Liverpool Banter Archive August 06 2014

06 Aug 2014 23:30:54
I need a break from the transfer speculation does anybody else think with the regeneration of Anfield that 60/70,000 will be enough to bring in the revenue or indeed satisfy the demand of registered fans waiting for season tickets?

Nope the waiting list is miles and miles longer. Supply and Demand though, having a healthy sized waiting list allows them to charge more for season tickets every year and know that people will be willing to pay!

That is all we can have.
The surrounding infrastructure will not cope with more people than that.
I too would like an 80000 stadium but it is just not feasible at present.
So I think we should get used to keeping Anfield and having her spruced up with a few extra seats for now.
Maybe after sustained success and our debt erased there MIGHT be an opportunity to look into a larger stadium.
Just to prove my point: for those of you that drive to the match, how long does it take you to get from around the stadium after the match? Plenty long enough I'm guessing?

{Ed002's Note - Adding seats does not bring much extra income. Selling naming rights will be better. That is what it is about.}

07 Aug 2014 07:18:11
The question is not about enough-nees, but about feasabiilty, and ignoring this makes your point featherweight.

It has to be under the 60,000 mark otherwise you have to pay for extra infrastructure with transport links etc. So to keep costs down they have opted to 59,000. Will probably have more corperate boxes as this is where a lot of revenue is made.

07 Aug 2014 07:49:14
It won't satisfy demand, and the flip side of what DPrince said above is that having the competition for seats will also make it a) special for us poor OOTs who can only get to the odd game and b) hopefully mean we still have a packed stadium. Last thing we want is for a half empty 100k seater stadium echoing forlornly.

I understand that the infrastructure around Anfield can't support more than a 60k seater stadium, without a significant (not sure of figures, but think 9 figures and higher) additional development around it.

We may do that one day, with continued success, but right now, I think the 60k seater plan is the best all round, considering all aspects.

07 Aug 2014 07:51:38
The waiting list for Anfield isn't far from a point where we could pack out Wembley. 60,000, maybe with further expansion in the future, will bring us in line with the European leaders lower level where it's expected that top clubs have 55k+. That's good enough

07 Aug 2014 08:46:18
No absolutely not,, Liverpool need an 80,000 seater stadium this day n age.
I went online to get a single ticket for ANY game as I haven't been since giving up my season ticket. I went online and they sold out EVERY ticket for the first 10 or whatever home games in 20 minutes!
But as I mentioned this on here, Ed002 pointed out we as a club couldn't cover the cost of going over 60,000 for some reason. . But yeh I think it should be double what it is now

{Ed002's Note - Very little additional income will come from adding more seats. Adding more than 60k would result in LFC having to pay for significant changes to the transport system and infrastructure. The income from the stadium will not come from the addition of fans but from selling the naming rights - and that is what the owners are looking to do. It makes financial sense.}

07 Aug 2014 10:16:15
Most fans don't want the seat capacity increased so the club will have more funds, more seats are needed so that the loyal supporters who are now no longer able to get tickets despite being faithful attendees for countless years.

Its dissapointing because most thought the increase in seats would solve this but it won't.

From what I can remember, it was suggested to build the stands higher (double tier) all around the ground, but the objection was the house's surrounding the ground would be in darkness and that would be breaking a law (?) well the houses are gone now, and as for the increased crowds being a problem I still remember 65,000 fans packing into Anfield and there were no problems then, I truly believe we need an 80,000 capacity, not just for the revenue (ticket, program sales, food, DOUGHNUTS! haha, merchandise) AND selling the naming rights! and if any fans deserve the chance to be able to buy tickets for this club it's us, as for the transport problems, if the demand is created a solution will be found. this is my opinion and my hope.

{Ed002's Note - The club simply cannot afford it. It won't bring revenue and would be an albatross around the neck of the club for 25 years to come.}

06 Aug 2014 23:07:51
Moreno, Yawn, so bored of our protracted transfer rumours, Its difficult in this day and age but wouldn't it be nice to do things behind closed doors when it comes to transfers, Itll never happen due to agents etc but one can wish.

YNWA JFT96

Was thinking the other day that it would be nice to spend the summer switched off from football. Then, come 16 August just turn on again and only then find out that we have signed 7 or 8 new players. would be a bit like Christmas Day when you were 6 years old!

Reina was pretty quick and quiet. Not one whisper before yesterday so who knows what else is really going on.

07 Aug 2014 07:52:58
It would be nice mate. But then we're the reason it can't happen - people like us make such a market for news, and are so keen to know everything, that information will find a way to leak. Or the press will just make it up

06 Aug 2014 22:43:56
Lavezzi males sense to me is a class player with experience at 29 if we get to top seasons out of him ibe and markovic will be at the right age to play week in week out

I personally feel his age and price tag are slightly affecting peoples judgement on his ability. I'm not saying we should necessarily sign him, mostly for those reasons but a lot of people are questioning his talent which I find bizarre.

07 Aug 2014 07:53:35
His top seasons were 4 and 5 years ago

06 Aug 2014 22:21:25
Eds, sorry to be a pain, but, anybtruth to these Falcao rumours?

Thanks again Eds!

{Ed002's Note - Twitter?}

The most ridiculous rumour I have ever read

06 Aug 2014 21:06:07
Every Single Summer at one point we are linked with Xabi Alonso, i'm glad Tello has moved as well, it was the same with him

Getting quite bored of Moreno now, I hope we get him but i'm sick of hearing it now

06 Aug 2014 21:04:10
A few links with us and Maurio Icardi. Please can I have some information with him. he's 21 and apparently worth 28 or odd million.

06 Aug 2014 20:24:05
Eds, first of all great site, been a fan for a while now.

Second, is there any chance of Liverpool being interested or perhaps attempting to make bids for either Kevin Volland or Alexandre Lacazette?

In my opinion they both could be excellent additions, could play anywhere along the front line, are young and wouldn't force us to play with two out and out strikers if we were to sign Bony or someone equivalent.

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

{Ed002's Note - Search engine please.}

Yeah like Volland doubt it even if he does have a reported £12m buy out clause. Guess he doesn't fit this system I keep hearing about?

Volland would, I think, be a great signing. Haven't heard of any interest from us though (nor anyone else really, at least that I can think of).

06 Aug 2014 19:11:22
Hey guys I know a lot of posters have naming the potential starlets of the academy, a name I would like to mention that I haven't seen been mentioned here is Ryan kent Ed01 would love to get your take on the lad or any posters that seen him play feel free. I think he could be something special.

Good prospect, I like Cameron Brannagan a lot from our young lot, think he has some serious potential.

Sinclair & Ojo for me.

and I hope Pelosi is back to his best soon.

06 Aug 2014 19:05:45
Hey Eds, would Konoplyanka be cup tied for the CL now?

Much thanks

{Ed002's Note - No.}

06 Aug 2014 18:14:33
For me the signing of Manquillo makes sense if Johnson is being sold.
If we keep Johnson then I don't get it

Same here.
It makes sense to have flanno and manquilo fighting for the starting place and Kelly as further back up.

06 Aug 2014 18:47:35
It doesn't make sense to me whether Johnson stays or not. It strangely reminds me of the Luis Alberto signing, except on loan.

At least Manquillo was making headway outside of the B team before his neck injury. Don't recall Alberto ever playing for Barca first team.

Flanno would also be the back up left back as well I would imagine. So manquilo would be getting game time.

06 Aug 2014 19:23:48
Johnson IS going.

I pray your right Davey mate

I'll be happy with that Davey

@ Amerigo, Luis Alberto did play 7 first team La Liga games for Sevilla before he went to Barcelona B. He played 9 games in all for Sevilla's first's team, 3 games in 2010/11 and 6 games in 2011/12.

Just for the record.

06 Aug 2014 18:11:58
Gutted about Coady.

Really hoped he'd make the grade.

Good luck to the lad anyway :)

06 Aug 2014 17:45:40
Hy Eds
I m just fed up with all the rubbish staff in media about playes being linked.
I just wsnt to know do u expect lfc to make any more signings and which area u think lfc will sign players.
Do you expect lfc to sign moreno reus levezzi or bony.
thanx
ur response will b much appreciated.

{Ed002's Note - I have made it clear what I know right now.}

06 Aug 2014 17:24:39
I'm going cage diving in South Africa next week for a month has anyone been there and if so do they show premier league games or highlights. Would hate to miss the start of the season. Thanks

Cage diving for a month? I would be more worried about food and drink, not how to get a telly down there for the month!!!

They have all the games mate. On a network called DSTV. The sports channels are called SuperSport. But yeah even the pre-season games have been on tv

Most pub show the EPL, if there no big rugby games on. You'll find the EPL on e SuperSport3 chanel. Enjoy our country

06 Aug 2014 17:47:34
Surely you'd get more enjoyment out of diving in water rather than metal?

06 Aug 2014 17:47:41
Yes , no worries mate. Supersport has channels dedicated to the EPL and you won't miss a thing. Even got them mobile telly tablets so no probs.

#YNWA

Never mind food and drink! I'd be more worried about Oxygen!

Only going diving for a few days in Cape Town Andy and Zeddicus not with the great whites I prefer a cage lol.The rest of the time I will be based in Alberton and then Durban. Thanks guys for that.

Just don't stand too close to the metal bars while gazing at the sharks otherwise they may have a nibble on your winkle.

06 Aug 2014 18:50:16
EMS lol we have oxygen for days, the best beer and a lot footy. Oh and might I add hot Liverpool fan groupies :).

Red raj the water down in Cape Town is quite cold I would advise Durban they have a resort called Ushaka, they have cage diving.

06 Aug 2014 19:05:44
I was the above poster had difficulties with my account:)

06 Aug 2014 19:17:55
I live in Cape Town, you can basically go into most bars on match day and you'll see the game on tv, there are plenty of Liverpool fan bars, and the local girls love them some foreigners. Enjoy.

Not sure my winkle could fit in the cage Chris T lol, RSA red didn't know that will take your advice cheers.

Now that sounds like a holiday! Been trying to figure out where to go next, all I have to do is figure out a way to convince the mrs to get into a cage surrounded by 20ft long potentially lethal fish lol
Have a good time fella, sounds boss!

Dude stay away from alberton.

How do you get a telly to work underwater? Maybe it's me getting old

06 Aug 2014 16:45:52
Eds do we still have interest in luis muriel? I'm thinking he could be a decent striker for us since we make stars at LFC

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you are talking about.}

06 Aug 2014 16:01:01
hi Ed002,

im so envious, I would love to go to the rock, but on the other hand some Liverpool fans would like to live where I live, just around the corner from the stadium, have a nice time when you go and think of me :)

{Ed002's Note - There is not much on the island Mickey.}

Where you off to Ed?

{Ed002's Note - In the next week, Spain, France, Monaco.}

Happy travels ed.

Whereabouts in Spain Ed?

{Ed002's Note - Vigo via Barcelona.}

Wow. that's Great choice of countries you are going to Ed, Good luck and be safe.

{Ed002's Note - It is just business.}

Monaco for me too soon. Company there want some uk reps. Off to cognac next week and then Nantes. Enjoy your trip.

07 Aug 2014 08:41:27
Ed002 is jetting off to Barcelona to speak with Ian Ayre and recommend pedro! it'll be all over the rags tomorrow.

06 Aug 2014 14:46:12
I've heard Chelsea may be willing to sell Schurrle, if this is true he would be ideal for us, he plays mostly on the wings, but can be used as a striker.

1) Is it true Schurrle would be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer?
2) Would Chelsea sell him to Liverpool or are we seen as title challengers and they wouldn't do business with us?
Cheers Ed's

{Ed002's Note - Chelsea are not looking to sell Schurrle. Liverpool has shown no interest in him.}

Cheers for the reply Ed, I just thought I'd ask because last time I asked about Remy before all the interest in him even got mentioned, can check my post (to other users), then within a week all the rumours about him went crazy and obviously he did a medical.
I hope the same happens this time with Schurrle haha, I think he's top class :)

He will be quality this season. I really rate the lad.

Red Rum

06 Aug 2014 13:11:29
Eds might BR still let Suso leave because 1 - Suso said he wants so stay and fight for his place, and Rodgers said he wants hungry players which he clearly is and 2 - Why let such a young bright talent spend a year on loan to aid his developement only to ship him off the next season?

{Ed002's Note - Done to death.}

06 Aug 2014 16:06:01
am I the only person who things Migs had a decent 1st season with us?

06 Aug 2014 17:21:40
Decent yes, people go on about his distribution but as long as he keeps the ball out of the net I'm happy.

All things considered he did very well.

Obviously he struggled to play the football out from the back, defenders often placed him under great pressure.

He conceded fifty goals hardly confidence inspiring

06 Aug 2014 17:43:07
You probably aren't the only one who thinks he had a decent season, but personally I don't think he was particularly good.

I think he made a lot of errors (a lot more than the allegedly error-prone Reina did the season before), but was lucky to get away with most of them. And not little errors either, stuff like flapping at nearly every cross on the opening day of the season against Stroke and punching a perfectly catchable ball against a defender vs. Arsenal. No one can keep being lucky. If he keeps making them, he'll cost us more goals in the future.

He is a good shot stopper though, he's only in his mid-20s, and not many keepers peak before they're 30. So hopefully we'll be able to iron out the issues in his game before it costs us anything major.

As far as first seasons go, he did well

His positional sense is good, he is very quick across his line, he is incredibly agile for such a big man and in terms of reflex saves he is up there with the best. He is okay in one on one situations but I'd like to see him stay up right a bit more and make himself bigger. His two glaring weaknesses though are his distribution and the command of his area. He is working on his kicking in training though and command of his area comes with confidence which I expect will naturally grow next season. Unless we can get Lloris, Neuer, Courtois or Begovic I think it's pointless to replace him.

Next season will be a better one to judge him on I imagine. You had the likes of Johnson and skrtle throwing him to the lions over and over last season.

Had his ups and downs needs to man up be louder and brave

06 Aug 2014 15:34:20
hi eds and reds,
posting after a long time lads.just back from the most boring internship ever.will finally be able to fully focus on the reds.
right lads, is it just me or does anyone think getting in 7-8 new players is a risk? Or do u guys think it is a necessary risk we have to take considering are lack of depth last season?

Our bench was fairly bad last year. To compete on 4 fronts we need 8. Not all will work out most likely.

Yes it's a risk but a necessary one.
The squad was far too spread thin like the other poster pointed out.

07 Aug 2014 08:45:12
I was on the man u page over hummels having a nose Ed002 wreckings we may end up like spurs witch is kinda right as we done well but were loosing a super star depends on how the new players play.

{Ed002's Note - You will need to give me a link to where I said that.}

06 Aug 2014 15:15:49
There are rumours that Atletico can buy back Manquillo if he does well at Liverpool. Can you believe it? I certainly don't! Do you think that our club would agree on such a deal? Even if we did agreed on such a deal then I have a feeling that the owners and Brendan will find the way to go around such a deal and sign him permanently if they wish to. Just trust them, I am pretty sure that we will not give him back to Spain if he is good enough for us, we will not be that stupid. Ok, we might not get everything right here and there but I will not loose my sleep over this deal for sure.

{Ed008's Note - Barcelona have a similar deal with Porto with the loan of Tello aswell, it's a strange deal but it does benefit both teams in a way.

Seems like you are losing sleep- worried enough to post here. Let's just see if he does a good job for us before worrying about next year.

Maybe we will sign him after 1 years in a new deal or something

06 Aug 2014 15:00:21
Regarding Pepe Reina.

When the owners came in, they came in with the primary target of creating financial stability. They highlighted a number of players that they wanted off the wage bill to help reduce the amount of loss that the club was making. Pepe Reina was one of those players.

Does anyone remember Rodgers saying he took Pepe for a meal to discuss the possibility of adding competition for his position?

Fair enough Pepe expressed his desire to join Barcelona if the opportunity were to arise but when the move didn't materialise Reina said he was happy to stay and compete with a new keeper.

So why did Rodgers and the club not do what they said they were going to do, which was keep both Reina and Mignolet at the club? Because they had no intention of doing that.

The club acted deviously in order to force him out of the club, and there is no covering it up. Some posters are totally one sided and are too ignorant to look at the issue from both perspectives.

Yes, Pepe wanted to move to Barcelona and yes, the club wanted him gone. There were faults on both sides, but I am not going to ignore that just because I love the club.

There is no need for the disrespect shown by some posters and I am quite sick of reading all this abuse towards a former player.

Some of you are a disgrace. 

Red Rum

This is a joke surely? I honestly don't know how anybody can defend Reina unless they are blinkered or simply enjoy conflict.

I personally think you are letting your fond memories and his ability cloud your judgement.

If Reina was only as good as Brad Jonees, you wouldn't be defending him. Yet peoplevwant to hound Jones out the club? A keeper who has played about 10-15 games in 5 years here and never complained? A keeper who just months after his son had died stepped up to play because Reina and Doni were both banned.

Stop supporting players like Reina and Suarez and learn the meaning of morals people. I'd rather be a respectable also ran than win with disgusting excuses for role models and cheats.

The disrespect being shown towards him is quite sickening. I supported him as a Liverpool player and wish him all the best in the future.

However, you say the club acted deviously to force him out, well I could not disagree more. Reina was openly flirting with Barcelona, showing no dedication to his club. His replacement was signed in Mignolet and his move didn't happen. We couldn't afford to pay both wages so Reina was loaned out.

While he was out on loan he made disrespectful comments about the club and Rodgers. This burned his bridges with the club and he was never going to be allowed back. I cannot see what is devious about this.

Ems. You are stuck in the 1980's. Players move on these days. Reina has not killed anyone and he is nowhere near the same bracket as Suarez. Very few footballers are role models in my opinion.

06 Aug 2014 16:57:14
Lets not worry about it any more the guys gone, Liverpool recived money for him and reduced the wage bill. Win Win

06 Aug 2014 16:58:31
And you forgetting the time Reina wanted out of LFC and demanded a move to Arsenal?

AG.
It does not surprise me that players wanted out at Liverpool back then. We were a mess with no CL football and not looking likely in the future. Top players want to play at the top.

Ems who are you to tell anyone.yo support?
Accept.fans preferred players.whether they have.done wrong or not

No point crying over spilled milk. We move on. Reina is quite happy to sit on the bench at Bayern. Fair play to him and I wish him well.

Obviously my earlier reply never made it through.

I couldn't care less that Reina has gone. My op was not about ability but about looking at the case from both sides.

All I am saying is there is no need to abuse any player in the way that I have seen today, especially when only looking from one point of view.

We move on and I wish Pepe all the best. The move was best for both parties.

Red Rum

06 Aug 2014 22:22:26
This is not about his ability and you should know by now that I am not one who posts just to get a reaction.

You obviously have some sort of hatred towards him (and other players for that matter) and to be honest some of your posts are quite embarrassing to say the least.

This is a statement from Rodgers himself just after the signing of Mignolet:
http://www.mirror.co.uk
/sport/football/transfer-news
/Liverpool-transfers-simon-mignolet-signed-2028017

Personally, I couldn't care less that he is gone, but I wish him good luck for the future.

Red Rum

06 Aug 2014 14:37:06
People can bash me all they want. they can be disrespectful to me . to former Liverpool players they cheered for.to their dads, their mothers, their wives and whomsoever they wish . the thing is I didn't think Pepe Reina killed us by expressing his interest of playing for Barcelona.

He has the right. it wasn't like he was fighting to leave. it was just a loose statement. all the fuss was made by us fans . he did far better in Napoli than mignolet did for us last season. Reina didn't leave us at our worst during hodgeson era.Him, Carra, Stevie where a league above every1 after torres left. and about the letter from Napoli .

Now he wasn't saying goodbye permanently. but he knew he would miss the fans and playing for the club he loves and played for so many years. Then we ship him off.he had one bad season nd we ship em off.honestly mignolet didn't have a gud season either. nd is still struggling. that was immature. the club didn't have to buy migs .

they could of waited to see if barca bid then they could of bought mignolet. but they wanted to replace him the whole time. reina is far better than any goalkeeper we had since grobbelaar. he isn't worth 2m . if u think he is then watch the games he played for napoli. its a ridiculous act we did. nd u stupid kids need to grow up!

So you would have liked us to wait until possibly deadline day, Barca make a bid, we lose Reina and have no time to find a replacement and are forced into playing Jones until at least January!

Clueless!

06 Aug 2014 13:52:12
What is the latest on benzema, Any teams pushing harder for him than others?
Have Liverpool recently expressed any interest?

06 Aug 2014 16:51:33
He thinks he is to good for us lol.

06 Aug 2014 14:32:47
Manquillo looks to be an excellent signing.
Strong, quick and skilful with bags of energy.
He came back from a horrendous tackle from Ronaldo which could easily have broken his neck. The youtube video of the tackle is absolutely sickening.

Welcome to Liverpool Javier. YNWA

06 Aug 2014 15:04:12
Welcome to Liverpool FC

"When they tell you Liverpool want to sign you, I think like any player, you are going to be absolutely amazed and you don't think of anything else than going straight there, " said Manquillo.

"It's a team that nowadays, as I said before, any player would want to be a part of."

That really is a bad tackle! how did he not get a straight red?

06 Aug 2014 13:50:22
I do have some faith in BR, but I do question anything near the the first 11 have not played together yet! I hope it all comes together for the first game and the small niggling injuries to Sturridge and Markovic have cleared up by then and it all falls into place, has anyone any idea if and who we are targeting as a new striker? any clues guy's

I do have 'some' faith in BR. oh dear

It's not exactly Brendan's fault that Markovic, Sturridge and Lallana have picked up niggles and that Lovren was having problems with his Visa. Blimey

06 Aug 2014 16:01:19
Wilfred Bony as Macca mentioned. Not sure any other names kept with in the club.

Sorry if I don't have 100% faith in BR, he is doing a decent job but has still made plenty of mistakes and not won anything yet!, I do trust him to work hard for the cause, the only managers I gave 100% to were Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, if that gets me an "oh dear" so be it, no wonder you're puzzled.

06 Aug 2014 13:06:59
Manquillo just confirmed, welcome to LFC Javier.

06 Aug 2014 12:28:34
Good luck pepe, I will miss seeing you in work.
You loved our club and fans. Despite what some people think.

06 Aug 2014 13:01:58
This is the third season in a row where he has been looking for another club to come take him - first Arsenal, then Barca (eventually ending up at Napoli) and now he's refused to lower his wages to play first team in the CL somewhere and will sit on the bench at Bayern forever. I don't know who or what he loved, but it wasn't the club or fans

You on the wind up Mikey?

If you say so mate.
285 apps since 2005.
I know he doesn't exactly come out of this smelling of roses but he's been trying to leave for a while.

Whatever Reina's motives have been in the last few years, he is still a human being and more importantly (soon to be) someone who used to play for Liverpool and a player we all used to love.

rubbish happens. He has his dreams which turned out not to be the same as us Liverpool fans.

He hasn't become a bad person just because he dared to want to play for his boyhood team.

Good luck Pepe. I prefer to remember the good years rather than the not so good years.

It always amazes me when I read posts making out that he is public enemy nber one.

Yes but AFTER 'wanting to play for his boyhood team' he wanted only
NOT to drop his wages

06 Aug 2014 14:44:09
Massive drama queen there mate. He did a job for us. He started doing it badly, insulted a few people and then went. That's it. No enemies, but a good employee with a childish attitude at the end

06 Aug 2014 12:04:49
This idea is going to get slated, but i'd take that Javier Hernandez off United.
Obviously we are never going to do a deal with them lot, but he's just got goals and is available. Doesn't mind sitting on the bench, quick, young and wouldn't cost much.
Just a shame he plays for the Mancs really

06 Aug 2014 13:02:42
I'm pretty sure he does mind sitting on the bench. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's a large part of why he's leaving

06 Aug 2014 13:08:18
Hernandez wouldn't hit anything outside 6 yerad box. You need to feed those lovely tap ins for him inside 6 yard box. We Need a Striker not a CF.
He couldn't start a game last season when both RVP and Rooney were out injured.

That's a fair point Harry about needing an all round striker not a poacher, still think he could be useful though. I also reckon that whoever United sell him to they'll still ask for at least £12m despite his appearances being limited.

Boom
''he couldn't start a game with RVP and Rooney out injured.

What happened to the manager that benched him?

Personally I don't think he's a bad player. He'd add roughly 10 goals to our game I think. I think with our type of football, we could do with a poacher(and great header).

He won't come, but by no means do I think he's a bad player. when was the last transfer from UTD to Liverpooll 1954 or something

I think some players just have the knack of scoring goals from the 6 yard box or edge of the penalty area, Hernandez is a danger and a pain in the backside, he has always given us trouble, but I don't think he would play for us anyway because the rivalry is so strong.

Not trying to be bias but I don't really rate him.

06 Aug 2014 14:51:10
Bobarton

How would He fit in a 4-3-3 formation? We need a striker who could drop deep, Draw some defenders, Makes room for others to come into play.
We do have lambert who would score those 10 goals Hernandez does it for UTD.
We need some one like Wayne Rooney or Cavani not Huntelaar or Inzaghi.
We need someone who could take the pressure off Sterling and Sturridge.
Playing a Diamnond with Hernandez is too risky, As He does nothing apart from tap ins.
BR should take some blame in not brining in a top class striker, He had almost 2 full months.

Jack the lad, ruud v n being the prime example, 1 goal scored outside the area out of nearly 100?

I we blindly playing 4-3-3 with no fluidity or dimension or change to it every game?
Suarez is good at dropping deep and at times it helped Liverpool, it doesn't necessarily mean all strikers have to.

as I mentioned, 1 of the prems deadlieststrikers in the history of the game made a living from tap ins.

06 Aug 2014 11:02:23
I've seen in today's Press that BR has stated (probably because he was asked about it!) that LvG will find it difficult, or will struggle, or will be in for a shock as he won't have come across such a competitive league before despite his successes in other leagues etc etc (words to that affect anyway). To my mind, I just don't like it when the Manager of your club says things like this about anyone, especially about one of the biggest rivals. Better to stay quiet about these things then get caught up in silly mind games.

06 Aug 2014 13:03:56
Fergie and Mourinho say something about a rival - genius playing mind games. Anyone else - silly and none of their business. If BR can do something to make LvG think more cautiously, then good on him. Nothing ventured, nothing gained

I am pretty sure he was asked a question. It was not a random statement. Got to love the press. ;)

Van Gaal made Mourinho what he is today Mourinho made Brendan Rodgers what he is today neither of them struggled why would Van Gaal Rodgers to me is clueless at times mind games should be avoided

Van Gaal will have to adapt to the league as well. The difficulty is in games against midtable and below; United are a lot more likely to drop points at some point as opposed to Munich, who steamroll most of the league. That doesn't happen often in the BPL -- teams like West Brom, Sunderland, etc. take points off of big clubs (even though they lose to the ones around them). The league is super competitive.

How on earth did Van Gaal make Mourinho? Ridiculous statement, Mourinho worked under Bobby Robson first and foremost at both Sporting and Barca.

Mourinho worked under Van Gaal eventually but he certainly didn't 'make Mourinho' in any sense. Mourinhos 'apprenticeship' was a lot longer than 3 years spent under Van Gaal.

Likewise with Rodgers who studied in Spain and coached at Reading long before he moved to Chelsea additionally he also worked under Scolari and Grant, did they 'make Rodgers' too?

This is not to say Van Gaal will struggle but plenty of managers have struggled initially with the premier league. Pellegrini's away form wasn't perfect when he moved. When Ferguson came from Scotland he wasn't exactly lighting the world on fire initially. AVB won a quintuple and struggled.

Ancelotti came out and said Van Gaal would struggle to win the title initially and implement a new system while rebuilding. Is it so far fetched to think Van Gaal will face a bedding in period where it may take time to adjust?

Oh and Moyes made some great comments do you remember the Citeh quote.

I wish he'd said nothing. The reason mind games look good for Mourinho and Fergie is cause they won everything so their 'advice' had underlying intent to unnerve. Rodgers who has won nothing telling Van Gaal to worry. Shocking, classless. It's like me telling Ian Rush how to ore goals, disgraceful.

I expect Buck Rodgers to be involved in all sorts mind games this season. After the first couple of years bedding in, he now has the confidence, swagger and intelligence to take on his rivals.

I can see a lot of disappointing results for United if they go with 5 at the back against the bottom 10 clubs. On top of that Evans, Jones and Smalling are unlikely to deliver Champions League football without another CB bought.

06 Aug 2014 10:55:17
Eds I know it's the Metro but what's actually behind this Reus story do you know? Real release clause? He wants to leave? Non-story?

Thanks!

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

06 Aug 2014 10:17:21
Oussama assaidi will sign for stoke very soon if stoke meeting his wage demands.

06 Aug 2014 09:53:38
hi Ed002,

not a football question, have you been over to alcatrz I've always wanted to go there, or is it crumbling due to the salt thanks for all your time and effort for this site, I really do appreciate it as do many others

{Ed002's Note - I have been over a couple of times but not for a few years. Alcatraz was occupied in the late 60s for a couple of years and they now have an exhibit of that I would like to see. I will be back in September and may go over if I have time.}

Hi Mickey, it is well worth going to see. I went a couple of years ago and it is in excellent condition and we thought the tour around it was really good.

I went over about 10 years ago and it was very eerie. The audio guided tour is good, and the views back across the bay are fantsatic. Its an incredibly historic place, not exactly crumbling but you wouldn't want to stay there overnight!

06 Aug 2014 09:34:19
Hi Eds, so this new Xabi Alonso stuff - obviously just another summer fantasy to raise our expectations for nothing?

{Ed002's Note - I know nothing of it but suspect whatever I said last year will still be true.}

Can you please remind us what you said last year? long time etc

{Ed002's Note - UTSF.}

06 Aug 2014 09:56:56
Mignolet is the best shot stopper in the premier league . he made a few mistakes but also made sum unbelievable saves last season. I have faith in him. but I think reina overall is a far better keeper. i'm not happy with the way the club has behaved with him.they didn't ask for his opinions before sending him on loan . the guy was a senior player who kept on with us thru our bad times. nd people bash him because he expressed his desire to play for barcelona. well suarez has left.nd u respectfully sent him off.but people are saying reina r deserves disrespect. well shame on u really!. Pepe Reina is atleast worth 15m . nd we are sending him off for 2 . absolutely embarassing. He didn't deserve this. he deserves to play in the champions league with Liverpool .

Pepe didn't have a say in whether he went to napoli or not because the cheeky bugger had made it clear he didn't want to play for us and wanted a move to barca, a move which never came.

Stop being nostalgiac and realise he isn't even half the keeper he once was. If he was still any good, how come nobody, not even napoli, want to come back for him? Obviously there is the wage issue but if he was that good, surely he would be worth those wages?

06 Aug 2014 11:25:56
Reina and his agent made it clear they believed a bid was coming from Barcelona and he would be going. Liverpool wisely went out and brought a replacement, when Reina's move didn't materialised he threw his toys out of the pram and ended up on loan at Napoli.

You show naviety to blame the club who aren't going to sit around and wait for him to leave then panick buy.

Good servant in his time here but clearly made his own bed which has ultimately but the dampners on what could of been a good career.

Reina did it to himself.

06 Aug 2014 11:55:28
Reina didn't deserve anything from Liverpool. Reina wanted out of LFC since 2010 and was very happy to go to Arsenal. Really, a poor post man.

06 Aug 2014 10:53:11
I do think reina should stick around. can't understand why he doesn't want to stay and fight for his place.
Forget everything else that's happened. He could easily displace Mignolet if Migs has a couple of bad games

06 Aug 2014 10:53:52
Reina 15 million not anymore good luck in your negotiations. I am sure he will soon be off your wage bill.

Are you really that clueless? He is the reason why he's been sold for such an embarassing fee. His arrogance led him to believe he was good enough for Barca and that he was worth far more wages than he actually is. He is the sole reason for his career collapsing. Lack of effort, commitment and desire. Hasta la Vista Pepe.

He didn´t deserve this? He asked for this to happen. He has made everyone around him aware of that he wants to play for FCB, hence he was not fully committed to Liverpool.
Yes we kept Suarez dispite him wanting to go to FCB or RM, but we kept him because he was a vital cog in our team. Reina wouldn´t have had the same impact as Suarez.

06 Aug 2014 11:06:47
Are you an idiot? He made it clear to the entire world he was ditching us to play for Barcelona, and then got annoyed when we replaced him BECAUSE he made it clear he was trying to leave. We sent him to the best team that wanted him and he started going on about how he was off to play for the best manager he'd ever played for. He disrespected the manager and the club. He's on stupid wages, is nothing like the keeper he used to be and frankly, Bayern were the only ones who were willing to take him on for any money at all. Get your head of the clouds mate. He deserves what he's earned, and a move with no ambition to sit on the bench doing nothing as the chance to be Spains no.1 slips past is what he's earned.

Tahmid. That's the most misguided post I've ever read on here. You need to learn something about what's happened with him over the past 3 years. I'll be very interested to read someone like Aggers autobiography to get a proper realistic view on who did what, but how you got to this impression from all the information available ill never understand.

06 Aug 2014 12:14:53
Courtois is now the best keeper in the EPL, that includes shot stopping. Also Begovic is a better shot stopper than Mignolet.

We didn't ask for his opinions no, but we didn't half get them anyway and that's why he has been shipped out. Along with the fact he's not as good as he used to be.

06 Aug 2014 12:39:15
He didn't stay through choice. He wanted to jump ship to arsenal but Liverpool rejected the move. He was awful the last two seasons at Liverpool, as well as his season at napoli. He had a similar body language to torres when he left and johndon right now. He constantly courted barca but the move never came and he wrote his 'goodbye' letter to the fans last season and also said that rafa was a far better manager than brendan. He's dug his own grave, and the club has had little choice but to sell him.


Imo, reina's qualities (eg. Kicking, leadership, catching) are mig's defficiencies, but you could day the same about mig's qualities (eg. shot stopping, athleticism, speed off the line)being reina's defficiencies. If only there was a way we could mould them together and form the perfect keeper, but it isn't possible and I'd rather have a keeper who is good at the basics, and average at the 'bonus' attributes (mignolet) than one that is good at thr bonus but average at the basics (Reina).

Keeping a player that isn't in the top 5 in the team if their heart is elsewhere is a mistake imo. I wish him the best in the future but I have to admit I am fairly relieved that he and his wages are soon to be gone.


Ps. Sorry for any spelling mistakes, I'm typing this on my phone.

06 Aug 2014 12:53:38
First up, I have no problem with the fact that PR tried to manufacture a move away from the club to his beloved Barcelona who his father had also played for. Let's face it, that season he was under increased pressure for poor performances (at one point he was conceding goals at a rate of 1 every 54 minutes when the previous season he had conceded at a rate of 1 every 87 minutes). BUT let's face it, we did NOT let him down. Barcelona let him down!

He manufactured a move that went wrong. I don't think he deserves disrespect (he's not the first or last player to do this. even Stevie G tried at one point when he felt under-appreciated) but let's not fantasize his contribution to us when Dudek who contributed more is not even mentioned these days. Rafa hardly treated him with respect, using him for a season on the basis that Napoli would buy him the following season if he performed well. He performed well and Napoli simply refused to take up the option to buy.

This is professional sport and I'm not sure that we always understand that some of our heroes are no more than goods and chattels in the modern world of the billionaire football owners and companies. They get a lot of money for what they do.

1 note when comparing suarez to pepe on this matter.
Suarez after having pushed for a move to arsenal still tried. pepe simply didn't

"Mignolet is the best shot stopper in the premier league" - Sorry Tamid but, although he is a very good shot-stopper (probably his best attrribute) he is not the best in league. Courtois is ridiculously good and personally I think he is the best shot stopper in the league by a distance (as well as one of the most dominating aerially and in the box). As for your defence of Reina? His best attributes now are his distribution and ball control - that's fine as a bonus but they can't be your goalkeepers biggest strengths. He cost us many goals the last season he played for us and constantly tried to engineer a move away - in his prime I really liked him but that's been and gone. As for deserving of respect? I'm not sure, but I think the vitriol aimed at him is a little overboard.

06 Aug 2014 08:20:45
Question for any Eds or anyone with knowledge on Moreno as a player.

Not seen him myself, hearing good things of course and sounds like we're buying a Spanish version of Luke Shaw? Unless I've got that wrong.

So after reading he is quick, skilful and attack minded but the area of his game needs to work on is defence. My question is, could he become a winger like how Bale transitioned from fast fullback to attacker?

I know we need a LB but we do have Enrique, Flanno can play there and Can is meant to be quality at LB too.

Just a thought? Next Bale?

06 Aug 2014 08:35:07
Lets hope He becoms the next Ashley Cole.

06 Aug 2014 08:48:23
No. The circumstances surrounding Bale being converted into a winger were out of the ordinary; also Bale is outstanding as a a forward player, Moreno is not at that level.

You are correct in that he is quite quick, aggressive, skill full and has a penchant for taking a long shot. Defensively, he naturally gets caught out due to his attacking tendencies but we have a system in place that could very well help him settle in. His tackling is something that he needs to work in certainly and I am interested in knowing how is marking is from corners/free-kicks into the box as he is particularly short.

I have seen a bit of him and he's exactly what we need. His defending has been put into question, because he started out as a left winger. He's as strong on the ball as Enrique but with better end product. There's plenty of clips on youtube to dismiss the theory that he can't defend. When he breaks it's with purpose and the thought of him bombing forward from defending a corner, will bring back the memories for us older fans of the Barney Kennedy, Steve nicol days. A fantastic signing if it comes off, and what we have been crying out for.

06 Aug 2014 09:31:04
Oh dear. No pressure on him right (you know, other than playing for a mega-huge team week-in, week-out.)ll

06 Aug 2014 09:36:42
he looks like a livewire alright.

we're getting skinned on the right wing in preseason so his pace will come in handy

Not sure I want a speedy, greedy ego who scores 20 a season from 200 shots.

Bale is over rated. Moreno will stay as a left back in our system which allows him to get forward.

Thankfully, Moreno has a lot more to his game than Bale who will be a shadow of a player when his pace deserts him.

He was a winger that was converted to lb for Spain u19's so he and delfou could play

It's interesting to know he started as a winger, put my guesswork on the Bale possibility up a notch or two.

I guess he'll just become the modern day wingback which is ideal. Let's hope he finally signs.

He is the spanish version of Shaw but a little more advanced in his developement being a few of years older plus has played in the europa league. Chelsea wanted him but pulled out due to his love for Real Madrid. Hey, if Real Madrid come in for him in a couple of years it will mean the boy done well for us and we have had success so no problem with that we can sell him for double the amount. Or maybe Real will have no need for a right back so a win win situation.

I disagree with you here ems while bale does rely a lot on pace he is also tricky and you could argue then that ronaldo relies on pace or messi on agility. taking away a key part of someone's game and saying without it they'd be bad is unfair. also his finishing is getting much more impressive and clinical and even though I don't like him he is becoming a fantastic player

On to Moreno defending set pieces he doesn't he usually was on the line or in the wall depending on free kick or corner.

06 Aug 2014 12:17:58
EMS, yeah Bale is ego-centric and should score lots considering how mant shots he takes, but to say you wouldn't want him is ridiculous. Not for the price he went for, fair enough, but he is a very, very talented footballer regardless of his reliance on pace

I'm suprised at the amount of people who think Bale is worth £85m. Each to there own I suppose!

I'm not saying Bale is bad player. I'd take him at Liverpool for say £20m because for a few more seasonsd yet at least he is still gonig to be a very good attacker. However he would need to learn to pass every once in a while. The reason why I bring up pace is because it is something that you lose as you age (Robben excluded). Bale lacks close control and relies on hitting it far ahead of himself and using his pace to catch it. Ronaldo and Messi both have incredible technical ability that means when they lose their physical capabilities, they should be able to adjust the games.

That was my point regarding Moreno. He might have the best mentality (agression, defensive awareness etc.) but when his pace eventually tails off, he will still have his technical ability which is very good for a player of his age and hopefully will improve as well as the mental side of his game.

Bale, unless he is a freak of nature like Robben, will be very average by the time he is 28-30. His only exceptional talent is speed and balance; that is why he can not only run fast, but also shoot whilst in full flight to give his shots lethal power and swerve. When the power in his legs goes, Bale goes.

Your argument makes little sense EMS - when Bale loses his pace he will be a shadow of the player he is - well yes of course that's what happens to most attacking players. He is still absolute quality though, great engine, ability to make a pass, good off the ball movement, can play across the front 3, good cross, good vision. Perhaps not worth 85million but he is a world class player, not really sure what evidence you have to suggest otherwise.

EMS.

Bale is a good crosser, free kick taker, and is very very strong on the ball. I don't think he'll be done by 28. His talent isn't necessarily his speed, it's his power off the blocks/turn of pace. he can reach his top speed quicker than another fast player. Once he gets in front, he's very hard to knock off the ball. His general shooting isn't bad either for me personally.

I understand why you think he won't be half the player he was, but I see him as having a few more attributes.

06 Aug 2014 08:14:11
Hey Eds, are we really interested in Julien Brandt?
Thankssss

{Ed002's Note - Not that I am aware.}

06 Aug 2014 07:50:32
Probably more of a question than a rumour but why are we looking to offload Suso and to a lesser extent ilori? Suso is having a decent pre-season and ilori just hasn't had a sniff. I'd like to see him given a good run as the lad must be dis-heartened at his time here since coming

06 Aug 2014 07:59:46
Ed's have answerd it on more than one Occasions. Suso isn't quick and He needs a playing assurance which we couldn't give him.

Add Borini and Assidi to Ilori and you've got 3 players Rodgers wanted, cost £30m in total and he doesn't give them any chances?
I'd say he sees them in training everyday so must know something we don't. But he doesn't, they've been on loan where all three did well. Still no chances.

06 Aug 2014 08:17:47
Nothing do with Suso's pace. It is to do with the squad and that we have way too many players in the attacking midfielder/support striker category.

For similar reasons, Ilori needs to go out on loan. If either stays, they will find game time very difficult. I will add Ibe to that list.

Id have liked to see iLori like. Fastest kid in europe and like you say Rogers wanted him. No logic

06 Aug 2014 08:37:02
Certainly manager hasn't seen Llori, Borini and Assaidi in training last season. All three were on loan last season.

If clubs had come in and made offers for Skrtel, Agger and Coates then Rodgers would have a chance to use Ilori. Maybe he's considering a loan because he hasn't been able to shift any of them and he thinks Ilori is young enough that we can send him out for one more year?

He started him at Preston, but he went off injured, very early in the game. Brendan has obviously seen something in the players attitude that he dislikes. He likes players to knuckle down and earn the right to play just like Hendo and Flanno have done.He would have let both players go at one time, Hendo refused to go and nobody came in for flanno. Suso does lack pace, compared to the other options we have in that area. We are trying to build a playing style that all the squad can adapt too. Brendans philosophy is on the squad and not a first 11, he wants 2 player for each position and all the players to be of a high standard and the player who works hardest gets the shirt.

06 Aug 2014 09:44:30
yeah its weird when they signed ilori a lot was made of how he could play LB aswell. and yet he hasn't been given a shot at all? puzzling

It may be as simple as, they are not seen as ready yet and they are better off playing elsewhere, to get them ready.

Borini and Illori are injured, that's why they haven't had a 'sniff' in pre season!

Suso needs game time we can't give him at the moment so a loan is good, Illori is one for the future so again a loan would be a good idea.

Borini will hopefully stay, can be the penalty box player we need for some games.

Thing is how long is left on these contracts, if that means anything these days? Ilori must have been 5yr. He'd have been out for three if he goes again this season. What then? A bit part the n into his final year. Sounds like a great £8m investment.

I've nothing against loaning youngsters, what I dislike is that if they do well, if they progress they don't seem to return and have an opportunity. How is Ilori going to be good enough for us, fit this system of Rodgers if he never plays in and around it?

I keep reading how great it is for youngsters under Rodgers, yet both Flanno and Sterling were introduced by previous manager and it looked like due to nontransfers in their positions they were given more game time.

He can buy 20 yr olds but doesn't play the 20 yr olds he has. What does Flanno think of Manquilo? It's not like it's experience to learn from or to dislodge.

What about youngsters like Wisdom, Borini, Robinson to add to Ilori. They've all done well on loan. Can anyone explain to me what more these youngsters have to do? How they'll learn the Rodgers system playing elsewhere?

Illori signed last year, stayed with the team for half the season then went on loan for half the season, same as Robinson, Wisdom etc.

As for having their chance they have to be better than established international players, or shall we just sell them all?

06 Aug 2014 03:30:55
For all those who said Gerrard's leg are giving way.

Fyi he outpace mata during the match at 1 point. I mean he definitely slow down but not too much! Still decent enough and able to last 90min

06 Aug 2014 07:50:08
Mata isn't quickest, One reason he was sold from Chelsea.

Pirlo is not quick, not to shabby either at 4yrs his senior.
Prem is quicker, but if we play Stevie clever, CL games, top 10 prem sides, important later round cup games rather than waste his stamina and legs against teams like Burnley, QPR etc I think he should be just as important and influential as ever.
We have Lucas, Henderson, Can. SG doesn't need to be wasted, we will see how BR does this season.

06 Aug 2014 08:23:54
When people say his legs are giving away, they usually mean that he cannot last the 90 minutes he could have when he was a younger man.

FYI, you don't know about idioms much do you?

06 Aug 2014 09:38:55
I think the key is to use SG in his best position for 60 mins.

personally I would put him on right side of midfield pinging crosses in.

Stevie's still a legend and can still play a big part but time is catching up with him. He missed Henderson next to him, at the end of the season. It wasn't a long time ago when he would be carrying Henderson and Spearing, on each shoulder. Let's not judge him or expect the Gerrard of old, bombing up and down the pitch, just enjoy
them 40 yard cross field passes.

Frankly Mr Shankly that was never ever his best position and he stated he outright disliked playing there under Houllier and Rafa. He got stuck out wide because it was the lesser of two evils . Unfortunately he can't do that role or his marauding box to box center mid role or even the number 10 role anymore. Some people think his best position now maybe as a center back. Me personally would have him as a last 20 sub for when his natural game further forward can make a killer impact rather than keep trying to shoehorn him into a position he's not naturally gifted at and keeps having lapses leaving attacking midfielders unclosed down on the edge of our box.

06 Aug 2014 00:37:19
I usually try and say nice things about players when they leave. But good riddance to the cancer that was reina.

I have no idea why people are wishing him luck. I could understand if it wa sa simple business move but it's not.

He played very VERY poorly for his final 2 seasons between our sticks.

attempted to manufacture a move to barca forcing us to find a keeper quickly and be touted ridiculous prices.

He then didn't get the move, and came back, and whinged he was second place and being frozen out. We couldn't afford his high wages(which he refused to drop) and sent him on loan since we'd hired his replacement. He sold stories to papers about how he didn't understand being frozen out, and why BR was treating him this way

We've then tried offloading him to other clubs for apparently a bit more money, but they can't match hi still lofty wage demands,
so we've sold him at a cut price to Munich who can afford his wages.

Please don't wish him good luck, wish him good riddance. He's cost this club a fair amount in the last 2 years or SWEET FA

Disgraceful post mate. Regardless of how he played in the last 2 seasons Pepe gave his all to this football club. Back in 2007/2008 he was regarded as one of the best keepers at the club and is still thought of as one of the best (if not THE best) keeper who has been at this club. Don't you forget that after Gerrard and Carra Reina was our third captain, and often captained the club. He didn't have a buyer when we sold him to Napoli, and Napoli themselves didn't want to buy him when he came back. Now that the fee has been agreed, he's leaving on wages lower than he's already on, and accepting the fact that he's going to be on the bench at Bayern.

I've still got a special place for Reina in my heart, and a post like this is absolute tosh.

{Ed007's Note - At least you're not overreacting about it all.}

Pepe was a top keeper a few years back and was handed a contract that reflected that. Unfortunately, his performances dropped off over the next two years and he was replaced. The club are then stuck with a player on high wages that they don't need and struggle to sell. Pepe is not unique to this scenario, we have struggled to sell a lot of players since we was last in the champions league. To a certain extent Glen Johnson is in the same boat, except that being an outfield player there is more opertunaty to fight for game time.
I am not saying I agree with everything that Pepe has said or done recently, but the guy has a contract with LFC so why should he drop is money? Would you?
He has gone to Bayern to probably warm thier bench, but at least they want him there.
I for one thank him for the years he spent with us and wish him all the best, but at the same time am also glad he is now off our books so we can look to the future.

Totally agreed with what CodeRed said.

Nothing like an over the top, over reaction hey Bobatron?

Bobatron. I've never agreed more with a post, you've taken the words right out of my mouth. Reina gave up in the Liverpool shirt, I gave up on reina. It got to a point where he wasn't even trying I thought. The traditional one knee drop when facing a 1on1 just always looked cowardly to how he used to throw himself about. I was the biggest caller for him to be replaced perhaps even a year before we signed migs. Constant errors and no commitment. Wish him the best of luck, but there will be no tears shed.

06 Aug 2014 06:08:15
I very very agree with bobatron.
Writing a good bye letter when you have been sent on loan is just a career killing statement. Same as Aspas telling Moreno Liverpool won't be good to you.
Let him rot at the bench at Bayern and I hope he doesn't get a match.
Reina almost didn't get any club to buy and that itself tells a lot about a player.
Bad bye Reina
same goes to any upcoming deadwood in the squad

Good luck to him, He always came across as a good bloke to have around and other players speak affectionately about him. Brendan is the manager and he just doesn't want him around, the same scenario with Daniel Agger. Brendan feels he can work with other players better. You can back the manager and at the same time show respect to loyal servants of our club.

06 Aug 2014 07:32:54
Nowhere near the best keeper we have had. I rarely agree with Bobatron, but on this I do 100%.

It's not a disgraceful post at all mate. It's the truth. He orchestrated a move abroad, forced us to buy another player, pay agent fees, a new salary, when he didn't get the move he came back and was completely disrespectful.he made the club spend probably in the region of £10 million and commit to another 5 years of wages to another player.
He then acted like nothing had happened and there'd been no economic cost to the club.

Imagine if you'd done that at your job. handed in your notice, they'd hired some 1 else.and then you came back and told them to rip up the notice and keep paying you to do no work.

06 Aug 2014 08:25:30
I don't want to join any hate-wagon, but Reina's behavior was really poor. Also, it is worth remembering in this situation that back in 2010, he demanded a move to Arsenal too.

Well said Bob mate. Not sure how anybody can disagree with this. Before he stopped trying for us the fee being talked about was £15-25m! His attitude has cost this club millions and whilst I'll remember his good few years fondly, he stained his reputation by being a blight on the club and attempting to make us out to be the bad guys.

A disgusting way to repay our loyalty to him. A lot of clubs would've cut lose after the Hodgson/KD season in which he was average. We gave him another 2 seasons after that to try and sort himself out and it's no coincidence that the first season we replaced him we shot back up the table. I echo your sentiments, good riddance.

06 Aug 2014 10:02:25
Situation isn't much different from the Torres one. Both players played their hearts out for a couple of years, then spent a couple of years playing like they couldn't be bothered, then complained and forced a move away. No one thanked Torres for his efforts, why should we thank reina? Besides, we all wished Reina all the best last year when he was apparently leaving first time round and he wrote that letter to the supporters.

Reina has good distribution and was a good shot stopper, but he was made to look a lot better than he was by a defensive manager, defensive tactics and an excellent defense. He had a very hard time stopping near post shots and was repeatedly beaten at the one spot where the advantage is greatly in the keepers favour. This was a pattern that happened 3 years before we sent him to napoli.

I won't attack him as it's not my nature to do so but I will say that he was more flawed as a player than people realise, which is one the reasons rafa didn't want him to stay at napoli.

I blame the beachball

06 Aug 2014 13:21:45
Nevada has got it spot on IMO.

05 Aug 2014 23:00:51
If manquillo and Moreno comes through.
I'll be happy with Moreno and Flanagan starting fullbacks, flanny is a more capable defender and Moreno more capable attacker. Hopefully Moreno doesn't bomb forward at every opportunity especially if flanny is high. I think this could be a good combination.
Rodgers and co must rate manquillo highly. I also believe it must spell the end for Johnson. He has been a good serveant to the club, great going forward in his earlier years. I'm not sure where it leaves Kelly, maybe 4th choice centre back and third choice right back. But he needs game time. Even less sure where it leaves our youth right backs either, even if Kelly leaves they would get very limited chance to get first team game time. Maybe flanny will be 2nd choice fullback, covering both flanks, but he deserves his place because of his performances last season. If Rodgers drops a player who is as hard working and passionate as flanny and has barely put a foot wrong then it sends out a bad message to the youth. I know he's not the most comfortable on the ball but let's not forget he is a right back by trade, it is difficult switching sides, especially in the attacking sense!
Anyway, that's long enough, looking forward to a great season, no idea where we will end up but I have faith on the team!

I agree with ya mate, flanno is our best player in both fulback areas, he deserve it.

Flanno should be our rb with moreno as LB

need to get rid of johnson asap.
for kelly we already have 4th choice cb
a loan move I think for him will be good

06 Aug 2014 04:05:07
Maybe we should just let the coach choose who plays in those position based on whoever is doing very well in trianing?

I like Flanagan, and he's done very well, but last year our full back options were minimal, and now we may have up to 6 players competing for game time, so let's just wait and see.

Let the Manager decide who he wants in the full back roles. You say that Flanno deserves to be the right back, because of the performances he put in at left back, with respect, that does not sit well with me. I want us to play our best 11 players that suit the system which Brendan wants to play.
If Flanno was a better option than Glen Johnson at Right back, then surely Brendan would have switched them over last season. The same goes with England, if Roy thought Flanno was better than Johnson in the right back role then he too would have started him in the world cup.I love the desire and competiveness that Flanno shows when he puts on that shirt, but there are weaknesses in his game. I think he deserves the opportunity to be a squad member, but to be given the right back role on a permanent basis, I believe his lack of true pace would be exposed. I think he would be perfect for us defending leads, but chasing and pressing high, not for me. Just my opinion, I will let the manager pick the team.

06 Aug 2014 07:53:40
I think if "flanny is high" we should be advising him not to do a Bosnich and seek help sooner rather than later.

I believe that Flanno and Manquillo will compete for RB, Johnson will leave as I think that's best for all parties, and Kelly, if he stays, will be cover for CB and RB.

Its a banter site, saying things like 'let the manager pick the side' is I a bit pointless, it's just what I think!

I genuinly believe hodgson didn't pick him for England because he only had half a full season playing, if he had started the year, he would have proved he was better than Johnson to him too.

Also, why is it a bad thing he played left back well? that's not his stronger side and he performed, there seems to be no logical reason why he doesn't deserve a start in my opinion!

You are entitled to your opinion Fencey. Flanno came in and did an alright job at left back. He made some big tackles, and showed a greater desire than Cissokho, But there was occasions when he struggled against pace. He was hauled off at half time in the last game of the season, because Newcastle targeted him.He lacks pace to fully play the Rodgers way, so if you played him at right back he would still lack pace. He Played against Preston preseason in the right back role and on one occasion he went past Suso on the right gave the ball away and was treading water to get back. I love the lad's desire and think he would do a perfect job for us, if we played under Houlier, or even Rafa, but the way Brendan likes to play, he's not for me. Yes it's a banter site you say he would do a great job. I think it may be a bit risky, that's why I said I will let the Manager pick the team.

05 Aug 2014 22:43:31
With Reina leaving, I think we need to bring in a decent Keeper.
Mignolet is sure not to be dropped in his worst form for Jones.
We are not starting a Campaign (CL) with Just Mignolet and Jones.
Spurs aren't even in CL.yet they have Lloris and Vorm.

I still could see lloris moving before September! But in terms of our keepers we have never really had two good keepers? Certainly not in the last 15 years or so and please people don't try even say people like Kirkland Carson etc.

I would probably give Danny ward a shot in early cup games I liked the look of him and he's always touted as having lots of potential

Has he gone on loan though this I'm not actually to sure on!