Liverpool Banter Archive May 06 2014

 

Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.

06 May 2014 22:56:12
People are already writing us off for next season saying we will struggle because of CL football.
We have players to return- Borini, Suso, Ilori, Wisdom.
Teixera has also featured in the first team this year.
We will add 4 or 5 new faces so there is every season to be optimistic about next season.
Those who support other teams are just scared. Running scared. The revival under BR has started and we can only improve.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

07 May 2014 10:06:42
To hear Jason persony you would think we just fluked r way to top 3 place finish and will just swap back with utd next season.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 21:59:20
Really don't understand those who don't think Lallana would be a good signing. Other than us I'd say Southampton have been one of the teams I've watched most this season and he has looked world-class (however overused the word is) in every game. He glides past players with ease, some of his crossing dares the striker not to score and I can't think of a player more natural for our system. All that and he's capable of playing in all sorts of position.
I'd pay anything up to £30m for him and if we consider we've paid twenty for Downing- who had no season like Lallana's- I'd think it a bargain. Eds any opinions on the player would be appreciated too!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

My father is a lifelong Saints fan and is convinced that Lallana is the best player they've had since Le Dossier. Would love us to get him provided the price/other sundry expenses aren't too high. That being said we've been burnt before. I won't think it likely until he is holding the shirt standing next to BR

Agree0 Disagree0

I don't think I've seen anyone not rate or want Lallana, more questions around would he be worth what Soton are likely to want for him.

Agree0 Disagree0

I would also like to see us go for Lovren from Southampton
He has played CL football with Lyon and looks as if he could be an ideal fit with Sakho

Agree0 Disagree0

Heard from within the club that he is very interested in joining us and would likely choose us over United. The problem is that United would be in a better position financially to make a deal Southampton would accept. I think he's probably going to be just out of our financial reach which is a shame because, as others have said, he is a quality player and looks perfect for our system.

Agree0 Disagree0

No doubting Lallana's talent and ability. But what do you do with Sterling, Coutinho, Suso & Texeira who all play the No. 10 or top-of-the-diamond position that Lallana would be ideal for?

Agree0 Disagree0

Sterling can play as a winger or forward so he'll be fine. Coutinho is still quite inconsistent at times so having a quality player to push him will hopefully kick him on - he'll also be able to play in a more advanced position should we require it. Teixeira should possibly be loaned? And Suso - I like him but if we were to sign Lallana you'd be right, where does Suso fit in? Would probably be sold sadly.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 21:07:12
Eds, has Ilori done enough on loan to justify a starting place next season? we bought him as a young and up coming star so is he ready or will he be moved on?

baz

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - depends on his attitude. He wanted to go out on loan. Now he needs to show the desire and will to fight for a place. He has looked promising.}

Unless Skrtel and Agger go in the summer he will go back out on loan.

Agree0 Disagree0

Cheers Ed 01. I think we have had a great season, out doing our expectations. We just need to keep hold of Suarez and add an other attacking option. Who can you see being a good fit for us at left back?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - Moreno of Sevilla would be my first choice, from the players I have watched this season. If it was going to be a youngster in this country though, we could do a lot worse than trying to get Targett from Southampton. At times he looked a better prospect than Shaw up until Shaw got his shot.}

06 May 2014 21:05:44
Watch how crazy all the United fans will go over this new Wilson kid.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 21:58:05
That's just ridiculous, next you'll be telling me they reckon Januzaj is the new Ronaldo ;-)

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 21:51:46
Tom hanks was raving about this kid years ago.

Agree0 Disagree0

Did any of you guys hear Steve Bruce's comments on Januzaj after the game? Haha

Agree0 Disagree0

Lol, it wasnt that long ago everyone on here was ranting about a certain, what's his name again!, oh aye I remember now, jay spearing llf

Agree0 Disagree0

Wasn't that long ago? Jay spearing came on the scene over 4 years ago. I wasn't here then. were people REALLY raving about him?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - nobody ever raved about Spearing, he was always criticised for being too slow. He used to take quite a bashing on these pages, the poor lad.}

06 May 2014 20:45:52
Enjoying reading your insight on players for next year. Personally just looking forward to seeing Ibe, Suso and Texeria getting game time!

If Suarez were to go (is he?!), what would you do?

Cheers

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - if he were to go, the vast bulk of the money would be needed to buy another striker.}

Suarez will not be moving.

Agree0 Disagree0

I hope to god Suarez does not go.
But if RM/PSG come knocking with a £70mill plus bid I think LFC will struggle to turn it down!

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Agree0 Disagree0

07 May 2014 08:17:31
I would turn down 70 mill Easily, Any club who wants Suarez would be serious contenders for title, The lad can do anything possible on football pitch.
But at 80-90 mill, I would sell him.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 20:17:54
Ed02, I have the feeling that Sama will be access in our summer tour. he was constant traveler with the 1st team, but he seem to be injured lately. do u know any info about our young centre halfs? I will prefer Sama, Wisdo and co to Caulker.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I expect Sama to get a loan move for the season.}

06 May 2014 21:02:39
i watch a lot of u-21 football and he barley plays even when fit, and what is more weird whenever he has played the 3 times I watched him he got sent off 10 minutes in every single game, make of that what you want! hehe I think 2 were straight reds vs united and 2 yellows in 14 minutes or something like that.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 20:34:05
I agree it was mega disappointing last night but the facts are that, 5 days from the end of the season, we are top of the League. City have 2 games to play and if they lose 1 of them we will then be massive favourites for the title. Granted they are favourites to win them but who's to say they will. After all we were favourites to beat Palace but we didn't.

Whatever happens, we will go into the final game of the season still in with a chance of winning the title. Who world have dreamt that at the start of the season? Individual errors may have cost us recently but now is not the time to point fingers. If we do that the season will end negatively when it should actually be a celebration. Remember, it is not over till the fat lady sings and I haven't put my Susan Boyle CD on just yet

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 20:17:39
Would anyone take Lallana and shaw as our only two summer signings, both in premier league team of the year with experience and quality.

Lallana would fit the diamond perfectly and shaw on the left with flan I returning right.

Obviously cover outgoings too but with suso, borini and possibly wisdom coming back I would be happy with them for 40/50 mil

Believable0 Unbelievable0

No . We don't need more big name Charlie's, we need the right player for the positions we are struggling in .if either of those players are what we need then so be it but we will pay through the nose for them .i think we need to buy wisely because this is our biggest transfer window for years (2008) if LFC get this one wrong we will fall miles behind again . It all about now were back in Europe, we have to stay there now .for the sake of the club we need the finances

Agree0 Disagree0

No be need improvement at CB in starting 11 + Wing & DM squad players.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 21:22:46
We need at least 4 players. And Shaw would cost enormous amounts for potential. I wouldn't want Shaw but Lallana yes, but not for 25 million. A player like Shaqiri would probably be available for much less, is younger and arguably just as good!

Agree0 Disagree0

Yes. Since we apparently chase left back, winger and cm, Lallana could do both of the latter and Luke Shaw obviously a good LB, and would be for hopefully next 15 years if circumstances allow. Obviously no potential for re-sale but why would we need to sell these players on the could be ours as top players not sold on. Of course it unlikely because FSG re-sale strategy is clear, but in answer to the question, absolutely.

Agree0 Disagree0

No, £40m will need to be spent wisely to improve our squad.

Agree0 Disagree0

Yes would not mind a cheap midfielder if sales went well tho

Agree0 Disagree0

It's impossible for any club to get every player they want. It's a jigsaw puzzle. There's the budget you have to get your main targets in and then there's the wheeling and dealing to free up space and wages to get your other targets. Let's say Liverpool have 30m net on tap. Where would you start? Have we lined up early sales to boost the pot?

Let's say Juan Cuadrado is a key target. He's our new right back who can also cover Sterling. Johnson now has to be sold to free up wages and contribute towards fee. Net spend c15m upto this point.

Let's say we have a buyer for Agger. Now we can move for someone like Rojo with confidence. Those deals could pretty much balance things out.

Stoke agree fee for Assaidi, Moses has returned to Chelsea so a deal for someone like Tello can go through. Net spend now upto c20m. Three key positions covered though with two new starters.

We really want Lallana or Rakitic though and that's 20m plus. How can we make sure we have the dough to finance the deal? Wait, and possibly miss out on our men, by allowing clubs to haggle over fees for Reina, Coates, Aspas & Robinson. Or sacrifice players we like because they're inferior to our targets and are in demand. Suso as part of Rakitic deal? Borini to Fiorentina as part of Cuadrado deal? Suso expendable because Cuadrado covers RW. If Borini goes we can't flog Aspas though as we need striker cover.

Cuadrado, Rojo, Tello & Lallana would be a great return but would cost 65m.

Borini, Johnson, Agger, Assaidi, Reina, Coates & Robinson would net around 35m.

Only other deals I could see would be Bertrand for Enrique & Caulker for Skrtel if the fees balanced each other out.

When you think about it, Ayre has some effing deals to pull together there! That's some juggling!

Agree0 Disagree0

Just want Lallana irrespective of who else comes in

Agree0 Disagree0

I don't understand why people want to spend so much on individuals?
Our desperate need for next season is to improve the overall depth of our squad so we can ensure a good campaign in the UCL and a top 4 finish (we can't invest lots and risk dropping out - other teams will spend heavily and it's a risk)
A some of the Eds point out regularly we are still losing money hand over fist and so we can't spend big - we don't want to be in a H&G situation again and arguably the CL revenue should be used to balance the books
Lets not kid ourselves - the squad have done unbelievably this season and massively overachieved given the size of the squad and the fact we have 2 world-class players (one coming to the end of his career) and the owners could see it as a massive bonus to get CL without spending masses.
Why would they even consider going after hugely expensive players in the Summer when the current buying policy has worked as we achieved more than 4th place?

Agree0 Disagree0

07 May 2014 17:42:48
Would much rather we spend a little more on just 2 players than the same amount on 6. Would give the place a real buzz if couple of really good players come in, plus we already have some really good young players that can step up and I also really like suso and we'd be mad not to have him back in our squad next season (imo)

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 18:50:11
edoo1 what do u think of are last to results what ever happens the season it will still be a massive success but has Rodgers just shown his immaturity we only needed a draw at chesea and soon as the first goes in last night u shut up shop. hope he learns from this cause up to now he has been excellent what u think?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - no, I disagree. The main problem was the players, they made too many individual mistakes, which cost us in both games. Other than that, Chelsea were not troubling us at all, so why sit back? Always play to win, that is how it should be. Palace last night was a tired one, we had them well beaten and they were there for the taking, then tiredness led us to stop closing down and leave gaps.}

Ed I think it was more a case of everyone wanting to get in on the act and get a bit of the glory.

Agree0 Disagree0

Mike g, re chelsea, as ed01 said, chelsea wasn't threatening us, they had 2 efforts at our goal if I remember, cole shot early on and young centre halves header from a corner, barring the slip they would have had to come at us a little more as the game went on and we would have had more chance to get at them.
Re palace, I would have thought Rodgers would have instructed the team to shut up shop after the 1st goal, I am sure he would have but also the players should have got onto the change in tempo and belief with the palace team and then the crowd and acted accordingly. In both instances hindsight is a wonderful thing. Probably a costly lesson for us, hopefully not, let's hope it stands us in good stead for next season.

Agree0 Disagree0

I think little blame goes to Rodgers. Prior to, and after Gerrards slip Chelsea showed nothing, then all of a sudden Mourinho is a tactical genious. The game yesterday was wierd. I am seeing posts saying we should've held for the 3-0 but at 3-0 up had rodgers made a defensive change then questions would've been asked. Don't get me wrong its not like I think we would've caught Man City's goal difference anyway but at 3-0 you only think of getting more.

Agree0 Disagree0

Cal down, I must say before the game I thought catching the goal diff was a pipe dream but when we got the third I thought, hold on we could get six here, having said that, after the first palace goal we should have boxed the game off, don't know why it never happened.

Agree0 Disagree0

Think after the chelsea loss, we should have closed the game off at 3 0, and took the three points, also half the team looked jaded, it seemed to me that we did not pick the right subs, also we took off the wrong players, and there was way too much talk in the media about the goal difference, you could also see where they were going to threaten, at the end, but nobody seemed to want to change anything, what In did like about Palace last nite, was that when one of their players trapped the ball, their first touch took it towards our goal, this made them more dangerous, but, we were 3 0 up, minutes to go, and hope I don't hear too much clutching at straws, its Citys League now barring a complete disaster, good luck to them, now let's get a really good result next sunday, and finish off a brilliant season, where we have come so far, build for next season, its going to be a tough one, but were looking good, and maybe top two again, come on you Reds .

Agree0 Disagree0

Palace hadn't created much at all - and we'd looked defensively solid right up to the third goal. On that basis, we should have just kept playing the same way! Probe for a fourth goal, but don't leave yourself exposed defensively.

I noticed for the 15 mins in-between our third and their first, it was end-to-end football. Madness - and in total contrast to how we'd earned our first three goals.

The less said about the second goal the better. I am still speechless that we had seven up for a corner a minute after they'd pulled a goal back. I don't even understand how it could have happened? Did BR encourage it? Did Stevie tell everyone to get forward for the corner? Nuts.

Agree0 Disagree0

07 May 2014 08:23:12
I agree to one point above, At 3-0 with 55 mts on the clock, I would suggest the team to go for more goals. But you have to see, untill 70 mts, the fourth goal didn't came in. In such circumstances, I would have tried to shut the game and secured all three points.
You cannot simply atatck and attack and attack untill the final whistle.

Agree0 Disagree0

Haveto agree with Ed001 about the Chelsea game - how can the manager legislate for such a glaring error? We were in control of the game, had a few decent chances and a minute before half time with Chelsea showing nothing. Bad individual error, 1-0 and Chelsea have us in the perfect position for their stifling tactics - I don't really see what Rodgers did wrong?

As for Crystal Palace I think Rodgers substitutions were very strange and think he should take some of the criticism however, when you analyse the performances of certain players, you have to say that they were the primary reason for that catastrophic slip up. Criticising Rodgers and his tactics is very harsh and does not really make sense of what happened in either game.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 18:30:47
Johnson is very attack minded and bombs forward everytime, while Skrtel is so slow and lacks Bravery and aggression, so he keeps backing off & backing off until we are way too deep and when he tries to be aggressive he over does it because it's simply not his game. He gets a lot of undeserved praise because of the goals he has scored, which is not his job in the first place!

Skrtel is suited to a defensive team who will park the bus 8 of 10 games. It's probably why he doesn't play so well with Sakho who has a lot of bravery and aggression.

F.eks Flanagan is very brave and very aggressive in his playing style which is why him and Sakho play well together, so well we rarely concede chances from the left side of the defense.

Johnson and Skrtel simply can't play together in my opinion and as long as they do we will keep shipping goals, it keeps the defense unbalanced at all times. Most goals we concede are from our right side of defense.

The only way we can keep both Skrtel and Johnson is if we are set up with Flanagan at RB and Johnson at LB, with Flanagan given instructions to stay more defensive.
If Johnson has to play RB then Toure has to be the RCB, and that's the only way we will maybe stop leaking goals.

At least 15 goals has come from amateurish mistakes from Skrtel & Johnson, we would have had the best defensive record and what that would have brought with it.

It's only human nature to be greedy and want the world. We need to look at this differently and in perspective. we have over-achieved this season, our target was to qualify to the top 4, which before the season was seen as
unrealistic and now we have probably top 2. This experience will help the players and the team, who will grow because of it. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and in this case with BR in charge it will make them much much stronger for next season.

And to the other fans specially (the bitters, the mancs, the spuds) Get a grip would you?!
It's seriously pathetic that you pop up when we draw or loose, despite the fact your crabby clubs has drawn and lost a lot more, not even in the top 4 and everyone of you got battered! Absolutely battered, 4-0, 3-0, 5-0, 4-0. So even our defense kept a clean sheet against your "wonderful" teams who everyone of you predicted to finish ahead of us.
I would be so embarrassed to even bother to make fun of a team that battered my team. Which is why we as Liverpool fans will seize every opportunity to make fun of you! You make fun of us for years and when the tables turn you can't handle it? Haha, that's complete hypocrisy and very pathetic. I keep reading what goes around comes around, if you believe in that you have 19-20 years of this coming and Liverpool will go on to dominate! Mark my words! we won't stop so just get on with it!

Ed001, what do you think about my Skrtel-Johnson theory. cheers mate!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I have always thought Johnson is better on the left as it makes him have to think more about what he is doing. I defo agree with Skrtel needing Flanagan's protection. Especially if Sakho can be more vocal and get on Johnson's back to stop him falling asleep.}

Skrtel does not lack bravery he lacks pace and a leader next to him he needs to be told what to do glen needs to go imo when he fist singed he was class over the years he has got worse like pepe did with us

Agree0 Disagree0

They are both weak and very inconsistent. We defend too deep when Skrtl plays because he lacks the pace and aggression to come out at attacking players. Defending deep in our own box has cost us time after time this year and last night was a true example. They both need to go.

Agree0 Disagree0

Not being brave is something you can't accuse Skrtel of.

Agree0 Disagree0

Lacks aggression? he was going through chamack last night on multiple occasions.

Agree0 Disagree0

Being brave and agressive isn't clattering into players. It's holding a line rather than dropping, stepping forward rather than sitting deep.

Agree0 Disagree0

I reckon the OP did actually mean bravery as in the physical sense calm down.

Agree0 Disagree0

Last year skrtel wasnt coming out enough, this year he acts like a warrior and is too brash, doesn't seem like he can win. I don't think its his ability, just that our defence as a whole is imbalanced. The partnership of carragher and hyypia for Liverpool, carragher was the warrior, the leader, while hyypia was calm, collected and won every header. Its not that skrtel is a bad player, he just lacks guidance, as do the whole back line. I think johnsons errors make everyone look worse than what they are.

Agree0 Disagree0

07 May 2014 10:07:12
nope alan, I meant positionaly! he is not brave or aggressive enough to cut the balls ahead of the attackers, what he does is not being brave but stupid, it's not his game, he clatters players because he has already backed off so much! mentally week player and since last season I have said with Skrtel and Johnson on the right we will never stop leaking goals! guess what that's a fact!

Agree0 Disagree0

@kotomoto

Your opinion is perhaps further vindicated by the fact that, if you look at how teams how chosen to attack us this season, that they often focus on the Johnson/skrtel area - its clear in our play and in our defensive set up where the weakness is; I suspect it will be amended by next season.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 18:34:06
Emotions are still raw but would anybody really protest if we sold skrtle, agger and Johnson this summer?
I'm not saying this as a knee jerk reaction to the palace game but as an observation of our defence all season.
You can argue it's our attacking style of play, but for me none of those players have been good enough and can still pull in a few million in transfer fees and save a few more in wages.
Let's build our defence around flanno, sakho and mignolet.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I 100% agree, but Rodgers will be reluctant to change so much. But it needs to be done soon.

Agree0 Disagree0

Agreed, we should sign Lovren and Bernat/Moreno, that would be an outstanding defence.

Agree0 Disagree0

Isn't Flanno the most dribbled passed defender in the league?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - and Enrique was the least dribbled past defender while at Newcastle. That was because he was the most out of position left back in the league and never there to be dribbled past! Also, what is considered dribbled past?}

I would not be disappointed at all if those three left. Johnson is a liability and Skrtel an accident waiting to happen. Agger may love the club but BR clearly sees Sakho and Ilori as our future first choice centre back pairing, so yes all three should be moved on.

Agree0 Disagree0

Agger looks almost certain to leave.

I would like to see Rodgers bring in a world class centre back with leadership/vocal qualities, but I would also like to Keep Skrtel.

If Johnson is to leave I would like to see another RB brought in to rotate with Flanno.

Red Rum

Agree0 Disagree0

I will be accused of bandwagon jumping, fair enough, but for three years now I have been amazed that Glen Johnson ever played a single game of professional football .

He has the worst attitude of any top flight player I have ever seen ( except, perhaps, Joey Barton ) and is bone idle as well!

Agree0 Disagree0

In a ideal world redrum we would buy a fist team left and right back with flanno and wisdom being cover but it won't happen kelly will be cover to flanno when he should be sold

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 19:55:09
Probably doesn't help Flanno that the wingers attacking him are going outside him past his weaker left foot. If any of you have ever played football you'll know that its so much easier to tackle a player with your stronger foot. To do that when on the inverted side of the pitch you have to let the player past you so you can get your stronger leg and your body across them so as to effectively dispossess them. I would hazard a guess it is mainly for that reason that Flannos dribbled past stats seem so poor.

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed001, I'd assume it means in one on one situations he's been left on the floor or chasing shadows? Perhaps East Midlands Scouser is correct, the stats I saw didn't define whether he was playing at LB or RB. Mind Azpilicueta has done well as a LB.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - are you sure of that? Because without knowing exactly what is being referred to, what you have quoted is just meaningless.}

Being dribbled past is pretty clear in its meaning. A winger has beaten a fullback either through pace or trickery. I fail to see how that it's unclear as to what it's referring to. What other meaning could it have?

Agree0 Disagree0

Mikey, I would be disappointed to see Skrtel leave but I reckon he has been our best defender this season, at the same time I think we could improve on him.
Johnson I think has to go, I thought he was better going forward v palace but at fault for 2or 3 of palaces goals, fir the 3rd he was out of position and forced Skrtel to end up in no mans land as he didn't know wether to attack the ball or drop to mark Gayle, Johnson was doing neither.
Sakho, to be totally honest I am undecided on him, sometimes looks good but sometimes worrying, I will defer my judgement on him until his second season after adjusting to our league.
Flanagan, love his attitude and commitment, thought when he rattled James Milner was brilliant, but don't think he is the answer which really hurts me to say.
Agger, probably time to go.
Toure, at his age got to look past him now and look to the future.
Lloris, haven't seen enough to pass comment but sounds like he is going to good but whispers he isn't happy.
Mingolet, still got to convince me totally, again see next season after bedding in this season but I would like us to go for loris of spurs or Begovic of Stoke.
In conclusion, I don't think we should build our defence around Flanagan, Sakho and Mingolet .

Agree0 Disagree0

I'd sell all three under the right circumstances. Replace Johnson with Richards, Skrtel with Pepe and Agger with Rojo leaving a defence of. Pepe, Sakho, Toure, Ilori, Rojo, Richards, Enrique, Flano, Kelly. we might even make profit by selling and buying those three(not the objective, but a plus).

Agree0 Disagree0

Not really
We have illori coming back who can slot in for agger Flanagan is our future Rb with a new lb arriving that would only leave us to buy a centre back who can replace Skrtel

Agree0 Disagree0

If he was willing to be a squad player I'd keep Agger as cover for Sakho - he's got a lot of experience, loves the club and is a quality defender. The reduced playing time might actually benefit him as well given how badly affected by injury he has been over the years.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 18:30:58
Thank you Liverpool Football Club for an amazing season full of heart stopping performances and memorable victories. Watching the game played as it should be and hearing/seeing the fans match by match.

This season I feel we have been converted into the "neutrals fave" and I've appreciated the fans from other clubs bridging the gap coming on here to have the craic, especially the gunner lads.

Taking stock to what we've all enjoyed this year, the results, the goals, ken's pants AND champions league footy back

Proud to be part of the red family whatever happens this week

Life's all about the experience I reckon, and at some point our team has added to that experience for each and everyone of us this year. Fair f'in play to all the eds and posters but let's be mindful of what we've been given by the whole journey and be thankful for it. Let the "what if's" become "so what's" and charge a glass to the lads in red

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Spot on, bro! We are the envy of a lot of teams in the league so let`s stay humble, enjoy the last game of this great season and who knows. Let`s come back stronger next season and be ready to go again.

Agree0 Disagree0

100% agree.nice post

Agree0 Disagree0

One of the best posts I've seen in a while, we should just appreciate the achievement and look forward to next year. Stop being so down and admire how far we have come, I have never been so proud of the team. We'll be back next year, more experience, a larger squad, hopefully a better defence, and all the players will be more determined and better off for the experirence.

Stay humble reds, stay proud

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 17:57:37
Hey Ed, with the season coming to a close and our Premier League dream looking all but over, we ponder where it all went wrong. Undoubtedly the defence needs to be reshuffled, and I was just wondering Ed, if you were the manager, which defenders would you like to see come in, and which do you think should go?
Cheers

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I would move Skrtel and Johnson on. Skrtel could get a decent fee, as well as being a weak link. Johnson just needs to go, he is holding us back now. I would just buy a left back as the number one priority and spend whatever it takes to get someone like Moreno, Rodriguez, Coentrao etc. If that means blowing every penny we have to spend in the summer, then fine. We have Ilori to come back for central defence. Kelly could still come good. Flanno at right back and cover for left back. We are generally ok, with so many quality players in the youth teams needing first team experience, they should be given the odd game to rest first choice players or to cover injuries. But left back is our weakest link, we don't really have anyone ready to slot in and Flanno is not a long term solution.}

Ed001 what about wisdom would you put him center half or right full or even move him on I think he is a very good player

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - right back for me, I prefer him there where he can use that power and pace to bully opponents.}

Ed001 you mention we need a LB, do you think we'd stand a chance at getting Bernat, looks a fantastic prospect.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - Valencia are in an odd position, hard to know what will happen there now. They are not in the financial mess they once were, I don't know off the top of my head if they need to sell. I will ask though, see if he is within reach or not.}

Ed001 what would be your plans with wisdom next season

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - he would be given a chance to grab the right back slot.}

Johnson slows our play down so much, not to mention being suspect defensively. I would like to see a very athletic, quick thinking left back come in.

Agree0 Disagree0

Do you think he is to small for center half

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - not really. You don't have to win headers to be a good centre half, you can just make sure the opposition are unable to get a clear contact on it.}

An example of height not mattering much to a centre back is Maldini and/or Cannavaro, so I wouldn't worry about height being a factor with centre backs.

Agree0 Disagree0

Really do agree with this.

Skrtl and Johnson cannot defend and if we are going to reap the rewards of our outstanding attackers we need to be strong at the back.

An established left back and centre half must be the priorities this summer, with Flanno, Wisdom & Kelly fighting for the RB slot.

Ilori is going to be a superstar with him and Sakho the future, but short term need some experienced leadership in there.

If only Carra was a few yrs younger!!!

What a season it has been and really looking forward to next season already.

Superb.

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed do you think that Coentrao would be an upgrade on Johnson. I haven't watched him often but what I've seen has been great going forward but liable defensively. Come to think of it I cannot remember the last time we had a truly solid fullback any ideas?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - he would be an upgrade mentally, though he would still come with issues, he is a better player overall than Johnson. I do agree though with his defending being his main weakness, but modern day full backs very rarely can defend. Steve Finnan was probably the last truly solid all round full back we have had. Though Alvaro Arbeloa could have become a class player for us if he hadn't had his head turned by Madrid.}

07 May 2014 08:25:06
Ed01, Spot on with Arbeloa, He was just a brilliant defender.

Agree0 Disagree0

Yeah I forgot about Finnan, he was such a solid right back, unspectacular, but consistent week in week out and gave little away defensively. We could seriously do with him at the moment!

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 17:51:07
I find it unbelievable that some of our fans are slating rodgers yes the defence needs work but we are at least going to finish second (I think we will destroy newcastle) we came 7th last season people need to remember sacko is inexperienced in this league and will learn. johnson isn't good enough but whatbother choice do we have? Cissokho? Everyone would just bollock him instead. Rodgers has done a fantastic job he has got the best out of every player available to him. Everyone thought the same thing about trying to impove the goal differnce I for one am thilled about this season and can't wait fir the next back in the champions league and a few quality additions we will maintain this level and will compete next year. And will people stop the mignolet bashing he might be a bit dodgy coming for crosses but he can improve that he I young for a keeper and kept is in loads of games first three games of the season he was terrific everton away Norwich he pulled out a great stop. Excuse the rant

Believable0 Unbelievable0

At least Cissokho can actually DEFEND and doesn`t let anyone get past him.

Agree0 Disagree0

I have to give you that one but to be fair johnson is a better atcking outlet and when picking the starting eleven we pribably needed tgat because palace are usually difficult to break down. I do agree johnson needs to go and we need a new left back

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 17:47:35
If, ifs and ands were pots and pans, I believe losing hendo was a big blow as he was in good form and I think nerves just got to us as we sraped thru against norwich, mistakes against chelsea and were kamikaze against palace but still if we draw or win against newcastle we would be runners up and to bt chelski would be great, I loved watching us this season and the plusses outweigh the negatives, I am so proud of them all, next season will be even harder with all clubs buying in summer so I reckon six or seven in the mix for top 4 next season but if we can keep our main group add maybe 3 additions plus get our loanees back and a couple from youth team teams can be more worried about us

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 17:43:03
Good news everybody, If Man City unfortunately win the League Sunday: it means 3 out of the last 4 seasons has the team who finished 2nd in the Premier League the year before, have won the league the next year.
Bit more optimism for everyone for next season :)
YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 17:25:38
People seem to be having a go at our central defenders maybe right but don't you think a lot comes down to the manager and coaching staff insisting that they drop far too deep. Could you see a defensive coach be called in to advise?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Lol.they don't coach that type of defending

Agree0 Disagree0

We don`t defend as a unit because our defenders are not complimetary enough which is why most of the conceded goals come from stupid, individual errors.

Agree0 Disagree0

I think. 1 there needs to be a leader. 2 they don't trust Mignolet's aerial ability. nothing more complicated than that.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 17:06:44
Any news regarding when we'll be looking to do our business regarding transfers? I know world cup years are the worst, still hope for a reply from you eds. Thanks.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine for "timing".}

06 May 2014 17:08:34
Ed001 topic of today Seems to be a center half with leadership skills my question is who would you sign or would you use someone from with in the club

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I would ask Sakho to step up and be the leader.}

This is what surprises me, sakho was psg captain when he was 18, clearly he's a leader, why the sudden change of character

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - he was a local lad there, brought up through the ranks, so settled in and well established. He is still a new boy at Liverpool.}

Along side who Agger

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - Ilori, Kelly or Toure for me. Give them all a try out in the pre-season games and see who matches up best.}

I really like Sakho, I reckon he can become a Marcel Descailly or a Sol Campbell for LFC.

Agree0 Disagree0

If they haven't stepped up yet then they're not leadership quality

Agree0 Disagree0

Do you speak French? The lads in a foreign country, give him chance. You don't play centre half and be captain if you have no leadership qualities. It's his first season and he's had a couple of injuries.

Agree0 Disagree0

Sakho`s still new here and still finding his feet w/ the english game and the language. He is a born-leader and should be encouraged to step up. Maybe Toure can help out as well.

Agree0 Disagree0

Most players have said they never understood carra but it didn't stop him!

You don't need full grasp of a language to impart your authority on a defence. It's about working to structures and ensuring they are adhered to, pushing out when appropriate etc

Toure apart, there isn't one that does this

Agree0 Disagree0

I think we'll see the best of Sakho (and hopefully his leadership qualities next season). Having a season under his belt will do wonders for his confidence in both his play and willingness to instruct his fellow players.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 16:12:42
Hi Ed1 can you give your thoughts on how the season has panned out and what you would like to see changes wise for next season and do you think brendan rogers is the right man to lead Liverpool? I for one am delighted with how things have gone and a premier league title would have been nice but i'm sure over the next couple of years when the youngster begin to come through thick and fast we will be beating the likes of Man City etc!

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - I think this season has been a delight to watch, great attacking football leading us to a title challenge which was way beyond my wildest dreams for the season. I wouldn't want to change much for next season. A new left back, Flanno at right back, the on loan players, other than Assaidi back at the club and our incoming loanees back at their own club. Sell Johnson and Skrtel, give Ilori a chance alongside Sakho and make Sakho the leader of the back four. I would like to see the back line, Gerrard and Mignolet included in that, drilled more as a unit to improve their togetherness. Obviously that would mean training with different variations of the back four so that anyone can slot in when needed. Not sure there is much else I would change, other than looking for a few quality additions, such as someone to play as a wide forward if we want to play that way. I would still add a Medel-type to provide more bite in midfield, someone who can allow Gerrard a breather every now and then or play alongside him to get stuck into a strong opposition midfield. Strong as in physical, rather than strong as in technical.}

Awesome always enjoy the replys couldn't agree more let's just hope brendo is reading this and agreeing and roll on next season!

Agree0 Disagree0

My thoughts exactly ed, would also like to see texeira and maybe alberto go out on loan.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I would like Teixeira to get more games with us, personally. He went out on loan at Brentford, despite clearly being a class above any player they have, he couldn't really get going for them. There are very few teams that play a style that suits him.}

Johnson is so good going foward.brendan needs to really consider playing him as a winger

Agree0 Disagree0

Spot on, Ed.

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed001,

I would sell Johnson and Enrique.
Put my trust in Flanagan, Wisdom, McLaughlin, Robinson and Smith.
With one new left back to compete with our academy players.

I am undecided on whether Skrtel or Agger will or should go.
I believe both are very good players and just need a leading centre back alongside them.
Skrtel, Agger, Toure and Sakho are an impressive group but no one has taken charge yet.
I believe one of those four needs to leave to give Ilori a chance in the side as well.
Agger is LFC's current vice captain and Sakho was PSG's former captain.
Putting Skrtel and Toure on the chopping block for me.

Toure's experience traded for Ilori's youth.
Skrtel or Agger traded for a leader of our defence.

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed01, you mention a Medel type, do you rate Medel? What I have seen, which isn't much, just highlights really I haven't been overly impressed at all.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - yes I do rate him, I have been watching him for years and he is a lot better than he has been able to show this season. Mind, under Ole, Cardiff have turned into a bunch of headless chickens, so I don't think you can expect much from him. He is a higher level player for me, yes he bites into tackles, but he needs players on his level to give him someone to pick a pass to. He hasn't been getting that much for Cardiff, so he has mostly been having to play firefighter, running from place to place trying to plug gaps. If you can, go back and watch him play against Citeh, when Cardiff beat them, early this season. He was excellent there, if I remember correctly.}

06 May 2014 15:52:41
Forget buying more Strikers, we have enough to do serious damage right now. If needed we can add in January. We desperately need to sort out LB, RB and one CB, and poss another ball playing midfielder.
Mingolet doesn't impress me either but poss better coaching may sort him out from being just a shot stopper to an all round keeper?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

Coentrao, Papadopolous, Rb?, Kovacic

Agree0 Disagree0

We need a LB but would be careful about getting another Full Back as Flanagan has been superb this year and will only get better. Another CB would be good as long as they are top class and we sell some that we have already at the club. We already have plenty on our books. Mingolet can improve but I have no issues with him. What he needs which no keeper has had at Liverpool for a long time is quality competion. This will help him and the team long term.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - neither Clem nor Grob had quality competition. In fact, I can't remember a top class goalie that ever has. It is the one area of the pitch where clubs 99 times out of 100 will have a clear number one and a back up.}

Why papadopoulos? He has played four times over the whole season. If Agger is classed as injury prone this guy is a 90 year old man, I would rather play Kelly at CB than spend 20mil on papa(I wouldn't mind that tbh, I rate Kelly highly). I'd much rather a leader like Howedes who speaks fluent English, not saying we will get him but he's the type of player I want. For left back I would happily have Bertrand, centre mid my dream would be Lallana and right back is a tough one.

Agree0 Disagree0

Clem and Grob were 2 outstanding keepers ( especially Clem who is my all time best keeper ) but things change. Man City, Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs all have obvious number one keepers but in the correct circumstances will play the 2nd choice. I just believe having a stronger number 2 keeper would benifit the whole team.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - but they all have no competition either. The back up just gets cup runs, unless the number one goes completely out of form or gets injured.}

Jackoo - why would we need a right back. Move Flanagan across . He could be our right back for years.

Agree0 Disagree0

Although he never challenged clemence or grobbelar Steve ogrizovic went on to have a very good steady career for himself Ed.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - because he never stayed at Liverpool once he was ready to be number one. And he was excellent. The only keepers willing to sit and watch are either not good enough to be a number one elsewhere, too old or too young to establish themselves. Any other keeper will just not sit on the bench for long.}

06 May 2014 15:45:23
I would just like to express my gratitude to everyone involved at LFC. What a fantastic season we have been treated to.

5-1 against Arsenal
4-0 against the bitters
Done the double over United
Battered Spurs home and away
The 3-2 thriller against City
Almost 100 goals scored

What memories! Now let's celebrate the return of CL football.

Red Rum

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 16:14:45
Well said red rum

Agree0 Disagree0

Agree with that. Also to add Suarez player of the season and him and Sturridge top goal scorers.

Agree0 Disagree0

Agreed, very little could have gone better for the team this season.

In the boot room years this season would have been regarded as a failure but, BR has taken LFC from a team finishing in 7th, 6th, 8th & 7th to Premier League runners up in only 2 seasons.

Agree0 Disagree0

Great achievements. But the more difficult phase will start now because getting there is hard BUT maintaining and hopefully, surpassing ths level will be the true test IMO.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 15:32:42
Brendan Rodgers deserves to be Manager of the year IMO, Pulis has done a good job but what Brendan's done is unbelievable. To take a team from where it was to here deserves all the recognition it can get. Those pushing for Pulis are probably the ones who can't bear to see us where we are right now. It's mind boggling to think anyone else deserves it more than Rodgers this season.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Sorry but no. Tony Pulis has turned a dead-cert relegation fodder into a team that can take on the very best teams at times. He's done a marvellous job, as well as Rodgers but I think that Rodgers' incline was inevitable. Even though it's more of an incline than we thought, the incline was definitely going to come. No one thought Palace was going to do what they were. Everyone thought Palace was going down but Pulis changed all that and look where they are now. My vote would go to Pulis hands down.

Agree0 Disagree0

No one could say for sure if our incline was 'inevitable' as you say, nothing is a given in football. Especially when other teams have bottomless pits of money at their disposal.
Yes Palace were certain for relegation but for me you award it to a manger that made a challenge for the title, not one who saved a team from relegation.
The points and goals turn around from last year puts Rodgers way above Pulis for me.

Agree0 Disagree0

Poyet has done just a good a job as Pulis IMO, but Rodgers has done a better job than Wenger, Boas, Sherwood, Moyes and to an extent Mourinho and Pellegrini.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 16:17:25
Is it not easier to coach defensive tactics than going on the front foot therefore Brendan deserves it r even city's manager.

Agree0 Disagree0

BR, hands down. Taking a team going nowhere fast and turning them into one of the most exciting teams we`ve seen in about 18 months or so to the point of getting both City`s and Barca`s attention is no mean feat. Pulis ain`t getting a call from Barca nor Man City BUT BR could at some point. BR, No contest!

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 15:18:01
Man City FIned by the UEFA over FFP, As they now need some homegrown players.
So. there you go. The Lallana's, Rodriguez. Barkley's and others.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

But did you know Liverpool also breached the FFP? You overspent by 60 million again this year. But Uefa are only penalising teams in this years European competitions. Next year you will have to comply.

Agree0 Disagree0

Are the FFP rules and the home grown player rules the same thing?

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 15:10:51
What if city draw one game and they still win the league on goal diff. that would be the worst case as we threw it away trying do make 6-7 goals against CP instead of just controlling the game and not push for the goals.

That would be the worst case for me. how about ya all?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I said from day 1 my hope was for CL qualification and anything else was a bonus. I'm sticking to that.

It wasn't so long ago we were worried about Manchester United winning the CL and pushing us out of the running. Now we're guaranteed top 3, likely top 2, possible joint top, possible champions.

Agree0 Disagree0

So kill the game at 3-0 up when we clearly needed to overcome a huge goal difference. Not a single poster on here would've don it. Classic example of hindsight. I've never been wrong with hindsight.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 14:57:57
Forget all the players we have been linked with the very first thing we need a quality defensive coach. 49 goals is a very poor defensive record the amount of times we have taken the lead and I have never felt like even 2 goals was enough for us to win. I think Colin Pascoe and Rodgers are in McDonalds having a who can eat more nuggets competition during defensive training.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Sami Hyppia anyone

Agree0 Disagree0

Sami and Carra back anyone?

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 15:12:34
Carragher for Defensive coach
Xavi Valero for goalkeeper coach

Agree0 Disagree0

Yes I agree. I said it last night.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 15:07:25
It would have counted, If our striking departments wouldn't have been such sublime.

Agree0 Disagree0

Every team through the ages all concede the same type of goal, it's been the case since BR arrived.
Surely they must realise this needs to change. Sahko is a back up player for me, Skrtel is a ball winner but needs a ball player beside him to mop up. Johnson has never been a good defender and now gives little going forward, time for him to go. Lucas was fantastic but currently looks like he runs in Treacle. Allen and Henderson when fit will tighten things up.
Can't see Hyypia coming as he has tasted management but Carrasurely wouldn't refuse the chance to sort it all out.

Agree0 Disagree0

Well we need to do something . the compromise of gerrard being in there instead of lucas could be an issue . we've missed Hendo last few games . I do remember Brendan saying at the beginning of the season the central defence is sorted for the nxt 10years. soo its Ilori and sakho for the furure?. but would love carragher to be in there coaching

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 14:37:31
i forgot to say that BR should listen to the tony pulis interview after the game because he said what we all knew and if TP knew it then other managers knew it, that's why we have conceded so many goals,

anyway i'm made up for us all we are back were we belong and that's down to everyone at Liverpool fc, I see this season as a massive improvement and in the 2 season BR has been with us he has made us better, he knew were we needed the improvement and done his best to sort it out, we don't have the money men behind us to do the quick fix so its going to take BR some time and next season he will fix the defensive situation and get depth in the squad with quality players even if he has to use some of our own young exciting talents coming through, just look at sterling and flanno

one step at a time and we will get there in the end

Y.N.W.A.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 14:36:25
A question for all posters and ed001
Should Skrtel be sold?
He provides us with an aerial threat but seems to be an explosion waiting to happen with his shirt pulling and off the ball movement
Personally think that he should be sent to some wrestling company or the other
We don't even need to sign a new cb if illori makes the step up (With agger staying)

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I love Skrtels passion. But he just doesn't fit our system. He is slow, has a poor reading of the game and is too rash. We want to be holding a high line, hence we need someone fast, great at reading the game and who times there defensive movements correctly. Even Carragher for all his lack of pace was better in this system, because he at least ticked 2 of the boxes. Toure needed a more settled length of time in the starting line-up alongside Sakho.

Agree0 Disagree0

I think Toure is still a good short term answer. Would've loved to have seen him and Agger get a run of games togather. I think Sakho and Skrtel are too similar. They are nearly all brawn and little brain. If only Carragher had stayed!

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 15:08:53
We should sell both Toure and Skertel and buy a top class CB to partner Sakho and Agger. The list is getting bigger day by day, We also need Fullbacks.

Agree0 Disagree0

Skertel does a job for us most of the time, he's powerful, no nonsense, can now play the ball, he scores goals, important ones at times.
Keep Skertel and Sakho (we need to beef this guy up), I'd also keep Agger tbh, I don't see why we need to keep Toure, I appreciate what he brings but this is who we should replace IMO.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 17:39:27
Prestige
If you keep all the back 4 at the clubs, then what's the difference this season and next?
Cant you see us conceding 2 goals every game

Agree0 Disagree0

Home_Fan
I'm just thinking of continuity, I'd just change one of them and for me Skertel, Sakho and Agger still have a lot to offer, Toure, as much as I like him, has to be the one.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 14:33:30
not been on for a while, but read each day I am gutted for the team thye seem to have run out of steam but if I am honest they have done us proud. the fans have been exceptional of late and we are playing football that all neutrals enjoy watching. I watched last night stunned that they pulled three goals back but what a season we have had. well done to the manager team and owners for giving us the pleasure of seeing the team reawakening from the slumber that it has been in. looking forward to next season to see if we can build on this, also still hoping for a 2005 miracle.ray

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 14:31:35
Now i'm really not a glass half full kind of guy but after the last two games and results I hope Brendan has learnt a few harsh lessons because next season we're back playing with the big boys in the champions league and teams of that quality could really hurt us. The most disappointing thing for me last night was the game was won and because some players were holding for the points (rightly so) and some were trying to chase a ridiculous 6th and 7th goal it all fell apart, is that the managers fault I don't know but I feel he could have stopped it. Fingers crossed the same mistake won't be made again.

There are two ways to get in the top four, the Arsenal way of starting strong and once it gets to around February/March fading away or the way Liverpool have done it this year push for the title till the end and finish up with the consolation of champions league, I know which i'd prefer even though its gut wrenching. At the end of the day City are favorites to win the league, the most expensive squad in the country, one of the dearest teams in football, shock :o

Speaking of City I see today they've been hit with some hefty sanctions, now even though i'm sure it'l get over turned just as Barca's transfer ban probably will it highlights the need for our club to be self sufficient, so the endless list of players costing £70+ just isn't going to happen. Don't get me wrong i'd love the club to go out and sign Lallana but i'm just not sure its on the cards.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 15:11:29
Do you believe City cares?, 50 mill fine is peanuts for them, They would sell some (deadwoods, who would cost more than our transfer budget) and then would buy atleast worth 70 mill this summer.
The whole world would bow down infront of the Oil, UEFA is a small body. I heard they are interested in 2 CB and a Striker If aguero Leaves. (Striker by means would be a world class, someone like Messi)

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 14:25:55
here's my answer to WALTON DAVE from what I said about johnson, did you hear, carra, didi and fowler all say that johnson played bad last night, but you don't need to be an ex pro footballer to see that johnson had a very bad game, and yes I did see the game last night did you, all pundits agreed that johnson should have closed down the player who scored the 1st goal, then with the last goal he should have got around the back of skertal to cover him that's what full backs do, but let's forget about last nights game can you remember the 2nd half of the man city game when in the 2nd half they attacked johnson and scored goals,

he does not deserve a new contract and I can't understand the club wanting to give him another one, the simple fact of the matter is he is too old now he losing his pace and strenght and he is getting injured too much another sign of being too old, we have a ready made replacement in flanno, don't get me wrong I appreciate what GJ has done for the club but its time to move on and to move him on, its that simple at least carra knew when to retire,

walton dave as a full back can you name me any games in the last 2 seasons where GJ has been great at defending any game will do,

i just hope BR does not offer him a new contract even as a back up he is not good enough, and when I was on about mingolet he has made a lot of mistakes this season that have cost us points, I would just like us to get a better keeper and keep mingolet as competition for the new goalie, because he would be a good back up goalie,

to all the red fans though my anger has gone and i'm being more positive about this season because we have progressed the young lads have come on in leaps and bounds and we have a great youth side to come through, this summer will be one of the most important ones in our history, if BR gets the right players in, then we could go on a run like Manchester United did and win many prem titles, i'm not a manager or a scout but what I do know is that we need a defender who is a leader and not just good, we need a big strong defensive midfielder who won't get knocked off the ball easy and will be able to use his strentght to keep the ball and pick out the right pass without panicking and hoofing it just to get it away from our half, that's just 2 must have players for next season a goalie who is good with one on ones or maybe a better goalie coach and a better defensive coach, we are not keegans newcastle who tried to out score other sides we are Liverpool, and if we end up losing this title on goals let in then its down to the defence and the goalie, .

who seen suarez sitting on the boards behind the goal late in the game, well just before that with a break from palace he was one of the quickest ones to get back on that break, that has not been mentioned his tracking back maybe just maybe that's why he was taking a breather on the boards

well after all that we are still top of the table and we could win it if the luck goes our way, but even if we do, I stand by what I've just wrote

its been a great season over all and the manager aswell as the player would have learned from the last 2 games, roll on next season and let's hope we can keep the goal scoring coming

ynwa

sorry about the long post

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 13:38:37
Great effort, football and progress this year!
Whatever happens, we have been the best team to watch, have an excellent manager and players that love the club. People, mainly united and everton fans go on about Suarez crying. The player is showing what it means to him and the fans. let's not forget, we have potentially worldclass players in sturridge(24), sterling(19) and coutinho(21). Quailty players now, ourattack will only get better. We have quality loans to come back, im.hoping BIG things for suso' and quailty youngsters coming through. We will fire again next season.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Good shout Big Al, couldn't agree more. What I've really loved about this season is how this particular manager has taken to his role. By this I don't mean coming in and managing our club. I mean accepting and embracing what it means to be Liverpool manager.
He has taken all that we have stood for, past, present and future, and brought it all together into the cohesive unit we have enjoyed watching and supporting this season. We, Liverpool football club are back!, no more false dawns, no more wishful thinking. We are for real, from top to bottom and we can thank this manager and his employers immensely for that.
YNWA

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 12:32:57
Hi eds & fellow supporters the morning after the night before has given everyone a chance to put things in perspective. i'm still gutted but all in all if anyone had told me in august we would be in this position I would have been calling the men in white coats lol. We have continually defended like this under rodgers for 2 seasons not knocking the guy he has done a great job but now he has to admit his failing & bring in a defensive coach imo. We may look back on last night as a blessing in disguise as brendan looked like the penny had finally dropped regarding the defence ie skyrtl & johnson have to go & imo shako had a good game at least he tried
to stay in position.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 13:27:19
HKelly has a lot of ability. He was out a year, and what? He will Be working extremely hard during.preseason to get.himself back to form and on form he is an excellent right back and possible CB as edd001 has stated. Ramsey was out a year, now look at him' players don't stop after long injurys. Your theory's squashed.You might call for a whole new team but luckily your mother keeps you to the consoles ;)

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 13:59:17
Big Al

Mate I have no problem with Kelly, Nor have anything if he plays for Liverpool, He was injured and came back months ago, Infact more than 6 months.
He is fit, But BR clearly don't rates him (this has nothing to do with me)

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 13:17:19
If we were to name two defenders and a midfielder who are true 'leaders' as such, that we could add to our squad, who would they be?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Any?

Lahm, Kompany and Alonso.

Agree0 Disagree0

Don't know about the true leaders part
but my choices would be
papadopolous, coentrao, lallana

Agree0 Disagree0

Kevin Strootman of roma would be serious I no its never going to happen

Agree0 Disagree0

BR likes Ashley Williams and Caulker, so they are possibilities.

I don't think either of them are any quicker than Skrtl though.

Agree0 Disagree0

Not any. ones we can realistically afford and buy.
We need a leadership injection but to me these players are few and far between unfortunately.
I can't see any leaders in the ones mentioned, apart from the ones we can't get of course.
Who else?

Agree0 Disagree0

Ezequil Garay perhaps

Agree0 Disagree0

Garay is a good shout, their Captain I believe but should we be looking for Premiership proven types.
Vertonghen comes to mind, Mascherano would be one of my midfield choices if available.

Agree0 Disagree0

If we were talking about anyone, then I would like Alaba and Hummels for the defense, with Vidal for midfield. Realistically, we will go for the players that have been linked, but I would love Abdenonour for CB. What is his transfer status Eds?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has shown no interest.}

06 may 2014 13:11:22
still sickened after yesterday, watched the game in a pub in toronto surrounded by manc's, (utd & citeh)22 of em heckling us, but 4 scousers, a palace, arsenal & huddersfield fan all screaming for the reds,, we all agreed that b.r. changes were poor, 3-0 with 12 minutes to play, "park the bus" & take the points. suarez should of come off, he was nackered, gave 100% & ran out of steam, agger or toure into defence, change lucas with stevie g to add some bite to midfield. hind site is amazing though. let's hope we have learned from this & move forward. thanks o the other fans for giving us support in the face of the mancs. worse case scenario, city loose there games, we loose & chelski win, chelski win the league,, even more sickening,, let's pry for a villa win.
lets get behind the team lads. we are liverpool best supporters in the world & not slag the team off.
ynwa

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 13:04:39
Can I just say Man City losing is not beyond the realms of possibility!
Yes we cracked last night.
They will too.
No-one wants to win the Premiership.
It is the most bonkers season I can remember.
City will go out tomorrow night with so much pressure on them as now it's expected that they will win.
But they've still got two games to play.
If Villa or West Ham play anything like Crystal Palace did we are still in with a big shout

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 14:01:08
Thats a distant possibility, But I was damm sure, they either Villa or Westham would get a draw at City. I can't see see City loosing, unless some one gets sent off and things happens.

Agree0 Disagree0

There was nothing special in Palaces performance last night. In fact a few of us were saying they looked as though they were already on the beach up untill their first goal. They then tasted blood, Pullis made good changes, Rodgers made terrible changes and the rest is history.

Agree0 Disagree0

The script just writes itself
Last dqy of the season
We have beaten Newcastle 4-0 while city are drawing 1-1 (They managed to beat villa)
They are happy to just keep the ball while there are fans singing We are the Champions
Then in the 93 rd minute Joe cole intercepts the ball and plays a beautiful diagonal ball yo downing in the right wing who takes out clichy with his first touck
Downing then puts a delightful cross into the penalty area with his left which goes iver Kompany
And then suddenly Andy Carroll arrives and connects with a bullet header to win it the Ethiad is sent into silence
And here after two minutes of dead silence Anfield goes crazy

Agree0 Disagree0

Reet2107 mate its as good as in the bag. Come on you hammers!

Agree0 Disagree0

Then your mum wakes you up for school,

Agree0 Disagree0

No 'robertosthemainman' YOUR mum wakes him up for school.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 12:55:09
Yes we are disappointed over the past 2 games, but look at the start of the season top 4 we would have taking that. Yes we are in the mix for the title (which isn't over yet) but people coming on and slating every player coach manager etc. need to open their eyes. We have done outstandingly well this season with such a small squad. Personally I am proud of what LFC has achieved so far this season, disappointed of course but over all things are looking good. bring on Newcastle and let's get the team another rousing reception and show them we are proud. YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 14:02:31
So you mean to say we should have stopped playing footie, when CL was guaranteed. We had a great, Infact fantastic chance to win the title, I don't see hows people feeling possitive, after loosing the title. Is it that you believe we would do the same next year?

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 12:54:08
Read these pages all the time but not got involved for a long while. All I ever hope for is that our great club have a realistic chance of winning trophies every season and this year we are back amongst the best teams in the country. If you consider the money that Chelsea and City have and that we were behind Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester United and Everton we have done better than anyone could imagine. All I ask if anyone at the club is listening is to strike while the iron is hot. Players will be more likely to sign for us now we are back in the Champions League and the exciting style of football we are producing. We obviously have faults but with the correct backing ( before anyone moans I do realise we are not City or Chelsea and have to deal with FFP )and getting rid of players ( not always easy ) we can have a really good go next season on all 4 fronts.
Here is hoping for a Villa or West Ham victory.
Keep Believing.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 13:43:34
I questioned Johnson's commitment last week but I can't say the same today.

I thought he had a terrific game yesterday but it appears like I'm the only one.

He offered an outlet going forward, worked hard backwards (often the full length of the pitch), as well as going past players and commiting them.

Johnson can't be blamed for yesterday's result - he was one of the best players on the pitch in my opinion and didn't deserve to be on the losing side. If he continues to play like that he deserves a new contract in my opinion.

We Go Again.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

You aren't the only one. He was quite good.

Just something I noticed; how many times did we slip yesterday?

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 14:05:21
You deserves a contract, Saved my rest of the day

Agree0 Disagree0

Are you a Crystal Palace fan? He was at fault for 2 of the goals and arguably could've stopped the third as well. If he is great at attacking he should be a bloody winger. Its no coincidence that over half our goals conceded go through Johnson or Skrtel.

Agree0 Disagree0

Never closed the 1st goal down and should have took the palace winger clean out for the second

Agree0 Disagree0

This has to be the most outrageous post I've read. Johnson was at fault for all 3 goals. Inexcusable defending.

Agree0 Disagree0

Either you are being sarcastic, or you are a terrible judge of a player.

In fact, you must be delusional.

No offence meant! :)

Agree0 Disagree0

Johnson is useless at defending and that is being kind. Another contract you must be joking league 1 right backs are better at defending than him. However good he is going forward matters not when you defend like a 5 year old with a blindfold on. Skrtel is pretty average too.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 15:13:25
If Johnsons gets a contract, the we should bring back Konchesky for our LB and Aqulilani for our CM position and hand them 5 year deals

Agree0 Disagree0

Johnson is so amazing when he attacks. But defending is more important for a 'defender'. Every time they attacked our right wing we looked like we would concede. Maybe we should have switched Allen and Lucas's places. Could have made a difference since Allen was quite simply motm yesterday.

Agree0 Disagree0

Superb while attacking? He was two years ago now he can hardly put in a decent cross or beat his man ine on one

Agree0 Disagree0

@SuarezIsAGenius.

Maybe you ought to re-read my post.

I didn't comment on his ability as a player or judge him for his defensive abilities. I stated I thought he performed well yesterday, so don't put words into my mouth please.

@Ozone - I watched the game and must have missed the goals you thought were Johnson's fault.

The first goal was a freak deflection - that could happen to anyone (you could argue he didn't get out quick enough - but he wasn't the only one - by this point we had sat back on our own 18 yard line again).

The second was poor marking in the centre of the box, Johnson was left in a poor situation and did his utmost to stop a decent ball coming into the box - that was more than just his responsibility - where was his cover? If I remember rightly he did what most decent full backs would do and show him around the outside, it's then your near post defender's job to stop it getting any further, I'd also question Mignolet's positioning.

The third. Well don't get me started on that - that was due to Skyrtel's decision to come charging out of the back four and getting nowhere near the ball.

Most other comments are just a torrid of pointless abuse such as EMS's ''are you a Palace fan'', etc. Which I won't bother answering, since you sir should probably support an East Midlands based club.

I am not a Johnson fan and wouldn't refer to him as a ''fantastic player'' like others have. Nor am I happy with his overall contribution throughout the season - I always think he looks lazy and lacks committment. My point was, YESTERDAY, I did not think he was as bad as many have made out. I think people are looking for a scape goat, when the problem is not as straight cut as saying ''Johnson/the whole defence is terrible''. I think their decision making is very questionable at times, but do you not wonder why we concede so many in the second half? We run out of steam and we have nothing to come on and steady the ship!

Cheers for the comments all.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - the first goal was not a freak deflection to be fair. A freak deflection is when you are positioned correctly and it still hits you and goes in. Johnson was completely at fault, you do not back away from a player in the box when you are all that is between him and the goalkeeper. You close him down. Johnson just backed away and let him hit it. That makes the deflection rank bad lazy defending.}

ED0001, cheers for the comment.

I agree this is one argument/line of thought. But surely we should be looking at the bigger picture as well?

Delaney is completely free of any marker for goodness sake? I'm not an expert on Crystal Palace or their players but isn't he a centre half? - why has a CM let him get the other side of them or not helped Johnson squeeze out the shot - there are multiple ways of looking at this?

Whilst he didn't get out quick enough you have to appreciate it took a ridiculous deflection. Also, we're on our own eighteen yard line - AGAIN! Sitting back and letting them come onto us. I repeat, I am not a fan of Johnson - but some people on here are acting like he was at fault for ending Liverpool's title hopes! Who knows who reads this forum - get a grip and get behind the team lads.

Cheers.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I do agree, he wasn't at fault for ending our title hopes, though I disagree when you say it was not his fault in that instance. He was not just too slow to get out, he was making no attempt to do so. That was the big mistake. I can understand a player being fatigued and getting out slow, that happens. What is unforgivable is not being bothered to make the effort to do so. Unfortunately, for all his ability, Johnson is guilty of lack of effort and thought on far too many occasions for it to be excused any more.}

Ed001 made a good point including how fatigued he must have been, he covered A TON of ground yesterday. And also, Robbeh pointed out that Glen had a rough ten minutes, but prior to the goals he was one of our better players. Everyone was at fault for the 3 goals; the first one ed, I think that may be a bit harsh. I would've ran away from a strike hit with that venom!

Agree0 Disagree0

ED001, I agree with everything you have said regarding Johnson (as per my post 'post-match' last week. Perhaps he lacks a vital attribute which can't be taught. A winning mentality/dogged determination.

I still think it is as a whole defensive unit we look shaky though - not just Johnson.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - it feels like such a waste, as he is one of the most technically and physically able right backs of all time. It is just that mental edge that lets him down, every single game. Unfortunately it is not just defensively, going forward he makes the same mistakes, getting caught not moving for a pass he asks for or constantly cutting inside when we need width etc. I remember when he had dreads everyone thought he was far more interested in fixing his hair than playing the game. It does seem he just lacks that winning mentality, which is vital.}

Robbenmolby, regarding the second goal you're missed the bit out where Johnson should've shepherded him out to the wing to give time for our defenders to reshape, he actually gave pallasis the wing.

Third goal, Skrtle marking two palace forwards so commits to attacking the ball while Johnson ball watches rather than filling in.

Ed001 nailed it earlier about his vision for next season when he said he'd like to see Sakho marshalling the back four with Ilori as his partner and the back 5 (including Gerrard) working as a unit. That's not possible with Johnson he daydreams and he's lazy. That's where we fell foul last night.

Cotinhiou for Lucas rather than Sterling and the back 5 working as a unit and I believe we may have chalked up 4 or 5. Last 20 minutes Lucas was pointless because of the gap between the last man and our midfield.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I nearly choked then when I saw who had written this post! Has someone hacked your account? Or did you mistakenly type Ed001 nailed it then? ;o)

Haha, I do agree with many things you say Ed001 regarding the team, granted we have our differences here and there!

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - just checking!}

Robbehmolby, re glen Johnson, you are taking the Mickey, right?

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 13:42:13
I really hope that this summer we conduct our transfer dealings with more stealth so to speak.
We need to get deals concluded much more efficiently.
We lose out on important targets because we are too slow sometimes.
I know money is a factor but we have seen how close we are to the title this season so for me a few million extra here or there might have added some of the quality we have needed.
This is going to be a very difficult transfer window, we need to make sure we don't suffer like last season.
Top teams will be after the same targets, our rivals in the league certainly will be.
If the team needs to learn from this seasons mistakes then so do the board and the owners.
I hope FSG back Rodgers again, and I hope we now have the right people in place within this transfer committee to ensure we conclude deals much much quicker.
Still Believing YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 12:49:20
Lads hard luck last night! But u should of said! Am sure Jose would of lent you his bus for the last 10mins! Sorry to see you SLIP up like this

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 12:43:41
I think we can be really proud of this season, if second is where we finish and we took it to the final game how many of us would've taken that at the start of the season? I certainly would, I was expecting a finish around 6th (pessimist).

However with Skrtel at CB he doesn't inspire confidence, he is totally fixated on challenging his man and making rash attempts to reach the ball that he ends up in poor positions and doesn't give his partner any help by giving a shout. I would exchange his goals for us with a non scoring defender who keeps us solid and communicates in a heart beat.

Nevertheless what a season boys! European nights next season!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 11:47:10
I am still hurting from the Chelsea game, last night shattered me.

Anyone else feel numb today in work?

I can't even bare to go on the sport pages etc. However, it seems unlikely, but the way this season has gone do not rule out City getting beat.

Andy Carroll winner on Sunday anyone?

Dare to Dream!

Kosovo Joe

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 12:13:53
Can't even look at a paper haven't felt like this since arsenal done us in 1989, you know it could have easily been avoided but it wasn't.but on the bright side for the majority of the season we have been excellent let's get the win on Sunday and build on this great season objective of cl in the bag c'mon you reds.

Agree0 Disagree0

I felt numb when we conceded the third goal
Today I am feeling dead

Agree0 Disagree0

U are dreamin joe

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 11:46:24
"We just did not manage the game at 3-0. We gave them a little sniff and they have some good players who can punish you. It is something we will improve on for next season"

This is the only thing I will pick Brendan up on - agree we did not manage the game against Palace but I would include in this substituting 2 attacking players with 2 attacking players when there were massive holes in the middle of the park.

he states most important thing was to win the game and not go for "Roy of the Rovers stuff" -

Toure for Sterling? so we had an organiser?
go-3-5-2 as danger was down both flanks?

I admire Brendan for the way he plays and his belief in what he is doing but at times you've got to change and shut up shop - we didn't and like Pulis stated, we play "open" football and are too easy to get at.

But we will learn (hopefully) and be stronger for it next season and although disappointed, had you offered me 4th place in August 2013 and I'd have snapped your hand off!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I agree - also was it me or was Suarez and Sturridge distinctly average? I thought Sterling was MoM and was the most threatening.

Kosovo Joe

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree but I was there doing the maths hoping for another 3. They were not a threat and that goal came out of nothing.
We could have shut up shop after 2-0.
No-one saw that coming.
We totally had the chance to stick 6 or 7 past them.
We missed so many chances.
And we still could have won it if Moses had have connected.
I really don't think we can blame Brendan or the team.
If we'd won 7-0 everyone would be talking about his genius tactics

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree Kosovo. Why take Sterling off and bring on Coutinhiou. I didn't make any sense. If Rodgers had the goal difference in mind why take off the only player presenting an offensive threat with his pace. Lucas off Cotinhiou on for me. Why leave Lucas on when we'd committed so many men forward? We were listening to the phone in on the way home and Noel Gallagher had a bit to say. A lot of it eye wash but he did make a point about us as fans and the Liverpool players being caught up in the emotion. I think he has a valid point and unfortunately that emotional energy seems to have burnt us out at
the finishing line.

Agree0 Disagree0

Flidby is right

it could have easily gone the other way

Agree0 Disagree0

Flidby, in part I agree. The majority of the crowd didn't want to shut up shop, we wanted 6 or 7. With that in mind, why take Sterling off and remove our pace from behind the front 2? Surely Rodgers should have hooked Lucas for Sterling and our back five should've maintained discipline as a unit

Agree0 Disagree0

Suarez was spewing before the game and on his haunches with 20 minutes to go - surely he should have been substituted first before either Sterling, Sturridge or any other player. Its fair enough we wanted to score more but Suarez really was struggling towards the latter half of the match - it just didn't make sense to me eh.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 09:05:33
Edd001, you mentioned Liverpools style is massively punching us above our weight. Are to meaning, for the players or squad size, we should probably be lower? Thanks

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - we all thought top 4 would be a brilliant achievement with our squad this season. So competing for the league title with just one game to go shows that we are playing way above our actual level.}

Its very.early to ask edd001, how do you think we will fair next year? With a few quailty additions, plus loans and fix defense, I think we will challenge again( hopefully still with suarez

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - with the extra pressure of European football, I think it will be a similar situation to this year. Pushing hard in the top 4 places, but just falling short at the end and finishing in the top 3, hopefully top 3 anyway.}

06 May 2014 11:20:14
I think there is no doubt after the palace game that Liverpool need to consider their defensive options to lose a 3 goal lead is a joke and players are only to blame not rodgers. A left back is a huge need and also a new centre back who can lead the back line which we are missing after carra left who if we still had this year we would have won the title no doubt. I think it was a huge mistake signing sakho he can be very rash and whenever he misses one of his trademark agressive tackle he leaves us open. I hope we sign Champions league quality players because if we bring that defence to europe we will be a laughing stock and teams like barca and real will score 10 on us. Opinions please?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Simply put, Rodgers is an excellent coach, but his management needs work - last nights priority was 3 points - not try and catch an 8 goal goal difference, 3-0 up was time to play sensible - we didn't do that, and players, even ones with big egos play to the managers instructions.

So the blame for throwing 4 points away in our last 2 games falls squarely on his shoulders - Chelsea at home - we just didn't need to lose, last night we needed to win, 3-0 up and we still played like we wanted to score 10.

Needless to say - I wouldn't swap him with any coach in Europe.

Just hope he learns from his mistakes.

Agree0 Disagree0

How can Rodgers be absolved of all blame?
did you watch the game?
Every time we went forward everyone went forward and you could see us getting done on the break (like Chelsea's 2nd at Anfield) and we made like-for-like substitutions and did nothing to shut up shop

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - he did not make like for like substitutions. There was a clear formation change with the arrival of Moses, pushing Coutinho out on the left and Moses came on down the right to block the opposition fullbacks.}

I think most of you have never played football before. Yes, maybe Rodgers could have adjusted at 3-0, but if he did, we'd be complaining that there was an opportunity to score more goals, and we let the chance go if we lost the title on GD. At 3-1, we look more likely to get the 4th and Coutinho had an excellent chance right after they scored to bury the game. At 3-2, all the tactics in the world won't help the players. It's purely a mentality thing, it's a horrible situation to be in, and I have played in many games like it (albeit at a much poorer level). That's why I was suprised at Carraghers analysis of defending deep etc. Yes, on paper, it shouldn't happen but when placed in those situations, it's very difficult. You need luck to go with the mentality because the other side WILL create chances. Momentum is huge in football. Do you think United scored all those late goals becuase the other teams were defending too deep? Or were tactically naive? It's called pressure, and mentally a real challenge to overcome. Hindsight is great but we had the tactics and players to still get the 3 points - mentally we didn't cope, that's all.

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed 001- are you having a laugh? Both players you have mentioned aren't well-known for their defensive capabilities. hence my comment "like-for-like" - we didn't bring on defensively minded players who know how to shut up shop.

Moses came on to shut up shop against Citeh at home, gave the ball away in our own half in added time and Henderson had to try and win it back.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I never said he was well known, I just pointed out that you were incorrect talking of like for like as there were clear changes made to make the system more defensive. Still I would rather be having a laugh than being so petty as to jump down my throat for pointing out you were incorrect. I would have thought it would be better to acknowledge your errors personally.}

06 May 2014 15:02:38
JimmyHustle.

Fantastic, let's play without a manager then?

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 11:07:21
Some reflections.

The biggest error last night was the second goal. It wasn't an individual error, but collectively naieve. I have no idea how we can have a corner with both centre backs and the defensive midfielder in the opposition box. It was a total lack of game intelligence.

The biggest signing for next year will be a communicative centre half. Great defences come as a unit, moulded together through hours on the practice ground. Sometimes our back 5 look like strangers. Jamie Carragher would be my favoured defensive coach, but there are others. The present defensive coach MUST be considered a failure on the performances this year. Even with the deficiencies they have individually, the lack of cohesion is a massive issue which just hasn't been resolved.

Glen Johnson has so many defensive deficiencies, never blocks a cross, etc. But we forget how for years many posters wanted him moved to RW instead of Kuyt, as he is dangerous going forward and not the soundest defensively. He just hasn't changed, it is how he always was. It is very important in our attacking philosophy, but sadly he often just fails to think like a defender. But hey, no one is perfect.

Finally Allen begins to look a Liverpool player. He was excellent last night.

Hendo was sorely missed. Just one mistimed tackle and we have seen what a massive player he has been for us.

Lucas looks shot. I don't know if he has failed to recover from his injuries, but he just doesn't seem able to get into games at all. Even allowing him the luxury of remembering he has been moved from the role he filled very ably for years, to a more advanced role, he looks leggy.

I have no idea why Suarez wasn't subbed last night. He was knackered, just watch when he runs out of play and sits on the hoardings. He had tablets before the game and if he was under the weather, beyond the 75th minute he was out of gas. Sterling was still moving well, and Sturridge looked sharp, but they both came off. I think BR needs to think why this was, although it is unlikely to occur very often.

Delighted with the season - top with a week to go, going into the last game with the title still a possibility, playing exciting football (too exciting last night, for all the wrong reasons). For all their money, Chelsea and Manchester United aren't in this position. Arsenal with their stability at the helm aren't there. Spurs are nowhere. Out of the chasing 6, only Everton can claim to have achieved their pre-season target quite so successfully.

Can we hope there is one more twist this season?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Loving that post

Lack of game management to the extreme and I was wondering where our deep-lying centre midfield player was - seems other players (Lucas, Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho) are getting fingers pointed but where was Gerrard?

Agree0 Disagree0

Excellent post pal

Agree0 Disagree0

Excellent post mate
Yesterday highlighted a need for a good enough backup striker Suarez and Sturridge looked burnt out

Agree0 Disagree0

Yeah, must say that I thought that Lucas and Johnson were a bit jaded. They looked very tired and could have been more industrious which is exactly why we missed our engine, Henderson.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 11:06:52
Right, now I've criticised Gerrard (very rightly) earlier this season but now I'm going to defend him.

Last night our entire front 5 were either lazy (Moses/Coutinho) or completely knackered (Suarez, Sturridge, Allen, Lucas). The only player who was neither (Sterling) was incorrectly withdrawn (hindsights a wonderful thing ey?).

Our entire back 4 suddenly capitulated after an atrocious Glen Johnson error. Even my girlfriend was screaming "go tackle him then". How he failed to read Delaney shooting from there is beyond me. What happened next was embaraasing. We lost possession high up the field and Johnson was caught about 30 yards out of position (suprise suprise). Bolasie showed great pace and determination to run about 70 yards. Due to his diabolical lack of pace, Skrtel decided to run back into his own 6 yard box rather than try and get across to tackle or at least pressure Bolasie. Bolasie found Gayle and we all know what happened then. What I was then absolutely gob smacked by was the defence then dropped by about 40 yards and decided to stand on the 18 yard line (the exact same mistake that nearly cost us against Norwich only 2 bloody weeks ago). This left about 80 yards of space for Gerrard to cover in between our static forward line and our frightened back 4. They just hit it long into our box and got a goal. Just like Norwich did 2 weeks ago.

So can somebody please explain to me why 2 Glen Johnson errors, an absolutely awful decision by Skrtel, a positional nightmare from the other 9 outfield players, and tactical naivety from Rodgers can even begin to be pinned on Gerrard? I doubted his ability to adapt to that role, and he's still no Xabi Alonso, but he improves every week there and puts in 100%. So why is he being made a scapegoat for everybody else playing like they had concrete boots on for 10 minutes at the end of the 37th game of the season?

Gerrard is new to that role and has never even had a pre-season to learn it. Skrtel and Johnson have been playing their positions for a decade at least and are quite simply just error prone. They will always leak goals. Sakho is another new to the English game and still only a baby, and Flanno is even younger and out of position. So how embarassing is it that they have been our best defenders this season?

By all means, point out negatives. I can't stand the "rose tinted" crowd who refuse to acknowledge problems, but don't make them up to try and make a scapegoat out of probably the man of the match. His pass to Sturridge was incredible. Sterling was a close second for that accolade but he was robbed of finishing the match.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

How does a scouser in the East Midlands get a girlfriend?

Good post though.

I still think Johnson made errors in each of the 3 goals. For the third, his winger wasn't there, but he failed to come around to cover.

SG last night didn't seem to lead the team vocally. And if he is our defensive midfielder, why at 3-1 was he even in their box for the corner?

Great season though, it's been a gas.

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree in some senses but he is our leader, our most important player and I have to say, in our last 2 games, for me, he has been disappointing when the pressure is on. I only saw him trying to organise once but like you say, he's new to the position so who knows - perhaps we should have dropped Lucas in there?

or brought Kolo on to add some experience, someone who knows what it takes to win a title

Agree0 Disagree0

Gerrard was forward for a corner because Rodgers was playing for more goals. He's admitted that. You can't blame Stevie for following instructions. Against Chelsea, Gerrard was awful. No denying he cost us that game. But yeaterday he actually played quite well but got hung out to dry by the rest of the team. There are two types of world class midfielders. Those who win you games and those who dictate games. The dictators are the true midfielders whilst the match winners are your number 10's or wide players. Gerrard has always been a match winner and half waythrough this season he was thrown Iin at the deep end and asked to be a dictator. I disagreed with the move entirely but Rodgers managed to get it to work. People are quickly forgetting that although we leaked goals, we won 11 games on the spin!

Gerrard has always been a lead by example captain. Carragher was the voice. The loss of Carragher cannot be underestimated. You are right though AggerDo. Toure should have played every game he was fit this season. He and Sakho have still not had a chance together. We have missed a leader at the back but I wouldn't say that's Gerrards fault. It is not the holding midfielders job to call the line.

Agree0 Disagree0

Shirt Seller, I agree, all 3 goals down to Johnon. Ridiculous substitutions. Take pace of and bring on creativity! Shouldn't the creativity have been brought on to put pace through? We wouldn't have had to commit so many men forward if we'd kept pace on the pitch. Why would you commit Lucas forward he can't see a or ward pass if it smacked him in the face. Gutted absolutely gutted but not over yet.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 15:04:58
Lucas for me yesterday was a wasteful member in the starting eleven. he has been a DM from years, you simply cannot play him at any position.
But then 2 goals down, He should have gone back to his original holding role along with Gerrard.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - the two were struggling for an understanding, Gerrard kept coming across to the right and leaving a gap in the middle. Lucas did spot it but he was then unaware of Gerrard returning back to the centre and there were gaps down the right. They need to talk to each other more, Gerrard should be telling Lucas what to do as captain. He will have to learn to do that as he gets used to his role, to organise the other midfielders, unlike before when he was just about driving at the opposition to make things happen.}

06 May 2014 10:59:47
I don't believe for a second that Spurs' twitter account was hacked, why didn't they just hack the Liverpool one? Absolutely BS.
Alan Sugar thinks we are the 'worst ever example' at throwing away the title?, actually, we are the 'best ever example' of how to challenge for the title without wasting 100's of millions on wage collectors, we are the best example of team spirit, team cohesion, an attractive high scoring philosophy. We have the best owners in the league, who by the way managed to get an agreement to televise Premier League games in the States for free for the first time in history. We have one of the best up and coming managers in the world who's philosophy fits with the best football being played in the modern game today.
So pipe up Alan, you haven't got a clue. We are one of the best example of success this country has ever seen.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Can't believe I'm going to say this - but Alan Sugar is 100% right.

Chelsea game - priority was not to lose, and tactics should have reflected that.

Crystal Palace - 3-0 up, job done, tactics should have been adjusted to get the result.

Sadly this will go down in history as the year City where handed the PL on a plate, by inept tactics by a brilliant coach. Even worse than 96-97 when Roy Evans waited far too long before giving Michael Owen his debut

Agree0 Disagree0

Alan sugar has spent his life peddling crap

has anyone ever owned an amstrad product? crap

this is just more crap. like the football teams he used to produce at spurs.

spurs would give their right arm to be in our situation right now

Agree0 Disagree0

I'm not sure I agree.
Chelsea game, we stuck to our principles and a way of playing that got us to the top in the first place. What was Brendan supposed to do? Tell his players to abandon their philosophy? That would be hypocritical and that's not what's he or us are about anymore.
Palace, yes, we threw away a 3 goal lead, but that would have still left a six goal deficit with City to play toe home games. The title was never ours, we still had to go and earn it, so to say we threw it away is a joke quite frankly. Nothing's a given in football.
He is 100% wrong! He should stick to advising his own club, they need it more than us.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 12:55:03
Prestige

So what's your point?, Where we not chasing the Title? If so, We should have played with young guns in the last three games, Since CL was guaranteed.

Agree0 Disagree0

We are the worst case of throwing away the title? What about Arsenal who were 7 points clear at one stage? Or United two seasons ago when they f*cked up and handed City the title? Yes we got things wrong, but we had no right to even have a chance this season. Far from the worst case of throwing it away.
Cheers,
ROI.

Agree0 Disagree0

Alan Sugar? Is that a real name or a stripper stage name?

Right on, Prestige. Drive the Ferrari, don't park the bus.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 14:07:00
ROI
We were 10 clear the top in 2009, Remember?

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed you got that miscommunication between. Gerrard and Lucas right but don't you think Gerrard has a better understanding with Hendo which I probably think is because of number of games they have played this season in their respective roles togethe

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - yes I do think the pair of them work well together, and I do think it is because they have been paired up all season. I just hope that the team get to work on different pairings and their teamwork, just in case of suspensions, injuries or loss of form next season. If we want to compete on all fronts, we need to be ready for those kind of eventualities.}

Agreed Ed, I think if Skrtel were to leave, it would make sense to get a defender along with a creative (and versatile) midfielder, a couple of squad ready youngster, a technically sound winger (Cuadrado would be mybpick here) and a decent left back (who is a defender first ).

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 08:53:44
Well the defense certainly needs improving
Johnson has to go I never want to slag our players but he was really bad not just yesterday but the entire season
Don't know why Rodgers is so keen on playing him
I think our best fullbacks are flanno and Cissokho
We need to invest in a right back this summer don't know who is available but someone like chambers or abate or even aurier
And if money is not there play wisdom/flanno there they are quite better than Johnson

As for CB Skrtel I am not sure about
I think we can do without him next season Sakho will provide the physical presence and unless Ilori can make the step up we need a commanding presence in the back four Perhaps Hintereggeer or Ginter

These are my choices along with lallana and Heung min Son as the signings
I see ed001 has mentioned that he would like us to sign a quality cb and rb
So ed who would you like us to sign from the players which are available and within our range?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Hold up a minute - the season hasn't even finished yet. And how can you say that Cissokho should play - he's been awful.
Sorry to disagree with your post but let's try and put things in perspective. 10 minutes of mad football does not mean we need to change the whole of the back five.

Agree0 Disagree0

Cissokho was actually hitting a good patch when Johnson came back
At least he iw sound defensively
And although the season is not over it is now ridiculously out of our hands
Come on villa
Come in hammers

Agree0 Disagree0

Have to half agree with reet on the Johnson front, he has/ is very lazy when it comes to defending, but is fine attacking and it has been evident for years he more times than not seems like he can't be bothered to defend. considering he is meant to be the more experienced of players in our team he should of started focussing more on his defensive position once the opponents start coming at us. regarding cb's sakho althouhe looks clumsy and nervy all the time, its only his first season and still learning. skrtle well he just drops too deep or goes for a ball that he shouldn't as it leaves him out of position and opens up gaps because our other defenders don't know what he was going to do so can't cover in enough time

Agree0 Disagree0

Yes I'm no fan of Cissoko but he was improving and he's certainly better defensively than Johnson.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 10:37:08
All in all, Its been a superb season. If anyone said we would take Man City to the last game of the season for the EPL I think we would all have laughed at them. So when we look back and reflect after next Sunday I think everyone will be pleased and the players can be proud of themselves. Its just that when you get so close, and to slip up like we have makes the failure hurt that little bit more. Last nights game kind of sums up this season, an away draw with a tough Palace side isn't a bad result, but to throw it away from 3-0 is what makes it hurt all the more. Unfortunately the form of some of our big players dropped slightly when the pressure was on. This season has thrown up far more positives than negatives. And probably like most other fans at the moment, I'm not sure wether to be really happy that we are back among Europes elite and playing really exciting football, or wether to be gutted because unfortunately we've passed up our best chance for the League in nearly a quarter of a century.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

And who slipped up Tommy? GERRARD!

Agree0 Disagree0

Her Daveyboy goes again sniffing around our page get a life r kid.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - ah no, you can't give anything out to Davey, or it is being a bully and nasty and abusive. He is quite happy to give it out though. Quite sad really that he thinks banter is only banter when it is not aimed in his direction.}

By that I'm assuming your referring to the Chelsea game. Gerrard mis-controlled the ball and ended up slipping trying to atone for his error. He has won us a lot more points this season than he has cost us, and I don't think there is a single LFC fan out there that will hold that single error against most arguably the greatest player our club, and England has seen.
Undoubtedly if it was the other way around (let's just pretend it could happen for arguments sake) you Bluenoses would be getting some stick, so fair enough, but if I was you, I'd be more worried about how your going to cope next season without Barkley, Lukaku, Barry and Delofeu.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 10:26:03
For me that game apptimises our season great going forward dodgy at the back!great season on the whole, positives out way the negative for me, ynwa .

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 09:46:16
Has anyone seen Steven Caulker play often and, if so, is he good and would he fit our style of play? I've seen many rumours linking us to him but don't know too much about the lad.

Cheers

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Yeah he's good he's solid defensively but he comfortable with ball at his feet and Is good getting forward. Think he be a great signing for the right price and he's still young so can improve

Agree0 Disagree0

I've watched him a few times and I honestly don't get what the obsession with him is all about, he's not good enough.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 10:08:22
In my opinion there are a few lessons to be taken from this season. First and foremost let me state clearly that it was a magnificent campaign and, to be honest, if anyone had told me at the beginning that we'd be disappointed not to win it and ended up second then I'd have taken their hand off.
1. Squad too small; dead on their feet against Palace toward the end of the game.
2. Defence needs a revamp (despite my previous protestations to the contrary). We need speed in there. Not sure who should be replaced tho. Sakho doesn't inspire me. Ilori might be an option.
3. Rodgers, for all his verve and freshness, was naive in certain games. But that's okay. He will learn and come back wiser - and make us stronger.
A big thankyou to all the players who pulled on a Liverpool shirt this season and entertained us and gave us back our pride - particularly our captain and our manager. Well done, lads.
You did us proud.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Squad depth cannot be an excuse to concede 3goals in 9minutes.all we need is for our defenders to really concentrate on defending for 90mins
They have been really spoiled by our attack this season that they feel sas would always bail them out.we knew a game like this would come, just wish it happened sooner

Agree0 Disagree0

It is the whole te's responsibility to defend and we didn't - it looked like an Under 10 game
if you have people running at you it is the worst thing as a defender and there was no midfield screen sitting in front of them.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 09:43:44
Hi Eds, is there a limit on the number of youth team players we can take on pre-season tours? From your experience, how many youths tend to be given a chance to shine in these pre-season opportunities?

Many thanks

Ps great match yesterday. Am disappointed at the last 11 mins but it's been a terrific season and hopefully everyone at the club can learn a lot from this year which can help us build next year without getting into any financial strife. Cheers

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool can take who they want on tour. The thing to consider is that it is a World Cup year and players will need some sort of break. It is going to be a longer season with 6 additional games before Christmas. Liverpool have scheduled tour games where fans will want to see all of the popular players so a balance needs to be struck. At least one side has taken the approach of cancelling their pre-season tour to give the players a break.}

06 May 2014 09:41:39
Ed001, I strongly believe we have the quailty Centrebacks needed at Liverpool in sako, agger, lori and.kelly who can play there. However I feel that BR will seek more defenders that are not needed. A LB is needed yes, but lori and sako should be given a.run of games. a lot of fans.forget that we spent a fortune on defense last year yet its been abismal to say the least. Skrtl has been truly exposed as has johnson. Its alrite scoring more goals but in the important games, we have paid the price. Our attackers deserve.nothing but praise. Mignolet needs to really improve next season, and if we get kelly back in there next season with a top LB And solid CB pairing, we will challenge again.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 10:46:32
Big Al

Mate, pls, But Kelly would be moving haven't touched the ball from 12 months

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 09:38:55
proud of the players, the manager and the club this year! YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 09:20:43
Before the Chelsea game, everyone was asking if LFC could take the pressure of the last 3 games. After the Chelsea loss and last night's meltdown, we've pretty much gotten the answer. I have doubts as to whether the team was prepared mentally to buckle down, and the coaching staff has much to do with that. Mental toughness and rigidity is simply a "must have" in a league where the top team in the table can lose to the 20th on any given day!

But all aside, it's been a season of unexpected achievement and brilliant results. Perhaps even great over achievement. BR is a brilliant manager. And the team's been carried forward by a couple of amazing players (Suarez & Gerrard come to mind) all season long.

If we want to win next year:
1) Glen Johnson has to be replaced. The sight of Suarez running back to the our box on the right hand side of the pitch to cover for Johnson, last night, is simply inexcusable for a defender.
2) Lucas should be played more and more in a rotation with Gerrard. He no longer has the legs to play further up field after his many injuries.
3) We need a back up for Henderson. Joe Allen is a passer of the ball, not a tough guy with lungs of steel. Last night we saw that a midfield of Gerrard, Allen, Lucas and Sterling gave little resistance when we didn't have the ball.
4) We need a left winger. Moses has spent most of his time on the field being a lazy tourist taking in the sights.
5) If Thibault Courtois really does come back to Chelsea and become their #1, then a bid for Petr Cech, to give Mignolet competition, is not a bad idea.
6) We need backups for the Suarez & Sturridge duo. I have no idea why Alberto and Aspas were bought, while an ineffective loanee (Moses) was played all season long. Hindsight is always 20/20, so I wish Borini had stayed and Aspas had been loaned out.

Before I get slated for being negative, I'll just say that being a fan is not only supporting during the bad times (I support the team since 39 years) but wanting the team to WIN at all costs, especially when the winning is the closest the team has been in 20 years.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 10:59:22
Brilliant post

Agree0 Disagree0

-Rodgers should play him as a winger and sign a new)
-brendan's love for gerrard won't let that happen
-Not a backup we need a new cm to partner hendo and gerrard for next season
-Everyone knows that
-Why would cech leave chelsea to play as number two elsewhere get a grip.what about getting a better coach?
-We need to consider suarez leaving a possibility before considering backups

Agree0 Disagree0

Thank you Home_Fan

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 09:15:38
Hi eds
Are we currently looking at any Right backs
Or we are going to persist with Johnson?I know he is going to be offered a new contract but we must surely have a backup? Or is Flanagan seen to be good enough to take over?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine.}

06 May 2014 08:51:51
what else can we asked of our lads, they made us dream and this season will stand to us anything can still happen I suppose :)

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 08:49:30
Before last nights game we needed City to drop points, now we need them to drop 3. It's not over till it's over as they say.
The one thing we've missed this season is Carraghers leadership qualities at the back. We need to look at getting a real leader in at the back for next season for sure. Our front 6 looked so tired towards the end, they gave their all, we need quality on our bench next season to lend a hand to these heroic monsters.
I know how we feel this morning, but this is football.
Fergie lost titles on the last day of the season with the last kick of the ball but his teams dust themselves off and go again to win titles the next. Yes we had a great chance, I still believe we deserve it, time will tell but for now we go again.
For all those that we're gloating and goading on social networks last night, what goes around comes around. At least we were there making a challenge for the title, and we hope you enjoy watching us play Champions League football next season at Anfield.
Keep faith, keep believing and let's get a great result in our final game and see what happens.
YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 10:30:07
Happy with where we are and that's a massive improvment, But we blewed it up like in 2008-09, I amm feared another 2009-10 debacle

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 08:41:29
As someone old enough who can remember the glory days of the 80's I have to say I am disappointed with some of the fans who have come on here in the last 24 hours slating the team.
Lets have a little perspective here guy's.
Let start by going back a few years.
This great and mighty club was on the verge of administration.
The banks were days (if not hours) away from pulling the plug on us.
H&G, who promised us everything and gave us nothing was making us look like a club that the EPL were deriding and we were the having the p1ss taken out of us by everyone in the league.
We fought hard to get new owners and FSG arrived and and fans were not happy.
I remember people saying they were here to do an asset stripping job on us.
They were only here to make a quick buck.
They started by injecting large amounts of cash on players that turned out not to be good enough.
They got rid of the high earners that were not performing.
Fans were still not happy.
We were seen as the "nearly" team.
Then something remarkable happened.
We gambled on a manager that had a vision.
BR took the reigns and stated on this mission to install pride back into the team.
Fans still not happy.
He was not a recognised manager. Not big enough for LFC.
He got rid of players there were not ready or willing to play to his style.
Players that had cost a large amount of money were dispensed with.
HE had to wheel and deal to buy the players he wanted.
We were disappointed at the end of his first season.
But he did not waver.
He wanted to instil pride back into this great club.
At the beginning of the season, no one gave us a thought.
The media, the pundits all said we would fall short this season.
We would struggle to get into the top four.
By Christmas we sat top of the table. These same people said we would fall away.
We were not good enough to finish the league in a strong position.
The squad was not big enough or good enough to last the season out.
We lost two big games and every thing they said seemed to be going the way every one believed.
But BR never wavered.
We went on an amazing run of games that put us in touching distance of the Holy Grail.
Today we sit top of the league. An absolute amazing achievement considering were we were just a few short years ago.
We have planned expansion. We have a management team that have said they are here for the long term.
We are still losing money, but in the coming years that will turn that around and we are on the way to being a self sufficient, self financing club.
We have had an amazing year. One NO ONE predicted.
YES. We are all a little disappointed. But take a look at what we have achieved.
I have always been a red supported and will go to my grave being the same.
I may disagree with some of the things the club do. But I will not waiver in my support of the management.
This has been a roller coaster of a season. One I can look back on and say I am proud of as a supporter of the club.
Lets not diss any one, manager, player or even tea lady for what has happened.
We should all be proud of our achievements.
Not just this season. But for what the club have done since FSG have been in charged.
Red for Life.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Well said, so many fans are so fickle and have bashed the team after one loss and one draw in THIRTEEN games.

Agree0 Disagree0

Great post vcomp. If we are clever and bring in the fight players, sell the under performing high earners and continue yo develop young players we will be able to hold the ground the we have made up this year. Some fans will expect the title next season. Firstly we must be a regular Top 3 side.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 08:39:22
Was reading everyone talkin about how Everton laid down n rolled over against city
We lost the league ourselves
Still a fantastic season champions league nights next year I personally can't wait
An i'd rather us have lost the title as we did last night than to lose it from gerrards slip
Gutted tho!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 08:22:09
To be honest, in a greater prespective, the lads did what I believed needed to be done and succeeded. Yes, its horrible after being so close, but the fact is champions league is the main priority. We have gone toe to toe with teams who have vastly superior resources and squad depth. Our little squad has taken us as far as they can, time to back up the big words with some additions brendan.

The boys aimed for the top, as so to assure champions league qualification, in a season where the standards are much higher than ever before. We have succeded, so we should hold our heads high, and imo, Liverpool is still back on the perch of success, regardless of a league title.

Behind every great success, there always seems to be a period of intense struggle or heartbreak, in any walk of life. If that's anything to go by, I think we should be looking forward to next year, and competing in Europe once again, and maybe the title or european cup is on the cards next year.

Cant describe how proud I am of the team, regardless of the title race.

Apart from glen johnson ;)

YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Firstly, your little squad hasn't had to cope with Europe or any real cup runs, so I think its fair to sat that's evened itself out. Secondly, there is no way standards are higher this season in the league, its the exact opposite, most top teams have new managers and have been unusually weak. Fair play to Liverpool. You had a good and slighty easier oppurtunity to CL this year and you took it, that's as far as it gos. Normal service resumed next year

Agree0 Disagree0

Well said. It has been an excellent season and now let's just end the season on a high, winning our last game of the season at Anfield and look forward to CL nights!

Agree0 Disagree0

The result was unacceptable but its hard to be positive after being so close, I really can't wait for the season to end

Agree0 Disagree0

SouthPaw talking rubbish. This has been one of the strongest PL in the last 3-4 years. A poor attempt at belittling LFC's seson.

Agree0 Disagree0

Rightttt so you're telling me that after a general theory that champions league needs at most 70 points, it will likely finish on a record 79 this year?

Or that all year, 4 teams have relentlessly slugged out the title, to the point where everton, who will finish 5th, would have been considered title contenders in an average year based on their points? Even spurs weren't that far off for a sixth placed team!

This was how football should be in every league every year, as competitive as possible where teams do not aim for 4th like a trophy, they aim for the top. Just because your beloved manc juggernaut has come to a halt suddenly means that football in general is poor? Get some perspective mate

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 08:20:05
Though I am gutted by last nights game, I keep forgetting there is still a chance!
West ham are a funny team and the sort of team that could trouble man city. Big strong forwards who on their day can score.
They have nothing to lose so will likely either play really well or poorly but I think there is still a small chance their direct style of football could cause trouble.

FINGERS CROSSED!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 08:18:54
Hai Eds, Great work and have a great dau ahead.
Proud being a Liverpool Fan, This was argubly the best thing happened to me.
So close to be the champions, But that being said, you always need a kick at your back to actually realise, your weakness and correct it and move forward.
I don't wanna see the 2009 debacle all over again, We must keep Suarez and yesterday's emotions shows how much he wanted this to win for Gerrard and Fans.

Glenn Johnson should have played his last away game for us and he must be sold.
We also need a CB, Having spend so much on defense and yet conceeding 59 goals is un acceptable.
Sterling needs some rest and we need a LW.
Lucas for me is not a CM and anyone apart from him would have done a better job yesterday.

BR needs to calm down and cool it, He need to adapt depending on situations and teams.
We should have been more caoutious yesterday, A 3-0 scoreline with 78 mts on the clock and at a place where chelsea lost and only city won, We should have bought an aditional defender and closed the game.

But Neverthless, Excellent season and Boys in Red deserves massive applause and Respect.

CL, The Red's are coming.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

This is what we have been saying for 24yrs when our team fails at the last hurdle.We go again, the team will learn from this bla bla bla for how long may this continue?
Our defense was poor yesterday, No leadership and communication between the center backs and the keeper
Nothing to do with br the team has enough experience to be able to see out the result last night

Agree0 Disagree0

Rubbish. If we had closed the game out after 78 mins leading 3-0, you would have complained we didn't go for more goals.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 11:07:12
The Real AG

Mate, You simply cannot overturn +9 good against City with the likes of Aguero and co with 2 home games in hand.
I would be a very happy Fan with 3-0 scoreline and 3 points in the bag and let City to dig deep and get 6 points from the last two games.
I nor anyone would want a 9 goal Spectacle and then smash Newcastle for 10.
I wonder when did you start playing FIFA?

Agree0 Disagree0

You didn't understand what I meant. Read my post again and reply if you understand.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 14:15:49
The Real AG

Simple Answer : NO, I have no complaints with 3-0 and 3 points.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 08:12:19
Well at least we can now look forward to next Sunday for the title race to be decided but what happened last night? Shocking defending and from a convincing 3-0 lead.

1.Questions must be asked of your defence who literally capitulated 3 goals in a 9 minute spell of calamity.
2.Questions must be asked of your manager whose tactical naivety has now been found out for the second time - firstly going gung ho against Chelsea and now chasing a game that was already won against Palace.
3.Questions must be asked of your supporters who have been prematurely celebrating title success since beating Man City three weeks ago and now have been brought back down to earth with a massive bump.
And is it still Everton's fault after they played Man City last weekend?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 08:39:54
Daveyboy

If the Second question had an answer, there woudnt have been any other questions

Agree0 Disagree0

Nice to see you Davey where you been for weeks your just like the sad mancs who are now coming out of the woodwork

Agree0 Disagree0

If you put as much effort supporting your own team as you do coming on here to gloat maybe you'd be top of the league and still in with a chance of winning it aswell?

Just a thought ;)

Agree0 Disagree0

Its not our fault you guys through away the CL
but what a season us red men have had

Agree0 Disagree0

You'll have to get some better bait than that mate :)

Agree0 Disagree0

Daveyboy
Nonsense, everton page is blue, specsavers for you

Agree0 Disagree0

1) I agree to a certain extent that we need to improve, however to large extent the attacking style of football we have adopted causes leaks in the back
2) it wasn't naive of Rodgers, at 3 0 up, palace were there for the taking and we missed a fair few chances, if not for a lucky deflection of GJ palace would have never been in the game - hindsight is a great thing Davey, you should know that.
3) yes I was celebrating after the city win and I STILL am, we've had a fantastic season and nothing can get me down . YNWA Daveyp.s I'm sad you didn't make it through to the cl I was rooting for you

Agree0 Disagree0

1. Questions have been rightly asked of our defense the whole season. It is just that it took you this long to see something quite obvious.

2. Our Manager is good enough to learn from his mistakes. You will see a better LFC next season.

3. Nobody was celebrating a PL tittle, we were supporting, something you are confused about as you spend the entire last week wooing Man City on

Agree0 Disagree0

1. We know our defence needs sorting in the summer

2. We've scored the most goals in the league, as Rodgers says worry about your own game not the oppositions, in the last 4 seasons we've finished no higher than 6th so finishing 2nd in only Rodgers 2nd season will be a tremendous achievement, it'll also give us CL something you guy's have never seen, past the qualifiers.

3. I think questions should be asked of your own fans who'd rather see your OWN team lose than another team win, which is absolutely sad and the reason why you'll always be a small club and Martinez will be on his way to Spurs or Barca in the summer, to join a club who can match his ambition.

Agree0 Disagree0

Havent heard a word outa gerrard since man city game

Agree0 Disagree0

I am sure you enjoyed last weekend, but that's the closest you will ever come to a tittle race, so you have evry right to gloat.

Agree0 Disagree0

Sure we have flaws but we've been bettered by a team with many players of experience who have won the title, a team which has been settled, is experienced and in development for some time, a team which has spent over 100 million this year alone on players?

I think we have a fair excuse for falling short by a meagre few points this year. Every time we have beaten everton all we ever here is 'yeah but you spent more than a freddo on players therefore it isn't fair'. Well I this case the same applies to us by a more than arguable margin.

Agree0 Disagree0

Davey am going out with my bird tonight. Do you want to come along and watch and slag us off or perhaps you might fancy going out on the pull yourself? You might do well?

Ok mate see you later

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 07:57:58
Like everyone I am very proud of the team and the way we conducted ourselves.
I am gutted by last nights game.
i love the team and rodgers I have always thought was the right man. However, last night game was for me the first time I saw some real naivety from tactical point of view.
I know rodgers says we were not trying to score goals to level the goal difference but that is what it looked like with player grabbing the ball from the net and running back to the centre with it/ and sturridge not celebrating his goal.
I admire it but do not understand why we at 3-0 didn't just stop and realise we were not going to get 9, so to be careful and tighten up?

however, this is only the smallest of moans as I really think we have had a great season and the manager for me is a perfect match.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

We all know we do not have the defence we need. We all agree we have far exceeded our expectations this season. We are all disappointed to let a 3 goal lead slip. Nothing else to say

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 08:31:29
Spot on Mate,
BR needs to work on it and probably calm it. +9 was never going to be turned and with city having two games in hand at home, We should have been more than happy with a 3-0 scoreline and 3 points.
cannot blame the team for the defeate, we allowed palace to score.
And BTW, If BR wanted goals, why did he started lucas for countinho is another one I can't understand.

Agree0 Disagree0

Its nonsense to blame rodgers, we wanted to score a lot of goals but he never told the team to forget about defending.at 3-1 with the experience we have in the team we should be able to see out the result with ease, but instead nobody took responsibility
Next season I hope we start toure and sakho

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 07:54:47
Its so easy to blame the defence for last night but the entire team capitulated. They stopped pressing and tracking runners from the front. I don't for the life of me understand why Rodgers took off Sterling. He was arguably the only player still pressing high. Allen was giving it his all but just seemed knackered. Lucas, Suarez, Sturridge and Coutinho just couldn't be bothered or were destroyed! Shocking considering Coutinho had been on for 60 seconds.

It was the wrong substitution. Sturridge should've come off for Aspas and Lucas for Coutinho. I'd personally have put Toure on for Johnson also who was bloody shocking.

I am proud of all the lads for their incredible season and nobody has really been awful overall. However let's put sentimemt aside, we need another midfielder who will run himself into the ground for the team (Delph, Noble etc). Its not a pretty job, but it is so vital when its 80 minutes into a game and the rest of the team are either knackered or lazy. Skrtel and Johnson either need to learn to focus or just go and play in a slower league. Skrtel is too slow to make mistakes and Johnson has no passion to make ammends. At least Skrtel tries to get back into position but the decision making is shocking.

If Carragher wasn't sat on top of his Sly pay cheque then we'd have won it this year. that's what makes me sick. There is no leader in defence and Rodgers should've recognised this months ago and allowed Toure time to gel with the team rather than drop him for a far inferior Skrtel just because he scores a few and plays with passion.

I always try not to be too annoyed after poor results, but last night is the worst capitulation I've seen since Arsenal drew 4-4 with Newcastle!

Like I said, the calm side of me is looking at the bigger picture and saying "great season", but last night has really highlighted why we won't be winning the title if City do take it. Rodgers is a young manager and its easy to recognise tactical errors with hindsight. He'll rewatch that game and see exactly what we can all see. But he will learn from it and become a better manager for it.

Lets just try and be optimistic. Everyones a Villa fan now!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 07:22:58
Not posted on this page before but always had a massive soft spot for Liverpool and what a season it's been, Liverpool have without a doubt been the team to watch.

I've watched Liverpool win the English League and the European Cup/Champions League over the years and would be lying if I said last night and the Chelsea result did not leave me feeling gutted.

Was funny watching some rival fans spring to life last night lol. (Although I suppose its something a lot of football fans are guilty off)

Over the moon Liverpool will be in the Champions League next season and can hopefully build on this season's success.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Thanks Mrs E.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 07:19:23
In Tony Pulis' interview last night he said that he was confident his team could always score against us. With the players at his disposal it is a worry for next season because if most teams believe that is the case, imagine the top CL European clubs playing us and believing that!

I really hope BR and his staff learn from this year and address the defensive aspects of our game from front to back. It's been a sensational season but it would be easy to gloss over this gaping hole and congratulate everyone on how good we are at attacking.

Next year I would like to see Gerrard be more disciplined and trusting in his teammates to score and stay back as cover for the defence and dictate the game from the back. New fullbacks on both sides and more cover for midfield and up front. I don't mind youngsters playing as long as they are good enough and have the right attitude and desire, like Flannagan, although at their age you've got to expect a slip up or two whilst they're still learning their trade.

Sorry for the long post, still venting some frustrations from last night.

I've also now gone from an optimist in keeping Suarez in the summer to a pessamist. He looked dismayed at conceding those goals and heartbroken.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 08:41:33
If we had have won last night 3-2 say it would have papered over the cracks a least we know what needs sorted out now, imo that is why their is a lot of nervousness before we play our defence is dodgy I said it weeks ago, teams like palace r confident they can score against us says it all really.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 07:09:02
We have had a great season but our defence is simply not good enough.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Nor is the protection in front of the defence.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 07:07:56
Hi all and Eds

I've not posted in a very very long time (long term posters may remember me). I hope you Ed02 are keeping well, along with 01 and all the others.

I'm just posting because people are ripping into the team tonight and that's inexcusable.

Yes the league has gone. Yes we threw the game away.

But 8 months ago people laughed when we said we'd get top 4. Gerrard needed replacing, Allen/Hendo were "rubbish" (not my views) etc etc.

Yet look at where we are. We have UCL to enjoy next year. The league is decided by 38 games, not 11 bad minutes.

It's fine.

We'll be back even stronger next year.

If you can't support us when we win, then don't both when we draw or lose.

Cheers,
B

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - hey B good to see you mate. Oh and I fully agree, I was just thinking the same thing myself about people laughing at anyone who predicted top 4!}

Everyone's absolutely gutted we didn't win the league this year. I feel it was ours to lose and we did. However on the other hand it shows how far we have come in such a short amount of time. We can at least look forward to champions league football again and another league push. We have improved immensely in 12 months and a decent summer transfer window will improve us further. The gaps in the team are obvious and can hopefully be easily sorted.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 07:05:53
Gutted like everyone.
For me we needed a leader on the pitch, a talker saying to the forwards keep the ball, saying to the back 4 and midfield, hit the channels, turn them so we can squeeze the play, get throw ins and fouls, kill the game.
A leader who tells the keeper to get the back 4 out of the 6 yard box when the balls 20 yards out of the 18 yard box. We missed experience and know how. A great ride lads, tweak and a little know how, who knows. , but we've become Everyone's Second Favourite Team Again so we must be doing something right to compete with Mega Bucks clubs.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 06:46:06
Guys. Do not despair, I have seen Man City fallen to a shock defeat and Liverpool runaway winners of the league. Its your year Kopites. Stay positive because it will be Vincent Kompany's time to weep like Suarez. Save the "I now believe" for next Monday morning. YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 06:35:32
i can't believe some of you lot on here, the players have gven everything this season, we are top yea only just but we are there and all you lot do is run our players down.well i'm proud of each and everyone of our players and proud to support lfc wish I could say the same to some of you on here you don't deserve to support the team with the abuse you give just be proud we are fighting for the title ynwa

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 04:57:07
eds and fellow reds, posting after a long time, december to be precise.had this weird superstition that Liverpool would probably win if I refrained myself from posting here.worked like a charm for 11 games.guess that theory can be dispelled.
anyway I just wanted to post what a fantastic season this has been.anybody comming here and slagging off the player need their heads checked.they gave it all, each and every one of them.individual mistakes cost us.no blame to be attached though. all I can ask from the players is commitment.we are in a very good position lads.people say others will become stronger but so will we!
my hope for next season would be just to finish in the top 4 again in the least and consolidate that position.
and finally its not yet over.it still goes to the last day.hopefully big andy and downing do us a massive favour and stuff man city.
ps:sorry for the long post, needed to let it out after 4 months of silence

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I think we've all been developing some superstitions. My lucky mug failed epically over the last 2 games.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 03:11:01
Great game last night.
Chelsea and Palace taught a valuable lesson. let's learn from it and reflect it in our next season.

Hope for a an amazing World Cup, Transfer season ahead. let's get some hard tackling defenders, holding midfielders and challenge for a Title next season.

Hala Liverpool. We go again next season.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 02:59:58
Traveling for work today so missed watching the match live although did watch a replay (thanks to NBC for their streaming replays!).

Anyways, kind of thankful I did now all things considered. Not sure why so many seem so hostile as it just seems a bit over the top to me. We've had a brilliant season and I've got no real complaints. Top of the league with a game to go isn't half bad by any stretch even if both of City's games don't go our way and it doesn't stay that way end of time on Sunday.

Not been our most brilliant last few games out but I do really believe a big chunk of that is the absence of Henderson. Shows what he really does for us I think. We clearly have some issues to sort out at the back but I have faith that the coaching staff is not completely incompetent and is well aware of this and will do what is necessary to improve on it next season. Until then, one more home game to go and fingers crossed perhaps, just perhaps, there is a bit more drama on Sunday than City want there to be.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

It's been a great season, and like you said, we have a couple issues to take care of, but for the first time in 5 years, we look like we can sustain and improve.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 02:33:07
Hey Eds,

Ive looked through the posts and havnt found a lot of recent items on your views about Suarez potentially leaving this summer so i'd like to ask: do you think he will want to and that the club will let him leave if Madrid come knocking on the door with an offer this summer? (i know this must get done to death so I apologize in advance)

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - there is no point any of us editors giving an opinion on this, it just leads to abuse.}

06 May 2014 02:27:23
It is very ironic that the players we bought in the Summer were all duds and maybe we could of done without. So much for spending money. I think coming close like this really highlights how much Jamie Carragher is needed in at the back in situations like tonights. Watching him analyse everything that's wrong with us is not how things are meant to be right now.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Please. Carragher was a great player but in his last 3 years at the club, people were calling for him to retire because frankly, he was spent.

Agree0 Disagree0

These duds may still win the title. Jamie up against Bolasie? Get a sense of perspective chum.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 02:19:10
I'm absolutely gutted by the result, I'm having a hard time remembering the last time I hurt this bad, but I'm also incredibly proud of the club and it's supporters. I know it's naive, but I'm hoping Villa or West Ham can grab the full 3 - stranger thins have happened. YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 01:39:54
It's been an excellent season, regardless.

I think today was needed because it outlined something that has been obvious all season, but at no real cost as we haven't lost many and that is we really need to get a world class RCB and sell Skrtel. In an ideal world Agger would be able to occupy the Right side of the CB partnership, however it doesn't seem that he will be asked to do so. Skrtel is an excellent threat to carry from set pieces, and generally when it comes to playing a deep line a decent CB. However his decision making and pace has left much to be desired this year. Last year when Carra come back into the side we became extremely difficult to score against because he was a leader at the heart of the defense and his reading of the game was superb. Unfortunately Skrtel is not imbued with leadership qualities, nor is he great at making decisions which leaves us susceptible to conceding stupid goals, tonight being further evidence.

I really have nothing to say about GJ, I can't believe how awful he has been this year. He's ok going forward, but at best he seems bored when he's playing. He really is an infuriating player as he is talented, but he just doesn't seem interested in football and or Liverpool this year. I'm up for not replacing him next season and just have him and Flanagan fight for the spot with the new left back coming in.

On the upside, Allen was excellent tonight. He played with a massive amount of intelligence and was decisive going forward. Seriously impressed with him at the moment. I thought Sakho wad good again today and I can't wait to see him next season, hopefully alongside Dagger or a new CB, a true BEAST. Seemingly won everything in the air today.

Credit to palace though who never gave up and truly captured the hearts of the neutral with that comeback. Stoke will rue the day they got rid of Pulis.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

It's easy to blame Skrtel when things don't go well, but in all honesty IMO, he has been our best defender by a mile. What worries me is how we defend as a team, it is quite frankly, very poor and naive.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - sorry but he has not. He is constantly making errors of judgement, he doesn't give his partner shouts at any time, leaving him to have to guess what he is doing and is far too rash and slow.}

The problems wee many. Gerrard never seemed to be in the right position between the centre halves. With 10 mins to go the full backs were shattered because they'd covered miles getting forward all night. Lucas was very poor and I don't think he has the game to play in the pressing and creative role. The front three showed good movement but again wee playing too much as individuals. Sakho the only defender to emerge with much credit. Our midfield isn't as effective with Gerrard and Lucas both in it. Simples.

Agree0 Disagree0

Skrtel should stay I think. Johnson responsible for at least 2 of the 3 goals we let in. wouldn't play him again although going forward he is very good at times

Agree0 Disagree0

Skrtel seems to be a gladiator defender that looks strong and imperious to the naked eye of a spetpctator. The fact is the guy is a tactical looney. Aggression can only take you so far without leadership and tactical nouse.

Agree0 Disagree0

What ed001 said. He leaves his defensive partners guessing about what's actually happening, Carra was very similar to Skrtel in terms of pace, but when he was in the team he communicated with the rest of the defence and read the game excellently, thus the lack of pace often wasn't a problem. Skrtel is just a polar opposite and a cancer in the middle of our defence because the knock on effect for the rest of the team is that they have no h***ing idea what he's going to do next. Sakho is in his debut season, he's learning the language and still acclimatising to Liverpool; he has put Skrtel to shame at times. He has made mistakes but very rarely have they led to a goal conceded, and that has to be expected with a young CB.

If you need further evidence of all of these claims I do encourage you to look at his stats for this year & review the archive on LFC TV.

Agree0 Disagree0

Lucas was poor yesterday, but so were most of the team. It does not do well to dwell on single performances. I was making an observation of Skrtel over the course of the year, not just yesterday at Palace.

Agree0 Disagree0

Sakho is very vocal, do you see him dictating the back four next year Ed001?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I hope so, because someone needs to. Rodgers needs to hand the responsibility to one of them to lead, Sakho seems the right choice as he is very focused. Which is an issue when playing alongside Skrtel, as he is so busy focusing on his own role he needs Skrtel to give him a shout when Skrtel is going to step out of position. I have often wondered how many of Agger's defensive lapses were simply down to him being half occupied by checking on Skrtel.}

06 May 2014 01:00:29
Hi eds and reds, I am very disappointed and I think we have done a brilliant job this year, let us be realistic we need to spend money to bring players in, we really need to sort out our defence, this needs to be looked at in depth and some lessons to be learnt from Chelsea defence.
Really well done this a fantastic achievement if we win it good if not next year. We do need to spend. Champions league next year, chins up. Ed001 what is your take on all this?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - we don't need to spend much, we just have the wrong personnel in there. Plus we need to keep our on loan players, rather than send them back out on loan, well maybe not Assaidi as he wants to leave, and add to the attacking areas with players who can come in to replace those who are flagging. The whole front line were dead on their feet yesterday and so they kept turning the ball over. Personally I thought it was a game to bring on Aspas to chase around, but it would have been good to have Borini to come on as he has shown he can chase around and score important goals. If we stop turning the ball over as much, then the defence wouldn't be facing as many attacks. Though it must be said, if nothing else is done in the summer, Johnson has to be moved on.}

Ed001. Have to agree with you.
Some of the players looked dead on there feet after 60 or so minutes.
What's your take on the defence Ed?
We have conceded some sloppy goals this season. DO you think BR will go with what we have next season? (with the obvious addition of a recognised LB)
Can you see BR letting some of the CB go. I know Coates will go. But I personally think Johnson has been below par this season. I know there is interest again from Barca and Napoli in Agger. Maybe its time to move some of the CB on and start with a different pairing next season. I think Sakho will be a much better player next season now he has this under his belt. Switch Flanno to RB, a new left back.
SO do you think we will look for a CB to join him or will we keep what we have and maybe move one of the reserves up to the seniors for cover?

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - Brendan would have liked to offload Skrtel in the summer, and he wanted to go, but no one was showing serious interest. I would expect it now to be Skrtel, Agger and Johnson in danger of leaving. Though Agger will probably fight to stay and I doubt there will be many keen on Johnson with his wages. A lot depends on Ilori, if he wants to stay and fight for a place, I wouldn't expect us to buy one.
The defence is poor, mostly because we don't have any talkers in there now Carra has left. Skrtel makes rash calls, but the risk could be minimized if he would just make a shout to let the others know he is doing something idiotic and they could cover before he gets caught out. Last night, when he ran forward for the header, you can clearly see Sakho is just doing his job covering his man, not being caught ball watching, just concentrating on his job. He needed a shout, he might have been able to get across in time to pressure the shot then, unlikely but possible. As for Johnson, I just don't think there is any point analysing him, he clearly is just not mentally capable of playing at this level, though his physical and technical attributes are top class. He falls asleep or backs off in dangerous positions when the player on the ball has no options outside to need covering and there is cover inside. That is why the shot him and went in. He has to close that shot down, then if it still goes in, well that is just bad luck and it will happen sometimes, but you have to make some kind of attempt to block it!}

Agree completely ed01
Aspas for me would have been better and I think in same position as moses was would have netted.
Agree also must get rid of johnson. for all his good traits there are just too many bad ones

Agree0 Disagree0

All of that is spot on ed01. Nothing wrong with the overall quality of the squad, just that it isn't big enough. But glen johnson, just don't even get me started, I could go on for hours.

Agree0 Disagree0

Have to agree Ed001.
Also agree with Agger and Skirtle.
BR needs to bring his own players in at the back IMO.
Illori, if he came back I believe could do a job. Him and Sakho could well be the way forward.
Is there any one in youth team that you know of that is ready for the step up to the first team?
I know BR is a great manager for bringing through youth players when they are ready.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed001,
Skrtel, Agger and Johnson in danger of leaving. Is Enrique not on that list as well?

Glen Johnson is a quality attacking wing-back. However his defensive displays is much to be desired.
Essentially his role is a box-to-box wide man but he seems to care more about attacking the opponents box than defending ours. I also consider him to be very injury prone, which leaves us consistently with an inconsistent back four. I would like to see him sold with Jon Flanagan, Andre Wisdom and Ryan McLaughlin competing for first choice right back for the foreseeable future.

Martin Skrtel is our best attacking centre back. This season Martin Skrtel has proved to be an important player in our title challenge. We could choose to keep him and find a partner for him that commands the defence.

Daniel Agger is our best defensive centre back. The problem with Agger is he is injury prone, again the cause of a consistently inconsistent back four. If we can keep him fit, like we did last season, we could find a partner for him that commands the defence.
The problem with Skrtel and Agger is the same problem Chelsea have with David Luiz and John Terry, it's two different styles of defending. It could work but you need one of them to be a leader, Chelsea has that in John Terry, we had it in Jamie Carragher but we don't have it anymore.

Jose Enrique strikes me as a Jack of all trades, master of none. He is good defensively and offensively, but he's not great at either. That would not be a problem, we could find a better player and put him on the bench to cover and compete. The problem again is, he is too injury prone. You cannot have a decent player, who picks up injuries easily be your second choice, it means you'll be relying on the third choice, which at the moment would be a right back. I would like to see him sold and a left back come in to compete with Jack Robinson and Brad Smith. Give the youth a chance.

I definitely think Johnson and Enrique should leave. Then Liverpool choose to sell Skrtel and/or Agger.
We have an abundance of centre backs currently at the club but Coates is basically out the door, Toure will probably leave next season, potentially leaving us with Ilori, Sakho and academy players unless we buy replacements.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - Enrique has always been in danger of leaving once a replacement has been signed.
Best attacking centre back? Seriously? What on earth is one of those? Do you mean attacking opponents in the penalty box? Or lunging into rash challenges at any part of the pitch, when he is last man, leaving us exposed? Agger and Skrtel's problem is simple, no communication, nothing to do with styles at all. Their styles should be complimentary, but they are not talking to each other enough. It is a problem with Skrtel and any partner, he doesn't talk enough, which is fine if you are going to sit in your position. It is an issue because he drops deep or comes flying out with no warning, meaning his partner has no idea if he is deep behind him covering or lunging wildly up the pitch! If Skrtel would be clear in his communication with his partner, then our defensive record would be better, as they could then work as a partnership. What we have is Skrtel doing what he does with no regard for his defensive partner.}

However, I think more importantly we need defensive full backs. Like I said before, to me, Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique are Wing-backs, wingers with defensive duties. I want Liverpool to have full backs, box-to-box wide men.
Instead of our width being provided by players with mentality of wingers, players who cut in to the box and make passes or take shots I would want width provided by players with the mentality of midfielders, stick to the wing, cross balls in to the danger area. That way the players are in a better position if we are unsuccessful to run back down the wing and defend.
I think Jon Flanagan and Andre Wisdom given opportunity and time will hopefully be our right backs for many years.
Jack Robinson will return and need to prove himself if he is given a chance but I expect he would be competing with the replacement for Jose Enrique.

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed001,
For me I think with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique on the wings leaves us vulnerable for counter attacks. That is why at the beginning of this season we had a three man defence and why we now play Gerrard so deep. When we lose possession we need Johnson and Enrique to track back and mark up. When they do not do that quick enough we get countered. Steven Gerrard tracks the run, Daniel Agger confronts the player and Martin Skrtel drops off. It's effective if you have one player running at you. Steven Gerrard applies pressure, Daniel Agger makes the tackle, Martin Skrtel cleans up. If the counter we face has multiple players running it becomes a shambles. Martin Skrtel dropping deep and Daniel Agger going forward means balls can be played between the gaps created and we get in trouble.
I believe that is different styles. Agger needs a partner that will step up with him and attack oncoming players. Skrtel needs a partner that will drop back with him and defend oncoming players.

I think we definitely need a centre back partnership with a leader and neither of these guys are that. So for me the decision for Brendan Rodgers is to sell one or both defenders and to buy replacements.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - sorry but Skrtel's issue isn't just that he drops off, it is also because he only drops off sometimes. Other times he charges out for a rash challenge. If he just dropped off, then Agger would just drop off (or whoever was alongside him) and there would be no issue. If he made sure to communicate with a clear shout when he is going to charge out, then his partner would know to cover, again there would be no real issue. The issue is that he doesn't just drop off and he doesn't communicate which way he intends to go. So you end up in situations like last night, where he is up field and his partner is marking someone else and has no time to react to a ball breaking past Skrtel.

As for the rest about being overrun, you can say that about any system, even the old style systems could get caught like that. They wouldn't have a sitting midfielder to break up play, they would just keep the centre backs and one full back deep. Again, 3 would sit, the central midfield would be looking to make runs into the box or to create on the ball etc. The reason why you can get away with just keeping three back is quite simply that it is only on rare occasions that teams attack you in numbers. Though we could have all managers using the Jose favoured system of two holding midfielders and be bored to death in every match I suppose. I would prefer my team to try and win every game though personally, rather than just looking not to lose.}

05 May 2014 22:59:22
Hey eds, I was just wondering about Sakho. I know Rodgers seems to favour him over Agger but I still don't he is good enough with the ball and very shaky at times, though very good in the air. The only reason I'd think we wouldn't sell him was because we just got him last year! Is it almost 100% sure he will stay or is there a chance they may want to get somebody more suited to the system? Thanks eds

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - seriously? The lad is fine, probably the best suited of all our centre backs to our style.}

06 May 2014 00:51:46
The last three games have high lighted just how much we miss Henderson. Now on to Lucas, don't get me wrong I like the guy and admire his attitude but he is not the answer in midfield. The boy is slow, can only pass back ways or sideways and cannot shoot. He is a luxury that Liverpool could do without. The players have done fantastic this year and have kept us on the edge of our seats but the managers summer acquisitions have contributed nothing this season.Moses Alberto sakho aspas llori and toure what a waste of money. I was always under the impression that signings were made to improve the team. What improvements have these signings contributed. Simple answer none

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Moses is on loan and has not performed. Sakho has blown hot and cold but is showing what he is capable of. Alberto, Aspas and Ilori have been allowed approximately 40 minutes between them this year

Agree0 Disagree0

I think you're being unfair on the guy. He's had 2 or 3 very lengthy injuries and is probably being extra cautious.

Agree0 Disagree0

Mate lucas is a key member in our team.i for one believe his best postion is the holding midfield role.he is a fantastic backup to gerrard.hendo's absence forced br to play lucas in his current position.and as for the signings I take exception to someone slagging them.toure was class in the first few games, alberto and ilori are for the future.sakho is a beast and has been good for his first season.trust me he will be a star.aspas, yes hs not been upto the mark but I would give him another season.love the lad just for his passion.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 00:43:09
Its a funny old game. In many ways that match at Crystal Palace summed up everything that's been good about us this season as well as why we've fallen just short of winning the title. I'm devastated right now but optimistic for the future - we have a lot to take heart from this season, let's build on it and go again.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

06 May 2014 00:42:25
Looking forward to next season now.
I'd like to see some more youngsters come through including Rossiter, Alberto, Ibe, Illori and Suso.
Anyone know what's happening with Martin Kelly?

I'd like to see money spent on a top class left back.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Kelly is still being eased through according to Ed001. I think after a proper preseason, he will be ok.

I am not sure Rossiter is ready for the first team yet and I won't be surprised to see Alberto and Ilori out on loan next season.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 00:20:01
I think Skrtel's charge out on their third goal sums us up defensively. Maybe not his man but he ended doing neither one thing nor the other. I'm not blaming him but we look chaotic at times.
I always said we were due one like tonight or like last Sunday but we got them both together! I never really got carried away because things were going too well when winning eleven on the trot.
Anyway, I've really enjoyed the season and-ever the pessimist- I think we'll do well to have another like that for a while. Can Gerrard, Suarez, Sturridge-and to a slightly lesser extent Sterling and Coutinho- keep it up?
I've got my doubts.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

You question Gerrad, Lucas or Allen for the third goal. Skrtel didn't so well on it either.

Agree0 Disagree0

That's what I said. Skrtel was rash but could have done with more cover.

Agree0 Disagree0

06 May 2014 00:13:18
Hi to all the Eds and fellow Reds

will people stop blaming the defence! Look we knew they have pacey forwards, that Bolasie (spelling) looks a real threat, man can he skin defenders or what?. Anyway, again we lost the ball while on the offensive and they scored on the break. We should be a bit more cautious, understatement of the year, I know.
We should learn to lock up shop when needed. We are not the Brazil of 1970 that ripped into teams whatever. we will learn.
I can't help being disappointed, but let's be realistic. We have got top4, that was the holy grail, let's not forget. The league was there, we missed our chance but we will have the same chance again next season, have no doubt about that. Our rivals will strengthen, sure, so will we. I don't know if it was me, but towards the middle of the second half we began to look tired. Having said that, we still had enough chances to put Palace away to bed with the lights turned off. Football is cruel, you keep missing chances, the opposition will hurt you. Still can't believe it, because Palace (with respect) are not that good!
So, let's be happy about top4, coming 2nd in PL, having played some lovely football and having made so many new friends and fans.
AND. it's not over till it's over or when the fat lady sings. so keep the faith, pressure is on city now. I still think there will be surprises but that is a bonus. We have already put our detractors where they belong. here's to a fantastic Liverpool reception to our team on Sunday before the Newcastle game. YNWA

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Over the course of the season, defending poorly is the reason why we are not going to win the league IMO.

Agree0 Disagree0

05 May 2014 22:47:20
where do we go from here next season then?
there were some poor individual defensive decisions in that last 10 mins, but I believe our porous defence is more due to our style of play rather than the individuals.
would we be in as high a position as we are now if we played in a less offensive manner and conceded less goals? I just don't think we can be competitive in the league and CL next season if we play as we have this season.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I used to think like that BUT I no longer agree. Defending is also an important part of the science we call football. Some are ready to forego a bit of defending in order to reap the rewards of offensive bravery hence, the way Liverpool play. However no matter what fluid style you play, U must be aware of your defensive discipline and have the same desire and willingness to get dirty and make it difficult for people to score on you. BR plays the fluid style w/ a worrying wrecklessness that has plagued us all season (laid to bare today against CP). We seem incapable of just saying to the opposition, "You shall not pass"! We just don`t show the same desire to defend as we attack. BR has to sort this out and find a decent balance. Real Madrid play offensive football under Ancelloti BUT are very difficult to score against. It has nothing to do w/ money or signings. It has to do with attitude and desire to protect your net IMO.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - sorry but you are talking crap. That is not what the style is about at all. It is individual errors that have been the main issues with goals conceded. That is not about abandoning the defence, that is about experienced pros being lazy and not closing down, like they are instructed to, or selling themselves with rash challenges, slipping at vital times, not making easy saves etc. Those will not change until we improve the quality of the players in the back line, at least two of the more experienced players, as they have shown throughout their career those same tendencies on a constant basis, year in and year out. No need to change the style, it worked well enough to have us punching massively above our weight. Now everyone wants to throw the baby out with the bath water!}

Hi ed01,

I agree with you about the tendency for laziness and some players lacking the graft and quality to be consistent.

Glen Johnson for me is the main culprit as I have stated earlier (I'd be sure you agree, as you have good I judgement on many issues, but understand why you won't say so).

A bit harsh on redohio though, I reckon he largely agrees with you tbh, and I reckon he has a point saying we should have tightened up defensively at 3-up, instead we lost our way, stopped passing the ball and many of the players shirked responsibility.

I commented to the missus at 3-0 that we were playing a dangerous game, we seemed to think the game was over and we could stroll our way into scoring more. 'This could really backfire' I said.

I hear the term 'game management' used these days to describe tempering the attacking side of your game, and we must learn to be better at this. Particularly in Europe.

BR is a very young manager though, and I'm sure he'll be thinking the same today, but the future is bright. The title dream is still alive too.

We are not the finished article and we know it. An amazing accomplishment to finish 2nd or 3rd, particularly with a defence that can leak 2-3 goals in a game with a fair amount of regularity.

There will be 3 names in the envelope this summer.

I look forward to seeing what BR and the scouting team are planning.

A repeat performance of 3rd (or higher!) next year would signify a great year imo, and cement our progress a little. We don't want this to be seen as a flash in the pan.

One more game for us. Even if we don't win the league, it'd be lovely to finish on a positive note with a fine victory.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I just think we should be admiring Brendan for sticking to his principles. It may not win everything, but I would rather that than suffer the dross that saw Jose lift the Champions League with Porto and Inter. It may not be everyone's view, but I will never subscribe to the win at all costs mentality. Nothing wrong with having principles.}

ED, no need to be harsh. You actually aggree with me. Our players are lazy hence the phrase, "lack of desire to defend". I was not talking about syle. I love the way we play but I need to see that desire and will to defend when it is needed and its not just there and needs to be. All in all, we`re both in agreement.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - you clearly said BR played the style with a worrying reckless tendency, so I was far from being harsh, you were the one being harsh. Knee jerk reaction from you that you should be man enough to admit was a mistake.}

05 May 2014 22:45:49
I think its easy for me to come on here and write about how ridiculous the defensive side to our game is but I'd much rather say that our players should be proud of themselves. Yes we bottled it big time, I mean 3-0 to 3-3 is frankly embarrasing, however seeing Suarez' emotion at the end of that game with LIVVVVVERPOOOOOL LIVVVERPOOOL blasting from the support in the background made me feel nothing but pride. I am proud of them. He really seemed to want that title and a lot of effort was put in from all of the team to make us feel as excited as we have and we cannot let this result overshadow that. Yes we have conceded what 50 goals, be have scored 99. This season has been amazing for us and I am sure that our obvious weaknesses will be adressed. On another note, thought Allen was outstanding today, at least for 75 minutes.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Conceding 50 isn't a good sign. If we hadn't scored 99 we would have been fighting for relegation after conceding 50.
We need the best of best Wing backs and Center back.
The likes of Gerrard Pique and John Terry.

Agree0 Disagree0

05 May 2014 22:40:49
Honest opinion:

The City game took too much out of us. We put everything into that game plus there was all the emotions of Hillsbrough.
We celebrated too early and thought we'd won it.
Losing Hendo for 3 games was a bitter blow.
Sturridge picking up an injury also hurt us.

Since that game we struggled to put Norwich away and showed our fragility. Chelsea took advantage of mistakes. Palace rolled the dice and got lucky.

City were always likely to win their last 2 games regardless of tonight's result. However, Villa have beaten them once this season and Downing and Carroll will give their all for us.

Keep the faith

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Sorry Ken I disagree. We were unaffected by our previous games for at least 75 minutes. They had no real bearing on our performance. As soon as we let one goal in, Rodgers should have taken off Suarez and put Agger on and we would have been 2 points better off.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I disagree, we didn't need defenders, we needed fresh forwards who weren't giving the ball away constantly due to tiredness. Someone like Borini and Aspas, and please not Moses, who will keep the ball, and if it is turned over, they will press and keep Palace from having an easy out ball. The issue was that the forwards had dropped off out of a lack of energy, the midfield were then having to drop or leave gaps, meaning the defence was exposed. Protect the defence by not giving the opposition the chance to attack it, as the right side of it was missing last night. Bringing on Agger would not have changed that. He wouldn't have sold himself easily at right back, or stood off a player clearly about to shoot on the edge of the box. Maybe, just maybe, he might have been able to cover Skrtel's rash move forward to try and head a ball he was never going to get leaving him stood in no mans land. But, with Skrtel's lack of communication, it is doubtful he would have had the time to react to cover either.}

Gerrard is the captain. Why was he in the box on a corner at 3-1 when he should have been making sure we preserved what we had. To allow a team to break and score from your own corner is criminal.

Agree0 Disagree0

We should have tried to keep the ball with us with more authority. Ball retention in final parts of the game can be improved. Watching Liverpool this season was a pleasure though. This season will be etched in my mind for a very long time however it finishes.

Agree0 Disagree0

05 May 2014 22:40:42
Gutted but great season lads. Put it this way I would much rather lose the league by 2 points than on goal difference. that's if city win both which seems likely.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Great season indeed, I have enjoyed it and good luck to city if they win it. we have a lot of work to do in defence but hey what a ride it has been. for the first time since we walloped real madrid etc etc I have really enjoyed it.

Agree0 Disagree0

I would rather be satisfied that we gave our all and will have no regrets about the effort we put in INSTEAD of literally screwing ourselves over like we did tonight and denying us a chance to compete and hold out for hope on the last day of the season. #Gutted!

Agree0 Disagree0

05 May 2014 22:49:30
Well if it doesn't work out for you Liverpool have been great this season, but boy did I enjoy the end of the Palace match

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Remember when you guy's said the MU/Pool game was our cup final? now the only thing you guy's get to celebrate now is when we lose/draw, which quite frankly isn't very often, how times have changed ay Pardoe ;) enjoy channel 4 next season mate.

Agree0 Disagree0

Thanks Pardoe, I've really enjoyed your whole season. Look forward to battling you in Europe season.er, hang on.

Agree0 Disagree0

We have enjoyed your entire season Pardoe. It's been great.

Agree0 Disagree0

 
Change Consent