Liverpool Banter Archive August 07 2014

07 Aug 2014 23:34:37
Right then Gents, since Suarez left we've been looking to fill the void.IMO. We are looking for a guy who can add around 15 goals as a striker.I'm saying this because, hopefully our defense will have improed and we won't have to bang in 6 to win a game 6-3 or example, along with the fact we've added lallana markovic to to mid/attack who will add 10-15 we hope between them.

I've been racking my brain for replacements I think are suitable.My preference was Loic who we went for due to a few factors, but it didn't go through for whatever reasons you wish to believe.

I've come up with what I think is a viable list. Due to having not moved this window, finances, playing style etc. Somme will be a little outside of the box.But let me know what you think (I'll only give brief write ups). Eds please feel free to chip in if i'm way off the mark with anything

Lavezzi-peoplem want him, resonable price quoted around, experienced

Chicarito-man u (spits) but fox in the box, high work rate

Lacazette-People rate him)I've not seen him)

Mitroglou-good goalscoring record, different from sturridge, fulham may want him off wages(loan?)

Bony-did well1st season, strong, poweful, different from studge.

Aubameyang-Quick, chases down, but goes missing in some games (BD may be looking to offload?)

huntelaar-last season of contract, champs league player, offers a cool headup front and a leader.

Chicharito? Firstly mancs won't sell to us, secondly a goal hanger and not much else.
Lavezzi? Age, wages transfer fee. All make it doubtful.
Mitroglu? You 're kidding aren't you?
Huntelaar? Too old, goal hanger, will want top dollar, no pace, poor first touch.

08 Aug 2014 00:43:32
Ahh I'm glad your important is valued so highly by brendon and the club!

These were just suggestions, we only seem to be linked with Lavezzi and Lacazzette.
I thought I might come up with other striker who could do a job, and may be attainable

08 Aug 2014 08:38:38
Lacazzate looks like a decent player than Lavezzi who would be not interested to come to Liverpool over a pay cut.
Lacazzate is young and has got good technique and would score goals and wouldn't command a high wage.
Seems Newcastle are pushing for a deal as per Eds. and with Bony looking likely to mvoe to spurs. BR would have someone in his mind
Getting in a striker isn't greedy, Its a must for top4.

Hernandez is definitely no dice but Mitrogolu is an atrociously bad suggestion.

Firmino scored 15+ goals in the bundesliga last season and had 15+ assists as well. (rough stats not exact bye the way)
He is exactly what we need.
If not him then Lavezzi would be my 2nd choice. He is more attacking midfielder than forward though, but I think we could possibly get him for cheaper due to his age and PSG's willingness to sell.
I would not want Cavani because he is too similar to Sturridge in type.
I'd love Reus if available but I don't think he will be.
The most obvious option for me is to pull Jordan Ibe aside and tell him he is going to be a big part of this coming season. We have a space in the squad. Could he fill it?

07 Aug 2014 22:15:19
Ed002 if I may can I ask your opinion on a couple of things?

1. How do you, in your opinion, feel the club have done in terms of transfer business so far; both sales & purchases?

2. Apart from Moreno do you think the club will look to anyone else to strengthen the starting 11?

If you have time it would be much appreciated

{Ed002's Note - All done to death.}

07 Aug 2014 21:41:24
Eds, will you help me?

I'm losing the will to live regarding all these absurd stories of 'marquee' signings. I can barely open my eyes in the morning without some story of a massive footy star on the verge of signing for my club.

I can't take it anymore damn it!

Can you bring some reality & common sense to the utter media madness of buying season?

Are we buying Carlton Palmer or not?

There's more chance of Carlton Palmer than Falcao

08 Aug 2014 06:53:20
I looked up "Carlton Palmer" thinking he was someone I'd not heard about - but I quickly realised he was a blast from an ancient past that no one wanted to sign! Lol old boy good joke! Any other young reds on this site though as they seem to generally have more realism in their thoughts?

I nearly spat out my coffee there when I read that last bit NewDawnLFC! 'Any other young reds on this site though as they seem to generally have more realism in their thoughts?'
Please tell me you were being sarcastic!
It's the young generation of Liverpool fans (not all of you but a very large percentage) who seem to have no grasp of realism when it comes to signing players, what the club are all about and what it means to be a Liverpool supporter!

07 Aug 2014 21:36:08
Wonder if a bid for carlos tevez might be in order

Proven prem player who gives it everything

Gives it everything? you might want to rethink that statement

Rethink that statement grammatically as well! He's almost as problemed as Suarez!

07 Aug 2014 20:39:36
I really hope we land Bony and I will be really dissapointed if he will end up with Spurs. We lost Sanchez to a main rival because he didn't want to come, Vidal to another main rival because we didn't have the money (apperantly at first he preferred us because of CL, no?) and if we lose Bony to Spurs than they will become our main rival for 5 spot, sorry to say. We will miss each of these players and worse they will also be vital in the success of all these teams this season. And what on earth is going on with the'iminnent' deal with Moreno? is this officialy off? so where does this leave the LB saga? Sorry for being such a moaner but this transfer window which started okish kind of fading away and with it our top 4 finish hopes.

I don't think for a second we were ever 'in' for Vidal

Nothing other than moving the lfc stadium to north london would have persuaded sanchez to sign.
Vidal would cost really silly money- really silly.
I agree we need to move on a signing a left back, in fact that wouldve been my first move. But to say its a disappointment after all the players we've signed is frankly a bit daft.
I trust BR to get a left back in. In fact, if we don't sign a left back in the next two weeks I will eat my hat.
And I don't even own a hat. I will buy a hat and I will eat it.

07 Aug 2014 22:05:37
Wait so we came second close first bought some quality players and because arsenal got Sanchez and Tottenham may possibly get bony we will be fighting for 5th place? Get a grip. We have made some very good transfer deals with a team that just missed out on 1st.

Nah, they'll be fighting everton and Manchester United for 5th

Redtwist

we sold the player who got to 2nd place because it was not our defence or the goalie that we finished 2nd it was because we scored over a 100 goals will these new players get the same amount of goals that suarez scored no, will they make has many assists I don't know so without suarez and his goals and every thing else he brought to the team then i'm sorry we won't finish 2nd or 1st this season, we have not bought the quality that suarez brought to the team, plus this window was about adding depth to the squad, JWH said we needed depth to the squad and we have it, but there's no way we have spent the suarez money

08 Aug 2014 00:48:13
Completely disagree mikey. How on earth do you know how we would do without suarez? You forgotten the first six games? Yes he did get us most probably higher up the table however you have forgotten we would have strengthened if we had sold him. We would have just sold him then stuck with the same squad. It was a team effort and personally I think Henderson had more of an effect in the last 3 games then not having suarez

08 Aug 2014 08:49:20
Redtwist

Thats up in the air. The first 6 games you are refereing to were minnows and we were outplayed in most games with us winning very narrow.
Our first 3 games are against Saints, City and Spurs without Lallana. Not sure how fit is sturridge and markovic are now.

07 Aug 2014 19:33:17
Brad Smith to Swindon on a youth loan, good to see the lads getting a proper education. I'd rather see this than them playing in an under21 league

07 Aug 2014 18:50:23
"Liverpool have confirmed that Brad Smith has joined League One side Swindon Town on a youth loan.

The 20-year-old made his first team debut last season when he appeared as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on December 29, 2013.

The Australian born left-back is an England youth international and he was called up to the U21 squad for the Three Lions at the end of last season."

Hope he gets played regularly. Good luck to the lad. Seems a natural part of his progression, same as Wisdom and Suso's loans. Now, all that said, Suso will be sold and Wisdom will never cut the grade just to spite me, haha. but I do believe they will both be top players.

07 Aug 2014 18:26:05
I guess Brad Smith has gone to Swindon, we needed a left back before but we really really need one now.

I really don't see the difference. He was sent on loan because he wasn't ready. It really doesn't change our need for a left back.

07 Aug 2014 18:16:05
Reus is believed to be main target, we just need to convince Dortmund to sell. We DID enquire about Falcao but Monaco told us he's off to Real Madrid so that won't happen, we've followed nothing up on Bony so he's nailed on for Tottenham.

Cannot wait for the season to start now, here's to another superb one lads!

07 Aug 2014 18:12:37
my hometown club { swindon } have signed brad smith on a youth loan deal. I don't know how long for. swindon have been interested for a couple of weeks now and have confirmed his signature. can't wait to see him.

We expect updates bananasplit!

07 Aug 2014 17:30:39
Anyone with info on Borini transfer? Surely the holdup cannot be his reluctance to go to Sunderland. .I suspect he is genuinely injured (ie. not just bruised. .I have been bruised on the shoulder but could easily kick a ball!). Other possibility is that we need to hold on to him in case we don't get another striker, which is realistic possibility.

Falcao now added to our list of targets. got to love journalism! Still waiting to hear if we are in for Diego Maradona or Pele.

I think Borini is haggling over salary.His injury will be good enough to pass a medical soon.

07 Aug 2014 16:21:36
hi ed

have we got any chance of signing Stevan Jovetic?
thanks

{Ed002's Note - Is this Twitter?}

07 Aug 2014 16:53:41
Y would City sell him?. He has looked top class in Pre-season. He would have an excellent Season with City.

Hi ed

not on twitter sorry
just heard from my mate, I guess its a no no thanks

I would have loved jovetic as a suarez replacement, he would have been perfect and rodgers would have worked wonders with him. Unfortunately, pelligrini won't let him go now.

I would give both your arms for that to come off.

I remember this lad having a great game against us a few years ago when we were supposed to have shown an interest.
Cannot see him him leaving City at the moment though!

Boom, Iago Aspas looked quality last Pre-Season and look how that turned out, Pre-Season is for fitness only, it doesn't mean anything

07 Aug 2014 16:17:22
is it true Liverpool are looking at darren bent as a loan move?

{Ed002's Note - Marcus perhaps?.}

07 Aug 2014 16:10:17
Tell me are we in for Reus?

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

No arsenal are though

07 Aug 2014 17:16:08
I understand the footballer's choice is more likely a Bentley Continental or a Range Rover Sport, so in answer to your question, probably not.

Answer: we, like every other top team in Europe, would love to sign Reus. He will not be coming to Liverpool. Bayern Munich will have him, if not this year, next.

Thought we'd have had one of those "He's playing for Dortmond in the first half, Liverpool in the second" (on Sunday) posts by now. Perhaps I've missed it.

{Ed002's Note - On crutches.}

07 Aug 2014 15:11:36
Lavezzi is 29 and how many years he would give us at 20 mill?. 1 year. 2 year?
We should spend that kinda money on someone who is at his peak of his career.

Harry you confuse me. When is a players peak then? Most players peak berween 28-32 years old. Lavezzi is in his first peak years and will be for about 3 seasons yet. We can't just keep signing inexperienced kids. Lavezzi was a first choice player for PSG and Argentina last year. If people here want to tell me he is a bad player and lie about his stats, then whatever man. But he is a good player who works hard and puts opposition teams on the back foot just like Suarez did. He doesn't have the same technical ability or individual brilliance of Suarez, but he is more intelligent though (as in he knows when to pass and when to try and run at people) so he doesn't handover possession as frequently.

It seems we as fans are literally split down the middle on this player. Don't get me wrong, I think Konoplyanka and Bony are both more likely and good options but I'm simply defending Lavezzi because he is being (in my opinion) wrongly criticised. He got 2 goals and 4 assists in the CL last season as well as 9 goals and 3 assists in the league and one other goal in a cup game of some kind. He was involved in 6 goals in 10 CL games (and that's only goals he was directly involved in!) so he has the big game and tournament experience. He was also invplved in 12 gosls in 32 league games which is also very good considering he played put wide. He could comfortably play up front with Sturridge, in the hole behind him, wide left, wide right or ecen as a false 9. I don't see why fans are so against having the odd experienced player. I can accept some of you don't rate him as a player, but age doesn't even cone into this when the transfer fee has been reduced by so much due to PSG needing the money urgently (according to reports).

I don't even care if we don't sign him (although if you check my post history I said months ago he was my first realistic choice after Sanchez) but I just can't stand unjust criticism. The only person I've seen try to justify their reasoning for not wanting him is Bobatron. Everyone else has just spouted (to be honest) nonsense and just made unjustified criticisms they can't back up, with some even making up stats!

07 Aug 2014 16:01:32
EMS

I have always enjoyed reading your Post. It was just my personal view on Lavezzi.
I think we should spend the money on a player who would give us at least 3 good years.
Torres is 30, He is on the verge of an Exit. Kuyt left us when he was 31.

See that sums up our differences in opinion. Because if you ask me, we let Kuyt go way too early. At 34 years old (and by trade a striker) he was still too good to be dropped by the 3rd best national side in world football. Gerrard is 34. Should we sell him too? You can't teach experience.

07 Aug 2014 16:58:50
EMS

Kuyt wouldn't have added anything with us, He scored 2 league goals in his last season with Liverpool.

Regarding Gerrard. I would certainly drop him for any top class DM. You would see the difference straight away. We would concede goals this season, due to lack of a top class DM.

I wish ED01 convinced the club to push a move for Medal.

Kuyt was a worker and gave 100% but his first touch was suspect and I don't think he was quick enough in any way to fit into the new style of play.

07 Aug 2014 17:14:30
EMS

Regarding Kuyt. He played at RWB. A striker at RWB?. Is he going to score goals from that position?

07 Aug 2014 17:52:16
Harry, I think EMS's point was more about the age of the player rather than his position. Maybe Dirk could've been a better RB thank Johnson in the last couple of seasons?

Dirk kuyt had played football for so long, yet had kept his fitness to such a high level, he could practically do anything, simply because he had developed the footballing intelligence to do so after so many years. He would have been extremely useful for us if we had kept him longer.

07 Aug 2014 18:55:35
" Most players peak between 28-32 "?

Try telling Reina , Johnson and Agger!

Exactly Zeddicus.

07 Aug 2014 19:06:22
Zeddious

I agree. He would do a better job than Johnson anyday

Harry
Gerrard was voted in the team of the year by his fellow professionals last season if I'm not mistaken.
Who is it that you think is better than him that we can realistically sign and play the DM position.
I personally love the way he has adapted to the role, how he drops between the centre backs to constantly show and receive the ball in difficult tight situations and his distribution either short or long is usually top drawer.
I hope he has at least a couple more seasons and cherish watching him every time he plays.
He is our captain, our leader and one of the greatest players to ever wear our famous red shirt.
We have been fortunate to have such a world class talent and dignified man as our captain.
I would have his babies if I could!

07 Aug 2014 15:01:33
Hey Eds, Cavani's agent said there has been interest from Liverpool (and Arsenal) in Cavani, do you think there is a genuine interest from Liverpool or is this just the agent trying to get Cavani a better deal at PSG?

{Ed002's Note - Don't hold your breath over Cavani either.}

07 Aug 2014 15:33:50
Lol! Hilarious! Cavani, Flacao. Who next?

The Irish Rover
at this rate I suggest ronaldo t.silva bale neymar

Falcao is great but is aging, has stupid wages nobody would pay, has just had an injury and had a generally overall crap season last year anyway, so he can be written off as a shevchenko or crespo.

Cavani is just genuinly an overrated player, they seemingly didn't call him 'the quiet one' at napoli for nor reason. He will only function best when he is the very focal point of a team. The difference in attitude, mentality and star quality between him and suarez is immense, as shown by uruguays world cup performances.

07 Aug 2014 18:46:35
Whose next? Stefan Jovetic.

Twitter is having a field day. I am considering buying shares in Twitter.

Bale is British, so he doesn't count.

07 Aug 2014 14:27:15
Falcao won't happen not a possibility with wages and loan fee he has his heart on Real Madrid unfortunately.

07 Aug 2014 13:36:09
Radamel Falcao will not happen
we do need another striker hope we sign one. Bony looking like the most likely one
have to say our squad has improved hope they can gel straight away
ynwa
p.s we should keep agger

07 Aug 2014 15:01:17
And there goes the bubble!

07 Aug 2014 13:17:21
What is with all the falcao rumours do you think there is any truth to them at all great job by the way

07 Aug 2014 12:27:41
We obviously now have way too many defenders
my perspective on what to be done with them(assuming moreno does join)
p.s these are just my opinions in what I'd like to be see done

Jose Enrique- His positional sense is awful doesn't listen
but he has experience and will provide cover at lb
Verdict:Keep (sell a season later when Smith is ready)

Jack Robinson: Has some attitude problems (reportedly) and hasn't had a stellar pre season agree with the club here
Verdict: Sell

Brad Smith: Needs a loan as simple as that also really needs to bulk up

Dejan Lovren & Mamadou Sakho: Obviously both are going to be kept
first choice pairing for this season

Martin Skrtel: Needs to stay to provide experience excellent cover for injuries often ends up being a liability but his goals and last minute interceptions are valuable will do much better with a calmer center back (sakho ain't that)
Verdict:Keep

Daniel Agger:Agger ain't the player he was three seasons ago his injuries have really set him back the only good thing about him now is his ball playing
really love his commitment to the club and deserves game time and we need to sell while we can still get a decent price

Verdict : Sell

Kolo Toure- Would have preferred his wages off the bill but since a deal couldn't be agreed will stay

Verdict : Keep

Tiago Illori- Would have preferred him over toure for the season but since toure won't be moving won't get any game time because of our excessive cb
so a loan would be best for all parties

Verdict : Loan

Sebastian Coates: Too slow for the systems that rodger is looking to play the club have rightly decided to sell him

Verdict : Sell

Rafa Paez :Loan to Bologna

Martin Kelly: It looks like he will be used at cb this season with the manquillo loan would prefer a laon for him if Skrtel doesn't move
would be good for him to get some game time

Verdict : Loan

Jon Flanagan-Needs to be first choice right back

Javier Manquillo - Haven't seen him play so can't comment

That's it I repeat again these are just my opinions
feel free to discuss

Only thing I disagree with is Robinson. Thought he looked tidy in preseason, was like a wing back at times so far up and played well other side of the half way line. He said he's grown up from the loan experience. He has improved isn't that just what was asked of him?

This Moreno has dragged on so highly doubt it. We may need Robbo in the cup games

Get what you're saying on Robinson but we need more than improved players. If he's not good enough to displace Johnson, Kelly, flanno then he should move on and make a go of a promising career elsewhere.

Enrique is our LB. He has had injuries and a few don't see him as good enough. I guess BR the same or why look at £20m LBs?

Flanno did well, but isn't a LB same with Johnson although it's clear he isn't top level anymore

Smith is too young

Can could play there, done well there according to a couple of posts

Moreno hasn't signed, probably isn't going too

So, Robinson. A natural LB. Young, through our youth ranks. Needed game time and to mature. He's done that on loan, played well in preseason. These young players, who've done well on loan if we need the position covered and challenged and looking at my list we do, why not? Got to be better than Cissoko. BR has a young hungry LB who knows the Liverpool way and has performed just as stable and steady as Kelly in preseason.

Robinson would be torn apart in the PL. Hopefully we'll be able to sell him for 500k or something.

07 Aug 2014 12:51:07
Hi eds, I hope you're (all) well. Just reading some of the reports and a couple of names spring to mind:

Andre Ayew says he wants a move to Liverpool according to French newspaper L'Equipe.

And perhaps more importantly Falcao according to Italian journalist Mina Rzouki.

Seems out of the blue, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this (both eds and reds). Thanks in advance!

Would love Falcao, certainly not Ayew. Neither are going to happen though.

07 Aug 2014 12:16:26
For the money we got him for, would anybody else seen cuadrado as a better, more experienced and less risky option than markovic?

Not bashing the lad just think brendans transfer policy is a bit funny as it goes, particularly the situation with the young players and loanees after he bought most of them and says he wants to give them a chance.

07 Aug 2014 13:22:17
No, he would also be more expensive than Markovic and it is worth remembering that Cuadrado only has been a regular for just about 2 years now.

You're right! I wonder if Benfica have a returns policy?

FFS, the kid hasn't played a competitive game yet and we're already thinking about who would've been better!

It's almost as bad as the 14,000 posts about a GK who has now left!

Eds i'm not quite sure how you haven't gone on a Milton Waddams style rampage yet! (10 awesome points for whoever gets that reference without google)

07 Aug 2014 14:11:30
Those who have seen cuardado play would sign him in a blink of an eye.

Im not bashing markovic, its nothing to do with his ability at all. Its about brendan rodgers transfers.

To sum it up like this for each player:

Rickie lambert-

I was thrilled when we signed him, saying he was exactly the third striker we needed. This was, however, before we lost suarez. Now suarez has left, its a completely different situation. Its not that lambert is a bad player, its that his position and role in the team has been completely flipped from what I thought it was going to be initially. It now looks absurd that we signed him to replace suarez, knowing full well he was leaving, and we still haven't signed someone to replace suarez properly!


Adam Lallana-

Again, adam lallana is also a fantastic player. But 25 million for a position that didn't need to be filled as we already have lots of good midfield options, such as suso or teixeira, and he wasnt worth 25 million anyway! Again, not doubting the ability of the player, but a strange signing.

Emre Can-

Doubted this signing more than the others initially, as I had never seen him play and thought he would just be sent out on loan like alberto, but has looked remarkably mature and established in pre season, very pleased with him.

Lazar Markovic-

Nothing wrong with the player, but again, 20 million for a player without any real pedigree or being established, even this season in the portuguese league his stats aren't that encouraging, although I know stats aren't everything, but he looks like a massive risk for
20 million quid! Like lallana, an inflated transfer fee and doesn't seem to have been bought to plug the massive hole left by suarez.

Dejan Lovren-

Fantastic player, but again, 20 million pounds!
We'll all be crying if hummels moves somewhere for a smaller fee. Still I suppose if he's the right player then he worth the money, but more evidence of brendan getting happy with his wallet. Overall, great signing though.

Divock Origi-

A strange signing on the face of it, but if the club has been tracking him since the age of 14, and brendan has such faith in him, i'm happy with this signing, just a shame we can't have him this season.

Javier Manquillo-

Most bizarre signing of the lot, rodgers said ages ago there would be no more loan signings, and this is a player who has only played 5 times for the first time of Atletico. The loan deal is 2 years, also a bit odd, and we already have several academy right backs who are 100% at least on par in ability. I can't comment on the guys ability but judging by the fact that they'll let him go for 5 million in two years time, I honestly have no idea what rodgers was thinking with this one.

So in total we have spent over 100 million on players and not one of them appears to have been signed to directly replace suarez, who was the focal point of our team.

To put it metaphorically, i'd rather replace the part of the machine that has been lost, and add to the machine to make it quicker and better at its job, rather than tear the machine down and make a new one with the same parts.

Im not asking for a massive 50 million pound signing like falcao, just someone who we can see has been bought to replace suarez and can grow in ability to become that stature under rodgers guidence, but rodgers doesn't seem to have bought any such direct replacement with the almost limitless funds he had.

07 Aug 2014 17:14:35
AW, nice analysis. I don't agree with all of it - for example I rate Lovren and Lallana, even at the fees we paid, as these days it seems you have to significantly over pay to get in proven EPL experience. However, I do share your closing concern. I would feel uncomfortable if we didn't sign another striker given Studge's injuries, Lambert's abilities as a focal point striker (albeit you can't fault the guy's passion), and question marks over Borini (not least whether he'll still be here, but also,and its just a feeling, he doesn't have the look/arrogance of an out and out striker like Suarez and Sturridge have.

Again, doesn't have to be a £50m signing (in fact, would prefer not to spend that much when we may be getting closer to achieving a reasonable financial standing), but would prefer EPL experience again. Bony would be my pick.

07 Aug 2014 11:36:14
If Borini does go does that mean Rodgers has shown him a complete lack of respect. A mirror image of Reina a few years ago when he wanted to move. Where some posters went Ott with their criticism? Surely Rodgers should be showing loyalty, the same as Reina? Or just accept that players come and go?

07 Aug 2014 11:52:01
Are you for real?
Accusation requires more than a mere conjuncture.

Put the crack pipe down lad!

Where on earth did you get this reina loyalty from?

A manager doesn't need to stay loyal to players, where would that have got fergie with his squad? Ruud, Beckham, Keane ETC?!?!?

You're in charge for results, not to give a player you like the personality of a paycheck

Not sure what you mean?
I must admit the treatment of Agger and our young loan players, especially the ones BR himself signed Ilori, Borini and Assidi not getting a chance is £30m wasted, has taken my fondness of Rodgers down a little bit.

I do find him a tad contradictory at times. He wants young hungry players. Suso, Borini and Ilori would love the chance and want to play for Liverpool but they're not getting the backing. So which is it?

He can shove out Reina, maybe justifiably so, it brings up the player loyalty question. But there are loyal players like Agger, Skrtel, Borini, Lucas that he'd move on although he wants players who want to play for Liverpool. Lucas had a bad patch, after injury but I recall when BR joined he thought Lucas was pivotal. Is he worse then Allen?
Skrtel has been our best CB for last two seasons, he's confirmed Toures not for sale. Who's been the better player?
You seen out loan player to improve get game time and Borini did that, scored winning goals in the Prem against top sides. We need a striker, Rodgers very own signing gives 100% when he plays. What more can he do?

07 Aug 2014 12:00:48
BR would be under huge pressure for coming season, After spending so much money, Top4 is a must. He needs to bring in a striker with Lambert looking like would take some time to settle in.
There are some players who would need to sort their future with BR.

What are you on about? Are you saying players should be kept just because they're loyal and the manager should suck it up?

Sorry but that's a silly post. The manager needs to be able to buy and sell players as he sees fit.

Both players and managers have a duty to be loyal to the club, not each other. They should do whatever is best for the team they sign a contract with.

Even still though, there is nothing wrong with a player or manager wanting to leave or wanting somebody else to leave. The reason why Reina showed a lack of respect was by going public and putting the club in a position where they didn't know whether to replace him or not.

You are simply clutching at straws to try and justify and defend Reina's actions for some ridiculous reason. The players play for Liverpool, not Rodgers. The club is not refusing to play, pay or train Borini. they are not forcing him to leave or publically humiliating him. they've just accepted a bid and told him he does not feature heavily in the first team plans. That is not disrespectful, that's called honesty and trying to do what's best for Borini.

Let it go mate.

Bobatron
Yesterday there were people that slated Reina for his behaviour went he wanted to go to Barca and before that Arsenal. Apparently this was disloyal. I am asking is it ok for a player to be disloyal but it is ok for the club/manager? By the way, I agree that a manager should get rid of the players he deems surplus. Its the pnly way.

BR owes him NOTHING. If anything, he should be thankful to him for resurrecting his career w/ the loan move that got him games and goals. It is all down to BR if Borini has a big money move on the table. Stupid post!

Look borini is a striker who works hard but does'nt score goals therefore is not really much use to us. i'm not slateing the lad but if I didn't perform at work I' d be out on my arse! Enough said.

I know there's still a lot of time for a striker to be brought in but I hope the club don't have the andy carroll situation again!

Ems
It is not a case of justifing what Reina has done in the past. I couldn't care less. Just as I couldn't care less if Borini goes. Merely pointing out if a player has to show loyalty then a club should do the same. Asking for a transfer or going to Rodgers and saying if the opportunity arises he would like to move to Barca is pretty much the same as Liverpool accepting a bid for Borini when he might want to stay.

But Borini has scored in preseason. He plays just how Rodgers asks with high temp and chasing possession.

Rodgers bought him, he didn't hit the ground running with goals. Send him on loan to improve, get game time and come backa better player.

The kid did this. He has scored in preseason, Lambert hasn't. All I'm saying is we need a striker, BR wants young hungry players who want to fight for the shirt. Borini is this.

How can he score more if he doesn't play? How often has he started a game as the main striker, not on the right side of 3? What chance has the manager who signed him given him?

Some want Lavazzi, never scored or played in the prem and dubious work rate yet you'd get rid of Borini who's proven he can score in this league and against teams like Chelsea and works his socks off. But my post is the stupid one?

Irish Rover, were you langers when you sent in your first post? Very early in the day fair play to you!

Your second post you say the manager should get rid of players he deems surplus and this is the only way.

How is this not completely against your OP?

How has BR been disloyal?

Reina got slated, because he planned a move, orchestrated it, made us pay millions for a replacement. If a player leaves, EG Agger, I will happily say goodbye good luck, but if the move doesn't come through you were orchestrating, don't come back, demand to be paid the same wage after costing your club millions and sell stories to papers. That is not loyal, it's not respectful, it's a dogstarver thing to do

Sean
Its not really that I have an opinion on the subject as such. Merely having a wee pop at the hyperbole merchants on here that were slating Reina for previously looking out of the club. Claiming he was disloyal etc. I was trying to make a connection to the way Reina behaved and how the club behave when they don't want a player anymore. It would seem that posters will slate players because they dare to want out of Liverpool but not be so critical of the club if a player is deemed surplus.

07 Aug 2014 15:40:53
Irish Rover, I understand that you are trying to prove a point, but unfortunately you've got your facts wrong.

Pepe openly said he wanted to move to Barcelona, has been saying it for a number of years, and then, when sent on loan to Napoli, came out with a goodbye letter that basically slagged off the club and the manager.

For BR to be dealing with Borini in the same way, he would need to openly say that Borini is rubbish and is looking to move him on. Which he hasn't.

So you can't compare BR's dealing with Bornini with Pepe's dealings with Liverpool/BR. They are not the same at all (not even in a mirror image).

That's why the majority of posters here who are criticising Pepe but not BR are not hyperbole merchants, but are rationale human beings who know the difference between an apple and a pear!

Irish Rover, your first post was just poorly worded so. Really looked like you were trying to say Rodgers should be stuck with all loyal players no matter how poor they are. Anyway ya I get you now.

07 Aug 2014 11:13:42
Tom McDermott on ssn is being harsh on our in comings, he only rates Lallana and Can, reckons Lambert will be off at end of season, Markovic was second choice after we missed out on Kono and finally paid over the odds for Lovren who he feels is not the answer to our defense which a bit harsh after the season Lovren has had and the troubles we have had in defense.

Don't give a tosh about all this so called football experts

Innit Reet.

Everyone's an expert.

My opinion is you can't judge in pre season. Give them all a season or two and we'll know.

Everyone wrote Flanno off and now look at him.

07 Aug 2014 12:04:56
We certainly didn't miss out on Kono, As we dropped our interest. Kono would have come a lot cheaper than Markovic.
So Hows missing out on Kono logic?

How have we 'lost out' on Kono. Last I heard he hadn't moved anywhere and was being linked to West Ham

He works for Sky. What do you expect? Redknapp, Carragher, Thommo and Souness all went down in my estimations when they took contracts with them. Dalglish is the true legend. He showed them the contempt they deserved and got mocked for it.

I'm still trying to convince my parents that they need to switch to BT because Murdoch doesn't deserve anything from us Liverpool fans.

07 Aug 2014 12:36:09
Utter rubbish, no idea who Tom McDermott is but saying Markovic is our second choice after we missed out on Kono is just pure stupidity - Kono is still available and available for at least £4m less than Markovic. And I don't see how what we paid for Lovren affects his ability as a defender

How is Markovic second choice to Kono when we paid more for him than Kono would be worth? Think b4 you post because that makes no sense.

How many experts said we would nearly win the league last season!

I'm happy with all our signings, the only one I'm unsure about is markovic. I feel we have overpaid for probably all our signings but we did get far too much for Suarez all things considered.
So swings and roundabouts really.

07 Aug 2014 13:28:00
2nd choice Markovic? Why, when we could have got Konoplyanka for cheaper and probably easier.

Another deluded "expert".

07 Aug 2014 13:33:49
You.took the words out my mouth LAVERS.

07 Aug 2014 10:31:49
Theo Walcott anyone.
Could play anywhere in front three. Also could lead an attack. Trusted in EPL. wouldn't need to break the bank. Good pace and decent finishing.
His place would be under threat after Sanchez arrival?

07 Aug 2014 10:34:33
Can't see Arsenal selling him to us, for a start. Also, would be worried about his injuries. Would rather we got someone with an injury (albeit not suspension!) record more like Suarez than Sturridge.

Way too injury prone
I Was actually having a debate with tj on the banter site the other day about this

No way should we be taking a risk on a player almost completely reliant on pace whilst he is still out with an ACL injury. In my opinion, Walcott is finished as a top 4 player. It wouldn't suprise me to see him playing for lower placed teams or even in the Chsmpionship in 2-3 seasons. Owen never recovered from it and he was a better player than Walcott ever was with more to his game than just speed. It's a shame because I love Theo and he is a Liverpool fan. I was genuinely gutted for him.

07 Aug 2014 10:52:59
This is just a random name we haven't had interest in him since last time. He now has a massive injury so would be a very risky buy even if we was interested.

Although saying that last season before his injury he would of fitted into our system perfectly.

07 Aug 2014 11:02:36
He is out injured, and would certainly cost more than what you think as he plays for a direct rival.

07 Aug 2014 12:06:41
Thanks Guys for the awewsome replies.

I would take Walnut all day long. No brainer.

07 Aug 2014 12:38:58
Good player but constant injuries that won't get better. Also I think we may need to cancel any idea of Arsenal selling us anything for a while after how we fought them over Suarez

£20m plus a quid should do it.

07 Aug 2014 10:16:02
Ed's, is Luis Muriel an option the club are again considering?

I know you've mentioned he would find it difficult to obtain a work permit and had a poor last season or so, it's just that I've seen his name mentioned again.

{Ed002's Note - Twitter is this?}

In this case, yes it was Ed.

I should know better, I guess it sounded like a more plausible rumour than those linking us to reus, Di Maria etc.

Anyway thanks for the quick response.

07 Aug 2014 09:06:48
I think we'll most likely sign another forward (maybe Bony) and Moreno is expensive too but then hopefully we'll be able to shift some players we don't really need.

Johnson (everybody agrees on this)
Agger (for his own sake)
Skrtel (I'd be happy to cash in but it may be unlikely)
Coates (we may not be able to shift him for a fee)
Enrique (if Moreno signs then I'd cash in on him, Smith/Flanagan/Can for cover)
Assaidi (should go to Stoke)
Borini (Rodgers would prefer the cash)

That would help with the wage bill and the players who would be left could get more games then as well. Suso could go too but I'd prefer if he signed a contract and stayed.

Johnson - Yep
Agger - Sadly yes, deserves to play
Skrtel - Depends on the plans for Coates, Illori, Kelly etc.
Coates - See above
Enrique - If Johnson leaves then I think we should keep him.
Assaidi - Going to Stoke I think
Borini - We should keep in my opinion, can see why people wouldn't agree though.

What's Skrtel done so wrong? Borini? Great support for those who give their all

£14m is good for Borini but I wouldn't mind keeping him myself too. Looks like Rodgers would be happy for him to go though.

And on Enrique I think even if Johnson goes we have plenty of options for LB, assuming Moreno is signed. I'd then prefer to sell him as Smith will never get a chance unless he goes. Flanagan is younger and cheaper and even if it isn't his preferred position I'm sure he'd prefer chances to play than not. Can would be the same as Flanagan in that I would expect he'd prefer a few games LB covering during the season rather than being on the bench.

@Emre, we have 7 senior centre backs. Skrtel is backup. He's on big wages and we could get decent money for him. He can't mark people, especially at corners/free kicks. He punches the ball in the box, he pulls jerseys off strikers.

For Borini - good luck to him if we keep him and good luck to him if he goes. I like Borini, nobody has had a go at him. A bid being accepted shows Rodgers would prefer him to go.

07 Aug 2014 10:43:22
Nothing wrong with the player Borini. He would be a decent adition to any team. But 14 mill ( Reported ) is too good to turn down.
After spending 3 years with UTD and scoring some goals, Hernandez is avaialable at the same price.
The offer by Sunderland is the best for any 3rd or 4th choice striker.
I wish him best in his career, If he moves.

07 Aug 2014 11:05:44
I would keep Skrtel and Enrique.

Emrecando

I don't think Skrtel has done anything wrong but with Rodgers buying in Sahko and Lovren we have too many CB, I would assume those would be the chosen two, we then have Agger, Skrtel, Coates, Illori, Kelly, Toure.

Agger and Skrtel are the two least likely to be bench material due to age, wages and ability. If they are not first choice they may be better off moving. No slight on either of them, both have played well and deserve game time.

Skrtel as been written off before so this could well be very very premature.

07 Aug 2014 12:42:47
I want Borini to go but not cause I don't like Borini, it's cause I do like him. I think he could have a really good career and could be a regular striker for Italy, but if he stays with us he'll never climb far enough up the pecking order and will never be allowed to realise his potential. Just like Jay Spearing - loved the guy but to have a meaningful career, he needed to go. I hope I'm wrong and he does get a fair whack because I don't think he'll let us down

Just saying what has Skrtel done wrong? He was our best CB last couple of seasons, scores goals and makes important interceptions. He really stepped up his game after it seemed BR wanted him to go.

He is not great, but Sakho wasn't great last season either, yet he is immediately fixed in as first choice. I recall quite a few getting very nervous when Sakho has the ball and has to play it out.

Toure? Over Skrtel everyone's memory going on short term selective? What mistakes did this guy make to get dropped and hardly ever picked again?

Give glass Kelly a go at CB? Play there much in preseason? I've not seen him at CB. Better than Skrtel?

Let's hope Lovren/Sakho never get injured or suspended and play 60 games Skrtel is only on the wage we offered him and asked him to sign up to

@Emre, We'll have to agree to disagree on how good Skrtel is.

Toure isn't as good no but he has great experience and is a leader and much better vocally for younger players to learn. He also won't fetch us £10m plus like Skrtel would.

I'd love Kelly to get some chances at CB in cup matches anyway.

And ya Skrtel is on the wages we offered him of course ya. He was very important to us then and now he is going to be backup so those big wages will be far less use to us on the bench.

07 Aug 2014 08:44:00
Anyone, is it true that Danny Agger broke down in tears in front of the squad on the tour after he asked Rodgers if he could leave? If it's true then it really does echo how much the guy loves the club and the years he has spent here.

Thanks

{Ed002's Note - RTFP.}

07 Aug 2014 10:27:31
Does anyone seriously think someone like Agger would blub like a toddler in front of team mates etc. Lazy jounalism.

Wherever he ends up, he will stay a legend to the Anfield faithful - hopefully it is still at Anfield.

07 Aug 2014 08:42:20
Hi Eds. Do you know if there's any truth in the Italian reports that we are not trying to buy a striker. that we are in fact trying to loan Falcao for next season with an option to buy next summer. or is it just transfer madness in overdrive?

{Ed002's Note - It is from Twitter. Ask on there.}

That would be great news!

06 Aug 2014 23:51:54
ed001,
How much money have Liverpool realistically got left to spend? We still need a left back and a forward in my opinion, are these your thoughts too? If so who do you think we need to aim for in these positions with our budget

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with budget, it is to do with how much more debt the club is willing to take on.}

07 Aug 2014 12:11:42
Ed002, I also think we won't be spending for the next 2-3 windows.

07 Aug 2014 22:13:27
Ed002 - "How much debt" to carry is a key factor to defining a "budget" to spend. The two are related.

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

07 Aug 2014 08:06:21
We play Dortmund in a friendly. Any chance to use that to discuss Reus transfer? Seem ideal.

{Ed002's Note - What Reus transfer.}

The one most fans would love to see, including Carra.
Just thought if there is genuine interest, this seems ideal opportunity.
Big IF then, but IF wear interested in Reus would the Friendly be the time or is that bad taste, not how business is done in football?

That's a great idea. Him and his agent probably don't have phones or internet so it would be a good opportunity to bump into him in the car park or canteen and have a chat.

{Ed002's Note - Perhaps he could play the first half on crutches for Dortmund and the second half on crutches for Liverpool. Then Liverpool could hand over the €50M in cash at the end - just before introducing Vidal and Pogba?}

We signing Pogba and Vidal?

Sorry to post such a suggestion on the banter page

At which point would Ken Aguero parachute from the sky with his ice cream van to score the winning penalty, Ed?

{Ed001's Note - during the penalty shoot out at the end.}

07 Aug 2014 07:19:33
Change of topic. Our second and third kits. How long does it take to actually like the kit (not just get used to it)?

Last year, it took me until October to like our second kit and around January to like our third kit.

This year, I already like our second kit but I am going to have to see a lot of Liverpool victories wearing our third kit before I start liking it!

07 Aug 2014 08:35:36
The Yellow one looks fantastic.

Loved our 3rd kaleidoscope kit last year from when I first saw it. Although my mates thought santa had thrown up on it.

Never liked either 2nd/3rd kits at any point last season

Like the yellow, haven't seen the black in play yet but just in pictures not that keen.

07 Aug 2014 10:18:07
The third one looks like a professional dress code for work.

Am I the only one who hasn't liked a single Warrior kit apart from the home ones?

I know it's not an issue of vital importance but I used to love seeing Liverpool playing in Adidas, pretty much liked every single kit they designed and now United have them on board I am a little devastated. I know how much extra Warrior pay us than Adidas though but I personally think Warrior need to hire some new designers in the non-red colour department if competing with the nike's & adidas's of this world.

07 Aug 2014 11:07:54
I am not sure where you work Harry, but it must be somewhere kinky if you think the 3rd kit looks like a "professional dress code".

I don't care what the kit looks like, they're hardly items you wear outside of a casual setting anyway. The badge on the front is all that matters

06 Aug 2014 23:51:54
ed001,
How much money have Liverpool realistically got left to spend? We still need a left back and a forward in my opinion, are these your thoughts too? If so who do you think we need to aim for in these positions with our budget

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with budget is it to do with how much more debt the club wants to take on.}

07 Aug 2014 00:02:59
I just read a piece concerning Daniel Agger and I think it should be a definite read for Liverpool fans who would react negatively if he left. It makes for very interesting reading.

I will try to paraphrase what is in the article but apparently, in the dressing room at one of our pre season matches, Daniel made a tearful plea to Brendan Rodgers to let him leave the club. He even had to be consoled by fellow team mates and was allowed, by Brendan, to leave the tour early (Which also explains why he only played in one pre season friendly.)

Now, while some sections of Liverpool fans will not miss Jose Reina one bit, I think we should all back Daniel Agger and support him in whatever decision he makes. He has been a fantastic addition to the Liverpool family and deserves to leave with no ill feeling what so ever. The man is a true red at heart, he even has YNWA tattooed on the knuckles of his right hand. We Liverpool fans are compassionate and Agger has show both commitment and quality during his time at the club.

I personally would like to wish him the best of luck, a great player who will be sorely missed.

Love Agger hope he stays, but if he wishes to move on he has been a wonderful servant. Could have left under Hodgson, Dalglish or Rafas last season but he stayed.

He was absolutely fantastic for the club wish him all the best whatever he decides.

Have to say Dagger has been a great servant 2 the club over the years, always struck me as a guy that understood the passion that came with playing for LFC. I know people will talk about his injures and lack of physicality ect but if it is true that he wishes 2 leave I think it should be with a fond goodbye and thxs Dagger YNWA!

Totally agree with the Op.

Daniel Agger has been a credit to LFC and stayed loyal to us even when he had offers from elsewhere.

He'll be missed but will forever and always be a Red.

He rejected barca and city to stay with us when we were battling for a mid-table place.He is 29 and needs to play, if he doesn't want to be 3rd choice we should understand.
I for one think our vice captain deserves a send off like sami and carra.

I was going to say he has done the honourable thing and been a man about it (complete opposite to way Suarez and some others have behaved behind Liverpool back) but he only goes and ruins my comment by crying.

In all seriousness, he had been a magnificent player for Liverpool and even though he wants to leave I consider him 100% loyal to the club.

I wish him well.

07 Aug 2014 07:36:59
I doubt anyone would slate agger if he leaves. The guy bleeds lfc and has turned down big moves to stay with us. I wish him all the best if he moves on. Top bloke and loved watching him over the years

07 Aug 2014 07:38:29
Its strange He is good enough to play for Barca or being back up at the age of 30 and not for Liverpool.
Neither Skertel nor Toure doesn't offer anything better than Agger other than Agression.

Massive Respect for Agger.

07 Aug 2014 07:46:01
Completely agree. If his desire to leave is such that it is causing him such distress, we should facilitate his move as soon as possible to give the guy some peace.

He was and is a great servant and I can only echo the above by wishing him well wherever he lands.

I hope he keeps the 'YNWA' too to reflect on 8 years at the best club in the world!

07 Aug 2014 07:49:39
Sorry mate, not sure where you read this but it sounds a bit like utter rubbish. Firstly because why would he need to be making tearful pleas infront of the entire dressing room just before a game? He hasn't even handed in an official transfer request. And secondly, surely if he wanted to leave so badly and the club was going to let him, a few eye catching pre-season performances after a rough year would be just the ticket for him? Not to mention the obvious problem - if this had actually happened, either the press were told by the players, the manager, a physio or a first team coach. No-one else is in the dressing room. So which of that group goes around talking about private matters from the dressing room to the press?

Agger has never once shamed or slagged off the club in anyway. He has put in 100% whenever called upon and is asking for a move because he accepts he is not good enough for us, unlike most players who ask for a move because they think they are too good for us.

He leaves with my utmost respect. As far as adopted scousers go, he is right up their with Kuyt and Molby. This is a man who loves the club. This is a nan who has earned our respect. Apparently he cried when he said it to Rodgers. That shows you how much it means to him.

Can't believe any true fan would react negative towards Agger. The man wants to play for us, loves the club, has turned down moves before.

It's not Agger that wants to go, it Agger that's being forced to go. You don't turn down moves unless your club accept bids, what does that tell a player?

BR clearly doesn't rate him, wants rid so he can play Toure as back up. Wouldn't be so bad if it were to give youngsters like Ilori or Jones the chance.

BR has won this game of Aggers career to the point the 29yr old had to admit defeat, breakdown and cry cause he has to ask to move to play.

Anyone question today's loyalty in players like Reina, Suarez wanting to move to Barca. Yet it seems totally cool that a manager can make a loyal servant leave.

Good luck Dagger, YNWA thanks for your loyalty and sorry this is how you're repaid.

I would be absolutely gutted if he left, still think he is one of the best CBs there is, but whatever happens, best of luck to him.

He has to go this summer really. I'd much rather see him starting for a good club in Europe than waste away on our bench. Magnificent player for us but he won't be starting now so hopefully he can get a good move for himself.

Good luck to Dagger wherever he goes. A credit to himself and the club. A true Liverpool legend who never let us down. YNWA