Liverpool Banter Archive December 27 2013

27 Dec 2013 23:05:48
Eds we've been linked with Iturbe again in January. Is there any truth in this or is it just bad rumours that ain't going to happen?

{Ed002's Note - I have explained before. Where do you get this nonsense from every day?}

Iturbe is on loan to some Italian club, parent club is Porto. U can't just cancel a loan move so that another club can buy the player.

From the ever reliable (*sarcasm*) pages of .com
I know you don't like links but you did ask. :)
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Haha.You edited it out. :)
My post makes no sense what so ever now. (And don't anyone bother saying "nothing new there!")
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

{Ed002's Note - I edited nothing out.}

Haha.You edited it out. :)
My post makes no sense what so ever now. (And don't anyone bother saying "nothing new there!")
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

{Ed002's Note - I did not edit anything out.}

27 Dec 2013 22:25:29
Eds (great site btw) is there any chance at all that Liverpool can sign Mata in January? (I don't think it is at all likely but would be great and he has been rumoured with us in the past). Also, do you know the latest news with Pastore? Thanks in advance!

{Ed002's Note - I don't know of any links to Mata. Pastore may well be moving next summer - and it is possible that PSG will let him leave in January if a suitable bid is made or if an offer of a loan and guaranteed playing time is possible. I understand that AC Milan, Roma and Fenerbahce have asked to be informed if Pastore is available and his agent has spoken with Napoli, Zenit and AC Milan in addition to both Chelsea and Spurs. Right now his form is questionable as it was for most of last season and the player may well wish to move on if he does not get a regular place in the team. His agent has suggested also that Napoli have approached him directly. Right now, the interest of Liverpool is speculative only although they did make an enquiry about the player in 2010. Roma and Napoli would seem the two most viable options if he were to be available.}

Ed what do you mean that his form was questionable last year, as thought despite not watching him, wasn't he Chelsea's player of the season?

Cheers

mk

{Ed002's Note - Now have someone read it to you slowly.}

27 Dec 2013 22:00:20
We looked really good against the 14 ManC players (Ref and Lines included) but still I just hope we strengthen in key areas come Jan cause if we can face ManC and just poor decisions along with a few errors i'd say we can be proud of what we have achieved so far this year and we will be better I believe as we are continually building character a fight. YNWA LFC 4 LIFE mates.

27 Dec 2013 21:28:32
Hello Eds,
How was the Christmas, with Moses ineligible to play (I am happy) do you have any idea who is going to be included in the squad. I personally think it is IBE.

Thanks

{Ed001's Note - I would expect it to be Ibe.}

Ibe was injured in FA youth cup against Blackpool guys. Don't know how serious it was but didn't look good. I can see either Jack Dunn or Jordan Rossiter on the bench myself. YNWA

Ibe is injured. I think it will be Kelly.

Rossiter travelled with the team to london. Source: my eyes - saw the whole squad on the train, who were in the carriage ahead of me

27 Dec 2013 20:18:14
Would you be able to give an update on the Rodgers situation? No doubt the FA are going to try and make an example. Thanks

Why is he a threat to FA?, should they not investigate the officials of the match, this is not the first time that Liverpool was stolen from clear goals and points, I find this terrible

There are already plenty of examples. If guilty he'll get a fine which the club will pay. Move along, nothing to see here.

{Ed002's Note - The "club will pay"? Rather embarrassing for LFC, but not to worry.}

28 Dec 2013 00:42:55
No disrespect intended Ed, but i'm not embarrassed about what Brendan said, and i'm sure no one else is. Very few of us seem to be dwelling on the defeat, and have been taking positives from it, but come on, any one with eyes could see he made some poor decisions, including Skrtel's shirt pulling. Brendan just said what we were all feeling. Gutting to know we could perhaps have won a game where we were serious underdogs if it weren't for poor decisions by the officials. Decisions like this can have a big impact on our season, including club finances (if we lose points and fail to get top 4). I'm sure the owners wouldn't be impressed with that either. Now Bremdan has said something it may actually be looked into. May.

{Ed002's Note - You did not read it.}

Embarrassment? Nonsense. The only person that should be embarrassed is the Ref. I think all the Liverpool fans agree with Rodger's comments. Who cares what FA thinks?

{Ed002's Note - Someone else who did not read it.}

I'm sure a Chelsea fan will be used to this scenario.

{Ed002's Note - Why make it about me?}

Im pretty sure ed002 meant that the fine would be paid by BR. Why would the club pay it when it was BR who went on the rant?

I think Ed002 meant that the fine will be paid by BR, not the club.

I think the club will pay any fine. Rodgers said what everyone else knew was the truth and said it in defence of the club. If the FA fine him then I think the club will take care of it.
It happens all the time, Fergie, Mourinho etc incurred dozens of FA/Premier League fines which the club just pays off.
I doubt they will announce it, but they will take care of it in my opinion.

{Ed001's Note - I hope not, it would be wrong of the club to do so, just like any fine levied purely at staff. I very much doubt they will anyway, I think you are dreaming quite frankly.}

27 Dec 2013 19:33:49
Skirtel always has a mistake in him, I have never been his biggest fan. He gets away with it against teams we score three or four goals, but in games against the better teams when games are decided on small margins I think he costs us. Plus he has forgotten how to defend at corners! I'd play Toure.

Agree totally mate

My thoughts exactly

27 Dec 2013 19:12:21
Ed001 if your about just your opinion, do you think Rodgers is too trusting in Johnson to drop him? Or to distrusting in Kelly, Toure, McLaughlin? I do rate Johnson's but as you've mentioned before he lacks concentration, the past 5 games at least he should have been dropped, I wince whenever he's on the ball, also who do you think is the main threat at Chelsea for the upcoming game I'm confident in the team but fear hazard will get the better of Johnson.

{Ed001's Note - he rates Johnson highly, he performs well in training by all accounts, and he does have such immense ability. Kelly isn't ready to play every week, he needs to be eased back in, Toure is not a right back and McLaughlin is not seen as ready. I do believe Rodgers would like to ease Kelly in a little more, and I am sure he will do so as the season goes on, no doubt Johnson will pick up a knock, then it gives someone a chance to stake a claim to the place.}

Ok cheers ed, I'm loving the middle three and front three at the moment they just need to be more clinical in front of goal especially Allen, it would do him a world of good to score!

I think McLaughlin has been injured for the past 2-3 weeks. He should be back now.

27 Dec 2013 18:02:10
Eds do you see Lioril and Alberto going out on loan in January or anyone else to make way if expected players arrive?

As for Rakatic, I've just watched youtube clips he looks a decent player if the links are true, what's your opinion on him?

{Ed001's Note - I am told the club would like them to settle in at Liverpool over the course of the season then assess the options in the summer, depending on how they are getting on.

I like Rakitic, have for a while, I think he would be a good option in our midfield, though not my first choice, he is the best of the possible options, imo.}

Many thanks with your reply Ed.

Can I just ask please who would be your first choice? And what's the chances of them?

{Ed001's Note - my first choice would be Javi Martinez, Paul Pogba or Gary Medel, little to no chance of any of those.}

Ed001, why do you rate Paul Pogba so highly? And how does our academy players compare to united's academy players?

{Ed001's Note - because he is an excellent player, with plenty of time to develop into an even better player. Our academy has moved ahead of United's in recent years, especially if you leave out ones bought (such as Sterling, Ibe etc for us and Janusaj for them) and just judge on the real measure of an academy - the players it brings through from the local area. Theirs is suffering from a lack of investment, while ours was recently overhauled completely.}

Thanks Ed001, definitely my favourite Ed.

Everything that Ed001 said about Skrtel before is 100% spot on. He's nothing but liability. But instead of Kolo, I think Agger and Sakho is the perfect CB partnership.

On the other hand, I still can't believe we loan both Cissokho and Moses. Cissokho plays like he is scared of the opponents and Moses is missing all the time. Even our youngsters are better than them! Why did we loan them in the first place? and how do you rate them? Would love Ed001's opinion on this.

{Ed001's Note - I have never rated Moses, I think he is an awful player, but I was hoping he had improved at Chelsea. Seems he has just got lazier. Hopefully he will spend the second half of the season proving me wrong though!
Cissokho is a Liverpool fan, he used to look like he was a good option, but clearly his confidence has gone and he is struggling to recover it.
I can see why we loaned those two players, I just think we would have been better off giving kids a chance instead. For instance, hanging on to Suso and playing him early in the season instead of Moses, I think he would have done so much more.
At the end of the day, I really can't argue with Rodgers' decisions though, he has done well and has us playing some great football. I just hope we don't go down the loan route again, it is not worth it, far better to blood some youngsters, imo.}

27 Dec 2013 16:54:41
Hello fello reds,

Long time reader, first time poster since the registration process.

I'm here in London(from the states) for my first Non exhibition Liverpool match. I was wondering if there is a Liverpool friendly pub near the Bridge for a couple prematch pints that someone could recommend. Also my wife seems up for wearing our Liverpool shirts at the match. I know the Chelsea fans can be a little harsh but is there any reason why we shouldn't show our support(we are sitting in general population)?

Can't wait to see us kick blue arse and get to see anfield in person in a few days. cheers!

YNWA

Chris

{Ed002's Note - I called someone who works in the media and follows Liverpool and asked - and was recommended the Coach and Horses at Clapham which is where he will be - this would be a couple of miles south. I would think plan B might be to check with the London Supporters Club who have a web page which I found easily: www.lfclondon.co.uk/lfcfriendlypubs/.}

Thanks for your help Ed. I used the London supporters site to locate a pub to watch yesterday's match. I was very disappointed by the turnout of fans at this pub and general excitement during the game despite the pub receiving a 10/10 rating. The supporters in Boston are much more engaged including singing YNWA and in game chants. We even tried to chat up a few locals at the pub but they weren't interested. It was not what we were expecting.

{Ed002's Note - You will not find that sort of thing in London. Certainly no where in the Chelsea area. Perhaps a nice wine bar and a meal - but they won't let you in anywhere decent wearing any type of football shirt. Perhaps someone travelling could recommend somewhere, but suspect you will need to wait until you get to Liverpool for that sort of thing.}

What you have to realise about Chelsea is despite the lively fans, the people of the general area of Kensington and Chelsea are very boring. They're pretty much up their own ***** there.

The nearest Liverpool-friendly pub is in Wigan.!

Thanks ed02. We're going to hit up the pub that you recommended. In your opinion is it safe to wear my pool shirt or root for Liverpool inside the bridge?

{Ed002's Note - I am not so sure that it is unsafe, I guess where you are seated makes a difference and I normally don't sit with football fans.}

The only one I can suggest near by is famous 3 kings in west Kensington . I haven't been in a while but saw a few games v Manchester United and v man city there and it was always packed with Liverpool supporters and I think the owner/manager was a Liverpool supporter too! Good luck and enjoy anfield!

Hi Cbunn11
The eight bells at putney bridge is usually pretty safe, although the tubes are not running there tmrw.
Get away from Fulham and either putney or earls court would be a better bet.

27 Dec 2013 15:54:35
Maureen is up to his usual mind-games. He's saying that Liverpool have the advantage of winning the title because we play 40 games and Chelsea play 60. In honesty, I will be really glad to beat the rent boys and their boring way of football. They're just an expensive version of Stoke.

He's right, we are fresher and that is 20 less games for our player to pick up knocks and pull things. We get 6 days to prepare for a team, we can train harder Monday and tuesday because the guys still have 4 or 5 days until the next game keeping us fitter.

27 Dec 2013 15:32:45
Really sad news about Wayne Harrison always hoped he would make the grade when I was younger really sad news

How good was he?

27 Dec 2013 14:55:50
Young Sterling played well yesterday MOTM if he had a finished suarez cross in my opinion so question who was your Liverpool man of the match

Allen put in a very good shift, skertle played well apart from at corners. allen for me

27 Dec 2013 14:47:32
Disappointed with the result elated with the performance
referees today were at their worst
But they shouldn't be called biased
Skrtel could have conceded at least 2 penalties
What's happening to johnson?
under Dalglish he was regarded as england's best right back
There was no motivation in him yesterday Hopefully Mclaughlin is ready in a season or two
I think Salah & a good CM(Rakitic please)an d we might just gve city a run for their money
BTW can anyone clarify for me flanno and robinson's natural positions

27 Dec 2013 14:20:29
Everyone keeps raving about Rakitic's 33million pound release clause but how low do the ends think Sevilla would accept a bid given their financial trouble, 7-8million has been quoted, which for a player of his quality would be a steal. My question is if Rakitic and Salah or two other players come in in January do they expect players to leave? Will Aspas be loaned, Will Moses or Cissokho be sent back?, can't see any space for them in the squad when Gerrard, Flanno and Enrique return, Cissokho is third choice left back now and I rate young Luis alberto as a better attacking midfielder than moses.

{Ed001's Note - they will take the best price they can get, which depends on what the buyers are willing to offer.}

27 Dec 2013 12:12:33
For the free kick that Lucas conceded which led to their corner and first goal, is it just me or was Lucas being fouled rather than the other way around?

Also Glen Johnson annoys me so much. When he is one on one with a defender he tries to go past him but he just doesn't have the skill to do so, not to mention the fact that these days he runs like he's got weights attached to his feet. His footwork is extremely slow

Skrtel is a good tackler, but how can we continue to play a centre back who just doesn't want to even try to win headers, and instead tries to impede attackers from jumping properly?

Cissokho wasn't too bad, but it is times like these when you realise just how important enrique is to our team.

It is way to tight at the top of the table, and even though we are playing well, I can't help but feel Manchester United are catching up with us. I don't think Everton will be able to finish in the top 4, and spurs look a completely different side to last season, so our main challenger for fourth will be United. I hope we can hold them off.

27 Dec 2013 11:30:43
Hi eds jus wondering about salah I no u tell us to read the posts but I can't seem to find owt so just wondering in your honest opinion do you see us signing him and are we making a real attempt to sign him or are we just wasting our time and will indeed lose out to anuva team or turn our attention to someone else would love an answer thanks

{Ed002's Note - I have explained for more that two months that Liverpool are interested in signing Salah. I have explained that there is also interest from elsewhere. I am not going to give an opinion as to whether I think he will sign or not - it is simply not worth the grief.}

27 Dec 2013 10:22:30
Hi lads, just a quick question 4 yas. is stevie g close to fitness or does he have a chance to face chelsea? Cheers guys happy new year to ya and all the red family!

{Ed002's Note - I would not expect him to start against Chelsea.}

I'm hoping he doesn't just walk back into the team. He needs to earn his place because the midfield has been working a lot better without him of late.

27 Dec 2013 10:18:34
Morning reds,

Before yesterday I didn't really see us as realistic title contenders, being top of the league is great, but we still had our two biggest fixtures of the season to play. We all know the aim for this season was to get top 4. However looking at that performance, I don't see any other team (other than City - obv) in the league being able to contain a performance like that. Clumsy mistakes lead to two goals for them, but these are mistakes that on another day wouldn't happen. The word on the street is that most neutrals think we deserved the win yesterday, as do I.

The second half to our season sees us play all of the current top 6 at home, and from what i've seen we've been getting better and better, with Sturridge and Gerrard yet to return. If we can keep up this momentum, and that's a big if, we can give City a run for their money in May. Winning the league is a game of consistency after all. May eat my words at the weekend, depending on the result, but right now i'm feeling optimistic. Nice to see our Blue neighbours up there as well, would love it if we both made top 4.

Cheers guys, hope you've all had a happy Christmas

27 Dec 2013 10:00:11
In a fan of skrtle but in the last few weeks he's looked lost. Personally I would play him and agger because they have a good understanding with each other were him and sakho look like they struggling to communicate. For me glen should be dropped or replaced because he's been terrible in recent months. We need Enrique fit and. Playing and cut out the daft mistakes because apart from our defence we look a match fo anyone si bring on Chelsea and get back to winning ways.

good luck redmen

I don't know what's happened to the guy.
Started to play the player instead of the ball.
He was pulled out of position on a few occasions yesterday but at the same time made some FANTASTIC tackles.
If he can stop this stupid shirt pulling (which I think is going to cost us soon) he will be worth his place in the squad.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

To be fair he also made a few great covering tackles and interceptions which would have lead to shots on goal. He got out muscled by Kompany for the first goal. Sahko would have dealt with him better but that's up to Rodgers who they are meant to mark.

27 Dec 2013 09:19:23
Goode morning Eds and fellow reds. Very unlucky yesterday against the might of City. We're showing that we really can compete against the best.

Eds you mentioned that Arsenal have enquired about Salah, but at what level are they at with him please? I thought we were in prime position for him and still most sites claim that we have practically all ready done the deal for him?

How many do you think that we are looking at signing in January? We have a small squad as BR has said but I can't honestly see 3-5 new players in?

Hughes, Racitik, Alonso have all been linked as have many others. I'm just trying to piece together were we are at as regards to having a complete squad with a decent bench.

Any info would be appreciated Ed.

Happy belated Chrimbo to all

{Ed002's Note - How can you sensibly expect me to answer questions like "at what level are they at with him"?}

I was just interested in what there approach was that's all as I thought we had just about done the deal.

What are your thoughts on numbers in January? A couple maybe?

The other players I've asked about above is the genuine interest from us or mainly rumours?

{Ed002's Note - I have explained about the other players and you have the search engine and hopefully the ability to read through the posts. I don't have the time or inclination to answer the same posts over and over again.}

27 Dec 2013 08:25:37
Happy Belated Xmas Eds and fellow Reds!

Frustrating result against City despite an excellent game yesterday Liverpool played superbly at times, fast paced attacking and the relationship between Sterling & Suarez was exceptional. As for the refereeing and assistants they were extremely poor but we must not let that detract from the current spirit, confidence and togetherness we have in the squad at this present moment in time! It is encouraging and fantastic to finally be watching a young talented Liverpool team that are going in to big games with a 50% chance or more of taking three points from them and maintaining some consistency! Refs like Mason, Atkinson and Webb are not biased against Liverpool they are just poor referees and probably do favour other teams over Suarez if anyone simply because of his competitive and over zealous nature and desire to win, along with his past! I know Skrtel is frustrating and if officials are watching his shenanigans in the box then that will cost us points this season so he will have to beware, even still he is at least fighting for the LFC cause and giving his all unlike Johnson who I have defended in the past. He had an absolute shocker again yesterday and offered nothing to the team offensively whilst wasting possession, poor distribution and lacklustre positional sense! On his game he used to be a positive decent right back but not anymore and he will need to improve if we are going to push for a top four place this season! Coutinho is still improving to somewhere like the form earlier in the year and Sakho despite a mad ten minute spell is still better than most centre backs in the league and will only get better for me - he is a powerhouse! Cissokho needs more time he did alright yesterday and put across some decent crosses, while Lucas, Allen and Hendo were excellent against one of the best midfields in the division! Chelsea will be difficult on Sunday but the season doesn't rely on that result although a loss will put us back from the pack! Finally we as Liverpool fans should have huge optimism for the second half of the season as we have a better fixture list than most in that we would have already played most of our difficult away fixtures to City, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle and will be playing most of our Champions league completion at the Home of football "The Mighty Anfield" All the best to LFC fans and EDS for 2014 and Happy New Year!

{Ed002's Note - You need to sign up.}

27 Dec 2013 01:53:37
Watched the game and have to say proud of our performance, still looked a bit frail defensively and had watching us defend set pieces. Just look vulnerable from them. Saying that had we been more clinical or the referee made basic decisions we could have easily gone in 2-0 or even 3-0/3-1 up. The first goal was great play and had coutinho finished the chance saurez laid for him it would have been an amazing piece of team play and one of the nicest goals I've seen in a while. But main points about it were we were great going forward with players stepping up their game so positive about the season. We'll get sturridge and stevie back plus new signings (hopefully Salah) which will give us depth to change games with our bench, which we lack.
But main point. Why was lee mason the referee in the first place? I know you could argue the offside wasn't his fault but throughout the game he was poor! For both teams; saurez should have had a pen via shirt pulling, skrtel may as well as just taken kompany's shirt every corner, lescott going through saurez without touching the ball isn't a foul, saurez was booked for attempting to get a ball over the top (despite making absolutely no contact whatsoever and having every right to go for it) Moses' booking didn't seem right and the free kick which led to their equalizer for me wasn't a foul. I honestly think I'd do better despite being no where near trained or even fit enough to keep up with play! Just don't see why for the biggest game on Boxing Day one of the top refs wasn't chosen? Everyone may disagree who the best ref is but no one would put mason in the top 3, so why put him in charge of such a massive game!? Also makes me laugh that he is one of the refs Mark Halsey said "Wasn't fit for purpose"

26 Dec 2013 23:58:32
Sterling, 2 yards onside, whistle blows. is this reality?

Managers and players get interviewed and are asked about their wrong doings, at the very least referees should make a short written apology when they make decisions like that.

I have to say that if goal line technology has been introduced into the game then I am sure it would be possible to allow a fourth official to take a look at these incidents. The game could continue and it takes seconds to review the decision and the play can be pulled back if the official deems fit. I have seen some poor off side decisions that are real close, but yesterday it must have been 2 YARDS ONSIDE (that's being generous).
These decisions are costing teams points and in tern will cost managers there jobs.
As for the other decisions, yes Suarez should have been awarded a penalty BUT if we are being honest Skrtle could have given 2 maybe 3 away too.
Lets not get too hung up about it. There's more positives than negatives to take from the game.
Bring on Chelsea and the 2nd half of the season.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Apparently Specsavers are using the clip in their new advertising campaign