Liverpool Banter Archive November 08 2016

08 Nov 2016 19:15:20
Hi Eds interesting to see fans comments on buying another CB and LB. As i heard Klopp say at end of last transfer window 'what's wrong with coaching a player to improve him' or words to that affect. So with versatile players like Lucas, Can, Gomez, Milner and a bit of an improvement with Moreno I don't think he's in any rush to add to these positions, certainly not in January.

08 Nov 2016 20:06:48
We already have a good CB. His name is Lucas.

08 Nov 2016 22:58:18
Lucas is class, all the talk about he mayy be moving on in summer isn't good, I hope to christ he goes nowhere, even as a backup, he's sound.

08 Nov 2016 23:35:55
Hopefully Lucas will keep his place at cb and form a strong partnership with matip. I think he deserves a run in the starting 11.

09 Nov 2016 00:13:58
I think Klopp likes a settled squad and only buy if absolutely necessary.
There wll be few players available in January that would improve our first team squad and We have plenty talent in u23s to cover any injuries.
If we don't use them what's the point in having them.

09 Nov 2016 08:11:11
I put a post up prior to the Watford game assessing our centre back options and said even then that Lucas and Matip were the best partnership we had available.

You need your keeper, your centre backs and your holding midfielder to exude confidence, calmness and composure.

Lovren (like Skrtel, Sakho and Mignolet before him) just does not do that. He is not a bad player. But not of the quality required to take us forward to the same level as the Barca's, Madrids and Bayerns of this world.

Lucas has potential to grow into the centre back role in the same way defensive midfielders such a Kompany, Mascherano and Lothar Matthaeus have before him. Loren is a specialist centre back though who has come through the system plying his trade and should not be lagging behind a 28 year old former attacking midfielder who has had at least 3 major knee injuries. Lucas is without a shadow of a doubt the better centre back right now and i have every faith in Klopp to improve him in this role. He is also up there alongside Henderson as one of if not the best leader in the squad.

This has happened before with regards to underestimating Lucas, but he is a very intelligent player who will work hard, adapt his game, and come out a better player on the other side; just as he always does.

09 Nov 2016 15:17:48
He is going on the summer MK. Don't loose your sleep over it.

09 Nov 2016 15:35:12
Lucas can be the Cannavaro of Liverpool, relying less on height but more on intelligent reading of game.

08 Nov 2016 14:29:32
I just watched the Watford highlights again.
What a performance!
And what's more Coutinho looks so happy.
If we're up there come the end of the season, why would we want to leave?
Something special is happening at Anfield.

08 Nov 2016 20:08:10
That first half alone was breathless and we could have scored five in that half alone. Just brilliant football.

08 Nov 2016 10:09:20
hi edds any news on stevie gerrard seen reports linking him to celtic and was wondering if lfc would offer him some sort of coaching role we know he hasn't got the legs to carry on but he's a lfc legend any views on this edds.

{Ed001's Note - what on earth do we want him back at the club for? He has not proven himself to be a quality coach, like he did as a player, so what need to we have for him? He needs to go and learn the role first, before we should even consider him. He was a disruptive influence in his later years as a player, he should be kept well clear until he has seen what life is like on the other side, away from his pampered existence. Then we can see if he has the talent off the pitch he had on it.}

08 Nov 2016 10:26:59
Not sure if his other mentors would take him back, Rafa and Brendan? Hell No.

08 Nov 2016 11:24:30
Ed01 what do you think about the comments made in the media a while back that the FA need to keep hold and fast track former top players into coaching. I found the comments pretty laughable considering the main reason put forward that this would be good, is because their experience of playing at the top would translate to them being top coaches. This must be a kick in the teeth for any aspiring coach who has worked hard but is overlooked just because he/ she didn't play the game at a high level. Why should former player be fast-tracked just because they played the game, it doesn't make them any better at coaching than someone who hasn't.

{Ed001's Note - it is just stupidity from media morons with no idea what they are talking about. 99% of the best coaches in every sport have never been high level at the sport they coach in. The skillsets are completely different. Just fast track the best coaches, the best players do not need fast tracking.}

08 Nov 2016 11:49:55
I agree, wasn't Arrigo Sacchi a shoemaker or something before he was appointed the manager of Milan?

{Ed001's Note - I think he was a shoe salesman, prior to managing. Hence his quote about not realising you needed to be a horse first before you could become a jockey.}

08 Nov 2016 13:12:35
By the way, slightly off topic, what did/ do you think of Sacchi? People in England never seem to put him among the best managers ever.

08 Nov 2016 13:33:03
Wenger was an electrical engineer i think.

08 Nov 2016 19:01:48
What?
Sacchi? Not one of the top coaches?
Have you been talking to leek?

Sacchi is easily one of the best ever IMO.

08 Nov 2016 20:03:47
Geez he wins the Champions League twice, takes Italy to World Cup final for first time in 20 years (with a team that was considered weak), innovates in a league which was a byword for conservatism and yet isn't considered one of the greats. i'm not sure why not. His Milan side were fantastic.

08 Nov 2016 20:19:16
Wenger actually tried to play football at AS Nancy but was not good at it so he did try to be a footballer. As for the great Arrigo Sacchi, if you want to know how good he was as a manager, look no further than to Jeugen Klopp as Klopp himself, stated in an interview, that Sacchi along with Wolfgang Frank (his Mainz coach and a Sacchi disciple) are his two footballing and managerial idols.

08 Nov 2016 22:04:11
Ed, I couldn't agree with you more.

08 Nov 2016 22:48:38
I didn't say I didn't think he was one of the best ever. I'm just wondering why public opinion in England never seem to class him with other greats.

08 Nov 2016 08:18:51
'Kevin Stewart, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn have today committed their futures to Liverpool FC by signing long-term contracts with the club. '

Great news!

08 Nov 2016 09:44:22
That is great news liverpoolfc16.

08 Nov 2016 09:13:42
some super news, any 1 else who the club is trying to get on a new contract Eds?

{Ed001's Note - not sure off the top of my head, not really something I look into too closely as contracts are pretty much irrelevant these days.}

08 Nov 2016 10:03:43
Thats true ed1.

{Ed001's Note - their main purpose these days seems to be to give agents a big wedge and players financial security. Not so sure that either of those things are a good thing at the age these 3 lads are. Will they still have the same fire in their belly when they know they have enough money to retire tomorrow? On the other hand, if they are forced into retirement through injury, it is good to know they won't starve. A middle ground needs to be found though, or we risk seeing young players lose their way.}

08 Nov 2016 11:03:22
Any other sports have a good model to follow that you know of Ed?

{Ed001's Note - not really. Maybe the American sports way of putting them through college first would help.}

08 Nov 2016 11:45:30
there biggest challenge now is to break into the 1st team, stewart for example has lost his place to emre can and is getting to the age where he should be playing more often. Agree with ed001 about how money influences young players, some cannot cope with it and lose motivation very quickly, education could be a very useful tool as there have been countless examples of players wasting there potential but have been very well paid as there career goes down the toilet.

08 Nov 2016 11:33:30
Really like Stewart, well like them all but just can't see how Stewart gets into the team considering he's not actually that young.

08 Nov 2016 13:14:14
The college thing is problematic because what happens when these players are forced to go to college and get career ending injuries. They could've made millions had they not went to college. Plus, let actual academics get those scholarships, or at least athletes that actually want to go to college.

08 Nov 2016 14:07:45
I think college is a good idea because for every superstar that comes from the rank, there's Probably 20 or 30 who fail to make the cut and what then? The college system is good because it gives young athletes an education and even if they leave college and go pro, many NFL stars have gone back to college to finish their majors, having an education is an excellent backup in my opinion. Even some college guys make the cut but quickly fall back out after a couple of years, if Kevin Stewart had a career ending injury aside from the money and to my knowledge he doesn't have a degree what does he have, but if it was American way he'd have a major to fall back on, right Ed?

08 Nov 2016 14:07:45
I think college is a good idea because for every superstar that comes from the rank, there's Probably 20 or 30 who fail to make the cut and what then? The college system is good because it gives young athletes an education and even if they leave college and go pro, many NFL stars have gone back to college to finish their majors, having an education is an excellent backup in my opinion. Even some college guys make the cut but quickly fall back out after a couple of years, if Kevin Stewart had a career ending injury aside from the money and to my knowledge he doesn't have a degree what does he have, but if it was American way he'd have a major to fall back on, right Ed?

{Ed001's Note - you would hope so anyway. I know a lot of the clubs, including Liverpool, are now putting in more effort to ensure their academy lads get a proper education, just in case. Maybe we will just naturally end up there over time.}

08 Nov 2016 14:31:46
Cheers Ed, it would take a lot of rejigging of the whole entire system to replicate the American since pros come from college whereas our pros come from the academy, and our college/ Uni sports is nowhere near as competitive and popular as it is over there.

08 Nov 2016 14:43:44
Couldn't agree more ed1, on all points, spot on.

08 Nov 2016 14:50:48
yeah don't most of Liverpool academy players go to Rainhill High School alongside their YTS. Think Everton send there's to Wade Deacon in Widnes aswell.

08 Nov 2016 18:13:08
I have always thought that these young lads should have their money held in trust until they get older and only be given an allowance.
Liam Brady (Ireland and Arsenal Legend for the young lads) said that while scouting for young Irish players at English clubs, he found plenty of young players in the reserves who were earning 7 or 8 times what their parents earned, who thought they had made it. They had lost their hunger. This must also be a big part of the cause of the decline of English players in the EPL.

08 Nov 2016 20:28:19
In France and Germany, the club academy players have to not just play football, but to also pass their secondary school diplomas or they won`t make the team. This is what also happens in American sports as the kids have to go to college and play before being drafted by pro teams. Certain colleges like Stanford, are strict with kids` grades as if they don`t do well in class, they won`t play regardless of talent. Whereas, others like Ohio State, Florida and so on, fast track the talented ones to play instantly hence, ruining their futures outside of the game.

08 Nov 2016 07:15:33
I know January is not the right time to buy players as most clubs wouldn't sell their players midway through the season. But Mahrez and Sule are two players I would love us to try and convince their parent club. Both would take the club to a whole new level IMO. A massive improvement / addition to the squad and for a very long run.
The other advantage being in summer there would be many more interested in both the players and it would be nearly impossible for us to get them unless you are willing to pay way way over the tops.
Not easy but after watching Sule in particular this lad is massive. He would fix 60% of our defensive problem without a doubt. Excellent on the ball. Tall and would win almost everything in the air. Strong and physical and reads the game brilliant. He has a brilliant eye for a pass. Perfect fit alongside Matip.
Mahrez is a natural fit if Coutinho leaves in the summer.

I cannot see either joining us in this summer as there would be host of clubs who would offer insane money to both of them.

Just my opinion.

08 Nov 2016 07:31:13
Couts leaving is nothing but an "if" at the moment. If he doesn't leave, who's place does mahrez take on the starting 11? What happens to Ojo? I think people need to get off lovrens back as well, he's had one howler game against Swansea. We're doing just fine at the moment.

My January request to you Harry is to stop fawning over every player who doesn't play for lfc and simply enjoy our boys efforts without talking about who else we can buy or about dembele, kante, kovacic etc etc.

08 Nov 2016 07:46:24
Where would Maharez play again, improvement us by a long way how, Sule would cost a handfull.

08 Nov 2016 07:56:41
Sule I can understand if we sell Sakho - Mahrez no need IMO, give Ojo a shot or play Origi out wide if we need to rest Mane etc.

08 Nov 2016 07:57:08
Sule would improve us by 60%?

Where do you get these numbers from? By my calculations, he would only improve us aerially by 41% and 28% in tackling.

Let's share our working.

08 Nov 2016 08:14:20
Sule is a massive improvement on ever learning Lovren who after 3 good years still struggling. No wonder a free singing has been solid in just over 10 games. Not sure what has he actually improved? He buckles up against any decent attacks.
All this Ojo talks scares me and reminds me of Ibe and Flanagan. We need to be careful and not pump pressure on the kid who has barely kicked a ball in the top flight.

08 Nov 2016 08:30:14
Is Sule and Marhez the new Kovacic, Harry?

08 Nov 2016 09:02:33
Both to me would be a waste of money, we have ojo, we have gomez, we don't need Sule or Mahrez.

08 Nov 2016 09:56:11
Harry,

Sule MIGHT be a big improvement, he's young and not used to bpl, there are no guarantees, we're top of the table and lovren has certainly improved since under rodgers. This is his 3rd year so he's been with us just over 2 years.

I'm not saying Ojo is definitely going to be good enough but if we bought mahrez when I'd ever going to get a chance to prove it?

08 Nov 2016 10:17:23
87

Makes sense now rather than having a go at the OP without looking into the context. The problem is we overhype our youngsters and then put huge pressure to step in and become next Carra and next Gerrard in turn they loose it all and end up at Milan or Blackpool.
Let's go easy with them. Ojo for sure as he is coming off from an injury.

Kevin Stewart is ready. You could play him in the big games.

{Ed001's Note - in most of those cases, it wasn't about pressure or being overhyped, they simply never got the chances to prove themselves. They don't 'loose it all', they just get fed up of waiting for a game and go elsewhere to get first team football.}

08 Nov 2016 10:31:08
I wouldn't disagree over you on that sentiment Ed01. But among the youngsters I would try Stewart. I am not entirely confident on others except maybe TAA.

08 Nov 2016 11:08:53
Dear Eds and Reds,

Salutations to all, This is just a very polite request to Harry.

Dude seriously, enjoy the current team, enjoy the wonderful football, enjoy being Top, enjoy all of the CURRENT LFC players giving their all and to the best of their abilities to get us to where we are. All you have been going on about is this player and that player, yes we may have weaknesses in certain parts of the team, but you know what even with this we are playing so well, why can't you just enjoy it without fawning over other teams players and "what if" scenarios of player x leaving for Accrington Stanley or Barcelona.

Enjoy the here and now dude and chill out! there is so much to enjoy with this team, they are a joy to watch and put a smile to not just LFC fans faces but now the neutral fans too! so many of my non-LFC supporting friends (except Manc and Everton) are drooling about the football we are playing at the moment.

Enjoy it dude!

Peace out
YNWA.

08 Nov 2016 11:36:22
Red Sanity

Where did you see me dull in my post. Majority of my post are questions / Opinions to Editors or my observations on the current team, Style, Structures and various parts of the club.
Far from negative I tried discussing about two players who I thought would improve my current team.
Apologies if that is what you call being negative.

Absolute peace and Meditation.

08 Nov 2016 11:54:30
Nothing new and certainly nothing surprising to any regular reader here. Two weeks ago Karius had to be "moved on". Last week it was Henderson. And this week it is Lovren. But you have a major problem now, Harry. Since Klopp had reduced the first team roster drastically from 52 players (where you could have gone after each player for the 52 weeks), you will now have to slow down a bit and give each player an average of two weeks worth of slating and your "observations and discussions". But you're funny (sometimes) and consistent.

And by the way, your meditation is not working. Your negative energy precedes you by a mile. You need to try harder. Much much harder.

08 Nov 2016 12:36:00
Hi Harry,

dude if it was just 1 or 2 players it would be something, but each week you have a new target; this should tell you something. that given time and game time, a lot of players will improve and get better. shock, horror! who would think it aye! and sometimes a player will have an off game. shock, horror. It happens dude, and during these times we as LFC supporters support them to get them to their best.

dude enjoy the team, support the team, be a proper fan of the team and support them through thick and thin. and seriously just chill!

peace out
YNWA.

08 Nov 2016 17:13:04
Harry. "Peace and meditation". Lmao.
Fellow reds, we should enjoy Harry's performance. With the team top of the table he is nonetheless showing total dedication to negativity. You have to admire his committment.
Taking my tongue out of my cheek, the best time to strengthen will be in the summer, barring major injury. We don't want to sign a Tino Asprilla MK 2 in January.

08 Nov 2016 19:09:00
No-one has a bigger appetite for constant new signings than Harry. Every player who isn't at our club is automatically better than anyone we already have.