Liverpool Banter Archive April 02 2014

02 Apr 2014 23:38:35
With rumours starting to build about Luis being off again see various outlets ( now makes me feel a bit sick )

I wondered how the England -Uruguay match would play into that scenario. With the press laying in to Luis during the lead up and after

Or should I just live in the moment and enjoy him while he is around and not worry

Enjoy :)

Just enjoy him mate! Same business in the press every summer since he has been here, don't worry about it!

02 Apr 2014 23:05:38
Alright lads, little bit of good news, uncle's condition is still critical, but they said he has improved overnight, will keep you updated on that.

I don't like to tempt fate, but I genuinely think we have a great chance of winning the league. Chelsea have not looked great since the Arsenal game and are looking slightly jaded. Similarly with City, although they have a squad capable of providing results even with injuries and fatigue. I think it all comes down to the two games at Anfield in the coming weeks. The City game is going to be the decider in my opinion. I feel we can beat Chelsea if we perform as we did against the big teams this season, although I still wouldn't rule them out. We gave City a good run for their money at the Etihad, and that was with a few vital players missing. At Anfield, with the 12th man sucking the ball into the net, I think we could just edge City out. But that won't be the end of it. It will no doubt be the so called 'smaller teams' which I feel will decide the destination of this seasons Premier League. West Ham will be the hardest of those in my opinion, and maybe final day nerves vs Newcastle. I don't even know what I would do if we won the league. I was saying I'd cry like a baby, and I probably would, but I think I would literally run around the whole estate in the nip (along with Ken and his lucky pants). Would be amazing, and on the 25th anniversary of Hillsborough it would be a fitting way to end the season.
#MakeUsDream!
Cheers,

Too right ROI, too many factors in the remaining six games to consider, makes for a nervy end to the season. Glad to hear the improvement with your uncle, still in my prayers mate.

Glad to hear of your uncles improvement mate! Hope it continues swiftly!

So many twists and turns left in the season let's hope we can remain consistent and come through our tests largely unscathed!

02 Apr 2014 21:56:30
With our players out on loan due to return this summer here is what the most likely outcome for them will be:
Pepe Reina - Leaving (won't play second fiddle to SM)
Andre Wisdom - Leaving due to many defenders
Tiago Ilori - Leaving unless guarantees are given
Jack Robinson - Leaving as he has not progressed
Oussama Assaidi - Leaving as he has impressed Stoke
Krisztian Adjoran - Leaving as he is surplus for us
Michael Ngoo - Leaving as Morgan was better & left
Suso - Staying as he will be integral next season
Fabio Borini - Staying as he wants to succeed

Wisdom and llori will still be here next season the rest ill agree with

Personally I think the ilori situation has been exaggerated, I think he didn't say he was leaving if he's not guaranteed starts, but he think he should leave if he's not playing, ie on loan like he has

Anyone been watching the Granada matches with Ilori - thoughts?

I see Wisdom staying, and instead Kelly leaving. My brother's flatmate grew up and went to school with Martin and as a result he remains best mates with him. In recent discussion he has apparently informed him that he will look to move on if the correct opportunity arises as he does not think he will get the playing time he desires at the club.

He's been out injured

You can't get rid of wisdom, i'm pretty sure he's part of rodgers plans.

I'd keep suso, borini and Illori as well rest will definitely be sold.

Also agree that Kelly might be moved on as well. I really like him but I guess he's too fragile

I would like to see kelly and wisdom stay. I like both, and think that with Illori we have 3 young backs who will get game time in cup competitions and cover injured players.
Right now I see one of skrtel or Agger leaving in the summer. I'd also rather us keep hold of the young guns because toure only has a nother year left after this, and I can't see us extending that. which means next year if we sell kelly and wisdom, we will have to be in the market for another CB

02 Apr 2014 21:46:50
Evening Eds and all fellow Reds,

Just been watching some of the Chelsea CL game. They looked pretty awful, couldn't really get a flow. Hopefully their performance at Anfield is similar! Be good to hear your views on their performance.

Cheers!

02 Apr 2014 19:46:15
Eds fellow reds, said it last year and I will say it again, I don't see Luis leaving .he seem to be enjoying life at Liverpool and he will be in champs league will play every game if fit and his partnership with Danny sturridge is just getting better and better . So don't think he will go anywhere soon .

Would be seemingly inevitable, after being poor and him staying, that now we are better he will leave haha

I think its 50 / 50; I think he loves it here but has too many people telling him what he could be doing - in all fairness he deserves playing on the greatest stage; maybe this year he may believe we can give him that.

If he doesn't don't think the players who have played with him haven't learnt from him. Somehow I don't think we will waste our £100m if he does go

02 Apr 2014 18:38:56
Sorry eds I kno this is nothing to do with barca but what exactli does the ban imposed on them prevent them from doing?

Are they not allowed to sign players permenantly or on loan?

Are they allowed to sell players? Or loan out players?

Are they going to appeal?

Abbas lfc

{Ed002's Note - Why are you asking on a Liverpool page?}

Get what your saying ed 02 but it is a football question and we are all football fans!
peace

02 Apr 2014 17:48:42
Has ed001 won the lottery then, and is now doing Liverpool Rumours on a gold-plated Ipad whilst being chaffeur-driven around Dubai in a Hummer on tank tracks?

{Ed001's Note - no mate, I just clean those things. The sand makes a right mess of them. Joking aside, I nearly got run over by a gold plated Porsche will ogling a custom pink Bentley with massive rims that just looked so wrong amidst all the Lambos and Ferraris. I think I might apply to work in valet parking at Dubai Mall so I can drive some of those babies!}

Ed001 Welcome to Dubai and I would keep the Liverpool thing kind of quite. not many around here lean that way and your residency might get rejected :)

{Ed001's Note - never found it a problem mate, they just want to talk about Sturridge and Suarez and how great they are.}

LOL you must of gotten lucky and met a small minority. Welcome and enjoy the weather before it gets really hot.

{Ed001's Note - I used to work here many years ago mate, never had any issues. Well apart from getting them to understand me when I speak! I have to have a translator to translate me into English for them.}

02 Apr 2014 13:44:59
Welcome back ed001!

How's the new pad?

Hope you've found a shady spot where you can see your computer screen ;)

Appreciate all you and the other eds are doing, despite trying to run a 'normal' life in the meantime!

{Ed001's Note - hahaha thank you mate, plenty of shade indoors luckily. }

02 Apr 2014 14:53:36
hi edd this barca embargo on transfers is interesting and I have a few questions if you do not mind?

1 win your opinion will they appeal and get it overturned?

2 is this a wake up call for all clubs let's say bending the rules?

3 will that mean any players barca intended in selling they will keep hold of now?

4 let's say pepe reina buys out of his Liverpool contract could that mean he could hypothetically join barca because there is no transfer fee included?

cheers edd.

{Ed002's Note - 1. It could go on for a long time via the Court of Arbitration. 2. They are by no means the only club responsible of this infraction. It is simply endemic there. 3 With a couple of exceptions. 4. That won't happen.}

I really can't see the 'not selling players' portion sticking. That would seem to be potentially punishing players for the transgressions of their employer which would seem at the very least a tad unethical and would seem similar in some way to restriction of freedom of movement claims like under Bosman.

Its not that they can't sell players rdl. They just won't because they can't buy in replacements

Thought they were banned from transfer windows, and read apart from fringe players, they cannot sell either

I agree RDL - you can't restrict employee movement.

I can see them not being involved in overseas transfers of a minor for a couple of seasons but not all transfers.

I agree RDL - you can't restrict employee movement.

I can see them not being involved in overseas transfers of a minor for a couple of seasons but not all transfers.

02 Apr 2014 14:19:28
Eds,
Quick question.
Now that Barcelona has been banned from buying or selling a player for the next 18months what does it mean for Pepe Reina?

Also, what impact will it have on players we are looking at from Barcelona.

{Ed002's Note - I can't see it will impact him - ter Stegen it is a different matter.}

Guess that means any slim possibility for pedro for us or anyone else is gone

02 Apr 2014 12:36:31
HI Eds,

With the transfer ban imposed on Barcelona today, do you think will now hold onto all/most of the players that were rumoured to be on the way out this summer?

{Ed002's Note - Try the European page - it is nothing to do with Liverpool.}

02 Apr 2014 11:00:42
Hi Eds

In light of Spurs' recent announcement on new stadium plans, I realised we've not heard much on the redevelopment of Anfield lately. Do you know what the latest is on the proposed improvement of our stadium?

Cheers
Paul

{Ed002's Note - There is nothing new to report.}

02 Apr 2014 09:48:13
Hey Eds, not necessarily Liverpool related but I was wondering on your opinions on which club you guys reckon will most likely be the largest spenders this summer with FFP dates closing in?

{Ed002's Note - Much depends on sales but certainly a number of clubs have lofty ambitions for players including Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG and Real Madrid.}

02 Apr 2014 16:41:47
Hey eds, does the transfer ban on Barcelona mean players can't leave as well? That seems sort of unfair if you ask me.

If they can leave, I'd imagine it would be that much harder to sign them though, as there is no chance of replacement except through their huge youth team.

If anyone could handle this ban, it's Barcelona.

{Ed007's Note - They can't buy or sell any players.}

02 Apr 2014 15:17:19
Hi Ed's&all my Red mates. Something in my head I'd like to throw at you all seeing as I've not been here for a bit.Now young Flanno is having one hell of a time in the 1st team and long, long may it continue but here's the thing he's a RB playing LB.Long term would we not be better getting a LB to play LB?Now before you all shoot me as I said I love the lad and I hope he play's for Liverpool for ages but for me long term I would rather a proper LB and no I don't rate Enrique.What would you guy's do?
Cheer's lad's.
BarryinLouth

Flanno players better on the left in my opinion its like it suits him

Why worry if he's doing the job - Philip Lahm was a right full back, and can equally well at left back, and defensive midfield - some players thrive on adapability. Jamie Carragher was originally a right back and played midfield for all his under 21 caps. Who is to say Flanagan cannot build a very successful career doing what he is doing now. Good sides need players that can play in a number of positions.

Its a no brainer mate. Obviously we need a new left back, flanagan and johnson should be able to battle out for the rightback slot. In my opinion we should also buy a left back and let enrique fight back to get the 1st team place with the new signing. Its a priority for me as its our weakest spot but there aren't that many options available, maybe bertrand? shaw? not a clue but we need one that's for sure.

Took the words out of my mouth Jackoo.

Red Rum

For me it is the one place without quality, who would you guys want realistically for left back?

I agree with you Jackoo.Cheers for the replys lads.
BarryinLouth

I think Flanno can look suspect when someone runs at him with the ball. If a player is about to receive the ball he's in there and normally wins it.

IMO he is a good squad player and would probably play 50% of the league games at either full back position.

Saying that the way we press and attack allows us to do the things we do and Flanno is an important part of us winning the ball high up in the opposition half as well as using good distribution.

Not knocking the guy as Sami wasnt rapid and he sort of reminds me of him - cool, good distribution but can be out witted and look cumbersome due to a lack of pace

02 Apr 2014 14:41:14
I don't want to tempt fate but if Stevie G was out who would take our penalties?
Who are the next in line?

Agger takes pens for Denmark, I think. Sturridge otherwise, or maybe Henderson I imagine.

Suarez.

Red Rum

Coutinho should be deputy for penalties imo. I remember him taking a couple in pre season, sent the keeper the wrong way each time. Looked as cool as a cucumber.

Suarez takes them for the national side sturrdige is awful and would trust hendos finishing

02 Apr 2014 12:34:52
Fifa have apparently banned Barcelona from signing players for two transfer windows.

The Spanish giants are deemed to have breached rules relating to the “international transfers of non-Spanish minors”, according to a statement from the game's governing body, and they have also been fined along with the Spanish FA.

They are not allowed sell players either I think. at least that will stop the silly rumours.

Eds - do you know if this is just 'transfers in' or 'transfers out' too?

Would this affect our chances of signing Tello?

Would it affect loans too?

Thanks

{Ed002's Note - In - loans are not dealt with separately.}

02 Apr 2014 12:17:47
just seen the report about the pruposed spurs new stadium. they have 47,000 on the season ticket waiting list. couple of questions without sounding naive. if they have a list like that, what sort of numbers have we got? and secondly if we have more than that on the waiting list why is ian ayre talking about 60,000 being our sweet spot. and lastly if momey was no object and anfield wasnt as hemmed in as it is what sort of stadium could we fill eaxh week?

We have a season ticket waiting list of 70,000+, the reason we can't go above 60,000 yet is because we'd need to revamp the transport system in Liverpool such as the railway for safety purposes, which would cost enormous amounts of money.

02 Apr 2014 14:16:55
You can't build as you wish.

Where the hell did you get the idea of 70,000 on the waiting list, it's been well documented that our waiting list is about 20,000 - the LFC website states that over the last 15 years 70,000 have expressed an interest - not the same as being on the waiting list.

As a former Mersey travel employee I seen plans for the city of Liverpool for the once proposed tram system and the trams would of ran right up to the once proposed new Liverpool ground and to Goodison park which would of catered for all the football supporters but this fell through and may of been one of the reasons that the new ground did not happen

So are we saying that in ten years time our redeveloped anfield will still be to small? I understand the need to keep up but I fail to understand that were not future proofing. will we be in the same position as we are now i.e in a stadium that isn't big enough? any thing to add edds?

{Ed002's Note - 60k will be the limit.}

02 Apr 2014 19:42:13
I seem to remember Ed02 giving a very good answer to that question a few months ago.

02 Apr 2014 10:43:47
What do you guys think of james milner? personally think he could be a good bit of business. down to his last 12 months of his contract.so could be on the cheap

Great squad player!

Not for me Stevie lad, I think he is over rated. He's final ball as well ain't great. But hey what do I know.

For about 5 million pounds would you take him?

Henderson and Allen at the club there's no need but with his experience and grate attitude maybe

02 Apr 2014 12:14:48
I think he's a decent player, but I'm not sure he adds anything that Hendo and Allen don't bring!

Decent player, but I rather look elsewhere.

Keep in mind that we will probably only see 2 or 3 players bought in; Do you want one to be Milner?

For 5 million pounds would you take him?

02 Apr 2014 12:33:23
James Milner is very suited to the way Rodgers likes players. He is very mobile, fairly quick, great energy, and loves to press the opposition. He is also arguably the most versatile player in the premier league. His end product is actually very good, he just rarely gets the plaudits he deserves because he is a lot like Dirk Kuyt. Very industrious, but very little flair. He gets the job done, but he does it 'ugly'.

I'd take Milner at Liverpool in a heart beat. He epitomises a hard working squad player. I just don't think we will go for him because of his age/wages, and also the likelihood of City wanting to sell.

02 Apr 2014 13:00:20
He certainly a good adition, A good squad player, But I won't splash more than 10 mill for him. He could play on both wings and also through the middle.

I'd drive to Manchester, pick him up and then take him to Melwood to be Zaffed. Without a doubt.

I reckon he offers more then allen. allen needs to start getting a few goals and assists, he presses and defends well.Milner also plays more attacking and longer passes where as allen plays mostly short. that's where I reckon milner would be better

I don't see why you would want him for 5 million but not for more. Yes it could be good business but we can't do the same thing this summer as last, which was to spend money on lots of cheaper buys as opposed to signing a top player for the combined equal total. Anyway to answer the question, I wouldn't pick him personally but I would be happy enough if we signed him.

I agree with East Midlands on this one, he would be a great player to have around the team. In the tough matches where we've taking the lead he would be good to come over the bench after 60 mins or so and help win out the match . We can have all the flair and skill in the world but you need these type of workmen type players who grind out wins and win ugly . Would be a great addition if the price was right of course!

Clamdown if we signed a top player he may also flop (carrol torres and many more) at least Miller is proving in the league

Joe Allen or James Milner? - no brainer - Allen every time.

John b joe Allen offers nothing really accept six yard side way passes around the halfway line . He can't score or assist I understand Brendan Rodgers fancies his tactical awareness but I don't think he offers anything . He chases players bouncing off there hip . He's to weak for me . If Allen was any use I'm sure clubs would of been interested Liverpool will never recoup near the money we paid for him . He isn't worth over 8 million and never will be!

I'd have him straight away doesn't mean no Allen, we will have a lot of games, rotation will be key, and Milner is hard working and consistent.

I think with us pretty much having champions league milner would be a useful addition. premier league experience, good work ethic, decent on the ball and can play in a few positions

02 Apr 2014 09:46:46
Banter please eds,

6 games left still tight at the top so let's not jump the gun and think we have the league won. I think us fans need to cool abit. Yes we are excited yes we haven't been this close for years but hey wait till be cross the line before assuming the league is over. one game at a time as the gaffer says and we will see where it takes us.

I agree. It's nice to be up there with a fighting chance and there's nothing wrong with being hopeful but let's keep it real. I'd hate for us all to get our hopes up and then it doesn't materialise.

There are many potential banana skins between now and the end of the season. Either way whatever happens I think top 4 is a definite!

Exactly 99dude.

Agreed. West ham, palace and norwich (even with our good record against them) are all very difficult matched as they are all in relegation battles.

And then we have city and chelsea at home. We haven't beaten city in the last 4 matches I think.

Its all very difficult, I hope we win the league but we need to help the players by decreasing the pressure and lowering expectations

02 Apr 2014 08:53:53
Eds and reds,

I have heard recently that players we bought last summer, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas, could be moved on this summer as they haven't been good enough to compete.
Do you think it's too early to judge these players after one season?

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

02 Apr 2014 09:33:58
Alberto could be kept, But Aspas should be off in the summer.

Personally I think Alberto was a pointless signing. I have no doubt he will go on to have a pretty good career, but it won't be with us. His style of play is more suited to la liga, where I think he will go back. If BR intends to keep Borini, then that is the end of Aspas imo.

Totally agree with Indian Buzzer.
Why did we sign Alberto?

Could pf kept shelvey instead of Alberto said it all alone

It is very harsh on them but I can see both being moved on.

Alberto plays in a position where we have plenty of others, who can be argued are better. Coutinho, Suso, Teixeira are all similar in age and playing style to Alberto. And, we have young Cameron Brannagan coming through.

02 Apr 2014 02:09:11
Anyone think a big name striker will be signed in the summer especially if aspas or borini are left go, also what big name striker would ye like see come join sas, mine would be benteke or diego costa

I would prefer someone a little more versatile. Alexis Sanchez would be awesome, but I think the Eds have indicated very unlikely.

Would a big name striker come in to sit on the bench?

I very much want Griezmann, but it aint't happening - though I have a secret hope that things may change when summer comes.

We do not need a 'big name striker' who would be on the bench for stupid money. Borini is more than good enough to be 3rd choice striker. What we need is a wide player preferably Shaqiri or Griezmann who would provide competition to our front 3.

I think Sanchez is a pretty big name in the world of football. I can't see a big money signing being brought into be a squad player.

I agree with Indian Buzzer that somebody like Shaqiri would be an excellent addition.

Agreed with a lot of the posts above! I would give Borini his chance and go for either Sanchez or Shaqiri, fluid players with great talent.

01 Apr 2014 23:50:16
So Sterling has been voted the 5th best teenage player by some poll or other. Not bad you might think on the face of it until you find out that Januzai is 1st and Defoleu is 4th. Now don't get me wrong both are very good players with big big futures but surely they can't be taking into accounts how well they have played this season? The impact they have had on the team or Sterling would be above these 2 easily? i'm truely baffled.

I shall write to the polling station and express your concerns Irish.

I hope this makes u feel better and a little less upset about a poll that maybe wasn't manipulated by Liverpool fans again to get the result they want to see even if the fact is they are wrong!

Yes januzaj is a better prospect than sterling, but that is not others claiming sterling is a donkey just maybe not as good as another player his age.

Rooney is a great player but i'm sure an honest poll would have Suarez above him and many others, it dnt really matter in the grand scheme of things.

Stop taking everything so personal, the media are all over your gonads atm and the scouse media will make sure that continues dnt u worry

Ironic that you talk about the "scouse media" when it has been the media's constant bumming of United that has somehow convinced a lot of people that Januzaj is an amazing player when he quite plainly isn't.

Did Januzaj play against us? I don't remember him

Yeah Seano it's like everyone thinks he is on Crisitano's or Hazard's level at that age.

Rooney is not a great player. Overrated defo

Januzaj better than sterling. at the min . Naaa!
sterling all day long more power pace more goals

Ctr definitely emotional about us having a chance of winning the league

WOW!
That is bizarre.
Sterling is twice the player of Januzaj!

Sterling is top dog in the league at his age no doubt about that

Joke of a poll.

Januzaj def isn't a better player than Sterling. Defoleu is though.

@ bobatron

I was thinking about this for a while actually and I think they are just about equal. Deulofeu is probably better individually but Sterling tactically and as part of the team is better - I'd say they were dead equal IMO.

Just ignore it, they never mean anything. I remember all us Irish getting Gary Doherty to be Times man of the Century, only for Times to disqualify him from it (an action from which I am still bitter) and give it to Einstein.

Sterling is one of the best young players in the world at this moment, his consistency has come on 10 fold and so has his game, (mainly his vision, offensive and defensive positioning and supply)

Januzaj looks a great talent also IMO, maybe in a sustained run he would have burnt out by now but he has looked good on the occasions I've seen him play,

Sterling's ahead for me though at this moment.

Maybe the other two are flashier at times and have a good shot in them, but the reading of game, positional sense and defensive work rate of sterling is way beyond his years. He's developing really fast that it's almost frightening to think how he'd turn out!

On what planet is Defoleu better than Sterling.
Did the poster above watch the Tottenham game?

I'll agree with that assessment seano