Liverpool Banter Archive April 04 2016

 

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04 Apr 2016 19:06:18
im made up that klopp has played both sakho and lovren together, I've been wanting these to play together for a while, and to me they have formed a good partnership, the defence have got a lot better with these 2 playing together than if it was skertal and sakho or skertal and lovren, as we seen with skertal in the southampton game, skertal came on and the defence fell apart, i think sakho gets some unfair stick, i think its the way he plays, the way he tackles and runs and passes the ball he looks uncertain but i believe if these 2 were not playing together we would have lost more games and let in more goals, put it this way instead of lovren and sakho we could have either one of them with skertal, which will bring havoc to our defence, at the moment lovren and sakho is our best partnership in defence, but with Matip coming in next season then i think skertal will be sold, as we also have Gomez who is out injured with danny ings, so there's 2 defenders to come in next season, we have Marcovic to come back off loan who i think will thrive under klopp, then there's the players who klopp will buy in the summer who i think he will try and get in before the euros as he will want to have a full pre-season with because he has said in interviews that he likes to have a pre season with his players.

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04 Apr 2016 20:31:31
I think the central defence has improved, lovren in particular, but improved enough to be a title winning combination? Not sure.


04 Apr 2016 20:42:39
I guess you never watched the Tottenham game them mbrock? Or if you did you had Sakho tinted glasses on, he was atrocious and not for the first time.


04 Apr 2016 20:50:30
No one thought an aging huth and wes Morgan would be a title winning combo.


04 Apr 2016 22:27:28
We conceded one goal against Spurs, it wasnt that bad. We have let in a lot less goals of late mainly down to the Sakho-Lovern partnership. Its not great by any stretch but it is better and Klopp can only use what he has until the Summer.


04 Apr 2016 22:42:06
I have no doubt that an in-form Flano and proper quality 'keeper would make a huge difference to the whole unit.


04 Apr 2016 22:46:15
It's probably the best partnership we are Getting until the Summer. But I can tell you this, a triangle of Sakho, Lovren and Mignolet is NOT a top 4 'champions league' defence!
I hope Klopp fixes 2, if not all Three positions.


04 Apr 2016 23:55:41
I'd like to see Lucas given a run of games at the back when fit. Think he reads the game really well from centre back.


05 Apr 2016 00:22:26
It wasn't that bad Irish? well I'll tell you what the first half was one of the worst I have seen (and we've seen some) for giving the ball away, misplaced passes and mistakes, Sakho and Clyne particularly bad. just because we only conceded one doesn't mean we weren't that bad.


05 Apr 2016 00:49:24
Have anyone else notice we are geting better at defending corners . Touch wood is stays the same that we stop letting in corners . Kane goal was class part from that they really didn't do much at are goal.


05 Apr 2016 03:47:32
So who do we replace when matip comes in next season?


{Ed002's Note - Toure.}

05 Apr 2016 07:39:03
Lucas did seem to do well not a big lump but won his headers was good on the ball and had quick accurite distribution of the ball imho.


05 Apr 2016 07:57:36
Lucas could be our Cannavaro in defence - not tall for a CB but good at reading the game. Concerned about how often he'd give penalties away though.


05 Apr 2016 12:08:02
For me Lovren has improved beyond all recognition under Klopp, he looks like a player you spend 20 mil on. I've always been a fan of Sahko and don't think we should sell, but I will admit Lovren looks better. I can't remember who it was but I poster said when Klopp came Sahko would not do as well as Lovren with Klopp's style. I think next season Lovren and Matip as first choice plus a new left back that actually remembers his defensive duty.


04 Apr 2016 18:59:44
Liverpool under 21s on lfc tv channel 429 tonight kick off 7.00 p. m. team is as follows;

bogdan
randall ilori jones Maguire
chirivella STEWART
kent brannagan ojo
Sinclair
Kevin Stewart makes his comeback, they are playing Leicester at king power stadium but no free beer doughnuts tonight let's hope Leicester are the donuts tonite.

Had to pick me seat for new stand today what a palaver but hey ho better in than out. Mind you its always better in than out if you know what I mean.

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04 Apr 2016 19:59:00
0-0 half time Liverpool camped in Leicester half, we have had one cleared off the line, Sinclair missed one from 4 yards fresh air kick, ojo blazed over from 10 yards. Leicester"s best chance came from a corner kent cleared of line. Ranieri watching from stands. Ojo has absolutely ran them ragged.


04 Apr 2016 20:40:58
Thanks 007, keep up the good work.


04 Apr 2016 20:44:58
2-0 to the reds 85 minutes gone, Lloyd jones from a corner Sinclair scored a beauty left foot finish 10 yards out, its still like the ALAMO.


04 Apr 2016 20:54:36
Finished 2-0 to the reds, a nice stroll in the park.


04 Apr 2016 20:55:21
Won 0-2. Lloyd Jones and Jerome Sinclair with the goals. Ojo and Kent stand-outs.


04 Apr 2016 21:43:04
Hope we see Ojo next year but I hope people give the lad time to develop he's only young so he's going to have good games and bad games a bit like Ibe doing.


04 Apr 2016 23:02:44
You mean Stewart (the next Gerrard) wasnt the stand out player for the under 21s? Harry will be gutted. ;-)


05 Apr 2016 00:10:42
I've been very impressed last couple of months with Sheyi Ojo, and watched tonight's game. Apart from missing a couple of chances to score, he was brilliant, ran Leicester absolutely ragged on both flanks, very strong, great turn of pace and ran for 90 minutes. He reminds me of a very young John Barnes. If he maintains this level of performance and workrate he has every chance of becoming a first team regular. Keep it up Sheyi!


04 Apr 2016 20:16:38
I never know the reason Ojo doesn't get picked ahead of Lallana. A genuine wide player with electric pace offers something different to Coutinho, Yet not looked at all.


04 Apr 2016 20:16:52
007

How's Stewart doing mate?


05 Apr 2016 13:06:18
Redmen - hav ya not paid attention? Ojo is the new Ibe, or new Sterling or new something. :p

I'm with you! Hope he gets the right opportuity to continue his development.


04 Apr 2016 16:54:02
Its hard to believe that young players with great ability are leaving without much game time and seniors are hindering their growth and some are still under performing.

Dont know why our young keeper is brought back from loan and not given single chance, boy was having very good season in scot league.

Eds, Will he ever get a chance or moved?

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{Ed002's Note - I doubt he has much of a future at Liverpool as the club are looking for a GK to replace Bogdan.}

04 Apr 2016 17:09:37
Not to replace Migs ed?


{Ed002's Note - No, Bogdan.}

04 Apr 2016 17:42:53
EDS 002 thankyou for the information about the club looking to replace Bogdan. The majority of us are incredulous as to why we aren't looking for a new keeper to replace Migs and have Ward as No 2 next season. Klopp can't be so deluded as to think we can go through another season with a keeper that can't kick which invites copious pressure when pressed by opposition forwards which resultantly forces him into a weak kick that consequently gives possession back to the opposition. He hardly ever saves with his legs and let's face it he's a liability. I tend to agree with you buy the Chelsea no 2 whose an experienced premiership keeper, whose available at a reasonable price and is an effective and economical keeper. It's better than taking a risk with a keeper that will take time to adapt to the premiership I. e Horn. We can't afford to make many mistakes in the transfer market this summer and new No 1 keeper should be top of the list. By the way do you know what keepers we are looking at to replace Bogdan? Thanks in advance 002 if you get round to answering my drivel.


{Ed002's Note - The club are looking to replace Bogdan with a goalkeeper who will be able to push MIgholet for the number one spot. In terms of those that have been of interest Real Betis' Antonio Adan and Sevilla's Sergio Rico are the tow you might want to think about a little.}

04 Apr 2016 17:46:02
Dreadful error if correct. Migs is Klopp's blindspot and we won't win anything with him as keeper.


04 Apr 2016 17:45:12
I'm so disapointed at what has happened with Ward. Why bring him back early from a really positive loan spell to not play him at all, just makes no sense. Would have thought he would get a few games at least. May as well have had Bogdan on the bench. Poor lad.


04 Apr 2016 18:37:02
All the reliable journalists have said Klopp will bring in a new number 1 keeper.


04 Apr 2016 18:54:06
If we are not looking to replace mignolet and with matip and grujic coming in are we only really looking at a wide player for the first 11 this summer? Perhaps a lb if Moreno were to move on.


{Ed002's Note - I have explained where I know of interest in players.}

04 Apr 2016 18:57:45
If that's the best we're coming up with for such a crucial position then we are in trouble as both of those two are bang average.


04 Apr 2016 18:59:11
Mainz. Are you dissing the Eds? 😑.


04 Apr 2016 19:35:18
Migs will not be no 1 next year.


04 Apr 2016 19:25:09
I hope your not going to get any abuse for your migs revelations Eds. Even Stevie Wonder knows that Migs has to go but thankyou for the feedback. Maybe Klopp thinks that for he puts a decent defence in front of Migs then he'll improve? Let's hope his kicking and decision making improve over the summer because it's cost us many points since he's been at the club. With regards to Ward Klopp must see something that he doesent like otherwise why would he not be our No2 next season?


04 Apr 2016 19:32:01
To be fair to 002 Mainz Klopp has also reiterated we are not looking to get rid of Migs.


04 Apr 2016 19:38:01
Cheers for the info ed, bang on in sharing what you no mate. Who's best out of them 2 in your opinion?


{Ed002's Note - I really have no idea, sorry.}

04 Apr 2016 21:09:54
Kloppo is hardly going to come out in October and say "yea my keeper is crap and ill be replacing him in the summer".


04 Apr 2016 21:49:12
Mainz at the same time we gave Migs a new long contract, I was Sat in the Kop on Sat and the amount of abuse Migs got was not good to hear, surely as fans we are there to help his confidence not hinder.


04 Apr 2016 22:09:53
He got abuse, not for the first time, because if his horrendous errors.
Lad who sits behind me every week screams at him "we got 5 more years of this @&%*".
All the best teams over the decades have good/ great keepers. It's no coincidence.


04 Apr 2016 23:03:26
Whether you like him or not fans should be there to help with players confidence, not abuse.


05 Apr 2016 02:29:00
Mingo is aweful and has cost us enuff points this season already, approaching the double digits. He is in his prime at 26/ 27 yet he is getting worse and it's his third season here. He needs to go, period. Fixing the defence without a very good GK will not fix the defence. Klopp messed up extending his contract and he needs to fix it.


05 Apr 2016 04:12:17
all the best teams have good keeper, Victor Valdes.


05 Apr 2016 09:51:05
You can write off any challenge for the league next season with mignolet in goal. It really is that simple. Surely to god we cannot keep him another year, buy someone with done actual competence.


05 Apr 2016 10:51:30
I think GK is Klopp's blindspot.
It was the 5yr new contract that convinced me, otherwise I'd expect him to be replaced too. You don't give a player you don't want a new 5yr contract. The comments about him being the most intelligent goalkeeper he's ever managed don't mean as much as the new contract.
I expect Mignolet will be in goal again next season and we'll spend many millions shuffling our defenders about and wonder why they can't defend.


05 Apr 2016 13:24:33
Spot on Ron and Wooly. We will wing nothing with Mingo in goal and fixing the defence without fixing the LAST line of defence, will NOT fix the defence.


04 Apr 2016 13:04:14
Hey eds,

Genuine question, you guys are a wealth of knowledge just wondering what your backgrounds are, might have been a post I missed, were you scouts, journalists, or just genuine people in the know?

Cheers

Dev.

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{Ed002's Note - I don't know much about the other editors but I understand most have a background working as chimney sweeps or florists.}

04 Apr 2016 16:37:25
Never both though - sooty flowers.


04 Apr 2016 20:03:18
Ed002 must be from the USA with a comment like that, HILARIOUS!


04 Apr 2016 22:53:48
I heard Ed02 is a Dominatrix and a master of the whip in her spare time

Just as a hobby to be clear

😉.


{Ed003's Note - Only when I allow 002 to be in control.}

04 Apr 2016 12:16:38
Hi ed002

Can i ask please do you share the same thoughts as ed001 regarding Gotze in that he doesn't think we will go for him as would likely be opening ourselves up to tapping him up. Its been said that him and Klopp still text each other and our club might take the decission away from Klopp and say that we are not going for him?

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{Ed002's Note - I don't know what Ed001 has said but the issues surrounding potential tapping up of players by Liverpool is a real one. Previously someone at the club had Gerrard making approaches via text message to a player from another club, and Liverpool on several occasions refused to talk to the press about the matter. Now we have a situation with Goetze, who is a player Bayern will move on in the summer but someone they are unhappy with regarding his contact with Klopp and his talking to the press. They are looking to find out exactly what contact he has had with Klopp and anyone else from Liverpool as the club has not approached Bayern Munich at all. I have explained that there is interest from elsewhere in Goetze.}

04 Apr 2016 13:41:54
Hello my ed01. Sorry mate, couldn't catch up as I was quite busy with my schedule. Flying back tonight. Absolute delight meeting you mate. Enjoyed the time spend with you and would defo meet you again on future.
15 years of brilliant work along with other Eds. Happy marriage ahead and see you soon mate.

#YNWA.

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{Ed001's Note - oh no what a shame, I am gutted....honest.... Have a safe flight mate and take care. I would say it was nice to meet you but no one would believe that!}

04 Apr 2016 18:03:13
I always thought of Harry as some foreign teenage kid making new usernames for fun,
The idea of him being some international jetsetter frightens me,


04 Apr 2016 18:13:18
What if he is a pilot?


04 Apr 2016 19:17:20
Frank abganale III.


04 Apr 2016 13:40:54
I know a lot of people here still like Clyne but for me he is juat as much of a liability as Moreno.

We could've easily lost that game yesterday because of the two of them. They get caught ball watching when a pass is played in behind them all the time. And don't make the excuse that it's because they get forward because both times I'm talking about they were actually back defending in a flat defensive 4. There was a ball chipped in for Son whose volley missed by an inch, and Moreno was completely fooled. He had no idea where Son was, didn't anticipate the pass and didn't even get back to pressure him. Then you have the actual goal. Very similar ball chipped in behind Clyne for Eriksen. Now Eriksen isn't quick, Clynes reading of a pass is just pitiful. Then, just to make sure he could be blamed he seemed to duck under the ball Eriksen flicked back over his head before stopping to call for offside or a goal kick. I don't blame Lovren for Kanes turn and shot to be honest. Or Mignolet for that matter. It was just a top class finish. But Clyne could've stopped it at source.

Neither Clyne nor Moreno are good enough and had it not been for a poor finish from Son we'd have gone down 1-2 thanks to two sloppy errors from either full back. Neither player scores or creates goals frequently, and neither can defend. So what are they actually offering other than a lot of silly freekicks and rash bookings for late or agressive challenges? Worst pair of fullbacks we've had in years. Even Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique at least offered a threat going forward even if they were just as bad at defending. We haven't had a good pair since Finnan and Riise. Arbeloa was the last good full back to play for us but he had Insua or Dossena on the other side for most of his career here thanks to Aurelios fitness (or lack of it) .

Flanagan, Smith and Gomez are all better players than Clyne and Moreno though in my opinion. Full backs areas have got to be improved though if we have any ambition. I think in Flanno and Gomez we have enough for right back if both players can be relied on to stay relatively injury free. I'd bring in a player in to challenge Smith at left back though and I think the scouting habits tend to support that with the likes of Guerreiro, Hector and Kolsinac all being rumoured. Fingers crossed Clyne and Moreno are replaced for next season. We have dropped 17 points from winning positions now and the blame falls largely at the defence for sloppy errors. Skrtel, Mignolet, Clyne, Moreno and Sakho are all error prone and it's really getting frustrating to watch as none of them a young or inexperienced players anymore. It is simply inexcusable. It wouldn't worry me remotely if all 5 were sold in the summer and Klopp remodelled the entire defense (including the goal keeper) .

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04 Apr 2016 15:09:46
Clyne is are best full back at the club . He's had only 1 bad game and that was in the europe leage . mignolet needs replacing same as Moreno you tell see how many time sakho out of position covering Moreno position so that leaves lovran and clyne to cover other position.


04 Apr 2016 16:26:30
Redmen reus what are your argument backing that clyne is our best FB. You can't just say he is the best at the club. Time and time again this season Clyne has been caught out. I could forgive this if he was any good going forward but he isn't. So what exactly does he offer. Moreno gets lambasted constantly on this site but for me Clyne is just as bad.


04 Apr 2016 16:47:14
Unfortunately the very term Full-Back simply does not work anymore. They are more like wingers who can tackle, and very few are any good on the back foot.
Moreno is one hell of an athlete but lacks the intelligence to concentrate on his positioning for a whole game. Clyne is somewhat better and I would argue that he is one of the best full backs at the club, along with Flanagan. I do however think that he could be improved upon, or be coached into being better defensively.


04 Apr 2016 17:00:46
Clyne is no better than Moreno defensively. Moreno offers a lot more going forward than Clyne.


04 Apr 2016 17:21:35
Andy just because he is the best fullback at the club, it still doesn't make him any good. Perhaps Klopp and his coaching staff can coach him to improve but I would not be surprised to see him replaced.


04 Apr 2016 17:26:43
My point is rongers and kloop has played them time and time ago so they see something we don't see . Clyne has often us pace down the right hand side same with Morono there more like wing backs they get up and down the pitch There the outball of the team. The problem would be if we play flagan down the right we would have no with down that side .


{Ed001's Note - neither Clyne nor Moreno provide an out ball, that is the problem. Sakho desperately needed an out ball on Saturday, but Moreno had done his usual thing of just vanishing into the opposition half. By the second time they swarmed Sakho, I would expect any decent full back to come back to either cover behind or offer themselves for a pass. Moreno did neither.

On the other side, Clyne is just as bad, he just doesn't stray as far forward when he is hiding from a pass. It is very rare he offers himself for a ball when the centre halves are under pressure. They are up there with Migs as our weakest links.}

04 Apr 2016 17:54:26
And Rodgers and Klopp both played Moreno and Mignolet (two players you think are worse than Clyne) .

My biggest gripe with Clyne is that he can't pass a ball to save his life. Even the remotest pressure, and he lumps it forward or shots it at the opposition players' legs. Defensively, he is slightly better than Moreno, but simply not smart enough to read situations or handle them with finesse. It's all brusque work that blows up in his face more often than not.


04 Apr 2016 17:51:44
That's another great point Ed001. They are so glaringly bad that it amazes me how many people rate them. There's just so many holes in their games.


{Ed001's Note - it drives me mad. They are a real issue with our style of play, which isn't even made up for by an ability to defend. There is a good reason that Flanno was brought straight back into the team as soon as he was capable of lasting a match, and it is not because he is such a nice lad or is local, but because the two in the team are nowhere near good enough.}

04 Apr 2016 18:45:18
Flanagan would have booted the ball out of play as well, not try to see if it would go over the line, his attacking play may not be up to much, but at least he can defend. I feel confident that Moreno will be surplus to requirements come the summer.


04 Apr 2016 20:54:26
Moreno has a wicked shot on him and clyne is an England regular, I think they are the reasons they get praised.
As the season has gone on it's become obvious that clyne isn't the answer for the reasons ed has pointed out.
Moreno is the one I'm disappointed in though, if he could actually defend and sort out his lack of positional sense he could be a pretty decent player.


04 Apr 2016 22:15:41
We have the worst two first choice full backs in the league and one of the worst goalkeepers for commanding the penalty area as well as kicking the ball.
The fact that we cannot keep a clean sheet says it all. The full backs run off, have no confidence or composure on the ball and hardly ever create an assist. Their decision making on when to get goal side and follow an opponent is shockingly poor, they are usually 10-20 metres away from where they should be. Spurs goal was Clyne's fault and Moreno allowed a run in behind him and only a poor Spurs chest control saved another 1 v 1.
In the 1st half Mignolet twice failed dismally to take charge of balls bouncing towards the penalty area, one he belatedly headed after giving Clyne no clue what he wanted and the 2nd he kicked again Kane and it could have ended up back in our goal.
We battered Spurs, failed to take our chances and yet the press regard it as Spurs 2 points dropped because our full backs and keeper are useless and gave them the odd half chance (oh and the press are biased beyond belief) .
I hope Leicester win their next 2 games then they will be nearly there. Spurs are good side but nothing special, to be fair neither are Leicester but they have a great manager and amazing spirit with hard work, winning formula that just like the old Notts Forest side and our own back in the day (I'd say Forest and our sides had more quality but Leicester do have some gems and underrated players) . Reality is if Man Utd are 1 point off a Champions league place then the league is poor quality and we have been very poor/ inconsistent to be so far away.
Klopp must bin the keeper and full backs in the summer else I would be concerned re his judgement, I'm not concerned right now as I do think he will ship those not up to it (Sturridge beware, become a team player or you'll be gone as well on current effort) .


04 Apr 2016 22:28:50
By the way I forgot to add, completely agree with MKS, his post was spot on and the Son miss had me furious with Moreno, I embarrassingly realised afterwards there was a young kid sitting just along from me. I was livid.
The goal was all Clyne's fault, if anyone who supports him and England disagrees then see how many goals are his fault in the Euros, I reckon he'll be the reason England flop, again.
Anyway it's so obvious that it's boring, just like with our keeper. 1 or 2 great saves a game are forgotten the second one of his several blunders in each game costs a goal. Now there is still one remaining Southampton player left that we should go back and sign, the monster in their goal!


04 Apr 2016 23:31:14
The goal was mainly Clyne's fault but Lovren should never let that ball go across him onto Kane's right peg.


05 Apr 2016 02:43:58
Spot on, Ron. Clyne was lazy and didn't close Ericksen down as he thought the ball would go out of play and Lovren sold him self, lunged into the challenge and got turned by Kane for the shot, something our players seem to do for reasons only they can tell you and Ed observed this. Moreno is a LB that needs to be playing for real or Barca, where they are required to attack and never defend, which is why their fullbacks are aweful, bar Carvajal. Ed is right also ont he Sahko tip. FBs should provide a passing solution too the CB's when they have the ball. Sahko wants to play the ball out of the back but everyone runs away or the FBs bomb forward hence, he has no outlet, he gets pressure PDFs and loses the ball. No one sees that everyone turned their backs on him. That as the Ed has said, is the frustrating.


05 Apr 2016 17:06:38
Clyne and Moreno both infuriate me but for slightly different reasons. Moreno does what he pleases, charges forward, doesn't track back, is a mediocre crosser and passer and is unable to take a man on. Clyne is positionally not as bad as Moreno however his tackling is still woeful. He is also terrible going forward, cannot take a man and is arguably worth (both at passing and crossing) than Moreno. As fullbacks they are both completely incompetent as they are unable to do what a decent fullback should be capable of. Add to that Moreno's awful concentration and Clyne's lack of concentration (Spur's goal was created my Clyne assuming Eriksen would run the ball out of play rather than making damn well sure it did) . Both are miles away from being good enough - honestly if I was manager it would be Smith and Flanagan for the rest of the season.


04 Apr 2016 11:23:47
So the talking points for the weekend's match. First of all I thought it was a great match, two teams going for it wanting to win. The result may not have gone the way we wanted but as a piece of entertainment it was great.

Lovren had a top match, I won't blame him for the goal as I think that was Kane showing his class (shout out to Ed001, I was wrong about him) but for the rest of the match he looked absolutely solid. This leads to an interesting conundrum, despite the pairing of Sakho and Lovren looking like it's coming of age I still feel that eventually one or both of them need to be replaced to take us to the next level. Up until recently I would have said move Lovren first, Sakho is better on the ball, but on Saturday Lovren was calm, solid and had that aura of reliability that I crave in a centre half. With the arrival of Matip it will be interesting to see what direction Klopp goes in next season.

Henderson was also great on Saturday controlling the ball in front of defense and using it intelligently further forward. He does need to score more goals to be considered top tier but I have a feeling that's not beyond him. He's not shy of taking a pop and I get the feeling that in training he hits the back of the net from all over the place. Don't be surprised if it clicks next season and he ends up with 10-15 goals.

The counterpoint to Hendo was Can who had one of his worse games. Can is still young and the only players to see more game time than him are Migs and Clyne. I think on one hand his position in the team is too comfortable and on the other he's suffering burnout. A couple of games or the bench will do him a lot of good in terms of his mentality as well as his fitness. He still has much to learn and thinking he's an automatic starter isn't good for him.

Milner's received a bit of love in the last few weeks but this was one of his worse games. Klopp clearly has faith in Milner but, like all his manager's before him, he sees him as his mister flexible. Milner's role at the moment seems to be 'cover for whoever is injured'. He's started every single league match he's been available for this season but he's played all over the park. It will be interesting to see who gets dropped when Firmino's fit again.

Sturridge is also worth a mention. On one hand he's actually been pretty good since he returned from injury (3 goals and one assist in 470 minutes on the pitch) but on the other things just look wrong. I wonder if Klopp doesn't ask his striker to participate in the pressing game instead wanting him to be in position to receive the ball when Liverpool win back possession. It would explain Sturridge's apparent lethargy (and why Benteke was so immobile) . I also hope his attitude when he gets subbed isn't a sign of a deeper problem. Studge isn't a stereotypical Klopp player (he's too selfish for that) and I wonder if Sturridge isn't really enjoying what Klopp is asking him to do. Of course it could just be that Studge is feeling his way back in and will tear things up when he's fully fit and I hope this is the case, I'd be gutted if Studge looked to move because he didn't like his role in the team.

A really important couple of weeks now, the Dortmund game will demonstrate where we stand in terms of Europe and a couple of wins in the league could put us back in contention for fourth (there's nothing wrong with being an optimist) .

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04 Apr 2016 12:23:37
Can was a player who had played 3 different roles in 3 games, and looked like it. He was off the striker and at RB for Germany, then central for us again. A little unsure and hesitant, he#ll be fine for next game/


Sturridge moves plenty and is all over the place. His attitude is exactly what you want (and Klopp seems to agree) - dissapointed not to score and dissapointed to not be playing further. Who wants a player happy to come off in a deadlocked game with 20 mins left? As to selfish, its a nonsense statement that gets banded around all the time but is ridiculous. Top strikers go for goal if they can 90% of the time, even if a potential better option is available. It's not selfish, its their job. And Sturridge passes more, and gets more assists than, many other top strikers including the most famous Klopp striker of them all - Lewandowski.

Sturridge is selfish is nonsense made up by Chelsea when they were bitter at how well he was doing and trying to make out like the few assists Torres had were just as valuable. He's a striker. He tries to score. Across his career, he usually succeeds.


04 Apr 2016 13:34:41
hjikle, the 'I don't want my players happy when they come off the pitch' is a well used cliche which is often used as a deflection. First of all compare Lallana being subbed to Studge. Lallana, knowing there was still a game to be won got himself off the pitch ASAP and made a show of acknowledging Allen, Klopp and the fans. Studge looked like someone had sh*t in his cereal and trudged off with murder in his eyes acknowledging the crowd as an afterthought. Factor in that being subbed shouldn't be coming as a surprise to him and that his celebrations are no where near as enthusiastic as they were two years ago and it paints a pretty convincing picture of a guy who's not loving life right now. I hope it's just a phase and we'll see that wide grin emerge soon but it's not something that should be ignored.

As for his lethargy? Compare Studge to Origi. Origi is currently the gold standard for Klopp in how his strikers should play, his movement and interplay are what Klopp loves about him (it's certainly not his finishing) . I firmly believe that is what Klopp wants from his strikers and Studge, for all his scoring prowess, does not bring the same energy onto the pitch (of course this could just be a fitness thing) .

Is he selfish? Absolutely, it's one of the things that makes him the player he is. His first thought is 'can I score' and if he can he'll go for it even when a team mate's in a better position. Loads of great strikers have the same attitude but I don't think it's something Klopp values, he likes selfless devotion to the team which is why he's so fond of Lallana, Milner and Origi.

Studge is hugely important to us but he's not a perfect fit for Klopp. I'm hoping they figure something out because I don't want him to leave.


04 Apr 2016 13:57:39
Do we know Klopp has faith in Milner or any other player?

I think Ed001 said that everyone has a price although Klopp would like to build the team around Coutinho and Frimino.

I think he's picking what he believes is the best team with the players available to him.


04 Apr 2016 15:11:53
I think it's because Milner can play right or cm.


04 Apr 2016 15:23:03
Hey Hoola, Milner's started every league game he's been available for which suggests that Klopp's got some faith in him but the fact that he moves him around so much suggests Klopp doesn't think he's first choice for any single position.

If I was a betting man I imagine he'll be here next season and will get a reduced (but still significant) amount of game time.


04 Apr 2016 15:40:35
muscatred - A well used cliche, or something that's actually true but doesn't fit your story so you're dismissing it? Cause it sounds to me like that's all you've done, pick up things that fit your opinion and discard others that clearly don't.

For a start, commitment isn't a set value and different people express it in different ways - to look at someone you don't know at all and have never before seen under personal pressure and decide you know what his reactions and body language means is laughable. You've also nicely ignored how no-one, including you, thought the same about the same reaction in another player you liked more simply because of your preconcieved notions on the guy.

You keep on about this CFC made up negative of selfishness ignoring that all great strikers are selfish as has already been pointed out and that as Klopp has always had a 'selfish' star striker except for his worst season as a manager (the last at BVB) he clearly doesn't have too much of a problem with it. You're using the fact that Klopp also enjoys players who work themselves into the ground for the squads justification but ignore the possibility (see: liklihood) that he probably enjoys a squad with a few different personalities and personal styles. Much as it sounds nice, no-one wins with a team of Carraghers.

And what does the fact that Sturridge was happier when life was going brilliantly and nothing could go wrong for him have to do with anything? You'd have to be touched in the head if you were part of the 2013-2014 squad and be just as happy then as you are now - especially you've spent the inbetween 18 months injured with people picking holes at you from every side despite having done nothing actually wrong.

All comes down to this mate - you're making big statement based on amateur judgement of a couple of highly charged seconds of interactions between people with a complete lack of evidence and a lot of evidence to the contrary that just sounds too 'cliche' for you.

Sorry to have a go mate but I'm bored and sick of people on our players because of some preconceived notions formed before anyone even saw them play that never went away and some 'informed' media drivel about the private thoughts of people involved with the club from people that we normally laugh at the opinion of. Especially when we hope to keep hold of our most talented players but will never be able to because we never show them any of the loyalty they show us - Sturridge isn't happy to be subbed and half a newspaper gets devoted to it, the Mail says Barcelona want Coutinho and fan groups are demanding his head etc. It's got to stop - let players show some passion and stop assuming what they want and what they are thinking.


04 Apr 2016 15:54:42
Back to the op I still don't think to judge cbs when the keeper doesn't instill confidence. Referencing when you say you don't think they could take us to to the next level you could well be right but it's amazing what a solid keeper can do for a partnership or any cb for that matter so I'm still holding belief with matip sakho and lovren we have cbs who could be our central 2 between them for years as they're all still relatively young for a cb anyway and all have different qualities which hopefully can compliment each other.


04 Apr 2016 16:29:57
hjikle, I think you're getting the wrong end of the stick. In no way am I having a go at Studge, I've consistently supported him. My worry is that he's having a crap time and may look to move on because of it which I think would be a disaster.

I'm also not saying this because of a one off incident. This has been the case for weeks. He did his dance the other day when he scored, in the past he'd do it with the biggest grin on his face but there was barely a smile this time. In the past he showed genuine warmth and affection for his team mates, i haven't seen that since he came back into the team. I hope I am wrong but body language isn't hard to read and his is dramatically different to how it used to be.


04 Apr 2016 18:02:01
Hey Shane, Migs is a player we can improve on but I don't think our defensive problems will be solved by simply replacing him, there are problems across the whole defensive unit and Sakho and Lovren are part of that. If they cut out they're inconsistency then they may reach the top tier but, for me, they're not there yet.


05 Apr 2016 02:48:30
Muscat, Mingo needs to get gone as he is unreliable and incapable of improving, period. You're right, letting him go will not fix everything but it will fix a whole lot. A top notch GK inspires confidence and soothes defenders. Look at LC, Spurs and even Utd, teams in the top five with the best defensive records in the PL. What do they all have in common? A solid last line of defence as in, a top notch GK.


04 Apr 2016 10:57:34
Eds, are there duds that Klopp bought at Dortmund who are expensive? Seem to read only those good ones?

Believable0 Unbelievable10

{Ed001's Note - he never really spent big that much to buy expensive duds.}

04 Apr 2016 11:19:49
To be honest what he has done with the players he has in an attacking sense is amazing really. If we didn't have so many individual errors at the back we would be in top 4 already in my opinion. Looking foward more than anything to a quality keeper and centre half.


04 Apr 2016 13:00:42
Immobile is the only one I can think of. HM took a while to settle I think but is now tearing it up.


04 Apr 2016 13:14:07
The only player Klopp signed for Dortmund who could be considered an expensive mistake was Circo Immobile.

He had a torrid time and cost them a far bit.

Other than that, there wasn't any other big signings they will have been disappointed with.


04 Apr 2016 13:19:25
In fairness Immobile only got a chance during their worst season and then moved on. Might have been okay if he had stayed on into their next year when they hit form again.


04 Apr 2016 13:38:19
It was indeed Immobile and he wasn`t that good either as he has bounced around from team to team (Torino, BVB, Seville and now, back to Torino.


04 Apr 2016 13:42:29
Adrian Ramos too.


04 Apr 2016 16:32:30
Adrian Ramos wasn't that expensive though was he?


04 Apr 2016 10:33:36
Hi Ed1,

You said that Brannagan might go in the summer. Are there any other youngsters you expect to leave (other than Sinclair and Teixeira)?

Also, other than Stewart which other young players do you will think be integrated into the 1st team next year?

Thanks.

Believable1 Unbelievable6

{Ed001's Note - there are a number who might leave, but it is very difficult to predict. I would expect McLaughlin to go as well.

Smith I would expect to get more time next season, along with Ojo.}

04 Apr 2016 12:36:20
Cheers for the reply Ed.


04 Apr 2016 09:08:52
Really good display against spurs this weekend, I think over the last month or so the players really look to be trying their all every game, which is something in the past I have thought we have often lacked and has been frustrating.

One thing I have noticed though is that we seem to be lacking any sort of danger in our own corner kicks. I was wondering Eds do you know how many goals we have actually scored directly from a corner this season compared to other teams?

Also how long has it been since we had a CB that got 6+ goals a season?

Thanks.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

{Ed001's Note - I can't remember, but it can only be about 1, if that.}

04 Apr 2016 10:29:53
3 or 4. Coutinho, Ings (? ), Skrtel and Toure I believe. Still pretty poor though and Skrtels wasn't straight from the delivery really.

Last time a CB scored 6+ was Skrtel in 13/ 14. But he had Gerrard whipping them in.


{Ed001's Note - the delivery has been hopeless, that is the issue not height.}

04 Apr 2016 10:11:15
I am sorry mate, but I saw nothing from Liverpool all second half. We were pegged back to our own half by Spurs once we scored the goal. Can was extremely poor left Henderson battling against the entire Spurs squad.
Spurs had 60% possession through out the game.

Watching footie from close to 20 years and I have never seen another average over hyped player than Can in my whole life. He is a big athlete with no brains at all. Positionally poor, 10+ yellow cards all for poor challenges and poor positional display.

The only positive from the game saw Henderson stepping up big time and he had to. Can and Milner were out of their position all Evg.

Not a dig, My observation.


04 Apr 2016 10:51:10
Thanks for the info Ed001 and also MK Scouser

I imagine this is something Klopp will work on with the squad over pre-season as an extra 5-10 goals from corner kicks over a season can make a real difference!

Thanks again.


04 Apr 2016 11:19:13
We have no-one in the starting XI who can take any decent set plays, its getting a little pathetic at this point.


04 Apr 2016 12:32:53
Harry, Can is only recently 21, if Stewart was making those mistakes you'd be saying that he's only young, well he's older than Can. It's like some of you just look for a player to roast every week, I'm sure you've lauded him when he's been playing well, which has been most of the season by the way.


04 Apr 2016 13:44:25
Spot on, Shewsbury. If we don`t win, someone has to take the blame or be scapegoated. Pathetic attitude, really. As Ed said in his analysis, our players seem to just lunge into challeges instead of just pressing the player. Loveren lunged into the challenge on Kane and all Kane did was use lovren`s momentum against him to turn and score. Had he just slowed down and held him up, Kane would have had to think twice and the move would have been dead. Milner is the cheif culprit of this and he did it time and again, as many others did. We created the better chances and if Firmono had played, he would have buried the chances Studge, Lallana and Milner missed. But he didn`t play and it showed. It happens. Spurs are no slouches either and yet we created the better chances and should have won with a bit more composure in the tackle, challenges and in the final third.


{Ed001's Note - Milner drives me mad doing that.}

04 Apr 2016 13:31:30
The Shrewsbury

Very rare I rate a young academy prospect. Very very rare. Stewart needs only game and nothing else unlike can who need to learn the game and his position. Kevin Stewart is extremely confident on the ball and sound in his position.
Dare I say, the best player coming from the academy since Gerrard. He will reach heights. So does Klopp who handed him a contract immediately after his debute.

I can honestly say, Klopp would have never bought Can if he was available in the market.


04 Apr 2016 15:58:39
Just to add to op skrtl in 13/ 14 got about 12 in the league although we nearly got a goal a game from set pieces that season! Yeah the delivery has been truly shocking only player I've seen all season deliver good corners was brannigan in the cup!


04 Apr 2016 15:37:05
Ridiculous, who are you to say klopp would never have bought can if he was available? He's one of Germany's brightest prospects in his first full season in England ( last season barely a it's as he was a CB for most of it) and now is a full international for the world champions at the ripe old age of 21. He may not have been a definite buy but I'm sure he was a damn sight higher up the list than Stewart. Klopp does have the option of playing Stewart instead of can you know.


04 Apr 2016 16:24:50
So Can is a German international and Stewart is struggling to get even a few minutes or a place on the bench. Klopp must not know what he is doing to overlook such amazing talent Harry.


04 Apr 2016 17:06:37
Irish

Is Can playing the Deep Defensive midfielder for the national team?


04 Apr 2016 18:01:02
Harry, is Stewart playing this deep role for Germany, or England, or England U21s?


05 Apr 2016 17:13:54
Honestly I kind of agree with Harry here. Not that Can is some terrible player, but that positionally he is just very poor and is brainless - something which shows up big time in the DM position. He chooses the wrong pass multiple times in a game, against Spurs he was all over the place (as was Milner who should be sold IMO) and he was, looking at the game objectively, poor. I prefer Can further up the pitch because he contributes more, his positional sense (or lack of it) isn't such a determining factor and he has more scope to use his power to run at (and past) opposition. Having said this we had a number of poor positional players on the field against Spurs (Moreno, Milner, Can) and this just makes everyones life difficult. Imagine the scoreline if Skrtel played!


04 Apr 2016 08:04:31
I don't understand those of you who say you would rather not qualify for the Europa next season?
Obviously champs league is the aim but we are Liverpool we need European football!
Its an extra source of revenue, it will help klopp attract better players in the summer. But above all else it is a European trophy that Liverpool should aim to win!
Excuses of tiredness don't cut it with me. An extra 13 games over 9 months is nothing.

Believable16 Unbelievable5

04 Apr 2016 09:14:07
Good point. I'm sure with the bigger stadium the extra European revenue is important to the club. Plus the group stages are a great opportunity to play guys like Ojo, Brannagan etc and keep squad players match fit. Plus when you get to the knock out stages the Europa isn't a bad competition 😊.


04 Apr 2016 09:58:58
Lets face it, the Europa Cup is not the Champions League by any standards but i would still rather win the Europa Cup than either of the League or FA Cups. We need to keep trying in the league and forget about this nonsense of resting players in favour of a possible Europa League success.


04 Apr 2016 10:43:11
Totally agree carra, if we're really only interested in the league then we should withdraw from all other comps and just play the 38 games. That would of course be totally ridiculous but seems the way foward for some!


04 Apr 2016 10:30:55
At the end of the day, it's all speculation because Klopp will make the decision but as we saw with the FA cup matches Klopp will not hesitate to rest players if he thinks they're fatigued.

6th looks likely to get Europa league next season.
It's between us, Chelsea and West Ham IMO.

Stoke are no shrinking violets and I'd hate to see a first team regular taken out of the 2nd leg assuming we're still in the tie.


04 Apr 2016 11:21:20
Agree. Another importance of the Europa Cup is the ranking points it gets - consistent quarter finals or semi finals means that when we get back to the CL we could go back in pot 3 not pot 4 again, which can make a huge difference (obviously depends on who else qualified that year)


04 Apr 2016 13:47:54
You always wanna be in Europe as a big club so those saying we shouldn` try to be there are talking nonsense. Cl is what we all want BUT it ain`t going to happen as we have screwed it up many times over this season BUT EL is possible and I`d rather we tried to win it (as we have done before) than try to beat Stoke. I say, play the game in front of you to win, and deal with the rest later.


04 Apr 2016 13:51:17
It's closer to 20 games depending on how you qualify,
I think we've already played 12 games in it this year, although that might be 10, I can't remember if we played a qualifier.


04 Apr 2016 18:53:24
when we get ties like the ones we are having, man utd, and now bvb does it matter what competition we are in? European football is very important to Liverpool fc and we should not turn our nose up at it. Thankfully klopp's attitude to the Europa league is spot on. Extra games should give young squad members some valuable European experience.


05 Apr 2016 17:15:19
Whoever is saying they don't want it is an idiot. I'd take any European football next season - I mean it is silverware, it's automatic CL place if you win, it's Europe. Being outside of Europe will not help the club in any way and we have more than enough playing staff to cope with the rigours.


04 Apr 2016 05:48:23
i don't get it, every game should be a priority . if we loose to stoke and they finish above us, that would be really difficult to take for me. we have enough players in our squad. we have to try and win all our games. i donot think Dortmund has much ground on us. and its them who are expected to win so pressure should be on them. they will attack us which means there will be space to exploit . we love space, we rule the teams when they are set out to attack us. if we can find space in final third the yellow fans will be in for a long long night. i hope we take the game to their throat at signal Iduna, i don't like this idea of let's save it for anfield. hit them at Iduna so hard they can barely get to anfield.
they might have better players and stuff but so did both city and chelsea. TBH coutinho is in the form of his life.

Believable8 Unbelievable4

04 Apr 2016 13:52:29
Spot on, Akshit. EVERY game should be an opportunity to perform and win. Play to win every game should be the mantra and not choose to lose. look at how Spurs lay down and took a beating from BVB. If you think that did not affect them, then you`re delusional. Wins bring confidence and losses even "planned" ones, are still losses and they will weigh you down, mentally.


04 Apr 2016 18:58:03
I respect Dortmund but I don't fear them are they unbeatable? no, they will be expecting to put us away like they did spurs, its up to us to stop that happening, the idea that we go to Germany and do no attacking is absurd, love the positivity by red and ak, hope the team shows the same mentality.


05 Apr 2016 02:57:20
KK, Spurs lay down and took a beating before a ball was kicked in that tie. Poch gave up on the tie and it has ruined their confidence as they haven't been right since. Klopp will NEVER let that happen and our boys will like to show that Klopp belongs to LFC now Andy will go out and play hard for him.


04 Apr 2016 04:58:16
If Leicester win the title can you imagine how many kids will have the name Riyad Kasper and Jamie in 9 months time in the East Midlands? going to be one hell of a party the day they do win the league. I loathe to see anyone apart from Liverpool winning things but 2012 seems so long ago now but no one can begrudge The Foxes they are so entertaining to watch and fully deserve their probable win. They have been super fortunate with injuries but who cares as long as Man Utd, Spurs or Chelsea don't win it.

Believable8 Unbelievable2

{Ed001's Note - even the sales of blue cars have rocketed in the last few months in the area. Amazing the effect a title challenge has.}

04 Apr 2016 07:05:02
Good time to be a burglar with all that extra cash Leicester fans have won.


04 Apr 2016 01:46:05
For ed001, Do you think it's a coincidence that the two players Klopps signed so far are just over 6 ft 2 (Grujic) and just over 6 ft 3 (Matip)?

We do have one of the shortest squads in the league on average and our best starting 11 is probably even shorter once you remove guys like Ilori, Benteke, Caulker who drag our average height up but barely play. Do you think the extra physicality and aerial presence is something we need in your opinion?

Just a random thought really.

Believable5 Unbelievable3

{Ed001's Note - it really makes little difference in midfield to be honest. Centre backs, as a norm, tend to be taller, so it is defo not a coincidence that Matip is over 6ft....}

04 Apr 2016 09:30:48
I think the OP has a fair point. Set pieces are one of our weakest points for a number of years now and the squad height has to be one of the reasons for it.


04 Apr 2016 13:54:20
Matip is quite lethal from set pieces BUT if the delivery is like the abject shambles we`ve seen this season, then it`s not going to matter if you have even Ivan Zamorano ( a beast in the air in his prime) at the club. Even he would struggle.


05 Apr 2016 17:18:23
Zamarano, what a player. But yeah Redohio is right the delivery is nowhere near good enough - you could have the wicker man in the box and there still wouldn't be goal from a corner such is our lack of quality.


03 Apr 2016 23:03:32
Ed001/ 002 Once Danny Ings is fit can you see him having any impact on the first team? Or will he be loaned out? Almost forgot he was a Liverpool player.

Believable2 Unbelievable7

{Ed001's Note - if he gets back to his best, I would expect him to play a full part in the first team.}

04 Apr 2016 08:38:53
Hi, 1st team or 1st team squad Ed?


{Ed001's Note - they are the same thing. It really is impossible to say until his recovery is assessed. Some people never get over an injury like that, some people take years, others takes months and some are pretty much back to speed in a couple of weeks. As he will have a full preseason, he might well only need a few weeks of the season to get back to form.}

04 Apr 2016 10:12:43
I really don't see the point of loaning out a 24 year old England international, especially when Klopp has publically stated that he is not in favour of the current loan system.


04 Apr 2016 10:45:05
Fingers crossed that he'll get his chance and won't see his chances limited by to much competition. I'd like us to go with Firmino, Sturridge, Ings and Origi next season without adding to that. I see Benteke, Yesil and Sinclair going - leaving us with four striker (and i certainly see Firmino as one) wich should be enough. It'll give Ings the chance to get back to his best and Origi the chance to keep improving. We will see if Sturridge can stay fit and we will see Firmino continue to do what he does so well and maybe even adding to that.

I think the summer of 2017 will be the time for us to access whether we need to change our options up front or not. Right now there is just to many questionsmarks and to much talent to disregard - and there are other areas that are much more important to sort out.

So Davies, i think loaning Ings out would be the end of his carreer with us - and i certainly want him to stay and can't see why he wouldn't. Looked so refreshing early this year after the Balotelli and Benteke mistakes.


 
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