Liverpool Banter Archive April 23 2014

23 Apr 2014 23:01:00
Brendan hasn't signed up to a new contract yet. Is this something we should be concerned about?

{Ed002's Note - There may be interest in him from elsewhere and he has never hidden his desire to coach a major Spanish side.}

Ahh feck!

23 Apr 2014 22:56:25
Would anyone else like to see Alberto start on Sunday? Think he's done well so far this season and would like to play 3 attacking midfielders if Sturridge is still out

How has he done well if he hasn't even been on the bench much? I have liked what I've seen of him, but obviously BR hasn't been impressed enough in training to use him.

23 Apr 2014 22:40:31
The new ground designs look good. i'm glad we are not moving from Anfield, the history the stadium has could not be replicated anywhere else. i'm not a fan of these "new rounded" stadiums such as the Emirates, City of Manchester and Wembley, to me these rounded stadiums seem to lack atmosphere, the traditional grounds with separate stands always seem to generate the better atmospheres coming from the "main stand behind the goal".

The outside looks great with a concourse for the fans to gather, imagine European nights with the fans gathering outside singing and dancing, would be fantastic!

I only have one problem with the new designs. Listening to Ayres comments they are planning on making a "new wider tunnel". It may sound petty but I don't think we should change the tunnel. How many opposition players and managers have commented in the past (especially the europeans) how the small, tight, narrow, claustrophobic, up and down tunnel adds to the atmosphere to intimidate opponents, walking down the small passage with the loud roar coming from the end of it, you can even sometimes see players faces on the TV as they line up in that tunnel, its part of Anfield, part of our history - I know it may seem nothing but I personally think that shouldn't change!

Agreed
Leave the tunnel as it is
Well said

One thing I would also like to see. On the concourse, when tickets are sold out, why not have big screens. For all the local kids who can't afford to get in.

Would be fantastic to build the atmosphere inside aswell.

RedWalt, I also think the plans look pretty awesome, as for the tunnel, I am sure I read an article a while ago that UAFA insist on wider tunnels or even two separate tunnels if a club wants to host European finals etc, prob something to do with health and safety as per usual. Think the club is just "future proofing" things while the stand is undergoing its expansion.

I like both ideas. The tunnel and the big screens outside. I read somewhere that Man City are planning a 'Man City village' with big screens, bars, restaurants etc immediately outside the stadium - but INSIDE the [Man City village] and they would charge fans to enter the village on match days. Where we planning something similar?

{Ed002's Note - You are getting a little ahead of yourself here.}

How can they possibly do this? maybe for early and late kick offs but not the 3pm satursday ones surely?
Also won't the pubs and bars etc have something to say about it?

23 Apr 2014 21:44:36
Hey folks,

just been reading and having a look at the new Anfield expansion plans - looks promising and I think basically what the regeneration has been promising since its conception.

I am curious though: after the initial expansion of the Main Stand and the Anfield Road End what other scope is there for a further incease in capacity (should the owners decide it is in our interests)? I heard it mentioned that the corners would perhaps be "filled in" (excuse the technical term) which could lead to a total capacity of around 65,000 - does anybody know whether an expansion of either the Centenary or the Kop would be possible at some point in future? Or are there outstanding problems (nearby properties, construction difficulties, etc) that would make such action unviable?

I'm not suggesting any of this stuff is essential rather i'm very interested in the expansion potential of the stadium and how far we might be able to take it in years to come.

Cheers for any responses offered.

{Ed002's Note - Anything over 60k will hit the club financially as they have to contribute to infrastructure.}

Gotcha ed. I will infer then that, though further expansion could be possible, it would be economically unviable and as a result serve no purpose.

{Ed002's Note - This has been done to death in recent years. You want it laid down - the club CANNOT afford it.}

Ed I mentioned infrastructure in my post, what's the score with this, any improvements planned?

{Ed002's Note - Where would the club get the money from?}

Excuse my ignorance eds but does that money that goes towards the stadium affect us in the fair play rules? Also does our owners have enough to fork out that much considering were still losing so much?

{Ed002's Note - I have no interest in further confusing you all by talking about money.}

The capacity announced has been said to be a "sweet spot" where it doesn't incur MASSIVE costs the club can't afford, but gets the most out of what they can do.

{Ed002's Note - I would not say that - it sounds like LFC or the owners are ripping off the City of Liverpool - and I don't see that happening.}

24 Apr 2014 07:32:27
How many eds are there I have seen at least 7 I think?

{Ed001's Note - it varies, there have been over 40, but some can no longer edit, for various reasons, there are about 10 or so currently editing regularly.}

23 Apr 2014 20:44:14
ed2 did you put my post up?

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

23 Apr 2014 20:29:09
Just seen the artists impression of the redevelopment and have to say it looks impressive. I was just wondering if there are there plans to improve the transport infra structure.

Need a monorail, train line, tube or worse case scenario specific buses and bus lanes from the ground

23 Apr 2014 20:08:58
That Coentrao, chap, doesn't look a bad player! I suspect he may be out of our price range!

{Ed002's Note - I don't think he would be.}

Refreshing to hear your opinion, Ed. Many thanks for your reply. Given me optimism.

{Ed002's Note - If Liverpool are interested he would be a very viable option. For: A decent player. Against: He dyes his hair and is covered in tattoos.}

In my opinion he should be the LB we make a real effort to sign, he plays Brendan's kind of football, and probably wouldn't cost anywhere near what Benfica got for him when he signed for RM.

What do you think Ed, 10-12m?

{Ed002's Note - I really don't want to confuse you about money.}

Apparently available for 12 million and well worth a look.

{Ed002's Note - So tell us what that number means? What is paid by the buying club would typically include:
(a) Transfer fee - the big number.
(b) Any levy applied by the local FA – 5% for the EPL.
(c) Tax due on the transfer fee – typically this will be VAT (at varying rates across Europe) some or all of which should be reclaimable.
(d) Agent fees – this may be to one or more agents (as an example, Liverpool have spent £25M plus VAT on agent fees over the past three years leading to this window).
(e) Tax due on the agent fees – typically this is VAT at the local rate where the agent bills from – it is not reclaimable.
(f) Intermediary fees – this may be to one or more sponging leeches(what do you mean you have a super agent?) .
(g) Tax due on the Intermediary fees – typically this is VAT at the local rate where the Intermediary bills from – it is not reclaimable.
(h) Signing on fee to the player (possibly including non-reclaimable VAT if the player is VAT registered).
(i) Legal fees.
(j) VAT on legal fees which is reclaimable.
(k) Moving/relocation costs for the player.
(l) VAT on moving/relocation costs which is reclaimable.
(m) Paying up insurance costs to the selling club (sometimes waived).
What do you mean you have a Super Agent.

Youre not one for a bit of lemon juice in your hair then ed. With the names of both wives on either arm? Oh and the customary love and hate on the knuckles?

{Ed002's Note - Unless lemon juice can be used to polish what is on top it will not help as there is little there. I would not want it on my pigtails nor any of my two or three wives (depending how you count).}

Ed, I suppose as part of the deal to buy him we could seek the very best cosmetic surgery there is, and have the said mentioned tats removed. Also, it would surely be within the realms of our legal people to draw up a contract that stipulated that he couldn't go near a bottle of hair dye!

Ed2 surely Kirikou could sort any hair problems out?

{Ed002's Note - He always wants to take it further.}

23 Apr 2014 19:46:22
Sell the players we don't need to fund 2 we do need. Try get club breaking even or maybe even a profit next year.

This might just be the worst post I've ever seen on this site.

23 Apr 2014 18:58:02
Hi all the Eds and fellow Reds

Jose was anticipating an FA charge and his playacting did not deter the FA in piling up the pressure on Chelsea.
Ramirez will be out 3-4 games (did he really think he'd get away with it?), they will be sending out a so-called 'weakened' side which will still be a hell of a side.
It's a pity, because Chelsea would get blitzed whatever side Jose fields.
We will win our last three game. The Palace game that everyone's worried about, we will by three or four goals. Palace will want to come to us and will get ripped apart, mark my words.

Have no fear fellow reds. We didn't wake up this morning and found ourselves top of the league. We deserve to be there, period!
I know it's hard to stop speculating about new players but do bear in mind we have a fantastic first team, even our youngsters like Flanno will be even better next year so please go easy on speculating about who's coming or who's going. And please at least try and get your valuations as realistic as possible!
All said, here's to three wins!

And To All the Eds: thank you so much for your efforts in upkeeping this site. We all are forever grateful.

Many thanks. YNWA

{Ed002's Note - The FA have not put any pressure on Chelsea.}

This 'Weakened side' will have matic and lamp are in the midfield, probably with luiz, if ivanovic goes to cb, I think Salah will start, with either oscar or willian on the other side, and ba or Torres up top. That's not exactly a weak side, despite them missing key players! I may be wrong, but I can't see who else he can play except azpilacueta, cole and Cahill at the back, unless he brings in some youth? that's a strong, organised side in my books, may prove difficult to break down!

"Palace will want to come to us and get ripped apart, mark my words".

Explain please mate.

Dagenham I think he means CP will attack pretty hard and we will counter goals for fun. if i'm not misstaken.

Whats the charge on jose been sarcastic I didn't know they had a no sarcasm rule in rule book I thought even though he was been a poor loser he worded his interview in a way that he wouldn't get charged he never really said a bad word just sarcastically congratulated the referees not that i'm fussed but i'm suprised jose got charged the other 2 guilty as hell

Oh yeah, thanks Chris, lol.

Why so sure? Pulis' sides are very disciplined and extremely hard working. He's not stupid enough to attack us mate full throttle as we have a habit of destroying teams who do. Maureen is just playing mind games and I would hate to think it's working, as if he will play a second string side unless he was forced to.

I thought for one moment that I actually saw Wiilian starting to tire yesterday. He got caught in possession a few times and gave the ball away.
Hope he has another one like that on Sunday

23 Apr 2014 17:37:40
Hi Eds and reds, with regard to today's poll, what are your opinions of our youth keepers, Ryan Crump, Andrew Firth, Yusuf Mersin, Danny Ward and Ryan Fulton? Are any of them possibilities for a back-up spot next season? Would be interested in Simon's (sorry can't remember your full user name, but who provides excellent updates on the youth team matches) and Ed001's (if you're around) opinion in particular, but also anyone who watches the acadamy matches regularly. With the club needing to and wanting to utilise the academy to provide depth and save money, as well as it being difficult to recruit anyone who is going to be prepared to spend the majority of the season on the bench are any of these realistic options? Cheers.

23 Apr 2014 15:54:17
Just hope the board choose there transfers wisely, we have a lot of youth coming through and personally I don't want it to stop them.

Just think if Kono had signed would sterling have got the same game time?

I think we need a LB but surely flanno has done enough to warrant a place at RB.

We need an experienced CB we have ilori for cover.

Suso coming back to push coutinho also.

Ibe can only be a season or two away until he's competing for a place.

Complete agree mate. and I have complete trust in BR and FSG.
on top of that, would love yesil to get over his injuries and breakthrough next year and provide backup for our dynamic duo. cheers

Totally agree.

23 Apr 2014 17:13:49
That is not how it works that is naive. A true squad works by the youth players pushing out players that are already in the squad. You do not under any circumstances leave gaps so that a youth player may or may not make it. The kid fights for his place with the experienced player & this not only pushes on the kid but also the experienced pro. That is how a proper squad works.

I thought our squad wasnt up to it when henderson and sturridge were missing and god help us if we lost suarez and gerrard but I think its a case of not being able to replace them full stop. the more I look at the squad, loanes and youth the less I think we need

23 Apr 2014 14:59:11
If the club is in such a mess financially then why are we bothering to discuss spending millions on new recruits (not to mention the money to pay them).
As fans should not our major concern be that the club are prudent with regard spending?
Subsequently, should we not be encouraging the return and development of our young and improving loan players?
Where did we get this talked about transfer budget/figure of £60 million from. ?
For me, we've done so well this season that our focus should be on financial stability. Particularly so since we are in the very fortunate position of having a top quality first team - and an excellent crop of young players coming through.
Financial stability will allow us to grow and develop at an appropriate pace. It will allow us to look at the development / expansion of our stadium - and to kick on and progress generally in other areas from there.
Brendan Rodgers is the man to oversee much of this IMO as he can coach and develop talent.
On the pitch we have a young team which perhaps puts us in a position to be able to undertake this much needed expansion work and lay the foundations from where we can kick on and perhaps in a few years time (with Anfield expanded) compete financially with the United's, the Chelsea's and the Munichs etc.
Is this notion too sensible for the whacky world of football?

Spot on mate, fortunately for us, FSG seem to have a reasonably rational approach to our long term future and seem to have learnt quickly how do handle the club financially and sustainably. Long may it continue.

{Ed002's Note - It is not sustainable - it has to change.}

Just meant that they appear to be trying to (slowly admittedly) improve on it Ed. We must surely be making some progress in reducing the deficit of income/outgoings? I know you've repeatedly stated about how much the club is losing, but gradually accruing a younger squad on predominantly lower wages, bought at cheaper prices (compared to established "pro's") and hiring a coach that is capable of working with and improving those younger players. Whilst increasing our global marketing revenue must be starting to make some difference?

{Ed002's Note - No the haemorrhaging of money has been consistent at £1M per week since the owners took over. The figures for this financial year (published next February will see an improvement and the year after that we will see what difference the CL makes. We ignore talk of money as it confuses most of the fans. The focus will be clearing the debt the club now has.}

Ed, surely the new TV money for the premiership should make us financially stable. FFP isn't a huge concern as far as I can tell with Liverpool since the stadium related costs are no included and the new TV money and any money from the Champions league we get this upcoming season will help up balance the books no?

{Ed002's Note - This is why we don't discuss money - you simply don't understand.}

Help us understand? I'm sure I can grasp the numbers I studied economics and accounting at university and have a job in finance. All we have to go by are what the newspapers tell us which is why I asked the question. Does the money come in parts and is some of it noncontributable towards FFP for example? Or are has FSG used gearing so most money that comes in has to go towards paying interest?

{Ed002's Note - I have explained before what is in and out of FFP. The debt is manageable but gradually sneaking up as the owners cannot afford to keep throwing money in to a hole.}

I think the ethos of the original post ed was exactly that we should 'change'. And focus on bringing through young players while simultaneously developing and scouting talent. The ethos is that we should move away from spend, spend, spend. And thus find a better, more sustainable method of operating.
I think Bruce was stating his acknowledgement and agreement of this point also.

{Ed002's Note - It is a balance.}

23 Apr 2014 12:53:19
Hi eds
Just wanted to ask anyone who is around
you guys have told that Sevilla are looking for a lot of money for Rakitic but aren't they supposed to be in financial trouble? Any idea why they are holding out and not cashing in

{Ed001's Note - because they need to keep certain key players to increase their income by finishing as high in the league as possible. Someone like Rakitic, who is not on ludicrous money, is happy playing for the club, and is a fan favourite, is one of those key players. Those you only sell for a lot of money. Enough to replace them and put money towards paying off debt.}

Thanks ed

Is it true he only has 14 months left on his contract? Surely this has some effect on whether they are under pressure to cash in. Can they afford to turn down, say, £15m this summer and for him to go for free the following year?

{Ed001's Note - they agreed a new contract with him, I don't know why it has not been signed yet, but that would make a massive difference.}

23 Apr 2014 12:15:07
There isn't a chance that Jose will field a weakened team against us on Sunday. He will be going out all guns to get a result. Good old Jose thinking of the next game as soon as one finishes, probably had this planned for the past fortnight.anyone agree?

Jose will put eleven players on the field, all internationals (I suspect). If we play Everton, Rotterham, Man City or the Chelsea Z team, it's about our own performance and attitude.

Good luck to the squad and management on Sunday. The progress this season has been fantastic.

That it has JAG. Even at this stage we still take it one game at a time. A win on Sunday will just mean there are another two games we need to win after it. Another way to look at it Chelsea's reserve players would prob finish top end of the EPL.

23 Apr 2014 11:05:51
Edd001, I hope if our targets are attainable this summer, ayre can see them through this time?

{Ed001's Note - he is not the only person dealing with transfers at the club, he is also not at fault for the club being unable to fund big moves due to the way it is losing money. I do think the club need to work hard on the PR angle, as he has become a scapegoat after a poor start in the role. Since then, he has been given help and shown the intelligence to learn and grow into his new position. Missing out on key transfers is no longer about him making mistakes, though I am sure he will still make a few, he is human after all. They tell me you mere humans can often make mistakes.....}

23 Apr 2014 10:55:41
Sorry Eds forget my last questoin I just used the search engine.

I only asked because he's free and experienced but we don't need a flawed keeper, we need a reliable one. Personally I just think Mignolet doesn't look assured and while that might improve next season along with our defence I can't get away from the feeling that he could do with some serious competition or back-up.

Don't you agree?

{Ed001's Note - not convinced on that, keepers seem to work best when they are assured of being number 1. Probably because so much of their game is based on confidence, more so than any other position on the field.}

Hey ed 001 was thinking whether you could set up a poll on whether Liverpool need to buy a backup keeper this summer or not?

{Ed001's Note - there are far more important things for the club to spend money on than a player to sit on the bench week in and week out! Sometimes I worry about the modern day fan, they seem to think clubs need 8 world class players for every position! Meaningless poll is done for you though: http://www.liverpool-rumours.co.uk/poll17.html

Thanks for the poll ed
I myself think that we don't need a new gk but given the amount of posts asking for a backup thought it would be worth a poll but sorry if it caused you any trouble

{Ed001's Note - no trouble mate, I just don't understand the need for one. It is a position that is very rarely required and very few clubs ever have a really good back up. No keeper of real quality will sit on the bench every week unless they are either very young or very old.}

Ed what is your opinion on Danny Ward? Is he seen as a future first team player?

{Ed001's Note - young keepers are the most difficult to judge, he does look to have the ability but needs a bit of work on his positioning. The jury is still out on him, from what I have been told it will be about getting him a loan move to take a proper look at him.}

I agree Eds the ideal back-up keeper is the next 19 year old Casillas/Szczesny/Hart

Anyone know who's out there that could be just that?

23 Apr 2014 10:25:38
Reports suggests Rogers has been given £60m to spend. Is this really enough to continue this seasons success. We missed out on the players we really wanted because we didn't have CL football. Now we have we need to spend big and get them. Also with more matches next season we need to strength the squad to protect the inevitable injuries that will come along with it. Surely £60m is not enough

Oh my God, give it a rest please. The club isn't exactly in the financial position we'd like. I am sure money will still be made available, on a case by case basis, where signings are deemed necessary. Let us not get over-zealous; but trust in the club hierarchy, particularly Brendan Rodgers, who has proved, and continue to prove themselves capable of running this great institution.

60 million plus sales is grate we are losing money look at the reports of man city breaching the fair play rules we will probably be next in the media maybe people will get of fifa and realise what's going on

Are you serious, Greg? How much is enough? I was assuming we would buy 2 or 3 players and spend less than 20m. We won't be spending 60 million quid guarenteed.

I think so definatly

GK - Migs, Jones, Ward
RB- Jonno, Flanno, Kelly
LB- Jose, NEW, Smith
RCB- Toure, Ilori, Wisdom
LCB- Skrtel, Agger, Sakho
DM- Stevie, Lucas, Biao
RCM- Hendo, Allen, Alberto
LCM- Couts, Suso, Teixiera
RF- Sterling, Aspas, assaidi
LF- Suarez, Ibe, NEW
CF- Sturridge, Borini, Yesil

Anything we could add to that or improve would be great

Skertl is horrible when playing lcb

Perhaps you should be a Leeds supporter if you believe spend at all costs is wise

Yesil won't get promoted will he? he's coming back from 2 serious acl injuries. It would be better to give him time.
We have a lot of good/decent young players.But I'd worry for how they cope with champions league football.

I suspect you should be prepared to be massively disappointed, Greg.

23 Apr 2014 09:31:27
Great to see Ian Ayre come out and say that we will invest heavily in the squad "There is no question we always expected that the squad we need for next season will be very different to the squad that we have needed for this year when we were not playing in Europe." Do the Ed's reckon this is just a load of Bull from Ayre? Also wanted to say that had a poster on here said those comments they would be slated for not supporting the team!

I wish someone like Ayre had not said that. Now, he has firmly raised the expectations of many a fan.

Maybe people are putting two and two together and getting 50 million? The squad will need to be different from this season as Ayre said, but he never mentioned figures and he never mentioned us bidding on Messi. We need a slightly bigger squad with better back up players. Maybe a bunch will be let go and others brought in but why are people jumping to conclusions that were about to spend huge amounts? I didn't read that from Ayres comments at all.

{Ed001's Note - Ayre specifically said there was no set budget, so anyone mentioning a figure is a liar.}

I think it would be pretty foolish to say this and then not spend, as AG said it greatly raises expectations. It's also possible now, that clubs could play hard ball over fees knowing we have a quoted £60m to spend. Either way £60m is a lot of money (not sure whether player sales are included in this) so I for one i'm greatly excited to see who we have our sights on.

23 Apr 2014 08:11:34
I hope nobody is buying into Jose's mind games. He will field as strong a team as possible against Liverpool. Its lucky he is a colouful manager because his football is dull to say the least.

Yes, no-one is fooled by that, he's just trying to deflect attention away from the fact that chelsea are about as exciting as watching grass grow

he just wants an excuse in case he loses, because he has ego issues, like all narcissists

The ban will happen, Rui Faria hasn't been charged yet either - Don't think he could escape it really! Not sure if Ramires can appeal it though and still play Sunday whilst awaiting the outcome? Any Ed's know?

Ofcourse he will field a very strong team. Even if it was a "second string" team, the players on show would be the likes of Salah, Schurrle, David Luiz, Cole, Shwarzer etc. Players who would be starters in most of the other PL teams.

Yes Mr Shankly I was just saying on the Chelsea page that he has given his excuses for both competitions in the one whinge. I don't know whether Roman buys into this stuff though

Even if he played a so called 'weakened team', that would still include at minimum:

Matic and Salah who were cup tied last night

Lampard and Mikel because they will be banned for the second leg

If fit Hazard and Eto due to them not playing last night

Hardly a weakened team Jose

No Terry and no Cech so IMO a weakened side.

Who cares who he plays, we are Liverpool and this is Anfield.

Cech and Terry are enforced changes because of injury.

Mourinho is trying to suggest he will rest players for the second leg, even if they are fit.

I don't buy it and teams have been fined in the past for playing weakened sides so he wouldn't highlight it if it was true.

23 Apr 2014 04:44:09
So it seems, ridiculously yet unsurprisingly, that there has been no retrospective ban for ramires?

What? One notable Journalist mentioned yesterday that Ramires will get a 4 match ban today (Wednesday).

22 Apr 2014 22:03:01
Hey Ed001

Jose usually gets his tactics spot on for the big games look at the game at etihad, but Chelsea have to go for the win.
How are you expecting Jose & Brendan to set their sides out & how do you see the game going?

{Ed002's Note - Mourinho is a tactician who has stepped over the bounds recently but is still a formidable opponent. Rodgers has done a great job and the team has really stepped ahead - and further ahead than anyone expected. Liverpool should do nothing than more of the same otherwise Chelsea might pick them apart. This game may not be critical but both sides will look for a win. BR needs to get Skrtel on side and not pulling at shirts. He needs to ensure that Suarez is focussed because Chelsea will exploit the situation if there is any chance. I don't like it but they will. Rodgers has achieved - don't foul it up.}

Jose Mourinho has been the manager in seven Champions League semi-finals, he's lost five of them. However he has never managed a losing team in a Champions League final match.

So, ''Jose usually gets his tactics spot on for the big games'', of course obviously withstanding Champions League semi-finals, in which he doesn't usually get his tactics spots on, would be to the truth. ;) Just for fun.

23 Apr 2014 08:31:56
Chelsea will go for the win. Like Ed02 says, we need to guard against Chelsea trying to exploit the weaknesses of certain players.

23 Apr 2014 08:31:42
Good insight there Ed02!

22 Apr 2014 22:51:28
Not clutching at straws - we will have to get a result who ever is put infront of us; Cech and Terry got injured tonight (not sure if it rules them out of Sunday); not seen anything about Rameries or the Chelsea coach being suspended etc. Chelsea still have to keep it tight next wednesday.

Hoping all these things may give us a little advantage on Sunday - but as stated - we have to beat whoever is put infront of us.

{Ed002's Note - I would not get wrapped up in that. The momentum is with Liverpool, stop worrying about the opposition because it is out of you control.}

22 Apr 2014 23:00:15
A few injury concerns for Chelsea but I'm not going to underestimate them. They will have to attack at some point during the game and they can do real damage. Hope Torres starts :)

22 Apr 2014 23:27:24
Fabio Borini voted young player of the year for Sunderland, good on him be good see him back next season