Liverpool Banter Archive February 27 2014

27 Feb 2014 21:36:02
What just happened in the spurs game? Crazy 10 minutes and what a goal by Ade. Hopefully this won't be the catalyst to them turning their season around ha

They're not exactly playing a great side though, and it's hard to see them winning it. If they progress it will be more Thursday night games and travels, not a bad thing for us.

This is great for us mate. I hope they stay in Europa for as long as possible. See how bad they was last week in the league after playing away in Russia?
In 3 days they've got to play a Cardiff side fighting for their lives! It's great they've got through for the fatigue IMO

27 Feb 2014 22:19:42
that vertogen went down very easy there if suarez done that the media would be highlighting that more.but glad spurs stayed in more thursday football for them.

I'm happy spurs did that, less money for that person owner of there's for not signing the paper work for konoplyko

Hope they go all the way to the final - and then lose. Plenty of distractions

Really don`t care what spurs do. If we take care of business in the next 3 away games, we`ll be fine.

What happens if Spurs win it? Do they go into the Champions League?

{Ed002's Note - No.}

Well, it is good that they are still in the competition. At least that way they won't have 100% concentration on the EPL.

I was happy either way really. Winning!

27 Feb 2014 20:30:32
Balanta at center back anyone? Took a notice on this guy last year when Barca was linked. Masch rates him. Quick, very strong, and better on the ball than Kolo and Skirts put together (not hard I know)
Last year I wanted Dede but Balanta was my second choice. Perfect player for what BR is trying to do. Anyone got Ian Ayres number?

Ihor Kolomoyskyi the President of FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk if the failed transfer of Yevhen Konoplyanka is anything to go by .

27 Feb 2014 20:21:17
Hey Ed001. I know it's not really Liverpool related but thought i'd ask here as the spurs fans may not enjoy the answer. Do you see lloris and/or vertonghen leaving whl in the summer if they miss out on CL? Obviously it depends on lots of different variables such as teams being interested and being willing to pay what it would take but would they want to/push to leave.

I'm not for one minute suggesting we would be in for them, although I think vertonghen would be a perfect fit here. Lloris is amazing but would probably spell the end of migs whom I rate but agree with you on bringing someone with a little more experience for a year or two whilst he works on a few things.

I look forward to your response.

Cheers,

{Ed001's Note - both would be keen on a move, to go to a Champions League team, if Spurs are unable to qualify. I am not sure why you think Vertonghen would be good though, we have enough left footed centre backs.}

I am not one of those that believe you have to have one right footed and one left footed CB. It's a positive, but only a minor one. I like that he's comfortable on the ball, I just think he'd be a good fit in our back 4. You know much more than me though ha, so I'd be interested in hearing why you wouldn't want him if that's ok?

{Ed001's Note - I would agree, if it wasn't that he is very left sided and would be uncomfortable playing on the right, as would Agger and Sakho. Left footed players are much less common than right peggers, so they very rarely get the chance to play out of position. He might be able to adapt, but I feel it would be a big risk for someone who isn't really all that vocal and isn't much of a leader, which is what we are mainly missing.}

This is why I will always take your opinion over mine ha, I hadn't thought of any of that!

{Ed001's Note - I wouldn't say always take mine, I have been known to be wrong, or at least so I have been told......}

Not too keen on Lloris myself, he makes some great saves but I think he is prone to mistakes of misjudgment with his sweeper style. Although that may suit the system we want to play in the future!

This why Sakho needs to come back into the side. Barring language issues, Sakho could be that leader because he was a leader and captain of PSG b4 all the money came. He played for the shirt and loved the club to the bones because he grew up in Paris and rose thru the ranks. He can be that guy if given the opportunity and support by BR and SG because God knows we`re lacking a leader at the back.

27 Feb 2014 19:11:39
eds,, I submitted a post yesterday evening ( no great shakes ) cannot see it anywhere, did the site go down last night or has my attempt at a humerous post been misinterpreted and been sent to the naughty pile. or none of the above and you have no idea and would like me to just s.t.f.up .

kind regards

{Ed001's Note - I honestly have no idea one way or the other mate.}

There's a button at the top, my recent posts, you can see replies and stuff on it!g :)

Ok thanks, cyber space it is then ed,, I was only posting to say how boring the season has been for us Liverpool supporters, especially lately ( the last 19 premier league games ) where we have ONLY managed to score 4 or 5 goals in 9 of these matches!

brendan and the boys PULL YOUR SOCKS UP

seriously ed001, I know this current side is still taking shape, but comparing this team and roy evans entertainers do you see many similarities in style of play . and what advice (if given the opportunity) would you offer BR to maybe improve our goals against tally without compromising our attacking verve .

{Ed001's Note - no, I keep getting asked this and we are nothing like the same. Evans team outplayed teams, passed them to death. This team is incisive and direct. The ball is moved forward as quickly as possible to catch the opposition out. Evans never had the luxury of the devastating pace up front to be able to even consider playing that way.}

27 Feb 2014 18:20:46
I think most will agree that we need a leader at the back. A John Terry or Jamie Carragher type defender to organise and keep our back line in check.

The thing is, we have many good individual defenders, but there is little cohesion and understanding between each other.

Any Ideas who could be that player?

Red Rum

Erm. Jamie Carragher?

If we sold Skrtel and/or Agger we could do worse than Ashley Williams.

Same age
Less wages
Knows Rodgers style
Up to speed in the Prem
International and Euro experience
A leader
Aggressive and with Sakho we wouldn't get bullied or concede from so many set pieces

Toure & Ilori /Kelly make up the CB positions.

We don't need major surgery - leader at CB and a good left back and a settled back four will make a big difference next year.

We could do a lot better than Ashley Williams, would rather have a 40 year old sami hyppia

Ashley Williams is very average. Konchesky springs to mind

Williams is atrocious. no better than Skrtel and is a bit of an a**!

I agree we need a leader, and somehow to improve communication amongst the back 5. I don't see many options signings wise that provide that missing ingredient so I'd probably promote Llori next season and try to build partnerships with Sakho/ Agger respectively. perhaps Sakho can be that leader once he has had this season under his belt?

Hates Suarez!

Gary cahill

Hangeland from fulham anyone? might of spelt the name wrong

Leaders are born not made. I would givE sakho the the opportunity to be the leader because he`s led before as captain of PSG and one of the leaders in the dressing room b4 the money bags came.

Howedes?

Sakho still the man.

27 Feb 2014 17:57:49
Hi Eds and Reds, I posted a couple of weeks back about Alberto & what you reckoned his future was. Cheers for the reply.

About iloris. Did he expect to come here & walk straight into the 1st team? Is his attitude questionable, or have we purchased somebody that could've cost £15m+ in 2-3 years?
This loan could do him & us good, especially if we lose 1-2 CBs this summer.
Anytime I've seen him play he looked great on the ball & quick too! Hope those points make sense. :-)

{Ed001's Note - it is more a case of expecting to get at least some kind of chance, yet he didn't even make the bench in the midst of mass injuries to centre halves.}

Thanks Ed001.

I found that a little puzzling too. Cheers!

{Ed001's Note - he just wanted a chance to show what he can do, rather than play for the U21s. I would be more worried if he was happy to sit and watch.}

Ed001 completely agree, the lad wants to show us what he can do, hope he gets his chance too.

He is eager to play and show what he can do. That shows the passion he has to succeed. I think he will get his chance because 7m is not cheap or BR will have to explain himself if he doesn`t get his chance.

27 Feb 2014 15:31:44
What do you guys expect in the summer transfer if we qualify for champions league?
For me it will be a marquee goal scoring winger like di maria, reus, alexis sanchez or pedro
Then a full back who can defend but also create goals like baines and dani alves
Cdm-to challenge lucas but more attacking like ramires and yaya toure.
CAM-only have coutinho so isco, silva, cazorla type of big player will be nice.we will have suso coming back as well.
St-we need 4 strikers so if either borini or aspas get sold we need get a new one.

I think your expectations may be slightly too high mate.

The Ed's have already said we will be looking for a LB, CM and LW but I don't think they will be of the calibre you have suggested.

We have seen in the past how spending big money on a player with high wages due to their reputation doesn't always pay off.

I would rather trust BR and the transfer commitee to buy the right players for the right price that will fit into our system, and buy into the team philosophy we have, rather than a big name player who will disrupt the dressing room and cause off field problems.

Also, it makes no sense the club drastically reducing the wage bill over the last few years to then undo all that hard work with a summer of over spending.

What we need to remember is that the club still needs to fix itself financially. I don't think being in the CL will allow us to spend millions upon millions for 'marquee' signings nor do I really think we need to.

I do agree we need a winger, as do we need a DM. But they don't need to be 20m+ players. Also, I don't think we need another AM at all. Suso, Coutinho, Teixera and even Henderson can play there. So I think we are covered. I think defense is the main issue.

Left winger - fast, goal scorer

CM - maybe like hughes? Would prefer a more defensive one

Left back - crucial imo

CB -a partner for Sakho, unless Ilori or a youngster gets a shot.

I feel attacking mid is covered with coutinho, suso, alberto and others capable there.

My picks
Winger - Konoplyanka

CM - Rakitic (He can play both AM and DM as well)

LB - Crucial position to fill but very tough to find a top class LB. I'd like to see Oliver Sorg come in and hopefully he can emulate Lahm

and replace anybody who leaves

It would be pretty unlikely we get these players but would like to see it happen

Agree that we don't need new strikers. We have two strikers who are quality but can't get game time bc the two in front are unplayable

I'd like to see another striker signed, every team needs competition & a spark from the bench. If we get CL next season there will hopefully be a lot more games. We have a strong 11 now, next step is a strong bench. Aspas was good in La Liga & I'm not going to slate him, they all need time to settle in, Moses just ain't the answer. Play slows down so much when he comes on. When Ibe comes back he should replace Moses on the bench.

If you're saying we have a chance of getting the players you posted, you are smoking something

CB - Ashley Williams (Leader)

LB - Ryan Bertrand (Rodgers knows him)

LW - Gerard Deulofeu (Loan) Ibe may be ready season after so why waste money?

CM - Roberto Firmino (Outstanding player and attainable)

Ilori, Wisdom, Borini & Suso back in squad and Reina, Skrtel, Agger, Coates, Cissokho, Moses, Assaidi & Aspas sold, loaned or sent back to parent club.

8 in (only 3 perm signings) 8 out (only Skrtel has been a major player this season), reduced wages, neutral balance on transfers and a chance for youngsters to break through still. Would leave money for a couple more youngsters like Will Hughes if we need to move this summer.

You are spot on Jay mate

Are City's owners buying us to afford those players mate?

Who are our 2 other 'quality' strikers? we definitely need another striker.

My worry is that the left back is a replacement to Aly Cissokho, the left winger is a replacement to Victor Moses and the centre midfielder is Will Hughes.
So it's probably going to be an upgrade on our loan players and a midfielder for the future.
The squad is already rumoured to be thin, we are not making it bigger, and we could have more games with Europe calling us home.

27 Feb 2014 14:23:14
Agger starts Saturday. Who do we think will partner him? I hope Toure like the beginning of the season.

I'd love for it to be Sakho if he's fit enough. If not, then Toure. Shame it will probably end up being Skrtel again.

Think Agger will be important on Saturday with the inevitable pressing game which we will be up against

I think if lambert starts then we could use kolos strength. Otherwise I'd like skrtel agger. I would prefer sakho be fully fit for the ManU game in two weeks time

27 Feb 2014 10:35:42
Eds where do you expect Erkin and Montoya to end up? Are we a possibility or expected to make an offer?

{Ed002's Note - Right now I don't see either moving in the summer.}

27 Feb 2014 09:43:38
Hello Eds, I remember Ed02 saying that the summer window just gone was going to be one of the highest spending summer windows, are we to see something like that happen this summer too?

{Ed002's Note - I said it would be the highest and it was. I would not think this summer will see as much money spent.}

27 Feb 2014 07:05:30
Hey Eds a couple of questions

a) how much longer do you expect Sakho to be on the sidelines cause it seems his recovery keeps getting drawn out week after week

b) when he is eventually fit do you expect Rodgers to throw him straight back into the first team or do you think will he persist with Agger and Skrtel/Toure until one of them can't play for whatever reason

{Ed002's Note - (a) He might be available for the next match. (b) No idea.}

26 Feb 2014 23:48:36
hello eds,
just wondering with our defensive issues during the course of the season, do you think BR will want to have some players depart, maybe agger or skrtl or both? Sakho is for sure a long term option. also been hearing good things of ilori although I havnt watched him play. Do we still hold interest in papadapolous from schalke or possibly toby alderweirld from atletico? definitely think we should keep ilori and if both agger and skrtl leave then maybe we might have to get 2 more centrebacks. this may seem extreme but this season we have seen our centrebacks get injured time and again and having 4 centrebacks saved us from many headaches. also I think BR will go for a backup keeper to mignolet. we also need to deal with the fullback situation. I think Ashley cole would be a good option only because he'll be a free agent and perhaps sagna as well. more importantly we need to find someone for left fullback rather than the right. a high dream would be rodriguez from Wolfsburg. then BR has to look at DM and possibly bring in maybe schneiderlin or medel and obviously we have lucas and gerrard who can play in that position, maybe even think of m'villa. Lastly I think he may go for an attacking option and another midfielder. I like rakitic and I still think kono will be good. Surely hope suso is back for next season and I think we'll keep borini as well so no more strikers. Eds do you think BR will strengthen all these areas through transfers, loan players coming back or wil he concentrate on just one area?

{Ed002's Note - And Toure, Kelly, Coates, Wisdom and no doubt some youngsters who are all CBs. A wide forward and a central midfield player will be top of the list. Cissokho will likely be replaced with another LB. I would think the rest will depend on who leaves.}

This lb will he be first choi e or just an option for back up would love to see us go for a young new lb like moreno or rodriguez

{Ed002's Note - Like every other player at the club he will be part of the squad.}

I would guess that Agger, Wisdom and Coates will go with one Centre back coming in.

How well is Wisdom doing at Derby Ed?

{Ed001's Note - well enough to be a big part of the team that has climbed the table to 3rd. Derby are very pleased with his contribution. I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed there next season too, if they win promotion.}

I like wisdom woyld welcome him back with open arms