Liverpool Banter Archive August 07 2017

07 Aug 2017 23:03:35
Hi Eds,

First time poster, just curious what your thoughts are on the idea that Liverpool are resisting selling Couts until our CL qualifier? Any legs too it or just bollocks?

{Ed025's Note - i dont think the CL qualifier has anything to do with it mate..

07 Aug 2017 22:47:50
If the 'in the know' journos who report FCB's propaganda are correct with regards the 140 millions of euros package for Coutinho, Liverpool can finally take a controlling interest in Southampton FC.

07 Aug 2017 22:55:03
Ha ha mr spiggot POTD la!

07 Aug 2017 22:34:47
Why is everyone acting as though we are the only team to lose first team players?

Everton have lost Lukaku and will lose Barkley.
Arsenal look like losing Oxlade (to us! ), as well as possibly Ozil, Bellerin and Sanchez.
United have lost Ibrahimovic and could still lose De Gea.
Chelsea have lost Matic, Costa and could possibly sell Hazard.
City have lost Zabaleta, Clichy and could yet lose Aguero too.
Tottenham have lost Kyle Walker and could lose Alderweireld and Dier still.

As it stands, we are actually the only team in the top 7 who have not lost a first team regular this summer. If Coutinho goes, we will replace him. It really is that simple.

It looks like it could be Andre Gomes who replaces him. I don't particularly rate him as a top player, but then again Coutinho was a reserve for a really poor Inter Milan team when we signed him. Sturridge couldn't get a game for Chelsea ahead of Kalou, Anelka and a mid 30's Drogba. I'll give Gomes a chance at least. Some players just don't work out at certain clubs. Gomes was great at Valencia when he ran the show, but struggled playing in the shadow of Busquets and Iniesta. Maybe he comes to us and finds a new lease of life by being given the opportunity to take control of our midfield? God knows somebody has to if Coutinho leaves.

Please don't go in to melt down though lads. We may lose Coutinho and maybe even Can, but we could get in Gomes, Ox, and maybe Van Dijk. We are literally still the favourites to break the WORLD RECORD TRANSFER on a defender. Ed001 has explained that a lot of people in the club still fancy us to get it over the line. How are people moaning with 3 weeks left in the window?

Relax. Grab a beverage. Enjoy the season.

07 Aug 2017 22:50:58
I like Gomes, he reminds me of Alonso due to his work rate, his close ball control, his time on the ball and his range of passing. Needs to work on his shooting.
Klopp could get the best out of him but we have a lot of midfielders as it is.
If Can and Coutinho are going then he'd be a good signing.

07 Aug 2017 22:53:16
Gomes is not good enough Mk. Bad fit.

07 Aug 2017 23:02:25
Sorry Ron. I've seen a lot of Gomes. Even live for valencia. I ll strongly disagree. This lad will not improve us in any way. We should work on grujic. And hope emre can signs.

I also disagree with a lot on here about chamberlain. If he stays fit and the price is right, he ll be better than a lot give him credit for.

07 Aug 2017 23:04:26
Sadly Ron, I think they will both leave. Coutinho looks to be half way out the door, and if we take Gomes as part of the deal you'd have to imagine Can will walk as he not only wants, but he needs first team football.

07 Aug 2017 23:12:07
The difference is that those teams replace with equal or better quality, like Chelsea selling Matic and bringing in Bakayoko, Arsenal selling Giroud and bring in Lacazette. We're lose a star player like Coutinho and looking at bringing in dross like Oxlade Chamberlain to replace him, just like when we sold Alonso and brought in Bert Water, or when we sold Torres and brought in Carroll or when we sold Suarez and bought in Balotelli. There is a distinct pattern here. And what always follows is a really poor season. As it goes I see little to enjoy, as we have the same weaknesses that cost us last year.

07 Aug 2017 23:15:30
I agree we're well stacked in midfield.
I have to be honest I'd rather see Ejaria, Grujic and Woodburn get some game time than Gomes.

07 Aug 2017 23:29:42
I ll throw a name in the mix that would improve us and is available Gregorz krachowiak. Perfect defensive playmakING shield for the back four. Sadly I think he's not on our list.

07 Aug 2017 23:40:03
It's a skewed analysis though MK.

Did Man U lose DDG even though there was strong interest from Real? - No.

Did Arsenal, who have been losing first team players for a while, allow Sanchez and Oezil to leave (yet) when they know they will lose Sanchez for free next summer? - No.

Did Spurs lose Kane even though there has been interest in him from others? - No.

Did Man City lose Auguero and Silva when there was strong interest in them from Real? - No.

Did Chelsea lose Hazzard when there was strong interest in him from Real? - No.

Matic is allowed to leave because Conte is happy to move him on. Costa is a trouble maker, and I suspect Chelsea and Conte has had enough of his antics and hence them letting him go. The Ox is a squad filler at Arsenal and has yet to establish himself as a first team player at Arsenal. if they lose him, they wouldn't have any problems first team-wise. Spurs has always been a selling club as has been Everton. Their policy is different to others and that probably shows why they still haven't won anything like us for a while.

The difference is that when the top teams lose a player, they replace them with another top one (unlike Spurs and Everton who try to distribute the monies throughout the squad) .

In you own first post, Man City MOVED on Zabaleta and replaced him with Walker. Man U replaced Ibrahimovic with Lukaku. Chelsea replaced Costa with Morata. Even Arsenal are have sought to improve their squad significantly with adding Lacazette and Kolasinac and are trying for Lemar (probably as replacements for Sanchez, Gibbs and Oezil) .

If Coutinho goes and Liverpool replaces him with Gomes, it will be akin how Liverpool replaced Suarez with Balotelli, Alonso with Aquilani, Mascherano with Poulsen, Sterling with Ibe, Torres with Carroll.

It is late in the window, team's will know LFC have the cash and are desperate for their player, and any replacement will likely be over-priced and under-scouted.

Liverpool can of course chose to have not negotiate with Barcelona but when a big bid comes, they always come to the table. This is what needs to change if Liverool are serious about winning things, and honestly, I have little confidence in them with regards to the same because time and time again under FSG, we have seen that Liverpool are happy to sell their best player.

07 Aug 2017 23:43:00
I agree with you here mate (MK), there's far too much of a meltdown going on for me over a) something that has yet to happen and b) a window which is not yet even over, like you say. I also totally agree with ed002 though, if things would have been dealt with above board it would seem that this window could have been one of the best we've had in recent times, not the rollercoaster ride we've been led on as a result of total mismanagement. The majority of that has to lie at the feet of Klopp.

I've seen barely anything of Gomes in terms of actual gameplay. The few games i did see him in I wasn't impressed at all really, he was virtually transparent tbf.

I Just pulled up (i know) a youtube highlight reel. i'm not convinced by that at all, which surprises me because 9 times out of 10 they make average players look good. It consisted of 80% 'henderson' passes. that ball that he pings to both wings from CM in every game. His ball control looks offish as well.

Is he better than this? am i watching a different guy :D.

08 Aug 2017 08:40:57
Brilliant post the real ag, agree 100%! We just haven't got that winning mentality at our club anymore that we require!

07 Aug 2017 22:27:02
Hi friends! Regarding the possible departure of COUTINHO, I have something to say; Not leaving it's the worst thing . the worst thing is losing an important piece of the middle of the field. One of the important aspects of a team is homogeneity, this is achieved in the years of playing together good players. Real Madrid has the same team for 4 or 5 years and wins everything. If we still sell every year important players then we can not aspire to something big. There are a few players who can replace the coutinho over time, but you still have to bring them; ISCO, GOTZE, LANZINI _ this is the order for me, they have the same qualities as coutinho: speed of play, good view of the game, dribling. What do you say? Wait for answers.

07 Aug 2017 22:40:23
None of Isco, Lanzini or Gotze are good enough to replace Coutinho. Lanzini is really average, Gotze hasn't had a good game in three years and Isco has done nothing to show he's worth more than a bench warmer slot at Madrid. If the club has any sense they'll go for Insigne. But we all know no one at the club has any sense.

07 Aug 2017 23:13:32
Isco is a regular for Madrid Frankly.

07 Aug 2017 23:15:21
ISCO is more a bench warmer at Madrid but at LFC can be great player.

07 Aug 2017 23:21:02
But you have?

07 Aug 2017 23:29:50
Isco is mostly bench fodder most of the time.

07 Aug 2017 23:31:36
18 starts and 12 bench appearances. That's bench fodder.

07 Aug 2017 23:37:58
Isco is pure quality and kept bale out the team when fit. he's one of the only players I'd gladly have to replace Phil but zidane rightly rates him so it would never happen.

07 Aug 2017 22:08:55
Hi! How superficial and arrogant are those in Barcelona due to Neymar's transfer to PSG . they have an incredible sense of embarrassment from the Spanish press to the Spanish federation and of course the club's leadership. I can not believe that it happens to them . but they do it all the time . buy all the players without understanding that some clubs do not want to sell. i am sick of real madrid and Barcelona. The big English clubs should not allow them to buy players from England . because the money is a lot from TV rights.

07 Aug 2017 22:49:55
Hi Romanianscouser,

There is little difference between LFC, Barca. PSG and Southampton.

Barca are doing to Liverpool what Liverpool is doing to Southamton and RBL.

Paris S. G. have just done the same to Barcelona who are now crying like bitches over Neymar.

I guess Southampton at onetime or another have done similar to smaller clubs.

If the player wants to leave, then he should allowed go to the club he wants to go to.

There is no way a player who feels hard done by can be fully committed to the club who he feels has hampered his career.

07 Aug 2017 23:26:00
hi. i claim from liverpool to be matched with Barcelona in European history, financially scarcely now with the money coming from TV rights, and in 2 years with the help of KLOPP liverpool will have the same level of play.

08 Aug 2017 15:28:46
They don't have the balls to touch City, Chelsea or UTD. Their main targets are Liverpool and Arsenal. We bend like a pipe infront of them. David Silva is a better player than Phil and a Spanish. Has he moved from city to any Spanish club? NO!

07 Aug 2017 21:22:00
Hi Ed's,

Just wondering if we have any interest in Denis Suarez of Barcelona and could he be a player that is included in any coutinho deal. I would hate to lose couts but he's been a great servant and isn't misbehaving so let him go while he still loves our club and don't sour his experience whilst he is here.

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - None has been shown.}

07 Aug 2017 21:14:23
Eds. If Liverpool where going to go for Vvd would they have to publicly retract the previous statement they made which they said they where no longer interested or could that be done behind closed doors. Just if they don't retract it surely that irritates Southampton more and makes us look even more ridiculous.

{Ed002's Note - They would not have to but there may be some issues that would need to be resolved.}

07 Aug 2017 21:20:52
I really hope the club do well with the Coutinho stuff.
Best scenario here is that we convince him to stay and we improve so he stays even longer, end of, but that isn't happening if were honest.
Second would be that we convince him to do another year whilst we scout and secure a replacement, not sure how likely that is given the last few days and hours.

Now, if I am being honest about our team I would say that we don't struggle scoring goals, but we struggle conceding them, and whilst Coutinho is a massive part of our attack, we do have players that can play in that role to a similar standard. What we don't have is someone to improve our defense. If we cannot stop him going this summer then let's get the best deal we can and then pay the price Southampton want to get ourselves the CB we need to improve our defense, and maybe someone to help carry the additional burden upfront.
We are not one man, look how well we have adapted since Gerrard left.
As mentioned, we do not struggle up top, so I think we could get by without Coutinho, and the finances would allow us to sort out other parts that need attention.
How can we stand here slating Southampton for not allowing a player to follow his desires and then not let Coutinho follow his? Its hypocrisy, and maybe one deal goes in hand with the other.

{Ed025's Note - fine post that andy..

07 Aug 2017 21:34:10
Excellent post Andy mate.

07 Aug 2017 22:15:12
What I like about this situation is that Coutinho is conducting himself, at least publicly, as a professional without any undue drama by acting up in training, or throwing fits or mouthing off to the press. I'm aware things may be different behind the scenes, but it's still commendable to train hard and play well on the field, when you know you're close to perhaps moving elsewhere.

While I think we will miss his creativity, I do believe there are players out there that can fill his shoes. It's just a question of the right one being available and willing to join LFC. And I agree with the OP in that we definitely need to strengthen the CBs regardless of how many we have. If Klopp was not willing to let go of Klavan or Gomez, then why the approach to VVD in the first place? He's lucky that the stars have smiled on him because Gomez is slotting in at RB, and he now has an open slot for a CB, while not having to move Klavan on. And we will regret not replacing Lucas. It doesn't matter if it's internally (Can) or by making a purchase, but it's something he needs to address.

07 Aug 2017 22:21:33
Because Klopp recently said Coutinho loves Liverpool and is happy here, and he's not for sale!

08 Aug 2017 01:04:10
Who in our squad can "play in that role to a similar standard"?

08 Aug 2017 06:59:46
Firmino, Salah although he's better out wide, Lallana.
We were also saying Coutinho was going to drop back deeper, I think Henderson might not be as creative or as good a dribbler but he does have a better range of passing.
Players come and go, we need to be able to move on when it happens.
Like I say, perhaps if we conduct ourselves well then Southampton sell a much needed CB to us. If we continue to be hypocrites then Southampton might just say 'Its the same as with Coutinho, Van Dijk is staying'

07 Aug 2017 21:03:21
I put in 2 posts. none of them posted. Is there a reason?
Thanks.

{Ed025's Note - i never seen any of them niinja..check the "other post" page mate..

07 Aug 2017 20:30:51
First post, so go gentle!
Read a while ago that Couts staying could depend on two peoples future.
Lucas and Moreno, being very close to him and family.
Ok Lucas gone now, but could the reprieve fir Moreno be to help keep Couts happy?
Every little helps!
Cheers
AR.

07 Aug 2017 20:40:00
Alex, its nothing to do with friends, its about career and money.
I don't think you need to worry about it though, I doubt he is going anywhere this window, thankfully seems Barcelona have moved on and he won't leave us for any other club.

07 Aug 2017 21:07:06
Although it actually can be about friends.
Lucas has been instrumental in helping many players settle when they joined before he left, one of those being Coutinho.
Pogba in the Lukaku deal.
One of the Chelsea lads in the Morata deal.
Yes, players obviously look at money, the clubs potential and many other factors, and friends and family has to be one. These players very rarely move alone, so the move has to be right for the family, and any friends makes that easier.
Coutinho is friends with Neymar, and also other members of the Baece squad, so that's no issue, and we are told his family are pushing for the move, and yet he is behaving impeccably, although the very fact he has been 'tapping himself up' by openly telling Barce players that he wants to move is a bit on the sly side.
The original poster was right, friends and family do play a part, don't tear him apart for that.
I think Coutinho, like many South American players and families, desires the Latin lifestyle and one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I can't blame him.

07 Aug 2017 21:08:35
If Barcelona sign dembele from Dortmund will they still pursue Coutinho?

{Ed002's Note - Unrelated.}

07 Aug 2017 20:20:34
Can't wait until this transfer window ends and get on with supporting the team. It's turning into bloody "I'm a Celebrity, get me out of here"!

{Ed025's Note - your right AKN..only ant and dec are afar better pairing than klavan and lovren mate..

07 Aug 2017 20:32:10
I dunno Ed025, is there a better comedy pairing that Klavan and Lovren?

{Ed025's Note - im struggling now mate..

07 Aug 2017 20:36:51
No way ed25, watching klavan and lovren is miles funnier than ant and dec.

{Ed025's Note - laurel and hardy in boots..

07 Aug 2017 20:54:46
Klopp shouting "stay close to the line" may certainly be relevant to Ant.

07 Aug 2017 21:01:42
😂😂😂😂.

07 Aug 2017 20:03:16
Just found this site so first time post on here, quick question. Who are the eds and macca?

{Ed025's Note - we are mainly supporters who edit the sites and give the odd opinion AR, ED001 is the owner and ED002 a part time rodeo clown...if i told you who macca was i would have to shoot you though mate..

07 Aug 2017 20:35:00
Don't forget to bury the body, I hear the Everton trophy room hasn't been visited in years might be an ideal place to stash a body.
😉.

{Ed025's Note - not a bad reposte there savvy...respect..

07 Aug 2017 19:50:58
Hi Eds, valuing your opinion, do you believe that JK would be happy to go into the first half a season with current squad?

{Ed025's Note - no..he will say different of course..

07 Aug 2017 19:33:47
What do people know about Gomes then? Have only seen him play in the CL game against PSG. I have read he has received a lot of vitriol from all angles the last season, is he a hidden gem though.

Would people be more happy with Rakitic in any deal?

07 Aug 2017 20:00:33
We don't want either of them.
Coutinho is not for sale.

07 Aug 2017 19:13:02
Not sure why so many are saying Ox is average. Big lad, strength, pace and offers versatility plus home grown status.

If Conte is after him then he cannot be that bad.

Ox is a player Klopp will be able to improve and not going to cost the club an arm and leg.

Can easily fill in for Lallana.

{Ed025's Note - hes hopeless max..

07 Aug 2017 19:27:10
He lacks intelligence on the ball, his shooting is hopeless, hasn't any vision with his passing and has no absolutely no positional sense. He's has delusions of mediocrity. The lad actually thinks he can be a central midfielder contrary to the evidence.

07 Aug 2017 19:27:33
Would rather have Ox than huff and puff Barkley Ed025.

07 Aug 2017 19:43:28
If Ox is that bad then why would Conte want to add him to his Chelsea squad?

I've watched Ox and my opinion, do not understand the vitrol against him. It has become clear that Klopp is a massive fan of Ox so I will trust his instincts.

07 Aug 2017 19:45:35
I would gladly buy the Ox over Andre Gomes.

07 Aug 2017 19:49:18
Andre Gomes can at least pass the ball forward and is an actual centre midfield player. Ox is your standard English brainless midfielder, you saw him get the run around by Bayern and France when he played in centre midfield? He looked out of his depth. He simply lacks the intelligence to play there.

{Ed025's Note - i agree FMS..

07 Aug 2017 19:50:11
Max, Conte wants him to challenge for right wing back, he wouldn't dare risk him in the middle as he knows that he's hopeless in that position.

07 Aug 2017 20:01:15
What utter BS. Conte is not going to just sign a player for the sake or filling a space in his squad.

Does that mean Klopp wants to play him at Right wing back? Are you for real?

Go home Frankly. Your negativity is a cesspool.

07 Aug 2017 20:04:07
Ed025. He is not hopeless mate and would walk into your team imo. He can play either wing as well as central or full back. Hopeless is not a player with regular England call ups and plays in a top 4 team in England. He isn't world class mate but hopless is the wrong way to describe him imo.

{Ed025's Note - sorry mate...i meant pathetic..

07 Aug 2017 20:10:44
I think he's a wum. I'm all for different opinions but I'm not sure I've seen fms post anything at all of a positive nature. Apologies if I'm wrong but that's how it comes across.

07 Aug 2017 20:17:45
Getting regular England caps is no sign of quality. Two words, Joe Hart.

07 Aug 2017 20:15:41
Ed025, it is ok, you have your opinion but end season is what matters :-)

Everton have not finished ahead of Liverpool very often in recent times have you?

{Ed025's Note - it goes in cycles max..and its our turn now i think mate..

07 Aug 2017 20:24:21
You're missing the point Max. Conte wants a right wing back, he wants to sign Oxlade for that position. If Klopp buys him, apparently and in defiance of reason and logic, he wants him to play in centre midfield, which would be a terrible decision. Conte wouldn't put Oxlade in centre midfield in a million years as it would be football suicide. Worse still is that the inference that he would be Coutinho's replacement, which really is bad news. Where the idea that Oxlade can play in the middle comes from is beyond me. In his own head? Maybe. In reality, he's hopeless in the middle.

07 Aug 2017 20:32:57
Yeah Ed025. Season end we will be back here again :-)

{Ed025's Note - i hope you do well max, we will need a bit of healthy competition in the city..just stop selling your best players and make a fight of it!..

07 Aug 2017 20:37:21
Thing is Lfchopeful, is there anything to be hopeful about?

(1) We're about to sell our star player, probably for peanuts to Barcelona.
(2) We missed out on ?.
(3) We ballsed up any chance of getting VVD and he's about to join Chelsea.
(4) We apparently want to replace Coutinho with Oxlade Chamberlain.
(5) We still have the same problems we had last season while all of our opponents have improved.

If that isn't a disaster, I don't know what is.

{Ed025's Note - im looking for an assistant FMS...interested?..

07 Aug 2017 20:56:26
Ed025, when it comes top players wanting to go then there is not much you can do about i. e. Lukaku.

Hope you guys have found somebody to replace his 26 goals of last season.

Sandro Ramírez? Oh wait, Rooney to the rescue :-O.

{Ed025's Note - to be honest max we relied on him too much, im hoping now that we have a multi-pronged attack that we are not as one dimensional and spread the scoring around a bit..

07 Aug 2017 18:53:28
Hi Eds, not sure if it's been covered but seeing the rumours about Coutinho. Any chance Barcelona would be willing to part with Rakatic as part of any deal?

{Ed001's Note - it has been covered, they would, but we have no interest.}

07 Aug 2017 19:11:11
Thank God for that!

07 Aug 2017 19:28:40
Why do people think Rakitic is still any good? Don't you actually watch football?

07 Aug 2017 20:22:54
FranklyMrShankly I think that's the most sensible post you have made in a while IMO rakitic is passed it. He should stay in Spain, not up to EPL standards anymore.

07 Aug 2017 18:23:29
So he's handed in a transfer request.

God this saga continues.

What a complete and utter embarrassing balls up.

07 Aug 2017 19:01:52
We need to stop buying potential. Because when they reach that potential. We sell them so what's the point.

07 Aug 2017 17:50:56
Ed2 are Liverpoool the only club interestedly in the ox or are the any other clubs ie Chelsea interested too?

{Ed002's Note - Chelsea need a right wing back and he is also home grown. He is not first choice for them and they have not made any approach to Arsenal for him.}

07 Aug 2017 17:49:38
I've been using this sight for years and legit check at least 5 times a day during the transfer windows, but some "supporters" on here are making me consider giving it up til September 1st. I am absolutely buzzing for Saturday and cannot wait to get through the work week, but all the doom and gloom on here is bringing me down.

It seems as though Frankly (and others, him just being most prevalent) would rather listen to clickvait tabloid headlines that what the eds are telling us. If people honestly believe our season is over in August then please just log off. Why even bother watching the games either? Just come back in July 2018 to moan about next summer's transfers.

I bet Coutinho stays and we sign VVD. And since you chicken littles read in on the internet you know it must be true.

To all of the real supporters, roll on Saturday and you'll never walk alone. To all the doom and gloom mongers have a little faith. Klopp wants us all to turn from doubters to believers, and I think he should have earned a bit of trust by now.

07 Aug 2017 20:53:33
lfchad.

klopp didn't foresee the pitfalls of last season leaving us in a really tough fight for cl qualification last season which he ultimately scrapped by a single point.

and i worry that he is not seeing the pitfalls of the upcoming season by saying he is happy with just 4 centre backs one who is completely inexperienced at top flight level.

its concerning.

07 Aug 2017 17:27:35
You know what's really getting at my nerves about all this is all the players we tapped up/ choose their clubs say not for sale, mostly kieta and vvd, the players kick up the world of fuss but clubs say no! Not for sale, any of our best players, we are trying to build for champions league. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is exactly where we are. Why on earth should we be bullied into selling our best again! To barca. Pipco doesn't even seem the type who would kick a massive fuss. The squad looks great and with the addition of a cb maybe, we can challenge all fronts. Why on earth disrupt that by letting our key player leave, who cares if we bring in 2/ 3 slightly lesser players, we don't need them! We don't wanna fill out the squad again with players who won't get a game when everybody's fit. Starting to really hate our desission men. We can't get players over the line who are desperate and the clubs don't think we are cash rich to boot, what makes anybody think we can spend a massive chunk of money now on the right options now all our key targets are gone.

07 Aug 2017 17:38:27
But we expect Southampton and RBL to sell us their players they clearly don't want to sell.

07 Aug 2017 17:39:05
Who is bullying us? Barcelona declared interest. Pipco said he would want to go if Liverpool can work something out in their best interest, and that's that. As for keeping our best players, maybe. But its not as thou we are selling to rivals. We are selling to a club that is a massive lure for all players, not just sth american.

07 Aug 2017 18:27:51
Our best player leaving us. For 10 times the money we paid for him 4 years ago. Read the second sentence a few times. And now make a decision if you are the LFC owner. Not so easy as it sounds.

07 Aug 2017 17:22:57
Virgil van Dijk statement on handing in transfer request
"Unfortunately I feel I have no alternative after I was given notice of the Club's intention to impose a disciplinary sanction against me of a fine equivalent to 2 weeks wages. I will be appealing what I feel to be an unjustified sanction and their inability to follow the correct disciplinary protocol in due course.
Over the past six months I have held numerous discussions with representatives of the board, the former manager Claude Puel as well as the new manager Mauricio Pellegrino to inform them all of my desire to leave the club in search of a new challenge.
I am incredibly ambitious and want to achieve as much as I possibly can to fulfil my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer. I want to play European football again and challenge for major honours and as such I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist.
I have been left frustrated by the club's position that I am not for sale and am disappointed that enquiries from multiple top clubs have been consistently rebuffed.
The period of time that I have just spent injured and unable to play has put a number of things into perspective and made me realise just how important it is to take major opportunities should they arise.
I have consistently relayed my feelings to senior management at Southampton in what I believed to be private and personal conversations. Disappointingly, these conversations have regularly found their way into the media.
I would also like to make clear that I have never once refused to train. I can confirm that I was asked about my frame of mind and for all of the reasons mentioned above I was open and honest in saying that I did not feel I was in a settled mindset given the circumstances.
Following this conversation the manager explained that he only wanted players who he felt were 100% committed to Southampton and told me I would therefore have to train away from the first team.
As a proud professional I am insulted by the suggestion that it was me who refused to train and so feel it is important to point out the true version of events.
I had very much hoped to retain the good relationship I've always enjoyed with everyone at the club, especially the fans, but unfortunately in light of everything that's happened this has now been seriously affected.
I would like to make clear that I have nothing but gratitude to everyone at Southampton for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
However, the time for me to move on is now and I hope to be able to work with the club to find the best resolution to suit all parties. ".

07 Aug 2017 17:37:55
I'd still expect him to go to Chelsea as Southampton will ask the FA to look into our conduct and investigate if we bid.

07 Aug 2017 17:58:36
The FA will only investigate further if Soton go back to them.

VVD is damaged goods at Southampton and unlikely that they will keep him now that he has given up the percentage of the fee that Soton would have had to pay should they sell him.

{Ed002's Note - The FA aren't involved.}

07 Aug 2017 18:05:34
The EPL then?

{Ed002's Note - Everyone is just making stuff up.}

07 Aug 2017 18:23:27
He's not worth 60 million.

07 Aug 2017 18:24:53
BLOODY HELL FranklyMrShankly!
Right now more than anything else I just wish a great lion would bust into your mist and tear into you. Your negative, put-us-down syndrome is utterly suffocating bro.

A pity cause I see your a smart bloke and these pages could benefit from your contributions if you actually decided to make a few.

07 Aug 2017 17:08:00
Hi eds - quick question, could you see Liverpool potentially dropping firmino deeper as a creative midfielder and instead looking for a striker as an alternative if couts were to leave? Obviously I'd take a fit Daniel Sturridge to lead the line any day, but not sure if we have reliable options up top? Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - sometimes that is possible but I doubt it will be the answer Klopp decides on.}

07 Aug 2017 17:18:59
Better not hold r breath hey ed1.

07 Aug 2017 17:31:26
Good to know, ta ed001.

07 Aug 2017 16:41:00
So what we know so far.

1. Liverpool do not want to sell Coutinho.
2. Coutinho wants to go to Barca, has apparently agreed terms with them but will not push for a move unless Liverpool and Barcelona can agree terms.

It is plain to say that if Coutinho does not go now he will be off at the start of next season but there could catch to the whole saga though.

If Coutinho does not go now then he could possibly miss out on a move to Barcelona as they might have someone else lined up.

Forget about the fee, it will all be down to how much Barcelona are willing to pay up front. Suarez moved to Barcelona back in 2014 but they only finished paying up his fee last season to Liverpool.

My guess is, the only way a deal is going to happen is for Coutinho to put in a transfer request and for Barcelona to be willing to pay up majority or possibly the whole fee which gets agreed upon.

I cannot foresee Barcelona will to stump up a massive amount of cash in one shot for Coutinho as they are offering players surplus to requirements as part of the deal for Coutinho and their biggest priority is a replacement for Neymar and that will cost an arm a leg.

We have not shown any interest in Barcelona players so for that reason I believe Liverpool have and will keep on showing Barcelona the highway.

So for me, to sum it up, Coutinho hands in a request, Barcelona pay up all or majority of the cash and Coutinho will be on his way.

07 Aug 2017 17:09:24
Didn't they receive full payment for neymar, so could pay for coutinho in full.

{Ed002's Note - Ignore the money.}

07 Aug 2017 17:23:19
Bottom line is that if Liverpool don't want to sell, there is no amicable way he can move or am I being too simplistic. There is not being willing to sell, and not being willing to sell unless its X amount. I guess it depends on our true stand point.

07 Aug 2017 16:31:55
Loyalty in football is rare with players coming and going - driven by agents of course, but this only emphasizes why having a good youth set up is important. Players who come through the youth teams are far more likely to stay at the club for longer and provide the foundation of a 'team'.

Players like Coutinho are always going to come and go, and if he does leave, I hope we don't just throw away the fee needlessly.

In my view Firmino can easily play his position and maybe some money could then be used to strengthen our defensive line - though I'd personally not go with the thunderbird chimney sweep who I think is vastly overpriced.

07 Aug 2017 16:59:47
In this day and age it's very difficult to keep your best players without success.

even youth is not going change that, once they reach their peak bigger and successful teams will snap them.

Every top player wants to play at highest level and win trophies, unfortunately lfc is not the team.

We as fans see differently coz we love our club and wear red tinted glasses.

The truth is LFC has never been elite club in modern footy, we've been mediocre for past 28-30 yrs.

FSG are decent owners and have been here for 7 yrs but unfortunately it's beyond their capabilities to compete against very strong teams who are ahead of us in every sense from resources structure reputation etc.

07 Aug 2017 16:28:37
Good luck to Phil if he's on his way. We've had some memorable moments from him and I thank him for that. People saying we have hit rock bottom if we sell our best player but Barcelona are his dream club. They come calling at the right price then good luck to the lad. Players come and go. I hope we can replace him with another memorable player. Only time will tell.

07 Aug 2017 16:19:51
Hey ED's just a quick one any updates on the injuries.

Thanks for all the great work you all do.

{Ed001's Note - you are better off checking a site like physioroom for that mate.}

07 Aug 2017 15:56:42
Ed2 I have read that Gomes will be offered as part of the deal, any other players likely to be included mate, Rafinha likely? Thanks for your info, too factual for some fans to accept lol.

{Ed002's Note - We have been through this.}

07 Aug 2017 15:50:27
Getting away from the transfer rumours for a min is there any news on any investment or naming right on the new stand.

{Ed002's Note - I don't know what you mean by "investment" but the club has not firmed up anyone for the naming rights.}

07 Aug 2017 17:18:00
Mark my words mate they'll be more than naming rights for the new stand one word mate (takeover)

07 Aug 2017 15:46:43
Hypothetically;
Coutinho goes, would people be happy with VVD, Ox coming in and moving Firmino deeper like he was at Hoff and purchase a real number 9.

Now what number 9s would be available?!

07 Aug 2017 16:00:01
I'd love belotti, got to a man crush me.

07 Aug 2017 16:00:59
From the Top of my head: Costa or if you want to spend big Auba and Mbappé.

Costa looks likely to go back to Atletico, Auba would cost 100+mil and Mbappé looks like he is off to Spain.

07 Aug 2017 16:01:31
Unfortunately our fans will never be happy and will just say it's FSG fault. But we can make the most of any situation and move on pal.

07 Aug 2017 16:25:06
Christ not mpabbe he's destined to play for real or Barcelona at some point and we would have to go through all this again lol.

07 Aug 2017 15:31:53
If I was coutinho I would be off as soon as possible.
Another average transfer window the defence that has been problematic for the last 5 seasons has still not been resolved. Klopp now saying he does not need another centre back?
I am sorry jurgen but you need at least 1 if not 2.
This was supposed to be the transfer window where fsg gave klopp their full backing to improve the squad.
The last 3 transfer windows have given us a £12 million nett profit
And so far we have brought in 3 signings for about £50 million so that is a spend of about £38million over the last 4 windows
How can anyone expect us to compete with Utd and city and chelsea with a budget like that
This is a club that is now just a cash cow for our owners
what's the point in getting £100 million with 3 weeks of the window remaining.

{Ed002's Note - The manager has had the backing of the club - you need to forget all of this nonsense about money becaus eit is very clear you have no grasp about it at all.}

07 Aug 2017 15:25:29
Hi all
First time poster so go easy! I would hate to see Phil leave but if we got £80 mill and Gomes that's a good deal. If we could then add VVD and Brandt and (maybe add Barbosa has a replacement for Origi) plus Can siging a new contract, then I would head into the new season full of optimism.
Quick question for eds what would the club do for all the supporters that got Phils name on the back of their new jersey?

07 Aug 2017 15:44:57
What do you mean what would the club do?

If you got a new shirt with Coutinho on the back then you chose to do that the club didn't force you to do it.

If you got Coutinho on the back of your shirt then you did so knowing that he was a contracted football player who might be sold in the future. that hasn't changed.

If this is such a big concern I would suggest not getting a name on your shirt at all, or your own name or a pseudonym.

07 Aug 2017 16:05:16
If you got his name on the back of your jersey, you should probably ask your parents for some more pocket money to fix it.

07 Aug 2017 16:31:02
I remember a lad who had one parent a Liverpool fan and one parent a Newcastle fan and he liked both clubs. He had Torres on his Liverpool shirt and Carroll on his Newcastle shirt. He was gutted last day of the window.
Some clubs do an amnesty on football shirts where if you take them back they'll change them for a current players name. Don't know if LFC do.

07 Aug 2017 15:06:07
So 90 mil plus andre Gomes. I think I could cope with that the lad was quality at Valencia. also be nice if the 90 mil was spent on two further quality additions one being a CB. but please no OX.
Either way I would just liked it all wrapped up ASAP so the squad can gel and kick on for the season.

07 Aug 2017 14:54:23
Long time reader, first time poster. Ed's with the possible departure of couts what's the deal with Ante Coric? Would love to see him at liverpool.

{Ed002's Note - There is no "deal" with Coric.}

07 Aug 2017 14:33:47
So Couts has now said that he would leave for Barcelona provided that it was amicable. What's the eds thoughts on this? Could this be he gives us 1 more year as a compromise or is he butering the fans up knowing he's already out the door?

07 Aug 2017 15:01:06
He has no need to butter us up, if he's going he's going! I really don't think he would care what the fans thought about him if he is wearing a Barcelona shirt!

07 Aug 2017 15:33:02
Many fans would be happy that he has chosen a cracking team and that the club receive a hefty sum in return.

Good luck to him.

We've all known about this for years so let's not act soft.

Whats the problem as it was always going to happen?

07 Aug 2017 14:30:10
Lad in work has told me couts has handed in a transfer request any truth or is this media bs?

{Ed002's Note - It is from social media.}

07 Aug 2017 14:22:03
cant we just ask Barcelona for the entire neymar money for countinho? on a more serious note imo we don't need AOC and don't tell me we don't already have better players at the club, he may be able to play in different positions but he is crap in all of them, I reserve judgement on andre gomes as I have never seen him play, interesting update from macca about countinho much appreciated.

07 Aug 2017 14:58:35
I have to admit to not wanting any of the Barcelona cast offs as we've been down this route with Real Madrid and that didn't go very well. You are spot on about AOC.

07 Aug 2017 12:59:08
1st-time poster, long-time sufferer of reading inane questions.

I must say, I have huge admiration for your astonishing ability to persevere with answering the same question asked in, not so subtlely different ways!

Question for one of the Eds please; when a player signs a new contract mid-season, such as Coutinho, when does that contract come into effect? Is it usually with immediate effect?

Apologies in advance if this has been asked before.

{Ed002's Note - The contract replaces the existing one, so immediately.}

07 Aug 2017 13:52:32
Been a while since I posted. Looks quite likely that Coutinho is headed to Barca, and while it is a set back, he is not Suarez, and we don't rely on him as heavily. 120 million pounds (if that is a realistic number) is definitely sufficient for Coutinho, but then every team knows we are desperate and will hike price tags. I think the best option for us would be an agreement to sell Couts to Barcelona for cash plus quality midfielder, who is valued appropriately. I think Rakitic could add something to our midfield, and even at 29 would have 3 - 4 years left since he doesn't rely on speed. Rakitic plus 80 million pounds would be decent business, especially if we landed VVD and added an attacking mid as well to replace Couts (Rakitic would not be that player)

Just my opinion, nothing more.

07 Aug 2017 14:22:37
You are deluded, coutinho isn't a world class player in the first place, .

07 Aug 2017 14:28:12
Seriously coop Rakitic would add nothing to our midfield, he has been awful the last 18/ 24 months. He has looked well off the pace in a slower pace of football. He would be eaten alive in the premier league.

07 Aug 2017 15:01:06
rovercocastic, you are in the minority who think he isn't. Barcelona think he is and so do many other better judges of football than us. He is at least as good as Eden Hazard and the stats back that up.

07 Aug 2017 18:17:19
Problem is rakitic adds nothing to our midfield if he was to arrive as he isn't any better than what we already have. It would just be a case of unnecessary wages.

07 Aug 2017 13:48:45
Barca announced Andre Gomes and Vermaelen to miss tonight's game due to medicals? Anything to do with this coutinho deal eds? . not the latter player of course 😂.

{Ed002's Note - I have never come across a club making such a statement. I have explained about Gomes already.}

07 Aug 2017 14:30:34
Vermaelen would be a huge mistake, he is so over the hill he needs a shopmobility scooter to get onto the pitch.

07 Aug 2017 13:00:08
Hi Ed025 hope your doing well? Just wondering if you have a little blue family of your own mate?

{Ed025's Note - i have a bloody red family of my own barry, my 2 lads are die hard reds and 1 of them follows them everywhere...rebellion i put it down to, and a lack of brain cells..

07 Aug 2017 13:39:22
There's a blacksheep in every family Ed025, you sure it isn't you? :)

{Ed002's Note - Don't you mean a blue sheep?}

07 Aug 2017 13:29:26
a lack of brain cells, are you sure? Surely they would be blue noses and take after you then ed025 if that was the case 😜.

{Ed025's Note - no way pedro..

07 Aug 2017 13:33:22
Come, come now Ed025. You should be proud of your sons for having better taste and certainly more refined sense of selection. Every father wants the offspring to be better. (Please note the emphasis on the word "better", LOL. )

{Ed025's Note - they have brought shame on our good name ra..

07 Aug 2017 13:38:34
Don't put yourself down ED. At least your lads aren't lacking brain cells. ;)

{Ed025's Note - you cant choose your family im afraid smp..

07 Aug 2017 13:45:36
Hahaha got to love ed025 😂.

07 Aug 2017 13:46:57
It was rebellion that was partly responsible for me supporting Liverpool too! My dad's a blue, and I decided fairly young it would be good just to wind him up. best decision i've ever made!

{Ed025's Note - your good stock has now been watered down in afraid parker..

07 Aug 2017 14:02:01
they all ways say a father should be judge on how far is children surpass him in life. So Ed025 you can be very proud of your parenting skills you have done very well my friend.

{Ed025's Note - they will get nothing in my will grino..

07 Aug 2017 13:08:11
Or maybe they are just smart lads.
You should be proud of yourself mate you raised them well.

07 Aug 2017 13:12:21
Well at least your kids are on the right track Ed025 (wink wink) .
The lack of brain cells u claim probably comes down to the blue blood of yours.

07 Aug 2017 13:16:11
Seems you have two good intelligent lads there Ed, keep up the good work😊.

{Ed025's Note - that is a matter of opinion mate..

07 Aug 2017 13:16:44
Haha no way Ed! I certainly didn't expect that answer. Still no matter the colour you'd be lost without them.

{Ed025's Note - when they were young liverpool were a good side who won things barry....they are quite old now and im sure they regret it every day mate..

07 Aug 2017 13:18:10
Lol only ED 25 would say something like that out of the "Blue"

{Ed025's Note - its the truth im ashamed to say ore..

07 Aug 2017 14:20:09
Ed, respect for your willingness to engage in this sort of banter on this site. love your sense of humour mate.

{Ed025's Note - it stops me from crying zimbo mate..

07 Aug 2017 12:34:41
Just been catching up on posts, although I can't see it ever happening, could you imagine a front three of Salah, lewendowski and Mane? With firmino dropping into attacking midfield.
Scary stuff.

{Ed025's Note - how good would that be mikey..

07 Aug 2017 13:03:24
Is lewendowski for sale?

{Ed025's Note - that would depend on the money i imagine longthing..

07 Aug 2017 13:34:53
What was everyone imagining after reading "longthing"? 😆.

07 Aug 2017 14:25:55
I didn't give myself that nickname 😉😉.

07 Aug 2017 14:48:06
Braggart.

07 Aug 2017 15:25:50
I take it you're very tall then longthing?

07 Aug 2017 12:47:28
Whatever happened to becoming a Liverpool legend rather than just another player for Barca? So disappointing. Just need to accept it and move on which leads me to my point. I think Firmino is the perfect replacement. It's his best position too. Salah Mane and Firmino with studge in front and Solanke given a chance. Sounds good to me.

07 Aug 2017 13:30:57
Club loyalty from players is very rare these days.

07 Aug 2017 12:10:29
Reports suggesting that the owners have decided to cash in on pip even though Klopp wants to keep him. I'm sure one of the first thing Klopp was promised in the job was to have the first and last say on transfers?

I know these are all gossip but if this is true, Klopp isn't going to be happy, or around for long.

07 Aug 2017 13:23:10
coutinho will leave if he really wants to go. as long as Barcelona is willing to pay, and coutinho really wants to leave he will leave, just not without lfc trying hard to convince him to stay.

07 Aug 2017 11:30:55
If Coutinho goes to Barcelona for £90m (hopefully not), then buying both Brandt and Ox would make sense in my opinion with money to spare.
Add in VVD and we have a good chance of challenging this season.

07 Aug 2017 11:46:46
Neither of them would be anywhere near the quality needed to replace Coutinho and VVD is not an option for us. If as expected, Coutinho goes and we bring in Oxlade as his replacement, that is just repeating the mistakes of the past, selling top class players and bringing in mediocre players that simply aren't up to it. As for Brandt, he will be going to Bayern, I can't see any other scenario than that.

07 Aug 2017 12:39:38
Neither should be an option coz they are wingers, not playmakers. We need a midfielder to replace Coutinho considering that's the position Klopp had assigned him to play in the future.

07 Aug 2017 13:05:48
Ox preferred position is attacking mid. He plays out wide sometimes for Arsenal to accommodate Ozil or in the new wing back role because of his athleticism.
I think he would do well in our team. Brandt would be awesome on the left. Brandt, Salah and Mane fighting out for two wing spaces would be excellent competition for places.
Neither player is better than Coutinho. Players of his Cali calibre are out of our reach, but bringing in 2 quality players would soften the blow.

07 Aug 2017 13:20:14
The best 'like for like' replacement we could hope for in my opinion would be Insigne, the lads got two right feet, good dribbler, and knows where the back of the net is and seems to have a lot of similar qualities to couts, I also believe Barcelona were looking at him earlier on in the year.

07 Aug 2017 11:16:23
so apparently we don't need a new CB that's like me saying I don't need to win the lottery.

07 Aug 2017 11:45:49
Its like Florentino Perez saying he does not want any more Galacticos.
Its like Everton claiming they are a bigger club than LFC.
Klopp's lost his marbles if he thinks our CB options are good enough. Lovren and Klavan make the art of defending look even more difficult than Everton, LFC, Arsenal or Spurs having any hopes of winning the premier league next season.

07 Aug 2017 11:52:37
To be fair to Klopp, we do have four. Joel Matip is no doubt first choice and then we have Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez and Ragnar Klavan. If we brought another one in, that would make five. Only two can play at a time in a back four. How many players can we possibly stockpile? I haven't even mentioned Juanma or the other younger CBs either!

Why can't people just get behind the players we do currently have? I for one am excited to see Gomez develop and hope he gets plenty of opportunities this season. Klavan was fine as a backup option and Lovren on his day is as good as any other centre back. I'm happy with that.

07 Aug 2017 12:10:35
Well did Buzzer.

07 Aug 2017 12:10:49
Sorry meant
Well said Buzzer lol.

07 Aug 2017 12:36:50
Nobody "needs" to win the lottery, it would be nice to, but nobody "needs" to. 😁.

{Ed025's Note - you have not seen my credit card bill then mikey..

07 Aug 2017 12:38:14
Who said anything about not getting behind our players? Of course all fans will get behind Klavan and LOvren so that the club does well. That is being hopeful and optimistic.
But what do u think really is going to happen? Do u see Lovren blossom into a world class defender next season by cutting out the stupid mistakes he makes from time to time?
Do u see Gomez being the second coming of Sami Hyppia? I highly doubt it considering the kid has had his fair share of injury problems and the fans will get on his back the moment he makes a costly error (which will happen at some point) .
Dpo u see Klavan injecting himself with Usain Bolt's genes and miraculously developing some speed to stop getting shredded by any forward with decent pace? Again highly unlikely.
People are unhappy with Klopp's CB option based on what they have seen in the past. Its not just their opinion but also a fact.
And what does this have to do with stockpiling? If a defender is not good enough, u move him on and replace him with a better one. Klopp should be able to see that our defense crumbles to pieces under any pressure from the opposition. Nothing has been done to improve our defense since the days of Hyppia, Carra and Agger.

07 Aug 2017 12:38:35
You tend to overanalyze and put too much stock on manager/ coach's comments. History teaches us not to.
Follow the action, not words.

Am sure Klopp's not going to bare his soul out. He knows what he wants and where we are. He doesn't have to tell us of course. Is obviously difficult the way fans are so hungry for 'news' and latching onto every'snippet'.

Ya'll need to chill.

07 Aug 2017 16:08:40
Reply to Indian Buzzer's comment 'Nothing has been done to improve our defense since carra, Hyppia etc. I think you will find a princely amount has been spent on that said defence!

07 Aug 2017 10:21:33
Looking forward to the new season kicking off.

The top 6 are so strong and it makes it difficult to predict who will make the final 4. Plus Everton have made some good signings and have a good manager who could cause an upset or two.

Spurs having a season at Wembley could be a factor that sees them struggle to get in the top 4. Arsenal finally have a striker but probably still a bit short in key areas. Utd have made some good signings and will be difficult to beat and a bit more potent up front. City got to be better than last year with their signings and Chelsea know how to win but will depends on the new lad up front and Hazard.

Momentum from the start will be the difference. we are so short term these days that a couple of defeats for any of the top 6 and the manager will be under intense pressure.

07 Aug 2017 10:03:55
Salah is more than capable down the middle.
And adding Brandt would allow Mane to play on the right, where he's more dangerous, IMO.

But I dunno if Brandt's still in Klopp's picture. I hope he is.

07 Aug 2017 10:26:35
yeah true, sounds good, but i wouldn't be scared if we didn't replace coutinho and invested in a better defender than lovren and better GK than karius and a DM like medel or martinez.

07 Aug 2017 10:32:40
Salah was bought for his speed like Mane, putting him in the middle would take his best attribute out of the game. If Coutinho leaves (which is looking likely) me personally I would like us to have a look at Muller make him feel loved cause he's not getting it in Munich and we all know he is world class when he's on form.

07 Aug 2017 10:32:40
Salah was bought for his speed like Mane, putting him in the middle would take his best attribute out of the game. If Coutinho leaves (which is looking likely) me personally I would like us to have a look at Muller make him feel loved cause he's not getting it in Munich and we all know he is world class when he's on form.

07 Aug 2017 11:17:16
A good replacement for coutinho would be eriksen but not a chance spurs would sell.

07 Aug 2017 18:06:34
Fowlersgod, forget Muller. Coutinho should be replaced with a midfielder who can play in a 3 man midfield. Its more and more obvious that Keita was the designated replacement, not someone meant to play with Coutinho. RM tried to sell Kovacic to Spurs earlier this window so why not bid for him? Not the same player as Coutinho but adds creativity and energy to our midfield.

07 Aug 2017 09:26:19
Guys is it just me that thinks we have no one in the squad to replace Coutinho? i've read down the page that Salah was brought in for that reason but that's garbage. Salah will play on the LW freeing up Couts to play in the centre ahead of a holding mid. If Couts leaves then we have no one who can play that roll imo. He is the only player who can miss the first man on set pieces and the one who picks a pass out to Mane, Firmino or Salah. We would need to replace him but not enough time to start looking.

07 Aug 2017 09:59:12
Mighty,

What people mean when they talk about Salah is that couts played LW last season. Salah/ Mane will play there this season. In effect, if couts were to play a different role this year - he himself would have kind of been like a new signing if that makes sense?

Technically speaking, if you take last years starting 11, Salah plays the wing instead of couts.

07 Aug 2017 10:00:55
Lallana - when fit - or firmino can, gini has played there.

07 Aug 2017 10:26:34
If Ben is managed right, spelled from the bench he can do it. In a year or so he'll be even better.

07 Aug 2017 10:38:30
If Coutinho does leave don't be surprised to see Firmino play in Coutinho's position down the middle/ behind the striker. This would make a lot more sense than playing Salah there and would enable us to actually play a proper striker up front who will get 20+ goals (Sturridge if he can stay fit) with Salah and Mane wide and may get the best out of Firmino as he is not a striker but perfectly suited to the trequartista role.

07 Aug 2017 08:41:54
Eds anyone coming in? Any names you care to share? Slow window so far, and if pip leaves could be a bad window.

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

07 Aug 2017 09:31:41
On a lighter note Paul merson has predicted we will finish outside the top four this season, so as with the way his predictions go about us expect the title at anfield in May 😊.

07 Aug 2017 09:44:13
Does he mean like we did last season where all the pundits tipped us to finish 6th at best?

07 Aug 2017 09:45:47
For once he's going to be right. Still, a broken clock is right twice a day,

07 Aug 2017 10:34:54
To be fair he puts us ahead of United if we kept Coutinho but he sees us losing him and can't see us being in that top 4 without him.

07 Aug 2017 10:47:35
I hope to god you don't go to Anfield FranklyMrShankly, it's this sort of negative thinking and attitude that is partly to blame for carp atmosphere!

Look up the meaning of the word 'Supporter'!

07 Aug 2017 11:53:29
Sorry scarface I disagree.

I've voiced my opinions on here, not what people want to here. But I'm still three with the buzz of match day.

It's everyone on their phones, a whole new stand dedicated to cooperate seats ( only 2,000 season tickets released out of 8,000 seats ) they are pert of the problem.

Nothing to do with voicing opinions on here

I happen to agree with Frankley.

07 Aug 2017 08:41:50
Would you accept 120 million pounds for Coutinihi?

07 Aug 2017 09:06:12
Yes if it's reinvested on quality!

07 Aug 2017 09:09:09
If the player wants to leave, then yes.
You can't keep a player against his will otherwise he just won't be as committed and you won't be getting the best out of him.

07 Aug 2017 09:13:31
But we won't invest it in equal quality, that's the point. Barcelona may as well just give us some magic beans for what it's worth.

07 Aug 2017 09:21:09
Only if he wants to leave. If he is happy to stay I wouldn't sell him. But if he wants to go and any offer over £80m came in I think selling is best for everyone. I really don't get those saying we should force him to stay.

For 80m I am sure we could replace him with someone of near quality and you never know who else might step up next year.

07 Aug 2017 09:23:23
Think 120 Million would be incredible business especially if the player wants to leave and we invest in the right manner this time. Panic buying late in the window could come into play thou which worries me.

07 Aug 2017 09:43:18
Angryandillinformed, in the current market £80m isn't near enough for a player of his quality, as for finding a near good enough replacement, good luck with that as there isn't much out there.

07 Aug 2017 09:53:03
I would not take a red cent for Barcelona or any other for Cou this season, period. He is not for sale cos we will be severely weakened as no team will part with their star players as replacements at this point of the preseason no matter how much money you get for Cou.

If the whole "you can't keep a player if he wants to go" mantra was valid. How did RBL keep NK when we were ready to pay near double his release clause and he even cried out to be let go? How did we keep Suarez who tried every trick in the book to get away from us in 2013? How did Saints keep Morgan, Wanyama and yes, Sadio Mane when they tried to force a move at different times? Exactly. That thinking is totally BS, IMO. That mantra is only true if you don't have the bottle to stand your ground, end of. If they could keep all these players for at least one more season, we can stand our ground and tell Barcelona to jog on. Will we? We shall see if we have the backbone to go the distance, just as RBL did for Keita and so on.

07 Aug 2017 08:26:07
Ed1 you say you like klopp style of play etc but say you don't like his behaviour in transfers but I Can't get my head round why this is all klopp fault. Lfc have done this for years predating both manager and owners so who exactly is it that persists with this starting point for transfer negotiations? Yes klopp hasn't been gray this seasons transfers but Surely FSG have been here long enough and are involved enough to sort this mess out and appoint people who know football and can negotiate smarter and without crossing lines. As you say ed1 we are lfc and that is a major attraction so why do we resort to behaviour like this? Bafflingly we have not learnt from our past!

{Ed001's Note - I do not care what happened before, that is no excuse for him to continually act the way he has. I fail to see that you have any point other than to deflect from Klopp's failings. I like Klopp but he has caused us a lot of problems in transfer dealings. That needs to be addressed by him, as well as the club. No point saying that is the way it has been done for years, each season is a chance to start anew.}

07 Aug 2017 08:47:07
My point is that as the club has done it for years major change in mentality / staff / both needs to happen I can't work out why we haven't learnt and why smart business people like fsg have not got a handle on it or is just that they publically say it's embarrassing and privately advocate it in which case they should be shamed too.

{Ed001's Note - and my point is that Klopp has also done so and not learnt, so this is not just down to the club so he cannot be excused.}

07 Aug 2017 08:50:04
One of the most dangerous sentences I know: we have always done it that way.

07 Aug 2017 08:50:15
Has he been told by the owners to cop himself on?

{Ed001's Note - the owners brought in a new man to make changes.}

07 Aug 2017 09:24:48
I'm a fan of Klopp but he is not bullet proof like most fans make out. The guy makes mistakes and is not above being questioned or criticised. The other day a pundit described him as a top class manager but not world class. As world class managers win things most seasons. Klopp has shown ambition by coming to us and not a bigger club, but he is paid 7 mill a year to bring us success. Our side under Klopp are absolutely scintillating going forward but defensively we are still weak and we are still yet to come up with a plan b of beating teams who park the bus.

07 Aug 2017 09:28:11
When? I have never said l klopp isn't to blame and again the point I am making is that it is lfc (that includes managers owners and employees) to blame so don't bash one element especially when publicalky lfc have not restored any faith other than an embarrassing apology.
Klopp behaviour terrible
Lfc transfer dealings in general and for quite some time disgusting
International business men at the helm of the club disgracefully shambolic
Lfc reputation in the gutter
l.

{Ed002's Note - Why do people want to bring up this same thing over and over again? Move on.}

07 Aug 2017 09:59:16
OP, stop defending the indefensible. If everyone has been jumping off a cliff, does that mean that you should do it too? I love Klopp too and would not trade him for anyone BUT he is solely to blame for his own actions in the TW with the whole tapping up crap and this needs to be addressed, period. Enough with the illogical deflections cos it is now becoming very tiring.

07 Aug 2017 09:59:52
Presumably because fans would like to understand why since 2012 Dempsey if not before we have made these mistakes and not learnt. It would be nice for this not to be an issue but it is. For the first time in years we've been linked to a top player who has publicly chosen us ahead of other teams right up there in the mix and our behaviour has all but stopped this (little if no chance of happening now) spoke to carra back on 7th June when it was all but a done deal and he said whilst it'd be great he thought something wasn't right and to . The following day it all collapsed. Of all the lfc connected people I spoke to that day only ha and Tommo suggested it wouldn't happen.
If lfc clean up there act maybe it wouldn't be a discussion point but they do so that's why and I think like most things in football we'll never find out if or how it's dealt with but as the game of football fans want to understand what's happening at their clubs.

It'll be lovely if it's sorted and we can just discuss pros and cons of ins and out but while this shambles continues every window you'll still get people asking if you know anything re how it's being addressed.

Great work by all the eds but as this is a transfer issue don't expect not to be asked about it when it keeps happening and we can't see how it will change.

07 Aug 2017 10:13:55
Klopp is a good coach and I'm happy he's at our club, but I wouldn't trust anything that comes out of his mouth. He says things to appease the fans when in reality Klopp does what Klopp wants. If you have actually listened to everything that has been said by him since he arrived he has contradicted himself so many times.

07 Aug 2017 10:26:37
Woluwe. If that is the case sack him. If you read the thread i am not defending anyone I was trying to see if the eds knew why is being done about it. they are all responsible to some extent ( is your boss not responsible for you) I just find it difficult to understand the extent of the issue and what is planned to resolve it. Who is the guy brought in to change things when did he come in and if it was or this saga I think it hasn't worked.

There are loads of threads whacking klop and that's fair his behaviour is terrible and not in line with lfc o was brought up on.

07 Aug 2017 08:09:32
Hi, first time poster, been reading this site for years, love it, was just wondering if Coutinho does go and after all Klopp's comments about him not being for sale would Klopp consider his position.

07 Aug 2017 08:20:28
Exactly my thoughts.

07 Aug 2017 08:23:13
Possible! He would look stupid after assuring fans over and over again on Coutinho!

07 Aug 2017 08:34:01
He seems to have boxed himself into a corner, I'm afraid.

07 Aug 2017 08:53:47
Everyone seems to forget that it's coutinho that wants to go to Barca, not klopp or Liverpool that want to sell.

07 Aug 2017 10:18:09
I wouldn't put money on Klopp not wanting to sell Coutinho.

07 Aug 2017 12:26:07
Um has anyone atopped to think that maybe klopp should just keep hia mouth shut? Zorc ran the show off the pitch at dortmund and liverpool need edwards to take a similar steanglehold on proceedings. Just let klopp work with the team, he is clearly uncapable of some of the management aspects.

{Ed002's Note - Edwards is far from being anything like Zorc at all.}

07 Aug 2017 07:52:36
Just a quick reply to jiz the red let the media talk and talk if it ain't about united chelsea or there beloved spurs they want to unsettle us so let them we've had it since for 20 odd yrs.

07 Aug 2017 08:46:15
You're not wrong there, Werlfc. Since Klopp arrived, the3y have been have been rooting for us and for him to fail and were prolly gutted that we finished ahead of their beloved Arsenal and Utd, who they tipped all of last season to finish in the top 4 and they all ended up with eggs on their faces. They are now back at it and if we manage to keep Couts, they still won't stop undermining Klopp.

07 Aug 2017 07:02:18
Why on earth would we even entertain discussions with Barcelona for our best player?
How hard is it for the decision makers to say NO. Surely we must have learnt something from RBL and Southampton.
We all know Keita wanted out but RBL said NO, simple as. Why can't we do the same?
We all know VVD wants out but Soton don't seem to be shaken.
Fact is players have contracts and are obliged to honour it.
Just say NO. The club should get a grip and grow a backbone or two.

07 Aug 2017 07:59:22
Unfortunately cash is king in this corrupt sport now mate.

07 Aug 2017 07:59:42
Coz you need BALLS to say NO! We don't have it like RBL or Southampton. Do you think Barcelona would play this car and mouse game with Chelsea or City? No.

07 Aug 2017 08:13:14
Totally agree. It is the worst time for selling Coutinho. We are just about to get the best out of him imo. JUST SAY NO to Barca.

07 Aug 2017 08:22:14
Ha (x4) - that's why it is so critical to hold on to Coutinho. Barcelona only do this because we bend over time and time again, they never chase after United's, City's or Chelsea's players and Real Madrid don't do it anymore either. We can't keep getting bullied by Barcelona every time we have a top player on our hands.

07 Aug 2017 08:56:42
I love you guys, Lowel, Hahaha, All Red et al! I have been saying the very same thing for weeks now. Other clubs stood their ground and said NO to us. Why can't we say to Barca, "Go fly a kite. We're not selling"? We don't need the money and don't need to sell. Even if Cou says he wants to leave, I don't care. If he wanted to leave then why did he sign his extension a few months ago then? Also, if we allow this to happen, what stops say Fiirmoino, from orchestrating a move to Real using Cou's tactics? That is the worst message to send to the DR and mark my words if we let him go now, we will regret it big time on and off the pitch.

07 Aug 2017 06:17:12
If Cout's goes then so be it, we have to swallow it and move on. Barcelona have just had to do the same with Neymar. The most annoying thing for me is that LFC still seem to think that not having the right structure in place above Klopp is acceptable, I think it's time that we appointed proper football people who are experts in negotiating and signing the correct players (budget/ interest permitting) across all levels. The damage we have caused ourselves over the last few years needs putting right. I would rather us spend a little money getting that right.

07 Aug 2017 07:59:07
Neymars clause was met they could not turn it down, and they even tried fighting that. We have allowed talks to be held. If we sell Count then that means we have less back bone than Saints and Leipzig.

{Ed001's Note - actually Barca did quite the opposite, they were happy to take the money. It was the league itself that wanted to block the move, Barca had to ask them to allow it.}

07 Aug 2017 09:31:15
Ok cheers for that Ed 01. All other media including experts in Spain said differently. But hey ho who am I to question anyone. Great site keep up the great work all Eds.

{Ed001's Note - that is the story Barca want people to hear, but it is not true.}

07 Aug 2017 04:34:01
Sorry eds. I read every day and the fickle fan drives me nuts about transfers and I want them all to shutup.
Rant:
Klopp can take this current team to the top 4 and get past group stages of champs league. Will likely mean fa and league cup get tossed aside until we can grow our squad but I don't care. Klopp very clearly outlined Salah, VVD, and Keita as his desired big names and won't take players of lesser quality. This is the right approach. Everyone talks about competing in four competitions but you can't expect that until a team has been built with full internationals all over the pitch. This takes a solid run of years competing in the champions league to attract those players and/ or develop them. When you have someone like Klopp at the helm we can do both. Selling clubs can still be completely uncooperative though. Doesn't mean we go for lesser quality. It means we wait for the team to come to terms with losing a star player or another of equal quality to become available. We will sell players along the way as well. Players we as fans hate to see go. How many Barcelona fans do you suppose were happy to see Neymar leave? And Neymar is not an exception apart from the fee. Luis Figo swapped Barcelona for Real Madrid (holly rubbish that happened, I remember that, football is mad! ), Andriy Shevchenko left A. C. Milan who were at the time the biggest club on the planet and he was regarded as the best striker of his time. Klopp does not believe there are many, if any, that are better than VVD, so he won't bother looking at others unless he is forced to, that only happens if VVD moves to another club. Keita is a rare talent. His performances and resulting stats from last season are off the charts. So who do we sign as an alternative? Lanzini, no we don't, that's like signing stuart downing and how coke and expecting Ryan Giggs and Arjen Robben. Only a few players are worth truly breaking the bank for. Dembele? Perhaps. Dybala? Yes. Verrati, please. Griezman, Bale, Muller, Koke, Hummels, Vidal. who of them do you suppose is more available than Keita? Not a one so we wait and Klopp works magic with what he has until he has more.

07 Aug 2017 07:26:03
WGD we are all aloud an opinion
We all know if you don't strengthen and sigh players that are needed then you get left behind. Who's to say VVD and keita will still be available next year.

07 Aug 2017 07:48:16
Klopp can take this team to top 4 and out of group stages of CL. When did we turn into Arsenal? Klopp outlined the 3 players and won't take anyone of less quality. I agree that, that is a good way to do business. But you're telling us there is no other players in world football available that has same or better quality. The other players you mention to back up your Weak argument are all retired. Some have been for a while. You may think you're not a fickle fan but it's a fickle argument.

07 Aug 2017 08:38:34
All of this Arsenal bashing astounds me. They have won 3 Premier League titles and numerous domestic cups since we last won the First Division. Not to mention 17 consecutive years in the Champions League until this season.

Being honest, I'd have loved that level of success over the last 20 years.

07 Aug 2017 09:34:13
Clarkey agree perhaps my Arsenal example wasn't the best but what I mean is why are we happy to say let's get top 4 and just out of CL group. As it stands we haven't even qualified into the group and with our current squad 4th will be a massive challenge let alone anything higher. We used to feel defeated if we came 2nd. Now we don't even aim that high.

07 Aug 2017 03:23:28
Surely if Couts were to leave, the most obvious thing to do would be to drop Firmino back into the attacking midfield role which we originally bought him for, and instead look elsewhere for a striker/ make use of what we already have. Whether or not Origi/ Solanke are ready to lead the line would be another question.

06 Aug 2017 22:57:06
Ed 1 question if possible I feel negatively from you towards klopp can I ask why please as your intitiled to your opinion just as much as ours cheers.

{Ed001's Note - negativity in what way? I am just annoyed with him tapping up players when there is no need to do so. We are LFC, not Dortmund, we do not need to smooze players, there are many around that would love the chance to play for us. It has done nothing but harm to our reputation and made it more difficult to sign the players, so why do it? Other than that, I like Klopp, I enjoy the way we play football under him and think he is taking us forward on the pitch.}

07 Aug 2017 07:46:50
I disagree Ed, I believe the days when players wanted to play for LFC are long gone. i think we do have to try and smooze players.

{Ed001's Note - then you have no idea about football whatsoever. Robertson was desperate to join us. Salah is a Liverpool fan and was desperate to join us. VVD wanted to join us anyway, we were always his choice. Keita was keen on us. You can disagree all you like but you are wrong.}

07 Aug 2017 07:50:26
I think you're getting Ed 01 and Ed 02 confused Werlfc. I've not seen anything positive from Ed 02 on Klopp. Not having a go Ed 02 everyone is entitled to their opinion and I agree with some of your Klopp comments.

07 Aug 2017 07:52:02
Can't get my head round why this is all klopp fault. Lfc have done this for years predating both manager and owners so who exactly is it that persists with this starting point for transfer negotiations? Surely FSG have been here long enough and are involved enough to sort this mess out and appoint people who know football and can negotiate smarter and without crossing lines. As you say ed1 we are lfc and that is a major attraction so why do we resort to behaviour like this? Bafflingly we have not learnt from our past!

07 Aug 2017 01:25:32
It's unbelievable how many people on this site read a rumour and completely lose their minds. Wait until something actually happens before you start crying about it. Don't get me wrong if Coutinho leaves and isn't properly replaced I'll be furious but until that happens I will reserve judgment. Those people saying this season is already over are a complete embarrassment, you sound like absolute babies. I'm not even convinced you are Liverpool supporters but if you are maybe you should support another team.

07 Aug 2017 00:48:03
Personally I think we all need to relax, klopp and the club are trying to get players in. They are aware that we need 2/ 3 more players. VVD will arrive and probably 1/ 2 more. Just relax.

07 Aug 2017 02:08:48
He will not be coming to play for LFC.

06 Aug 2017 23:45:24
My opinion is that the media know Barcelona want coutinho and they normally get their man - they are just putting two and two together and hoping to come out looking like they know - they may be right, but it's just guess work.

07 Aug 2017 01:10:00
Think Coutinho's gone now mate. Klopp maybe agreed to let him move on once he realised Barcelona were willing to put up good money to make the move happen. What's the point of keeping a player who will eventually move on next season after you have built your team around him? Another rebuilding job?
Better to take 100 million now and sign a CB and a Coutinho replacement who will be at LFC for the long run. My choices would be Manolas and Kovacic but Klopp sees VVD/ nobody and Meyer as adequate replacements.

07 Aug 2017 04:17:40
Or you could keep Countinho for a year, let the new players bed in and then sell him. That way you have 12 months to find a replacement whilst reducing the impact on the team of him leaving. If he is professional enough to give you 100% for the next 12 months then what do you lose?