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24 Jan 2016 23:12:46
Good evening eds
Are we still as we were last week as regards to Texirra with no change at all?
If you were to have an educated guess do you think we will sign him this window?
{Ed002's Note - I have explained over and over.}
24 Jan 2016 22:49:02
Many of the Lallana critics have complained mostly about the amount of touches he takes and failing to get his head up to spot a team mate, more so than his lack of goals and assists. Yesterday he had an assist, one touch (the pass), and a goal, one touch (the shot) . Maybe they were right after all.
24 Jan 2016 23:11:56
Exactly, Michael. When he plays one touch like he did in the game, he is lethal. The guy is too talented to be this poor which is why I have slated him here. He could do and contra so much if he just did the simple things right first time and yesterday has proven that.
24 Jan 2016 23:17:50
I agree he did help the the team win yesterday, but if he didn't hit those two first time he has real problems. It's more in the build up that he takes too long.
24 Jan 2016 23:18:30
So many times this season Lallana has had chances to release players on goal, but opted to take more touches! I think everyone had been screaming at him in the training earlier lol.
24 Jan 2016 23:49:49
Just hope he keeps it up.
24 Jan 2016 22:33:32
Did we have a bid for ter stegen rejected? thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Twitter is this?}
24 Jan 2016 22:25:37
Hi eds,
Can I pick your brains,
Defensively we seem to be getting worse from set plays. Even with skrtel in there we seem fragile.
I imagine klopp has being spending time in training on defensive set pieces. However it's not apparent in games.
Do you think he will look to caulker? Or do you think he will look at ward to replace mingolet as a solution.
Things drastically need to improve in this area and I am eager to hear your thoughts on the situation. Klopp was clearly not happy with the Ariel defending on Saturday.
{Ed002's Note - He has had the opportunity to use Caulker already.}
24 Jan 2016 22:04:43
Eds just say we believe everything that has been said and " we have agreed terms with AT" and shaktar are waiting for an acceptable offer. what takes so long? How does it take days of negotiations to make shaktar an acceptable offer? We offer 25 they say no what are we doing offering a 100 quid on top of 25 million every time they say no. Surely if this was going to happen it should only take a day or 2 at most to come up with an acceptable bid this has take 7 days at this stage, firminio only took a few hours to sort.
Maybe I'm wrong it's just seems to come across that way.
Cheers for the reply in advanc
Dev.
{Ed002's Note - There is no "days of negotiation" - it is a case of presenting an acceptable offer and terms. Nothing else.}
24 Jan 2016 23:11:30
I think you may have misunderstood my question I know it doesn't take days, that why I'm asking how does it take so long?
{Ed002's Note - If a club make an acceptable bid and the other side wish to sell and the player wishes to move then it can be dealt with quickly.}
24 Jan 2016 23:45:07
I think the 'Liverpool have entered negotiations with Shaktar' etc is mostly just media babble to a large degree.
If you're buying anything (ie a house, a business etc) sometimes you put an offer in and see how that goes. Sometimes you leave it with the vendor and see whether they waiver after a little bit of time and pressure. Sometimes you need to plan your next move and weight up other options.
25 Jan 2016 00:09:57
Which is why Klopp is looking at Praet as another option.
25 Jan 2016 01:42:17
its negotiation- its takes as long as it does. this isn't buying an apple from a market trader. even if an overall amount is accepted payments term still have to be negotiated. one of the key things often used in negotiation is silence so you can see how these things can drag on. doesn't help being 14m apart in valuation either!
{Ed002's Note - "Silence"? You are kidding.}
24 Jan 2016 20:57:32
Eds what players are Liverpool intrested in at the moment.
{Ed002's Note - Read the posts please Colin.}
24 Jan 2016 21:36:37
Alex Teixeira, Dennis Praet, Raphael Guerreiro, Joel Matip.
25 Jan 2016 00:10:39
Just about covered it all, EMS.
25 Jan 2016 00:16:34
Is that you in the pic?
24 Jan 2016 20:05:36
Sly sources understand Alex Teixeira tells Shakhtar Donetsk he wants to leave the club and his preferred destination is Liverpool.
Guess its still nothing concrete as its down to the clubs to agree a fee. Interesting none the less.
24 Jan 2016 20:11:41
I was just about to post that, like you said maybe doesn't mean anything but it's still exciting.
24 Jan 2016 20:13:11
Surely Shakhtar have to put his wishes as the primary concern! Very stubborn owner by the sound of things.
24 Jan 2016 20:21:27
If a player says he wants to move, but the owner doesn't want to sell. Does the manager have the final say or the owner? I'm sure I heard a quote from the manager saying he's okay with him leaving if a good offer comes in.
{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with the manager. Shakhtar has known for some time that he wants to leave during 2016. There is nothing new in that.}
24 Jan 2016 20:29:43
Daredman, why do they? was you saying the same when liverpool players were asking to leave? suarez torres masch owen etc.
24 Jan 2016 21:03:28
I don't see it changing anything, if we're not prepared to pay 38mil and I'm not sure we should he won't be moving in January.
24 Jan 2016 21:04:25
When a player makes statements like this it seems always to be a prelude to a transfer in this window or the next.
I expect it to be the next window and to a different club.
When a player is not committed it's best to sell and get the best price you can.
{Ed002's Note - This is not new information. The manager's statement is from a press conference held more than two weeks ago and before Liverpool became interested.}
24 Jan 2016 21:25:25
It's slightly different Benny there mate. Teixeira is playing for a club which is in a very dangerous part of Europe and they are also in a poor league. Teixeira isn't being picked for Brazil squad because of who he plays for and seeing as there's Copa America this summer, he needs to move in order to play there. The longer he waits to move, the further he delays his development as he isn't going to improve playing against players of a lower standard to in England. If he moved here, he stands a chance of getting into the Brazil squad and furthering his ability as a player.
You mention Torres, Suarez and Masch who were in their respective national teams and they were excelling in a league which is of a standard.
Do you see my point there?
24 Jan 2016 21:34:47
He is a vital goalscorer for shaktar- in their position would we want to let such a vital player leave in january? And they'll get just much money or even more in the summer window.
Of course they don't want to sell him now, and it would take a major offer to make it worth their while.
To be honest he will not get enough goals to get us past spurs and utd into fourth place anyway- the gap is too big to close unless a complete disaster befalls spurs.
Maybe the sensible thing is to try for a deal that costs a bit less but guarantees him coming to lfc in the summer?
Either way, I think we will be making a much stronger challenge for a CL place next season, and that's a real positive to look forward to.
24 Jan 2016 21:47:45
What does it matter to his club if he's not playing for brazil? it means he has less chance of getting injured and doesn't have to fly around the globe 2/ 3 times a season.
Besides, how does liverpool guarantee him national appearances?
Coutinho - 12 in 3 years
Lucas - 24 in 7 years
Firmino - 11 in 2 years
If he is that good, and wants to play more national football, i'm sure a lot more clubs with a higher reputation would help him far greater. So yeah, he has a contract with his club and i don't think they're being stubborn, they've set a vaule, its up to a club to pay it, just like the values we set on said players sold.
24 Jan 2016 21:53:19
Eds, not sure which ed said it, but I think one of ye alluded to the fact Alex texeira is a second choice signing, out of curiosity who was the first choice signing?
Thanks in advance.
{Ed002's Note - I am not so sure that has been said but Liverpool has an interest in another AM player as well. Praet.}
24 Jan 2016 22:12:02
Bit refreshing to see player power doesn't exist all over the world.
Seems like in Ukraine what the owner wants the owner gets regardless of the players wishes.
Doesn't exactly help us I know but it's still nice to see in a strange kind of way. Lol.
24 Jan 2016 22:47:44
Benny, playing for your national team is an honour! I would give as much as it took to earn an international cap for Wales! Besides who said anything about guaranteeing him an Brazil? A move would just increase his chances from "not happening" to "good chance" (depending on how he performs of course) . Anyway I hope we get the boy as he's quality.
24 Jan 2016 22:47:51
I know I might get slated for this or my post won't even make it, but I've seen a rumour that a medical is set to take place on Wednesday.
24 Jan 2016 23:12:36
What kind of fee would Anderlecht command for Praet?
{Ed002's Note - I suspect €25M (ish) would be sufficient.}
24 Jan 2016 23:56:33
If that is the fee asked for Praet then i wouldn't even call anderlecht. That is far to high.
24 Jan 2016 23:37:16
Ed2. I appreciate this is a torrid time for you but would appreciate your thoughts.
Obviously Texeira is an attacking mid that seems to get himself in goalscoring positions and has a pretty impressive scoring record to back that up.
What is it that is so attractive about praet's play that seems to be getting so much attention from the big clubs? Is the physicality aspect of the premier league a worry with him?
All the best.
{Ed002's Note - I really have no idea. Klopp is the fan.}
24 Jan 2016 23:41:04
Obviously you never know for sure what's going to happen until the player arrives, but I think it's a tad too early for Praet. What do you think Ed?
{Ed002's Note - As I have explained there is interest from others.}
25 Jan 2016 00:15:03
Exactl, Benny. Never seen the kid play but based on Ed02's comments about him in the past, he is quite inconsistent hence, not worth the money.
24 Jan 2016 20:01:45
So with players such as long, praet, teixeira etc being confirmed by the eds at being looked at, as well as serious question marks over our goalkeeper and fullbacks, and matip almost certain to join in the summer, who do we see making way?
Klopp has played his cards close to his chest this season, he has given everybody a proper go and a chance to show what they can do and it is clear where the weak spots lie.
Firmino on the whole hasn't been good enough this year but i think we can all see potential and he will hopefully kick on next year.
However players like lallana, milner, clyne, moreno and mignolet are clearly just not good enough. Credit to klopp for trying to get the best out of them but some players just keep letting the side down time and again.
I can see the fullbacks staying but expect flanagan and smith to get more dominance as the season goes on.
However milner, lallana and mignolet i can all see leaving. Experienced players such as these show a complete lack of responsibility, leadership and willingness to improve, and the wages they are being paid would be better spent on players who earnt it based on their importance to the side.
Sturridge, skrtel, toure and coutinho are also possibilities to leave but who knows.
24 Jan 2016 20:17:55
Toure is definitely leaving. I expect Allen will make way as well as Grujic returns. Benteke is likely to leave as to is Milner I'd say. Markovic will sadly leave by the sound of things. Sinclair will leave for sure. Balotelli will leave. Skrtel may well leave seeing as Matip is on his way in and Ilori may stay if that's the case.
It'll be an interesting summer with outs and I look forward to a summer without a massive rebuild like in the previous two years.
24 Jan 2016 20:18:37
It would be easier to list the players you want to keep! What do you want to do? Rebuild the whole team again?
24 Jan 2016 20:20:13
If someone offers the right money I can see benteke being sold as well, and perhaps one of the other centre backs, I think he'll keep lovren just not sure if he'll keep sakho or skrtel.
24 Jan 2016 20:24:59
Wooly, how can you say Firmino hasn't been good enuff this season or have you been asleep the past few games where he's been arguably are best performer providing goals and assists? He's the only guy who has shown the ability to lead the line on his own, provide goals and assists and he's coming good right before our very eyes so your criticism of him is harsh. It's his first season here so unlike you, I will reserve judgement on him till later. As for the rest of your post, I'll allow Klopp to decide and we'll see what happens.
24 Jan 2016 20:36:27
Well its exactly that, he's only done it the past few games. If he can sustain that over a whole season and take responsibility for goalscoring then great, and i think he can, but overall this year he has been playing up there and not done a lot in the majority of games, 1 goal in the first 24 says it all. You clearly didn't read what i said though as i actually said he can come into his own next year, and not that i wanted to get rid of him.
I actually forgot about benteke, allen, sinclair, balotelli, skrtel, ilori, teixiera and markovic. Surely a few have to stay? Just writing this post has made me realise just how many underperforming players we have, its embarrassing.
And no i don't want to rebuild the whole team again, the whole point is i'm saying that with so many underperfoming and out of favour players, and a bloated squad, who can we expect to leave or stay? Something has to give.
24 Jan 2016 20:40:22
5 gold stars - over the next 2-3 yrs that's exactly what I'm expecting to happen. If we have define top 4 ambitions then very few of our current squad are good enough. It's going to take time though as well as a few windows.
24 Jan 2016 20:51:31
Have to agree with you. Up until last few weeks, for me he seemed too lightweight, never really getting into games, were as lately looks much stronger, showing for the ball, creating things, showing good touches, clearly needing time to adjust to premier league football, just hope now he goes on from the good form he is showing.
24 Jan 2016 21:01:35
Some decisions are easier than others.
Toure and Sinclair are out of contract; we may pick up a small tribunal fee for sinclair.
We are overloaded with Right Full Backs; Clyne, Flanagan, Wisdom, Randall, Stewart, Mclaughin - I would expect 3 of those to go or 2 + one on a season loan (youngster) .
If we are looking at another attacking midfielder then I could see Milner and Allen going from the CM slots (as it would assume 2 holding 3 Attacking Midfielders) .
Possibly Lallana; definately Markovic and Alberto. Balotelli if we can find someone to buy him.
Also benteke could go,
CD's then I don't know what Klopp is thinking; even with Toure going then that leaves us Skrtel, Sakho, Lovren, Gomez and Llori; so if we go for someone I presume we will also sell one of these.
It just shows how bloated our squad is (in the wrong way) when you consider who we could sell without making little impact to our first team.
24 Jan 2016 22:20:17
Yeah its crazy how big our squad is, even without counting the loanees.
I think we should try sell :
- Migs and Bogdan
- Toure (leaving) and one other CB (maybe skrtel)
- Allen, maybe loan rossiter or Grujic (not both)
- Milner, Lallana, Markovic, Luis Alberto
- Benteke, Balotelli, Sinclair, Yesil
Buy-
GK- not sure who but hopefully can be got for under £10m
CB- Matip looks likely and won't cost a lot
Winger/ AM- Texeira, Gotze, many options really
ST- Has to be world Class (Lacazette, Benzema) must be our priority and will likely cost £30m+
So buy 4 players, release/ sell close to 10 (maybe more with potential loans for others like the younger guys) .
Would significantly reduce squad size and wages I think.
24 Jan 2016 22:39:46
We also can't get rid of all our home grown players!
This won't be a 1 season turn around it will take several seasons to turn over the players and bring through a new squad.
24 Jan 2016 23:31:03
Migs isn't going anywhere mate.
24 Jan 2016 19:57:45
SSN are reporting as "breaking rumour" that Alex Texeira says he wants to leave Shakhtar Donetsk and that his preferred club is Liverpool.
24 Jan 2016 19:42:58
Sky reporting, Texiera wants to move and wants to join Liverpool. definitely joining Chelsea then.
24 Jan 2016 19:20:16
Ed002 who does Praet play for please?
{Ed023's Note - Anderlecht}
24 Jan 2016 19:32:16
Could we rename the Eds 'Geds' - the G standing for Google? Also a nice homage to a well loved former manager!
24 Jan 2016 19:34:11
Anyone heard of this google thing?
24 Jan 2016 19:52:19
Think its a new wheres wally book.
24 Jan 2016 20:46:55
Sorry Ed somebody at work Googled it for me but I couldn't get a chance to tell you I found it mate. Sorry for wasting your time.
24 Jan 2016 18:09:18
I know the Eds don't think so, Or I assume they dont, sorry if not, but i'm going for a prediction of Teixera to sign followed by Barry Scott from the Cilit Bang advert and a late window move for Jan Vennegor of Hesselinks long lost twin Dave Vennegor of Hesselink
Just my opinion.
24 Jan 2016 19:24:52
I love Barry Scott, not changed his haircut in a decade and shouts a lot.
24 Jan 2016 17:33:07
Ed1 Firmino is getting better with every game he is playing for us, do you see his position as a striker in the future when there are more choices or do you feel he is better as a number 10?
{Ed001's Note - I think he is best playing as one of a front pair, I don't feel the need for a specific 'number 10' the forwards should be good enough to drop off and pick a pass when needed.}
24 Jan 2016 18:21:36
Yeah he is going to be a real good player for us, he takes up some very good positions and keeps getting in those positions to score even when he as missed a chance, his movement causes teams a lot of problems as well.
24 Jan 2016 18:26:34
He drops off a lot anyway, as long as he's central he will be effective in my eyes.
24 Jan 2016 19:07:15
He reminds me a bit of Suarez early on. One of the criticisms I remember was how he wasn't clinical enough at times. Not that I think Firmino will attain that level, but I do see his game trending up appreciably. He certainly has the work rate and movement, I think a major question for me is his head for the game. Suarez is a very smart player with truly elite technical skills, imo. Firmino's skill level is definitely lower, but for me the sample size is too small to see his intelligence. I think he suits Klopp's vision, however.
24 Jan 2016 19:12:14
Firminhos been outstanding the last few games. Looks like a 20 goal plus a season player now.
24 Jan 2016 20:33:04
To me, Firmino is too smart for a lot of people who watt him. He does things that look weird but because they don't come off, it looks like he's clueless. Look at the touch he made to cushion the ball for Hemdo to, score. Many thought he missed his control but if you look again, he didn't. He just slowed the ball down enuff for Hendo to strike and bang, we're back in the game. You have to watch him carefully to know what he's trying to do. As for his position, Firmino is a mid who can play as a striker hence, I would want him behind a striker like Stud Ge or Ings ahead of him so they can interchange dos his vision and ability to see a pass before anyone does is just uncanny. Watch Coutinho's goal vs City at the Etihad. He saw Couts make the run before anyone els did. Those are the little things he does that don't show up on the stat sheet but believe me, are still very important. He's no Suarez tho.
24 Jan 2016 21:07:54
He'll improve definitely.
Some people forget Suarez struggled when he first came, then he managed to adapt to the pace and intensity of the league and absolutely smashed it. He needs time, that's all.
24 Jan 2016 14:46:35
Quite quiet on the teixeira front now for a few days just wondering if u have an idea on if and when we meant to be making this so called improved bid which in all honesty will likely be rejected straight away as it sounds like were still about 10mil from wt they want thnx eds also if we do manage to sign him do u see tht being the end of any of our current squad.
{Ed002's Note - I have explained the situation and nothing has changed. You would do best not to get excited about any headline which says anything like "Liverpool on red alert for ..." or "Liverpool preparing ..."}
24 Jan 2016 16:16:06
Ed do you think we was looking at him to play attacking mid or has a striker?
{Ed002's Note - He is not a striker so it would be behind the striker.}
24 Jan 2016 16:23:09
Thnx for the reply ed002.
24 Jan 2016 16:49:18
The latest headline is that he has agreed terms with us lol and he has liked instagram pictures relating to lfc.
Think i would rather us move onto someone else if it is as unlikely to happen as you've explained. I've not known talks go on this long before.
Think we should move on chaps.
24 Jan 2016 17:19:25
Thanks ed. don't understand why we looking at attacking midfielders where overrun with them.
{Ed002's Note - And another to be watched today - Praet.}
24 Jan 2016 18:08:56
There would have to be a few leaving to make way for him.
24 Jan 2016 18:44:44
Anyone no how Praet did today and also what his goals and assists are like?
24 Jan 2016 16:01:05
Long time reader/ fan of the site.
2 questions to Des 1 and 2 mainly.
First off, I had a quick browse for the first time on your other sites and have to say I was blown away. This is quite an empire you guys have here 😀.
Question being - you guys also have day jobs?! Surely this is a full time job?
Second question is about Delle Ali (not sure on spelling) - buddy of mine reckons that he wanted to come to Liverpool but we refused to pay 500k extra and so Spurs got him - apparently Gerrard even gave a glowing recommendation that we mus go after this kid.
Is this true? Did we really miss the next top England box-to-box man for 500k?!
Thanks for any response.
{Ed001's Note - Most have day jobs, just myself and Ed033 that are full time on it, the sites do not earn enough to employ others.
Dele Alli was in talks and desperate to sign for us but we couldn't agree a fee, Spurs nipped in and paid the money.}
24 Jan 2016 16:15:06
"Des"
😄😄😄.
24 Jan 2016 16:44:51
Yeah should really spell check first ☺
Wish we were as careful with our money when negotiating for some of the players we wasted millions on over the years 😡
Oh well.
24 Jan 2016 15:49:50
I'm not too concerned about the goals yesterday, Naismith's was just a good goal, we're going to concede penalties every so often and the occasional 'lump it forward and have a CB score a screamer' is going to happen. Only the equaliser was something to be really disappointed by.
I was pleased by the fight back after going 3-1 down, I was pleased that Firmino showed he could do a job up front in a scrappy match and I was pleased that Lallana and Milner gave us a reminder that they're good footballers with something to offer.
Couple that with a few teams around us dropping points made it a pretty good day. I don't like the 'let's write this season off' attitude.
24 Jan 2016 16:57:20
Couldn't disagree more. In particular with their second goal.
Naismiths goals is appalling defending all round. How nobody tracked that run is beyond me. I'm also not convinced by migs attempt at a save.
The penalty is again just crap defending. He gets away with a blatant penalty and then let's him get up and kick him again! I seriously doubt if Moreno has the mentality to be a top full back. He just seems to switch off too easily at times. He needs to engage his brain more.
Don't get me wrong there are a number of positives from yesterday but the defending was shambolic from both sides. It made for a cracking game like but still.
24 Jan 2016 20:41:05
Muscat, you're talking with both sides of your mouth. You say you're not bothered about the four goals we conceded, all of whom were riddled with stupid mistakes and then say we shouldn't write this season off which I agree with. Your post is incoherent. You cannot gloss over the pathetic defensive train wreck we all saw yesterday just because we won a game and say we should remain competitive till season's end. Even Klopp disagrees with you on that front. If we don't iron out our issues or severely reduce themw.
24 Jan 2016 15:43:39
is it a coincidence, our defense has been a complete shambles ever since mignolet was bought? to cover it up we went 5 at the back with rodgers. I think our whole defensive backline is an issue but the problem starts with migs. there's no stability. I look at our defense and I think, what the hell is that. we could carry clyne and moreno if we had a consistent goalkeeper and cb's.
i see migs and he's like the lion from wizard of oz.
24 Jan 2016 15:53:27
Migs isn't great but he certainly doesn't deserve all the blame. Every player has a duty to defend and we've been poor as a unit.
A better goalkeeper would improve the situation but wouldn't completely fix things.
24 Jan 2016 16:00:38
Well it's multi-factorial IMO.
Migs is not a good goalkeeper but there has been lots of defensive changes also. Carra retired, Agger sold, both happened since Migs came in.
Add to that the daft tactic of the previous regime where our centre backs split and gave the ball away needlessly instead of clearing it.
I think it's not going to be possible to turn it around for Migs.
24 Jan 2016 16:38:47
There certainly are several factors. 1) Mignolet although I do try and back the lad, certainly ain't good enough 2) Neither is Lucas, considering he is our only recognized CDM, far too slow and error prone 3) Can although I do believe will be a future star is still far too prone to silly errors 4) their is no leader in defense, nobody steps in to organize at set pieces. Carra, Hyppia, Agger, Reina were all good at it, now we have nobody. 5) Zonal marking is also killing us at corners as it usually means one of the basics of having a man on each post is ignored and is costing us hugely.
25 Jan 2016 00:29:25
Poolie, I would say that our problems go way beyond that. If you look at the goals we concede vs Norwich, our defenders don't attack the ball. They wait for it to drop while the opposition attacks the ball in the air while our boys just wait hence get overpowered. Therefore, our CB's are mentally weak and aren't interested in actually competing for aerial balls. If they don't jump, how can they compete. Toure, Sahko and Lovren are as physical as they come yet they don't they off the ground for headers. Watch the fourth goal by Norwich. Can and Sahko don't even get off the ground . They allow Jerome to get leverage and he lays it off to Bassong and . Goal. There is the problem. Our players need a change in mentally, not replacements.
24 Jan 2016 14:55:57
If a player is played in a defensive position then I judge him as for his ability as a defender. For the life of me I can't understand how people rate Moreno, I think he is poor and a liability. Smith and hopefully a fit Flanno are better.
24 Jan 2016 15:46:16
You can judge them how you like but in today's game the lb and the rb don't just get judged on defending. But Moreno is generally quite poor going forward as well.
24 Jan 2016 15:52:47
they both lack intelligence and are average at defending and attacking. they're pace is their jail free card, without it they would be shambolic.
24 Jan 2016 14:42:31
One for the rumours page,
Alex Teixeira has liked two photos to do with Liverpool. These photos are him photoshopped into a Liverpool shirt. Make of it what you will.
24 Jan 2016 15:30:36
I make it ship-stirring (sp)
24 Jan 2016 15:35:27
I don't think we'd have any problems coming to an agreement with Texeira but his club is a different matter. He could literally put a video on YouTube singing You'll Never Walk Alone while wearing a Gerrard kit and it would mean nothing if we can't agree terms with Shaktahr.
24 Jan 2016 14:36:10
Anyone think it's worth giving caulker a start? He may have his weaknesses, but so do all of our back four, and he can win headers and he is physical.
24 Jan 2016 15:39:02
I can see him as a good choice versus Stoke.
24 Jan 2016 15:44:24
Why not convert him into a forward a la Chris Sutton?
24 Jan 2016 18:29:45
Stoke aren't the physical unit they were of old, but still are effective from set plays. But no matter who we play we are vulnerable to set plays. If he was paired with someone who took control of the back line he would do okay I think.
25 Jan 2016 00:31:26
Can't be worse than the others who've continued to get roasted by the opposition during set plays.
24 Jan 2016 13:50:38
Quick question eds,
Do you see texiera moving to us this month, I've barley seen anything regarding Chelsea. what's your take on all of this :)
Thanks,
{Ed002's Note - This has been done to death and the involvement of Chelsea dates back months ago.}
24 Jan 2016 13:32:15
Afternoon all a question for all edds
Is there any news on the new stand naming rights and also do you think melwood could have a new name or are Liverpool not interested in naming new stand thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has being actively seeking the sale of naming rights to the new Main Stand at Anfield in order to raise much needed money. The owners know that selling the naming rights to the ground would cause a lot of problems for them and will avoid that - but if needs must it will be considered. I don't know of any plans to rename Mellwood with a commercial sponsor.}
24 Jan 2016 14:03:54
Many thanks for the reply appricate the time and effort you put in.
{Ed002's Note - Thanks - you are welcome.}
24 Jan 2016 13:05:36
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Celtic Can't Compete With English Clubs As Gill Unhappy With Manchester United's Style Of Play And More
24 Jan 2016 12:50:49
I have a conspiracy theory regarding Sturridge: is it possible that Klopp is not going to risk him, but save him for the Europa league? Sounds ridiculous, but top 4 is a pipe dream, and winning europa would put us back in CL. A fit Sturridge playing only Europa league games may not be a crazy plan. Ofcourse, he should also play cup finals.
Ofcourse, no manager would do something so ridiculous. But would Klopp?
24 Jan 2016 13:01:46
I think Klopp explained that he as been made to have his own mini pre season to get him fit, then it's a game by game basis then he is either fit or not to participate.
24 Jan 2016 13:21:02
You're right it is ridiculous.
24 Jan 2016 13:35:44
"No manager in the world would do something so ridiculous. But would Klopp? "
Klopp not a manager now? Or perhaps you think he's not of this world.
24 Jan 2016 14:10:02
I have a conspiracy that ems is a woman.
24 Jan 2016 15:10:41
Big Al. Was you take me out last night?
24 Jan 2016 15:29:25
maybe sturridge is in the shop window and we're not risking inuring him, because i imagine klopp doesn't admire him as much as we do. hope this is far from the truth though and sturridge has a long future with us without excessive injuries.
24 Jan 2016 12:47:55
A bit of Sunday banter.
Looking back over the past 5 years, think of your 3 realistic targets that we missed out on/ didn't go for, that in hindsight you wish w had? Remember to be realistic, so no Messi's or Ronaldos!
Would love to hear the ed's views too 😀
My 3 all happen to be English, and young!
Delle Ali - literally cannot believe we didn't snap him up after being linked for so long.
Jack Butland - really growing into his potential now and I know we were linked at the time he went to Stoke.
Demerara Grey - think he's looking better and better and for less than £4m, unbelievable.
Total outlay of around £20m - not much more than balotelli!
What do you folks think?
24 Jan 2016 13:08:07
Delle Ali.
Alexis Sanchez.
Petr Cech.
24 Jan 2016 13:09:02
Yup makes you wonder. but anyway hope we do better in the coming 5 years.
However, one thing to think abt is that the amount of pressure and criticism the payers get at Liverpool is like no other. Sometimes it's detrimental to development of young/ new players.
But of course we love our players also like no other! I hope I speak for everybody else also.
24 Jan 2016 13:24:07
Just out of interest why Demarai Gray? I've seen every one if Leicesters games since he signed and he's like Wilfried Zaha. His 3 best attributes are 1. Pace 2. Speed 3. Fast.
Touch is poor, shooting is poor, crossing is poor.
One thing I will give him is he can take a very good corner.
Just don't see why you think he's a bigger mistake than the likes of Sanchez, Mkhitaryan, Diego Costa, Rakitic, Cech etc.
24 Jan 2016 13:24:52
Willian - never ceases to impress me.
Sanchez - was only person who might have replaced Suarez.
Delle Ali - Looks like he could become a proper player.
24 Jan 2016 13:55:30
Hey EMS,
I was trying to overlay realistic and needed right now. I'd rather we took a punt with Gray than Markovc given respective fees.
Realistic is also the reason I didn't include Cech or Sanchez as we tried but they tuned us down, same with Mikytarian and Willian too. I would've included Kono as he wanted to come, but on balance (price, potential etc) I think I've seen more potential in Gray (albeit I've seen him play more! ) than the few clips I've seen of Kono, especially at less than £4m.
24 Jan 2016 13:55:47
Dunno if Sanchez was realistic or an option so:
Konoplyanka - creative wide forward with pace
Kovacic - creativity from midfield
Cech - sorted arsenals defence and would be great to ward under him.
24 Jan 2016 14:03:24
cech sanchez and konoplyanka, he is tearing it up in spain.
24 Jan 2016 14:09:19
Not sure how he's doing at the mo, but Carlos Bacca was big news in the last window. I know before he moved he was very impressive?
Sanchez is a given.
Any decent centre half worth a Premiership place.
24 Jan 2016 14:29:37
Shaquiri linked with us before his inter move also kono we were going for the league that time and going strong starting 11 was strong bench was weak players looked tired I think it could have really helped.
24 Jan 2016 14:30:43
Oh and Alderwerield
All recent enough.
24 Jan 2016 15:38:41
I've actually grown up playing against demari and even the levels we were playing at he's was so clearly a class above.
24 Jan 2016 15:52:32
Where we that at Sam?
If you Don't mind me asking did you play at a high level?
24 Jan 2016 16:03:45
Alexis Sanchez - No questions
Jack Butland- Absolutely class goalkeeper
Yevhen Konoplyanka- We really need a winger.
24 Jan 2016 16:21:07
Thanks for the replies!
Just to clarify, a lot of you have mentioned Sanchez and Cech. I've left them off my list as we were never going to get them, imo. Cech said he wanted CL and to stay in London. Sanchez - everything was lined up and I'm sure Barcelona wouldn't have cared whether he went to Liverpool or Arsenal, perhaps even favoured Liverpool as it may have made the Suarez deal quicker to agree. However, he said no to us, repeatedley. So we were never going to get him.
Compare that to Ali, for example, where he was so keen to come to us, and we only lost out because we dawdled on money (again! ) .
24 Jan 2016 16:51:46
What did Liverpool want to pay for Ali?
24 Jan 2016 17:35:40
Alderweirield - deli ali- Konoplyanka. When leaving ajax originally 7 million! Kono on a free! Deli ali just pay it! But no - why- we are liverpool!
24 Jan 2016 17:53:44
LFC together, one of the Eds mentioned in another post recently that whilst Liverpool were arguing about £500k (so I guess £4.5m rather than £5m), Spurs stole in and ponied up. Apparently Ali was set on us, a fan as well allegedly, but Spurs coughed up when we wouldn't.
As more and more and more and more of these sorts of reports come through on so many players, I do think our commercial boys don't really know what they're doing. This at the same time as coughing up a fee rising to €50m for Firmino (don't get me wrong, think he's a great player, but why pay so much more than others were offering? ), and £32m for Benteke?!?! Not even going to mention Carroll, although FSG had just taken over so I will cut them some slack.
I hope that Klopp is able to have more influence and command more respect than Rodgers, so that he can ensure that we don't lose potential stars that he and the scouts have identified through the (bloated EPL equivalent of) nickel and diming, whilst paying vastly over the odds for other players.
24 Jan 2016 19:36:26
Stevie P, Good shout on Alderweireld.
Also, I still think Eriksen would've been a good purchase, and would've come for not a huge amount of money. I haven't seen him play too much (hate Spurs, long story! ), but I do believe he could play in an attacking 3 with Coutinho, and possible have meant that we didn't need to splash on Firmino. Scores a few goals too.
24 Jan 2016 22:24:54
I Can't believe no one has mentioned kun aguero :)
24 Jan 2016 12:20:31
Eds, I was wondering if there was still any interest in Yarmolenko? I remember before we went for Konoplyanka there was a lot of talk about Yarmolenko, people who watched the 2 claimed that he was the better player and was destined for bigger things.
He has the pace, movement, freekicks, flair and is a powerhouse of a player at 190cm and I do think we can utilise these attributes. He reminds me of a better Arnautovic.
Say we do fail to get Teixiera, would Yarmolenko be a viable option?
{Ed002's Note - Try the European pages.}
24 Jan 2016 11:47:46
For all those who like Carra's loan reports I found this video of Ryan Fulton making a double save while out on loan:
24 Jan 2016 11:30:26
If we got ter stegan this window I would be delighted.
24 Jan 2016 12:01:38
Why we are not getting valdes is beyond me? Mignolet can be back up to valdes.
24 Jan 2016 12:20:04
Valdez is just as poor from set plays and coming for crosses, he looked dodgy at the back end of last year for unt.
{Ed001's Note - Valdes is woeful, he is nowhere near good enough. Barely better than Migs.}
24 Jan 2016 12:20:46
Valdes is going tothe Belgian league. Probably for a reason.
24 Jan 2016 13:39:48
Leekuanyew, the last time there was a transfer between us and the Mancs was in the 1930's or 40's. So it was never going to happen.
24 Jan 2016 08:58:57
Interesting comments from Texiera. There is a good offer on the table and he wants to move quick. I've just read it on sky sports news app. He thinks the prem is the strongest league in the world. He's making all the right noises, will it be us or Chelsea? They do like to gazump us don't they? He looks great on you tube but quite frankly so do a lot of people. It seems a good fit, I still have reservations about us spending so much money in Januray when there will be so many more options in the summer. I would wait it out, surely Ojo should get some more chances? We ain't getting top 4 either way so I don't see the need to panic buy. We need a striker - that's obvious. Benteke isn't the answer and Sturridge cannot be relied upon at all. That levels Ings, Origi and A couple of kids. I like Firmino but he isn't a long term solution up top is he?
For me, we need a striker more than any other position. If you look at the stats then goals have been the undoing of our season. Yesterday was a freak show let's be fair.
Oddly enough I think Lovren has finally settled and will forge a good partnership with Sakho when fit. Martin Skrtel - not for me. Ilori hasn't shown enough as yet either, or hasn't had the chance to. maybe he will in time. If you look at most of our games - especially at home, we dominate but have no teeth to bite our opponent. A twenty goal a season striker at Liverpool and we are up in the mix. So many times we should've took the lead in games, so many times we should've finished teams off. The Utd game, the Aresnal game, the list is endless. Goals win games and we don't score enough. It's glaringly obvious to me that we need - a striker. Is Texiera the answer? Praet? I'm not so sure.
Out of all the attributes of a striker - we need one with guile. Maybe a bit of nastiness. Someone who will win a few pens.
How many pens did Saurez win by cutting back inside or just knocking it passed the keeper? We haven't had that craftiness since he left. Sturridge has it, that little extra bottle. I think a big part of it is not being afraid to lose the ball, to engage the last man instead of putting the ball wide. Committing defenders.
Anyway - let's hope Jurgen knows what he's doing. It's been a complete head scratcher this season, ultimately no where near good enough in the league, and it's all down to goals. Injuries yes - but we have wasted a lot of money on poor strikers since Luis left. It's time we got it right!
24 Jan 2016 09:17:29
It doesn't look as if it is up to the player. It is about matching the asking price. It is true that sometime players can force their way out but I don't see this happening here when we have only a week to the end of the transfer window and his team oweners look quite insistent to get the price the want.
24 Jan 2016 09:45:01
Irrespective of cost which is way too difficult . With the style of play JK seems to want to play one of the biggest attributes we need for any forward we sign is that they re mobile and can start our defence as high up the pitch as possible. Ian Rush was superb at it as was Suarez - chasing and putting pressure on defenders and forcing them back or into hurried wayward clearances as often as not. Of course we need whoever we buy to score 20 odd a season too for the reasons mentioned above but scoring isn't the only criteria. If it was then the ideal man for the job would be Benteke (or someone very similar) but that's not the way we are trying to play.
24 Jan 2016 10:31:04
It really doesn't matter if there are better options in summer. it is obvious he's who jurgen klopp wants and if we are to match his ambition for the club he needs to be backed 100%. And I for one am backing him all the way. For way too long this great club has been run wrong.
24 Jan 2016 11:30:08
Wow.
A Liverpool team consisting of Brazilians.
It does seem a natural choice for all parties.
24 Jan 2016 11:31:22
If their valuation really is that far above ours I can't see this happening with a week to go.
They don't want to sell in jan, they seem to be easily angered, and they can be difficult to finalise a deal with- and change their minds with less apparent reason than many negotiating bodies.
Also, they are much less bothered about the player's desires than PL clubs are.
Given his years of service, they might have enough goodwill to consider a jan departure
(and impact their own season btw), but any big time charlie approach by lfc, or the player agitating for a move, will only have a negative effect on the chances of a deal.
Unless we get closer to their valuation very soon- and we ask them very politely indeed- it surely won't happen.
Would we sell a vital goal scoring player we didn't want or need to sell in jan, and for less money than we were asking? I'd love to see him get a few months with us and be well bedded in for the start of next season, but I think the Eds are right to remain sceptical about a jan move to any club.
24 Jan 2016 08:55:32
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Mendes Denies Jose's Man Utd Love Letter, Valencia's Struggles Blamed On Neville's Language Problems And More
24 Jan 2016 08:17:29
Morning eds! Great finale in a game where I was pulling my hair out for most of it. Klopp must surely be planning a revamp of our defence and keeper situ, although Mignolet signed a new deal I just can't see him being our no1. Am I wrong? Is Klopp unimpressed/ looking at axing some of our defenders? On that note what ever happened to Joel Matip, all went quiet on that front.
Great site and Many thanks as always!
{Ed001's Note - yes, in the summer changes will be made. Matip will sort out his situation after the window shuts, of course it will go quiet now as he is waiting on a summer move when his contract runs out. We picked up a loan defender until then, so we don't need to try and force any defender moves now.}
24 Jan 2016 07:40:08
I wouldn't read anything into that match. It was like watching two sunday morning pub sides getting a pub result. If we played like that against a better side (and most of the Prem is better than Norwich) we'd have been battered.
The only positive is we got 3 points.
24 Jan 2016 08:08:13
Another cheery post for a rainy Sunday!
Entertainment, action, football, it was all there, just try and enjoy watching the sport.
{Ed001's Note - I am just staggered that anyone could consider 3 points the only positive. Scoring five goals is a positive. Entertaining the crowd and TV audience is a positive. The fact we fought back from 3-1 down is positive. There are many positives.}
24 Jan 2016 08:30:40
Ed1 - both positives and negatives tbf!
{Ed001's Note - yes, but Lenin implied there were lots of negatives but only one positive.}
24 Jan 2016 08:49:34
It was a brilliant game, sometimes these games happen, just enjoy them.
Probably not going to happen again for quite some time.
Cmon that game was special!
24 Jan 2016 10:25:06
The fight back from 3-1 down was superb and the way we have seem to rescue points late on and playing to the final whistle is massive, the belief that Klopp as introduced to the team is great to see.
24 Jan 2016 10:27:38
The game was played like a cup tie and what is wrong with that. I love that type of game. Give me 2 teams trying to win rather than 2 teams trying not to lose any day of the week.
24 Jan 2016 12:40:50
under BR we would not have come back at 3-1 down god only know what the score would have been under BR, after lallanas goal the celebration said a lot, they believe in klopp and want to play for him, i can't wait until klopp gets a few of his players in, in our games we have been making many chances but have had no one as a top striker and then there's the defensive issues and the gk, if klopp can make changes in those positions and get better players in then we will go close next season and to be honest there's no reason why we can't get in the top 4 this season if we start putting the chances away and stop leaking goals then we will be there abouts, also i'm starting to think sturridgedoes not want to play for klopp because we can all see the improvement klopp has brought to the team and with a few good signings we will be winning things and sturridge seems he does not want to be part of it he looks too happy in the stands watching the game he does not look like he wants to be apart of it i may be wrong but when i see him i doubt it, maybe he did not like klopp saying the pain his in his head.
24 Jan 2016 12:47:45
I would watch that every game if it got the win. Who doesn't want a roller coaster ride every match. I'm sure united fans would welcome a bit of entertainment lol
We have problems in the squad, klopp will fix a good few in the summer and get the team up to speed with tactics and fitness. The schedule has been crazy, maybe 2 weeks with one game since he joined.
Good times are just around the corner. Just have to be patient and believe in the players.
24 Jan 2016 23:20:16
Sorry Ed001 I didn't respond to your comments which I entirely agree with, thank you.
24 Jan 2016 06:45:52
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Delap Eat Your Hearts Out, Newcastle Backed To Avoid Drop And Sanchez And Allegri Move Rumours Dismissed Plus More
24 Jan 2016 01:58:07
Am I the only one who thinks Moreno should be dropped for Smith?, Moreno is caught out of position constantly and I'm always on the wrong side of the attacker. He also offers very little going forward, Smith is a better defender and has a good delivery for the likes of Benteke if he plays.
24 Jan 2016 04:21:19
Smith should get a run after that last game. Think Moreno is a real talent but needs to show a bit more discipline than that.
24 Jan 2016 06:44:40
As we are continuing our run of two games between now and May more or less, you don;t have to drop Moreno you can play each of them one game and the other, the other game.
{Ed001's Note - why would you do that? They need to build an understanding. You can do that when you are Spurs and have a solid central pairing playing together almost every match, but we don't have that right now.}
24 Jan 2016 14:30:42
Moreno's attitude is so lax at times, his decision making poor, his tracking back non-existant, his positioning bad and his contributions offensively just not effective enough. Smith has done well enough to earn game time - Moreno has done badly enough to be dropped: it's a no brainer for me.
24 Jan 2016 01:04:17
Another thing about our corner defending. Why do we have ten players in the box, and none on the edge or a bit further out to at least try and stop the knock back in, or actually counter attack. A lot of our players charge out of the box if the first ball is won, leaving a lot exposed and I've noticed this for weeks. If one or two were edge of the box this wouldn't be the case.
24 Jan 2016 09:45:54
I watched a game recently between Swansea and WBA. With WBA being recognised as being dangerous at set pieces, every corner they had then 3 of the smallest Swansea players went straight to the half way line, forcing Pulis to pull 3 of his players out of the opposition penalty area. The tactic seemed to work because the swans won 1-0.
24 Jan 2016 09:45:54
I watched a game recently between Swansea and WBA. With WBA being recognised as being dangerous at set pieces, every corner they had then 3 of the smallest Swansea players went straight to the half way line, forcing Pulis to pull 3 of his players out of the opposition penalty area. The tactic seemed to work because the swans won 1-0.
24 Jan 2016 10:19:15
Always thought small fast players should do that, how many would you pull back to cover a M Owen lurking by the halfway line at a corner.
24 Jan 2016 11:41:42
Exactly, I think we should leave ibe on the half way line and at least one player around the edge of the box, maybe 10 yards out. Reducing the crowding in there too.
24 Jan 2016 12:16:28
But leaving Ibe on the half way line would guarantee the opposition get the ball back after we've quickly played it out to him.
24 Jan 2016 00:07:25
Am I the only one who thought Lee Mason had a good game? Credit where it's due - the only card was the obligatory yellow for Llalanas celebration despite a few collisions and poor tackles (Naismith on Lucas in the first half ) . Kept the game flowing and was correct about the penalty despite Naismiths pathetic flop after contact.
24 Jan 2016 01:37:12
The first tackle from Moreno was a penalty anyway. How Naismith didn't get booked is beyond me. Arguably a pen either end as well, both one of the ones that fall under the category of 'anywhere else on the pitch that's a foul'
24 Jan 2016 08:05:16
We did give a penalty away yes, can't argue that. What was poor is after the whistle goes and penalty given Naismith begins to roll holding ankle a wailing in pain to get a player sent off! Poor sportsmanship.