Liverpool Banter Archive August 29 2014

29 Aug 2014 22:47:55
Eds in your opinion, do you believe that's us done regarding transfers in? I have a feeling that's it but could there be a chance of 1 shock on or before deadline day? Thanks

{Ed002's Note - See numerous previous answers.}

29 Aug 2014 22:32:38
Rumour for once.

Borini to qpr

To replace

Remy

If Borini is unwilling to got to Sunderland who have a better shot at staying up, then I highly doubt he would even consider QPR who are one of the favorites for relegation.

Just throwing this out there, but how about we keep Borini? Having 4 quality strikers in a long season isn't a bad idea.

29 Aug 2014 21:21:06
One-Balo Two-Balo Three-Balotelli
Pulls up his shirt when he scores on the telly
"Why always me" written on his belly
Ooohhh Balotelli

Brilliant!

Now this, is something i'd like to see happen.

Awsome!

Thanks guys! Haha

29 Aug 2014 20:44:19
Probably one for the Chelsea page and I will probably get slated . I just wanted to wish nando all the best over at Milan and hope he finds some form again . Good luck at the San Siro

29 Aug 2014 21:41:15
Xabi alonso legend all the very best on your move to the bundesliga with bayern may your time be a happy one ynwa

29 Aug 2014 20:19:42
Sturridge song to time of teenage dirtbag!
His name is Sturridge
He will lead our attack
And dance on the pitch
Got number fifteen on the back, Of his red top
In front of the kop
He doesn't care you who you are
And he doesn't doesn't give a dam about you
Cos he's just our daniel Sturridge baby
Yeah he's our daniel Sturridge baby
Listen to our chants and songs maybe, about you
Oooooooh oooooh

Shaggy - Angle (while I'm thinking of it i'm laughing but yeah)

Oh your my Sturridge
your my darling Sturridge
closer than my peeps you are to meee Sturridge
Oh your my Sturridge
your my darling Sturridge
won't you please score a goal for meee Sturridge

Doesn't really sound right to me sorry mate

29 Aug 2014 19:18:17
Eds I know betting doesn't matter when it comes to transfers but the odds on remy to arsenal and Chelsea have been slashed have I missed something? Did he not fail a medical for us was he asked to race usain bolt that he failed it just seems funny a player fails a medical and seemingly our rivals would want him?

{Ed002's Note - QPR are expecting him to move before Monday and are already in negotiations about his replacement. I cannot comment on the medical, but I am sure a little more embarrassment would not do too much harm.}

If remy does go to arsenal or chelsea and has passed there medical. was it the transfer committee who pulled the plug seeing as they have took control from rodgers.

{Ed002's Note - No idea.}

29 Aug 2014 21:38:44
I guess other clubs Medicals aren't as stringent as ours or they are prepared to take a risk we weren't prepared to take. I wasn't sure about Remy but would have fully supported him had he joined.

29 Aug 2014 22:14:02
If there was even the smallest concern on the medical then I'm glad we pulled the plug. I trust our medical team 100%.

It is almost impossible to predict whether a player will get injured in any given game so if anything shows up on the medical which indicated future risk of injury then it needs to be taken seriously.

Quite frankly I don't give a monkeys what the QPR, Arsenal, Chelsea etc medical teams say. I care what the Liverpool medical team says!

Think it was more than that!

30 Aug 2014 05:09:17
Bare in mind it wasnt the first medical he ever failed either. Some teams are more rigorous and stringent than others. i'm not 100% sold on the idea that's why it didn't go through but Iv let it go because its in the past now.

30 Aug 2014 15:49:41
Ed002, Could you just clear up what you meant by (Embarrassment) i'm not quite sure who you mean Liverpool, remy or chelsea, as far as I was aware he failed the medical due to a heart defect, I can't imagine Liverpool making this type of statement public if it were not true.

{Ed002's Note - I know nothing of this heart defect that he failed the medical on. I would be pleased to read Liverpool's report on the matter and comment when you provide the link. Or are you just embarrassing the club further?}

29 Aug 2014 19:33:00
Jesus. If Ibe wasn't going to play then it would be damaging for his progress to sit on the bench now and then for the rest of the season.
Although I think he should have been involved more than that he has not been "brendaned"- the club see him as a top young talent.

I'm a teen and in my eyes Rodgers is the best manager we've had in my lifetime- Rafa's attempts to outwit people for seemingly no reason let him down.

The fact is we've lost away to the Champions as many teams will do this season.

The negativity is insane. Brendan is on occasion a little naive with his attacking intent but don't slate him. Remember the 2-0 loss away at Stoke under Hodgson? We're a million miles better than we were just four years ago.

Well its in your lifetime though

29 Aug 2014 20:52:00
Agree about all you say there apart from the labelling of the attacking football as naive.
Id choose the open attacking football any day over watching cynical football like chelsea and others produce

FRANKLY MR SHANKLY, you have to marry them both, defensive solidity with great attacking intent, the great managers manage it that's why there GREAT, ferguson, shankly, Paisley, busby.

Wembley, the guys had 2 seasons and has transformed us into a force again, we took city to the final game of the season and were back in the champions league again, so we lost by two goals to the current champions, he will get it right

29 Aug 2014 22:29:56
Wembley I hear you and agree, BUT so many people have been critical of the style last season in this defensive sense which if we're not careful will encourage brendan to go back to the keep the ball at all costs football that he got so many nil nil draws with at swansea, the style he started with us with. whilst all very admirable with the resources he had there, its the current style thT nearly won us the leAgue, bar a slip up or two. We won't make as many errors this time round as they are more used to the system and some of the personnel have been upgrAded. I would say to brendan stick with the same plan. I fear the first match with the 2 dms and the slightly cagey 2nd half against mc prove that its not the most effective style for us. Attack is the best form of defence and by doing that you stop the pressure building as it did in both games.

As the kop say. 'Attack, attack, attack attack attack!' :)

Think BR will become another Shankly, but he is still on a big learning courve, and he will make some errors, thought team selection in first two games could have been better, we were at home in first game yet played an bit defensive, then at man city, we could have nicked a point, now we have super mario, hope we get the best out of him and more points on the board, and yes I know it was man city away, but still reckon a point was there for us .

29 Aug 2014 18:35:09
I think a lot of people are getting a bit carried away regarding the youth policy at the moment.
If a young player is excelling in the u21's and does well while training with the first team squad, hopefully they get a chance, if there is a position that needs strengthening.
We can't have it both ways by promoting loads of youth and also having quality depth in our squad. Something has to give and unfortunately that is the way it is with most top clubs in Europe.
Yes we have some promising youth players but for them to make the grade in the first team these days they have to be an exceptional talent.
Last season Smith played at Chelsea away but that was probably because of our lack of depth in that position, rather than him being so exceptional we had to play him.
There is nothing supporters like more than a young local lad making the first team but they have to be good enough.
We already have a very young squad which is great for the future.
A lot of people on here are slating BR for some recent decisions but it is not like we have always had a couple of youth players making the first team every year before he took over, in fact there have been very few from the youth over the last decade that have been able to cement a place in the first team squad.
BR sees these players more than we do and from what I have seen BR do with the players he inherited I'd say let's back our manager and support him and the players he chooses.
He's got us playing some of the most entertaining football I've seen us play in years. ( remember under Hodgson! )

Think a sensible option is for those that look ready and able should get playing time as sub when we are in control or leading with say 29 minutes left.

Subbing Skrtel or Toure for Ilori or Jones us introducing youth alongside experience like Lovren in a winning side. Gaining both the winning mentality and experience of first team action, most important it's with our players in our system.

This should give them confidence and opportunity. This also protects older players for a second game in the week.

Gerrard off for the last 20 minutes, us leading 2-0. He is rested. Rossiter or Can get an opportunity to show they can help hold the lead and win, or increase in a side confident of the win.

We cannot spend £100m each summer, we have to give the youth a chance or how else do we actually know? Currently this doesn't happen.

29 Aug 2014 17:35:19
is it me as it seems Brendon has taken his eye off the ball, tactics, team movement etc since his he has been dating his new puppy love.
Also have you noticed Brendan isn't ruthless enough pays too much respect to others rather than putting fear into opposing teams.
Hope Johnson stays out, Coutino and Gerrard (fat chance) stay on Bench and Enrique back in team.

Other than Glen Johnson staying out of the team. Think that's the worst and most irrelevant post I've seen on here for a long time.

29 Aug 2014 18:29:45
Kingh Singh

Mate, Seems this is your first post, Never see you here. And that's a dig at BR. lols. What a way to start your Banter career. lols.

Totally agree with you Blinkey. I'm sure it's a wind up post. The bloke can't be serious.

Our club has been Brendaned for two years, so far so good eh!. He loves this club, he was born to manage us just like our other past greats and in time he will prove to be one of them. Relax with the personal life stuff, he's a professional doing a grand job whilst learning all the time.

29 Aug 2014 16:18:09
EDD'S what 's happened to the correct score comp.

{Ed033's Note - Nothing, it's still there check it out

Where's the link EDD .

{Ed007's Note - www.football-rumours.co.uk/correct-score-competition.php

29 Aug 2014 16:32:02
In a Liverpool/Madrid team, how many Liverpool players would you honestly pick? Personally, Sturridge over benzema possibly and lovren over pepe! Henderson would be next In But he can't be picked over Kroos and most if at the moment!
Can't wait for the Madrid games, such a perfect CL draw! They have superstars, but hopefully I can see us working harder for each other and playing more as a team than them!

Madrid wish they had a hendo.
You could have said the same last time we played them in the champs league and we absolutely destroyed them.

TBH apart from Varane, I would not want any of their defenders. Varane, Lovren, Moreno and Flanno would be my combined first choice defense. None of our midfielders though would get anywhere near Real's midfield of Kroos, James and Modric, while I would pick either of Sturridge or Balo over Benzema.

29 Aug 2014 17:12:03
Sterling Over Bale any day.

I have Sterling over Ronaldo. I'll always pick a red over a manc lol

Hendo would not even get on the bench at Madrid
The game at City showed that- a few times he got in great positions and panicked.

Based on their performances in the hole, I;d place Sterling ahead of Rodriguez. He looks completely lost there for Real Madrid. I think they completely overpaid for some 1 who scored 2 decent goals at the world cup. He's a good player, but I think Sterling has a much better football brain

Just to clear things up, I don't think we are going to get trashed over there! I'm hopeful for our games versus them, especially at anfield! They are a team of superstars, we are a team!
Indian buzzer, at the moment Marcelo is better than Moreno, and Ramos (albeit prone to fouls and cards) better than any of our centre backs. Maybe I'd pick Marcelo lovren varane Ramos.

Fencey
Marcelo was awful at the WC.
Yes he is pretty good going forward but defensively average.
Sterling will find plenty of space against him if he plays on the right hand side.

29 Aug 2014 16:09:07
This post may seem negative or aggressive, like something one of the doom and gloomers would write, but I feel it has to be said.

The sale of Peterson greatly, greatly disappointed me. Here was a player who was said to have enormous talent, 3 years of hard work and coaching and money used on him, who shone in pre season and who's chance was long overdue. Instead he was sold without even a raised hand.

I have seen Ed001 and Ed002 talk about this recently, and I had spotted it about halfway through last season, but was sort of in denial it was happening.

But the fact is, the treatment of our youngsters and fringe players, and overall organisation of the team, is getting completely out of hand.

First of all, brendan rodgers claims to give youngsters a chance. So far, I have only seen sterling, suso and wisdom introduced in his first season, and that was as a result of having a piss poor squad with departures and injuries. All 3 of them shone and played excellent.

Fast forward a few years and despite none of them doing anything wrong, sterling seems to
be used as the poster boy of brendan's 'give
youth a chance' policy, suso has had a season on loan to 'gain experience' which went just about as well as it could of, yet has been screwed over with the aquisitions of alberto, lallana and markovic, and wisdom has also had a season on loan, played well, worked hard, yet apparently 'isnt good enough'- what I was personally told by a Liverpool coach/scout a while back.

It is, quite frankly, ridiculous. It just seems that Rodgers doesn't have the balls to take a chance on these players, promises them chances after their loans, but it never comes. These players are more than good enough and deserve to be given a crack of the whip with us.But thanks to piss poor squad planning, which seems to be in the middle of a tug of war between the transfer commitee and Rodgers, the players are suffering.

Then, there are his fringe players, whether he has brought them in or not. Martin Kelly, so I was told, was given a year off to fully recover from his nightmare injuries, and would be used this season. I saw no reason why he couldnt, as he is a good player and local lad. Instead, he is sold to palace for a fee of 1 million. Players rodgers has bought, such as borini, allen, assaidi etc, seem to have been bought with no consideration or vision for the role they will have in the squad. Borini and assaidi have been loaned out to get experience supposedly, but return to face being sold, despite both performing well. Ilori has been loaned out again, and may face the same next year, same for alberto. Rodgers just seems to be buying players with no planning, and then doesn't have the balls to integrate them. It is costing us milions and the wage bill and debt is rising. Him and the transfer committee need to grow a pair and sort this mess out and work out what to do with these players. Ibe and teixiera have long been tipped to be future stars of our club, but after facing the dreaded Liverpool loan themselves, who knows what will happen to them!

In short, rodgers needs to sort this mess out and work out how to integrate our youngsters and fringe players, and if he doesnt, then don't buy them at all! Its costing us a lot of money and the players a lot of misery, we have so much talent yet brendan doesn't know what to do with it, and when these players are sold, everyone just smiles and says 'oh well, good luck in the future!'. It needs to be sorted out.

My feelings exactly

29 Aug 2014 16:50:42
"Suso has had a season on loan to 'gain experience' which went just about as well as it could of".

Why do you say this? Despite some good performances, he went missing in a lot of games, he had a pass completion rate of just 72% and his attitude was criticised as well.

Now don't get me wrong I like the lad. I think he could be good for us but his performances last season were not that good mate and there are still problems in his game.

The fact is, Coutinho, Sterling, Lallana are all better than Suso right now and I'd argue maybe Teixera too.

29 Aug 2014 17:05:15
great post I think Rodgers is the great pretender , talks the talk but talks to much , I hope he proves me wrong but I agree with your post.

No offense but most of the players you mentioned aren't good enough.

I also forgot yesil, who he bought, facing the loan, coady was loaned to get experience and played well but somehow isn't good enough, morgan was never given a fair chance at the height of our striker crisis two years ago, I think he would of kicked on had we given him games but instead was cast aside and now has no belief, ngoo as well, and shelvey was told he could be a class midfield player but was also thrown out because he felt he couldn't get games at anfield.

How can use argue about people like morgan and coady not getting a chance? They were nowhere near good enough for us especially morgan. he can't even cut it in the lower leagues!

Absolutely rubbish post.
i can't even be bothered going into why its quite so pants but ill give it a go.
compare the squad sheet to the one we had when kenny was fired 2 seasons ago when we had no champions league football to contend with, fast forward 2/3 seasons, we finish second, 3 points behind man city, we are back in the champions league and we managed that with virtually the same 11 players, rodgers turned sturridge, sterling and flanagan into full england internationals, all our rivals have spent massive amounts of money on new world class players and already had real strength in depth.
we've just lost probably the best player in the world to arguable the best team in the world and your worried about not hanging onto a defender that is clearly a huge risk and throwing a 17 year old right into the mix.
the players Rodgers brought in at the beginning were purely their to plug the gaps with the limited budget the owners were prepared to spend after' and let's be honest the ridiculous amount kenny and commolli were allowed to spend/waste.
Rodgers had no option but to buy Allen, borini, aspas and Allen by the way was clearly the best player for Liverpool against city, remember we were trying for players like sigurdson, holby, ect ect ect who all went to other teams for money as opposed to wanting to play for us, we bought coutinho, sturridge who have both been great successes, we've qualified for CL football again after a five year absence and want to stay in it so we use the 75 million saurez + the 50-60 million for qualifying for CL and bring in 9 players mostly world class or potentially world class players and have created 2 teams of world class /potential world class players that can cope with demands of playing for 4 trophies 2/3 times a week on some occasions or do you hang all your hopes on a 17 year old whom I have no doubt is capable of emulating sterling in ibe, and hang onto the injury prone lucas, kelly and agger?????
we now have real strength in depth and are in more of a position to start blooding the best youth players gradually, also the future transfer windows will only see 2-3 players in and out to improve the squad and freshen things up, something utd and arsenal have failed to do in recent seasons hence their fall from grace.
if you had told me we would be where we are now with squad we have 2 years ago i'd of ripped your arm.

29 Aug 2014 15:40:12
What are FSGs thoughts on Rodgers and his spending?
Over half of his signings don't get played. The wage bill must be sky high and rather then give youth from the academy a chance he buys more, most around the young 19-23 age group.
I enjoy how we play football and with the season we had would hate to see Rodgers sacked. I'm looking for genuine thoughts on this as for me it's a concern that he would be moved on and we go back to square one, as it were.

I recall FSG having this philosophy of wanting to build up a squad and having a strong homegrown youth policy. Also a main aim was to reduce the wage bill and structure.

The more we are discussing this mega spend and young players being Rodgered, sorry Brendened. This goes right against the original FSG message. Seeing young players go on loan, doing well but then not rewarded (so not the American way). Money spent but wasted - Alberto, Assidi, Borini, Ilori, Aspas come to about £40m plus. You could argue both Allen and Sakho seem to be bench warmers £32m and Mignolet? Linked with other keepers since he was signed.

I'd just hate to go back to the drawing board with another manager who'd want to change things, transition etc. Overall Rodgers has done amazing. This is no witch hunt or moan, just honest thoughts on if there should be any concerns. £100m and 10 players takes time. Progression from last season is finishing first. But I'd see top 4 again with a new squad as acceptable. Would the owners?

{Ed002's Note - They were not happy hence the "transfer committee". The wages are a major, major issue. The club has very significant and growing debt, but income will be much improved through TV and Champions League.}

30 Aug 2014 15:50:57
Thanks Ed002. Been out and about otherwise I'd have thanked you earlier.

In your opinion what result from this summers spending is expected from the owners? I'm never sure about this notion we are a year ahead of plans? Is top four and CL football enough? Is this squad assembled now expected to either win the league or a cup. Basically if neither of those happen, we finish say 5th and latter stages of other competitions would you expect that to be a failure and Rodgers on thin ice?

Personally as I've said, top four again is good for me, it continues participation in the CL. Any silverware is a complete bonus this season, but then I'm not the owner.

{Ed002's Note - The owners will be looking at, I would think, (1) CL qualification. (2) EPL title. (3) Cup win.

Anything above this would be the veritable dream come true. Not achieving CL qualification would be see as a major failure.}

29 Aug 2014 15:10:34
Jordan Ibe. A young lad with a loan deal to a good club who play good football where he'll play regularly.

Yep, you got it he's been Brendaned. Is there no god?!

What an outrage! It's almost as if the club want to help progress his career! He should be here getting 15 minute cameos in capital one cup matches!

Can only be good for him! Can't see a problem!

Wisdom did very well at the same team last season. Played regular, improved. We needed a right back this window (apparently as Manquillo was signed)

But yeah Ibe will just walk into our team next season, Wisdom has proved you get the chance if you have a good loan at Derby.

Good post Puzzled Red, perfect choice of user name

{Ed002's Note - Wisdom hasn't got a chance - he is back on yet another unplanned loan.}

29 Aug 2014 16:20:02
No Some wants him to remain on the bench for the next whole season.

EMS

I see you have finally understood everything
We need to start giving cameos to youngsters once ina month so that they can gain experience
We don't want them brendaned
Pun intended

Exactly Puzzled, I really don't understand this "brendaned" term.

Jordan Ibe has the chance to develop at a very good championship side. We have seen he is very good all round except for his finishing. The championship is a good league for him to practice this and develop. I think he will be back in the squad next season.

Andre Wisdom is on loan at an epl club and will play regularly. With the vast amount of defenders we have he wouldn't play regularly with us. It is a no brainer for me to send him out to get regular epl experience and then come back next season when we have moved on some of our defenders.

Red Rum

Think Emre was being sarcastic, ed?

No, its not the initial loan that's the problem, its that when he comes back it will all be sunshine rainbows and lollipops, but then ibe will leave in a shower of confetti and we'll all say 'how sad, shame he didn't get a chance with us!'

Think Emre was being sarcastic, ed?

No, its not the initial loan that's the problem, its that when he comes back it will all be sunshine rainbows and lollipops, but then ibe will leave in a shower of confetti and we'll all say 'how sad, shame he didn't get a chance with us!'

Red-Rum
Totally agree mate
There is no point in young players sitting on the bench ( or not even making the bench ) they need game time playing regular competitive football.
After this season I would expect a final decision to made on Wisdom as to whether we keep him or not.
I hope we do as I have always liked him but if does not perform to the required standard then sell him.
It is a cut throat business.
Jordan Ibe is still very young and inexperienced. He will benefit greatly from this seasons loan move.

Yeah Digger, well spotted. Wisdom wasn't given the chance after a good season on loan at Derby. I was pointing it out for the blinkered who cannot wait to see Ibe in action against Doncaster which should be enough to cement his place with us next season.

29 Aug 2014 14:57:01
Hi eds, with all this Brendaning and ball kicking going on in the world, where does this leave Sakho? The guys our best defender by a fair way but Brendan doesn't seem to see it?

{Ed002's Note - On the hallway floor holding his love truncheon - @WonderDogSparky explains on Twitter.}

He should know how good he is, he spent £18m on him

I've said this before, it seems as if BR has his doubts over Sakho - in particular his ball playing ability and apparently the fact that he dives in a fair bit during challenges.

If that is the case it raises questions over our past transfer dealings and scouting department. Why are we buying players (Sakho, Aspas, Alberto, Ilori, Allen, Moses on loan) who Brendan seems to discard pretty soon into their Liverpool careers?

Skrtel and Lovren are the preferred CB pairing. It's a shame because Sakho as a defender is real quality, PSG captain and French starter. Hopefully he gets a chance because if not I doubt he'll hang around.

I think Sakho will be sold for £4m and Brendan will buy anyone he can who plays for a top 4 side from Spain for £15m minimum. This new CB will have a great preseason, then loaned for two seasons, then sold for £2m so Rodgers can repeat the process.

38yr old Kolo will be kept during this time cause he is great to have round the dressing room (make of that what you like) Lloyd Jones and Ilori have also left at this point due to false promises.

29 Aug 2014 14:16:05
i can't believe some Liverpool fans they would rant if we won the treble. all this talk regarding players being brendaned is shocking he's the best manager we have had in years yeh there's a few signings that probably won't make the grade at us but how can anyone on here know that they were brendans 1st choice signings, also let's be real we can't spend the same as chelsea city and the some other foreign teams which means there's few times we can go and buy top top players so we have to buy potential a lot of the time which means there is a risk they might not cut it at us hence alberto aspas illori sturridge coutihno markovic even suarez wasnt world class when he joined the thing with buying potential is they don't always fulfil it so unless we are signing world class players this always going to be the case no matter if its rodgers guardiola klopp we sign players that must improve or its very likely they won't be good enough for us. also the fact alberto and aspas on bench last season shows where our squad was at maybe we viewed them as squad players b4 we signed them . we should be singing BR's praises not slating him daily. ynwa

We can't spend the same? We've spent over 100 million, that's more than chelsea City and arsenal? I like Rodgers but you can't say we can't compete with transfer fees this season

A committee was formed as he's woeful in the transfer market, to date the majority of his signings have failed. I'll stick to what I've always said, he's a good coach and as a tactician when something needs changing. However, what's becoming alarming is his blind spot regarding Gerrard. Listen, we all know Gerrards a club legend and has spit blood for the shirt but whilst I went in and out of questioning whether he's suited to the holding role in front of the back four, I'm now convinced he's not. Yes granted he can find a defence splitting pass but he cannot fulfill the roles over riding remit, he's not disciplined enough and he tends to follow the ball in congested areas rather than his man when he's tired. Two of the three goals against City and the goal against saints can be put down to this. We had 9 men behind the ball when City started there work for the second goal and Gerrard followed the ball leaving Jovetic just as he also did for the first leaving Silva. What's more worrying is although we have the right numbers behind the ball in these situations, his apprehension and movement following the ball confuses our surrounding players who remain static ball watching. This, together with Johnson is the root cause of our defensive woes. Until it's addressed, we will struggle. The play in the final third papered over this crack last season, I don't think we'll get away with it this season. If I were Brendan I'd be easing Can into the role if this is what he was bought for and I'd never allow Johnson near the first team again. Gerrard should be utilised in the way Utd used Giggs. Play him in his usual role for impact value as a sub when we need midfield penetration in the final third against bus parkers.

29 Aug 2014 10:47:25
Ed002
I read your posts regarding players being Brendaned
and the more I think about it the more I worry for the club.
Are the owners or the board looking to replace BR or are they satisfied with the running of the club just not trusting him with the transfers?
I was looking forward to Flanno being given a good run at right back then he gets Manquillo in and is Markovic really that much better than Ibe
Also I really hope he plays Can more and Gerrard less otherwise we will never progress

{Ed002's Note - The owners have been very supportive. They have created the transfer committee to help Rodgers' area of weakness. I agree that many of the youngsters looked like they would make it, but that chance seems to have gone.}

Markovic is much better than Ibe, and I really rate Ibe. Both like to run at defenders, but Markovic's level of intelligence around the box and his technique give him advantages Ibe doesn't have/hasn't developed yet. I was actually quite impressed with Marquee's debut. Against City he was one of our best outlets and nearly brought us back into the game. Lambert did well too, but I think Balotelli pretty much resigns Lambert to the bench for most of the season.

Ed, the way I see it is we still have a lot of players that the club can't find buyers for.

I presume Manquillo is a replacement for Johnson, and when he goes both he and Flanno will share that position.

Brad Smith may have got his chance this season if Enrique had been moved on, however if we can't find a taker then one player will need to go out on loan especially with the arrival of Moreno.

We still have an abundance of centre backs Kolo, Agger, Skrtel, Lovren, Sakho, Coates so until some are successfully moved on the youngsters won't get a chance.

I understand that if some players haven't progressed when they enter their 20's they may be moved on.

I don't see anything wrong with what the club are doing. We are buying young players and when some of our senior players have moved on the youngsters will get their chance. We will never have 5/6 players at once breaking into the first team, it will be a gradual process.

Red Rum

{Ed002's Note - Manquillo is on loan and will return to Spain if he does well. I cannot imaging the club would be buying replacements for first team players still at the club - it will end up in a hell of a mess. I am not aware of efforts to sell Enrique but you are right the club would like to move Agger and Coates on as soon as they can. Buying 10 players in one window is hardly "gradual".

29 Aug 2014 13:52:02
I don't think we would be buying a single player in the next 2-3 windows, let alone replacement.
This is the beginings of a new pahse in Liverpool FC history.

Sorry ed, but I don't think the club have a problem giving young players a chance.

Sturridge (24), Balotelli (24), Origi (19), Borini (23)
Sterling (19), Markovic (20), Ibe (18)
Coutinho (22), Teixeira (21), Suso (20), Alberto (21)
Henderson (24), Allen (24), Can (20), Lallana (26)
Moreno (21), Flanagan (21), Manquillo (20), Smith (20), Stewart (20)
Lovren (25), Sakho (24), Ilori (21), L.Jones (18), Wisdom (21)
Mignolet (26), Ward (21), Vigouroux (20)

We have plenty of young players at the club including the academy lads waiting for their chance but until the following players are moved on within the next couple of windows, then some will have to go out on loan to get playing time.
Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Toure, Coates, and Lucas.

We have seen Flanagan and Sterling make the step up and we may see one or two of OUR young lads break through this season. That's what I mean by gradual.

As for players being "brendaned":
Robinson(20) - He hasn't made any significant improvement. Time to move on.
Coady (21) - At 21 he should be breaking through, but he was not good enough.
Smith (20) - With Enrique and Moreno at left back he would struggle for games, a loan will do him no harm until Enrique is sold.
Wisdom (21) - Would struggle for games with our overstocking of defenders, a loan to an epl club will be good for his progress.
Peterson (19) - The club obviously don't think he is good enough.
Ibe (18) - Almost ready to break through but needs to work on a few things. Derby are a very good championship side that will help him develop aspects of his game that need improving, in particular his finishing.
Teixeira (21) - He has been loaned to Sami's championship side to help him develop. It will do him no harm whatsoever. He is already doing well.

I would appreciate it if you could elaborate on Manquillo's loan. Is their an option to buy, or will we have to let him go if he does well? I can't understand the club agreeing to the latter.

Red Rum

{Ed002's Note - There is a break point at the end of this season which allows his club to take him back - but a payment would be made to Liverpool. At the end of the second year they can again take him back or Liverpool can buy hi if he is not wanted.

Listing the reserve team and all players under 26 does not mean the youngsters have been given a chance.}

Its a very peculiar loan deal with Manquillo eh - if he does well he goes back to Atletico, if he turns out rancid we get to keep him: seems a very strange transfer deal to agree upon. It's not that I doubt the accuracy of these claims - but rather am stumped as to why the club would agree to them.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool are not obliged to keep him if it doesn't work out.}

Of course not ed, but it shows what the club are doing which is building a young squad that will grow and develop together over the coming years. The younger lads coming through will get their chances as Sterling and Flanagan did, but it is up to them to train hard and work hard to get selected.

I am sure the club assess each players development and I trust their decisions.

Red Rum

{Ed002's Note - He is working without a plan for the youngsters. Of course he is buying younger players - but at the expense of those at the club.}

Ed, how well do you think Liverpool would do this season if we hadn't bought the players we have?

Do you think Smith or Robinson would be ready to go straight in at left back? Could Peterson or Ngoo fill the void left by Suarez? Was Coady good enough?

The squad was thin when we were playing once a week. We was always going to be strengthen in order to challenge on all fronts.

Red Rum

{Ed002's Note - Hogwash.}

29 Aug 2014 09:41:01
Hello Ed
What is the future for Luis Enrique, Assaidi, Suso?
are you aware of any offers for them.

{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine. There is nothing new.}

Luis Enrique will probably continue as Barcelona manager for the foreseeable future

29 Aug 2014 12:36:43
nice to hear xabi alonso wouldn't sign for another english club because he still loves Liverpool

top man.

wishing him all the best at bayern. let's hope they stuff city ;)

29 Aug 2014 13:03:26
Absolute Class. Massive Massive Respect.
Argubly the best Deep lying Playmaker of this generation.
Would have been an absolute treasure with Him, Hendo and Countinho/Lallana in our midfield.

Great player and an even greater man. Respect, bro!

29 Aug 2014 11:03:38
Can anyone tell me how good is Danny ward and Lloyd jones never really got to see them play? Are they seen as real future 1st team players? And will they get a chance this season?

In my opinion they're both very good prospects ward's kicking is 2nd to none & rarely makes a mistake for me he is a potential back up goal keeper for maybe 2 more years & possibly being number one on the 3rd year. Jones seems a very good young center back but center back is a notoriously hard position for youngsters to get through but he has all the attributes so maybe in 2 seasons when he's around 21 he'll be ready if he continues the way he is atm

Danny Ward needs to bulk up. He's far to slim built to play in the premier league yet. However he is tall, quick off his line, agile and good at commanding the box. He needs to work on his shot stopping though. He see him get beaten far too easily sometimes. That could be down to phyisical strength though as he gets his hand to them, but doesn't seem to change the directions of the ball. I think he will be our back up keeper in 3 years and then hopefully he can kick on and make the role his own. He's a bit like a young Lloris I suppose. I doubt he'll ever reach that level (Lloris is arguably only behind Neuer and Courtois) but he is similar in build and style. He will be a good Premier League keeper I would think though. He needs time still though.

Lloyd Jones has the same problem as Ward. He is tall, fairly quick, elegant on the ball, reads the game exceptionally, rarely loses his man at set pieces and is very calculated in the tackle. He's similar to Agger in his younger days before his form completely deserted him. He just needs to get stronger. I read an article a while back that predicted he would be worth £30m at some point in his career because he was at least as good as Rio Ferdinand at the same age. If he stays injury free, this one could be special; we're talking world class. I'd be suprised if he doesn't make it at Liverpool. Really suprised.

They are both highly regarded by some former Welsh internationals.

Neither will get a chance this season and if you hear of either going on loan then probably best to start clearing their lockers.

I'd play Ward in early rounds of the cups, unless we draw a Chelsea in the 3rd round, but against Middlesborough I'd play him.
Jones looks strong and good with the ball. Would have him on the bench and introduced in the last 20 minutes if 3-0 up for experience and confidence rather than calamity Kolo, who's appearance fee alone would eclipse Jones' weekly wage

29 Aug 2014 09:24:25
Ive been reading a few posts regarding players being Brendaned, I've got to say I pretty much agree with not only the term but the meaning of it,
We seem to have or Brendan seems to have wasted an awful lot of money on also rans who not only cost a lot of cash but themselves must be mystified as to why they were signed to do basically nothing with regards to the first team squad,
From Alberto. who no doubt will be sold next year even though he seems to be playing well on loan right upto Allen who has his brief moments but for a lot of money & should probably be a first team starter, then we have the young ones who might never get the chance even though they look exceptional, Suso. looks a damn good player but you can see him maybe going in this window, Ibe who ok might benefit from a loan at Derby but you can also see him going. we sign moreno and manquillo yet have an abundance of young full backs including Kelly whose just gone and Robinson also just gone who never really got a run of games to prove themselves. Mclaughlin (sorry spelling) looks a great young player but what is going to happen to his confidence knowing we have just signed two young spanish fullbacks, not to mention where Flanno fits in,
I suppose the upshot of it for me is this, I would have personally thought that after finishing 2nd last season we might have bought at the most 3-4 world class quality players (not that Balo etc arent) and then integrated more of the young players to bring them on and get them experience, instead of upsetting the first team too much and signing nearly a whole new team,
I know people will say its been a good window and we trust Brendan and to be fair I like the man, but whether Brendans seen the golden loot or he just dosnt fancy the young players (oooh err) there is clearly a wee problem somewhere in between the transfer committee and The manager. .
Looking forward to seeing Balo and Llalana play and seeing how they fit in and hoping for a top season again! Bring on Madrid!
YNWA JFT96

Please explain what 'Brendaned' means.

{Ed002's Note - #WonderDogSparky explains on Twitter.}

I largely agree with you. It's criminal how many of the young talents are being wasted. Brendan is thinking short-term and thinking not of Liverpool's future but his own. He'll likely leave if Barca or Madrid come calling and all that talent will be down the toilet. There's no question Brendan is a big improvement on Hodgson, and deserves a lot of credit getting us into the Champions League, but he carries a lot of other separate issues: a flake, foot in mouth, self-aggrandizing and speaking in clichés. To be honest I wish Martinez had got the job now the guy seemingly has far more integrity.
A wise man once said that to get the true measure of a man one need only give him power and see what he does with it: I think Brendan's actions say much more than his numerous platitudes.

If you're good enough, you'll play. rodgers hasn't exactly replaced our youngsters with players in their prime. He's replaced them (excluding Lallana and Lambert) with better young players.
Lovren>Kelly
Manquillo>Wisdom
Moreno>Robinson
Can>Coady/Baio
Markovic>Peterson
Balotelli>Borini/Yesil

I do think that he perhaps could've had a little more faith and utilised Ilori, McLaughlin, Smith, Rossiter, Ibe and Dunn but we don't know what he's been told this season. Sure they all have just as much potetnial as Lovren, Manquillo, Moreno, Can, Markovic and Balotelli, but how do we know the owners haven't told him he needs to start winning trophies or lose his job? If they are pressuring him into rushing success then he has no choice but to spend. Who would you have more faith in to score a goal; Lallana or Teixeira? Exactly, Lallana every day.

My point is, we've been out in the wilderness for so long that it's st us our credability. We need silverware. I am 100% with you and would've gone with the youngsters we already had. But I'm patient. Not all fans are though and the club can't afford any more disillusion.

We haven't signed any bad players, just players we perhaps didn't desperately need. Not decent player has been Brendaned yet though. We've only sold players who were never going to make it here anyway. The next crop (Teixeira, Ibe etc) now have to prove themselves on loan. If they do, I'm sure they'll get there chance. Robinson, Coady, Peterson etc were repeatedly underwhleming at clubs like Wolves, Sheffield and Tranmere.

If Brendan starts shipping out the players who deserve a chance, I'll get frustrated. But he hasn't excluding Borini and Suso (our only youngsters who impressed at a top level last season on loan). Perhaps they have been 'Brendaned' (although I disagree). Both players want first team football though. It's better he's honest with them for their own careers. Neither were going to be first team players here and neither seem willing to fight. If they do decide to stay and fight, I'm sure they'll get their chances.

This Brendaned stuff has gone too far now though. Chelsea, United, Arsenal etc. loan out tens of players every season and only 2 years ago we were criticising the club for not utilising the loan market enough with Spearing, Insua and co. Now the club are utilising it and we're attacking it for it!

You can't have your cake and eat it people.

{Ed001's Note - those other clubs you mentioned are not in huge debt which they are racking up buying more players rather than giving youth players a chance. And yes I do want my cake and to eat it, what is the point in having a damn cake if I can't eat the thing.}

29 Aug 2014 12:50:01
Spank

Fantastic would you feel now taking out a manager who took us from near toliet place ( 7th ) to 2nd and brought 8 players to smell the first PL title in nearly 25 years.
He has been victim of some bizzare transfers and nonsense press conference.
But you wouldn't take out the year 2013/2014 from him.

(Sorry Eds, for the foul words )

I think people are getting carried away with this young player thing.

Some will want to leave due to not getting first team football, when Brendon doesn't think there ready.

Aspas and alberto was a waste but Brendon is still learning and looking at this summers signings he is doing that.

Not all these young players are going to make it probably only 10% if that.

Jordan ibe will stay I think the loan is the best option getting him playing every week instead of the odd 10 mins and cup game.

Peterson was no where near ready to play in the first team and if we kept him instead of buying balo I'm sure most of you would have gone mad.

Your on about fullbacks we onl got man manquillo on loan so we can't lose on that, if he doesn't progress get rid.

Teixera will come back next season and push for a starting place in my opinion and Kelly unfortunately didn't look the same after injuries.

29 Aug 2014 10:09:52
The Guv

World class quality players would require world class quality wages ( DI-Maria. X mill)
Could we afford?
Suso is not a damm good player, Pls, Just because he plays for Liverpool doesn't mean he is a world beater, He wasnt getting into team sheet at Almeria.
You have no clue on Alberto Moreno, Once He starts scoring and Assisting, you would come here and smile.
Flanagan is on the verge of a long contract, Sterling would be the next, Both are below 20, Ibe would benifit a loan rather than playing with pressure at LFC. Texiera is an excellent player and would come back next year.

BR is not a world class manager, But His effort at the club has been nothing short of World class.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool's wage bill is already well beyond what is tolerable and what is acceptable for FFP.}

29 Aug 2014 13:01:11
I just can't believe the hypocrisy on here. Fickle would be a understatement. Now that we are in the champions league everybody wants Brendan to play the kids. So what if Brendan plays the kids and goes out of the champions league. You guys would start a hate campaign against him. I find this term "Brendaned" quite amusing actually. How many kids have come through under Mourinho. None. Wenger? Not in the longest time. Pellegrini? And that fact is these managers can really afford to take a chance on kids due to the superstars they have in all other positions.
My question is would you guys be OK with falling out of the champions league if we play the kids and develop them?

{Ed002's Note - Why constantly try and make it about someone else. Why not face up to the issues Liverpool is going through and discuss those?}

Monkish, you`re talking rubbish. BR is not the only one to blame here. It seems the club as a whole have dropped the ball by not having a clear vision on what to do w/ the youth system. Young players have to prove themselves whether w/ a loan move or opps in the first team. BUT to say that BR is power drunk and that he`ll leave to go to Barca if they come calling is putting the cart b4 the horse so stop your whining. Some senior players need to b moved on b4 youth can be integrated and that`s not happening now so be patient and stop trashing BR>

P/S: If you like Martinez that much, go support the bitters.

29 Aug 2014 13:05:38
Last year when I raised this very same issue and used Alberto as an example , I got abused and was told by many in here about Alberto being the best player ever and will be first team regular.
Anyway I had a year to research this and ask people with sense and the common answer I got was don't blame/or credit Brendan for every player that was signed during his time as manager. As we know there is a committee to decide on transfers. I was also reminded of the motto , "buy young players with resale value ", its a business to buy youngsters at a reasonable price, develop them and turn them into decent players then sell at a reasonable profit. Now there is a difference of having good ideas and implementing them, and I think this is what is happening.

29 Aug 2014 13:06:26
TBH, For the first time in nearly 5 years, We really look like a team capable for the title.
Whats the problem now?

Ed there's nothing more I like seeing than youth players progressing to the first team.

You look at Gerrard it's probably his last season so we've can ready to go, then I'm sure rossiter will step up next season.

The kids with the greatest potential will get there chance but I think for a few of them it's maybe a season or 2 early.

{Ed002's Note - It is tough for them at the highest level in England Lavers, but as you say good to see them coming through.}

29 Aug 2014 13:15:43
Sorry EMS, I totally agree with Ed on this one, it has gone on far too long, this whole notion of having a cake and not eating it is ridiculous. I for one think whenever we have a cake, we should be allowed to consume it before it gets Brendaned.

To quote you Harry "He has been victim of some bizzare transfers and nonsense press conference" a victim implies that he is not responsible for the above which is guff; they have been self-inflicted.

Redohio in answer to your post.

As I recall it is Rogers ambition to be manger of Madrid or Barca so that's hardly putting the cart before the horse. As for Rodgers being power drunk well the facts are in my favour: putting the clubs future in jeopardy by spending money we don't have when potentially good untried youngsters are waiting for the chance to prove themselves. Again I'm judging his actions not his words. As to saying I should support Everton because I have doubts about Rodgers is petulant and childish. What I can accept is Rodgers is not entirely at fault and in my post I have given him credit where it was due.

I think the one player who sums up the term more than most is Andre Wisdom. Who is now so forgotten you didn't mention him.

The scenario is a young 20/21 yr old right back. Full of potential, given some first team games where he played well. Come through the system so is aware of the Liverpool way etc. learning directly the Rodgers philosophy of playing.

Loaned to the Championship, a good team to play regular (sound familiar so far?). Wisdom play well, good reviews and young player of the year.

BR signs a 20yr old right back Manquillo. Wisdom is off again now to WBA.

So this is it, Wisdom goes and gains the experience, he plays well, we need a right back. Wisdom does exactly what was asked, go play, get game experience, improve and come back a better player.
What did Rodgers do with him?

Oh but he's not good enough. Isn't he?
Do either Derby or West Brom play like us? How will he learn to play in our system with our players.
Does this game time at Derby result in a chance to play at Liverpool?

Now I like Manquillio cause he plays for us and I support that. But why not Wisdom, he didn't get many minutes in preseason did he to have a look in.

Add to this Borini. Rodgers himself bought him in £12m was it? Young, hungry, wants to do well, wants to play for Liverpool. Italian international striker before those who sit on their sofa or got to Sunday league level says he's not good enough.

Goes to Sunderland, in our division. Plays well, they want to pay £14m for him, he scores and assists in our league against top six sides. He is young and hungry remember, just what BR goes on about.

Comes back a better player, question can he score goals though. He does, in preseason. Done it in the EPL everywhere he's played and now back with us.

We're short of strikers, we all say Sturridge can't play every game, Lambert is just a back up. Where is Borinis chance? What didn't he do on loan that was expected? Play regular? Improve? Prove he can score or assist? Score winning goals in important games against top teams like Chelsea? What didn't he do right?

Same story for Ilori, another Rodgers buy. £8m wasn't it. A CB, who has a great loan. Man of the match against Barca controlling Messi in that game. We need a CB or two this window.
What happens, what did Rodgers do with him. Why does anyone expect he would want to come back next season and play? What is he going to do worse then Toure, a 21yr old with promising future and a rated player or a 34yr old at the end?

These and others have been Brendened or Rodgered. What is the message this sends out to young players on loan?

Peterson looked good in preseason scoring double what Lambert did. Do you see whatever Texiera does at Brighton mean he'll be given a chance next season?
It's clear we need a winger if there is truth in Kono rumours. Goodbye Ibe, a winger. Bolton/Derby play our style? Helpful for him rather then train with us?

Signing 20yr old Can and 21yr old Moreno who both look good and again I like them, they play for us. But What about Rossiters chances or Smith? Before anyone says not good enough, they haven't been played to know if not good enough. Moreno and Shaw are only worth £12m/£27m cause they've played first team football for their clubs, Smith if given a run out after being graduated could have been good enough already.

By the way, Flanno and Sterling they were given their chances by previous managers. Remember Flannos debut, played great. Dalglish gave him that not Rodgers, Rodgers only knew he could play him and trust he was good enough cause he had already played. Rodgers hasn't blooded anyone from our academy like that and given them a few games.

29 Aug 2014 13:56:11
I think your all crazy on here at times, to blame one person on incomings and outgoings of youth and to an extent senior players is nuts. yes rodgers may be the guy pulling the trigger but he has to rely on a lot of data from other sources, ie. the u21 boss, the u18 boss and the u16 boss to some extant. Also he has to listen to his trainers he has amassed to help train all this mass of players and don't forget these people are with the players everyday and see a lot more than we do (we are a collective of armchair managers). Now as onto certain players sold/released lately, if you thought robinson was good enough you watched different games than I did, Kelly who for a long time I thought would be our next right back, as I thought he was ahead of flanno and johnson as I like defenders who can defend first and attack second, was too brittles and just had too many injuries thus making him unreliable. Coady I never bought into the early hype around him and as I watched a lot of can last season in Germany I think we improved there. I thin the main point is stop trying to blame someone person for things we don't like or can't control get behind the club and be glad we are getting to see some of youths coming through, it can't be easy releasin kids every year breaking their hearts and dreams.

{Ed002's Note - Rodgers deals with the first team squad - which is where these all come from.}

I'm sorry to be pedantic but I think the phrase was originally the other way around.
I believe it was " you can't eat your cake and have it" because of course that is correct
"You can't have your cake and eat it" is incorrect because of course you can

{Ed002's Note - Schrödinger's cake then Chris?}

Schrödinger's cats cake

29 Aug 2014 16:09:55
For the first time in nearly 5 years, We really look like a team capable for the title.
====================
seriously .
I hope you won't be too disappointed come end of season . last season was a very good chance , mainly because of the changes that were happening everywhere else.

29 Aug 2014 16:15:54
Ed002 I understand the issues with debt and FFP Liverpool are facing at the moment. But I just wanted to point out that like other managers BR is under tremendous pressure to keep the club in the champions league.

We can't spend as much as these clubs but we have to stay in the champions league. Out of the champions league and he loses his job. There is a lot of pressure.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has spent more than the other Champions League clubs. Where have you been.}

29 Aug 2014 16:16:52
Man UTD fielded a team of under 17s vs Mk Dhons and got smahed out from the competition ( They were poor, But did feature quiet a lot of youngsters)
End of the day, You could take out some bright performance back home, But the bottom line is They are out of a competiition already.

I am with people who would want a trophy every year and CL place year after year.

Ed002. I completely agree with you on the wage bill, We would need to free up players to get it down. let's hope the management does it very well.

Brenda taylor "you can't have your cake and eat it too" top tune from the eighties. .

29 Aug 2014 07:57:15
John Flannagan is on the verge of signing a long term contract with Liverpool.
Some will still moan, He isn't getting a 10 year deal instead.

29 Aug 2014 10:10:21
Good to hear - he deserves it

Statue of him outside Anfield should do it for me.

Fair play harry, your bang on there.

If he doesn't get a 15 year deal on £300k p/week, a statue next to Shankley, a stand named after him, Brendans daughter in an arranged marriage, 3 of Owen's horses, half of Fowlers property investments, the number 7 shirt and Ian Ayres gold plated Harley motorbike then there is simply no escaping it; he's been Brendaned.

29 Aug 2014 01:39:52
It has just hit me that drawing real Madrid has meant that Xabi Alonso could have returned to Anfeild once more. Shame he went Bayern I mean I'm sure emotionally that'd be an amazing moment in his life and ours. :)

{Ed002's Note - I am pretty sure he is not a complete flake. Try and avoid any friction burns as you think about him this evening.}

Loob on standby Ed!

the_see_kow - Perhaps we'll get to see Xabi at Anfield in the knockout stages (assuming BM make it out the group etc).

{Ed002's Note - Try English. "Kow"? I remember "Kow, Kow Calculator" and I am pretty sure I figured out what those brown an white things are that litter the English Countryside are.

28 Aug 2014 16:11:40
Hi fellow reds.

Question for Ed001. Who is better out of Suso and Texiera?

Cheers

{Ed002's Note - Ed001 is not available but would say that Suso has never cooked him breakfast.}

Who would win batman vs spider-man?

{Ed002's Note - Batman. We have spider repellent like we have shark repellent.}

Spiderman would win hands down. Batman is just a rich man with cool gadgets much like the Green Goblin and Spiderman kicked his head in.

{Ed002's Note - Batman is far beyond that. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJlHjf_E--4 }

29 Aug 2014 13:40:37
Captain America vs Hulk ed?

{Ed002's Note - Captain America is clearly a tool of a Government I never agreed with. So Hulk.}

Okay Ed, that clip had me in stitches!

29 Aug 2014 00:44:03
Fans and reds never happy.

We sell Robinson who has not improved since he was 16 and was really poor in championship and sign Moreno, who fans were raving about but now Rodgers is a judas for not playing Robinson.

We sell Peterson and sign markovic and fans say he's been brenbandend and should play meaning we should drop sterling, markovic or coutinho for his place.

We sell a unfortunately injury prone kelly who we have never been able to get a full season out of, and sign Lovren and marquillo to sure up the defence.

We loan IBE who is only 17 but people are unhappy :s, like I said before who do we drop and is IBE a improvement at this moment in time.

We loan out texiera who has had his own injury problems but is a wonderful prospect, but when lallana is fit does he get in over coutinho or lallana himself.

Now borini had a decent season at sunderland but is he better than balotelli, balotelli is slightly older has won more and scores more.

Do you all really believe these players have been abandoned and if so may I please have your versions of why you would replace the youngsters with the new seniors.

It just seems like everyone wants to bash the manager.

What does it take reds for us to fully back brendan Rodgers because everyday I see people still slating him.

Guess we should get Rafa back?

I do agree to a certain extent but hear my points out mate.

Rickie Lambert - much needed to replace Aspas, and allow time till Origi can come back and play for the first team.

Lallana - very good signing IMO, versatile. very good option to have.
of course we could have tried teixeira or suso, but i'd really pick lallana ahead of the two now.

Emre Can - Coady didn't make it, Rossiter is too young, and something different, physical presence and all that, good signing IMO.

Lazar Markovic - good player, but could we have tried giving Ibe the chance instead?

Lovren - good signing IMO, needed a leader after Carra left, but I kinda thought he would be a better partner to Sakho than Skrtel

Origi - works with Rickie's signing I guess? young good player, just hope it doesn't turn out like Lukaku at Chelsea

Manquillo - seems like a good player, but could we have tried McLaughlin instead?

Moreno - good player, but could we have tried Smith instead?

Balotelli - love the guy, much needed striker, just hope it works out (gamble and all that)

But I do agree that Robinson, Peterson and Borini does not seem like its going to happen, i'd rather let them go and have their own career, and give opportunities for other, younger youths to develop.

29 Aug 2014 04:08:56
I agree totally with this post, I tried to make a similar point earlier but for some reason ed1 wanted to pick on me just because we share different opinions.

{Ed001's Note - rubbish, no one has moaned about Robbo going at all, he had to go. Not only has he regressed as a player, but he has shown attitude issues as a person. This is nothing like the point you made at all. This is just somebody trying to prove they are a better fan than everyone else because they aren't criticising the club. There are things that deserve criticism, and this summer's spending spree is one. It has shown the club have no clear plan for the youth to play.}

Sorry Ed but I think you got this wrong. The aim of the club is not to let the youth play. The aim is to win trophies and if there are youth who are world class, as required at this day and age to win trophies in the Pl or CL, then great, if not we buy elsewhere. Statistically the chances there will be more than 1 world class player coming from our youth academy are not great. The days of the Lisbon Lions kind of team are way gone. Nowadays great players coming from the same youth academy in the same generation are rare. At the moment we have flano and few on loans on other teams which is a legitimate way of getting minutes and show your ability. Yes, it is still an open question if all the players we brought are world class - we will witness that later during this year (as well as the quality of our manager who will be tested in ways he was not tested before), but all of them started for a year or more in decent Eurpoean sides and proved themselves there.

Looks like someone has been Eded.

Ed001, there's only one reason and one reason alone for the club/ owners to want the youngsters to flourish and that's purely if finances govern the need. Unfortunately for some youngsters, the sale of Suarez has brought an end to their careers at LFC.

I agree totally scouse Ben. There has been an upgrade on every player mentioned so there's nothing to moan about in that respect. I do hope Texiera gets a chance at some point though.

To be honest with you ed001 me proving I'm a better fan than everyone else was not the point at all, it was a post debating the fact that unfortunately the youth we have at the moment were not good enough to lead our line, it was a genuine opinion that the players we brought in were of a higher standard than the youth players at this moment in time. I will criticise the club to a certain extent with how they have dealt with youth In the past but since tom ince I have not seen a youngster who wasn't brought or signed in to our academy, looking like they would make the grade in the last 5 years. Most of the new crop are to young and the players we have signed are better equipped to keep us progressing.

Bearing in mind before I'm slated kelly has been around longer and sterling, suso texiera, canos have all been signed from other clubs,

To be fair ed most of our youth who now play for u21 have just been promoted from the u18 or were eligible to play for the u18 last season. they don't all have to be in their teens for them to make it into the first team as Teixeira proved. only Dunn, McLaughlin, Adorjan & Yesil/Pelosi(both just came back from injuries) who are left from the senior youths along with smith and ibe who's out on loan.

I still think with us being in 4 competitions that we will see youth in the cups and maybe even a surprise or two in the group stage of CL.