Liverpool Banter Archive September 04 2013

04 Sep 2013 22:38:00
There must be at least 60% of us who wanted suare to leave, but he is that little bit of football magic that makes a difference. I'm not duluded to think he os Liverpool through and through but he is in the same bubble as maradona and messi.

Ynwa

Sadly your right!

Yes he's a gifted player, but definitely not in any realm close to Maradona and Messi's "bubble". let's get real here. Maradona and Messi could be in the argument for best players of all time. Suarez isn't in that conversation, and if he is, sadly that is a bit deluded.

Hope Suarez scores a hatful for us this season. And then leaves.

Maybe 60% of the few fans that come on this site perhaps. But any fan that wanted us to lose a true world class player are the deluded ones.
Best bit of transfer business this summer by any club was us not losing Luis.

Suarez is very much like Maradonna as I think their moral compass is about the same as well as the natural talent. Hate him all you like but you can't ignore the talent and if you separate the talent from the morality of the man, without saying he's right up there with Messi at the moment though I do think he's more passionate.
I'll be very happy seeing him deployed on the right/left of Sturridge when he returns as he will see a lot more of the ball and also draw the defence out, and pull the markers off sturridge and it would create so much more space for Coutinho to ping balls through. If Moses is on a loan to buy, it would be a great chance for moses to learn all he can from Suarez before he leaves.

John B, there are lots of views on points like Suarez. To say someone with a different opinion is deluded is very narrow sighted. We have had an outstanding run without him. He is trouble. He wanted out and if it had taken going to court, well he has a record of doing this in the past. Yes I think there are real positives to having a unique player like Luis however it is about the total of the team and had we been able to pick up a quality wide player who worked in the set up, who didn't cause as much trouble and had extra cash to put towards whatever, would that have been so bad?

My position on Suarez is entirely pragmatic. He's a disgraceful individual but a footballer capable of helping us finish top 4 in a very important season in the clubs history. Wider football isn't obsessed by his antics. We should not have sold him on his terms. We can play on his desire to get his nut down in a WC year to our advantage. However, all concerned understand his desires. He won't forgive or forget being forced to stay against his will. We will be scouring the world for players to replace him next summer (or even in January). If he scores 20 PL goals, doesn't get banned, we get top 4 and he is a WC superstar and we get our 50m then the plan was a triumph. If none of those things come to pass the picture might not be so pretty.

04 Sep 2013 21:42:00
Done some snooping around on the united page searched sturridge name to see what they think of him, I found this funny haha!

Liverpool overpaying for players again!? Sturridge for £12 mil is laughable.
Sturridge imo has not proved himself consistantly at prem level and every time I watch him he is very greedy with a poor end product, surely they could have spent 12m on someone with more experience and a better goalscoring record, can't see him as the answer to what they need, I hope i'm proved right!

phil
I am not sure they would have signed him if anyone else were interested in him. The �1.5m he is pocketing from the deal would have helped too. He done well at Bolton so perhaps at another mid-table club he will do okay.

Sydney!
Hernandez cost half that and is 10 times the player
Very true. He is worth half that. I'm not even sure what other Prem teams he would get into? Definitely not better than say, Benteke or Pogrebnyak. I would rather have Ricky Lambert in my team!

SD
You all sound so bitter & childish haha grow up!

Alsky
Grant Holt > Daniel Sturridge
Stones and glass houses. Bebe. let's just stick with supporting MUFC.

Hahah excellent work Square Tomato! You should post this in the Manchester United page ;)

To be honest, you could of left the names off and where you got it. I'd think it was posted here last winter. Lotta skeptics even here when we signed the lad. I'm just glad he's showing all of them wrong.

Is this after or before we beat them?

04 Sep 2013 20:49:01
really think our next 5 games are all definitely winable, I know kiss of death and all that but I just got a feeling were going to carry on grinding out the results against the so called weaker teams, the grit and determination we have showed so far this season is not like the Liverpool of old so yeah can see us with at least 22 points after first eight games, with studge on fire, the big strong presence of moses in the forward line and of course suarez to come back the team is looking on paper at least very formidable, so by the 2nd nov when we play arsenal we could be in a very healthy posistion playing with bags of confidence and belief, this thinking positive mantra of rogers is starting to rub off on even the most pesimistic of fans lol

I agree, but, if we change formation and have a go a the smaller teams it may be costly! What I mean by that is having Moses come in so that coutinho can play in the middle, that Would mean taking Henderson out. By doing that we gain a far greater force going forward but we will get hit on the brake time and time again. That's what happened last year againts WBA, villa an co. Taking Henderson out would mean taking a bit of that determination out, it's a tough call! I'd hate to be Rodgers!

I quite understand the predicament, but the good thing is the fact that our substitutes will now be real game changers tactically. What I mean is, if we're playing Moses for Henderson and being overrun or out-muscled in the centre of the park, Henderson can make an impact.
Similarly, if we need to place more emphasis on attack, Moses can be replaced by Aspas and then he and Suarez could switch flanks. Of course all of this is just hypothetical by assuming Moses becomes a starter, I'm not so sure.

But what it does mean is that BR will have quality options all over the park and that will aid him in implementing or changing strategies according to the situation. This, I think will mean we'll have more control of the game?

04 Sep 2013 20:18:12
Joe Allen being injured. what happens if one or more of our C/M's get injured or a suspension?
We don't have any cover/replacements foe Gerrard. Hendo & Lucas! Not of the Calibre/experience required. I'm talking about players whose natural position is C/M . Not defenders or forwards who have never played for us in that position.

You seem to have forgotten Coutinho and Alberto?

We have plenty of cover mate.
We only play 2 midfielders really, with the other being in a more attacking roll.
So we have Lucas, gerrard, Henderson, Allen all fighting for the 2 places. I'm sure a few more of the squad would manage perfectly fine there as well.

Alberto is a midfielder isn't he?

Anyone think Texeira might get a run if we get injuries in CM?

Toure can play in that position. He has played there before and he's experienced.

Alberto

Nick, I found this surprising also as I thought he was a striker but Alberto can play CM, AM, LW & ST and is competent in all positions.

We have Toure, Illori, Alberto and Texeria (from academy) to play that position. Hasn't happened before but Agger will do well in that position too IMO.

04 Sep 2013 19:27:15
Anyone know what's happened to kloot and sydney?
Its bizarre, they seem to be all over the other page, but nowhere to be seen on here, its as if they have vanished?!?!

United will finish "at least 30 points higher than Liverpool this season" according to syd.
I did challenge him to put money on it but he never replied, quite wisely by the looks of things.

04 Sep 2013 20:37:02
Clemence was arguably one of the best ever and its rare ti get gk like him today

Aziz, Ray Clemence has just been voted the best Shankly signing, he cost £18,000 and was a fantastic keeper with the agility of a cat, and was known for his defender quality as well racing from his goal to clear dangerous thru balls that got past the defense, an awesome GK, you should seek out any video of him you can find.

05 Sep 2013 00:34:52
Redmersey, can't remember clemence having a problem with his kicking, he had a good left peg. I honestly thought he was better than Shilton because he made saves look easy when stilton made easy saves look hard, no dramatics from clemence.
Got to say early 70's onwards was a great era for some great keepers, I saw the back end of Gordon Banks and a lot of Pat Jennings, remember him for Spurs saving 2 pens at Anfield (keegan & smith)and sometimes he claimed crosses with one (very large) hand. Another decent keeper was Paul Cooper of Ipswich, saved loads of pens.
Alanhuyton

70's sure was a great era for keepers.

Clemence, Jennings, Shilton, Sepp Maier, Dino Zoff, the Czech (or was it Polish) keeper - forgot his name.

Less so in the 80's. With one exception: Neville Southall. What a keeper he was. Damn.

04 Sep 2013 18:56:51
Hey just wondering if either Barcelona or Napoli bought that CB they were looking for?

As far as I know Napoli only signed Albiol and Barcelona didn't bring in a CB.

Hunter on Revista said something along the lines of one guy at Barca wanted Agger, the other Luiz and the new manager didn't fancy getting into the middle of it, furthermore he said the manager had not had time to properly assess the squad.

Whether that is accurate or not make of it what you will.

05 Sep 2013 00:24:01
A lot been said about Henderson this season, 99% ultra positive. I think his best attributes are his engine and his attitude however they alone are not enough for me. Usually your centre mid (dependent on type of centre mid) is THE best in the team at at least one of the following: passing, tackling, shooting, dead ball situations and proficient in most if not all, unfortunately Henderson isn't. I give him great credit for coming through a bad spell and he has worked very hard and improved a lot however those who think he could replace Gerrard should think again. When picked the lad will get my support for his attitude and commitment but he is not good enough for us if we want/expect to win leagues and cups.
Alanhuyton

Still think Sakho is intended to replace Agger.

04 Sep 2013 17:24:04
Now this media Ozil love fest is all well and good but before we start getting player envy let's not forget we have an interchangeable attacking 3 of sturridge, Suarez and our very own magician Coutinho. That my fellow red men and women is an irresistible and fearsome offensive 3 that will destroy most teams this season if they stay fit. Yes Ozil is supremely talented but he is only one man what happens if geroud gets injured I highly doubt bedntner will step into the breach! Yes Walcott may go up front and score goals but we can't worry about that we have to take care of our own business. even if we get injuries were more than capable of winning matches with our 'group'. is it me but all of a sudden the transfer window is closed and spurs don't seem like world beaters anymore. let's just take care of what we have control over and the rest will look after itself. not saying we're going to be champions but funnier things have happened. did someone say Blackburn rovers?

To be honest up until you mentioned him not much been said on here bit of grudging respect they got a good player but I went over to the arsenal page to see how much they were cheesing over the signing of him instantly regreted it there fans are deluded suggesting rogers will be the first manager sacked whilst forgetting they needed at least 5 players got 2 and ozil was not a position they were struggling in I couldn't read any more I felt dirty just been on that page had to get a shower was like the crying game shower scene those arsenal fans now think there nailed on for cl maybe the league and out of our managers I expect wenger to be gone before rogers

Agreed, our front 3 is magical when on song, if we have a consistent season from our squad we can finish top four! For me the league is out of our reach ATM but aim for the stars I hear ya ATL!

Ozil is a top class player and will only improve Arsenal, but looking at their squad they still haven't addressed the areas which needed addressing IMO, CB, RB, CDM and a striker. They will still be strong though no doubt.

Well said Giblet. Went on it myself and whilst I laughed initially that soon turned to bewilderment. They genuinely think he's going to bring them to the next level whereas in reality they will be scrapping for 4th as usual. It's not like they have signed a Messi or a Ronaldo or even a Suarez! His goal scoring record is pretty abysmal when you consider the position he plays in and the relatively poor quality of the league. Something like 27 goals in 150 odd appearances.

Even saw one fool post that he thinks he'll be a better signing than Suarez would have been!

He is a very good player but on his own won't make a massive difference to them.

Transport yesterday an Arsenal fan phoned in and said"42 million for a player we've already got, brilliant! " . Ha classic

While ozil is an amazing player he only marginally improves thier actual squad.
If you wrote a list of positions they needed to fill then his would be quite low down.
Terrible window for them in my opinion, but I can see ozil being a very good player for them.
If that makes sense.

Your right they desperately need a striker. Seems like a 'marquee' signing to keep the fans happy.

He could well ensure them top 4, which seems like Arsenals only ambition in recent years.

You mention his goal record, but he has created more goals than anyone else in Europe for the last 5years.

I can't say a bad word about ozil. Great signing. Werner has got himself out of jail there

Oezil is class player. Top drawer. Not what arsenal needed at all but he will make them marginally better.

As far as his wonderful assists record, it is a little bit biased towards greatness when you consider that he was passing/setting up Ronaldo who has scored 147 goals in 138 games. I'll wait and see how good Oezil does setting up Giroud and co in the epl before passing judgement. He'll do well, I'm sure but I doubt he will hit the same heights as his assist number in the spainish league.

Ozil is the closest thing to Zidane I have seen.

Ball is glued to his feet, he just glides past people with that turn of pace, and he "takes pictures", as they say.

There is no player quite like him in the world. Am amazed Real sold him.

Agreed he is not really what Arsenal needed.

But I won't lie: I am jealous they got him.

04 Sep 2013 16:53:03
Right then I have just realised Brendan Rodgers is not capable of beating any teams above us in the league right now.

That is because we are top, now all negativity is redundant.

Love this! haha, keep the faith! i'm not as optimistic as moses thinking we can win the league but I can sure as hell wish haha, top 4 here we come!

04 Sep 2013 20:47:34
Us winning the league this year will not happen unless some on a biblical proportion happens. wait a minute we got MOSES!

06 Sep 2013 10:17:05
I wonder is that why we sent Jesus out on loan? You know. To spread the word.

04 Sep 2013 16:02:49
Did anyone except Arsenal table a bid for Suarez.
Cheers for all the hard work lads.

FowlerGod. {Ed002's Note - Real Madrid.}

No comment!

Do you know how much the bid was for?
Cheers Ed.

FowlerGod. {Ed002's Note - This was done to death weeks ago, I would rather not open it up again as the purpose of the bid was to get to the negotiating table and it was not expected to be accepted.}

04 Sep 2013 15:03:07
Hi Ed 02, I’m back in the country for a short while and met up with my brother the other week for a beer. Turns out he uses the sight to! Anyway he is adamant that you are married to an agent? Don’t suppose your going to settle the bet we have on it? Lol {Ed002's Note - My current wife has no interest in football at all. I have an ex-wife who does - but not as an agent.}

04 Sep 2013 14:14:59
Theres a wonderful sign of anticipation and genuine excitement going around with the Liverbirds at the moment. I don't think I have been this excited for a young team sincee 2008.
We have a hungry young manager who I hope is here for years, and we have a hungry team who are out to prove that despite there age they can tussle with the big boys.
Ill be first to accept that when we had a massive clear out with players I was worried with the the out come of the youngster, but they have excelled we have added to that quality and now bring on the next game.

The Red Men are back.

04 Sep 2013 13:38:43
Eds quick question regarding tiago ilori I was reading an article saying roy hodgson was wanting to try talking him into converting to playing for england as he was born in london does that mean he goes towards the english players quota or is it depending on him choosing to play for england or portugal thanks {Ed002's Note - He is not home grown which is the quota you are thinking of.}

When this dual nationality thing happens ed. at what stage is the player tied to one country? u18 level? or being capped for the senior? what is it that stops them taking up the other option basically is my question

Benny I think its full international if I remember right has to be competitive as when zaha and sterling played in a england friendly it said until they played a competitive international thet could still play for other countries they could represent

04 Sep 2013 12:52:21
Just a quick enquiry to all the posters out there. During the transfer window, I posted up multiple reviews on potential targets for the club. They seemed to be very successful in terms of feedback. I thank everybody who read them, and especially those who gave me positive feedback or constructive criticism. It was all appreciated. What I am going to offer now, (If you would like) is a regular scout review each week on maybe 1, 2 or even 3 players who are currently at the club already. E.g. A review on Skrtel, Agger and Toure or Aspas, Suarez and Sturridge etc. Accademy players are no problem also. I don't even mind if you'd like me to give you a scout review on rival teams players like say Hazard, Ozil and Kagawa comparing them to our own players. I will be completely unbiased in each piece, and I am open 100% to requests. So if there is any of you out there who'd like this to become a regular thing, why not kick it off with a request of your own?

Like I say, It is only if people think it would be a good idea, and if you'd enjoy reading it. I don't want to waste your time, my time, or the Eds time with 800+ word reviews that people are not enjoying!

Thanks again though, and this is of course subject to the editors being okay with me continuing to post such large reviews on the LFC Blogs page.

YNWAdam

04 Sep 2013 13:07:47
It sounds like a really good idea man, although it might be an idea to wait a few weeks so that the season is past the early phase and heading rather quickly into mid-season.

Although saying that, I think Scurrle, Hazard, Mata would be good, because I can't understand mourinho's thoughts towards Mata atm.

04 Sep 2013 13:11:00
Thanks Adam. Those reviews were very insightful and useful. I'd very much look forward to reading some more too.

Academy players would be great, to help show us guys who is deemed the best potential player in each position. Newer players would also be welcomed - like Sakho, Ilori, Aspas.

Cheers,
Jolly Red

Loved the reviews Adam.
Keep em coming fella!

Would love to read more, Adam. Keep them coming. Your efforts are appreciated

Good idea Adam especially now that all the madness is over. I was particularly impressed with Fabian Delph when we played 'villa', maybe a review would be interesting!

Yes I read them and enjoyed them adam.
I wonder whether you might want to approach the sports editor of a newspaper like the guardian, send them those as an example of what you can do. you never know you might get a paid gig for analysis {Ed002's Note - That won't work, sorry. A local paper might be interested.}

Every one I have read so far has been so insightful and given a really fair and unbiased view focusing on all relevant aspects about each player. Highly admirable that you take time out to write them and it helps the ed's too in terms of stopping repetitive questions so great work Adam, I look forward to reading the rest of them.

I think Jolly Red hit it on the head with academy player reviews as I watch a few U21 games here and there but have never managed to have a good enough look at who is likely to make the push for the first team. So if possibly one or two academy player reviews could be done at some point that would great.

Thanks Adam, keep up the good work.

Adam Thanks for all the reviews and really enjoyed everyone one of them.
I was going to ask you for this favour just wanted the deadline day to pass.
If you can please do a similar type of comparison between our players and rival player of the same age, position, maybe nationality for eg henderson, cleverly, mccarthy, Nzonzi. or wingers like sterling, Ibe, Nathan Redmon, Zaha.
I feel in this way we can get to know our players well that is what we do with other posters compare them with our rival players.
Thanks for all your effort

04 Sep 2013 14:45:33
I had no idea they were so popular! Thanks for all your suggestions. I will go away and consider each one, and hopefully put together some kind of regular blog. All your comments are greeted with my absolute thanks. I never dreamt people would actually enjoy them! Thanks for the advice from some of you as well. Ed002, do you think its worth a shot contacting some kind of news distributor then? I mean I won't be quitting my day job any time soon, but I'm still under 21 and Sports Journalism has always been my dream. Engineering just happened to be there haha!

YNWAdam {Ed002's Note - I am not sure what you mean by "news distributor" but one option would be some sort of Blog - just go to Blogger.com. As I say, local papers are an option and perhaps writing a summary of the weekends games would interest hospital radio.}

Great work Adam thanks

Good Idea. I would really love to read comparison between our Coutinho and Chelsea's Oscar since they are both from Brazil and both play same position :)

Hey Adam great review! Could you please do one comparing giroud and studge.
cheers!

Adam
You could also try other Liverpool fan websites - Tomkins Times for instance, they have some very good young writers. I think Daniel Rhodes was on TT, and his articles are now on the LFC club site.
All the best mate, a good read.

04 Sep 2013 12:41:07
Do you think our tactics are to score first and then defend the lead until the end of the game?

Maybe this is why BR has strengthened the defence so much, to make sure all defenders are kept on their toes and play well. With the great amount of competition for places defenders will defend as if it were for their lives.

I think BR has learnt now that possession and all out attacking doesn't necessarily win you games and he has altered our tactics in order to grind out the wins when we are leading.

It will be interesting to see how we cope when we concede a goal first. Thankfully, we have scored first in our 3 league games and defended the lead fantastically.

Credit to BR for his tactical adjustments, and credit to the team for their perfect execution. I have watched many teams play so far this season and not many have impressed me. It will definitely close this season but let's take it one game at a time and and not look too far ahead.

Red Rum

04 Sep 2013 13:09:33
There is a series of. tactical articles on the official site that you might want to have a look at

I can't see that being our tactic every game but I think it makes sense to alter tactics depending on the opponents. We had about 5 good chances against Stoke and if it wasn't for Begovic having a worldie we would have won far more comfortably. It made sense for the last 10 minutes to tighten up and, although we got lucky with the penalty save deserved the win.

Aston Villa away is tricky. They have bags of pace and instinctively play to counter attack. The tactics of playing deeper nullified that threat and it showed. Except for Benteke's chance late in the second half Villa didn't really do an awful lot offensively and by the end looked like they had ran out of idea's. Compared to Arsenal and how exposed they were I think our tactic's were right for the opposition.

United games are often tight and tetchy. We scored early and then looked to counter. United are dangerous always so staying tight at the back was essential - like the Villa game Uniteds chances were minimal. Van Persie had one opportunity and that's it. Against the best teams it is unfeasible to keep hunting for the second goal. Our tactics will vary from team to team but I think so far we've been spot on. 1-0 isn't the most attractive result but it is 3 points - Its been a while since we have been capable of grinding out results, ability to do that will be the difference between a Europa League spot and a Champions League spot.

In the game against Man U Rodgers replaced like for like, Sterling for Aspas initially, an attacking player for an attacking player.This substitution would signal an intent to push on and score more goals leaving the opposition no option but to continue to defend.Last season, on too many occasions did we replace an attacking player with a defensive player an invite the opposition on, we all know what happened. Trying to park the bus with twenty minutes to go against the top teams considering their respective attacking acquisitions will prove even more futile than last season. Yes we have strengthened at the back and are undoubtedly better equipped in that department but with the flair players we now have, keeping teams under the cosh must be the way forward!

Our tactic is to score more than the opposition

04 Sep 2013 10:12:35
hey eds
this is one for ed002,
i have heard and read in many newspapers that EPL has been paid 1.6billion dollars in TV rights by various broatcasting channels ( BTsports for 38matches and ssn for all matches) and that this will be divided in among clubs. which means tv rights have added to all clubs revenue and hence EPL had a record transfer window.

if we break 1.6 billion by 20 it amounts to 80 million a club. ( which is just a lot of money for a club like let's say hull).
is this how it works? or the money just goes somewhere else? may be the FA instead?

also when a club bids a certain amount for a player, and it gets accepted are taxes involved in the bid?
if not who pays them?

i know you don't answer money related stuff? but you said you could do one after the window?
thanks

{Ed002's Note - Dealing first with the UK broadcast monies, they are divided (1) 50% equally between clubs, (2) 25% for those clubs hosting live matches, (3) 25% based on performance (league position). The international broadcast monies are divided (3) 100% equally between the clubs.

The figure you have (1.6 billion) looks like an annual UK broadcast figure in US$. The correct figure is a little over £3B over a three year period – so about £1B a year from the UK rights. This is up from about £600M.

Taking Liverpool as an example, last season they were paid a total of a little over £54.8M in broadcast payments comprising (1) £13.8M, (2) £11.5M, (3) £10.5M and (4) £18.9M.

As for transfer fees, what is paid by the buying club would typically include:

(a) Transfer fee - the big number.
(b) Any levy applied by the local FA – 5% for the EPL.
(c) Tax due on the transfer fee – typically this will be VAT (at varying rates across Europe) some or all of which should be reclaimable.
(d) Agent fees – this may be to one or more agents (as an example, Liverpool have spent £25M plus VAT on agent fees over the past three years leading to this window).
(e) Tax due on the agent fees – typically this is VAT at the local rate where the agent bills from – it is not reclaimable.
(f) Intermediary fees – this may be to one or more sponging leeches(what do you mean you have a super agent?) .
(g) Tax due on the Intermediary fees – typically this is VAT at the local rate where the Intermediary bills from – it is not reclaimable.
(h) Signing on fee to the player (possibly including non-reclaimable VAT if the player is VAT registered).
(i) Legal fees.
(j) VAT on legal fees which is reclaimable.
(k) Moving/relocation costs for the player.
(l) VAT on moving/relocation costs which is reclaimable.
(m) Paying up insurance costs to the selling club (sometimes waived).
(n) Variables and tax on variables which may or may not be reclaimable) – these would typically include legal fees, moving/relocation costs, etc.. This was off the top of my head and I may well have forgotten something. The big numbers are the transfer fee, agent fees (as an example, Liverpool have spent £25M plus VAT on agent fees over the past three years) and possibly other intermediary fees (what do you mean you have a super agent?}

What is paid by the buying club would typically include:

(a) If the player is under 24, a Solidarity contribution paid to his previous clubs responsible for his training - this is 5% of the transfer fee received.
(b) Any monies owed to the player if he did not request a transfer – again this is 5% of the transfer fee received.
(c) Any monies owed to the player in terms of his contract (typically outstanding wages and bonuses).}

This is not a go at you akrubbish but reading the reply of the Ed again and again I realise why sometimes the eds get the arse on (I mean that in a good way) when people ask all sort of questions regarding money.

Wow thanks a lot ed002
thats a lot of knowledge .
wow the transfer procedure is tough.
that exactly tells why lfc have been reeling
big transfers and then the agents that would have looted lfc in the past seasons.
thank you ed002. much appreciated

Ed, that was interesting- thanks for taking the time. Did not realise how much money is in the tv rights!

04 Sep 2013 13:23:29
Thanks for that ed, I understand what you mean when you say that transfer fees can be misleading. I understand that you may not have the time, or may not have one, but I was wondering if you could give a real life example to show what level of increase we may be looking at altogether? {Ed002's Note - I am real busy today Alvy - remind me in a few days and I will.}

B******* ed002:)))))))
Utter Tosh!
Only messing!
I completely understand now why you don't answer questions about finance.
Have you ever thought of running an on line clinic for people with money problems? If you ever do. give me a shout!

Ed, any chance you could briefly explain the complexities with the buy out clause?
BBC tried to explain the problem with the Man U deal was that the club would be paying the player the money to buy himself out of his contract? and this would then appear as earnings for the player to the Tax man, and would therefore mean Man U would have had to have paid a lot extra to cover his tax costs? if that makes sence.

{Ed002's Note - This is a horribly complex area not least because they are written under individual national laws.

The "buy out" clause is legally binding between a club and a player. The "buy out" is effectively what it says - a means for the player to buy himself out of the contract. As an example, if a player wishes to buy himself out of a contract, he pays the applicable FA the amount of the "buy out" clause effectively becoming a free agent. The problem is that in most cases a player would need to obtain that money from the buying club - and this is fraught with issues regarding "tapping up" and, of course, taxation as it can be seen as income for the player and would therefore be subject to income tax. There was a test case about the taxation issue in Spain about three years ago.

A "release clause" is far more common in that it gives a figure that the club would accept for the sale of a player to another club - but it is not legally binding except where both parties are in the same country, and even then that only applies in certain countries - notably Spain and Portugal. These are normally unreasonably high figures (Messi at Barcelona for example) introduced to act as a deterrent for hostile bids - and even then the club could easily block a move. However, if a club does agree to match a release clause then the club would be obliged to ask the player if he is interested. Examples are Goetze who decide he wanted to move and Cavani who, regardless of two offers that were made in 2012 that matched or equated to his then "release clause" recognised Napoli did not sell and accepted a new package. Since then Napoli said they will listen to offers of €60M or so and indeed accepted a bid this summer.

There is then the becoming popular "termination clause" which is binding between the player and the club and if met would see an offer from anywhere accepted and the player given the opportunity to make a call on a move. This overcomes the issues associated with "buy out" clauses as the money would be paid by one club to another.}

Anyone else think ed002 might be on the drug limitless?Your knowledge of football is just insane

Thanks Ed, I would have imagined Utd would have known this though, so suspect there was a lot more behind that deal.

Lol limitless.

This is great knowledge ed and I think illustrates just how complex transfers and generally the financial side of football is. It sounds like there are a lot of middle men taking their slice of the pie but doing very little to justify the money they are making. {Ed002's Note - If you want to do business with high-profile players all sorts of people will try and get a slice of the deal. There are people out there trying to get money through registering domain names of players in different countries. There players in certain countries where organised crime owns a chunk of them. There were players set up as corporations and there was a club paying a couple of players in tax exempt oil paintings and cars at one time. A lot has been done to tidy this up. Agents now need to be registered, but we still see unregistered "super agents" getting involved with players, owners, clubs etc..}

RNred, I don't know exactly what happened with Herrera, but I'd presume it might have been something similar to the Javi Martinez case when he went to Bayern where essentially he ended up buying himself out of his contract via Bayern via the Spanish FA? Horribly complex way to do things and I can see why trying to complete such a move on deadline day would be subject to failure.

I think like most things in life when huge sums of money are slushing about there are a queue of unscrupulous, conniving people waiting to get there cut. From what you describe editor football is no different.

04 Sep 2013 10:05:07
Good start to the season. Long may it continue. Think its all about confidence. We have been good in the first halves but quiet in the second halves probably not knowing whether to stick or twist? Winning is a good habit to have. we've had a good transfer window which is my main point really. The bench looked weak against utd but with the late additions it will look better. I know its a squad game but wondering with br saying he'd prefer coutinhio having a central role but Hendersons energy and all round game having improved who you all would play with gerrard and lucas? can't think what our defence will line up but am I right in thinking that suarez/sturridge/moses as front 3. Nice headache to have. c'mon u reds

04 Sep 2013 13:26:50
There are some tactical analysis articles on the official Liverpool site that you may want to look at mate. They really helped me understand what we have been doing in the second half of matches, and also to see what has changed from last season. If we do well this season, I could really see Brendan being here a long time.

04 Sep 2013 10:03:39
I'm Just Luvin that top of the league feeling!

04 Sep 2013 09:35:12
Tough few days for Skrtel. Feel for him. Finally got his chance with Toure's injury and performed well against the champs, kept a clean sheet, and helped silence Van Persie. Then we sign TWO center backs on deadline day and add a trialist from Real Madrid to boot. What's the latest on Toure's injury? Thought he was touch and go for Utd. Is Skrtel expected to continue for the next match? {Ed002's Note - There has been no update from the club on Torre.}

Is that Toure or Torres Ed? That kind of ambiguity is surely more than enough to start a Torres to Liverpool rumour? {Ed002's Note - Toure.}

Top clubs have top competition. Skrtel was poor last season, if he performs like he did against United week in week out then he will be first choice. Still think he looks a little wild at times - can see free kicks/penalties perhaps being an issue. Would also say that Toure is a lot stronger than him and, judging by the clips I've watched, so is Sakho.

The variety is good though, different defenders for different opponents. When we play Everton for example Sakho might be the best option to nullify Lukaku whereas when we play Arsenal Skrtel's relative quickness might be more effective. Just having options makes me more confident in our team, if Skrtel maintains the form he is capable of he will be a big player for us this season.

p.s. has to be a decent chance of him leaving for Russia in January though surely? {Ed002's Note - Maybe.}

04 Sep 2013 08:13:55
There is a ridiculous number of CB's at Liverpool. I'd assume Ilori and Wisdom will go out on loan. Would that be right? In January I'd say with Skrtel and Coates likely leaving Liverpool will have money to spend.

No one is leaving, with the current three clean sheets confidence is high.

With the extreme competition in places every players concentration will be super high as well

This will give us a lot of clean sheets

Also Rodgers could play a 3 5 2 formation in some matches with 3 cbs and 2 wing backs should be interesting

Our defence this season: Toure, Sakho and Agger will rotate at CB, with Ilori as fourth choice. Wisdom out on season loan (likely sorted next week). Skrtel only here as a move couldn't be sorted - will be sold in Jan. Coates injured all year - sold next summer. Kelly is cover for Johnson (with Flanno hopefully loaned out next week). Cissokho and Enrique battling it ot for LB. Robbo out on loan. McLaughlin will stay in U21s this season along with Rafa Paez, Jones, Sama etc.

Ilori, Sakho and Toure can play in more than one position. That flexibility could be a BIG advantage to the squad when injuries and suspensions occur.

04 Sep 2013 09:09:48
Hi Eds, do you know if there was a player targeted for the defensive holding role position that Lucas plays? I only ask because if Lucas gets injured I don't see a natural understudy in the squad and that seems a bit odd considering we now have six Centre Backs (Agger, Toure, Skrtel, Llori, Sakho, Coates as well as Kelly). Thanks. {Ed002's Note - 8 centre backs with Kelly and Wisdom.}

Joe Allen?

04 Sep 2013 14:28:17
Toure

04 Sep 2013 08:50:13
Did arsenal make a cheeky last minute bid to buy Suarez?if so I'd probably assume they be back in January for him? They surely knew that a last minute bid be more than 40,000, 001 so why not offer a acceptable amount in the first place?
Hated arsenal since 91
Harold

04 Sep 2013 01:51:08
Can Aly Cissokho play at Right Back?

Mate I can play at right back. Question is 'who'd be better.'

Ilori can play Right back,
Sakho can play Left back.

No. But he is out injured for another 4 to 6 weeks anyway.

I think Wisdom will play right back or even Toure until Johnson returns.

Kelly will surely get a chance at right back? He looked class before his injury and if I had a choice I'd go for Kelly over Wisdom all day long.

We have enough cover at RB for Johnson as we also have Kelly, Wisdom & Flanagan

04 Sep 2013 00:30:36
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has decided to play Luis Suarez, 26, on the wing when he returns from his 10-match suspension.
According to the Guardian
WTF?!, if your not going to play him in his strongest position, you may as well have sold him! {Ed001's Note - he always played as a wide forward for Ajax, it suited him fine there, so who is to say he won't play well there for us? I would say it would make no sense to move Sturridge out of his position, so Suarez has to go somewhere else.}

I'd say Sturridge is the better striker and Coutinho is the better no.10. Luis may be a better all rounder but shouldn't oust either of them from their position - He is still lethal playing wider and switching with the front 3 anyhow.

I would play him behind Sturridge and continue to play Coutinho on the left for now.

It's supposed to be an interchangeable 1-2-1. It will be. Imagine the top 3 on the move and Coutinho pulling the strings. LS will score plenty from the wider birth but Sturridge is more of a poacher type and with proper supply will notch 25 goals.

Yeah because having Sturridge leading the line with his pace and power, with a combination of Suarez/Couter(as I call him)/Moses/Aspas drifting behind him, dragging defenders all over the place will be really easy for defenses to mark.

Suarez should have been played as a wide forward ever since he joined the club. That move has a come 30 months late. He plays there for Uruguay and did for Ajax with resounding success. We will also see more of his creative side than stupid shots from awkward angles. Sturridge will bang in the goals for fun with Suarez and Coutinho around him. Hopefully that will also make it crystal clear to him that the team is not over reliant on him, after his comments saying the other players are not good enough.

Suarez will be magnificent floating on the wing. He will see a lot more of the ball and will be able to pull markers of Sturridge. It will free up a lot more space and Coutinho can be pinging those through balls into the gaps.

Can't wait to see a threesome of Suarez, Sturridge & Coutinho in top form. All interchanging and wreaking havoc.
It will be like watching defenders trying to handcuff a snake.

04 Sep 2013 08:28:20
Suarez doesn't really play wide for Uruguay, he did for Ajax but he did move to striker in the last couple seasons there. I think keep sturridge up front and if for some reason Suarez is scoring more from a central position only then he should be put there but, I think wide with a more roaming/ interchanging type for both would benefit them. We needed a player like Suarez against man u in the second half when we were abit all over the shop, he would've taken the ball and caused a little more trouble than sturridge did around that area between the box and halfway.

Midsred - I'm not sure Suarez, Coutinho and Sturridge would fullfill your fanatasy of having a threesome but I can't wait to see them playing together :)

Sturridge will be the furthest forward and the focal point, but I think the 3 that play behind him will all interchange; Suarez, Coutinho and the third player.

04 Sep 2013 09:57:45
For the first time in months. we have more than 8 fans being positive about suarez.
Waaaoooo. how time and people both changes.

Harry scousser

The team is more important than the individual - Sturridge is on fire and shot/goal ratio much better than Suarez's. Suarez has the pace, power and trickery to be really effective on the wing - playing him there is the best way to balance the squad and keep the forward line firing.

04 Sep 2013 00:26:50
Does anyone else want to see a backline of agger, toure and sakho with enrique and johnson as wing backs?

Would free up a lot of defensive responsibility for them allowing them the freedom to attack and we would still have a terrifying back line.

I've been pondering this since we signed Sakho at first I thought too many defenders but now I'm thinking a back three of Toure, Agger, Sakho, glen an Jose wing backs then I'd have Lucas, Gerrard then Coutinho behind sturridge and aspas, Suarez will get his place back later on.

Agreed, Square. I'd even consider Cissokho for Enrique (or even Moses if we're feeling adventuresome) as well as maybe even Henderson/Ilori for Johnson (although I prefer Henderson more central obviously). I think the key is we now have an additional defensive option we didn't really have before.

I also seem to recall reading something about BR mentioning 3-5-2 as being a formation he was fond of at one point as well, may have to try and find that again.

Not sure I've ever seen a PL team play that system with much success though (happy to be proved wrong). Sounds great on paper, not sure about the reality.

Enrique is a fullback not a wing back. If you want to play with wingback Cissoko is your man

Teams with decent wingers will destroy that sort of formation. Could work but only against the right sort of team.

04 Sep 2013 00:01:02
Hi all,
Does anybody else get this horrible feeling that sturridge will end up playing both games for England even if he's not fully fit to show woy he should be in squad for World Cup and end up getting a long time injury putting him out for a month or two? Hope I'm wrong and they don't play him unless fully fit but it's not the first time this would have happened.?

03 Sep 2013 23:55:33
hi eds and reds

if anyone is still moaning about whatever they need to sit down and take a good look at our whole team and were we are in the prem and with the new defenders in then suarez to come back and moses in the squad we can be happy, its what we have wanted for years not a good starting 11 but a very good bench BR hasgot himself a great squad, and for people to go about suarez and his bad behaviour then i'm shore he can cut that out, but then he can score 30 goals a season, so if he is on the bench or playing then we will have a great squad and we should aim for 1st place in the prem not 4th, if we aim for 1st and just fail it then C/L will be there for us, its only 3 games some might say, but the form we are in will keep us there, the Manchester United game proved we can mix it with the big teams and this year wee will be back where we belong plus in the Manchester United game the fans raised the roof,

03 Sep 2013 23:25:36
The competition to get on the bench let alone the first 11 is going to be fierce. Its been a while since we've had that.

Can't wait for the Swansea game. Let's hope all the lads come back with no injuries.