Liverpool Banter Archive February 26 2013

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26 Feb 2013 21:56:46
Hi eds and all. Think I maybe the only person thinking this but personally I could see a summer departure of suarez as a step forward. One thing we have lacked in recent years is goals and depth up front, if he goes for some of the reported bids we could get two 25mill strikers. (not forgetting both suarez and torres were around that price) but unless he goes I can't see us getting that money for even 1 new striker. Not saying this will happen but suddenly you could have a front 3 of sturridge. Gomez. Sanchez. That would frighten any defence. I would love him to stay he is amazing to watch but feel if he does go it wouldn't be tragic. Just wanted peoples thoughts.
Gezzaared.

We'd be mad to let him go, we need him here as long as possible. Although we could buy two 25m strikers with him, would those two 25m strikers want to play here? or would competition increase their price tags?

How could you honestly think that you're 'the only person thinking this'. If you read this page for anything longer than 10 seconds today, you'd know that you're not.
Do people really come on here, post and not even read anything.
No wonder the Ed's get so many dumb, repetitive questions.

The problem is we can't attract 25m players anymore without CL! so we would end up with 3/4 lower quality strikers

27 Feb 2013 07:19:53
I like this optimism.
gomez is an out and out striker. like huntelaar.
will play as a CF.
sanchez yes can be played in right.
suarez. does the inesta work in barca.
suarez. can play anywhere. can lead the line. behind. on left, or on right.
If selling suarez is one step backwards.
we need to keep our best players in the club. those who are settled.
cant experiment again with one more season.
new players. new system. new blah blah.

26 Feb 2013 21:45:40
If we sell suarez and get say 50-60 mill and ronaldo is leaving madrid in the summer, well I think we should go for him. he could have suarez and carras wages and would get us back to greatness and would piss off united. let's make it happen guru.

In brendon we all trust

Quite possibly the most ridiculous post I have ever read on these pages.

27 Feb 2013 07:20:45
ronaldo. to save Liverpool from mid table medicosity?
what are you talking about?
and his wages?

The OP thought this problem out long and hard and came to an obvious conclusion

26 Feb 2013 21:37:02
Hi ed, non-Liverpool related post but in your opinion how long can you see Barcelona dominating football for?
Cheers {Ed001's Note - depends on how long they are allowed to continue on with such huge debts, ones that should see them placed in admin. Them and Madrid get away with constant financial doping and have done for years.}

26 Feb 2013 23:17:46
Barca have one of the best academy in world football but still need to buy class players to be competitive and win trophys.

There is a old saying that you don't win anything with kids

I just hope we start buying some experience players before its too late.

They never really won much last year and they aren't looking too sharp in the cl this season

Barcelona are a great team no doubt about it but teams are slowly working out how to beat them! They will always be at the top along with Real Madrid in there league, plus always have a chance in the kings cup too because either Madrid or barca will be in the final unless they play each other like last night where real tore them apart. let's hope they do the same to Manchester United in champs lge. But as for the champions league I don't see them dominating it like they should do because teams know what to do against them now!

27 Feb 2013 11:05:04
barca. can buy, change system. implement rules. whenever they wish. ,.
they have money, name. academy and everything in demand.

Real Madrid are the dodgiest club in Europe if not World football. They were in serious debt until their council purchased their training ground for well over the odds and then demolished the training ground built a better one and passed to Real. I know that Barcelona are in a financial difficulties as are most clubs in Spain but I do not expect them to be as bad as Real.
Scouse_Pride

26 Feb 2013 21:36:00
Anyone watching the match on tv 1 think that lad Mesut Erzil is a good player?
dr

26 Feb 2013 21:32:15
Eds fellow reds, I personally think Luis Suarez will give us one more season to see what happens, he starting to click with sturridge. and strikers are not just about there selfs look at Torres for example. think we could be surprised

I think Suarez might surprise a few people -he's stated his love for the city and how happy his family are; if we push on in our last 11 games I think he might give us another season to get in the Champions League.

I could be wrong but i've not seen many players come out and say what they have in the last year about their team. But I could be wrong :o)

Hoola

26 Feb 2013 21:29:00
So,.

Suarez is leaving?

Suarez MIGHT be leaving?

The papers say he's leaving.

Many of you on here suspect he will leave.

Some chinless pleb on a web site suggest he will leave.

When will it end?

Get my point?

Call me na�ve, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I love these pages, always have, but when one of our own is being talked about, I feel uneasy.

Many of you are dreaming up replacements already suggesting the inevitable will happen.

Let's leave the rumours to that lot, ay?

26 Feb 2013 22:57:31
Davey, Suarez might be leaving, just thought you might need to know

I wish I could agree twice.

Whats that famous line?

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!

Who knows what Suarez will do next year. personally I wanna see him stay with us, he is up there with the Ronaldo's and Messi's. We need players like him in the team to help entice other great players to want to come and play for us. The partnership with Sturridge should only go from good to better. He loves the city, the fans, the club. he seems to place a lot of respect on loyalty and knows how much we & the club stuck by him thru all the rubbish media and the issues with Evra and the FA.
You can call me naive too. I think he will stay!

All players/staff leave at some point.

26 Feb 2013 21:22:04
Was very impressed with Texeria last night, looks very composed on the ball.

Regarding Suarez, I'm confident he'll be around next season. Think if he wanted to leave then he would have in the summer. Eventually he'll want champions league football but hopefully we can offer that.


Bilverstone YNWA
JFT96

Texeria will look even better in the 1st team in my opinion; he will be playing with players with more position sense and technical abilities; I can really see him as the attacking midfield option for us in years to come.

For such a slight build lad he gets about and seems to be able to take the ball and run with it in any direction.

Hoola

26 Feb 2013 21:20:35
Wow if the transfer speculation on here is anything to go by at the moment we will have a whole new team next year. Another transitional year. another year for the team to learn to gel together. yawnnnnn! Personally I can't see too many of the current first eleven going anywhere with some definite new additions arriving but hey I guess if we didn't all sit around speculating the eds wouldn't have anything to do. Imagine that! Tobiwan

26 Feb 2013 20:50:31
I'm reading quite a lot on the site today, regarding the possibility of Suarez leaving us in the summer. I personally hope that he stays next season, because we need someone with so much desire to do well for the club and his never say die attitude.

However, in the current economic climate, money talks, so realistically what do people consider to be a fair price?

If its true that Bayern are preparing a £40million bid, I personally don't consider that to be sufficient.

Whilst that may be the going rate for a striker of his calibre, we as a club need to consider, how much he is worth to us, in relation to the goals he has scored and the points which he helped us to gain.

Take him out of the side, and I hate to think where we would be in the league, but its fair to say a lower position, meaning less revenue from prize money and an even longer omission from the coveted Champions League places.

We have a history for squandering money, and I think keeping Suarez rather than cashing in and purchasing 2 or 3 replacements, would make greater sense.

I'd be interested to hear other people's opinion.

Thanks,
GP29

Personally I agree with you but then again it's a decision up to the club. Unfortunately I have a bad feeling about what would happen if a bid of 40 mil came in.

Liverpool are a much more attractive proposition for any new players if Suarez stays!

Good players want to play alongside the best.

If he leaves and we get lots of money, it'll be harder to attract the quality players we need regardless of what we have to spend.

26 Feb 2013 22:53:42
I agree with you, but sometimes the club can do very little. If Bayern come in and turn Suarez head, and he starts demanding that he leaves then we need to maximize what we can get for him and sell.

I am a big fan of Suarez and I don't want him sold. That said, I don't think our points tally would be very much different had we not had him this season. The team is generally playing very well, dominating games and having lots of shots on goal. For all the goals Suarez has scored, he has missed loads of chances too. I think any half decent striker playing as an alternative (regularly) would have scored plenty too. I'm not trying to put Suarez down at all; I think we should have far more points for the way we've played.

As for a transfer value, I'd agree 40 does not seem enough for what he does for Liverpool. For me, it would need to be nearer a Ronaldo type transfer fee not to be disappointed BUT if he goes, it will be what the money is spent on rather than the amount that matters.

I’d have loved to have seen Suarez and a happy Torres playing together which I think was the plan.

Henry said that only a £50 million offer could tempt him.

Red PG

On the other hand, maybe his replacement will pass the ball once in a while.

27 Feb 2013 07:24:02
the last reply. is the answer.
when manchester city started theior called revolution.
they bought everyone with money.
they preserved them untill they won something.
they would never sell aguero to anyone. unless they get cavani or such potential candidate.
As I mentioed. Messi is barcelona modern day Brand.

So as Rooney, ronaldo or any topmplayer for their club.

We need to keep suarez with us.

26 Feb 2013 20:43:05
Can't help but think there's more to the skertel situation than meets the eye. ok he hasn't been at his best, but apart from suarez who has.

Gerrard has.

26 Feb 2013 19:41:14
Hy Eds.
Every1 on this site says suarez will leave in this summer. What u reckon. I knw u dnt want to open the topic of suarez again. Bt please just reply once do u expect him to leave. And if yes who is his replacement.
I just hope he will give 1 more season to lfc and rodger. If he stays I m sure we will qualify for ucl next season.
Thanx.
Keep it up. {Ed001's Note - hard to say, if the right offer comes in, yes, if not, no.}

26 Feb 2013 19:52:53
If Suarez leaves it will be for a hell of a lot of money. let's hope we spend it on some exciting players. Summer could be very busy for LFC!

26 Feb 2013 20:59:43
They are very few teams who can spend 50M on one player, it depends which team comes for him and how badly Suarez wants to go. If Suarez pushes for move then its very little we can do or demand big money, bayern will not pay anywhere near 50M on one player unless its city or PSG.

26 Feb 2013 21:47:32
exciting?.
who jumps. dance. sing?

get a grip. if suarez leaves then other players. won't even turn back.

26 Feb 2013 19:42:56
I do agree with previous poster who says that if Suarez goes that we need to be in the market for a CF. Our problem has consistently been our lack of goals scored despite all our possession/chances. While there is no doubt we need strengthening in other areas in the summer, it would be erroneous for us not to replace suarez if he goes

26 Feb 2013 21:49:48
Anzhi met messi's buyout cluase of 250 mill.
still barca won't sell him. and messi don't wanna go.

coz. some players becomes a global brand to their team.

Luis suarez in two years have become a Liverpool Brand.

as per official records luis suarez shirt have been highest sold from Liverpool players.
and just behind RVP in england.

26 Feb 2013 23:35:38
The reason messi rejected because his playing for best team in the world and winning trophys that other players can only dream, don't forget his the highest paid player at the moment so why would he leave?

Suarez is playing for one of the fallen giants in world football at the sametime haveing no chance of winning league or champions league, not even in top 20 highest paid player, why would he waste his time and peak for club whose motive is to buy young players and finish midtable

26 Feb 2013 18:58:32
Hi ed 001 or 02 do u no what plans the club have for teixeira. He looks a classy player & I would like 2 see him go out on loan next season if he's not in 1st team plans {Ed001's Note - personally I expect him to get a chance in preseason, that will probably decide what happens with him.}

26 Feb 2013 19:14:38
I hear whispers of splasing our cash mostly on a top CF. I mentioned months previous that we should' be looking for another top forward. Borini has yet to prove himself and if suarez or sturridge gets injured we are left with one striker.
Lads its goals that WIN matchs. The biggest example is. UNITED. They leek in goals weekly but have RVP, rooney, welback ( overated) and hernandez'
IMO we can actually Challenge' next season nevermind top 4 as a priority if we buy another goalscorer. Its whether the board want to splash out on another top forward player or use most of our cash on Defence which does seem our priority amt. let's hope'

Borini yet to prove himself? He never will prove himself. Before he came to us he had been at 5 clubs in 12 months. To spend the 12million on him was completely crazy, just as the 15 odd million spent on Allen. Rodgers has wildly overspent on those two, just as Dalgleish did previously.

At least he spent 12m, 15m and 2m instead of 35m, 20m, 16m. With the exception of Suarez we paid over the ods for Downing, Carroll and Hendo. BR spent less and although slightly over the ods for borini and allen as ed001 stated previously he looked to bring in players he worked with previously because he wanted to do it as quick as possible instead of looking at the scouts targets that he had never worked with. that's probably going to change with this summer and we'll see him spend more wisely I hope.

AndyKopLiverpool

26 Feb 2013 21:37:46
excellent reply. top draw.
and I am seeing a possibility of borini exist.

5 clubs in twelve months? more like 1, roma. Do some research instead of spouting rubbish

Its Kenny

The King

KD or KK

Kenny Dalglish

26 Feb 2013 19:01:28
NUFC fan in peace. If you think we'd be interested in a swap move with Ben Arfa for Carroll you're deluded. Pardew has said he wants a pacey striker next season, hence the Aubameyang interest. Plus, Ben Arfa on his day is unplayable, and when in form is probably the best right winger in the league (contending with Valencia). To Mike Ashley he'll be worth upwards of 30 million considering his god-like status up here in the north-east

I doubt many people want Ben Arfa he's very hit and miss type of player. he's no where near worth 30 million so i'm sorry on that front but I simply can't agree with that valuation. I'm pretty sure that Carroll may well be a West Ham United player next year unless he bars the move but either way he won't be playing for LFC.

AndyKopLiverpool

Ben Arfa will be swapping his stotties for croissants this summer mate.

AndyKopLiverpool. I think he means ben arfa is worth 30 to them just like luis is worth 60 to us.

ri red

Judging by your estimations, Ben arfa is worth 60p going off what we spent for Carroll

He's unlucky that he's had some horrendous injuries that have stunted his development. But, when injury free he's actually quite consistent in his performances and is capable of Messi-esque moments of brilliance. That's why his price tag will be out of Liverpool's range. He's already said that if he goes anywhere it'll be PSG and they'll be able to afford the colossal price tag that comes with him

Messi-esque? What an insult

26 Feb 2013 18:40:50
I really don't know why people are excited. if we receive 50 mill if suarez is sold?

no top players will come to us without CL. how much ever money you have with you.

or else you need to pay the wages.

No modern players are interested in Liverpool Rebuilding.

we should keep suarez. simple.

We cannot afford to sell players in every two years and replace with someone. and give them time to settle.

26 Feb 2013 19:40:27
Mate its not in Liverpool hands I'm sure Liverpool will do everything to keep him but its up to Suarez, its very difficult for foreign players they leave their country to win trophys Suarez is 26-27 don't have enough time to wait for Liverpool.

We have only 2 options

1)Buy class players to support suarez and start winning trophys so he can believe we are going in right direction instead of young players, by the way we have got a lot of them in our academy

2)If he wants to go then sell him to highest bid and continue rebuilding by investing in more youngsters which is our club policy.

26 Feb 2013 19:59:30
Suarez came to us with no CL. Get a grip lad

I don't give 2 hoots about top players. We brought Suarez, didn't we? I would take more of the same for the same money. There are good players out there that have yet to reach your "top player" level.

The Irish Rover

Suarez came with no CL expectancies

26 Feb 2013 21:41:43
crap.
what are some talking here.
continue rebuilding?
how many more years dude?
tores left. alonso. almost retired. riera. left. mascherano. probably will retire in two years.
suarez will sin something in another two years.

when are we?

Leave suarez alone. what u think sturridge is here?
his national team place is in big danger.
and he has already won medals with chelsea.

when he starts hitting goals. he too will dissappear.

we got suarez. coz. we had money. to buy.

That post is spot on. The main reason we are in this position is that we have consistently lost top players over the last 3 years. We have lost the likes of Alonso, Masch and Torres and have suffered. Losing someone like Suarez would put us back even more. Even if we signed a like replacement or two, it would take at least a year or two for them to get to that level.
G

26 Feb 2013 21:54:41
To Irish Lover.

yes there are top players who are yet to reach theie extreme potential.
and why would they come to us.
coz. we might finish in Top 4 provided.

1. allen finally. start playing like messi.

2. we don't hit the post too often.

3. borini finally start scoring goals

4. downing start working hard.

5. agger and skertel. partnership should click.

6. reina will never miss anything.


get a grip mate.
we are in 8th position. and looking at our league position. no one would dare to come to us.

spurs. arsenal. city, chelsea UTD will all strengthen as we coming summer.

How does anyone know what expectations he had. The fact is he's had 2. 5 great (mostly) seasons at Anfield, his stock has never been higher, he's approaching peak of his career and he's wanted by a host of clubs in a better position to win trophies in next 3 yrs. so long as we can get two quality players in his place we can continue to grow as well. Stars come and go, the club lives on. Remember he could start missing the target again next season, get into trouble or get injured and the 40m plus valuation will be a distant memory. We gave him a new contract to protect our investment. I hope he stays but if he does we won't be attracting any real stars to complement him because we simply don't have the money. Other areas of the team would need to be addressed like GK and central defence and possibly DM. The key for me is lining up those two quality replacements in advance. We can't let him go without knowing they are in the bag.

27 Feb 2013 07:30:37
I Really don't get Sometimes why my post get Disagreerd.
Just coz. I say truth. which is hard to digest.
We are in 8th position from past 3 seaosn.
And we say that here. we become negative.

26 Feb 2013 18:28:23
Hi eds

This is my first time posting since registering and I just want to tell you that I think ye are all doing a great job on the site. I check the site daily to see happening!

26 Feb 2013 18:25:30
Suarez will leave this summer. We have to prepare our hearts now, so we don't do the F9T a second time. If I was Brendan, I'd get two new players ready for Suarez's departure, because it's now inevitable. I'd be really shocked and pleasantly surprised if Luis stays beyond this summer.

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised then.

26 Feb 2013 18:09:07
Hi ed. What sort of fee do you think we would get if suarez leaves for bayern. I think we will look for 60-70 but realistically 50 would probably be taken. Thanks {Ed002's Note - I have no interest in discussing this, it'll just start folks bleating and moaning again.}

Ed002,
When you buy a player, is the actual transfer fee, add-ons, and wage packet spread out over the length of contract for accounting purposes?
So, say a £20m purchase with £5m annual wages over 4 years, is shown as a cost of £10m per year on the accounts? {Ed002's Note - Club's can do it one way or the other. Don't forget clubs buy players each year so it makes near zip difference.}

26 Feb 2013 17:54:01
United are such a one man team its unreal

OH DEAR! There is a name for people like you.
it begins with D and ends with D!
AdamskiKiller

Unlike Liverpool who never have to rely on a bit of magic from Suarez?
And before you ask yes I am a Liverpool fan I just can't stand our fans being so bitter.

always a red

This season it is RVP, last season was Valencia, the one before Webb and so on.
Scouse_Pride
Who's particularly arsed about Manchester United and whether or not they are a one man team?

Zzzzzzzzz, how many scorers have United had? Kid yourself all you want chaps, United keep rolling on whilst you all keep reminiscing. Maybe next year eh?


AJH

26 Feb 2013 17:53:44
Waro,
Reference your post below about there being a "massive player lined up in the Summer".
You post reliable stuff, so I put some store by this one as well. Do you think / have you heard that Luis will go?
I wouldn't blame FSG for just re-investing income from player sales. I can't think we have many likely to go's who have a significant market value, say over £10m.
So this tells me that either there's going to be quite a lot of faces leaving, and / or a player of higher value ( ie Suarez! ) to raise those funds.
The Juicer

26 Feb 2013 19:11:35
The jucier, on way home from. Will post later were I got that info.

Waro

The Juicer I did leave a post about the above subject but it didn't get posted, not sure why but sorry fella, doesn't look like I can let you know what I heard!

Waro {Ed001's Note - oh that post? That went on the rumours page, it wasn't sent in as a reply, but it defo got posted, I remember reading it. My mistake, I didn't know it was a reply to a banter post.}

Go support someone else mate, we don't need or want moaning supporters like you

26 Feb 2013 17:47:16
Reina £15m, skrtel £15m, coates £7m, carroll swap, suarez £40m, borini £7m, spearing £2m, assaidi swap & downing £8m will be sold.

GK Ochoa, free
Center Back; Stefan de Vrij £10m
Center Back; Modibo Diakite free
Left back; Dadic Vila £3m
Defensive mid; Lucas Biglia £4.5m
Attacking mid; Christian Eriksen £16.5m including Assaidi
Winger; Ben Arfa swap (carroll)
Winger; Tom ince
Striker; Alexis Sanchez £26m
Striker; Alvaro Morata £4.5m

Great

I can't wait their arrival

Stunning, Eriksen and Sanchez will come to Liverpool? Perhaps you should bid for Xavi and Ronaldo whilst you are at it. Lol

AJH

Face facts. Andy Carroll is not worth much to anybody. West Ham won't stump up £17mill and Newcastle won't do a swap with Ben Arfa unless you add mega-dosh - and I'm talking £20 mill plus. You'll just have to take him back and pay his silly wages for a while longer. If anybody wants him, you'll be getting offers around the £5m - £7m mark, and I bet you take one to cut the pay bill.

26 Feb 2013 16:56:34
If Suarez wants to go in the summer then so be it. Its only natural for him to want to play in the CL and its highly unlikely to be doing that with us. It would have been easy for him to go in the Summer past with all the nonsense that went on last season. let's hope we sell him to the highest bidder, hopefully £40 plus million and the money is then spent wisely.

When you think of the players that could leave in the Summer, Suarez, Reina, Skrtel, Coates, Carroll, Downing, Carra retiring. that's a lot of players to replace in one window and the guts of £100 million for Rodgers to buy players. Do you trust him to spend it wisely? i'm apprehensive if i'm honest.

The Irish Rover

BR will do great he'll get us some more in the Allen & Borini mould and maybe a few hobbits to boot

Island Nation

26 Feb 2013 16:41:10
I wasnt bothered when Torres left, a bit gutted but not half as concerned as I am to whether Suarez stays. I don't think we will finish high enough to get a good enough replacement in.

Bloody hope e don't spank the money on Sanchez.

Anyone have any good thoughts on ho could do it?

I think only Messi or Ronaldo could really replace the sheer talent of Suarez, he is that good.

But the club will have to go on regardless of players leaving.

Alexis Sanchez has reported attitude problems, and I'm not sure about his strike rate.

Personally, I'd have a real go at trying to sign Leandro Damiao, if he could be perduaded.

You could also take a punt on an lower profile player like Michu and maybe get lots of goals from him, so I guess it all depends whether the owners are willing to risk a high-stakes gamble on a high profile striker, or want to take a more cautious approach looking for bargain buys who can still deliver.

26 Feb 2013 18:45:47
If you buy a 20 goal striker.
you should also. buy a 20 goal assist player.

since Luis suarez does both.

If we were to lose Luis and get in Gomez and Sanchez it would certainly soften the blow but I still hold hope for one more season

Damiao and mertens

26 Feb 2013 21:43:53
gomez and sanchez are currently with the biggest club in world.
they will never step down in their career.

Why not Messi & Falcao

They are just as realistic

26 Feb 2013 12:43:17
Hello fellow kopites,
would love if the summer planned out more or less as follows :
1. we should look at a CB (mostly De Vrij) and another CB who could cover at LB, someone like Ogbonna to replace Skrtel and Coates. This should more or less solve our defensive problems.
2. Then try get a top class RW (ben arfa, Schurrle, Sanchez) someone of that ilk and a back-up CDM to replace Downing and Assaidi.

It would be silly if we don't look to add to the attack. At the moment Suarez (LF) and Sturridge (ST) are looking great, only if we add a top class RW it would look magnificant.
And having Coutinho, Borini and Sterling as back-up will only help.
Lastly really hope we keep Reina if Al-Habsi is the best replacement we can come up with.
PEACE

Suarez plays behind sturridge not as LF

26 Feb 2013 15:21:28
Ed. since then papers are busy with the rumours. and certainly they want luis to move.
How pathetic. it is.

I can't see any player in any club. who wears a No. 7 (not an out and out striker. who recieves chances in the box). who has scored 25 goals all season.
and don't see anyone in any club with such a unique player.
Even if we do have sturridge or we bring another striker. suarez will score 20 odd goals from any position.
the Lad is pure genius.

We need him so bad. for the next season.
he is ettled. knows our game. doenst require aditional year to start hitting.
we cannot simply replace player every year.

Suarez. most. pick the ball from half way line. dribble pass 1-2 players. and scores goals.
he also scores freekick.
also assist.

nither higuain. cavani. falcao. anyone would do such.

if we sell suarez.
we will have to buy two players.
a striker who score.
and a player who assist.

coz. suaez. does both this.

Never Ever I would sell him for any money.

YNWA

Very well said.
Only way we can effectively replace Suarez is by buying Sanchez and one of Rodrigo (Benfica) or Jovetic or Schurrle. And its only possible if we get atleast 50 million pounds for Suarez.

Suarez will be sold to Bayern Munich for Champions League Football and doubling his wage.

Can you add your name so we can call you out if it doesn't happen please? All these psychics.

AndyKopLiverpool

26 Feb 2013 18:52:36
and why does. schrulle or jovetic come to us?
no ways. a club like arsenal. sho plays in CL. year in year out. can't attract a decent quality player.

coz. its about winning medal. titles.
and we will require atleast 5 years to do so.

no modern player will invest their 5 years with us.

unless you pay them heavily.

loyalty exist. in our heart. and probably gerrard.

Unless you have local lads like Stevie & Carra then loyalty does not exist

Arsenal can't pay high wages

City can and will attract players no matter how successful or unsuccessful they are

The sheiks money will have them coming likewise chelsea

With the money they make, footballers win every week. Medals are a nice bonus but they are not necessary for a successful career. Not all players are ashley cole you know.

26 Feb 2013 15:16:28
With people saying Bayern Munich to come in for Suarez it may be true but I think seems unlikely as they say its an open secret lewondowski is to be guardiola's first signing and if he is to play the same formation as at barca then it doesn't make sense to spend 40 or 50 million on a player who may not play, other clubs will certainly be in for him but Bayern i'm not convinced, certainly with the quality they already have.

cobra

Lewandowski is going to Man U. Suarez IS going to Bayern.

Leonodawski. is a striker.
luis suares is a genius

26 Feb 2013 14:25:53
Is it true our scouts are just following the Geordies Graham Carr all over Europe?

Wish we had signed Debuchy and Sissoko - two cracking players.

I hope so

Puzzled

No, they made a mistake. They are following Alan Carr around Northampton.

26 Feb 2013 14:14:20
I think we've got pretty much what we deserved so far, all in all.
Most teams have dropped points and had bad decisions in games they've dominated, so we can't keep making those claims.

If we really were worthy of a top 4 place and CL, we'd have been mentally strong enough to hang on to that 2-0 lead against the Gunners, and now been only 5 pts behind them instead of an almost impossible 8 pts.

If we had the defensive solidity needed in a top 4 side, we wouldn't have given two sloppy goals away to Zenit, and then gifted yet another one to them at Anfield. You simply cannot do that regularly, and still expect top 4.

If we had the clinical ability of a top 4 side we would've knocked in a goal or two on the break against Oldham's naive but spirited defending.

And we would've killed off Villa, instead of allowing them to have their game of the season and win against us, as did a few other sides.

We would've been physically strong, quick and clever enough to cope with Stoke's big lads, instead of capitulating against them.

The fact is that there have just been too many errors and poor performances to expect top 4.
The bad start to the season really cost us, but Arsenal started badly too, and yet they came back to challenge for 4th spot.

If we'd only had Sturridge up front instead of Sterling for all those early games, I feel sure we'd have scored enough goals to win two or three more matches before xmas.

Now at last we have a forward line that can really hurt teams (apart from Downing maybe, who to be fair still tries very hard), but its just too late.

Our focus has to be getting into 5th place, and maybe CL the season after next. Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal are not all going to implode and let us catch them up, we can only hope that one of them does so we can get fifth place.

Sixth place will not get even a Europa League spot next year because of Swansea's win giving them a place.
And without even Europa league football next season, I think Suarez will surely leave in the summer. Maybe he will even if we do get fifth place.

But BR is getting there.
If Suarez leaves, there will be funds for a top quality 20 goals a season forward player, perhaps someone of the quality of Sanchez.

With a top quality CB in the summer, more time to iron out the defensive errors, plus a half decent left winger like Ince who can score 10-15 goals a season (and in what might be Stevie's last top quality season) I think we can mount a serious top 4 challenge and get back into the CL.

TC

You think Sanchez is a top quality 20 goals a season player? hah

Sanchez is not as good as you think.

Bruce Wayne

26 Feb 2013 18:50:21
sanchez won't score 20 goals per season.

top quality striker?
who will assist him?
joe allen?

if suares is sold. we need two player.

If we get two players for suarez you know only one can start in the team

Its not like Asda you can't get two for one into the team

26 Feb 2013 21:46:18
both can start. we have plenty of average players in our team. who starts regularly.
Mr. Allen. highness. Borini

Holy cow Batman I think you are on to something

The Joker

26 Feb 2013 13:45:07
I think Kidmillions brought up a good point earlier. we should be dropping the entire summer kitty on a proven foward. someone like Cavani, Higuain, Mario Gomez, Mertens, or El Shaarawy. I know none of these players are likely to join for one reason or another but that reason should not be because we don't want to pay the wages or transfer fee. you got to pay to win now-a-days it seems

Bring on the Trolls

Why would these players leave their current clubs? We are not the attraction we were in the past, we are no longer a big club.

26 Feb 2013 17:11:04
I've been told ( and its info from a player ) that there is a massive signing lined up in the summer.

Waro

You are really looking to stir the rumour mill now waro

Massive? Oh No! It's not that big massive lad from Oldham? ;0)

I know most players are only in it for the money now-a-days but personally being seen as the man or men to revive a club like Liverpool who are in a 20+ year epl drought would be enough incentive.

26 Feb 2013 12:17:00
lot of talk about downing leaving in summer. but I logically tend to think he won't be leaving. have a no of reasons.
-picked up his game in last few months.
-naturally left footed player and english
-tends to keep the pitch wide. on one side creating space which is an important aspect for sturridge and suarez exploiting it.
just would like to know opinions of fellow readers. I personally would like him to stay for sake of say a few matches we need width when opposition keeping narrow and pressing rodgers sends him on then it can be interesting as we seen in few matches this season!

Downing is doing an adequate job, defensively, from that inside forward position. A necessary job. However, he offers very little to the attack and often slows or bogs down our forward momentum.

He's not bad anymore but he's also not very good.
Adequate.

And the minute we sign or develop someone that can fulfill the role he is currently tasked with, then he's a squad player, at best.

I like the way Downing has knuckled down and started to play really well. (although you still never feel that he will score)
But would you sell him now when his market value is probably as high as it can go 10/12mil and bring in a younger more adaptable wide man that also has goals in his locker such as Mertens or possibly Ince? I would, there can be no sentiment, we have to keep on improving.
A front 3 of Suarez, Sturridge and Mertens would be difficult to stop and ensure Goals!

26 Feb 2013 15:53:58
I think if we could regain about 75% of our investment, he'd be gone. I cannot see this happening and thus he should stay! Will be good competition for places!

The stats over the time he has been at LFC state that he very rarely scores, he very rarely assists, he cannot tackle and he cost £20m - that's why he is a waste of money.

I do admire his determination to succeed, and his performances have picked up on last season, but the harsh truth is that he just isn't good enough for a top four side.

He's not pacy enough to frighten a decent full back, or skilful enough to beat a man most of the time; his shots are mostly off target, and he just doesn't have a decent number of goals in his game.

He's a pretty decent winger for a mid table PL side, which to be fair is still a very high standard of player.

But that's why he currently looks ok in our side, and looked good for Villa- but ask yourself- would he get a starting place at City, Utd, Spurs or Chelsea? Not a chance.

I think as soon as BR can afford a really top-drawer winger with real pace and skill, Downing will become a squad player for cup games, injury cover etc.

Pace isn't his problem. He's a confidence player who, on his day, can beat the full back consistently and put in half decent crosses however his confidence even now isn't there and I think he's lost belief in himself when it comes to 1 on 1s. I think it's best in the summer if he moves on, it may be an expensive loss but I feel his presence in the squad is holding back other attacking players who offer a greater threat in attack such as Assaidi and sterling.
JC

26 Feb 2013 11:48:32
Just watched the LFC v Manchester United under 21 game.

I don't see what some see in a few players notably Sterling who maybe has had a long mentally tiring season already for a young lad though i'm not convinced by him myself,
Suso played like he wasnt impressed being back in the u21's
And Morgan might have done ok for a year or two but I don't see it happening for him personally.
Plus points.
Teixera. absolute quality, this lad won't be long before he's entering the first team squad he's a class above anything else we have in the ressies, very impressed.
Adorjan. also top class, had a brilliant game and reads the game very very well, definitely one for the future this one,
Also thought Coady had a solid game again and Jonjo playing a full game for the ressies in midfield then both fullbacks ran his socks off,
just to point out the Manchester United goal was a scuffer too and the Manchester United fans for an u21 game were a disgrace. totally uncalled for chants and a flare thrown onto the pitch at u21 level. come on boys no need.

Enjoyed the game, its nice to see some of the young lads progress. and very excited about this Teixera kid!

YNWA JFT96

Agree, I think Teixera and Adorjan should be promoted to first team for all their hard work this season and their obvious skill.

Morgan is still playing well I think he still has a chance he wasn't given much service that match so you can sorta see why he didn't do so well. Suso was ill the entire game but refused to be taken off he was so willing to try and impress that he wouldn't even come off the pitch despite being sick. Yeah it didn't work out for him but it shows something about his character.

Suso was shocking, Shelvey, Coady, Adorjan and Texeira as well as the keeper, Ward were very impressive

These guys need the time they get at u21 level, Teixera will not be on the senior squad any time soon

I thought Sterling worked very hard. He held the ball up really well. Whenever he had the ball in an advanced position there wss no one supporting him, especially after the red card. Suso had a shocker but he has said that he was having stomach pains. Teixeira showed a lot of skill but didn't really influence the game. The stand out players were Shelvey and Coady

Suso is over rated

IF Suso is god well.

26 Feb 2013 22:51:19
I think also that the appointement of ALEX INGELTHORPE, Liverpool u21 have gone of the boil! under rodolfo we was unplayable but texieria absolute quality good signing by daglish we should have alook at some others from sporting lisbon.

ACHILLES.

26 Feb 2013 10:38:44
Just a thought. But is Jamie Carraghers assesment of Messi, Ronaldo and La Liga on the Liverpool website a small hint that his foreseasble future lies in football punditary?

26 Feb 2013 12:19:38
He has done a couple articles before I believe and also did some analysis for the World Cup 2010 didn't he?

He'd be a good pundit, in the same mould as Gary Neville (actually able to analysis football and not spew footballing cliches out).

I still think he'd be a coach, but can do both at the same time can't he.

26 Feb 2013 12:53:12
I think Wisdoms interview where he said "Carragher coached the U16's for a few sessions as part of his badges" and "he's already doing the job of a coach" etc. are an even bigger hint that Carragher will be a coach for us next year.

YNWA! (Adam)

How could Carra be a pundit

No one would understand a word he says

Even Gerard looks at him for a translation

26 Feb 2013 10:20:05
We've already closed the gap on 4th but let's not get ahead of ourselves. let's just take it one game at a time.

How did we closed the gap? 2 weeks ago the gap was 9 points, now its 10. Or are you an Arsenal fan?
You right about taking it a game at a time. let's wait and see. Lower your expectations, I think 7th will be good for this season and anything above that will be a pleasant bonus

Roy

The gap was 12 two weeks ago and is now 10. And I agree anything above 7th will be great considering the squad we had at the start of the season!

26 Feb 2013 10:13:28
I would like to get into Europe this season, if only to blood the youngsters but if it doesn't happen so what. I would like a better start to next season an more consistency and for the fans to forget the price of players and just get on supporting the team and manager. I have seen some excellent performances this season, with good attacking football and only consistency missing. Let us get our transfares sorted early and hit next season with optimism.

1965
then for life

Didn't know you came on here, Brendan ;)

Yes it's Brendon, I've had an idea of playing Allen as a big centre forward and Carrol as a nippy right back, what do you think?

26 Feb 2013 16:39:26
Brilliant!

26 Feb 2013 10:05:13
Top four? heres the reality. Its normally 68 or 69 points that get 4th spot. We've got 39 with a possible 33 available. So it needs to be a hell of a run and show the one thing we have missed most this year - consistency. Not saying we can't do it - just trying to bring a smidge of reality.

Enjoy the day

Terry Mac

64/65 points could do it?
The lowest 4th? I think was Everton 2005 with 61pts and there's been other low sixties for 4th.
So we just have to keep going and give it a good go.

If you go back to 2003/2004 we finished 4th with 60 points. And we all know what happened in the 2004/2005 CL season.

Roy

26 Feb 2013 09:54:32
Just over two days left for Skrtel to move to Russia this window.

No way on earth he'll be leaving before the summer

26 Feb 2013 09:43:52
If West Ham do not buy Carroll in the summer and he comes back to us what will Brendan do?

26 Feb 2013 10:45:22
Cry.

Sell him to somebody else

Well he'll probably sell him for 5 mil then Carroll will have 2 good seasons and be worth 20 plus million

One Word NEWCASTLE

Loan him out again.

Try him in goal or maybe as cover for Enrique at LB.

26 Feb 2013 09:40:53
Next season Stevie G will be another year older and may not play every game. It sends shivers down my spine thinking of Downing, Henderson and Allen in midfield - so lightweight.

Or you could have lucas hendo and suso or lucas allen and shelvey, we do have more than the three mids you named.
huddz red
p. s morning eds, hope the vegetables stay firmly planted today. you do notr desrve the abuse you get

Henderson isn't lightweight and what about Lucas? Shelvey's a big lad, too, though I'm not sure he should be a first team regular.
Rigsby.

He is on track for his highest number of appearances ever in a pl season, and at the moment is an ever present. Even if he does play less we will still get more out of him then we have in the previous 2 seasons

I agree, we need a new one, just such a shame that Gerrards don't grow on trees. :P But seriously, we do need a presence in the middle if the park it won't be Henderson or Allen who turns in to that. I had hoped Shelvey might take the step up, but that seems unlikely now.

The fact you said downing in that statement, playing as part of the midfield 3 clearly shows you have not got a clue!

Yeah, he's 33 but he's still fit to play at the top level.

Played every minute in the league this season. 27 games, 7 goals, 9 assists, and averaging almost 3 shots on goal a game. He's playing deeper than previously, running less and passing with a 90%+ accuracy (20% long passes).

Tell me where we find another player that gives us that. We have another year or two from Gerrard before we worry about replacing him.

Diame at West Ham available for £3.6m. How no one snapped him up in Jan is beyonned me. Would be an ideal addition to our squad. Arsenal too are lacking a similar player. Just hope Rodger the Doger gets on him for his second season at the club.

Liverpool cabbie

26 Feb 2013 09:32:32
Why we are 8th on the EPL table and not 3rd or 4th.

1. Should have won 3 - 2 vs Everton but linesman bottled it.

2. Shelvey missed a slitter vs Newcastle in dying minutes that should have won us that game.

3. We had Enrique's goal disallowed vs Swansea away.

4. We were unlucky vs Westbrom at home when Stevie missed that decisive penalty.

5. The two legs vs City should have been 6 points but we got only 2.

6. Finally, we threw away a 2 - 0 lead vs Arsenal and not many top sides do this.

I hate to clutch at straws but if i'm permitted to add up these dropped points, it would be at least 10 points to our current 39 minus the Arsenal and Swansea away games where I give credit to opposition and you have 49 points, much closer to top 4 than the 8th position we currently occupy.

Now have we won any game that we didn't deserve to win this season, either via unfair dismissal, offside goal or playing badly and getting lucky? The right answer to that is no.

But we have lost and drawn games we didn't deserve to lose and there are certain factors responsible for this inconsistency. But that now is by the way.

The good thing is we are stronger now than we were at the beginning of this season and we expect to finish even stronger. And take our current form to next season alongside our likely summer addition and I see us bouncing back and reclaiming our rightful place in the EPL.

Happy days ahead indeed for LFC.

Abroad Red

Totally agree.

To put your post in perspective arsenal and chelsea have dropped quite a few points they shouldn't have this season when they where by far the better team (especially arsenal) in games. also this arsenal team is possibly the worst/weakest I've seen in the last 17yrs, and the worst chelsea team since roman took over, yet lfc are quite a few points adrift of them both, food for thought chaps!

And pigs might fly…………………

26 Feb 2013 09:29:18
Us football fans are so fickle. A recent post states that Spurs are only a one man team with Bale. let's face it we are a one man team, without Suarez we suffer big time.

Sturridge disagrees with this, as do I.
Scouse_Pride

Not if we have Sturridge though.

I don't think any team in the EPL is "one man". Literally or figuratively. Because a player is a stand out and contributes seemingly more is also credit to a whole team. They (the team) creates space and opportunities for that person to thrive. Managers align tactics to maximize them. Yes, if you take the MVPs out then you will see a difference in the team's performance. I couldn't see how a team at this level would even be successful dependent solely on one player.

Yea Just like Messi in Barca, Ronaldo in Real Madrid and Van Persie in Man U.

Grow up mate. I agree those are key players in the team but the team does not stop functioning when they are not playing.

Go find a dictionary and search the word "tactics".

I would argue that Sturridge is more important to our team play at the moment. Suarez is a god given gift and the best player we have by a mile but we play better with an actual striker up front.

And much of our game hinges on Lucas and Gerrard playing well. Lucas dominating a game changes the whole flow. Stevie G on his game spreads the play, keeps the opposition honest by not allowing them to press too high or he'll pass over them. Stevie G also has 7 goals and 9 assists from this deep position and can't be ignored when they game plan us.

So, no, we're not a one man team.

26 Feb 2013 08:26:01
Hi Eds,

Do you know when Liverpool are due to issue their latest set of accounts?

Cheers {Ed001's Note - I would assume it would be May again.}

26 Feb 2013 07:04:36
I would have thought that out focus in the summer would be all about the defensive unit; left back, 2 x centre halves, 2 x keeper and defensive midfielder. With coates, skrtyl, carra, reina all exiting the club

Can't see any forwards unless we are selling

With Kelly, wisdom, Johnson, Enrique, agger, a new left back ( or a ready to compete jack Robinson) + 2 new centre halves and 2 class keepers to compete with each other and a solid DM as well as Lucas, we could, should be pretty solid there.

RedLee

Don't be so sure that Pepe is leaving.

Can't believe you think we don't need forwards and let's just blow the budget on defenders.
If Suarez or Sturridge are out for any reason we have no cover.
We need to spend any funds on an experienced centre forward for competition and cover and a Mertens or Ince type wide player with goals in his locker.
Manutd supporters have been hankering after a World Class midfielder for about the last 4 seasons, what does Ferguson do he buys RVP when he's already got Rooney, Wellbeck, Hernandez and Berbatov at the time?
Why? Because goals win games!
Manutd have got a dodgy defence and no World Class midfielders but it still doesn't stop them being top by 12 points.
So that's why I say, Agger, Skyrtel, Kelly, Wisdom, Coates, Johnnson and Enrique are good enough.
Spend the money on Match Winners, Game changers.

PEPE situation seems like buffon at juve every window he keeps making noises about leaving!

Thumbs up kidmillions.

Kopping a feel

26 Feb 2013 06:58:54
Time to FOCUS!
Seriously I have high hopes!
next 8 matches I hope for 6 wins, and 2 draws. Would that put us in contention in May, for 4th place?
at 59 pts. With May's 3 matches to go.?.
Hairy Yonk. YNWA GO LIVERPOOL!

I think top 6 is more realistic for us but would love it if we get 4th.

Red PG

You are not going to finish 4th end of! Get used to fighting for minor league places, crikey you people are so delusional.

Much love

There is no way we will get 4th place. We are an average middle of the table team. We do have so very good players but we also have some very bad players. Next year Suarez will be away, Gerrard will be a year older and Carra will not be there. It means next year we will be relying on Henderson, Downing, Allen, Johnson, Shelvey, Borini etc. Do you really think these players can get a top four finish - I don't think so.

Del boy once said

"I had hopes of millwall winning the cup"

But that never happened

And neither will yours

Time to focus on the next game and nothing else. We haven't won an away game in the PL for 2 months and have only won 3 all season. Too many times have we thought we are going to go on a run now after a couple of good performances only to underperform in the next game so let's just concentrate on Wigan.

10 points off 4th as it stands this morning. It's a massive gap but the remaining fixtures do look kinder to us.
To think we had our worst start for 100 years and we have been blatantly robbed in a couple of games.
I think it's a step too far this season but I am really optimistic for next season.

Simsimo

People should stop these predictions- we always lose when people think we have an "easy" game

Actually. it wasn't delboy it was grandad

Actually it was grandad quoting Delboys dad

Delboy also said he who dares wins!

Red Lee

26 Feb 2013 06:43:00
Lad questioned my post of a strong spine being required yesterday and said maybe I was old with that view. A strong spine is required in all teams. When I suggested Lukaku as OPTION. I was accused of wanting old little forward/Large forward combination. Suggest poster reads definition of OPTION

26 Feb 2013 06:39:59
Whilst Euro k. o was a real blow, surely squad can derive confidence from that game and City/Arsenal games. And with the fixtures coming up, and Efc apparently running Out've steam a bit. (Although we ain't good enough for Champs Leauge this year, and few realists expected it) surely we have real chance of UEFA Cup place now. We can build and as long as we do it well an EARLY in correct places (dynamic top experienced Midfielder, quality Centre Half and another forward minimum!) We can concentrate on Champs Leauge places next Season. But FSG MUST show ambition if we're Gona make it then aswell

Unfortunately top 5 look to be utd city Chelsea arsenal spurs in whatever order. It would be a fantastic achievement to break into that, 4th or 5th. I think we need to focus on accumulating as many PTA as we can and see wherve we end up
Hop

26 Feb 2013 02:34:06
We are closely monitoring Neil Taylors recovery from a broken ankle. He was expected to be out until the end of the season but has recently stepped up his training and is expected to be back in full training in 2-3 weeks. I can see a bid going in for him in the summer.

Brendon Rodgers has been criticised by loads on here about him signing players he has previously worked with. Now they are suggesting Neil Taylor, Michael Vorm and Ashley Williams as summer signings. All Swansea players, Why don't they just go to south wales to watch their football
fforestfach red

26 Feb 2013 00:22:05
Hey eds do you see signing a defensive midfielders as he would most likely just be back up to Lucas anyways and also, if we do sign Florin Gardos who is apparently a defender but can also play defensive mid. And how far do you think Coady is from a first spot in the team as he could definitely compete for a spot in the mid next year? Just wondering about the midfield, thanks. {Ed001's Note - I think it is very possible that we would look to strengthen there, after the defence is sorted. I think Coady is most likely to go out on loan next season, he is too inconsistent at the moment.}

25 Feb 2013 23:52:54
The only problem with tis season has been that inconsistency has struck when we have vital games, resulting in us obviously not winning those games. None of the games against the top sides we have won, or when we have looked like winning somebody makes a horrific mistake.

I personally believe the main problem has been attitude and concentration from the players. Players have often gone into a game not giving 100% concentration and effort, which has cost us. To be fair if that has happpened then the players will look to make up forit, but its always too little, too late.

Uniteds players always go into a game with 100% concentration and effort, and will only relax when the opposition is crushed. They win stuff because they don't slack, or assume that they've won because the opposition is poor, because they realise that unless you give 100% it is not the real you playing, it means your talent is worthless unles you try. A Matt smith who plays to the best of his ability will play better than a coates who can't be bothered, because a half arsed coates isn't even worth a fraction of that matt smith on the field when he plays with half effort.

Anonymous woolback

You're being a bit harsh on our players. The only half assed performances I've seen have come in the cups. In the league we have put in some mighty performances and just didn't get the results, that's why we're in this position

Your being too harsh on us, I can't see anything wrong with our players attitude.
We spent the first 20 games heavily reliant on Suarez.
Our first 5/6 games of the season couldn't have been any harder, since when we've been playing catch up.
I prefer to take the view that since Sturridge has arrived and when he's eligible or fit to play we look a totally different outfit and that includes the defence because the ball sticks upfront with Sturridge, the defence does not come under as much pressure and consequently we look more solid.