Liverpool Banter Archive January 23 2016

23 Jan 2016 22:54:25
Good evening fellow reds,

What a mental game we had today. It's not often a game can be terrible and awesome. Bob Firmino looking stronger each time he plays, but needs to slow his thinking down a bit to suit the others. Cracking post match from JK, thoroughly refreshing to see a manager just talk about how things went, not how they want the press to report it.

Question for anyone: what's the deal with managers/ coaches wearing track suits or suits? Is it personal preference or does it come with the contract?

Much Love,

N.

{Ed002's Note - They can wear what the wish.}

24 Jan 2016 02:13:04
Maybe the others need to hurry up their thinking to be in sync with him. The longer the season goes on the more it will click for firmino.

23 Jan 2016 23:03:46
Midfield wise thought we were quite well covered what is r obsession with buying midfield.

23 Jan 2016 20:33:23
Everyone slates skirtel, look at the amount of goals shipped since he has been out. Sakho, a fans fav is a mistake waiting to happen.

23 Jan 2016 23:13:30
Is Mamo a fan fav? He doesn't have the look of a naturally gifted controller of the ball. Like when you scream time for the 3rd time at your centre back and they just narrowly manage to release it to somewhere half decent by a miracle while everyone is crapping themselves. Unless I'm missing something- I'll happily stand/ sit corrected.

Much Love,

N.

23 Jan 2016 23:30:00
dont know why sakho is getting so much hate. its clyne and moreno who are a bit brain dead and make our defending that much harder. the team as a whole need to play better.

23 Jan 2016 23:48:04
Nrams73, Sakho gets plenty of praise on here, go back about 6-8 weeks and he was a fans favourite on here, it may have now dawned on a few posters they may have misjudged his ability or lack of it!

23 Jan 2016 23:52:38
Moreno need to be replaced by smith or flanno to wake him up.

24 Jan 2016 00:08:24
Moreno is one of few creative players we have in the side at the moment, and probably the only one that can cross, yes he is tihs at defending but very useful going forward.

24 Jan 2016 00:20:08
Wiseryan, don't think it's hate, not by me anyway just don't rate him.

24 Jan 2016 00:42:17
In my opinion sakho is a great last ditch defence defender he is no ball playing classy Daniel Agger. Give me classy Agger everyday of the week I'm afraid.

24 Jan 2016 03:16:21
And yet, we gave Agger away for free.? I don't think Sahko or Lovren are as good as he was.

24 Jan 2016 04:07:09
Moreno had a shocker defensively, as did quite a bit of the defence and Migs. We seem to really struggle with pace and tracking runners.

Think Brad Smith has earned a run out. Likewise think midfield should be Hendo, Can and CB pair Lovren/ Sakho in a 4-2-3-1, would definitely tighten things up a bit. And surely can't do any worse with Ward in goal.

Crazy crazy game, just glad we won and Firmino continues to show he's capable of leading the line. Always thought he'd come good, he's getting there faster than I expected as far as playing CF goes!

23 Jan 2016 19:31:02
Hi eds, if you had to make an educated guess will teixeira end up at the blue side of London or the red side of London, personally I think and hope London because the reds really need defenders who can defend and not attacking midfielders.

{Ed002's Note - I assume you mean Arsenal. They have shown no interest in him. The interest is from Juventus, Liverpool, PSG and Chelsea. Eventually I expect he will move to England - and the summer seems the most likely time. As to where that will largely be determined by the club making an acceptable offer to his club - who really don't need the money and don't want to sell part way through the season. His agent thinks Chelsea eventually. Someone else well placed thinks Klopp has a preference for another player over Teixeira in any case. I don't know what will happen.}

23 Jan 2016 19:42:48
Hi ed

Who is the player Klopp is supposed to prefer?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Praet - and the club should again be represented at the game tomorrow.}

23 Jan 2016 20:09:43
We must have been watching praet for 3/ 4 years now and he's still only 21. He would certainly be more attainable than teixeira but I wonder if he's quite the same goal threat.

23 Jan 2016 20:11:27
He's another attacking mid isn't he?

{Ed002's Note - Yes.}

23 Jan 2016 20:11:48
Not seen either player play are they of the same mold, we desperately need defenders overrun with midfielders and strikers.

23 Jan 2016 20:16:37
Are we not looking for a striker ed?

{Ed002's Note - At the moment that does not seem to be a priority.}

23 Jan 2016 20:18:52
Ed002, do you think that if any club paid the asking price, they'd be paying "over the odds"?

{Ed002's Note - What they are asking is a very significant fee and it has already gone up from when they were first approached by Juventus and Chelsea. I suspect in the summer they may ask more.}

23 Jan 2016 20:27:15
Would Praet be an option for the summer as opposed to now ed?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - There is growing interest in him from a number of sides, so maybe yes, maybe not.}

23 Jan 2016 20:48:54
The feedback from the EDs on here is quality. I love this site.

23 Jan 2016 22:52:50
Praet is no better than what we already have IMO.
He's no better than Lallana and I would hope we give him a wide berth.

23 Jan 2016 22:59:14
I'd actually far prefer Teixeira over Praet, from what I've seen. More technical, more pace, strength on the ball, more power on strikes, and yes, more goals.

More everything, really.

{Ed002's Note - More money.}

24 Jan 2016 00:04:31
And more for it :)

24 Jan 2016 00:07:43
Also more age. He's a good 4 years older than Praet.

23 Jan 2016 20:38:28
Quick question ed002 if klopp has the final say over transfers and he would prefer praet Y are the club trying so hard to get teixeira thnx eds.

{Ed002's Note - It is not really like that. Whilst he has the final say on whether or not he wants a player at the club he is part of a much larger process that will look at many targets and will look to investigate options. It is not a case of Klipperty having a list of three or four preferred targets and it is them or no one.}

23 Jan 2016 22:08:33
Hi Ed

If Klopp prefers Praet why have they made an approach for teixeira first.

{Ed002's Note - It is not simply Klopp's decision and other clubs are interested in both players. Clubs look at numerous options.}

24 Jan 2016 00:22:13
To be fair though, regarding the goal threat comment, we were all pissing ourselves over Depay coming to LFC due to his goal scoring record at PSV, and were gutted when Utd got him instead, but so far it hasn't turned out too well for them. Knowing Klopp's record i'd be really shocked if we paid over £35m for a 26 year old CAM, even if one of ours is leaving. Praet would be much more likely in my humble opinion.

24 Jan 2016 00:25:39
Ed002: fair enough. :)

24 Jan 2016 01:32:30
Praet would not be a cheep option as such i'm sure anderlecht would be looking for around 20 million for him.

24 Jan 2016 04:39:17
I honestly don't see the Praet hype. At all.

23 Jan 2016 18:50:12
Looking at how poor city are defending and the mistakes they are making I think the defensive side of the game is lacking proper coaching in a lot more teams, not just us.

23 Jan 2016 19:38:04
I said it, there is no consistent defensive unite side in the pl lcfc, afc, spurs, mcfc etc. but those teams deal with set plays very well.

23 Jan 2016 19:43:54
Talking about poor mistakes, I was watching Robbie Mustoe's half time analysis about how we defend set pieces. Klopp is employing a hybrid zonal and man marking during set pieces so he is indeed trying to figure X it. The prob is that the players are just useless at attacking balls in the air. Check the first and fourth goal from Norwich. On the first, we allow the ball to drop in the box instead of actually attacking the ball before it drops. On the fourth, the same thing. Sahko and Caulker allow the ball to drop and get bullied by Jerome (really? ) and the goal happens. In summary, our players aren't getting bullied in the air. It's worse. They don't even have the guts to compete for the ball in the air. That is our issue. Defending is a mentality and a never say die attitude that is gained with time. Our defenders don't have that and have never had since BR took over. Klopp has a job on his hands instilling a warrior attitude into our players.

23 Jan 2016 20:23:18
I think the problem is all the players just stand still, none react to the ball, or want to go an win it. They all stay planted and look scared of anything.

23 Jan 2016 22:45:07
Exactly, Fencey. I saw the goals again a moment ago and they look worse each time you see them. Our players just stand and wait for the ball to drop before jumping while opposing players get in better leverage and use our players as ladders because they actually attack the ball BEFORE it drops. I'm not a coach and I can figure that out so why can't the players and coaches get a backbone, grow a pair, stand up like men and quit being the butt of the jokes and fix it? Aweful stuff, really. Our players are in fear for their lives each time the ball comes into the box. EIGHT goals conceded from corners this season. Really? This is becoming alarming and needs sorting, ASAP.

23 Jan 2016 18:35:20
Alright lads. Just wondering if any of the so called big boys have shown any interest in payet at west ham? A clear talent would fit into most if not all teams in premier league imo.
Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - This is the Liverpool page, try the West Ham page.}

23 Jan 2016 17:58:34
Hearing a lot of teixeira rumours we have or are cloae to signing him but were are people getting it from I would love to no because I ain't heard owt also eda says there is nowt new as in no new bid never mind 1 being accepted wait til u hear from rhe eds before we all get ahead of ourselves when we could still be disappointed.

{Ed002's Note - Nothing happened overnight last night - the subject has been done to death.}

23 Jan 2016 19:30:27
Cheers ed002 just letting people no not to listen to anything until we see it on here.

23 Jan 2016 17:28:15
I know the game today on the face of it was extremely disappointing in terms of performance even though we got the result, but I do think this had a lot more positives than negatives.
Although we conceded 4 goals, they all came from the same area of play, which was of course set pieces, so although it is really concerning it is only one area to work and develop and for one of the first times we looked a real threat, created chances and scored goals which has been another area we have struggled with. Plus firmino is really starting to gel and fit in, and lallana for the first time showed if he makes decisions quicker and reacts quicker to move the ball on he can be a real threat for us.
Also think it was nice for us to show we have that morale and character to come back which is becoming a regular feature we haven't had for a few years now.

23 Jan 2016 17:41:22
I'd take the same result every week till end of season 😁.

23 Jan 2016 18:14:20
If we had played any top 6 team today with that performance we would of been on wrong end of a smashing, thank god we played a team with a defence as bad as ours.
we are woeful at the back defending set pieces an it
boils down to the keeper and two centre halfs.

23 Jan 2016 19:48:56
We will get hammered by Stoke and whoever it is that's better than Norwich by playing that way. That my friend, I can guarantee you. It was aweful to watch. The good thing is that we got the three points. Nothing else was positive about today.

23 Jan 2016 19:48:56
We will get hammered by Stoke and whoever it is that's better than Norwich by playing that way. That my friend, I can guarantee you. It was aweful to watch. The good thing is that we got the three points. Nothing else was positive about today.

23 Jan 2016 19:48:56
We will get hammered by Stoke and whoever it is that's better than Norwich by playing that way. That my friend, I can guarantee you. It was aweful to watch. The good thing is that we got the three points. Nothing else was positive about today.

23 Jan 2016 22:04:57
With Sakho and Toure in defence we'll get smashed by most teams! Moreno's not helping tbh. Maybe give Smith a chance in the prem?

23 Jan 2016 22:55:05
No chance, we are improving every week.
We will tear Stoke and West Ham a new one next week 😎.

23 Jan 2016 17:28:15
I know the game today on the face of it was extremely disappointing in terms of performance even though we got the result, but I do think this had a lot more positives than negatives.
Although we conceded 4 goals, they all came from the same area of play, which was of course set pieces, so although it is really concerning it is only one area to work and develop and for one of the first times we looked a real threat, created chances and scored goals which has been another area we have struggled with. Plus firmino is really starting to gel and fit in, and lallana for the first time showed if he makes decisions quicker and reacts quicker to move the ball on he can be a real threat for us.
Also think it was nice for us to show we have that morale and character to come back which is becoming a regular feature we haven't had for a few years now.

23 Jan 2016 16:57:25
According to the Daily Telegraph, Alex Teixeira has told Shakhtar that he wants to leave this January.

{Ed002's Note - They know he wants to leave in January or the summer - he tol;d them some time ago.}

23 Jan 2016 17:53:59
Did he announce it publicly before ed2?

{Ed002's Note - It has been common knowledge for a while and I have explained it before. All that has happened is the question of a transfer and perhaps getting the chance in the national side was raised in an interview.}

23 Jan 2016 16:53:47
The thing all our front players need to understand is that they go out, play at the highest level and give all for 65-70 mins and then get substituted-it's all for the team.
Don't expect to play well in Klopps system and get 90 mlns.

23 Jan 2016 17:17:12
So we won and you're still moaning?
No pleasing some.

23 Jan 2016 15:58:44
Ed01

Can i ask what you made of the substitutions made today? I don't really go on the live chat so maybe others were as puzzled as me on them. Having said that, the lallana one clearly paid off but it was more the players that got hooked not the replacements that seemed odd.

{Ed001's Note - well Ibe was having a stinker, so it was clearly needed. Hendo looked tired, so again I understand that one. I am not sure there is really anything to say, they worked, so they were the right ones. Not the ones I would make, but they did the trick and that is the important thing.}

23 Jan 2016 16:10:11
Fair play Ed.

I think i was just shocked milner stayed on the pitch to be honest. At least he took his chance well. Thanks for the reply.

23 Jan 2016 19:53:05
All substitutes were involved in the three goals so his choices worked. We move on.

23 Jan 2016 15:54:33
thank you ed001.
thank you very much. this is of great help!

{Ed001's Note - glad it helped mate, made me realise the link didn't show up very well.}

23 Jan 2016 15:08:21
Can't wait for the podcast on this game.

23 Jan 2016 13:01:40
I've got a gut feeling that were going to sign Teixiera, don't know why, just got a really good instinct that we will agree a deal. Seems very similar to the summer with Firmino.

23 Jan 2016 13:36:51
Need more than him we need two centre halfs because ours are crap.

23 Jan 2016 14:46:27
I'd rather spend that cash on a keeper and do whatever it takes to get Sturridge fit if I'm being honest. Reckon we'll get a good keeper for that amount of money.

23 Jan 2016 11:18:20
Hi Eds,

What are your thoughts on Kevin Stewart, Branagan.
Both the guys impressed much and played with composure. For a while I thought Kevin Stewart can mature into Can type player.
I feel towards Summer Klopp may sell Milner, Allen to give these two guys a chance.

{Ed001's Note - I like Stewart, he has impressed me and he was very highly rated when we brought him in. I think he is more of a holding mid than a box to box one like Can. I would like to see more of him. Not convinced by Branagan myself, he has never stood out particularly when I have seen him. He needs to do more.}

23 Jan 2016 11:35:42
I am kind of the same with Branagan, seems decent, I see Rossiter in the same boat, decent but doesn't really stand out.

23 Jan 2016 11:52:32
Yes i agree ED01. I think from what i have seen of Kevin Stewart he seems to be coming along really nicely. Branagan i am also not so sure of. Been well impressed with Smith also. Someone that can actually put a cross in!

23 Jan 2016 14:58:43
Smith and Tex are ready for the first team already especially with the horror show we just saw from Moreno.

{Ed002's Note - Who is "Tex" - Bozo Texino? Have Liverpool recruited a Texan?}

23 Jan 2016 15:44:04
Isn't Stewart was played as DM in pre-season by BR?

23 Jan 2016 15:44:38
Sorry played him in RB positon?

23 Jan 2016 18:07:32
I think Branagan has phenomenal technique and excellent vision. I agree that his contributions have not been enough in games where he has featured but I think the raw ingredients for a player of some talent are there - whether they are realised is another things but I think he would do well with game time - as you have said ed the youngsters need time on the pitch to see if they really can make the step up, i'd like Branagan to be given that time (and Stewart as well) .

23 Jan 2016 10:14:40
Hey lfc fans

Who knows what team will turn up against Norwich today
The exciting relentless attacking Liverpool or the sloppy Toothless and calamity at the back Liverpool

It's tough because Norwich will really have a go and because it's an away game I would play benteke and definitely bench firmino because he never plays well in these games
Il go for a sneaky win1-2 to Liverpool.

23 Jan 2016 11:25:36
You've predicted a Liverpool win? The first time ever I believe.

23 Jan 2016 11:37:02
Hope we win, play well and no injuries, that would be a perfect day for me .

23 Jan 2016 12:07:19
Actually guys I predict a draw at best
After looking at the team I think there isn't any creativity up top and it seems more of a work like team sheet
So actually da red man I have to change it :p.

23 Jan 2016 12:34:43
There isn't any creativity up top?
Surely there's plenty of creativity without someone to finish the chances created?

23 Jan 2016 09:02:01
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Posh Chairman Tells Liverpool To Buy A Bentley, James Told To Be Patient At Real Madrid And More

23 Jan 2016 05:31:14
Texeira a replacement for Coutinho maybe Eds?
Has he already decided to pursue a move to Spain do you think?

{Ed001's Note - I would actually say signing someone like Teixeira is more likely to make Coutinho stay. They are good friends and know each other's game well, or so I am told. That is the only thing I have ever been told about Teixeira in regards to Liverpool prior to us enquiring, that he used to play with Coutinho. I am assuming it is correct as I have never checked it out. I know there are plenty of people who will be happy to tell me if I am wrong though!}

23 Jan 2016 05:55:35
They played together at Vasco Da Gama in 2009.

23 Jan 2016 05:59:45
Ed001-- it's true, they both played for Vasco da Gama back in 2009, one of the big clubs in Rio (for the other readers) .

There's even a photo floating around online showing Coutinho and Teixeira together-- a few years younger-- giving the thumbs up to the camera and both wearing Vasco da Gama kits.

{Ed001's Note - ah cheers, I never really bothered looking into him as he was all set for Chelsea. It only came up in conversation as the person who said it was saying it was a shame he had agreed to go to Chelsea as he would be a great signing for us and might be able to persuade Coutinho to stay.}

23 Jan 2016 06:21:04
Ed001 -- well you had it bang on. Also, completely agree, it's like we're getting Teixeira *and* potentially Coutinho's value in one swoop, as a means of keeping the latter around.

Really hope it works out.

{Ed001's Note - I just wish I had bothered to watch him, so I knew whether to be excited or not.}

23 Jan 2016 06:53:36
Although admit I haven't seen much of him, sounds like what we need, a pacy free-scoring attacking mid than also play striker (Coutinho more technical no.10 IMO and would complement well) .

An attacking mids setup of Firmino, Coutinho and Teixera would have a lot more goals in it than Coutinho, Llalana and Milner.

Hopefully he's attracted by playing with these 2 compatriots, not impossible if they stick together for a couple of years, they have the potential to get to know each others games inside out, form a lethal trio and play national side together!

23 Jan 2016 07:08:33
continho is not exactly setting the world alight. if his head is turned then that would explain why he's been greedy the past few years. I seen improvements under klopp before he got injured.

I remember when we first got him, he tried to do his best for the team, now he just tries to make only himself look good.

anyway I look forward to getting continho back, if only to get lallana and milner out the team.

23 Jan 2016 08:03:48
Coutinho has made it very clear that he will try to leave if we didn't get a CL place, and realistically we are not looking at all likely to do it. Personally I don't think another friend and Brazilian teammate at the club will be enough to persuade him to abandon his long term CL ambitions, so I'm already thinking about next season with him gone.
But its not a straightforward transfer- there won't be a long list of clubs queueing up for him at the 40m+ price we will probably set, so that sale could drag on all summer.
Plus it does seem unusual for the club to pay so much for yet another attacking player like texeira when they already have very good AM players available- unless they expect that one of the current forward players is on his way out.
I would rather keep coutinho and sell lallana in the summer, but any strong interest is likely to be focused on coutinho, and not lallana- on whom I think we may take yet another significant loss if we try to sell him.
So my thinking is that texeira is most likely a replacement for coutinho, now that a top four finish looks very unlikely.
But who knows (other than Ed002 of course) .
Texeira could be an expensive gamble to try to get a CL place this season, and taking no account of a coutinho sale.
In the unlikely event that we do get top four and we then keep texeira and coutinho, there will be major pressure to sell the likes of lallana or even firmino in the summer to fund further important signings- which I hope buying clubs will not exploit to try and reduce the selling prices.

{Ed001's Note - or to convince Coutinho his ambitions would be better served by staying put?}

23 Jan 2016 08:18:27
Two years ago we decided to build the team around Coutinho. Now Firmino. Where would this end?
This club loose one world class player every summer and the transition begins.

23 Jan 2016 09:32:13
If couthino has mobile attackers around him working hard and making intelligent runs he shines and can deliver killer through balls. If he has static/ lazy players around him he is given no options and is forced to try and do it all himself with long range shots. He's not being selfish.

23 Jan 2016 08:58:23
Good point Ed- one way to demonstrate the club's serious ambition to our top players, and convince them to stay and regain a CL place, is by signing top players instead of good ones.

23 Jan 2016 09:05:55
How did we build a team around Coutinho, Please enlighten me?
None of Rodgers signings when Suarez left played to his strengths.

23 Jan 2016 10:28:01
I'm sorry but you are. completely wrong they might of played together sporadically in the vasco youth team from 97-2008 but texeria moved to shaktar I'm 09 and countinho moved to inter in 08 so they never played together in the senior team at vasco maybe youth Brazil teams etc but I have heard they are really good. friends.

23 Jan 2016 11:16:43
I expect the opportunity to play together with Firmino and Teixera is a lot more appealing than Milner and Llalana. agree with Ed this is about building quality but also probably a lot to do with convincing existing players it's attractive to stay and build something special.