Liverpool Banter Archive April 03 2016

 

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03 Apr 2016 19:59:53
Said it before why Leicester top no European football today was their 37th game in all comps we are on fifty . Quite happy not to qualify for Europa next season, its our best chance to win prem with no European football next year, obviously would like to win Europa this year. But as I said quite happy to not win it this season. And by the way if Leicester do win it they will have blown that old nutshell about a team from bottom half of table NOT capable of winning prem because they finished 17th last year. The new Chelsea manager wiil be able to mount a challenge next year similar to Leicester this year because of no European football I feel we should be in the same boat I hope Jurgen does too. Its our best chance boys we will be as fresh as daisies in the run in.

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{Ed001's Note - it is nothing to do with that. It is to do with them being a good team working well together and having good players.}

03 Apr 2016 20:51:23
Spurs doing ok.


03 Apr 2016 22:04:40
That also helps but they haven't had players out though injury like we and other teams .


03 Apr 2016 22:53:05
When we came within a slip of the title under Rodgers, were we in Europe?


03 Apr 2016 22:57:18
I agree with both of you, Leicester team, the togetherness and everything else is what is winning them the title, but as 007 said it's much easier to play your best 11 every see when you're not playing twice a week, look at Liverpool when we finished second, no European football, out of the cups relatively early and it allows you to focus on one competition and allows you to also pick your best 11 most of the time barring injuries obviously. If we don't have European football next season I expect us to challenge, and if we do, I still expect a challenge, but the point about Chelsea is very valid.


03 Apr 2016 20:58:46
And great owners ed001, free beer and doughnuts given out today as it is the owners birthday tomorrow, they will be deserved champions as they have been the best team in the league. The idea of not wanting European football as a Liverpool fan makes me sick, we should want to be involved in as many competitions as possible, what Leicester have shown is that you don't need to spend a fortune to compete, that gives me great hope for the future and is also why the premier league is the most unique of all the leagues in Europe, after all I don't expect mainz for example to win next years bundesliga.


{Ed003's Note - If only we were rich enough to celebrate our own Birthday by giving out gifts eh..... Leicester are the best team and they have spent money by the way but it is a truly remarkable season.}

03 Apr 2016 21:30:40
Can't hurt though ed. Players who play less will be less likely to get injured or fatigued.


{Ed001's Note - no they won't. This is a fallacy. They can get injured just as easily crossing a road or (in some players' cases) picking up a TV remote etc. Leicester train harder than anyone else in the Prem, so having breaks just means they are being pushed harder in training and their training is much harder than the matches. It is a lack of fitness and sports scientists with little understanding of the reality of their chosen field. They base their findings on studies done by people with a vested interest in finding certain results, such as the idiocy of athletes eating low fat diets, which is based purely on studies funded by the manufacturers of low fat food products. This red zone crap is just that, crap. They stop the players training when they are in the red zone, so they are never pushed beyond it in training. Then they hit the red zone in the match and their body is unable to cope when they can't just take a break for a few minutes and that is when most injuries occur. Stop resting them in pre-season training, start pushing them, and the fatigue and injuries will lessen.

When players are playing well, the last thing they want is big gaps between games. They want to keep playing to keep the momentum going. When they are playing badly, they want the next game quickly to try and shake off the bad feeling that will surround the team and build up between games.

Next you will be wanting the mid-season break that people always go on about. There is no evidence it really does help at all. It causes as many issues as it solves. The reason why the foreign teams win the European trophies is because they are better, not because of the mid-season break.}

03 Apr 2016 22:29:03
Agreed Ed. 13 extra games over the course of 9 months. When our squad is so bloated anyways? Stop making excuses we haven't been good enough this season. Do I think Klopp will change it? Absolutely. But fatigue is a losers excuse.


04 Apr 2016 01:36:04
Kk7, european football yes but only UCL.


04 Apr 2016 02:03:22
Agree with all the replying posts - there is more to a title challenge than playing fewer games. I believe their main source of strength comes from the togetherness and clarity of roles in the team.
I also feel that it helps if you don't have a hugely bloated squad. If you play week in week out with the same 11 without too much experimentation, players understand each other much better. We had a very small squad when we made the title challenge a few years ago as well.


04 Apr 2016 03:30:21
Yea they've spent money Ed003, but how much compared to other teams? We blew £32.5m on Benteke, City spent £50m on Sterling, Özil cost Arsenal £42m, United have spent over £300m the past few seasons etc. On the other hand, Leicester's three star performers were bought for £400k (Mahrez), £1m (Vardy) and £5.6m (Kante), costing a grand total of £7m. To put that further into perspective, that's not even a quarter of the money City spunked on Mangala.


{Ed001's Note - exactly, it is not so much what they spent, it is how it is spent. Spending all that money each week on the gifts for the fans, the clappers, the free drinks, the doughnuts etc, has built a real feeling of togetherness and got the fans invested even when the team was bottom of the league and looking like dropping out of the Prem. They have also spent well on players, not just analysing stats, but also watching them closely and making a decision based on the combination of the two.}

04 Apr 2016 05:42:54
Why isn't Aston Villa fighting for title then based on your logic.


04 Apr 2016 07:05:19
The odd consultation with Dr Bonnar might have helped.


{Ed001's Note - I doubt there is a team in any top flight around Europe that has not benefited in some way from some extra 'help'.}

04 Apr 2016 08:12:20
I've been saying for months now that we, Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City should be totally embarassed that Leicester will likely win the league this year.

The amounts of money being spent by the so called top clubs should realistically prevent teams like Leicester from winning the league - I'm not saying that's a good thing BTW - but it just shows that we're all spending money on players who, for the most part, aren't actually that good (Benteke, Martial, Pedro, Mangala, etc)


04 Apr 2016 08:18:29
While playing midweek and weekend shouldn't be a problem, there has been a big drop in results from teams playing away Thursday night and at the weekend. Especially if it's a long trip like Russia or lower Europe. Probably more the fatigue of travelling, and missing 2/ 3 days training over the week.


04 Apr 2016 09:08:54
Leicester have been superb. They have spent wisely, trained and worked hard, have a great team spirit, and have a completely different mind set.
Here are a few examples of the above:

Jamie Vardy
He has played football at lower levels, when it is out of financial need not greed that he has had to play. Imagine having to play to pay the bills because you play in much lower leagues. Would you play through the pain barrier and work harder to be fitter in that circumstance? Then look at someone like Jack Wilshere. Has always been at a top club, where he has never worried about financial security because before he even had financial responsibility he had a contract worth enough that he could a years mortgage in a month! Is it any wonder his desire to play through the pain barrier is not there?

Okazaki
Leicester spent £7m on a player who is a back up to the £1m Vardy. To many fans this doesn't make sense, because the more expensive player must be better. NO! Leicester have spent money on players that will add to their team, and are not afraid to spend big if the player fits. They do not do 'marquee' signings to please the fans for one week, they know that signing the right player will please the fans more over the season.

Working Hard
As mentioned above, Leicester train harder than anyone else. This red zone where players don't train is utter rubbish. If your body is not trained at coping when at maximum then it cannot perform at maximum. Leicester train at maximum intensity, so they are used to performing to that extent, they are fitter than most of the league. One example of this has just occurred in the international break. Tony Pulis is known as one of the hardest working managers and demands a lot from his teams, West Brom were given a few days off over the International Break, the Leicester players were taken to Dubai for warm weather training and team bonding.

Team Spirit
As briefly mentioned above, Leicester do lots of team bonding, to build a trust and understanding, a desire to do well by each other. This goes beyond the starting 11 to the all the staff, and the fans. It is similar to what Klopp built at both Mainz and Dortmund, and is trying to recreate at Anfield. It is no coincidence that Troy Deeney mentioned the support making it difficult to play at Leicester, with Leicester giving away free cardboard clappers and other freebies such as a free beer. They create an atmosphere for the players and fans alike.

Do not question whether or not Leicester have been lucky, they have not. They have built well and that is paying off in both business and league terms. Yes, they have been helped by a lot of the other big teams not having a great season, but they have done an amazing job from within aswell.


04 Apr 2016 12:35:05
Its cack tbh if that was the case how do teams win doubles and threples with cup league and europe trophies. Yes vardy kante and mahrez were cheep but for every one of them there is 100 not good enough some will be one season wonders ie mitchu. There is no pressure on these players in the lower teames where leicester came from. They would be slated and boo boys on there back if they had a slow spell for lpool or other big clubs.


04 Apr 2016 14:00:16
Leicester have shown that the fundamentals of sports especially football (hard work, training, self belief, fighting with and for each other, great work ethic, and a dose of quality) are not extinct and I am so happy for them.


03 Apr 2016 19:04:08
Suso scored an immense hatrick today lads.

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03 Apr 2016 19:05:18
Took him how many years?


03 Apr 2016 20:06:12
90 mins actually. he scored 3 goals in 90 mins. More disagrees to a fact. Members of densa by any chance?


03 Apr 2016 20:17:06
well done to him, he has finally found a club and manager who trusts in his talents, I will always wonder what if, with suso if Rodgers had given him his chance.


03 Apr 2016 22:29:28
One hat trick guys. Lol.


04 Apr 2016 01:36:43
Glad to hear it, first time he's had regular football since Almeria (where he played well) and he has 4 goals in 10 starts? Granted stats don't tell the whole story but I'm happy for the guy. Never got the chance with us.


03 Apr 2016 15:41:42
As soon as Klopp was brought to the club I was already wishing the season away and couldn't wait for him to get a Summer under his belt with some signings!
But we can give Dortmund a great tie in this Europa, get them back to Anfield with the game still close and we could do it 👊🏻 c'mon lads I'm starting to believe.

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03 Apr 2016 18:11:31
Top 4 looks out of range now IMO.
I think we've got to go all out against Dortmund, it's just a shame Firmino is likely to miss the 1st leg.
Its going to be a big big 11 days for LFC.
I think if we're in with a shout after Thursday then, dare I say it, the Stoke game is one our first team players could do without.


03 Apr 2016 18:42:01
Don't say that Ron I've just bought my ticket!


03 Apr 2016 18:58:28
I think we still need to go all out in the league. We can't take anything for granted at all. Assume we get to the Europa final and lose? Meanwhile not putting maximum effort on league results? No European football at all next season? Daft idea.


03 Apr 2016 19:02:36
All Prem league games are important, we need European football next season.


03 Apr 2016 19:05:58
The Europa games should be treated as our priority now that 4th place has all but slipped away. Ron is bang on! Any sort of result in the 1st leg and we have to rest our best!


03 Apr 2016 19:29:06
Top 4 has been out of question for some time now. Even when we put a string of positive results together and everyone gets a hard on, it's safe to say we won't sustain it and we will miss out, that much is clear. When United have a better chance of top 4 currently, you know you are never making it. I would be surprised if we finished 6th tbh, that would be a decent finish to what has been a very bad season in the league.

As for the cup competitions we have made a pretty good showing. Nothing more than what I expected tbh unless we beat Dortmund. The league was in doubt ever since we started it with Rogers, so I thought we would at least try to win a cup and we almost did. Not confident about the Dortmund game, maybe I'm being a bit too pessimistic but I just think English clubs have fallen behind other decent sides in Europe. If we can stay within 1 goal in the first tie then we have a chance. If it's 2 or more goal difference in their favour we can forget it. I think klopp may have something up his sleeve and we will put in a great performance but I realistically do not think it will be enough, still a huge game for us though.

I would love to be eating my words come Thursday.


03 Apr 2016 20:22:05
they ripped spurs apart, we need to still be in with a chance come the 2nd leg if we are to progress, the atmosphere in the stadium will be breathtaking esp with y. n. w. a. sang as one! bring it on, these are the type of games we need to be involved in regularly, hopefully in the champions league in the future.


04 Apr 2016 11:31:50
They didn't rip spurs apart because they were so amazing in fairness, they ripped them apart because their tactics were completely wrong. Spurs went out to try and contain Dortmund rather than win the game and it completely backfired because it gave Dortmund all the space to use their assets and Spurs didn't even have their best player on the field.

Spurs likely still wouldn't have won (Dortmund are very good) but if Sprs tried to play their own game and had players like Kane ready to teach them a lesson if they fail to mind the back, the story might not have been quite so comfortable.


04 Apr 2016 11:49:41
they made a team challenging for the title look bang average, I agree about the spurs line up and tatics, but the fact remains they dominated them over 2 legs, and if spurs look poor without 1 man up front, it says a lot about there strength in depth.


04 Apr 2016 12:29:46
It was a lot more than that. No speed from the full backs and no Dier in front of the CB's to drop in and push them up wide. No Dembele in the CM position either making the box to box runs. No Alli in the middle providing creativity. No Kane up front. In short, he did exactly what Rogers tried to do vs Real, with the same effect - a loss and never really looking like they were in it.

2nd leg a bit better but still no width and Kane not on to convert the chances they did make, leading to a much more equal performance but ultimately still a loss through lack of goals.


03 Apr 2016 15:12:57
Hey ed01, a tactical question for you: in th summer my biggest disappointment was that we could not bring Kovacic into the club. However, for this summer Grujic is coming in - no idea what type of player he is - and ZIellinski is rumoured to be joining, and he to me seems fairly similar to the Croatian in playing style.
So, to the question - if we were to sign a Kovacic type of player, where would you see him fitting in the squad? First team or rotation? In a middle two, taking the place of Can/ Henderson, or in a midfield three?

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{Ed001's Note - it would depend on the game, even Bob Paisley never played the same system every week. You can't just play one set up every game and expect to win things. The skill of management is picking the right one to get the result more often than not. The likes of Can, Henderson and Firmino can play a number of different roles, so adding a Kovacic type playmakes to them makes sense. If he is good enough, he would play as often as possible.}

03 Apr 2016 16:54:21
Not just positions but what type of player do you think we red (eg in midfield a matic or a kovacic)?

Curious as discussing at match with mate as to what we'd like to see next season and I'd like couts brought into midfield and more centrally, where he could bring the ball up the pitch and his passing would be better utilized. However, he is finding the net more regularly so maybe further up would suit him?


{Ed001's Note - I like Couts where he is. It suits him. Plus fullbacks are hopeless in the Prem so letting him attack them is good for us.}

03 Apr 2016 16:59:11
Harry Changed names again?


03 Apr 2016 16:24:06
ZIellinski Is nothing like Kovacic. Croatian is a playmaker who prefers the deeper role and move forward. You could compare him to Modric or Alonso while ZIellinski is a B2B player who has scored goals in Italy.

We need a disciplined CM and not another running midfielder.


03 Apr 2016 19:36:29
As far as grujic goes, I think brazilian Allan is probably better than him. Definitely has more potential than him. I must add that I haven't seen much of either but from what I've seen grujic is a Rogers esque signing. No idea what he will bring to us and certainly would not improve the first team.


03 Apr 2016 19:41:16
The word Kovacic should be a banning offense on this site.


03 Apr 2016 21:16:22
Kman92 if you haven't either then don't even comment mate. You look daft.


03 Apr 2016 23:35:43
Evertons young Besic anyone? Quite like him myself!


04 Apr 2016 00:02:27
"I haven't seen much of either. " Then why comment? Slating a player that hasn't even had a chance at the club yet based on what I assume is your assessment of each players 5 minute youtube compilations.


04 Apr 2016 00:03:13
From what I've seen of Grujic he looks to have quality, lots of it, he can play anywhere pretty much, great technique, seeing him playing further forward he reminds me of a Mkhitaryan type player, however he has discipline to play both CM and CDM effectively, optimistically he could be competing with Emre for a starting place, he probably offers a tad bit more going forward.


04 Apr 2016 02:53:59
Hopefully Grujic will be another Can or Dele Alli, a player than can sit deeper or play in a more advanced position, but will also add some physicality to midfield we lack when One of either Can or Hendo are injured.


04 Apr 2016 05:45:45
For a moment I thought that is harry.


03 Apr 2016 14:19:29
Just a bit of fun, I know it's not the end yet, but, Liverpool only:
1) player of season
2) young player
3) most Improved

Me
1) firmino just, new team and league, took a while but has been great in big games.
2) Stewart, only a couple games but looks good, never really gave him a second thought before this season
3) firmino again, same reasons really, improved his finishing and link up a lot.

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03 Apr 2016 14:37:24
1-firminho/ coutinho can't decide love them both.

2-origi i think he's got great potential. That goal vs soton sticks out. Gutted gomez was injured he would have had a good season.

3-lovren purely because he was so bad under rodgers.


03 Apr 2016 14:42:07
1 - Coutinho
2 - Stewart
3 - Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 14:48:59
1. Coutinho
2. Can
3. Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 14:48:59
1. Coutinho
2. Can
3. Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 15:26:01
1. Firmino
2. Origi
3. Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 15:36:49
Coutinho
Origi
Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 15:59:05
1. Coutinho
2. Can
3. Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 18:40:01
1) Between coutinho and firmino but both haven't been absolutely brilliant, they've been above average for most of the campaign but if these two our are absolute best players this year we have a problem.

2) Can, will hopefullu improve with age but has shown flashes of brilliance.

3) Lovren, looks much more solid now.


03 Apr 2016 18:43:54
1. Firmino
2. Can
3. Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 19:25:46
1. Firmino
2. Can
3. Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 21:41:45
1. Firmino
2. Can
3. Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 22:56:12
Coutinho
Can
Sakho.


03 Apr 2016 23:43:13
Firmino
Origi
Lovren.


03 Apr 2016 20:06:46
1. Firmino
2. Kevin Souness Stewart
3. Lovren

Never knew the fuss on Can as majority rates him above. Kevin Stewart is the future of this club from that very critical disciplined midfield position.


04 Apr 2016 00:04:00
Couts can Lovren.


04 Apr 2016 00:53:14
Benteke
Ward
Benteke 😂.


04 Apr 2016 05:13:21
F&C (I'm going to think of them as a pair from now on. the Brazilian platform on which our title in 2018 will be built! )

Origi

Lovren.


04 Apr 2016 05:47:35
Mignolet
Ilori
Benteke.


03 Apr 2016 13:43:50
I know what's been said that everyone is playing for their futures basically, over the last few months who do you think has been playing themselves into remaining with the team next year and who do you think is almost putting a nail in their coffin so to speak?

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03 Apr 2016 13:52:23
For me Lovren, Can, Lallana have showed that they deserve to be kept despite bad starts to the season.


03 Apr 2016 14:29:41
Benteke for one is gone. Also think Miner will be on his merry way. Skrtel also at a dead end. If we do sign anymore CM's then Lucas and Allen could be on their way out too.

Lallana most likely will stay on. He has improved considerably under Klopp.


03 Apr 2016 15:40:41
Benteke Allan skutel . Milner if we could sign a wide player . I would like Lucas to stay we haven't got a player like him . Lallana is geting better .


03 Apr 2016 16:03:25
Benteke, Skrtel, Bogdan, Allen, Enrique, Ilori, Tex, Caulker and Toure from the team, Balotelli, Yesil and Alberto from the loan players.

I know lots of people think Milner will be sold, but I think it will be difficult to get him off the books. He is on huge wages, and only a handful of clubs can sign him because of that, and I don't see him moving to the clubs who can afford him.


03 Apr 2016 20:26:00
his versatility may yet save milner but having heard klopps comments about Moreno yesterday, I think he can start packing his bags imo.


04 Apr 2016 05:19:14
Playing themselves in : Firmino, Coutinho, Can, Lovren, Hendo, Llalana, Origi (although not first choice striker yet)

Playing out : Skrtel, Benteke, Allen (against southampton)

Migs, Moreno, Milner and Sakho on slightly shaky ground and may end up second choice if we recruit.


03 Apr 2016 13:08:19
To be honest i had called a 1-1 draw yesterday but i didn't realise just how well we would play against spurs. The effort and pressing was infallible, i'm not sure i've ever seen a liverpool side work that hard. We are definately going in the right direction.

Just a shame then that the defending, ball retention and finishing from both sides was equally woeful! How the game ended up 1-1 i will never know, especially from our point of view, we fluffed up so many breaks and chances to score. Sturridge is playing at 50% and is frustrating, we should give him the chance to get back his confidence but he needs to show the same composure that he used to, like setting up coutinhos goal.

Coutinho was class, he tore walker a new one.

However, i have to stress to remind people that lallana and milner are wingers, or attacking midfielders if you like, and no matter how much they press or cruyff turn they need to present a goal threat or they cannot stay here for very long. Currently we are relying on coutinho and sturridge to provide the goals and if you think that's going to get us anywhere in the future, just letting lallana and milner off with it, then you're wrong. I admire the effort but they still are leaving it all up to others.

Henderson and Can also need to get among the goals though, especially henderson who misses a sitter or a cut back at least once a game.

Sakho had a bad game but we know he is a good player, it happens, calm down.

Annoyed we somehow didn't convert more chances but the focus is on dortmund now.

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03 Apr 2016 13:23:27
Agree we can afford one of either Milner or Llalana but not both. That's why we need Firmino back and to find a good goalscoring threat from attacking mid/ wing for next season that can compete with Coutinho/ Firmino if rested/ off form/ injured.

Im hopeful Markovic can step up, but a risk. I think Ibe/ Ojo great potential but still relatively early in their development to rely on them to produce 15 goals a season.


03 Apr 2016 13:30:25
Don't know what you all see in sahko? Can you honestly say you can rely on him? No me neither. 1 good game in 5 not good enough. At the rate of improvement think he will be making way for matip.


03 Apr 2016 13:34:27
Spot on, Woolly. I will say that Sahko did have a solid second half after a first half stinker. I agree that Lallana and Milner don't offer a goal threat. Had Firmino had the volley chance that Lallana scuffed, it would have npbeen a goal. Milner just works hard and that's about it. He was poor yesterday and offered nothing, had a poor touch on the chance he could have scored but his touch not for the first time, failed him. Milner and Lallana for me, aren't good enuff for where we wanna be and don't offer enuff going forward like Couts and Firmino do and those are the types of players we need right now, not just those who work hard and press all day.


03 Apr 2016 13:38:07
I'd say its more 1 bad game in 5 to me. He is a beast and reads the game well, when is on form he is a rock. He's had a few dodgy games recently but that happens. He isn't perfect but he is much better than average and sadly, average is a word i would use to describe a lot of our players right now, so i'd be keeping him in the side.


03 Apr 2016 14:23:45
Poor walker. he seem to be wrong end of skilful wingplay from us. Previously it was sterling who put him to cleaners.


03 Apr 2016 16:07:42
Sakho backs his strength to deal with one on ones, and Kane embarrassed him yesterday because of his movement. Sakho is a good player, but I am still waiting for him to stand up and be the rock that marshals the defense.


03 Apr 2016 12:44:20
Hi, not sure if this is the right place to post this, but my dad works for the army and is based in Germany and is looking for a ticket for the Dortmund game, does anyone know where he could get one with out being completely ripped off?

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03 Apr 2016 12:28:49
Ed 01 a question I'd I may, do you see sturridge at the club next season, I think I would be madness to sell him unless a proven goal scorer is signed beforehand, and there's no guarantees either, he's not at his best and looks to be going at about 50%, but is still our best goal scorer,

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{Ed001's Note - yes, I expect Klopp to give him a few months to get back to his best next season before any decision is made on his future.}

03 Apr 2016 12:40:45
Cheers mate.


03 Apr 2016 12:22:01
I have got to say if we hadn't dropped silly points here and there coff coff saints and sunderland we could be right up there with the top 4 easily we have been beating once out of the top 4 home winning 3 drawing 4 and loosing 1 against Leicester we need a natural finisher like Bergkamp or a hernandez who can poach a goal or two when where struggling to find the net maybe ings could be that solution next year and hopefully kick on when he comes back! From what I've seen since he come in is that klopp is the man to take us forward most defiantly he's come in and seen the problems and went yeh we need a cb matip on a free we could do with abit more strength in midfield bought grujic if we get gotez and if we move some of the deadwood up top ala ballo (if it is possible) amd benteke if he doesn't want to work the klopp wants him to work then sell him if he's willing to work and put his head down and show everyone what he is capable of then I'm all for keeping him if he's willing to put the work in is the big IF though.

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03 Apr 2016 12:11:44
Gotta admit I'm looking forward to next season already, the club needs to back klopp in the next few transfer markets which I'm sure they will. He has definately improved us since he came in because we were abysmal the first few months b4 he took over, I know we've still had a few shocking moments but with a few signings and a full pre season who knows what might happen! Let's all get behind them and be positive cumon the pool!

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03 Apr 2016 13:25:28
He's done a fantastic job of setting s a structure and style of play, feels like we're starting to find some form of baseline from which to play from now. High hopes for a too4 spot next season and if we can do that, you never know.


03 Apr 2016 15:45:05
If we could shore up the defence we would be very good. We always let petals back Into the game, you almost know once we score it's only a matter of time before they do.


03 Apr 2016 11:52:19
I think Henderson deserves more credit than he gets. He is the player you want in your team. The ground he covered yesterday to help out his defence. He can also see a pass as well. The boy is a very good player. can got lost in the game yesterday. i sometimes think he would be more suited up the pitch a bit more as he holds onto the ball more than he needs too. But the talent is there just would like to see him driving forward more!

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03 Apr 2016 18:49:43
Although I agree, I think you only need 1 of his type. He is not producing enough assists or goals, so in my opinion having him, Milner and lallana in the same team is deriving the team of goals. I would pick 1 of the 3, maybe 2 away from home for work rate, but not all 3. Milner would be the one gone for me out of those 3.


03 Apr 2016 08:45:03
So many taking a swipe at Sakho for his performance yesterday.

One thing we can be rest assured of is that Lovren and Sakho are our best CB pair. If Skrtel had featured alongside Lovren or Sakho yesterday then our defence would have gone into complete meltdown mode.

Sakho made mistakes yes but when you have Moreno who offers bugger all defensive know how then what is expected? Sakho has no support from Moreno. Sakho also plays much further forward than Lovren so massive pressure on him when teams hit us on the break.

Communication between CB's is key. Lovren covered well for Sakho. That is all that matters. Sakho was much better in the second half.

We only conceded the one goal which was not even down to Sakho so what the heck are those taking a dig at Sakho moaning about?

Our defence is looking much more solid with Lovren and Sakho at the back.

So should Klopp drop Sakho for Skrtel in our next match? Be afraid, be very afraid.

Believable17 Unbelievable3

03 Apr 2016 09:40:32
Sakho always makes mistakes that's why we are so nervous at the back. Between him an migs its sometime like watching laurel an hardy.


03 Apr 2016 10:41:48
The fickleness astounds me. One week he is our best defender, the next week he is 'holding liverpool back'.


03 Apr 2016 11:12:42
Banter, thought Migs was great yesterday, don't get me wrong; I don't think he is a top level first choice keeper but thought he was good yesterday.


03 Apr 2016 11:24:57
You must have missed the appalling kicking and the minimum 2 occasions where his decisions on through balls were comical.
He's just not a premier league level goal keeper.


03 Apr 2016 11:25:30
A big fan of Sakho but thought he had a few shaky moments yesterday. No doubt Lovren has improved but I think Sakho needs somebody beside him to marshal our back line. A few times yesterday players went for the same ball or Lovren/ Sakho would look to bomb on and cut out the first ball and leave us open behind. Having said that at least twice I remember Lovren recovering well and showing Kane outside. Is Matip a leader at the back eds?


03 Apr 2016 11:27:58
It's not fickleness, some fans think he is a top class defender, when he plays well they comment. Other fans think he has limitations, they comment when he plays badly.

I'm in the latter camp, i don't think he's awful but I think he's a player we'll eventually look to replace (once the more immediate concerns are dealt with) .


03 Apr 2016 11:33:40
itsonlybanter

Which of our players never made mistakes yesterday?

Really, if you cannot come up with a decent counter argument then why even bother to reply?

Did you see what happened vs Southampton as soon as Skrtel came on for Lovren? Now explain the difference of shakiness vs Southampton with Lovren and Sakho on the pitch vs Skrtel and Sakho on the pitch and then compare that again to our defensive performance vs Spurs with Lovren and Sakho on the pitch yesterday.

Looking forward to your reply.


03 Apr 2016 12:00:02
They are our best partnership imho and he would be a lot more solid if we had a left back that could defend. The games with flanno and clyne playing were much better a more defensive lb is needed for me. Look at man city, chelsea last year most of the fullbacks can defend well first and foremost.


03 Apr 2016 13:00:32
Logan, it's not just the specific mistakes he made yesterday or whether or not they led to a goal it's that those type of mistakes are a facet of his game.

He and Lovren are undoubtedly our best partnership but that doesn't mean they are a good partnership.

He's not on the 'must replace' list but I'd expect us to upgrade him in the next couple of years.


03 Apr 2016 13:24:26
muscatred

My argument is based on our current situation.

There is not knowing what Klopp's plans are going forward. The signing of Matip could suggest that Klopp will go with a different CB pair next season. Who knows. Gomez could even find him self in central defence. What happens next season will be dealt with then.

Every CB makes mistakes. Sakho, Lovren, Toure and Skrtel.

Sakho at this point is an important cog in the setup irrespective of how much his mistakes want to get blown out of proportion.

Like I said, let Klopp select Skrtel ahead of Sakho to be our ball playing CB. Kane would have had Skrtel for breakfast, lunch and dinner yesterday if that is the case.


03 Apr 2016 13:44:12
Oh, put a suck on it. Sahko had a bad first half and came back strong in the second half. He made mistakes. Who doesn't? He and Lovren have been our best partnership for the past three months, picking up MOTM performances and the lot. His haters never run their mouths when he has a solid game like he did at OT vs Utd in the EL where he was a monster. They keep their powder dry until he makes a mistake or two after five games and the knives are out again. Lovren and Sahko are our best right now with Toure stepping effectively when needed. We will see what Matip is like when he comes. Until then, the Sahko bashers need to get over it and get over themselves.


03 Apr 2016 08:25:41
Ed1 would love your opinion on Sturridge. He has been out injured for a long time so still feeling his way back in and is not going to be at his best, which is understandable and won't see the best of him maybe until next season. Correct me if I am wrong but the way he is playing is if he is holding back and playing at 50% like he is scared to go anywhere close to 100% as he will get injured. Jamie Carragher described it perfectly that he is "running and playing like he is carrying an injury". It appears he is lazy and disinterested but I think its a mental thing and don't think he has sprinted since being back, is the Euro's at the back of his mind? peoples constantly bashing him for being injured all the time? Would love your take on it as he is our best finisher but currently the way he is playing is killing his game and ours.

Believable3 Unbelievable3

{Ed001's Note - it usually takes a player many months to get themselves back. He is still holding back, in my opinion as well, but it takes time to feel fully comfortable pushing yourself after such a long layoff.}

03 Apr 2016 08:59:34
Thanks Ed1 for the reply your opinion is always appreciated.


{Ed001's Note - you are very welcome mate.}

03 Apr 2016 10:36:02
Just continuing on alonso's original post ed, over the last few matches when studge has been substituted he hasn't made any effort to hide that he's pretty pi***d about it. Add the recent fan backlash over his injury record and other reports about wanting to leave/ other clubs interested, do you think it's a possibility studge is ready to call quits and seek a move away this summer?

Or is this just me reading way too much into nothing.


{Ed001's Note - no he is just disappointed in his performance.}

03 Apr 2016 11:10:05
I agree with the thoughts he's holding back, and it's difficult to blame him. He's not got anywhere near his top speed yet which we all know is awesome. Hopefully he gets through this season and the euros (presuming he's selected) and can then get a full pre season with a fresh start in August. It definitely looks to be a mental issue at the moment which will probably only be resolved by staying injury free. I'm wishing the lad all the best as he's superb when fit and firing and we need him big time. He'd cost a lot of money to replace in my opinion.


03 Apr 2016 12:33:28
I think the fear would be there is he came off smiling. There shouldn't be a single player who wants to go so ft the pitch or be happy about being subbed.


{Ed001's Note - exactly. If he was happy to be taken off early after playing badly, then you would be worried. The only time a player wants to come off early, and it is a good thing, is to get a standing ovation if they have had a fantastic game and you are winning comfortably.}

03 Apr 2016 13:22:41
Spot on Ed. couldn't agree more.


03 Apr 2016 08:06:15
Pity about the result, if we had taken our chances then we would have won. Spurs are a really good team too so draw not the worst result.

Our defence and attack has improved on a massive scale recently. We are playing intelligent football unlike the dross of last season and the start of this season.

The squad will be prepared for the start of next season. Reckon this summer will be one of the most interesting transfer windows in a very long time. Obviously we will see more outs than ins. All I am hoping for is that the ins are a massive improvement on the outs.

Believable9 Unbelievable4

03 Apr 2016 05:53:49
Thanks man for the reply. Oh your remark on Couts got me laughing "as he was ripping Walker to shreds. He tied him up in so many knots at one point that Walker looked dizzy". Got to say your choice of word there was BOOM!

Believable4 Unbelievable5

{Ed001's Note - thanks mate. :-)

03 Apr 2016 03:37:17
It's incredible how much Lovren has improved since Klopp came in. And he's been consistently good.

Ed1 would you put this down to Klopp being a good manager or was Lovren finally coming to terms with the move to Lfc and finally settling down?

Believable8 Unbelievable3

{Ed001's Note - bit of both, though mainly down to Klopp, it does help that he is settled now. It also comes down to his desire to improve.}

03 Apr 2016 11:25:29
MOM yesterday for me.


03 Apr 2016 01:06:07
Hi eds, after looking at yesterday's game seeing spurs unearth natural finisher in harry kane, did kane display the sort of performance when in youth team to be deemed special? And are there any youth strikers in other clubs who are promising? I know u mention Brooks Lennon and Portugese Toni Gomes in liverpool academy but said was not special from what u saw.

Believable0 Unbelievable6

{Ed001's Note - Kane was far from special in the youth teams. In fact he was bloody awful out on loan at teams like Norwich. What he had was the right attitude, a real desire to improve and a willingness to learn. Clive Allen was only talking about it yesterday, about how he coached him as a kid and never saw anything special as a player but how much he wanted to improve and how hard he works.}

03 Apr 2016 06:00:22
Thanks ed001 for the insight. Guess a unglamorous youth player could actually be a gem in disguise.


{Ed001's Note - that is why I keep asking for them to be given a chance, as you never know until they get one how they will respond. Some strut around thinking they have made it and lose their way. A few respond like Kane, with real desire and hunger and become stars. But you will never know without them getting a game.}

03 Apr 2016 06:02:01
Soryy on 2nd thought, kane's improvements could be due to the difference between 1st team coach and academy coach.


{Ed001's Note - no, it is not the coaching that has made the difference, it is Kane himself. He works on his game in his own time as well as with the team. Top players do that. Nedved used to spend hours training after normal training. He trained his weak foot so hard that it ended up stronger than his natural foot. After training he would go home and use his own personal gym to do even more training. That is why he became a special player, not because he was special or because of the coaching. Kane is similar. Not a special talent in of himself, he has made himself a special talent through sheer hard work.}

03 Apr 2016 11:05:18
Conner McGregor's quote about talent versus hard work/ obsession springs to mind.


03 Apr 2016 11:08:56
Thanks Ed001 for the info, appreciate much. Cheers.


{Ed001's Note - welcome.}

03 Apr 2016 11:33:13
What's the best way to give them a chance these days in your opinion ed? As you said Kane was awful out on loan so do you give them a run in the first team and its sink or swim? I imagine it's difficult for managers particularly with strikers as they can tend to play one up front now or goalkeepers. Seems like it's a huge step to take and could cost the club a few points by giving somebody a chance.


{Ed001's Note - they have to be given a chance though, loans are not the answer and should be abolished imo.}

03 Apr 2016 15:41:31
I agree Ed it just seems like there's too much risk for managers and very few seem to be able to get the perfect balance of experience and youth. The loan system just seems to be a way of making the player somebody else's problem. Cheers for the reply.


{Ed001's Note - but then you are relying on others and not taking responsibility for their development yourself. It is not a good way to manage, just letting others deal with it.}

02 Apr 2016 23:43:12
ED01, I have got too requests
1. I would love to read your opinion about the LIV vs TOT as I couldn't watch the match. A lot of hate and appraisal flying around.

2. I wish to read your insight as to why Klopp endured that bumpy ride in his last season at Dortmond. A friend asked me and I had no idea.

Thanks in anticipation

And by the way, thanks for your reply on the Pep G. Question last time.

Believable0 Unbelievable3

{Ed001's Note - 1. great to watch, not sure whether it was because or in spite of all the mistakes though! There were a lot of poor performances from our defence, Clyne and Moreno were utterly woeful once again. Mignolet is still unable to use his feet to kick the ball. I am sure Klopp must have had his tongue in his cheek when he suggested Migs was intelligent, only intelligence doesn't try and hoof the ball for Joe Allen to contest in the air! Sakho had a stinker, they know he takes chances on the ball and they surrounded him and put him in trouble constantly, which led to loose passes, in the first half. Mind we did the same to Dembele, but he was in a less dangerous area, so it was less of an issue for them, but he did struggle to maintain possession too. So it was obviously something both managers had looked at and target a player who looks to hold on to the ball and play out of trouble.
Actually, I think that was a big part of why it was so good to watch, both teams tried to play their football on the ball, and press hard off it. It certainly caused a lot of errors. We created a fair few chances against the best defence in the league, and always looked like we would score. Just a shame our defence is shaky. The problem we have is that far too many of our players commit to needless challenges, throwing themselves in when they should know better and try and jockey the player. Milner in particular is terrible for it. For someone with so much experience and so willing to run around, he far too often picks the lazy option of throwing himself into a challenge that he is never going to win. Sakho was another one yesterday, constantly committing himself trying to win the ball, when he needed to just hold back sometimes. Lovren did it just once and it created the gap Kane needed to equalise. Lovren was excellent other than that. Covered the rest of the defence time and time again. Just a shame his only error was the one punished, as he deserved better from yesterday.
Oh and Coutinho was excellent yesterday, he just never saw enough of the ball, as he was ripping Walker to shreds. He tied him up in so many knots at one point that Walker looked dizzy.

2. it was many things, from injuries, losing too many of their best players and others losing focus as they had big moves lined up and it just being time to move on. There were so many big players being lost each season that eventually it was going to catch up on them. They ended up with a team of players that were there just to get a move elsewhere, rather than wanting to play for Dortmund. That always ends up causing issues, just ask teams like Newcastle and Wigan.}

03 Apr 2016 11:50:00
Losing how many if there best players? Lewondowski?

They had lost gotze the yesr before and replaced him with mikky and finished in th3 top 3.

Apart from weigl tuchel had managed a much better campaign with th3 same team that klopp had.

My view is klopps system became found out snd he didn't have answers counter .

Ed002 has already stated his style was fiund iut and i echo that.


{Ed001's Note - you are entitled to your opinion, but you are missing the injuries out in your assertion. Sorry but Ed002 is quite simply wrong, the style was not found out, it does not take 6 seasons to find out a style. Especially as he evolved it every season to suit the players he had. If you had actually watched them, you would have known he was not playing the same style that season as he did the previous one. If anything, the change of style could have contributed, but it was more down to injuries and a slow start allied to the loss of the best finisher in the game.}

03 Apr 2016 20:35:51
well said ed it really annoys me when people try to piss on a guys legacy, what klopp achieved at Dortmund was incredible and those Dortmund supporters won't be shy in showing there gratitude on Thursday that's for sure.


{Ed001's Note - they adore him there still, they were desperate for him to stay and were fully behind him even when the side started badly.}

02 Apr 2016 23:24:25
Hi Ed's
Any info on Firminho, will he be fit/ available for Thursday?

Believable0 Unbelievable3

{Ed002's Note - Doubtful right now.}

03 Apr 2016 02:33:10
Good competitive game with a fair result. Spurs didn't look like they should be 7 places above us. In fact, despite some slick passing in midfield I would suggest they had nothing worthy of title contenders. Kane, Erikson and Alli didn't impress me at all (although Dembele was superb) .
Hendo was man of the match for me closely followed by Lovren.
Sturridge, Can and Sakho were poor today but not to the point where some knee-jerkers on here suggest they should be sold or traded for Spurs players.
I'd take Dembele but other than that I'd like to see us do our summer shopping away from White Hart Lane.

Believable6 Unbelievable5

03 Apr 2016 04:02:55
I thought Lovren had an excellent game, and was the MoM.


03 Apr 2016 04:42:03
Kane scored a great striker's goal, was always a threat but didn't impress you?


03 Apr 2016 11:23:44
Yeah I saw that post about which players we'd swap for spurs players!

B*llocks to that! Modern day fans hey? Imagining what players they would like to swap out for opposition ones and then rubbing themselves up to the thought of it.


03 Apr 2016 03:58:51
You would take Dembele and drop who mate?


03 Apr 2016 13:47:41
Kane scored a cracking goal. And very little else. Certainly didn't look much of a threat to me.


03 Apr 2016 00:05:58
I can't believe everyone getting stuck into Sturridge. He had a bad game, yeah! But he still set up Couts for the goal. I agree he doesn't quite look like he is giving 100 percent in his sprinting and challenges. But come on he I still at this point the best ST we have. He is quality, was playing his second game of the week, has a horrendous jury record. when he comes back in to the team after a layoff he always scores. Maybe that is why he is getting stick? Maybe if he didn't score straight awy and it took 3 months for a goal we would all give him a pass for being abit off? He has got enough points in the bank for me to give him a pass for now.

Believable10 Unbelievable1

03 Apr 2016 01:57:34
No point is if that was Benteke who miss that chance he would be geting the same stick what Sturridge is geting. He good a good st but he a team player.


03 Apr 2016 04:43:16
reus, sturridge gets less stick because he doesn't often miss 1 v 1s.


03 Apr 2016 08:01:16
He gets less stick because he is our best striker. But he is not putting in the effort tbh, his body language has looked disinterested at times. Its as if he is still sulking over the fans questioning his desire to play in a bit of pain.

As ed01 said no one is safe from the chop so if he does not pull his finger out i can see him gone on the summer.


02 Apr 2016 23:26:58
I noticed it since he has come back and seems others have too that it appears Sturridge is holding back due to being scared of getting injured. He is not sprinting for anything and "runs and plays as though he is carrying an injury" as Jamie Carragher put it because he is scared if he goes at anything close to 100% he will pick up an injury. This unfortunately is killing his game and also the way we play. On form he is out best striker just hope it is a mental thing that he will overcome sooner rather than later.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

03 Apr 2016 01:08:57
What I see is a player who wants out.


03 Apr 2016 02:52:05
I saw that too. How else do you explain literally strolling g out of the pitch with what 20 plus minutes to go when your team is desperately trying to score? Very annoying today Sturridge. Watch Lallana sprint out when substituted a few minutes later, and you'd see something is wrong with Sturridge.


03 Apr 2016 20:44:01
probably annoyed with himself for missing 2 great chances, would be my guess, and would you go charging into tackles when you have been as injured as he has? that body has to last him beyond being a professional footballer. Ignore the pundits and there half arsed physcolgy its all done to create stories and situations that are not there half the time, if he had taken those chances, we would be hailing his brilliance and mental strength.


 
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