Liverpool Banter Archive December 23 2014

 

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23 Dec 2014 23:16:26
Eds reds merry xmas and all best for 15! Come on redmen!!

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{Ed002's Note - Enjoy Stevie.}

23 Dec 2014 22:39:05
What's everyone's thoughts on borini? In all honestly he has done so much more to warrant a place in the side then ballotelli.

He has almost no time to make an actual impact in a game because he never gets games and if he does it's for a few minutes. Atleast he actually shows some passion to play for us and to be honest he's not a bad striker which he showed when playing for Sunderland.

Really hope Rodgers goes before borini gets shipped out as well as suso and Lucus but I doubt it sadly.

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I think the petulance was silly in throwing the ball away. But at least he showed some fight and got some good efforts in on goal, baffles me that even though we've been short of options he wasn't given a run of games.

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24 Dec 2014 01:13:44
Personally I don't think we'll see him in a Liverpool shirt again mate

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He received many moe minutes this year than he could have hoped for. May have been passionate and enthusiastic but didn't score goals. I can't see how you can compare him with Baloteli.

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Balotelli doesn't score goals either and isn't passionate or hard working.

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I am sorry but I just don't get it!
I have been a fan for a very long time and I do not want players who are "Passionate" or "Try hard" etc. I want "good players with ability" the rest should come as part of the package, not just be the package.
People settle for average nowadays, we are LFC and we deserve the best!

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24 Dec 2014 15:34:21
Mr Chump just because we are liverpool doesn't mean we "deserve the best" it's not who deserves what it who has the money to get the best. Secondly how can you compare ballotelli and borini. Hmm considering they both play the same position, borini probably hasn't played that much more then ballotelli, they are both Italian and to finish it off they both just received a ban :)

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23 Dec 2014 22:02:17
Happy Christmas eds especially ed 01_02 who seem to answer most of r questions.To all fellow reds let's hope a new year brings some of better form for this campaign I have a feeling we r going to be a lot better 2nd half of the season.

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23 Dec 2014 21:51:05
Javi Martinez to replace Lucas if he leaves eds?
Hardly plays for bayern would be a superstar for us.

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{Ed002's Note - No.}

He hardly plays for bayern because he's injured!

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24 Dec 2014 08:17:23
He was Ed01's fav player.

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{Ed001's Note - he was certainly the one I most wanted us to sign.}

24 Dec 2014 08:44:11
I think he suffered a broken leg or something
Many players aren't the same after such injuries

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More than Medel ed001? hehe. hows he doing in inter anyway if youve been watching?

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{Ed001's Note - I have not kept watch mate, I haven't had time to watch Serie A this season. I don't enjoy it, so I only watch it if there is nothing else on at all.}

23 Dec 2014 19:30:41
Hi, any news on who we are signing in January, If so who? Also who's leaving Liverpool I've heard strong rumours on Lucas going Napoli?

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{Ed002's Note - Read the posts.}

23 Dec 2014 19:37:02
Lucas may well move on soon but imo Jan is not the time we need him until there is someone better to take his place.

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23 Dec 2014 18:48:23
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Eds and all Liverpool fans across the world from a Liverpool fan from Poland! YNWA.

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{Ed001's Note - thank you Tom same to you and all your family.}

Merry Christmas Eds and Reds from Slovakia

Stastne a Vesele Vianoce

YNWA

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{Ed002's Note - Have a good holiday season Eomer.}

23 Dec 2014 20:22:26
Merry Christmas and a happy new year from a Welsh man in Malta :-)

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Welshman in Malta!! Guaranga bet they struggle with the accent. Ha only messing. My Mum is a malteaser. Was born and raised there when my Grandad was based in the navy there.

All the best to everyone

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Hare Krishna Ed01 😀

You are a bugger everytime I put the J word. Not joint.

Hope you have a lovely time in Dubai mate at Christmas and make it as homely as you can. Also hope you get to see your daughter etc as this site is great and takes away the daily stresses of work and family life

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23 Dec 2014 18:42:38
I'd just like to wish the Eds and my fellow posters a very merry Christmas and prosperous new year

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{Ed001's Note - cheers Chris, I hope you and yours, and everyone else on the sites has a great Christmas and New Year too.}

Same to you chris

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23 Dec 2014 17:46:26
Edd001, do you see Rodgers bringing anyone in in the January transfer window? I don't think the funds will or should' be available if we don't sell. Selling any of our own players will be difficult and the only priority position we need is a GK. And there will be no top Gk'S available in January. I'm hoping no more money is wasted.
.

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{Ed001's Note - personally I don't expect anything other than maybe a player on a pre-contract for the summer.}

23 Dec 2014 21:31:58
Any rumours of who might be this pre contract player?

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{Ed002's Note - ry the search engine or read the posts.}

Even if Lucas leaves ed1?
Seems very odd to get rid of him with no replacement lined up, specially as he's been one of our best players recently.

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{Ed002's Note - Can.

23 Dec 2014 18:03:16
Question to all.
If' Gerrard leaves this season or when he eventually does leave who would you replace him with or promote from within the squad to eventually play regularly in midfield?
Remember rossiter is still young and when Gerrard goes or retires there are few, very few leaders in our squad. The older players (Johnson, skrtl, toure) I see moving on. Henderson has been poor(off form) this season so far and hasn't shown IMO the character that is needed to captain the club so can he really lead the club in the future? It's all good when we are playing well but we have been poor and I haven't seen anyone show any leadership on the field. All Opinions welcome

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Well I can't really suggest a new leader BUT I don't think we have had one for years. Gerrard is definitely not captain material

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23 Dec 2014 19:00:45
If Stevie goes at the end of the season personally would like us to sell allen as well and put it towards a top DM leaving us with Can, Rossiter, Hendo, lucas, and a new DM. Which would let either lallana, couts and sterling to play centrally where they'd be more effective.

As for Hendo tbh I actually don't blame him. He is being asked to play roles (holding or rwb) which don't malw the best of his abilities and limit what he can do, in fairness he has 2 assists in 2 games from playing rwb which is a position he clearly isn't meant to play. Think that proves that he gives us his all regardless and is a great vice captain with potential to grow into the role of captain. Only thing which restricts him is ability, but saying that last season was first name on the sheet and a key player.

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I completely agree Roland-dinho. Allen has to go to free up space for Can, who I am looking forward to seeing on a more regular basis. Until he has a bad game and we all slate him :)

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23 Dec 2014 18:02:29
Not Liverpool related, but Dortmund have signed a very good player in Kevin Kampl. I mentioned him about this time last year as Liverpool were scouting him at the time. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes another star that they end up selling in 12/18 months time.

Red Rum

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{Ed002's Note - He previously said he wants to one day play in Berlin or London.}

24 Dec 2014 02:43:29
Why would he want to play in Berlin though? There are hardly any good clubs which could challenge for a CL/EL spot there.

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23 Dec 2014 17:14:29
Another poll question,

Is zonal marking more effective than man marking?

I know my preference and our form last season and this can confirm that!

Hope this hasn't been done yet Eds, if so apologies.

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{Ed001's Note - thank you mate I added it, but just realised I had been forgetting to add people's name to the polls to show who sent them! Apologies, things have been hectic here and my mind is frazzled.}

Thanks Ed001 and no problem, I don't think it will get any quieter any time soon for you!

Merry christmas to you.

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23 Dec 2014 17:23:15
Eds fellow reds, hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year .hopefully new year can bring us some new luck and push back up the table .

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{Ed002's Note - Thanks and enjoy your holiday season.}

23 Dec 2014 16:58:35
Anyone here who has watched Martin ødegaard play in flesh or has a good knowledge about him? Would really be interested in your views the amount this kid has been hyped
is just ridiculous

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23 Dec 2014 17:18:46
I have watched him play Reet, The kid is fantastic. He has got an Errikson in him and his main attributes are dribbling and has lovely Left foot.
But it makes 0 sense to buy him and sell Suso.

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Honestly? I've only seen his international debut and some highlight reels. Harry Wilson and Sheyi Ojo both look better. Plus we have Ibe out on loan. I don't think we're short on talented young wide players with Markovic also at the club. I thinj for the amount he'd cost, it's a massive waste of money. He is only a kid and could completely flop in men's football at a higher level like the Prem.

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He can't be pregnant harry, he's far too young ☂

YNWA

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He will be a top player.

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23 Dec 2014 18:24:36
Absolute gold mick

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23 Dec 2014 19:06:29
very, very, very good. I watched him once 2 years ago (maybe 3) but I remember him being used as an attacking midfielder. It's quite obvious that his left foot is his dominant one and his favored method of attack is dribbling. He will do very, very, very well at teams who rely on counter-attacking but not teams that dominant possession and opposition teams "park the bus". I remember that there was some other winger who was better than him in terms of combination play on that team. Can't remember his name for some reason.

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23 Dec 2014 20:26:43
Ive seen almost every game he played this season, and i must say he is the best norwegian player I've seen in the Tippeliga. (John Obi Mikel had one insane season in Lyn, but even he at the age of 17 didn't do what he does.
To be so calm with the ball, being so technical, so good at possesion and having that overlook is not common for a norwegian player, especially so young.
He is also a player that when everybody goes home is leaving behind to practice more. So i think he will become a worldclass player. Mats Møller Dæhli is a really good talent to, but even he comes short of Ødegaard. The team who gets him will get a fantastic player with a even better attitude.

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24 Dec 2014 05:47:47
I've no doubt he has the potential to be world class Norweigan red.

I'm not saying he even looks a bad player. Sheyi Ojo is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in world football and according to Ed002 in the top 4 in the world. Harry Wilson smashed the record for the youngest player ever to make his international debut for Wales (beating even Bale). Markovic has been described by some as being at a similar level to Messi and Ronaldo at the sane age (I think that's an exaggeration personally but shows how higgly rated he is) and Jordan Ibe broke the record for the youngest player to score a league goal for Wycombe, and at 18/19 looks completely out of place in the Championship and was our best player in pre season.

It's not that I don't rate Odegaard. I just think for the amount it will cost for us to pry him away from his club (and Real Madrid essentially) he is a risk we don't need to take.

If he chooses to sign for us and we don't break the bank, great. I won't lose any sleep over it if he goes elsewhere though because as I say, we have plenty of talented players in his position. Some even fancy Sterling as a winger (although I think he's better off centrally) so you could argue we have 5 supremely talented players all aged 17-20 who play in Odegaard's position. It'd just be spending money for the sake of it in my view when we so clearly lack a goalkeeper, holding midfielder and world class striker.

More to the point, for his sake he would be better off going elsewhere because with so much competition at the club from the 4/5 previously mentioned, he might not even get any opportunities. Believe me, I'm not criticising him as a player, I just think it is yet another example of our transfer committee being less calculated than a kid in a candy store.

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{Ed001's Note - Odegaard will not cost much, his contract is running down. A player of his quality, if he wants to play for the club, we should be happy to go the extra mile to get.}

As long as that was the case Ed I don't mind us signing him. I'd seen talks of a bidding war with Real Madrid! Anything under a couple of million is a no brainer. I still have my doubts over whether he'd get a game here though when Rodgers won't even give Wilson, Ojo or Ibe a chance.

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{Ed001's Note - Odegaard is probably a step above anyone else mate. Ignore paper talk, they make up nonsense with bidding wars etc, they very rarely happen at all.}

I've probably just not seen enough of him. The Norwegian Tippeliga isn't one I regularly tune in to watch ;)

Fair enough though, I got the impression he was going to be relatively expensive. He'll have to be a few steps above anyone else for Rodgers to give him a chance!

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{Ed002's Note - The point is that Odegaard has only turned 16 this week and would not be anywhere near the first team at Liverpool for two years or more. He has far better options elsewhere.}

23 Dec 2014 16:42:09
Ed001
A couple of questions regarding the sites
1- Is that horse racing game available for Android?
2- Are you guys still planning for the fantasy football game of your own with regards to the player ratings page?

p.s a suggested poll of the day - Does Steven Gerrard deserve to be in the team on bsdis of his performances this season?

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{Ed001's Note - 1. Not yet, but it is in the middle of being converted. It is just Ed033 is having to learn HTML5 at the same time as converting it.
2. Yes we are still intent on doing that when time permits.
I will add that to the poll list, thanks.}

23 Dec 2014 17:31:04
Thanks for the reply ed1. I'd be willing to volunteer if you guys need any non technical help with the player ratings page think its a great idea

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23 Dec 2014 16:10:55
This year began with optimism, then we had some brilliant football, extraordinary goals, amazing victories, leading up to " we go again ", followed by heartbreak for our team our the manager of the year.

Then more biting - only this time on the international stage, huge transfers and injury and a poor first half of the season.

How 4 and bit months can change everything - now, according to some, Gerrard is finished, Suso, who doesn't play is the best player we've got ( apparently ) ! And our manager is clueless and out of his depth according to many.

Lets hope the next four months are better, let's hope we climb the table and let's hope that some of the negative banter on here lessens.

Merry Xmas all,

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Difficult to see how the next 4 months could be anything but an improvement on the last four.

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Well if BR is still in charge and he gets rid of Lucas whilst still maintaining that Gerrard and Allen are his best cm pairing, expect things to get much much worse.

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Sellng Lucas for those two is criminal and BR should be sacked for that alone.

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23 Dec 2014 14:41:00
ed could we have a poll question on weather people would like rafa back as manager I no people would be split would like to see how much for me would love him back cheers.

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{Ed001's Note - ok mate. I will add that to the list.}

Good poll question - my answer would be no. Got a lot of time and respect for Rafa but don't agree with treading old ground - also don't think the players we have would be the right ones for a "Rafa" systen which would mean, if he got the job, another rebuilding process. Would be welcomed back at Anfield as a top fella any time but as manager I think we need to look elsewhere.

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Thanks edd

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23 Dec 2014 14:47:21
BR has to go now the team is a complete shambles.Mostly every signing has been atrocious while at the same time blocking any of our own academy players that is unless we have loaned them out after so many millions.This alone i find extremely incompetent, what other top end bpl team does this ludicrous practice of make bad signings and then loaning them out before they have had a look in the first team (you could say chelsea but i disagree they sign young players knowing they are going nowhere near the first team if anything chelsea are investing which is actually a wise move)
This is only one of the many concerns to note them all would be to write a book.

Brendaned

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23 Dec 2014 13:10:06
Ed001, I'm not sure if you accept requests for the daily polls on here, but I think it would be interesting to poll which fans value more: trophies vs. league standing. "Is winning trophies more important than a top 4 finish?"

It's a tough one because we all know the champions league money is vital. However, football is a game and ultimately it's about winning. Winning matches and winning trophies.

I would just like to gauge fan's opinion and it's a handy way to do it.

I'm a bit of a traditionalist, and maybe a bit naive because again I know getting top 4 is important for a number of reasons - and getting it consistently too!

I think I'd prefer to win the Eurpoa league and finish 5th (thus qualifying for the champions league and winning silverware) than finish 4th with no trophies.

Ed?

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{Ed001's Note - will add that now. I don't care about top 4, it is trophies that matter.}

I would say trophies, however it impossible to ignore the swings and roundabouts -

top 4 gives you champions league, champions league gives you big money, big money + champs league helps to provide better players, better players give you more chance of winning trophies consistently - and round and round we go.

Merry Christmas everyone

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Trophies. Ask Torres, Fabregas, Van Persie, Henry, Mascherano etc.

You can't show your grandchildren a newspaper cut out of a top 4 finish and be proud. You can show them medals.

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23 Dec 2014 14:00:56
Trophies
have only seen liverpool lift one in my years as a fan

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Top 4. i'm not fussed about mickey mouse trophies. I want Chapions League and the League. The only way to achieve both is top be competing at the top of the table. Not to mention the money the CL generates which we need badly.

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Both its about competing at the highest level like fa and league cups are fine but league and champions league are what big players lust for so you need top 4 to get champions league

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I have to disagree with you ed001, top 4 is essential for us we need to be in the cl for financial reasons and sponsor reasons.
With the extra money we can bring in better players and trophies will follow.
Top 4 is regarded by the owners as a price.
Malta

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Top4. champions league for the long term plan, and financial stability.

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23 Dec 2014 15:02:36
As a fan of the club you want what's best for the club moving forward cl qualification is essential to staying out of financial difficulties ffpr, it also helps when trying to sign good quality which is what we need not 6/7 players 2/3 top players to get the one r 2 that will make a difference you need cl.

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23 Dec 2014 15:33:35
I can't believe so many here are content to celebrate being the 4th best club in England.

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Top 4 for me over the carling cup and fa cup anyway.

EMS you mentioned them players but I don't think henry would have been happy winning the carling cup every year and not being in the CL.

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League position is a good indicator of quality and, if not current success, then likely future success. Look at who wins trophies in each and every league and correlate it with league position. Upsets happens in cup competitions but they are increasingly rare. I want us to win trophies, but, for the sake of the club in terms of finances, ability to attract top talent, etc then league position is what matters long term. Ultimately I have never seen us win the league (I was too young) - I want that experience more than anything. I appreciate that I could be waiting a long time.

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It's not that any of us are content with being 4th best, but to succeed you need money and to get the money you need to be in the champions league, I'd take champions league qualification any day over the league cup or the FA cup.

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23 Dec 2014 17:04:59
we just don't want to see ourselves go bankrupt, Ed002 has stated time and again our precarious position. I feel finishing the in the champs league and and several places higher in the league will keep us as a going concern

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Neither is sucsess on their own they have to come together. Winning the carling cup won't keep world class players at the club. Playing in the champions league won't keep world class players as arsenal prove. You have to do both otherwise it's pointless. The answer can't be yes or no. On their own both are pointless winning a cup great let's point back to our great history and see how much that gets us in the future. finishing in the CL for one season does no good as this season has shown. Personally I couldn't care less about the days out as I'll never be in a position to enjoy them. Trophies are only good for bragging rights. At least 4th gives financial stability

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Top 4 has got to be our priority. Consistently playing in the CL is the only way we will get back to being a top team

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It depends which trophies. Obvioulsy winning the league (also a trophy, no?) is more important than anything, although this maybe not relevant to your question because winnin the league is of course also top4. Europa league is also a trophy but it now comes with CL football so probably an easy answer here - it is better than top4 because it means CL and also a nice trophy. This leaves us with the leauge cup and FA cup. For me the league cup is less important than top 4, no one really cares about it - unless maybe you are a small team that never won any kind of trophy. So the only question here is FA cup or top4. This is a hard one and IMO also depends in the recent history of the team. If a team didn't win a trophy for many years like Arsenal last year, then the FA cup may be more important even than top4. If you win the FA cup two years in the row for example, you may find CL more important in order to bring better players. I would probably prefer FA cup this year on top4.

By the way 4th place is not automatic qualification, you still have to win a playoff round which Everton once failed, and if the winner of the CL come from PL and didn't finish in the top 4 they will go instead of the 4th place as Spurs remember very well.

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Well the money from the champions league is a means to an end, to win trophies and the league title. This season I would much rather we won a trophy personally, the Europa League is a big one now that it gives champions league qualification.

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23 Dec 2014 17:24:46
I'd take winning the Europa this season, might end being the only way of getting into the CL for next season!

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Surely it's a contradiction to say you'd rather finish in the top 4 than win trophies because it gives you a better chance of winning trophies?

That's essentially saying trophies are still the most important and ignoring the question.

The question is would you rather finish in the top 4 OR win a trophy. For the sake of the discussion that basically means would you rather win silverware every year or just finish 4th every year. Obviously we'd all prefer both but saying "top 4 because it gives us a better chance of winning things in the future" is evading the question.

For me, there is no point finishing 4th every year and never winning anything. You aim to finish first in every game you play and therefore every competition you compete in. Even 2nd place means nothing. Wasn't it Shankley who said 2nd is just the 1st loser? Obviously the main goal is to be a force in both league and cup but that isn't an viable answer to thos question. I would rather win the FA cup or League cup every year for the next 20 years than finish 4th for the next 20 years and win nothing.

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23 Dec 2014 19:01:10
If I was offered Europa league win ahead of top 4 I would take it as we would qualify for cl and have a trophy.

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Surely everyone wants to win trophies, but unfortunately the money which the CL generates is also what teams need.

The CL is what attracts players and bigger wages that goes with it.

If we fail to get CL again would you see us challenging for the title? I don't think so. So your looking at going after the carling cup every season.

Being in the CL gives you extra money to challenge for the bigger trophies the ones that count.

So if I could choose 10 seasons of CL football over 10 carling cups and no CL I'd go for the 1st option.

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Arsenal finish in the top 4 most seasons and they don't win any trophies usually that's why their manager comes in for a lot of abuse, i think asking a few gooners would tell you the answer to that, i would like us to try and win the prem then we win both, but if i had to pick one it would be to finish in the top 4 not just because of the money but because we could get better players who will see us in the top competition every season that's one of the factors why top players go to certain clubs, its not winning the FA cup that will bring the elite players to our club,

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You can do both. Seriously, It all depends on which one you win. I would take the Europa League, CL or PL over any other position in the standings. FA Cup and Carling Cup has to come with a Top4 finish

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It's not a contradiction Adam its a fact - the clubs near the top of the league will be the ones most likely to win trophies. I will make it even simpler - for financial stability, ability to attract top talent, ability for our club to grow better and better, then league position is what matters. The CL is obviously a massive competition for the league cup and FA cup have diminished significantly in terms of prestige. If we win he FA cup this season but finish 7th it will not be seen as a successful season - if we (by some sot of miracle) finished 3rd, it would better for the club and its future. It will not be seen as a "sucess" either but, given the choice, I think most would agree that CL (and the money surrounding it) has become the most important thing.

Personally I think the winners of both cup competitions should qualify for the CL as well as 1st and 2nd in the league - making it an actual "champions" league and restoring the allure of the cups.

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We had a manager who won the carling cup and the final of the FA cup and got the sack so obviously the owners only want one of two or both the prem league or champions league all the rest mean nothing to them as King Kenny found out

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{Ed002's Note - He got sacked for being a jerk. Not for failing to win the league.}

24 Dec 2014 14:23:36
Exactly. I thank Ed002 for enlightening me on the T-shirt fiasco. However, I think that was not the only reason.

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23 Dec 2014 13:01:06
Ed002, I saw you give your verdict on a few of Liverpool's young players yesterday. I was wondering what your opinion on Origi is? Cheers.

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{Ed002's Note - Sadly, I don't see he is what is needed and it will be yet another expensive mistake.

Think of him as a poor man's Florent Sinama Pongolle.}

23 Dec 2014 13:37:38
Ed002, Lolz. how did you pull out that comparison. More like el hadji diouf?

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I thought he looked good last season. I've paid more attention to him this season though and whilst I disagree he is a poor mans Pongolle, he reminds me of Welbeck.

Tall, strong, fast, good work rate, not massive amount of quality though. He even performs better for his national team like Welbeck. Fancies himself as a striker but gets pushed to the left wing because he isn't clinical enough. Rodgers was smoking something when he said he could be world class. He'll likely be a good, hardworking squad player in my opinion. I know he is still young and could improve but he just doesn't show anything like a good touch or technique. Clever movement but not clinical. His current goal drought is probably affecting him mentally as well and bringing him here in January is a massive risk.

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23 Dec 2014 14:31:22
Hilarious, y do we only buy hard working players?
Lallana, Henderson and now Origi.

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Good assesment EMS, and the last thing we need right now is to avoid taking any risks, this super mario transfer was always going to end in tears, and he is the total opposite to the striker we should have bought,
we seem to be hitting a bit of form, a couple of wins, couple of the Right signings, and we could all enjoy a good 2nd half to the season .

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23 Dec 2014 15:21:38
Origi is very young hasn't kicked a ball for the club yet and he is getting slated even by ed 01 I have to say we really are a bunch of moaners.

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Lallana isn't just a hard worker, he has great feet and understanding of the game, he works hard sure but that's not all there is to his game.

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23 Dec 2014 15:53:22
Bob

Agree bob, but that's the latest excuse for a player if he doesn't score. lols

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I'm certainly not moaning about Origi. For £10m I don't really have an issue. Arsenal paid £16m for Welbeck and every team needs a dedicated back up who can come in and do a job. Even Fergie had players like Saha, Welbeck, Hernandez, Solskjaer (spelling) etc.

I'm not slating him. Just giving an honest assessment. I could easily only point out his positives and propaganda spin it into him being a good signing. I have learnt my lesson from being overly optimistic about a signing though so I'm trying to learn to step back and assess new players without bias; otherwise I'll have another Balotelli situation where people spend half the year saying "weren't you the guy who defended Origi and said he'd be brilliant. Lulz" ;)

Nothing wrong with being a hardworking 3 rd choice striker. Shame really because if Rodgers liked him, it could've been Borini!

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Oh and spot on regarding Lallana bob. He is probably our most technically gifted player since Yossi Benayoun! Suarez combined tenacity, flair, audacity and technical skill but the ball didn't stick to his foot like it does with Lallana. Shame Lallana doesn't have the vision and clinical pedigree Suarez had either. He is still a bloody good player though.

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23 Dec 2014 17:35:11
I am damm sure, Bennayoon would come off from the retirement reading Adam's post.

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He was a great little player harry but aside from being technically gifted and intelligent with and without the ball he didn't offer enough. He had no pace, strength, acceleration or agression so he got knocked about in the Prem. I wish he'd gone to Spain for his sake.

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I'm sorry mate but Yossi used to overplay the ball more often than not. Also I don't think he had enough in him to last a full game. More like a really frustrating super sub who would surprise people here and there with a very decent shot on him.

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23 Dec 2014 12:42:19
Ed001 you said Rogers more or less will get this season then the summer may be let go (not in those words) so just wondering if fourth and winning a cup would save his job or what miracle do you think it may take in your opinion

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{Ed001's Note - he promised the title mate.....}

23 Dec 2014 13:14:12
I think forth and a cup will give him a good chance of keeping his job.But let's be honest this is as improbable as winning the league; and if he pulls it then I genuinely believe he deserves another chance

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23 Dec 2014 13:38:05
I disagree Roy. I think the arrogance and stubbornness he's shown this season is unforgivable. If we get top 4 that's because everyone else was pretty poor rather then us being good.

Plus I couldn't stand to hear anymore of his interviews.

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Red twist I think of Rogers keeps his job it will be under different rules ect so the same mistakes won't happen he made a mistake in promising the league as I always taught substanting top 4 was realistic

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23 Dec 2014 16:31:20
I don't think so dez when we came close to winning the title last year and spent that much the title was realistic. If we had just replaced suarez with someone with a similar style not the opposite (ballotelli) then sorted the GK position LB and CDM I think the title was realistic.

I'm talking quality players not just loads of players to boost the squad the youth are there for a reason.

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He should go. The fact that he has only now just decided to change things a little, when it was all to apparent to everyone months ago that his style of playing wasn't working is very bad management. You know the moment there is a little less pressure, he'll revert to his style again, then what! He had to get the Summer signings spot on because of FFP. Now, there is no money to spend, unless LFC sell first, then buy. He went for quantity over quality, and that in itself is crazy, more so because the players that were brought in don't suit his style of playing the game.

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BR should go if he cannot even close to fulfilling the promises he made to the owners and as it stands, he knows he is gone. All his other issues are well documented and he should also go for those as well. Based on those facts, he will not survive.

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23 Dec 2014 10:51:25
Sorry if this is inappropriate eds, please delete if so

Super

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{Ed002's Note - Yep, sorry.}

23 Dec 2014 11:22:04
No worries Ed

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{Ed002's Note - Try the Conspiracy page.}

23 Dec 2014 10:13:59
I feel bad for Sturridge,
If you listen to the posters on here, Sturridges return will mean Mignolet, Skrtel and Lovren all turn into world beaters because they will have pressure relieved.
Gerrards Hollywood balls will start hitting targets,
Sterling, Lallana and Balotelli will start playing out of their skins.

No pressure then Danny,

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I think you got it wrong. People rely on us to outscore the opponent, and at the moment we have no clinical finisher, who can finish off all our chances. Despite Sturridge being in the starting 11 we will still concede a lot of goals.

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The best players don't succumb to pressure mate :P

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23 Dec 2014 11:17:00
I don't believe any of it, I think we'll score a few more but am certain the problems that we have will continue,
Sturridge will not help Migs, Lovren, Gerrard or Balotelli,
That I'm certain of.

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23 Dec 2014 11:45:08
I think lovren will be better with a settled midfield in front of him with Lucas fully match fit now I think he will perform better look at Terry since he got matic in front of him.sturridges movement will create chances for whoever he plays with I think we could well go on a run now let's hope.

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23 Dec 2014 11:46:58
Agree with red fuzz's logic here it won't help up at the back but at least instill confidence upfront

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23 Dec 2014 11:49:46
Very true mate but if DS plays then we will score more goals and ultimately win more games. Had we finished just some of our good chances against utd and arsenal then we would of won those games. Plus having a partner for baloney will get the best out of him as everyone's knows he's not suited to playing up top on his own. Players like Stevie and coutiniho play better when they have pace and movement in front of them.
Scousekew

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23 Dec 2014 12:04:20
Ultimately even against united we created a lot of chances which Danny would of scored. The confidence goes up suddenly everyone starts playing better.

I recon Danny will thrive off the pressure anyway.

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23 Dec 2014 09:57:34
Rafa wins yet another trophy beating juventus in the italian supercup.

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Someone disagreeing with this FACT shows the mentality of some people on this site, haha

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It's the inference of the statement being disagreed with not the statement. See down the page where I say the supercoppa is the Italian charity shield game (a fact) yet 2 people disagree.

My inference was that it had little baring, as no one really sees the charity shield as a major trophy.

I disagreed with Ziggster because I thought his sentence was that Rafa Benitez winning that trophy meant he was doing well in Italy. (which I don't believe he is)

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The fact that some posters worry about little things like that shows the mentality of others.

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The fact that some posters worry about some posters worrying about little things shows the mentality of others ;)

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23 Dec 2014 13:12:10
The fact that we are having this conversation shows the boredom of ALL posters ;-)

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To the pub then! And a ho ho ho

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Would you want Rafa back Waro? I would, with open arms.

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I would sway with no Rover, purely because i don't think he could work with these owners, but if he did get the job i'd be glad to see him back and be 100% behind him

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Wrong again! It is the owners who can`t work with a politician and a troublemaker who just sticks his nose where it doesn`t beloong. As long as the owners are still here, he ain`t coming back and I like many others will be proven right that he is history until he does get re-hired which he won`t.

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23 Dec 2014 09:51:07
How about Sami as defensive coach now that he is available?

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{Ed002's Note - Not the way forward.}

23 Dec 2014 11:49:37
I doubt he will be willing to work as a defensive coach under a stubborn man after having coached a champions League side

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23 Dec 2014 07:51:04
Folk on here bashing Gerard a lot . He is still our best player on the ball. For me Henderson is a weak link. I appreciate he works he's socks off . But he's not very capable on the ball . I thought he did well last season, but I think the luxury of Suarez n Sturridge made him look a player . He's played a few games on the right but he should be able to adapt n he's been like a piece of furniture.

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23 Dec 2014 08:12:02
For me, Hendo should only be played as a B2B midfielder, if he isn't getting a place there, Then he should be dropped.

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23 Dec 2014 09:23:17
If he is our best player on the ball why are all his Hollywood passes misplaced out for a throw or why are all his set pieces met by an opposition defender?
I realize the great work he has done for the club but people have to open their eyes now and face the truth Gerrard is a shadow if the player he was five seasons ago

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Completely agreed on Henderson, although I think Lallana, Sturridge and maybe Coutinho are better on the ball than Gerrard.

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23 Dec 2014 10:01:18
Comments regarding Hendo being made to look good by Sturridge and Suarez make no sense for me. How exactly does having those 2 ahead mean that him surging up the field consistently for 90 minutes and closing down everything that moves looked better?

This season he has played in three positions - Gerrards babysitter, RW and RWB. The RW and RWB we should know from Kenny's time doesn't work, he's a central player and that's the end of it. And everyone whose been told to babysit Gerrard has looked poor

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23 Dec 2014 10:31:29
Hjikle

Henderson biggest asset is his energy. He needs space to run. He had that luxury last season under SAS, infact all the attacking players including Sterling.
When two front men draws half of the opposition players out of their positions. That opens up acres of space for your other players run through the 6 yard box.
Henderson has huge technical limitations.

Agree on the RWB position. He should be dropped then.

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I think our two Spanish full backs would be great as wing backs as they are both quick and great getting forward and certainly no worse defensively than the midfield players currently playing there.

That being said hendo and lazar have done ok in these positions, just not as strong defensively

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23 Dec 2014 12:00:45
Manquillo will be torn apart by a quick and quality winger
as ed1 says leaves too much space

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5ive didn't you see Hendo skin Sanchez and leave him for dead on Sunday?

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23 Dec 2014 06:53:20
The case for dropping Gerrard:

-We have a defensive midfielder in Lucas who is better in that role and who has played better than Gerrard this entire season.
-We have an abundance of players in the attacking midfield role who are quicker, sharper and simply more effective than Gerrard is now.
-His powers to inspire as a captain and with his performances are on the wane significantly.
-We have a player in Emre Can who has both the physicality and the stamina to play for 90 minutes and bring far more to our team.
-Playing with Lucas and Gerrard just limits our midfield badly and allows teams to dominate the centre of the park.
-on top of all this even Gerrards long range passing seems to be getting worse.

There have been calls for him to be given a role from the bench but, in all honesty, I feel like even those suggestions have twinges of sentimentality in them. If it was any other player they would just be dropped but because Gerrard is an icon people still want him around. I don't think he has the ability to play at this level any more. He shows flashes of his talent but, realistically, he just isn't physically at a high enough level to be effective. I don't think Rodgers is a strong enough character to drop him - and whilst that remains the case we will struggle.

There are numerous other issues within our club and certainly Gerrard is not the most damaging but, on his performances this season, he should not be playing. The manager dropping Mignolet was an easy (though not necessarily correct) decision - continued selection of Gerrard will highlight just how weak he is.

Having said all this he'll probably go an score a hat trick in his next game.

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23 Dec 2014 07:32:47
We have quiet a lot of managers who simply cannot drop Gerrard. It won't be different with Frank De-boer

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Gerrard has got more ability than all are central midfielders put together. The reason his long range passing is not effective is because we've got no strikers making clever runs any more.
He is composed in possession, unlike Lucas, Henderson, Allen and what I've seen of can. Gerrard is the only player in are team that would still get a game in any top club in Europe. He could sit in any midfield at any top club and keep possession blindfolded where as the other midfielders wouldn't cut it. Wish we had ten Gerard's!

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23 Dec 2014 08:13:09
Venisons

Could you tell me what he does off the ball?
Absolutely nothing. Other than walking from one side of the pitch to the other.

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23 Dec 2014 10:03:14
Venison - logic would dictate that if we have no strikers making the runs, you stop making those balls to no-one! He isn't composed at all - he just puts balls into where he wants people to be, he never checks to see if anyone is actually there and he shoots at every chance he gets, never effectively. Don't know what Gerrard you've been watching but it isn't this seasons

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23 Dec 2014 10:10:34
Hold on. You can't blame lack of runs by Sturridge and Suarez for Gerrards lack of accuracy playing the 50 yard balls,
He's still playing them, so he should be hitting his target regardless of whether it's Sturridge picking up the ball or Sterling.

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23 Dec 2014 10:38:50
More legend bashing by the clowns I see, it's hardly surprising mind you if you look at the stick Kenny and Rafa get further down the page. . seems we now breed a shameful façade of a so called fan these days. . said it yesterday and will say it today, why are these so called top midfielders we've got like Lucas Allen Henderson not taking up the mantle and dictating the play and being the catalyst for the team? Think we all know why don't we. .no need to answer Dave it's a rhetorical question in essence, just saying Dave because of your absolutely clueless Champions League posts recently ;)

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But if there is no runner, then why play the long ball?

but i do agree with Waro on 1 thing, I think other people should step up.

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23 Dec 2014 11:39:08
Waro

Could we just talk about football for a min, let's come down to planet earth from the delusional world of old videos and past glories.
The fact remains simple. The man is 35 and cannot play the whole 90 mts ( do you disagree?)
He cannot press high nor run around like others ( agree)
If he doesn't contribute he needs to be dropped like others.

Agree on others not stepping up, that's because we have very limited class players after spending tons in past 5 years.

We have been slammed and mocked by the outside world of being living the past and labeling us as History channels.

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Whilst I agree he should be dropped when not playing well he did play well against Leicester showing that he can still perform at this level.

I also didn't notice our midfield getting dominated in the centre of the park against Arsenal even though Lucas and Stevie we're playing.

If he is dropped then he defo deserves a place on the bench as his inclusion raises the tempo and gets the crowd going. He still has a lot to over even if it's in shorter bursts!

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Agree with Waro, Gerrard should play until he decides he is done and never be criticized. After all, he is bigger than the club.

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23 Dec 2014 12:40:49
As well as been extremely fickle you guys have short memories too. Fans on this page are really frustrating how they switch their opinion on a player after one game.
Gerrard was one of our best players last season, not for being a good defensive mid but dictating the tempo from deep, he was definitely our best midfielder last season but knowing you guys he was probably just made to look good. The same fans that say Gerrard has passed it would have been the ones saying how amazing he was in the number 10 role but one poor game and he's passed it, you can't expect him to be consistent every game at 35 but to insult a man who has carried this club through the thick and thin you should be supporting a different club as a great man once said "If you can't support us when we're losing don't support us when we're winning"

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Fensh at last a like minded lad sharing the same views as myself, cheers buddy.

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23 Dec 2014 12:53:41
That's not what he means Fensh.

So Gerrard's not great right now, what does that make the others? I don't see anyone in the middle stepping up and taking on the mantle.

I agree that Gerrard isn't playing well but do I think Allen will do any better? No.

Perhaps Can could but I have no idea because Rodgers never gives him a bloomin' chance!

If Rodgers sticks with this system (which he probably will, indefinitely) then I'd go with Lucas and Can as the two holding players for the next game.

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Harry, you don't get a Christmas haircut do you mate, you just get your head planed.

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23 Dec 2014 13:06:37
Waro

Send me one mate. You should be sending me one of not for all. Lolz

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23 Dec 2014 13:09:29
Mr.C

I am sorry Gerrard has been poor from 5 years now.
What did he do last year? He was again outplayed by quiet a lot of opposite players in the middle, thanks to our goals it never mattered.

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Fensh good one lol.

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Ask yourself this question. Would Shankly, Paisley or Fagan kept Gerrard or later moved him on? The answer is quite blunt, they would have moved him on 2 years ago, like with Hughes, Thompson, Souness, Callaghan etc, the fact is that the game has no room for sentiment and Gerrard has been on a down ward curve for the last two years, he does not merit a place on form (which is a fact).

You cannot teach an old dog new tricks, so putting Gerrard as a defensive midfielder has been a terrible decision on Rodgers part, that they are thinking of offering a new contract to him is baffling to say the least.

The fans who still think that this is the same Gerrard as 2005 need to take the tinted specs off, at the weekend his inability to defend cost the free kick which Arsenal scored from and he literally just stood and watched the play go on around him when they scored the second(although Jones really was awful on both occasions).

Gerrard is finished as a top level footballer as his age has caught up with him, that's the truth.

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How is anyone supposed to take his mantle when he rarely gets dropped no matter how bad he plays. As for the comment 'he can't be expected to be consistent at 35' that's just the point- he can't and he isn't so play Lucas in the holding role and let the others step up. Sure he can be effective still but no way should he even be stating 50% of our games let alone 99%!

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@Venison - Gerrard has not got (or does not use) that ability any more. In a top quality team Gerrard might be better - the point is we are not a top quality team and as such we cannot afford to carry anyone. At the moment we are carrying Gerrard (and Johnson and Skrtel).

@waro - I appreciate that you are a staunch supporter or Gerrard but I think in your reply lies your fault - saying Gerrard should be dropped is not "legend bashing". Furthemore his status as "legend" should not mean he is undropable. I see nothing "shameful" about stating that a 35 year old is not quite good enough any more. I think Allen gets a lot of unfair stick but, yes, he hasn't been great. Henderson has been subdued this season, Lucas has performed much better than Gerrard this season - in actuality everybody has. Nobody has performed the Gerrard heroics of years gone by, including Gerrard himself, but they have all been better. Gerrards selection is of detriment to the team - I don't care about legend status, I care about the clubs success - whilst he is selected our chances of winning are reduced.

@Kaizer - how can anybody step up when Gerrard is never dropped? Emre Can might if given a bit of a run in the team no?

@Scouse Kew - fair enough man the lift he potentially gives the crowd and team from the bench is a positive but i think even these should be limited - other players need the chance to build themselves up as players, sometimes "legends" can be such large metaphorical figures that this growth is impossible. I could see Henderson growing better, for example, in his absence (from the 1st team).

@Mr.C - Gerrard was not one of our better players last season, he just wasn't. He had his moments but they were infrequent - this season they are almost non-existent. It was not Gerrard who dictated the tempo last season, it was all of the other players pressing high and forcing the pressure on the opposition - something Gerrard has little to do with. I've said before that the "QB" role was a nonsense moniker given to justify Gerrards inclusion. He still made some good passes last season, but his defensive midfield skills were as bad as ever. I think, though, that you have undermined your own point, "you can't expect him to be consistent every game at 35" - that's the point, he hasn't been consistent for ages, if anything if is consistently poor. Oh and using a Shanks quote - do you think he'd still be playing Gerrard on current form? Dream on.

In summary Gerrard, purely on merit, should be nowhere near the starting XI. He is doing nothing to deserve it at the moment and the only fans defending him are the ones looking at his career as a whole, rather than at present. I seriously think it would be better for the first team if Gerrard was dropped - for the club it would be the best decision - sentimentality offers few rewards and is something we, as a club, are already too engaged in.

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23 Dec 2014 20:11:40
Harry nailed Waro, my Christmas is complete.
I'm not slagging him off Waro mate, regardless of how you'd like to portray me, I just don't think the 50 yard passes should be hit unless the target can also be hit.
If our wide players are not on our captains level and cannot handle those passes, Gerrard should quit turning over possession.
I'm literally a huge Gerrard fan, you have no point.

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23 Dec 2014 21:06:11
Crazy to even suggest that Gerrard is bigger than the club no one is bigger than the club at all and if a player is not playing well or living up to their usual standards then they are open to criticism
LMC

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Passion and pride you are saying gerrrard walks around the pitch can't keep up with play and hits Hollywood passes to the wings and has been rubbish for five years firstly could you have a colour blindness problem mate ? as think you maybe getting Stevie mixed up with Mario B there mate . Secondly if you had ever played football you would know that you get the ball wide and get behind the full backs or cross ball in from by-line and if you have not noticed we seemed to be playing with two wing backs who have a job of attacking down the flanks how do you think they may get the ball passed to them to turn defence into attack ? Stevie is with out doubt the best passer of a ball we have at the club .
And thirdly Stevie has carried the team for the last ten years and I would bet you as much as you want that opposition managers start their team talk on how to stop Stevie playing and knocking balls around the pitch and the mot important point is we have some very young player and who is the best person to bring them through but Stevie who else would be able to do that at the club the reason we have only one leader at the club and that is Steven Gerrard mate

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I have to say that gerrard is our best midfielder, at the moment he is not being able to show this because he is getting played every game, at 35 he needs a rest he can't play every minute of every game, i don't understand why he does not get a rest, maybe with a break of a game or 2 he can come back and play at his high level that we all know and love, the fact that no other midfielder including lucas looks better than stevie just shows how good stevie is, he has had his bad games but so has the rest of the team but because he is stevie g then its high lighted more, the fact is he is 35 years of age and he is not getting a chance to play at his best, lampard is not playing every minute of every game and he is still looking like the old lampard and scoring goals, but he is getting managed better, also he is getting played in his best position, where stevie is getting played is not his best position so for me he should play in his best position untill he gets tired and then taken off or put him on the bench and bring him on a fresh as he can be both in body and mind and he will look like the stevie g of old, for me he is still by far our best player he just needs to be managed properly, but it must come to the point where stevie himself has to say he needs a rest for a game or 2 because you can see it on his face how tired he looks and that is at the start of the game, he looks mentaly tired, imagine him having a break and coming back refreshed both in body and mind, that would put a smile on my face and a lot of other fans faces

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23 Dec 2014 05:24:01
Think Jerome Sinclair Deserves game time with all the goals he is scoring sure it's a big step but burnley aren't strong defensively so it's a perfect match to play him

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He is doing well and I agree I think it is a good time to give the kid a shot and see what he can do.

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23 Dec 2014 05:21:00
Eds what do you think of the 3-4-3 Formation Rodgers is trying to implement ? Do you see it maybe getting the best out of the team ? The last 2 games the team played better overall but are missing the Goals and a Quality Keeper.

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{Ed001's Note - I don't think the formation makes all that much difference, it is how it is implemented and the players that are being used. We can't defend no matter what formation and we are struggling to score goals, I don't see how any formation can fix those issues. That comes down to coaching and confidence.}

But BR says the problems we have defensively are un-coachable!

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23 Dec 2014 06:51:23
I hope it's not Undroppable of Skretel.

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Real AG, and that one line u just wrote is evidence enough that Brendan has to go. Is this the kind of stuff that a manager of a top club like LFC should be saying? Were these defenders c**p before Brendan came to the club or did he ruin them with his un coachable tactics? In terms of talent, our defenders are right up there with Chelsea's defenders. Just look how Mourinho has changed Azpi, Cahill and Ivanovic into top notch defenders within 12 months while clueless Brendan keeps making up ridiculous excuses.

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23 Dec 2014 07:38:47
Indian

Quiet a lot changes how your CB are being played.
Czech or courtios wouldn't let any Ariel ball go into their net. They also have a gigantic man in the middle Matic.

Rafa had an outstanding Reina and world class Mascherano for Skretel and agger.

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23 Dec 2014 08:03:20
In fairness BR is right - Skrtel is woeful and refuses to pay attention, and that will not be coached out of him. But he can be dropped!

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Hijkle, if Skrtel cannot be coached and error prone, why does Brendan play him in every game and call him world class? This is a classic instance of Brendan contradicting himself, first he calls Skrtel a top notch defender and then he says that the player cannot be coached. Looks like LFC has a manager with a dual personality issue where one is at loggerheads with the other.

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23 Dec 2014 10:03:55
Don't ask me Indian, I agree with you that it's a ridiculous mystery!

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23 Dec 2014 10:04:33
Indian

With lovern our injured and BR plays 3 at the back. There is one left other than Skretel in the squad?

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Then why sell Agger ?

Rodgers is clueless.

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If the likes of pulis can shore up a shocking palace defence over the course of a few games it just makes BR's comments laughable. Pulis didn't have masch or matic protecting them.

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"why sell agger?" - exactly Yuri! Why? A dreadful piece of business for a player who was the best defender at the club.

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23 Dec 2014 05:17:31
The only two Keepers that make any sense to buy are Begovic or Cech they are both Leaders and they will Help the team straight away and as for the other targets such as Neto, Casilla, and Trapp they are risks as we don't know how they may settle to the league

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Every transfer is a risk mate, no matter how you may look into it.

ive never seen any of the other keepers play other than begovic and cech to judge though, so i can't say.

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23 Dec 2014 06:34:27
Czech is a guaranteed success

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Begovic and Cech are experienced 'keepers in the PL and will know what to expect from the opposition and from LFC. So they will be less of a risk.

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Less of a risk, yes, exactly my point, risk is still there no matter how small.

i just disagree that the only reason we should go for is Begovic or Cech is because they are from the EPL.

De Gea wasnt from the EPL, neither was Reina back then. don't turn down another transfer just because he isn't from the EPL. however, with how our transfers has been going, looking at it we need a striker, dm and a keeper. we might end up with a winger, another creative midfielder and a CB.

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23 Dec 2014 08:04:39
No player is a guarenteed success. We could spend a whole load of money of Cech and he struggles to form a relationship with the CBs. He could dive in head first and take another hit that would end his career this time. Anything can happen, nothing is guarenteed

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Cech would have saved both Arsenal goals, wouldn't have dived over the ball like Bournemouth and let's not even mention the United game.

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23 Dec 2014 05:13:27
Eds Were there no other World class players the club were interested or had talks with in the summer apart from Sanchez to replace Suarez ? I know we bought balotelli but I don't think he was ever seen as a replacement for Suarez and if he was then I've lost hope for the next window ?

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{Ed001's Note - depends on what your idea of world class is. I am not sure who you think the club could have realistically even attempted to get that was world class? We were lucky to even be able to be considered by Sanchez, considering where we were as a club.}

23 Dec 2014 02:59:09
Just read petr cech's agent's comments about a potential move. While the title is misleading, he is clearly available next summer. If we passed him up I think it would be a huge mistake. He's a top quality keeper and still has 3-5 years left.

Though, it seems his preferences are Real Madrid, who apparently aren't interested according to the interview, and arsenal, which is open for interpretation. I think there's a slin possibility of him leaving in January, just because chelsea usually don't stand in the way of other players' wishes.

If he stays and is available in the summer, it's a no brainer for me.

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23 Dec 2014 02:46:55
To any of the eds lots of talk on your site about wanting to bring in a new keeper in january I don't see that happening but if wr were able to do you think kasper shcmicle would fit the roll for the pool he's young decisive fast reflexes and seams to comand his area well I think he is very good keeper for one so young.

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{Ed001's Note - no he is not that young and he is awful. He is hyped up because his dad was good, not because of his own abilities.}

Schmiechel is no better than Migs. Decent shot stopper but prone to the odd mistake. His distribution and commanding of his area is just poor, and definitely not the leader we need at the back. Like Ed001 said, he would be a nobody if his uncle had not been a great GK of Man Utd.

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{Ed001's Note - his dad mate.}

Whatever Ed001. The guy is still living off his family name. He also gifted us two goals in the LFC-Leicester game, so i'm not going to be too harsh on him.

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23 Dec 2014 08:07:05
In fairness Ed001, I think a lot of his hype has to do with his great but very small number of games where he was young at Man City. But he never pushed on, and obviously doesn't have the same class of players in front of him now

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23 Dec 2014 02:12:30
Hey eds, just seen liverpool legend Sami hyppia has resigned from Brighton. Any long shot chance he could come back to lfc as a coach to help us with defence? Just wishful thinking I know but could be good for all parties perhaps?

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{Ed001's Note - unlikely unless forced on him by the club, Rodgers has already said he doesn't want a defensive coach.}

23 Dec 2014 11:50:39
Ed did he categorically say that as when he categorically says something the opposite occurs.

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23 Dec 2014 00:34:04
Eds do Liverpool plan on keeping Flanagan, who is out of contract in the summer. I know one of you commented 18 months or so ago that you thought McLaughlin was better.

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{Ed001's Note - yes they do plan on keeping him.}

What of McLaughlin ed?

also, at this point in time, i guess Brad Smith will be leaving as well as he isn't signing a new contract with us?

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{Ed001's Note - it looks very unlikely either of those two will get the chances they need to win a contract. I find it utterly baffling that Enrique gets yet more chances to prove he is not good enough, when we already know that, yet Smith has never been given the chance to just see if he can step up. I hear lots of people try and claim you can tell from a player's work in the reserves and training, but it simply isn't true. The only way you know if someone is good enough is to give them a try. Some people, who look miles off being good enough while in the stiffs, will get a chance in the first team and raise their game beyond the potential that was ever imagined for them. Others will stand out as top class until they get a chance and then they will think they have made it and stop trying and their game drops off.}

Its really a pity ed001, few years ago, looking at our youth team i was very excited at the prospects. this was when sterling was in the u21s or u18s i don't quite remember. but we had good players back then, with brad smith and mclaughlin as full backs. now they're most likely going to end up elsewhere.

of course we wouldn't be able to integrate all into the team, but aside from Sterling, who by the way was only given the chance because we had no choice, I've never seen anyone really given a chance.

rossiter was given alittle bit of a chance, but then he's nowhere to be seen. now were looking at losing Suso at the end of the season, Brad Smith as well.

funny thing is, if Suso or Brad Smith was at another clubs academy now, we'd probably be looking to buy them.

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{Ed001's Note - or bring them in on loan despite having 5 players already to play their position?}

Yes, it looks like the crop of players Smith, McLaughlin, Yesil, Peterson (already left), Ward are being moved on.

Smith because he has not agreed to a contract extension and was thus re-called from his loan.

McLaughlin has had injury issues but it looks like Randall has take his place in the U-21s. Ward I don't see getting a chance and Yesil's injuries are probably the main reason for him leaving.

Brannagan, Jones and Tricket-Smith I don't know what is happening with them but I certainly think Lloyd is ready for a start or two especially considering our very poor form in defense.

The next crop: Sinclair, Ojo, Wilson, Canos, Kent, Chirivella, Rossitter are very promising and probably the first time i many years when we have had a such a large number of very talented youngsters coming through. I will be very surprised if atleast 2 or 3 of them don;t make it/are not given the chances.

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23 Dec 2014 06:54:12
Ed01 relaax mate. Smith would be coming next season

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Ed001 any update on Brendan's situation at the club? Even imagining someone like Mclaughlin let go without being given even a single opportunity makes me hate Brendan even more. Mclaughlin is a supreme talent and could be LFC's Zabaleta in terms of his forward runs which are very well timed. If Brendan likes his full backs to push high up the pitch, then why does Mclaughlin not get a chance when he is clearly better at that than Johnson and Manquillo? First Wisdom and Kelly, and now Smith and Mclaughlin. How much more damage does useless Brendan need to do before FSG make a change?

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{Ed001's Note - to be fair, hasn't McLaughlin suffered a few injuries this season? Not that it is an excuse to sign Manquillo, sell Kelly and loan out Wisdom, just saying he can't play if he isn't fit. As far as I can find out nothing has changed, the club will be overhauled, the plan is to complete it in the summer. Rodgers would need to perform a miracle to keep his job long term, but he would also need a spectacular collapse to lose it immediately.}

23 Dec 2014 07:56:19
Buzzer mate,

From what I've seen on this site for the last few months you've nearly every post to jump on the bandwagon of sack Rodgers. I get the impression that even if he turns it around it won't be enough for you. How can you say McLaughlin is "clearly" better than all our other rb's having never seen him play? I'm not denying he has talent but what you said was definitely an overstatement.

I get your angry with Rodgers but maybe just ease up on using every post unrelated to Rodgers as an excuse to bitch about him

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23 Dec 2014 08:11:42
Considering we've had our worst start for 50 years and no team has ever had our points now and no team has ever got higher than 6th for this position, we still can't defend easy stuff and can barely remember our last league win, what counts as a spectacular collapse?

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{Ed001's Note - erm, good question.}

87red, when did i say Mclaughlin is better than our other full backs? I just said he is better going forward which is what Brendan expects from his full backs so why he has not been given a chance is a mystery to me. He may not be very good defensively but unlike Johnson he would offer something going forward.
As far as Brendan is concerned, i'm done with him. I could not care less if we win every game till the end of the season. I want him gone simply because of his refusal to use the Academy players. LFC cannot compete with the elite clubs financially so the Academy was always going to be our best hope of competing on all fronts but Brendan simply will not give the youngsters a chance. Just look at the treatment meted out to Ibe, Teixiera, Mclaughlin etc. FSG wanted a manager to make full use of the Academy to make the club financially self sufficient. If Brendan does not want that, then the whole purpose of appointing him was a bloody waste of everyone's time. Might as well give an experienced manager all the money to spend than a rookie one.

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23 Dec 2014 11:28:55
Mate,

You have no evidence if he is better going forward at a higher level.

You can't have a go at Rodgers for being stubborn with his tactics if you aren't prepared to change your opinion if he turns things around

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87red yes he can have an opinion on Rogers he put us in the position we find our selves in weather he turns it around or not and if he won't give our reserve player playing time in the first team we will never know if they are good enough you only test your ability against the top players look a sterling,

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22 Dec 2014 21:56:23
So ed001 what do you make of fabergas this season I just wanna hear your opinion after hearing your view on him in the summer playing super this season

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{Ed001's Note - I don't see what there is to say, he is playing for a team that is solid and so he doesn't need to do much of the defensive side of the game. Matic covers for him, so he is free to just create, which is what he needs to be effective. The games where any team has actually been able to get at Chelsea, he looks lost and the spaces are always where he should be covering. Most of the time Chelsea don't have to worry as they are so much stronger than the opposition.}

23 Dec 2014 06:58:14
Ed01, Agree on his defensive contribution. Matic does for everyone. But going forward and assisting he has been top draw and worth the money spend.

Whole chelsea looked lost against Newcastle when MATIC was out injured.

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{Ed001's Note - Matic is the difference, Fabregas would not be making the assists without him protecting the team.}

I believe the form of nearly all players depends on how they fit into the team they are playing for, fabregas and matic being the perfect example, as they both have their weaknesses but use their strengths to perfectly complement eachother. Fabregas would not be anywhere near as good at liverpool because he would just be another brick in the wall in the midfield and forced to work and be tactically minded, which he doesn't succeed at.

Suarez, as another example, was the main man at liverpool, we played to his strengths and allowed all our play to go through him, we gave him the responsibility and support he craved. This is something which at the time he may not of realised as he probably felt it was a burden carrying the team, but as i could see before the barcelona move it doesn't really suit him because of neymar and messi, who are the main men there and he would merely provide support to them, which has happened and now he has only just scored his first la liga goal as a result.

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Suarez has made his bed and now has to dive in it. He could have been an idol here and we would have been awesome w/ him even tho hi was/is a head case that would have flaired up now and again. As for Fabregas, any decent creator can do what he is doing. Coutinho, Lallana, or any other decent creator would look good in that Chelsea team, Hence, I wouldn`t read too much into his perfs. Goes to show how a good DM can make all the diff if well implemented in the right system

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