4 players that would be First eleven players to see us push on? The only squad player I'd like too see come in is Danny Ings as I'd love to see the lad make the step up & have a success at a big club like us, bar that as all fans is like to see 2-4 players come in, experienced defender, central midfielder & striker, possibly a attacking midfielder/striker style player too if we can.
Also Eds do you think Brendan is incapable of managing high profile players maybe due to never managing at the top level before Liverpool, heard a few opinions of ex players & insiders saying he struggles to cope with players with egos, which is a worry if true as in today's game the dressing rooms are full of them.
Cheers Eds

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{Ed002's Note - I have said where I know of interest. You need to read that. Successful sides get to a point where it is a couple of first teamers in and out each year - Arsenal is a good example of that. It provides a successful and sustained approach to the game. The owners have invested to try and get there - FFP and everything else (debt) means that those days are over and for the first time in years the club must act responsibly. There is money there in past mistakes - that may be the saving grace.}

23 Apr 2015 08:10:25
A lot of cash to be fair Ed.

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{Ed002's Note - Firstly the club needs to deal with this seasons FFP issue. Then they need to think about the vast debts the club has.}

23 Apr 2015 12:40:55
Do you know Eds if the financial issues we have are still there from the previous owners & FSG & the club are still in process of repairing the damage or are the same mistakes being made? I can't claim to know nothing about finances or anything of the sort but I'd of thought a club with Liverpool's history & stature in the game must still be an attractive option for sponsors & companies ect. There always seems to be announcements about sponsorships & partners ect, are we not getting the best deals or are we just not that big a draw anymore?
i understand if it's not something you wish to answer as I know you guys have said before how complicated the finance side of things are, it's just a tad worrying if we are not capitalising in areas & if the same mistakes are being made.

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool are doing very well commercially.}

22 Apr 2015 20:10:47
Contract extension on the table for Skrtel

BR must be the only manager that thinks he's good, please sell him while he has some value.

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22 Apr 2015 20:51:11
If he's no good then he won't have any value. Don't no what people's issues are with him, yes he makes a few errors but like most do. He is the only one who shows aggression and fight. He gets pulled out of Posistion and has to cover for others. He's a threat at the other end. Give the guy a break please. He's better on the ball than Sakho and Lovren. I'm happy he's staying.

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22 Apr 2015 21:18:37
Good??? He got a game under every manager we had haha

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22 Apr 2015 23:37:34
@Scousebag14

He's slow, he drops too deep too early, he doesn't communicate with the rest of the defence and he's not really able to deal with a player who's able to physically bully him.

He's looked decent recently because we've been playing with a back three where's he has less ground to cover and is less likely to have to defend in a 1v1 situation without cover behind or around him. If we go back to a back 4, as we really should so we don't have to play people out of position, his limitations will be exposed again.

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23 Apr 2015 02:05:37
Seriously,? Better than Kirikou and Lovren on the ball? You must be sleeping thru games or slept thru the Villa game where Benteke toyed with him the whole game. Or is it the fact that we went to three CB's in order to babysit him which will never make him our best CB because if he was, why does he need to be babysat? Word of advice, bro, STOP whatever drugs you're taking because it is making you sound blind and silly.

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{Ed001's Note - what did he mean by 'gets pulled out of position'? So he is rank amateur at positioning yet you want to keep him scousebag? That makes no sense.}

23 Apr 2015 04:16:54
Scousebag14, to add to something red's assessment, if you bother to look at the statistics, Skrtel is not better on the ball. Players stats on the official LFC website says Sakho has the highest pass completion rates of anyone in the first team. This fallacy that Sakho is bad on the ball is just that - a fallacy.

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23 Apr 2015 08:13:50
The examples of him dropping deep were so obvious against Villa.
At one point he dropped into the box having retreated 20 yds already.
What is the point of a CB if they don't make a tackle or at least make a decision to make a tackle?
Having said that I don't think he is the main problem in the team.
There are other issues to address.
If he stays it would be as 3rd choice CB for me.

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23 Apr 2015 09:11:38
Ok all , if he is so bad why is the manager offering a new contract (I do agree that he shouldn't get one).

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{Ed001's Note - because he is the wrong man for the job.}

23 Apr 2015 13:56:43
Really Mcgoveb? You had to ask?

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23 Apr 2015 16:38:15
I think for all of his faults he is a good squad CB.
Is Gabriel at Arsenal better? Or Evans at United?
You do need an experienced Cb in an emergency and he could fill that role for me especially considering that it looks likely we will have European football of some variety.
But I

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22 Apr 2015 18:54:58
just wondered if anyone had any ideas about what brendan should do with the transfer kitty this summer?

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{Ed002's Note - Read the posts.}

22 Apr 2015 19:38:56
Give it to someone else?

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22 Apr 2015 19:46:04
Invest it in gold for a long term return. It can't go much lower.

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23 Apr 2015 02:06:46
Is he getting one, should b your first question.

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23 Apr 2015 04:17:46
Is there a transfer kitty to have without player sales?

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23 Apr 2015 09:26:40
Dunno, he might be able to use it all to get a bottle of bubbly in for the players, proseco though, not champagne.

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22 Apr 2015 17:58:41
With rumours rife about Rodgers future, how reliable are the reports about summer targets?
With a new restructure being considered with the "transfer committee" and the Management under review- i'm assuming that transfers will wait until after this?

and in your opinion Eds will this make us a few moves behind rival clubs for new players? Or do FSG have a idea of what they plan to do already so that the restructure will happen quickly and in the near future?

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{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what your expectations are; managers, like players come and go reasonably seamlessly - other clubs manage just fine and I am sure Liverpool can as well.}

22 Apr 2015 17:58:22
Yay. I finally am able to post things again.
There was an issue with my password and I could not post anything.
I'm back.
And this time its personal!
Rodgers in out in out and can we please shake him all about.
How are the Eds?
And how are the posters?

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22 Apr 2015 17:35:50
Between bring benetiz back and skittles being our best defender. I can say this, forget the manager and shocking players. If defence is not corrected with the right players and organised this summer Liverpool will not have any chance of winning the league for the next few years or even challenging. We will never be the barca side of a few years ago with a woeful defence but winning titles.
Far too many fans are oblivious to how important defence is and as a team defending.
we won nothing when we scored 100 plus goals' when will fans open their eyes. Our worst defender is rewarded another large pay package which will probably wave any hope of loris being given a chance.
DepaY apparently being seriously looked at and will cost 20 plus million a position we are filled with too many players and an unproven very young player. Our potential recruitment yet again is alarming. We have one striker good enough to play for Liverpool that spends his days in the medical room. The midfield needs bolstered with a top player when Gerrard goes and we are scouting decent keeper's but I have yet to see our interest in one top class goalkeeper. I have no faith in our current manager or the transfer committee. Fsg have plugged huge amounts of money and have nothing to show for it. Shouldn't the men wasting the money be on the chopping board with Rodgers?

it will be a long summer Because already the signs are disappointing

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22 Apr 2015 18:52:24
The fact that his nickname is Skittles shows he is NOT our best defender. Also, rearding him w/ a contract shows how we have been guilty of rewarding mediocrity as well as strategic vision in the TW for over 2 decades. If the owners wanna keep pouring money down the drain for no resason, let them. It`s their money not mine.

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22 Apr 2015 19:10:37
That's why mourinho is succesful because he plays defensive/counter football against big teams and exploits there weaknesses. Rodgers just puts his best team out and thinks he can beat anyone, that's why he needs to go

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22 Apr 2015 19:24:37
Red ohio.
The money comes from the club. We as fans pay for match tickets, shirts,merchandise sky sports or by football or lfc tv. We the fans make the club. If lfc had no fans there would be no money. the owners have seen no return on their investment and most likely will never see a return in their reign. That's why I hope they are cut throat this summer as they are ultimately running a business

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22 Apr 2015 21:14:05
Big Al, the owners will clean up one day when they sell Liverpool.

Aside from the Sky money, the game is becoming more global and I'm sure there will always be potential investors, regardless of the circumstances.

Liverpool are very fortunate to sustain such a brand and fortunately for us, the romanticism of the club keeps things ticking along, because the results certainly haven't over a number of years.

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23 Apr 2015 02:08:55
Big Al, you made my point for me. It's their investment, it's their money.

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23 Apr 2015 09:29:58
Good post Big Al.

Petr Cech. That is all.

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22 Apr 2015 17:07:05
do you think rodgers should be given till christmas to see if he can turn things around and if so could he and the transfere comitte be trusted to spend the money on wats needed or will it be another sumer of players like borina aspas ect with socalled potential

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{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

22 Apr 2015 18:53:44
He`s had three years, 215m to spend, and achieved nothing and won nothing. What would 4 months change?

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22 Apr 2015 19:11:46
It's disgraceful and i'm really surprised pundits are sticking up for him. I'm thinking of phoning talk sport and having a rant haha

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23 Apr 2015 02:14:10
They are media hacks who if they like you as they like BR, they will stick up for him regardless of his failures which works for him because he now gets to make his case in the media as to why he should be kept despite his frequent debacles. Makes sense really. Don't pay too much attention to these people. They were the same ones who lobbied for KK to be kept and still got the sack. If he will be sacked, these losers can't save him, no matter how much they try.

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23 Apr 2015 08:00:15
If we get Klopp then I would not be against Rodgers getting the boot and It could be a good bit of business by the club.
If we can't get Klopp then I would not get rid of Rodgers.
I would give him another year.

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22 Apr 2015 15:40:24
Hi EDs
Just wondering, what are your thoughts on Divock Origi. At his current level will he have any impact on the 1st team next season? If buyers can be found for Balo, Borini and Lambert they will surely be sold during the transfer window. We will need to sign a quality forward with Sturridges injury problems(and i don't class Ings as quality).

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{Ed002's Note - Read the posts.}

22 Apr 2015 15:54:07
I haven't posted in ages, and haven't started a topic (well new thread) in a don't know how long but here goes.

The semi-final was a huge disappointment for all LFC fans and was even bigger let-down as I am sure many were pinning their hopes on it being successful and then fingers crossed a win in the Final.
However, I think most fair-minded fans will have seen the slip-up coming as despite being on a great run of late (leaving aside the Man Utd and Arsenal results) we were not playing anywhere near the level of game we enjoyed watching last season and had become predictable - a massive slice of luck won the game for us against Swansea and have certainly not been free-flowing with the goals - a factor that was highlighted last season as a strength and got us through games and which many on here, and expert pundits, stated couldn't last.
I think our main problem is that we have become predictable - much the same as BR found out at Swansea in his second season. Teams now fill the middle of the park and don't allow space between their back 4 and midfield choking off the space and room for Lallana, Coutinho, Sterling when at the tip of the diamond and aligned with this switching to a back 3 means we have no overlapping full backs to take advantage when teams defend narrow against us.
There has been no discernible change in the way we play in games (IMO) and the Manger - whilst admirable in sticking to his belief in the way we play - has not adapted to the way teams, especially good ones at top level -defend against us.
There have been, and now they have intensified, calls for BR to go and replaced by European options (I have seen Klopp, Bielsa mentioned to name 2)
I have also seen excellent points made in regards to the fact we are competing for the title against 3 of the top 10 teams in Europe who have huge financial clout and will remain there due to the effects of FFP.
For me, to get rid of BR at this point when he has spent so much is in a way foolish. As an LFC supporter I have seen time and time again since the inception of the EPL LFC come close and then rebuild again and the pattern repeated every 3 or 4 years (in fact its a matter of jest for MUFC and Chelsea fans)
At some point it has to stop.
Yes BR needs to be more adaptable.
Yes BR should stop shooting his mouth off to anyone who will listen
Yes the transfer committee has made some howlers
Yes we would benefit from a DoF
No - we do not need yet another cycle of re-build.
We have, IMO a very exciting young squad who has the capability to go far and it will take KFC fans, who I have always considered knowledgeable and supportive - to not follow the current football-fan trend of instant success to give the club time to build to where we think it should be.
its not what we want to hear, but given the clout of Man Utd, Chelsea and City - a top four finish I'm afraid should be seen as a successful season. it's not what we are used to, especially us older fans, it's not what LFC has traditionally been about - but in todays modern game it is the reality of the situation.
Come the end of the season, we will have fallen off the goal by one place.
I know BR has made some stupid promises to owners and yes he should be held accountable to these but not be shown the door. He needs time to learn his trade and some additional support around him would help with this.

I know everyone won't agree but thought I'd put it out there to generate some feedback.

thx for your time in reading this
AggerDo

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22 Apr 2015 18:07:44
Good post but I didn't think the fast food chicken place had that good a team :-)

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22 Apr 2015 18:08:46
Love me some of that KFC, tasty stuff. In all seriousness though, great post agger.

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22 Apr 2015 18:28:53
I respect your opinion, even though I may personally disagree with it, but can I ask why you think a new manager means a rebuild? This is a constant theme amongst those that want Rodgers to stay and I can't figure out what is meant by it. What requires rebuilding exactly? The squad is decent enough, maybe a few tweaks here and there, but even Rodgers needs those tweaks as well.

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22 Apr 2015 18:33:47
Clubs trying to get into top four is not the place to learn your trade,he doesn't seem to want ,or think he needs any outside help by all accounts,and keep making the same mistakes over and over again.and talks utter rubbish.hes gone from saying we have too many young players bedding in to get top four,to we might get top four,to we are looking to get second and then back to saying we've too many young players to challenge,the mans a tool,and he has a big painting of himself on the wall at home !,says it all really(so does John terry)

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22 Apr 2015 18:58:43
like the Ed`s would say, "Done to death". You say he has messed and needs to be held accountable YET should not be sacked. WTF? Being held accountable WILL lead to him being sacked and rightfully so because his blunders and shortcomings speak for themselves and for three years, have not abated in fact, he is getting worse and so is the team. Like RDL said, why is a new manager a rebuild? We ghave a very good squad of talented players and a great core of youngsters who just need a clear message, tactical direction, discipline and leadership. All a manager has to do is provide these and he will have a chance to succed w/ our support. If we don`t dare to take risks and rely on a past that has got us stuck in the mud, we will continue to fail. DARE TO DREAM!!

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22 Apr 2015 20:31:46
Hi Agger, good to see you back 😉

Mate you said he is now suffering the same problems as he did at Swansea?
So he still has not learnt. How much longer do we give him? And how much more money should we intrust him with?

I'm of the same opinion as RDL that the team is young and full of potential.
I think what we need are fresh ideas, give this squad a lift, a new challenge.

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23 Apr 2015 06:11:44
To all @ a team full of potential and youth would hardly win anything and if they do they cannot sustain it for long. success today comes with money and a team with a combination of groomed players from academy and acquistion of world class players.
liverpool just needs one very exceptional player ( termed as world class ) around whom the whole group play and develop.
the last two times we had one such player firing all guns blazing we finished 2nd and could have most probably won the league. and that one absolute exceptional player is only thing we are missing.

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{Ed001's Note - a team of potential and youth would win more if they are kept together. The reason the likes of Dortmund don't is not a lack of big money buys but a willingness to sell their big names each year. The potential is never realised. Keep a team together and it will compete.}

23 Apr 2015 10:50:26
Good case in point being west ham imagine if they kept all their academy players would've won the premier league by now

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22 Apr 2015 16:29:19
I can't understand why people are saying that Rafa gave us throphies x amount of years ago . This isn't living in the past by the way. I see it like this the guy was younger then than now he has been at Chelsea, Inter and Napoli since then so has seen more players from a wider scope he would have worked with different coaches with different methods . Is it beyond the possibility that he may actually have improved as a coach and could lead us to better things in the future? I know I will get the living in the past speech but if we resigned Suarez in the summer I doubt many would complain . I do know that isn't in the slightest going to happen and is only an example. The next game is the future I feel that Rafa would be a great choice to lead us again . That's just my opinion though

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22 Apr 2015 17:07:38
Ask the Chelsea, inter and napoli fans if he has improved as a coach. Answer would probably be no.

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{Ed008's Note - But how do you judge someone if they've improved as a coach? By trophies right? So in a short spell he won the Europa League and finished third with Chelsea, Sacked as Inter boss despite winning the Italian Super Cup and World Club Cup and to be honest it was a difficult job to walk into at the time having to following Mourinho. Napoli IMO he has done a good job but with the money spent last summer should have finished closer to the Top 2 than they did, won the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup with them.

22 Apr 2015 17:50:32
I am in complete agreement Danfield5 I believe RAFA would be ideal to return to LFC at this present times after his experiences else were he will of learnt so much since his days at LFC and I doubt he would repeat his previous actions again . I believe Brendan Rogers should of had the same experience working with other coaches abroad or here before he was given a chance at LFC he has shown his experience which has cost the club big time . I know he worked with josey at Chelsea but that was at reserve team level. I would honestly replace Rogers with RAFA ASAP and maybe in time Brendan could return a better manager

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22 Apr 2015 17:04:12
Signing Kenny to be manager again was living in the past. He hadnt managed for so long and to be honest it showed at time. Rafa is still winning trophies and managing very well.

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22 Apr 2015 17:04:42
I completely agree he's the only manager we could get who's won the champions league fair enough we might play a more boring style of football but I'd rather see us win things and play a mourinho style than play Rodgers and finish 5/6 and win nothing. I don't buy into this tilka takka nonsense as far as I can see it's only used as an excuse when things go wrong. Good players will play good football they don't need a manager to tell them to over play. Some of chelseas play around the box is fantastic & the same with city and neither of those play a style similar to ours

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22 Apr 2015 19:09:14
He is not the only one who can coach us. Why? Had BR won the PL, you would not be saying that so let`s recognize that as a fact. Also, Rafa has the same attitude and the same failures as BR even tho he won trophies, he is still a politician, a waster in the TW, and a control freak, all qualities that will cost BR his job so why should we get someon like that, AGAIN? because he won trophies? because as the Ed said, because you won trophies doesn`t mean you`re a good manager jut like LVG is an aweful manager. And which ones did he win? The ones we already have won since 1990? The one he was hired to eventually win (PL), he choked and failed on his own and helped nearly lead us to go bust via his transfer dealings and wastefulness. All in all, Rafa is past tense and long should he remain there. as for playing like Mou and winning, even his players have criticized him en douceur for doing that (Oscar and Hazard) so no thank you. At least, i can credit BR for getting us to playe fluid footie for a third of the time he`s been here.

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22 Apr 2015 19:14:30
Rafa is in the same bracket as lvg, mourinho, guardiola

Rodgers is in the same bracket as pulls, Martinez, pardew

Simple as that

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22 Apr 2015 19:37:05
I think I'd be ok with it, I can't see it happening, but as a viable option, I think he could come in and do a job for us,
A lot of players we had played the best football of their careers under him, and it would be interesting to see what he could do with some decent transfer funds rather than being forced to buy players like Aquilani because he could be payed off in installments,
I doubt he's anybody's first choice but we haven't gone forward since he left,
Oh, and I really did like being the number 1 ranked team in Europe, that was pretty damn cool.

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22 Apr 2015 23:27:06
Sorry ED008 completely disagree,he won easentially a charity shield and that club world cup.Neither are really worthy of writing home about for me. I don't mind that he doesn't win the serie A the league is terrible and Juve are strong but he shouldn't be 20 points off the pace this season or 24 last season. Given he's such a ''tactical genius'' that squad should be pushing it much closer but he's so far off the pace.
With what he did at Chelsea,I wasn't really enthralled,his win % was almost identical to that he achieved with liverpool,he never really went on any sort of convicing run of results which is what any championship winning team needs. Chelsea were already 4th when he took over. I am unsure how much the slide would have continued under di matteo,sadly we will never know.As di mateo got the same treatment Rafa got at inter.

Nothing to me stands out that rafa Benitez is the man to take a club forward with title ambitions.

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{Ed001's Note - not often I get to agree with you bobatron, but I fully agree on this. Rafa is living off a glory from ten years ago. He is not the answer, unless the question is who do we get in to make things worse than they already are?}

23 Apr 2015 00:29:29
Personally, i am not a fan of rafa at all.

But regardless of what you believe, things change. Having a belief that it will all work out the same as last time is just silly, surely you have learnt by now that no matter what you do in life, turning to pure nostalgia simply never works. Kenny is a great example.

And before you say mourihno did it at chelsea, mourinho plays the most systimatically boring and irritating football ever, football of embarrassing quality given the quality of his team, and also has the GDP of the nation of portugal to spend on players. Kind of impossible to fail for him really, isn't it? Rafa wouldn't have that.

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23 Apr 2015 02:22:27
Football has changed since then but Rafa has not judging by the fact that he has spent a fortune at Napoli and didn't even make the group stages this year which is why he is getting the sack in the summer. Also, his wastefulness aided in almost sent us belly up like Portsmouth. Thought I should mention that for full disclosure.

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{Ed001's Note - Rafa is not being sacked.}

23 Apr 2015 08:09:57
People do have short memories. Most feared team by every giant in Europe under his watch, almost consistently top 4, almost PL champions and few cup trophies. We were proud under his watch.
Did he spend more than Rodgers each year? I doubt it. Its not his fault that the previous owners didn't have a clue how to run a club. Yes he made some bad transfers, but he also had he fair share of excellent transfers.
All that remains is that in his spell we were proud of our team.

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23 Apr 2015 14:02:32
We were also dominant under the other coaching legends as well like Shankly, Paisley and KK. We got KK back and what did that do? The past is the past and should stay there.

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23 Apr 2015 18:42:42
Do you really compare managers that were managing Liverpool 20+ years ago with a coach that managed Liverpool 5 years ago? Is it the same? Its not like football changed that much than the last time Benitez managed us. And he didn't have a hiatus for more than 10 years. He was managing other teams all these years.
Irrelevant.
Benitez was our best manager after KK by far. And I know he loves the club and I know he is good for us and that will lead us to glories. What people expect is an immediate impact instead of steady progress.
Saying that if I had to choose between Benitez, Klopp and Rodgers I would have chosen Klopp. But does Klopp want to come to us? Other than Klopp there is no other manager out there who can manage us and be better than Benitez.

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23 Apr 2015 11:59:12
OH ed001, I know we have our run ins (Martin O'neil,Ozil,Aquilani^^^^^ recently spring to mind,but we've agreed a fair bit too balotelli,This seasons spending) Sometimes I don't post because quite frankly you have already said what I wanted to on subjects . I always enjoy the run ins though and never take anything personally :)

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{Ed001's Note - they are always interesting I agree. Definitely never personal though.}

22 Apr 2015 15:05:52
Hi eds,

Considering our current interest for Depay who is a winger, whom are we planning to offload? We already have the likes of Coutinho, Markovic, Lallana, Ibe and Moreno who play as a winger/attacking midfielder role. I am assuming Sterling is one his way out already.

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{Ed002's Note - I don't know, Sterling would be the obvious choice - and the money would be better spent on Pedro in my view.}}

22 Apr 2015 15:40:37
I would love to see either - Depay and Pedro are both potential wingers or second strikers, whereas I feel Sterling is a natural CAM and plays his best playing in the space behind 2 strikers as we've seen in the England setup. Problem is he's competing with Coutinho there.

He certainly isn't the finished article playing upfront (yet) and seems a bit wasted out wide so these 2 offer something I think Liverpool currently lack apart from perhaps Ibe and Markovic but both are still learning their trade.

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22 Apr 2015 17:19:11
I thought Pedro had already agreed to join inter or was that just paper talk? Interested to find out why you prefer him over Depay ed 2, I am a fan of pedro but he is very close to thirty now while depay is still relatively young and arguably more talented.

Personally I feel his asking price is beyond us considering we have no money to spend without sales and is another wide player a priority? We really need to build a spine and that means a commanding keeper, experienced midfielder and striker. As ed 1 has pointed out we have an abundance of defenders, they just need to be better organised/drilled.

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{Ed002's Note - There is no agreement for Pedro.}

22 Apr 2015 17:57:07
We bought wingers who are now wing backs were would we play the players you mention ? as Rogers would only make them into wing backs along with our current wing backs so we would have a team of wing backs could be another Rogers master plan like he had on Sunday !!!

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22 Apr 2015 18:55:57
I think pedro would be a bad signing, he's 28 now and Barca will want top dollar for him, plus he's not actually that good. So I'd rather dodge that one.

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22 Apr 2015 19:11:16
Then he will ask for more money for FB`s and then bench them for the WB`s after changing the system 3 times midgame which will eventually get the whole world confused. Incompetence at it`s finest.

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22 Apr 2015 15:01:19
Ed002, I don't know how I would feel about AVB but I certainly will take my chances. But considering you know better than me and me being more sensitive to my team, What would you think of AVB to Liverpool?
And Don't you feel an authority above him(DOF of football director) who decides on Transfers and also keeps an eye on the youth team players and their integration a much more important part for the Future of LFC than AVB?
Many Thanks
YNWA

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{Ed002's Note - I would think Liverpool would do better with someone else. He is a nice guy and bright, languages are not an issue, but his game became predictable at Chelsea - and that is why he moved on.}

22 Apr 2015 14:55:22
hi eds,

I see a lot of newspapers reporting our interest for Immobile of Dortmund. Considering his current form, wouldn't it be another risky move to pay 17m for him like Balotelli? What are the chances of this happening?

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{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

22 Apr 2015 15:02:53
I'm not really into his name. Does that sum him up?

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22 Apr 2015 19:11:50
Pretty much, Phooey.

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22 Apr 2015 14:26:17
Well today the name on everyones lips is a certain Immobile. It almost seems like the Journo's & press throw a dart at an atlas and which ever club is nearest they say we are in talks with there Striker!

What a joke

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22 Apr 2015 14:37:41
Rodgers won't be allowed to spend a penny more don't worry

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22 Apr 2015 19:12:25
If any money is to be given to any manager in the summer, it should NOT be to BR.

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22 Apr 2015 14:23:34
Ed02 can you say who the soth American manager is who liverpool have approached? Thanks

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{Ed002's Note - Not an approach, but I suspect it is of no consequence. I also asked Ed001 and he thought it unlikely that the club would make an approach.}

22 Apr 2015 14:34:55
I imagine given ED002 comments about language being a barrier and ED001 comments to the same effect when talking about Bielsa that this may be the manager in reference.

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{Ed002's Note - Not at all - just let it go.}

22 Apr 2015 14:57:38
Simeone is arriving with a five hundred million transfer kitty.

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22 Apr 2015 15:05:41
That's the way Davey lad 😃
My mates cousin spotted him leaving an easy jet flight yesterday holding a large suitcase??

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22 Apr 2015 17:54:28
Along with david villa, diego capel and ken aguero, with cruyff arriving as DOF all
On the same flight to john lennon airport.

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22 Apr 2015 18:00:27
Yes and he is bringing dyed blonde striker who has YNWA on the inside of his arm band with him to

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22 Apr 2015 19:13:27
I thought you meant Greizmann for a second until you mentioned the tatoo.

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22 Apr 2015 14:06:58
The Poisoned Challice or Holy Grail?
------------------------------------

My posts on here are usually objective fact based pieces but I thought I would do one based solely on opinion.

The question poised? Is the Liverpool managerial job a Holy Grail or a poisoned challice?

Rewind 25 years and there is no doubt that for many it would be a highly prestigious job and we would be very much in demand, we were successful, had great players and a winning mentality and good presence in europe (from a supporters perspective).

Flash forward to now and we have not won our league for a very long time, have only blips of success in the last 26 years - nothing sustained. We have struggled (and still do) to work within the financial constraints of the club while simultaneously competing professionally.

Perhaps the biggest asset (fans) have now become a questionable liability.

So in short an incoming manager will have the expectation of (wrongly)entitled fans, work with a strict budget, and have to compete with three of the richest clubs in the world for a title - yet some here cannot fathom why it's so tough to get a manager interested.

I do know of at least one manager who is interested but I also know those same financial constraints will ensure we cannot get him.
Our choice of the rest? Not much really.

From the perspective of an outsider it's very hard to see Liverpool as an attractive job anymore, and easier to see it as a poisoned challice whereby it is impossible to succeed.

Thanks for reading, comments welcome and appreciated.

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22 Apr 2015 14:28:10
It's all very depressing as a fan Nevada, I don't want to sound like I'm whining but I don't think I'll ever see Liverpool win a Premier League title, though that's mostly down to a chance of a pan-European League coming about. ;) It'll be very difficult to pick ourselves up IMO, but we can do it, we just need the right people in place, like (I think Ed001) said, it's not about having the best players, it's about having the best team. YNWA.

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22 Apr 2015 14:57:00
There will be no shortage of decent managers willing to take over in the summer.
We are still a huge draw in European football with very supportive owners, just because we might not get Klopp doesn't mean we won't get anybody decent.

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22 Apr 2015 15:36:07
It is a poisoned chalice.

The fans put tremendous pressure on a manager.

Yes, we want trophies, but what manager would succeed under the circumstances?

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22 Apr 2015 15:37:39
We are a huge draw by comparison to some other teams in europe but I don't think the job at liverpool would rank above, chelsea, City, United or Arsenal in england. You're viewing it from an english perspective. Sadly much as I hate to admit it it's just the most presitigious of second tier european jobs. Though that is just my opinion.

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{Ed002's Note - It is a case of finding the best people for the club, which doesn't mean it has to be one of the highest ranked managers - if such a ranking exists.}

22 Apr 2015 15:41:23
Hard to say really.

As far as money is concerned, yes you don't have the budget as the other clubs it isn't as far off as people think. Obviously don't know the full ins and outs (salaries, signings bonuses, etc) but over the last 5 years our net spend is 4th and only like £10-15 million off the 3 above us. Added to that current squad is lacking 2 or 3 players but overall is a pretty strong squad and have a lot of academy players to work with.

Fans can somewhat agree with high expectations but think it is exaggerated but such lowly achievements. Everyone wants us to win the league but CL once in 5 seasons and finishing a fair distance off it most the team makes it worse, if we qualified 2 or 3 times in last 5 years think fans would be far more happy with the manager and would have a lot more funds to spend!

Also think for managers it offers a great platform if you want to manage the top 3 or 4 sides in the world (think this applies to players as well and although is good to hold onto stars think fans need to realise this) because if you get liverpool to finish top 4 regularly and compete for the title will get you noticed.

Main think which makes me worry on whether is is a poison chalice or not is always been unsure of the whole structure as not just under BR but for years just seems like there isn't clear communication between everyone involved. Don't know if it is the quality of people in positions but doesn't seem to be clear plan between players bought in and players required or focusing on weaknesses in the team.

Have bought in players that either aren't premier league players or won't improve the team (aspas, dossena, riera, jovanavic, or borini). Players that are good players but don't see how they fit into the team or played out of position (sahin, mario, markovic, carroll and henderson under Dalglish) or have a poor attitude (mario, aquilini, babel, keane, etc). Worse is this doesn't seem to be improving as last few years have seen a lot of young talent either not used, frozen out or a player bought who will block their path (kelly, wisdom, flanno, suso, ilori, ibe, sinclair, etc).

Not sure if it is to do with coaches but just seem to have weaknesses in the team that aren't identified and worked on. Our most recent long serving managers had the same issues which weren't addressed. Under BR we haven't been able to defend in the slightest, keeper hasn't improved areas of his game consistently, and seem to struggle under high pressure games. Under Rafa we were organised did very well in big games, but were massively inconsistent in games we should have won and had a great starting XI but a terrible bench full of players bought for a lot of money.

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22 Apr 2015 17:29:25
The issue for me is leadership, the club needs someone who has a vision and a plan and for them to have the required support to put their plan into place. Whether that's a head coach or dof lord only knows but surely the owners need to recognise this and make a decision sooner rather than later on bringing that person on board.

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22 Apr 2015 19:15:10
I want the right manager and not a proven manager who is the WRONG manager. The right manager will always overcome the big YET wrong manager.

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22 Apr 2015 13:52:34
I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth and correct me if I'm wrong but I thought over the last few months the Eds on here had pretty much stated that Rodgers will be gone at the end of the season. Or am I imagining that?

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{Ed002's Note - You would need to check but I have said all season the people should not be surprised if the results of the club being reviewed on behalf of the owners sees Rodgers gone next season. I have also said that he has failed miserably in achieving targets, he has made a real mess from a public relations stand-point and he has wasted vast amounts in the transfer market. Most of the season everyone has disagreed with me. Because of the result at the weekend everyone has flipped their viewpoint. The owners will do the best that they can for the club which has built up considerable debt again. They need off field commercial success matched by on field sporting success - they will be aware that it is not happening with the extant set up.}

22 Apr 2015 14:23:02
Chris. You are quite right in what you say and just yesterday Ed001 said "one thing we can be sure on is Rodgers has ended any chance of him being given the benefit of doubt to try again next season". So pretty final to me mate although people will still beleive he will be here next season.

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22 Apr 2015 15:33:10
Dezmondo, it it was up to the eds he would be gone at the end of the season. But it is not up to them and I fully expect him to be here next season. Before I start getting abuse here I didn't say I wanted him here just that I think he will still be here

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22 Apr 2015 19:16:36
And many disagree with that "expectation". There, fixed it for you

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22 Apr 2015 13:50:36
Hi Eds, Ed002 a couple of questions for you, I regularly read the posts on the site and when people have asked about the next possible LFC manager you have on a couple of occasions asked 'How would you feel about AVB'. Is there any substance behind this remark or are you doing one over on the fantasy football dreamers of Ancelotti or Klopp.
Cheers Ed. Great work on the site!

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{Ed002's Note - It is a fair question to ask.}

22 Apr 2015 19:17:02
Nauscious, really.

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22 Apr 2015 13:42:50
Hi Ed's

I know this has been discussed over different posts and I see that Ed02 continually has questioned peoples thoughts on Villas-Boas.

Is there something in this and the reason it has popped up in Ed02's response on a few occasions?

I have heard from a friend who is an agent that Benitez has been suggested but under stronger restrictions including the purchasing of players because they want to have someone that can at the very least deliver top 4 each season.

I for one do not see this as being any real improvement on our current position with Rogers because as we all know Benitez does like to get quite political with things when performances don't go his way.

I would personally go all out like Ed01 for Klopp. However, I don't see him choosing Liverpool. Failing this I would take a chance with the right set up (Not DOF) Just a fantastic, effective and supportive set up within with a hungry good young manager/coach who plays attacking football and is tactically astute such as Unai Emery.

Ed's do you think by way of reviewing the club top to bottom FSG will like adopt an approach that involves the shake up from within the support and set up before looking at the management/coaching position lastly once they are happy with the set up and have the decision on the newly appointed or retention of Rodgers from there?

Thanks again

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{Ed002's Note - I am aware that an advisor to Liverpool has suggested a couple of names, one of which is a South American but I understand that there is a language issue. I would very much doubt there have been discussions surrounding Benitez and putting restrictions on anything - it makes zero sense and not what would help the club. Villas-Boas has been approached before and if Rodgers were to leave I would not totally rule him out (and to be fair there are those who are under the impression if he leaves Zenit it will be to Liverpool. I would not rule out Rodgers staying. There is no secret that Benitez would like the Liverpool job or the Manchester City job when he returns to Liverpool. Manchester City have approached someone else and been turned down after offering only an initial one year contract whilst they wait to see what happens next summer. I suspect the offer to Benitez' representative when he was in the North West a few days ago was the same.}

22 Apr 2015 14:57:41
So the 1 year contract on the assumption they I'll get pep a year later? Interesting the views on villa boas as I've not heard much of him lately. Anyone know if he's done okay at zenit?( not just results). I thought he was a little short changed at Chelsea and Spurs and apparently most of the 100 mil was spent by the DOF at Spurs. From what I've seen he seems pretty tactically astute but needs time to get the right players to play his system ( so maybe need not very flexible?) Ed 2- being a chelsea supporter what do you think to his tenure there? Didn't have much of a chance from what I can see. I wouldn't be against him at lfc but I'm taking a bit more interest in him now!

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22 Apr 2015 13:42:49
Just been thinking over BR in my head, the main point now in my head, I just think how many times have liverpool excited me for more than I've been bored/frustrated/worried in a game? Maybe Spurs early in the season, Swansea mid season, city recently, but they did win 2 in 8.
We did win a few on the trot but it was never free flowing attacking play, there was a few screamers (saints, city etc) own goals and lucky bounces ( lallana vs swans and hendo recently) but not many quality passing moves or counter attacks.
And the fa cup sums it up for me, yeah semis is okay, but we scraped through every single round.

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22 Apr 2015 13:39:41
I'd take André Villa Boas over rodgers if that would happen

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22 Apr 2015 14:01:04
Most people would take a trained chimp over the Brodge right now

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22 Apr 2015 19:20:47
I would take NONEITHER of them. Great guys BUT aweful managers. AVB like BR, seem insecure and thin-skinned and tactically do not learn from their mistakes. He`s only doing well because Zenit is ione of not THE richest club in Russia who can afford players like Hulk, Witzel, Garay and so on. I`ll pass on both, thank you.

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22 Apr 2015 13:17:48
Leaving a side the debate shoul BR stay, and focusing for a moment on the question will he stay, everone here seem to believe he is good as gone, not sure based on what as media and bookies think otherwise. Similar views were made here about Skertl which now turns out will stay which I am very happy with. personally I have no clue what will happen with BR but will not be surprised at all if he stays.

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22 Apr 2015 13:14:11
Hi Eds, I have heard that Jon Flannagan is injured again?

Do you know if this is true and if it will impact on his conttract situation?

I understand his contract is up this summer?

Thanks

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{Ed002's Note - Try physioroom.}

22 Apr 2015 13:02:00
I find it pretty harrowing how we would all give an arm and a leg, plus our eye teeth and then some, to have Jurgen Klopp as manager next season; yet as things stand it seems like he won't even consider us, and is more likely to end up at City, where he's not even their first choice!

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22 Apr 2015 12:51:25
is the emobille links somethink that might come off and do you think his goal ratio would get us back into top 4 next season as he has strugeleld to find the goals at dortmund

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{Ed002's Note - he pos.}

22 Apr 2015 13:15:54
Really hope there's no truth in this but fear there will be as he's a Rogers type player. All the Italian players we have signed have been absolute disasters. Aqualini, dossena, balotelli, borini. immobile won't improve us he's not good enough and will be bullied by other teams centre backs. Italian players just don't fit the premier league or liverpool system well. apart from Zola and Vialli who were coming to end of careers and legends already none have been any good. Scouts / management just don't seem to learn.

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22 Apr 2015 15:02:17
It's bizarre but true and always thought the same. Italian players obviously have quality but very rarely do well in the EPL and even less so at LFC. Maybe it's culture, understand the game is slower there but every time we play internationally they always seen to give us a football lesson!

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22 Apr 2015 19:22:29
If Immobile is coming then you know for sure that BR is staying which if that happens, will be rewarding mediocrity.

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22 Apr 2015 12:16:23
Next time you have a snigger at Everton 20 years for a trophy how much have we spent £500 mill maybe more in the last 9 years to win the Mickey Mouse cup

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22 Apr 2015 13:41:16
Since 2000, the only trophy LFC has not won is the PL. All others (including multiple Charity Shields, European Super Cups, FA Cups and League Cups and not to forget CL, UEFA Trophies) are nicely sitting in our trophy mansion. I agree that we have been poor in the PL and that is a fair critticism BUT your comment is way off nark and quite bitter. Are you a bitter blue nose by any chance?

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22 Apr 2015 16:31:56
No a season ticket in upper centenary you said since 2000 I said In the last 9 years we've won a carling cup am I telling lies you had to go back 15 years I was going back 9 our trophy haul in the last 9 years is abysmal Portsmouth Wigan done better

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22 Apr 2015 19:58:24
Fair comment! Still don`t care because for us, that is unacceptable while for you that would be progress since you have never played in the CL since it began (getting beat in the qualifying rounds doesn`t count). There, fixed it for you.

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22 Apr 2015 22:04:18
Iam a Liverpool fan still sick after that pile of crap on Sunday as usual people don't like hearing the truth

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23 Apr 2015 02:24:45
My bad, bro!

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22 Apr 2015 12:11:16
Hi to all the EDS and fellow REDS

Great work as usual EDS, many thanks.

Having supported BR throughout, I am now convinced that we need a more experienced ad more recognized manager at the helm. One with a winner's CV. Now, at the risk of stating the obvious and fellow fans shouting their objections to high heavens, I believe realistically, bearing in mind our available budget and the 'quality' players we already have, because we DO have quality in the squad, I think Rafa would be a perfect fit.

I'm saddened to think BR might have lost the dressing room. Managers are always in danger of being labelled as arrogant. I'm at a loss to be honest. I would like to see Rafa back, but that's only my humble opinion but he's track record and European experience must count for something. He, like all managers, has his critics but I believe that had he been in charge last year we might have won the title.
This all depends if Rafa wants to come back, of course. But his love for Liverpool is all too evident, his contributions to the Hillsborough appeal has endeared to me personally.
Anyway, thanks for reading (if this gets published, of course) your comments would be appreciated.

YNWA

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22 Apr 2015 13:28:35
Rafa is at best a good tactician but he is also an accountants nightmare, and every player that works under him says they don't enjoy it too much. He had 'lost the dressing room' by the time he had left and also added some very expensive wages to our wage bill that we could not financially support.

I would not take back Rafa, nothing against the guy as he clearly loves the club and city but that is not enough to get him back. If we are going to get a past manager then I think Roy Evans should get a chance.

Rafa wasted a lot of money (some were hits, most were not), played very dull football for all but one of his seasons (very similar in fact to how chelsea play now) and clearly never wanted to win the league as he constantly sacrificed the league for cup competitions.

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22 Apr 2015 13:43:38
Not suprised due of his aweful man management and inability to take one for the team as well as trash some of his players in public to hide his own blunders, I`m suprised he got this far w/o them turning on him and getting him sacked. As for the rafa-in part of your comment, less said the better.

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22 Apr 2015 14:08:33
And briefing against his own players to his journalist buddies like James Pearce .

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22 Apr 2015 15:01:45
Ed02,

The reason people on this site want a DOF is because Ed01 mentioned a DOF.

It's basically a site full of Lemmings. If Ed01 walks off the cliff, then the traffic on this website will reduce by about 95% as they'll all fall of the cliff with him.

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22 Apr 2015 15:28:35
Too right Jimmy.Same with Bielsa, not a single mention of the name I can recall since I followed this website back when there was only one website called football-rumours and now since Ed01 mentioned his name there has been at least one post about him every single day.

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22 Apr 2015 20:05:11
Exactly, I`ve known Bielsa for over a decade and his a brilliant manager whas has won NOTHING except a gold medal at the Olympics in 2004 w/ Argentina. hi seeming lack of success takes nothing away from his tremendous ability as a coach based on his transformation of Bilbao (EL finalist in 201s under him) and the Chile national team he built from scratch which is now the darling of the world. he is very hands on and rides his players into the ground tactically and mentally (ask Simeone who is doing the exact same thing at AM). Goes to show that winning trophies doesn`t automatically make you a great coach with great ideas.

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22 Apr 2015 12:00:42
Hi Eds,

Given that Rodgers might be moving on after the season ends, do you know of any potential managers the board have looked at? Does this depend on the changes throughout the club and who/if FSG appoint a DOF? Also who would you like to see appointed? I've researched a few coaches (all quite high profile) and like every manager/coach there are positives and negatives to their tactical approach.

Cheers,

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{Ed002's Note - I have explained over and over about the owners looking at the club top-to-bottom and I still don't understand the obsession the fans have with a "DoF". Personally I would move Rodgers on. Obviously Klopp is available but I think it would be very difficult to get him to consider Liverpool. Manchester City are looking for a stop gap for a year until they can target who the want - the manager they approached for tis does not want a one year deal so hey will look to Benitez for a year, although might consider Klopp as they probably know that their long term target wants a move elsewhere. So if Rodgers moves, how would you feel about Villas-Boas?}

22 Apr 2015 12:15:16
Villas-Boas???!!!! Please, mate, don't ever say that again, please. Rafa Benetiz is the perfect for us in every way. Rafa is the only 'winner' available, if he comes to us of course. Knows the market, is respected and known with a 'winning' CV. WINNING CV!!!!

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22 Apr 2015 12:23:57
If Rodgers stays. It be the same next season as this one.
If you are happy with that, fine.

I am sure there are a number of very able managers, that are available and fit the bill. It may even be someone you haven't heard of, but please. No more young managers with thin CV"s.

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22 Apr 2015 12:24:49
Thanks for your response Ed002. I don't have any obsession with having a DoF, even though I think it would be helpful having a board of relevant people to take the responsibilities of what a DoF would usually do. I'm just not so keen on the half-baked idea of the transfer committee which we currently have.
By no means am I urging for BR to get the sack but from what I can gather it's not totally out of the question. I'm not so keen on the idea of Villas-Boas given his failings at Chelsea and Spurs but to be fair to him, he never got a fair crack of the whip. I don't really remember being particular impressed by his football though. The manager that has impressed me most this season and last is Pochettino, given his tactics and bringing through youth. I know we won't be making a move for Mauricio but someone of this ilk would be my ideal appointment if Rodgers were to leave.

Cheers,

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{Ed002's Note - So you want a board of people to do what a "DoF" normally does but you don't want the transfer committee. I am not so sure any of the fans have thought any of this out at all.}

22 Apr 2015 12:43:50
Don't understand why so many posters are so worried about the next manager and stick by Rodgers like he's the best we can possibly get (only Klopp could possibly do better, or maybe rafa)lol
The fact is Rodgers has failed and will be going and the owners will pick the best possible candidate for the next manager/head coach based on (hopefully) good advice.
If that man needs a DOF we will appoint one, if not then he will be manager.
If that man is Klopp, rafa, klinsman or even villas boas then fine I'm sure we will give him support, if not then it will be any number of manager/head coaches around the world who can currently do a better job than our failed manager.
De boer seems to be the best fit so far, I'm sure he could get a lot more out of our players than Brendan.

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22 Apr 2015 13:07:48
Hi Ed002,

I'm not claiming to have a football industries mba of any sort but I would worry that if a single individual was hired as a DoF they may have conflicting views with the head coach. I'd rather focus on the tactics of a coach and the way a coach integrates players which my original question was regarding. The only reason that I brought up a DoF was due to the changes to the whole of the club which have been hinted by yourself and I assumed this would have an affect on if BR stayed and if he didn't who would be brought in.

Cheers,

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{Ed002's Note - I rather doubt you understand what a DoF does. Plenty of successful clubs have a DoF across Europe.}

22 Apr 2015 13:33:15
Out of interest ED002 why would it be hard for liverpool to convince Klopp? ED001 has said before that Klopp had publicly stated an affinity for Liverpool.

I actually like AVB, I don't think he was given enough time to do anything properly and has already won trophies and managed in EPL. Are you suggesting he is one of the candidates the board would look to?

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{Ed002's Note - He has options he knows of and Liverpool have shown no interest.}

22 Apr 2015 13:59:40
Hi Ed002,

As I have explained before I'm not claiming to know the ins and outs of how a football club is run. If you would like to give me a general overview of how a typical European club (preferably a EPL side who use a European model) run then I'd be more than happy to be enlightened as the only DoF examples that I can think of seem to cause frictions between the coach and the DoF. Maybe this is due to the best DoF keeping out of the spotlight.

Cheers,

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{Ed002's Note - Directors of Football are not a "European" only approach - you do know that the UK is part of Europe. You want an example - Chelsea. It works just fine there. Bayern Munich don't appear to be struggling. Real Madrid have been success, Barcelona ....}

22 Apr 2015 14:01:33
Exactly, Mikey! Many on here think either ONLY Rafa or BR can coach this team and anyone else would not be good enuff. How do these people know that? They don`t and can`t tell you except by regurgitating the same BS as "Rafa brought us trophies" (year, EIGHT years ago)or "BR needs more time" (like 3 yrs and 215m spent is not enuff), blah, blah, blah. Their comments have no basis in fact. the facts are that RAF has had his chance and failed. Currently, he has failed at Napoli and will be let go in the summer. Same w/ BR. He has failed and will mostly likely be sacked as well. So in a nutshell, we are clamouring for two managers who have been found out to be failures currently instead of daring to dream and give a more proven manager than BR (if we can find one like Klopp or even De Boer who is still more experienced and successful than BR at least) a chance. NONSENSE! If people want to wallow in mediocrity then so be it. IMO, i support the owners looking for their man who will work within the structure they are trying to create and both managers are control freaks and proven failures in the transfer market so NO THANKS. As for AVB? The same w/ BR. A failure, a control freak and an inept manager. Nuff said!

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22 Apr 2015 14:33:02
Ed002 there isn't really any need to be condescending. I asked a question and appreciate your answer but in no way was I disrespectful to you when asking to warrant a condescending answer.

I can see that the Chelsea model seems to be working well but I don't think you can compare the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona to anyone else in the EPL apart from maybe Man U. I was looking towards a model such as Seville/Dortmund has apart from selling all your top players to domestic rivals.

Cheers,

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{Ed002's Note - It is hardly condescending, many English people don't know that the UK is part of Europe. Sevilla has a DoF as have Dortmund and they work no differently than the other clubs - there is no committee doing the work.}

22 Apr 2015 15:27:51
Thanks Ed002, I'll assume your talking about the Nigel Farage lovers out there.

Back to the football. In the cases of Sevilla and Dortmund, who signs the players (not talking about money, transfer fees or wages)? Does the coach recommend positions that need strengthening/type of player he would like and then the DoF seeks advice from scouts before signing a player or am I wrong and it is done a completely different way?

Cheers,

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{Ed002's Note - It is done in the same way as near all clubs with scouts providing an input on players they have identified and players the coaches have asked them to look at. Then there will be manager/coach/chief scout looking and then a decision will be taken to ask the board or whoever to see what can be done. A handful of clubs have coaches who have practically no input.}

22 Apr 2015 15:37:56
You cannot compare AVB to Rodgers. At Porto he had great success had them playing fantastic football, won the league, and also the cup and Europa League I seem to remember. At Chelsea he struggled but many managers who are top quality have struggled with the Chelsea job and moving to a new league it is difficult. First season at Tottenham I felt as if he did a good job, and then much like Rodgers they spent money on players who were no good, however I remember to people on this site wanting Soldado and Lamela at the time. As for him at Zenit I am unsure how he is doing.

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22 Apr 2015 15:51:25
Thanks Ed002.

Cheers,

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22 Apr 2015 11:51:52
do you think liverpool can spend money on top end players or will they just look at squad players agen thanks ed

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{Ed002's Note - I have explained where I know of interest and provided a full summary.

22 Apr 2015 12:30:21
We will spend big my friend but no quality will be found.

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22 Apr 2015 11:38:43
As others have posted, I would imagine the owners/board must be seriously thinking about the managers position.
We have not had a great season with millions spent over BR's reign, a lot of which has been spent on players we didn't need or spend on youth who then get shipped out on loan.
Last season was great but the fact remains that for reasons Eds have indicated BR has failed to deliver this year.
The manager discussion may have happened anyway, but this be more relevant given the availability of Klopp. When Kenny left & over past few years I think Klopp would have been near the top of any managerial candidates list that we would draw up for Liverpool. The problem was, why would he leave Dortmund for us. Well now he is leaving them & if we want him this is the time.
If Klopp (as has been rumoured) would come to us surely we must seriously consider who is the better man to take us forward & compete regularly for the league. Klopp has done well on a smaller budget & would maybe attract names with or without CL.
I'm all for loyalty but taking everything into account - I think it's time to bring Klopp to the Kop if possible

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22 Apr 2015 12:32:56
He also was bottom of a poor German league. Or do you like his hat?

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22 Apr 2015 14:06:13
He also won trophies as well before sufferring a dip in form for the first time in 5 years after consistently challenging AND beating bayern to get his trophies with players mainly brought thru the academy like Goetze, Gundogan, Reus (who left and came back) or by srewd transfers like Lewandowski who he bought for 4m (pocket change). IMO, it was time for him to leave and he has proven himself so your selective memory in picking just this season`s poor form instead of his overall impeccable body of work is severely disingenuous.

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22 Apr 2015 11:28:22
Eds could we b interested in Carlo ancholotti when he is let go? Also is de boer still on our wish list? Would rather an experienced coach rather than a gamble

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has a manager right now and as I ave explained the events of las weekend will have changed nothing. I would certainly not hold your breath about Carlo Ancelotti joining the club. There are things going on with De Boer right now which strongly hint at him still being at Ajax next season.}

22 Apr 2015 11:06:18
Hello logged in for the first time in a while. Just wondered if there were any further enhancements to this site on the cards? Either an app or maybe just the ability to be sent an email notification when someone replies to a post/thread I have contributed. Sometimes find it hard to see if I have had a response when the site is busy. Sorry if this has been mentioned before.

Cheers, Andy

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{Ed033's Note - yes this would be next on the enhancements list, where you opt in, to receiving an email each time someone replies to a thread which you posted or replied on. Hopefully this can be achieved in May 2015 sometime.

22 Apr 2015 11:34:46
hey lfc fans.

oh god . every tom dick and harry associated with lfc in some way or another backing the manager.

im trying my best not to be a pessimist but i strongly believe going with a different manager is no more of a gamble than keeping brendan for another season.

do we need more of this.for example. Journo-u lost here today brendan what was your take on the game?. "as i said. i thought the players were excellent. as i said"

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22 Apr 2015 11:00:02
Hi Eds hope life is treating you all well. Wondered how Yesil is getting on? I know he has recently came back from a bad injury. Is he looking like he could still fill the potential seen that made us buy him or is it too early to say still?

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{Ed002's Note - Too early to say but I would doubt he has much of a future under BR.}

22 Apr 2015 11:07:06
No because BR won't be there!

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22 Apr 2015 11:11:35
He scored twice last Friday against Spurs, 2 really good finishes and looked sharp. He's got that knack of knowing where the goal is, a real fox as they say.

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22 Apr 2015 09:03:53
Morning All
I have a long time critic of Ed 001 stance on replacing BR but I'm starting to come round to it.
BR couldn't see what was needed early enough in the season to get the right shape formation.
We have been poor since Swansea away.
He drops and brings on players, Markovic case in point, Moreno, taking Henferson out of the middle and he doesn't see what's needed during the game.
I still blame him for Chelsea last year when a draw was all that was needed and he was arrogantly going for the win.
My point is he's not learning, sometimes you can't play from the back through midfield you have to turn them, adapt, he seems to arrogantly stick to a plan which infuriates me, did he not learn from mourinho .
So if the belief is he's not going to learn adapt and improve his purchases then yes it's time for change. , can't believe it I'm agreeing with Ed 001

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22 Apr 2015 09:41:43
I don't think it's fair to blame him for the Chelsea result last year, most fans on here after the game said they didn't want us to stoop to the level of playing like chelsea (personally I was more concerned about the trophy than the performance of one game). Also we didn't lose the title in one game, there were many other instances of dropped points earlier in the year which are just as important as the one dropped against chelsea.

If you are to hold him accountable for anything then it must be a full season, not one game.

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22 Apr 2015 11:17:41
Pistol Pete. I;m not a fan of BR,but the point where you say he went for thew win arrogantly vs Chelsea. he did the opposite,he dropped the attacking focused tactics that got us in that position,and played a defensive posession game.I'm sorry but that criticism is nothing but 100% wrong.

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22 Apr 2015 07:46:28
Ok first debate was interesting what about moreno looks good in flashes although causes a lot of goals from bad defending but I think he will only improve and is only young

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22 Apr 2015 09:44:56
I like him myself, he does have his flaws (more mistakes leading to goals than any player in the top 5 leagues in europe this year) but he is quick, has good stamina and does have a decent left foot. In some ways he reminds of Riise but without the consistency (this can come with time).

I think the main issue is Rodgers has done a bad job of coaching him, is he a forward playing wing back? is he a defender? is he a winger? Nobody knows so it's not surprising that moreno seems confused about what he's supposed to be doing when even his manager doesn't know.

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21 Apr 2015 21:04:40
Ed 1 first of all how as your move gone, I know it was quite stressful last time you said? I went to Wembley on Sunday and if I am honest the performance was embarrassing at times, it was hard to see what formation we was playing also at different points in the game and to bring Lambert on in the 90th minute was a joke when you need a goal. You have said tonight that some of the players we bought in the summer we didn't need, but you have also maintained through the season that the squad was more than good enough for top four but as been managed poorly which I agree with. Do you still think these signings could work under different management? Maybe apart from Mario.

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{Ed001's Note - the move is still not sorted mate. 5 and a half months of fighting with Damac who continously ignore contracted agreements. I seem to be spending hours each day in their offices being promised we can have the keys tomorrow only to find tomorrow never comes.

As for the squad, it is good enough for top four. If we had not been so poor at the start of the season, we would be right in the top 4 battle now.}

22 Apr 2015 09:40:35
I tend to agree with you Ed. I think it is a top 4 squad, but it certainly needs a little tinkering with the right players leaving and the right players coming in. I firmly believe more than ever that a manager change is needed for next season.

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22 Apr 2015 14:09:45
The fact that we are 5th having played just over half a season at full playing potential shows our squad to be a top 4 squad. We are just a poorly mismanaged squad with NO clarity, strategy or tactical direction.

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