Liverpool Banter Archive January 29 2016

29 Jan 2016 21:59:22
Ed, with everyone worried about who we are bringing in all I can think about is a player we already have who has been missing for nearly two full seasons. Do you have any information on Sturridge. Is he improving, is there any positive signs coming from the club. It is such a shame that such a great player can't be on the field for us.

{Ed002's Note - He is available should the manager wish to use him but it is unlikely that they will for a few weeks.}

29 Jan 2016 22:23:49
Eds - if your not expecting him to play for a couple of weeks yet, are the club doing any special preparation work on him? Physio, fitness, conditioning etc etc? Just seems odd he's not playing at all, not even the odd 20-30 mins in reserves. I hope it works. I understand Klopps logic, I was just wondering.

{Ed002's Note - I really have no idea, but they won't want to risk him.}

29 Jan 2016 23:56:15
Seems like we've been hearing. 'a few weeks ' for a long time now . regarding Sturridge.
The man is on a huge salary. He doesn't have to work 45 hours a week for a pittance. All he has to do is keep himself fit . which he can't seem to do.
Liverpool fans have been so patient with him. but there comes a time when you have to say . enough is enough.
Is he ever going to be robust enough to play in the Premiership. . I very much doubt it.
Hope I'm wrong. but time will tell. And Sturridge has been given plenty.

29 Jan 2016 21:32:43
Brother has just dropped 2 agents at radisson in town picked up from academy wouldn't give any names but a deal has been set up.

{Ed002's Note - I love this stuff.}

29 Jan 2016 21:38:16
I think we need to accept its very unlikely we will sign anyone else in this window. It looks like we will be doing our business in the summer.

29 Jan 2016 21:54:06
If we can't sign Texeira
We might as well sign the next best thing
Shaktar Donetsk's chief scout
Maybe he can find us the next Douglas Costa / Willian / mikhitaryan / Texeira
And we maybe able to make a few hundred million on them.

29 Jan 2016 21:59:49
Ed02 is on high. Not often he love stufs. Ha ha.

29 Jan 2016 22:17:14
Academy, Sinclair?

29 Jan 2016 23:08:18
Problem is getting work permits for a lot of those players before Shakhtar et al pick them up.

30 Jan 2016 00:57:28
Leamred I think we have done pretty ok ourselves in the last few years Suarez, Stirling, Torres all went for good money.

30 Jan 2016 03:11:17
Is that 006 and 007 by any chance?
Maybe even 001 and 002 For a take over bid! If that's the case we are going to have along wait for the cash to get splashed.

30 Jan 2016 04:08:49
Still we can't sign Brazilan youths with no european passport. Only a handful would qualify through exceptional talent.

{Ed001's Note - it doesn't work like that any more.}

29 Jan 2016 20:51:10
Hi Eds except for long have we shown any interest in any players playing in the English leagues?

{Ed002's Note - Caulker.}

29 Jan 2016 19:07:30
Hi Eds,

Would Klopp be interested in keeping Balotelli if he pleads to stay and fight for a place in the team? Not that I would want him here but just looking for your opinion.

Thanks!

{Ed001's Note - a manager that prizes effort interested in keeping a lazy get, do you even need to ask?}

29 Jan 2016 20:26:54
Thanks for the reply Ed001 :D So sad to see Balotelli waste all his potential!

29 Jan 2016 20:37:40
Don't be, so many footballers in the world would kill to have the amount of chances Ballotelli has had. He'll walk away from his career with with very little of what could have been and everything he deserves.

29 Jan 2016 17:10:47
I can't wait till this transfer window closes, as it all seems to do is give people on here more scope to slag off all the players in the hope of buying new ones

Over the last couple of days the majority ( and there are exceptions ) seem to have now moved on to slagging off the midfield.

The goal keeper and the defence have been the usual target for abuse followed by Benteke, now it seems, Hendo, Can, Lallana etc are all rubbish aswell!

In defence of them all, and to get this off my chest here's what I have seen and heard this season.

Mignolet is indeed fragile when it comes to crosses. Though his shot stopping is very good. He is not helped by a defence that for the last 3 years or so has changed a lot and been hesitant.

Klopp says positive things about Mignolet ( though this could be a man management tactic ) but perhaps he does see him as a decent keeper when he plays behind a settled and assured back four.

The defence has been shaky and will be until we have some consistency. I thought it started to improve when Lovren and Sakho had some games together, so let's hope that partnership can be re established.

I think the midfield is our strongest area. Can, Hendo Milner and Allen provide the legs and power and Lallana, Firmino, Couts the skill.

What is lacking are goals, but goal scoring form can comeback as quickly as it can disappear.

We are having a terrible run of injuries with our strikers and Benteke, already carrying a £32 m price tag, the expectation of being at a big club, the manager who wanted him being sacked was having to carry it all on his own.

I don't feel sorry for him but I can understand if he is feeling over whelmed and therefore looking lost at times.

Clearly slagging him will turn his form round!

Personally I think the amount of games we are having to play is our biggest problem.

The longest period Klopp has had on the training ground without a game was 10 days prior to the Man City game. The subsequent performance was outstanding.

Since then it has been game after game after game. This is set to continue therefore I think our performances will continue to be inconsistent.

We have some decent players, we now have a more than decent manager - perhaps what we actually need is a few more decent fans and I'm not sure we can buy them in the transfer window.

EMS - hope you're job hunt is going well mate.

Cheers.

29 Jan 2016 17:37:56
I think we will be more successful at scoring when Ings coutinho and strurridge are playing. I think our midfield needs a bit of strengthening; but can hendo are young and improving, with gruijic to come in too will help and Lucas.

29 Jan 2016 19:31:46
Hendo is not young anymore. I have my reservation on Grujic. He is a 19 year old lad from Brazil. He would need at least 2 seasons to get the feel of the league.
How would this kid help a 28 year old Lucas mate?

The club need to sign a world class DM who has excellent reading of the game and has a good ability to pick a pass. Else you could see too many names played in that position.

29 Jan 2016 19:40:57
Or a 19 year old from Serbia. Slightly different holiday destinations.

29 Jan 2016 16:01:37
Eds reports now surfacing online that shatkar has said the buy out clause for Teixeira is now €70m 🙄

I'm I right in presuming this also happened with Chelsea previously?

If true let's move on from the subject and look forward to the rest of the season.

{Ed002's Note - Forget any concept of "buy out clauses". Yes the price with Chelsea went from €30M to €40M to €50M.}

29 Jan 2016 16:18:26
Does such behavior not put a player off of going to Shakhtar? I mean raising a players price 10 million euros at a time is ridiculous.

{Ed002's Note - No, not at all. He will leave in the summer as they agreed - possibly even before if someone offers an acceptable deal.}

29 Jan 2016 16:34:42
Ed02 I was just quoting what I had read and understand your answer regrarding buy out clauses

But you say he could be sold sooner than the summer

What do you think it will take to get him if a club really really wants him at a ludicrous asking price?

Personally I would move on from the matter but just interested at this stage as to what it would take for shatkar to actually do business with a club in relation to the player?

{Ed002's Note - An acceptable offer and a discussion with the appropriate person. He won't be moving to Liverpool this month. Move on.}

29 Jan 2016 14:06:22
Hey Ed001 or Ed002, I seem to remember that Spurs' captain Ledley King had a chronic knee issue.
In that he wouldn't train through the week, but play at the weekend and then spend the week rehabilitating.

Do you think such an arrangement could/ would be possible with Sturridge, in case his fitness issues turn out to be something that can only be managed and not cured outright?

Because Sturridge is someone who really adds another dimension to our attack and even if he wouldn't play 2-3 games a week, he could very well be the difference between a draw and a win when he plays.

{Ed001's Note - if needed it could be done yes.}

29 Jan 2016 15:46:27
If needed ed, would you not say it was needed a long time ago?

29 Jan 2016 15:48:46
I think that could be an issue with Klopp's style of play. How can sturridge play at the high pace if he's getting no fitness work apart from games? I think he'd often by off the pace of the game.

29 Jan 2016 16:19:44
Even with a lack of that intense training a player could stay in good enough shape to still play. He could also be subbed off after an hour, or even come on for the last 30.

29 Jan 2016 17:27:21
Is it worth it? Play a player knowing he can only go 60 max? or 30 as a sub? Seems like a waste of a player who is on extremely high wages.

I'd rather us attempt to get him to full fitness so he can be a regular contributor. Who knows when that will be. If he has a year like he did with Suarez then you drive up his value and decide to either sell or take the risk of injuries again.

{Ed001's Note - that is not how it works. Ledley King, Paul McGrath and others were able to play for the full 90min but barely able to train. Sometimes they are fit enough from playing games to not need to train.}

29 Jan 2016 17:57:29
Would you rather have 30 mins of sturridge or none? Just a suggestion mate.

29 Jan 2016 18:43:19
I'm sure everyone is hoping that Studgie G comes back fully fit next season and wins the Golden Boot, but food for thought that.

Wouldn't you rather get him to play against defensively tougher teams and let Ings or Benteke play the other matches; don't sell him to a direct rival for ~$15-20m and watch him score a hat-trick against us?

Anyhow, thanks a ton Ed001. Much appreciated.

29 Jan 2016 19:19:54
Ledley king was a brilliant defender.

29 Jan 2016 20:45:44
Sorry ED would have to disagree with you there; Ledley King and Daniel Sturridge are two very very different situations.

Ledley King had only one issue, the fact that there was no cartilage in his knee, so it was essentially bone on bone contact, causing swelling, it was essentially arthritis on steroids, and that's why the rest period was necessary to let that swelling go down. The positive was there was no muscular problems, so he could go to the gym and do certain exercises (not involving the bending of the knee at all) to keep himself in decent enough condition.

With Sturridge, he keeps getting soft tissue muscle injuries, if you asked a player like him to not train, considering how explosive he is, how much power his body generates when sprinting and shooting etc he would probably cause significant damage to his muscles every time he played and if you sent him to the gym like the spuds did with King then you're facing the same problems all over again.

Just my opinion, as i did a fair bit of research into Kings problems for a uni module, as it happens i believe Sturridges problems are purely because we are getting an injury prone player, who hasn't played in a long time, coming off the back of a big injury (his hip injury), and trying to rush him back without a proper pre-season etc, and it may be partly Sturridges fault for trying to get himself back too quickly. I reckon this little pre season thing Klipperty is doing will work wonders for the lad.

29 Jan 2016 13:34:59
I guess it looks like we can could sign a. Texira in the summer because they want keep him till end of season for Europa league there is a chance we can get them in Europa league knock out fase dorsek we could have got him for 38m now price is 50m in summer ynwa.

29 Jan 2016 13:48:21
He will go to Chelsea in the summer, think our window of opportunity was pretty small and they are just asking for way more than we can afford.

29 Jan 2016 13:56:11
I don't think any club will touch teixeria at £38m let alone £50m even in the summer. If they quote that ridiculous price for him the owner is more deluded than I think he is.

29 Jan 2016 14:17:04
No big loss, probably dodged a bullet.

29 Jan 2016 14:17:35
Quoting that that price is only ridiculous if no one pays it. I still think that someone will look at a guy scoring at a similar rate to Messi/ Ronaldo/ Arduriz and take a punt, whether that's £40mill or £50mill. There are lots of clubs with money out there.

29 Jan 2016 13:08:24
I completely agree with lfc walking away from a deal with shakhtar it seems dealing with russian and Ukrainian clubs seems like an absolute nightmare. anyways the reported £53m seems a massive gamble on a player that hasn't played in a top 4 league for lfc to take in our current climate. who knows in summer he might (probably) move on to maybe us or a different club then we can all say whether it was the right call or not.

After reading ED002 transfer summary it seems to me we will more than likely won't buy anyone before Mondays deadline would you think that seems a fair assumption ED002? of all the players you named in your review nolito and praet (for some unknown reason because I haven't seen him play) get me the most excited. I have seen nolito a little bit at celta and he seems he is a good wide forward capable of scoring goals, having said that aspas was doing that for them also. 2 questions for ED002 or ED001 if they time?

1) in your guys expert and amazing opinion if lfc or indeed another prem club purchased nolito has he got the right physical and mental attributes to make it here in England?

2) again if indeed lfc are interested and do make a bid I find this very strange with fsg transfer policy. I believe he 29 and would take a substantial offer to make him move so are fsg changing policy of buy young, develop and move on or would you think this a bit of a panic one off kind of thing?

many thanks guys appreciate you guys going to be EXTREMELY busy the next couple of days.

{Ed002's Note - I am not sure that Liverpool will do nothing - it is always tough to say that. (1) Nolito is very experienced but I have no idea if he would be able to drop in to the EPL and continue to perform the way he has - there will always be a risk and this is one of the reasons that coaches like to talk to the player before atransfer to confirm he will fit in. (2) All clubs look to buying and developing youngsters with the purpose of using them. If they don't use them for whatever reason they would obviously like a return on their investment, but it is not a driver to buying young players. Equally there needs to be a mix of experience the team in order to deal with the rigours of soccerball at the highest level - hence the likes of Milner and Lallana were purchased by Liverpool. And to confirm this it is not "policy" to buy young to sell at a profit, you then need to look at what Liverpool has paid for some of these youngsters. Firmino is the best example from the batch there at present - €41M potentially rising to €50M for a player that no German side were interested in buying from Hoffenheim at his €25M release clause. I think the supporters need to stop worrying about this policy and any conspiracy theories.}

29 Jan 2016 13:45:46
Actually ED002, that's my precise concern with Nolito, given that he is getting on a bit, I think that it would be difficult to come in to a new league as I think he wouldn't be able to maintain his level of performance and he isn't such an exceptional player like a Robben who would be worth the risk.

So I would be happy if we dodged that one and stuck by the players we have, I have to say my expectations at the start of the season were fairly low when we started with Rodgers in charge, its not fair to judge Klopp with a squad that he hasn't built and frankly we're still in 4 competitions and reached the final of one of them so glass half full and all that.

29 Jan 2016 14:35:21
Ed

Exactly what I was saying about the policy.

The price we have paid for youngsters is unlikely to give us a return like firmino for instance.

I don't know where people get this buy young and sell at a profit from.

{Ed002's Note - But that isn't "policy" - it is simply the way it is.}

29 Jan 2016 15:58:53
Tbh ed i assumed after your update mate that we most probably stick with what we've got until the summer and i'd be happy with that but i supppse you can't be certain we won't dip into market. Imo we should wait until summer.

29 Jan 2016 16:19:33
Firmino will be a hugely improved player after the summer just wait and see, he's young-hungry and eager to learn and has been improving game on game he just needs regular playing time and a decent player to bounce off each other like Suarez-Sturridge in the past

I'm not comparing him to either player mentioned above but the kid has serious potential and will I hope show his real potential next season.

28 Jan 2016 09:41:52
Ed2 in your personal opinion would lfc be better paying the price for ter stegen if interest is there, or perhaps looking at horn or karius. My opinion would be the latter.

{Ed002's Note - I think that there are much better options than ter Stegen out there but it is always tough to buy a goalkeeper. And why only German goalkeepers DR?}

29 Jan 2016 12:45:21
I'd look at Ward first! If he isn't deemed good enough I can't see a better keeper being available than Salvatore Sirigu.

{Ed002's Note - Several sides have been looking at Sirigu. Bordeaux, Torino, Milan, Monaco, Newcastle, Roma and Aston Villa have all declared an interest. Approaches to his agent from Lazio and Trabzonspor have been rejected and it is clear that he is not interested in a relegation fight with Aston Villa. For now he wan't move.}

29 Jan 2016 13:37:22
Why is everyone loving Ter Stegen at the moment yes He is a very good goalkeeper great reflexes and distribution but he is just as terrible as mignolet at commanding his box, coming for corners or set pieces?

29 Jan 2016 13:29:56
We already have a goalkeeper we can mould to what we want him to be. he name is Danny Ward. I say we develop him and have him get games next season in the Cups so he can improve. If anything, I prefer we get a new GK coach to come in and coach our `keepers rather than another GK because Mingo is staying and people really need to get over that and quit asking if we`re interested in another GK.

29 Jan 2016 14:12:21
Crockieee, thank you for this. I have been so confused at why everyone's been clammering on about ter stegen like he's much more superior compared to mignolet. He's a better overall goalkeeper but lacks in the same areas as mignolet does. He will not be a commanding dominant goalkeeper. The only thing he's got on mignolet is his distribution. Other than that they are not much different, although he would probably be a more confident goalkeeper which is what mignolet has suffered with ever since he's been here. Lack of confidence has made him make so many errors. But I do think we need a new goalkeeper asap, but ter stegen is not the one.

29 Jan 2016 11:31:15
Have read a few times that we're interested in hernandez of leverkeusen. I said amongst friends back when he was leaving utd he would be a great addition to our club at a reasonable price.12mil I tink. shame we didn't move on him then, can't see it happening now. He is a worker and goalscorer.

29 Jan 2016 14:13:22
I wish. WI'll not happen so soon after joining Leverkusen.

29 Jan 2016 16:20:00
He has already played for two teams this season, so wouldn't be eligible to play until next season anyway.

29 Jan 2016 11:04:13
Just heard that we are in talks with Ronaldino,

The club are said to still be looking to fill the void of Suarez teeth.

29 Jan 2016 12:13:49
We really need to 'nip' these bad jokes in the butt lads. Every morning I have to 'brace' myself for a comedy horror show. You lot really need to 'snap' out of this phase and 'buck' your ideas up. You're 'filling' up the pages with absolute rubbish. As for you 99problems, don't quit your day job mate because with regards this this whole joke thing, you've really 'bitten' off more than you can 'chew' ;)

29 Jan 2016 12:37:12
Maybe i'm a little long in the tooth now, but these jokes are giving me a right ache. They are awful, most definitely not mint, and those posting them should be given a paste-ing.

We just need to brush all of this under the carpet, rinse ourselves off and concentrate on not recording another (f) loss against West Ham tomorrow!

29 Jan 2016 12:47:47
100% agree RedDawn. I just don't know how we can 'drill' it into them ;)

29 Jan 2016 14:45:22
EMS fair enough, point taking I bite off more than I could chew!

Any who enough of this "chattering"

Sorry I know really poor.

29 Jan 2016 10:30:18
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Neymar Wants To Play For Pep, Vassell Announces Retirement After Not Playing In Over 3 Years And More

29 Jan 2016 09:35:21
Bloody hell! I can't believe what i read on here sometimes! People want Can out and we should be coughing up the full whack for Texeira. Where's the logic to all of this? There's so much more to just stomping up the asking price for a player. There's so many other aspects into transfer fees which need to be taken into consideration. I for one wouldn't want to see Liverpool gamble that amount of money on one player. If we don't get Texeira then we approach the next player that's on our list.

As for Can, yes he's made a couple of errors but who hasn't in the team. He's a player with so much potential and still learning at his age.

In regards to the ins and outs of the transfer window I personally think that we should keep the crop of players that we have at the moment as we are still competing in all cups. The players should be given a chance under Klopp for this season to prove they merit a place in the team.
And if they don't then Klopp will address this and we can move on.

On the other note, managed to get me tickets to the West Ham game in the Kop end! I bet on Lallana scoring a goal after pulling out his slow motion internet lag Cruyff turns.

29 Jan 2016 12:03:18
Can isn't good enough yet.

Great player for our future, but a squad player for now.

29 Jan 2016 13:33:59
He`s young and like Ibe, is still learning the game so I don`t care if he has a bad game here and there provided they are both learning.

29 Jan 2016 08:37:38
Shakhtar is looking at a replacement for Teixeira. If and when they manage to sign Danielzinho from Fluminense, then there's a possibility of them letting Teixeira leave.

{Ed002's Note - I have explained the situation with Teixeira.}

29 Jan 2016 11:29:00
Danielzinho plays in Cyprus.

{Ed002's Note - He mean the player that is normally referred to as Daniel. But it is of no consequence regarding Teixeira.}

29 Jan 2016 06:59:49
Was thinking a bit about the absence of a DOF. Would love to see someone in that capacity at the club, someone with a solid knowledge of the game. Should FSG reconsider their position on this, Leonardo and Klopp might be a good pairing. Leonardo has not been working since his suspension but surely has a great eye for players and is an asset at a negotiating table. Since Zorc from BVB is obviously not available/ interested/ interesting to FSG.
Just a thought.

29 Jan 2016 07:39:01
We aren't back onto5 this "DOF" crap again are we?

29 Jan 2016 08:48:52
The club is still suffering from the last DOF's purchases. FSG are in their 4th year at the club and it would be stupid to go back and start all over again.

29 Jan 2016 09:36:30
Problem is the last DOF was a DF.

29 Jan 2016 01:58:42
I understand that the club need to be frugal and can't just pay hand-over-foot for players like Teixeira.

I've seen a lot of media reports and pundits claiming Teixeira is a "gamble". I think this is baloney. Costa, Willian, Mkhitaryan, and Konoplyanka are all huge talents who came from Donetsk. Moreover, Teixeira has proven far more prolific and productive as an attacking midfielder than *any* of these players, including in Champions League. All evidence suggests he's not a gamble, but a proven talent on a team that has a track record for developing world class talent. Teixeira is many things, maybe "overpriced" at 38, but he's not a gamble.

In the end, if the difference is merely £5-8m (30m bid from Liverpool vs 35m or 38m asking price at Donetsk) or even greater (24m vs 38m), I still don't understand why we're not selling Benteke to help fund the signing?

Honestly, don't see the point of a £32m impact sub who does not fit the attack or style of Klopp at all.

Sell Benteke before his value drops even further, and use the funds to cover Teixeira.

Bring in a player with explosive pace, power, piles of goals (including in CL), with world class potential-- everything we could use more of in our attack-- who has also literally came out and begged to come to the club.

And sell a player who does not fit, will not fit, and will never fit, and who is a third or fourth choice of striker when everyone is healthy, and often looks too lazy actually try.

I know it's never this simple, but felt it had to be said.

{Ed002's Note - Benteke is not for sale and nobody is showing interest in him. The Liverpool fans a crave a marquee signing and then moan about it.}

29 Jan 2016 02:06:56
I can believe he's not for sale. I'm saying, why not?

{Ed002's Note - He is a Liverpool player - past, present or future. Spew the hate.}

29 Jan 2016 02:10:09
And for the record, I've never viewed Benteke as a "marquee" signing. Never wanted him. Predicted he wouldn't fit. He doesn't. He won't.

{Ed002's Note - Feel free to start a hat campaign on Facebook or whatever.}

29 Jan 2016 02:12:12
It's not about hate. It's about building the best team. Period.

{Ed002's Note - No it is simply the modern day Liverpool fans destroying a club through not being supportive and spewing hate over everyone associated with that club.}

29 Jan 2016 02:24:00
Disagree. We've moved on players in the past who do not fit style and attack, especially if they'll likely excel elsewhere. It probably hurts Benteke as well retaining him as a sub, when he could lead the line elsewhere. Talented player, doesn't fit. The Benteke signing was a mistake. No shame in admitting that. Certainly Klopp feels no loyalties given his player choices.

I recognize there's hate out there in the fanbase, no doubt, but you're mistaken if you think that's what is animating my thinking.

{Ed002's Note - You are simp-ly another Liverpool "fan" who is unable to support the club nor the players at the club. It is imploding. Klopp has fixed nothing and the so called fans are trying to protect the so called "world class" manager by blaming the players - it is truly hopeless and indicative or either not understanding the game or simple stupidity. You choose.}

29 Jan 2016 02:34:27
I'm quite content with my LFC fan credentials, but thanks for the concern.

Klopp has taken a Rodgers team that could not compete with top EPL teams, and now, we're regularly beating and out-playing them this year with the same squad. There is plenty work to do, plenty of unfortunate injuries, but he has my full confidence.

Most fans were not supportive of the Benteke move. The rationale still escapes me as it escapes many; seems to also escape Rodgers himself who has yet to justify it.

29 Jan 2016 02:52:50
klopp is human after all. like any new employee, he needs time to feel the power bases at a new organisation before he ruffle any feathers and get booted out like say Benitez at RM. Like any employee, his bread and butter comes first. Once he feel the power bases and gain support and alliances, he will be able to kick over the sacred cows. surely u dun neeed me to teach u office politics.

29 Jan 2016 03:01:23
Imploding is quite an emotive word and given the evidence of the season so far -

Qualification for the final of a domestic cup competition, Qualification to the knock-out stages of a European cup competition, Still within striking distance of the top fou in the league,
Still in another of the domestic cup competition (at least until 7ish on Saturday night)

may be a slight exaggeration.

With respect to the player under discussion in this instance - the original reasoning behind signing him has been largely removed with the introduction of a new coach who seems to wish to introduce a different style of play. The player has had (and will have more) opportunities to rove that he has the skills to adapt to the new system. If he hasn't then it is better for both the player and the club if he moves on to try and further his career elsewhere. This opinion isn't based in hatred - it is based in a desire to see what is best for the club and the player.

29 Jan 2016 03:42:41
I can see why some people are disappointed with benteke as I am too for his effort sometimes on the picth but I for one don't think he has no ability and can't be a good player for us, I don't think he is just someone that should be stuck in the box looking for a header at every attack like all the pundits say he should do, the mans got feet and hasn't got a bad touch on him and can dribble past players sometimes with ease with skill he can join in attacks. Its stupid that people aren't even giving him a chance at all he still our highest scorer and isn't half as bad as Ballotelli just give the man a chance i don't think Klopp wants him gone otherwise he wouldn't have looked at him when he was dortmond although he is leaving him out I just think he's experimenting with different playing styles till he finds the right one for next season. Sorry rant over.

29 Jan 2016 04:19:17
Benteke has been getting chances and not looked particular impressive. I'll agree he does in fact have two feet, but dribbling past players with ease is a pretty massive stretch.

He's likely to still be here for another year minimum I'd guess, hopefully he picks it up a few notches.

29 Jan 2016 06:16:22
Ed, perhaps the English weather has put you in a really bad mood, but your exaggeration really excessive. Despite your accusations, Fear of a Red Planet is not the hateful, unsupportive fan you make him out to be. I'm sure he wants to see Benteke do well, but using rational thought, he doesn't think that will come to fruition, so I don't see how you take umbrage with his suggestions to sell him. The poster doesn't need to have his integrity and his character unfairly questioned like that.

As for Benteke being a marquee signing, well maybe in your world he is, but in the better universe that Liverpool fans live in, he is not. He's merely just a good player that Liverpool overpaid for. Fans cry out for players of marquee quality. They don't cry out for being ripped off over merely good players. There's a difference, and you've literally just made up a false narrative about Liverpool fans to support your agenda.

It is possible to be supportive and critical of a player at the same time.

29 Jan 2016 07:48:49
You're wasting your breath ed2. People often don't like what's in the mirror.

29 Jan 2016 08:05:25
ED I don't see where this typical "Liverpool fan" comes from that you keep mentioning.

I would imagine that this is how all supporters are past and present.

the only difference now is social media and the internet making it easier to voice your opinion.

29 Jan 2016 08:06:31
87red, let's put everything into context here. Ed002 has repeatedly asserted that Liverpool need to sell players to build funds, and to cure the squad's bloating. Yet when a fan suggests that Liverpool do just exactly that, he suddenly calls him a hateful, unsupportive fan. Don't you think that's a tad unfair?

29 Jan 2016 02:48:53
Ed002: One last thing -- I appreciate your perspective on this (and you sharing your deep knowledge of football dealings on here), especially as you're tasked with having to constantly deal with people spewing anger or hate on here (or elsewhere) .

And I agree, Klopp has made mistakes and isn't above criticism.

I've just long had a different take on the Benteke acquisition. That's all. That Facebook hat campaign, however, is not a bad suggestion: "Make LFC Great Again".

29 Jan 2016 05:04:22
Ed, just asking out of curiosity (hope it won't kill this cat) since you frequent many of the different teams that are represented on this site which fans slate their own players/ team the most? Surely it can't be only Liverpool fans?

{Ed002's Note - The Liverpool fans are by far and away the worst - and I appreciate there are more. The Manchester United page has been ruined by their new breed of toxic fans (and regulars here) that are trolling pretty much every post to make it about the manager. The Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs fans are general very good but have one or two idiots. The West Ham fans are very good but have no interest in what is actually happening in terms of transfers. The Manchester City fan is a very nice chap called Bernard.}

29 Jan 2016 08:54:11
No nick,

Again I'm wasting my breath here but I'll try. A large proportion of the fans on here are fickle and extremely disrespectful to our players, staff and even the owners in some cases.

I can honestly say I've never met an lfc fan in person who speaks about our club and players in the way they are on a daily basis on this site.

i know this post will get a lot of disagrees (qu'elle surprise it will be said fans I'm referring to) .

Many modern day football fans are only interested in singing when you're winning. I remember being at anfield and the kop just got louder in support when we conceded a goal.

To re-iterate, this isn't all football fans but this site shows the good, the bad and the ugly.

29 Jan 2016 09:27:13
The Manchester City fan
ED002.post of the day :)

29 Jan 2016 09:31:37
87red, you've obviously never had a proper conversation with a bunch of Liverpool fans. Go to the local pubs near Anfield on match days, especially after the games. A lot of discussion about Liverpool, and a lot of discussion about who's not good enough. These people are out there, you're just looking in the wrong place.

To shed some light on how I feel about this whole situation. I'm pretty tired of Liverpool eyeing up players and making bids below the asking price, I'm fairly sure we have enough players to unload to make this signing cost nothing. The lowball offers we constantly see seem more like something to keep the fans happy/ excited than actually trying to sign the players. Teixeira would fit our style of play much better than Benteke,
my girlfriend who knows nothing about football could watch both players for 1-2 games each and know that. Benteke simply doesn't fit what we need, you can call it 'hate' all you want, but these days what isn't 'hate'. You say 'he couldve done better' and suddenly you're a 'hater', its just not true, having an opinion on something does not make you a hater, nobody is saying Benteke is awful and doesn't deserve to play for our club, we're saying he's good but doesn't fit our style of play. We need to cash in and use the money to not make similar mistakes.

29 Jan 2016 09:38:55
The Liverpool page is by far the busiest.

So talking % wise of idiots all fans are probably the same :)

happy days.

29 Jan 2016 09:41:36
Fans have always criticised under-performing players or ones who don't make an effort on the pitch. Benteke needs to justify his wages. No hate campaigns, just fans frustration with a current under-achiever.

29 Jan 2016 09:48:06
A lot of people do not like Big Ben, I for one do. Yes he is not the runner we all want, he can be frustrating but what players arnt? Benteke has a good goal and assist records even if you look at his Liverpool days. He is the type of player that works with another striker up top yet till now he has not had any one to play with. He is on his own and a lot of the service he gets is still the balls played for sturridge or suarez with lots of explosive pace.
I'm sure any of you here that worked some where and you was. It getting the service from other departments then you to do you would struggle. Give Benteke a pre season under Klopp and I bet he starts to show his true ability. Give the lad support not call him names.

Baz.

29 Jan 2016 10:38:05
Benteke is one of those cricket players who ain't famous for his footwork or technical ability. He just stands and deliver. Make no mistake we never played to his strength and we never looked like paying to it at all.
Apparently the team is getting build around Firmino and Benteke is left out.

Wait some time, and the same posters would come up and ask Klopp, Where is the plan B? We do need a physical mister up front blah blah.

I am eagerly waiting.

29 Jan 2016 06:43:01
Imploding is what I call battling relegation. Fans calling their own players "Rats. " Fans singing peaceful songs on Paris train. Signing finished players from Brazil. And then there is the cases similar to Papy Djilbodji. Yet they are the model to follow according to some people.

Liverpool have done fine under Klopp under the circumstances. It is a well run club. Benteke has full support from most of the Liverpool fans.

29 Jan 2016 14:06:34
Insulting players and calling them rats and the worst, "deadwood" is just beyond the pale and disgusting. I agree that many of our fans are fickle, unterested in supporting the team when the going gets tough or simply incapable of having a rational conversation about players and transfers. What i don`t agree with is to just categorize people as haters just because they have disagreements on a player`s worth or ability. that is just wrong and childish. Hatred is a word reserved for Satan alone, in my book so that should not be used on fellow human beings and if so, it should be condemed. As for Benteke, many of us didn`t want him because of the very reasons we are now seeing. his talent is there and his ability to do better and contribute more is also there BUT he has to want it and desire to be great. taht is where the issue is, IMO. He has too much ability to just be as poor as he has been even tho, he has shown some glimpses of improvement, of late. He won`t be sold this summer because no one will take him off our hands hence, he`ll be here next season and Klopp will have a full preseason to work with him and team as a whole so we`ll see what happens then. As for Klopp, he may have made a couple of mistakes but as long as he`s learning from them, I`m fine with it. He has said repeatedly that he`s not a genius and that he will not always be right so it`s not as if he`s an ITK.

29 Jan 2016 21:26:20
NickIsARed, redohio: Thanks, both, for the reasoned defense. Didn't think I was spewing hate or anything really extraordinary. Certainly don't hate Benteke. I actually feel a bit bad for the guy; though he's certainly getting paid well for his struggles.

{Ed002's Note - He has been crying all day because of what you said.}

29 Jan 2016 22:00:49
Ed002: Feel bad not because of what I said, but because he looks low on confidence due to being out of favour under Klopp.

But thanks for the tears report. Nice to hear you're keeping tabs on him. Such a caring Ed.

29 Jan 2016 00:45:39
Hi, surely the value of a player is only what a club will pay . In the summer the fee will be agreed between another club . Mistakes on previous should not affect a target . Or we just let the season fade and account for another year of " transition"

29 Jan 2016 00:11:30
Latest Podcast now posted discussing Liverpool v Stoke City semi final match and the upcoming League Cup Final match against Manchester City with special guest, Wesley


Podcast 14