Liverpool Banter Archive August 09 2017

 

Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.

09 Aug 2017 23:49:55
I think now is the right time to cash in on couts he is r jewel in the crown but he's only good for 3/ 4 of a season he's prone to a knock or two . my only concern is replacing him a week before the season. and if we get neymar money everybody's price will go up and klopps nobody's fool but I'm afraid he'll take a stand to show that he'll only do business at the right price and that could cost us!

Believable7 Unbelievable15

10 Aug 2017 00:13:17
Since when is Couts prone to a knock or two? Have you seen how he gets targeted and kicked but seems to be able to push on, much the same way Suarez did?
If we sell, how can we expect to attract top players if they think the other top players in the team might be sold?
I know when Barcelona and Real come knocking there tends to be only one outcome, but IF the club take a stand, even if it's just for 1 more season, it sends a decent message.
I grew up in our hey day of the 70's and then the magical 80's, so I know the feeling of seeing us win the league. Many on here don't know that feeling. Trust me, if holding on to our best players increases our chances of the title, you won't care about the money we missed out on.


10 Aug 2017 00:40:24
The money we miss out on is SO MUCH outweighed by the perils of losing our best player. For some reason, some football fans are conditioned to believe that any large transfer receipt is automatically good business and a good outcome. Yeah okay, maybe if you're Brighton FC, but not Liverpool. We don't need that money to progress, we need our best players.


10 Aug 2017 01:18:41
Look I understand about the perils about losing our best players but we're no talking about stevie g here or Suarez
Couthino is tied into a 5 yr contract with no release fee so we hold all the cards now I'm not saying we have to sell. we don't. but here's a thing a lot of reds we're openly saying recently if Barcelona come in for £85/ 90 million you have to let him go. but now after the neymar situation why not push for double that surely that's good business receiving 35% above a players market value. giving klopp free reign to strengthen the squad were he sees fit for a season involving both PL and CL you can't build a team around one man these days spurs have coped without bale and united have sold the likes of Ronaldo and beckham . after losing stevie g we have still made progress so let's not get carried away by thinking the departure of couthino will make the wheels fall off . jurgens a very shrewd man !


10 Aug 2017 06:17:39
So who would you buy with 90m, Readingred, considering the transfer window is over soonish?


10 Aug 2017 12:11:45
To be honest I think harry Wilson should be utilised a lot more he has been one of our most exciting and consistent u23's. the way the market is no one is valued correctly everyone is inflated . however oxlade chamberlain is someone who is of the right pedigree to fit the bill . providing we can successfully cut a deal.


09 Aug 2017 23:25:26
I think Barcelona repeatedly and utterly taking the p155 now One thinks.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 23:46:26
What have they been smoking? I think they missed a '1' off at the start.


{Ed025's Note - i know prices are getting silly..but thats ridiculous..

10 Aug 2017 00:05:04
Fair enough if Coutinho leaves in the end but it really winds me up how Barcelona think they can mess us about by offering way below what we'd consider. Good stance by the club rejecting it so swiftly.


{Ed025's Note - im sure southampton and RBL will be asking the same..

10 Aug 2017 01:02:32
Exactly Ed025. How many times have we low balled a team to then lose out because someone else stepped in and did the business?
Also, we can't complain about how any other team we are in negotiations with behaves, not after the last few years.


{Ed025's Note - all teams are hypocrites burkey, they all want to play low ball when bidding for players but when someone comes in for one of theirs its an absolute disgrace if they dont want to pay top dollar, everton have been guilty for years and are now being bitten on the arse by swansea, and of course swans are to blame..

09 Aug 2017 23:23:26
How many people would be happy is the transfer window closed now?

Believable2 Unbelievable3

{Ed025's Note - all the eds i suspect ant..

09 Aug 2017 23:27:47
I'd take it now.


10 Aug 2017 00:31:04
I'd be delighted.


10 Aug 2017 01:06:21
Not sure. Dream next few days: Couts stays for another year, VVD signs as does Keita. Not bothered if Can stays. Moreno, Clyne and Klavan go. Don't hate, just my opinion.


09 Aug 2017 23:14:06
A certain African player who plays in Germany has started following a Liverpool based barber shop on Instagram.
Not saying he's joining LFC, he might just need a trim on his winter hols this year.

Believable9 Unbelievable6

09 Aug 2017 23:48:02
How can anyone disagree, it is a FACT!


10 Aug 2017 06:55:27
I think it's hilarious Kirkbyred1 and you're right, I was only relaying a fact, but I guess some are just fed up.
Can't personally see us getting him now, but just interesting that this happened yesterday.
Still hoping for a couple more good signings incoming, still think the spine of the team needs strengthening (a CB, CM and ST) and would like to see a couple of players go such as Lazar and Sakho (if Klopp can't forgive), plus loan out a couple of players on the fringes.
3 longs weeks to go!


10 Aug 2017 07:48:45
Players get bored and mischevious in their spare time, if it iseven them posting to it and not an assistant or family member. If most on here were players they'd be doing all sorts of stuff to screw with rumours etc.


10 Aug 2017 08:30:45
Of course, all celebs/ sports stars etc. get bored. They're no different to us regular peasants ha! They may have more money but that doesn't make them different. But there's hopefully something to these events yesterday. Depending on price obviously (if above £60 million I'd rather we kept clear) .


09 Aug 2017 22:27:58
hey eds, sorry if this has been asked before? been away and can't seem to find info on previous posts.

if keita joined and coutinho stayed. would this mean its likely we will lose emre can? . or is none of this linked?

i just hope emre can stays. thanks for all your hard work.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I would try to avoid complivating matters.}

10 Aug 2017 00:37:53
I hope not. Hendo aside, Can's the only realistic option we have in the deep midfield position. Letting both Lucas and Stewart go will look very ridiculous if Can leaves too.


09 Aug 2017 23:04:56
What's with the rumours about Naby Keita looking at houses in Liverpool area? I haven't heard anything anywhere apart from what's been posted on here. Could anyone shed any light for me possibly please?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Detached, parking for several cars, needs a new kitchen, nice garden.}

09 Aug 2017 23:10:14
Sounds like my cup of tea. Ed002 ever thought of becoming an estate agent? You're really selling me this property. Any thing else I should know about the house?


09 Aug 2017 23:26:26
You forgot the large room with Liverpool crest on the door to house his many trophies and accolades he's won whilst playing at the best club in the world.


{Ed025's Note - but cleaning the cobwebs off the EPL trophy cabinet will be one hell of a job for the maid..

09 Aug 2017 23:42:45
Could always lend EFCs maids for now eh ed25 😂😂.


{Ed025's Note - you cant im afraid UL, they are in intensive training for this coming season mate.. :)

09 Aug 2017 23:43:41
Only the same for the majority of PL playing clubs then Ed.


10 Aug 2017 03:03:47
Cos they're playing Ed25?


{Ed025's Note - only if gylfi doesn,t come der..

09 Aug 2017 22:57:46
Just a thought, but why aren't Barcelona after NB if he's so good?

Believable2 Unbelievable4

09 Aug 2017 23:10:16
They rarely take punts on long time proven players unless they're Spanish. He also doesn't fit that Iniesta profile like Phil does.


09 Aug 2017 23:11:21
Potatoes.

Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer.
If you're actually serious and can't comprehend the difference in players styles, and as to why they need a couts and not a keita, then there's no hope for you.


09 Aug 2017 23:15:55
Because they like South America spainish and European players.


09 Aug 2017 23:47:39
Benny

ED002 said Verrati was first choice and he's completely different to Coutinho so its not that stupid a question. Naby Keita 8 is probably right tbh.


10 Aug 2017 00:30:49
I don't think they target players like Keita because they're high energy players. Countiho although has a burst of energy occasionally tends to rely on his on ball ability rather than running. That's the same with Veratti so the fact they are more possession based players is probably the reason Barcelona want Coutinho/ Veratti.


10 Aug 2017 00:38:55
Barca will bid for Naby too, but only after he has proven himself with LFC. But Im confident LFC will have been challenging for major honours by then and we can tell Barcelona to do one and disappear.


09 Aug 2017 22:53:09
ed002 now the second bid of £90m has been turned down. do expect them to come back or move on. I can't see PSG selling Verratti so who would they turn to next I know they have the £200m burning an hole in there pocket and they need to flecks there muscles after the way they lost Naymar and they don't normal lose players they won't to keep last one like that must have been Luis Figo and that was 17 years ago.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I don't know what their plan is now. They might well look again at Verratti given PSG need to raise funds and are looking at a further significant buy.}

09 Aug 2017 23:12:48
May I ask who, In the words of Del Boy, is the significant other.


{Ed025's Note - mbappe i would think benny..

10 Aug 2017 00:40:11
Bit surprised Barcelona are not pushing aggressively for Verratti. He is their 1st choice and PSG need to sell so clearly have better chance of "Nabbying" him than Coutinho.


09 Aug 2017 23:49:30
Why won't PSG sanction Verratti leaving Ed002?


{Ed002's Note - Because they want to keep him.}

09 Aug 2017 22:43:18
Ed 002.do you think Barcelona will make a third bid? I think it's unlikely at least not before qualifiers against Hoffenheim? El Mundo Deportivo seem less confident about Coutinho's transfer to Barcelona after second bid was rejected.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I don't know. Perhaps.}

09 Aug 2017 22:29:49
I have to applaud FSG for immediately turning down the second bid from Barcelona. I am also pleased they have told Barcelona they will be wasting their time with a 3rd bid. Excellent work FSG. YNWA.

Believable10 Unbelievable0

{Ed025's Note - im sure if he does go that we will have an influx of FSG out posts though mate..

09 Aug 2017 22:42:24
Would I be right in thinking that the only way FSG would sell is if Coutinho forces the move? If that is the case then we can't really blame FSG. Can we? Thanks for your hard work eds. This is the only site I trust and your knowledge is much appreciated.


09 Aug 2017 23:05:00
Not that I think Phil is the type, but how can a player "force" a move if he is on a recently signed long term contract with no buy out clause? Refusing to play? Not giving his all? Even if that were the case, would never happen to a player with World Cup ambitions.


09 Aug 2017 23:20:07
Ask VVD Slack.


{Ed025's Note - exactly ron..

09 Aug 2017 23:48:45
I take your point, but that's one hell of risk!


09 Aug 2017 22:15:23
The biggest sign we need would be on Tuesday.

If Coutinho plays against Hoffeinham, then he would be cup tied to play for Barcelona in UCL. That would reduce the hopes of Barcelona signing.

If NK doesn't arrive, there is no way Liverpool would let Coutinho leave. I hope NK's arrival wouldn't soften their stance on Cout

I just hope he stays and 'he would be our signing of the summer'

Believable1 Unbelievable11

{Ed002's Note - No he wouldn't.}

09 Aug 2017 23:16:46
the "cup-tied" rules that people are thinking about don't apply during the qualifying phases. under the rules he could play for us and then he could play for Barcelona in the group stages.


10 Aug 2017 11:20:25
Not cup tied from a qualifier.


09 Aug 2017 22:00:50
Ed002, you keep saying Barcelona will not buy Countinho next summer and that this is effectively his only chance to go. Can you explain why this is? -sorry if I have missed the explanation previously. I couldn't find anything on the search function.
Thanks.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - I have said it once as far as I recall. I am not sure where I said "this is effectively his only chance to go" - perhaps you can point that out.}

09 Aug 2017 22:38:29
Not in so many words. On the rumours page ed002 said he (PC) would need to understand ruling out his chance of moving to Barcelona and that he very much doubted Barcelona would resume interest next summer.


09 Aug 2017 22:45:16
Basically, Barcelona will want to bring in new faces to offset the loss of Neymar this summer, not next summer, because they're a side that expect to regularly win their domestic league and challenge for the Champions League. They don't do "transition" or "rebuilding" seasons.

So if they can't get Coutinho this season, they'll get someone else, which somewhat diminishes the likelihood of them still needing Coutinho next summer.


09 Aug 2017 23:03:46
So Barcelona won't buy anyone next summer to replace Iniesta when it is widely reported they want Coutinho to replace him not Neymar? Of course they'll be back for him and if they're not he'll go to Madrid. Either way I'm sure he'll be quite happy.


09 Aug 2017 23:21:50
Barca are struggling financially.

they're not the force once they were neither have got resources or squad like Madrid.

Whatever money they got from neymar, they would be spending both on neymar replacement and iniesta.

by the way wasn't ED2 who said that, it was macca who said that it's now or never for couts to Barca.


10 Aug 2017 11:12:54
Coz they will turn their attentions to some other player and they are done on that position. Why would Barcelona wait an year to make Liverpool happy? They want players for this season and not next season!


09 Aug 2017 21:55:24
Hey Ed001/ 002/ 025,

The ever not reliable sky sources are reporting we have rejected a second bid of 100m euros for coutinho. Could u please confirm this if it is true?

Believable2 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 22:12:53
Liverpool showing some big balls rejecting Braca's second bid. It was a large up from the previous bid.

It is about time we stand our ground. Shows we mean business.

Believable9 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 22:34:51
Maybe rejecting reasonable bids for the likes of Sakho and Moreno was just practice for today?

Basically, we're saying to Barcelona "We know you have £200m from Neymar, so make a ludicrous bid for Coutinho or GTFO". If they make such bid he'll go, if not he stays.


09 Aug 2017 22:31:03
And apparently told Barcelona not to bother with a third bid because they'll be wasting their time!


09 Aug 2017 23:13:38
We told them that before though but they still won't give up! They're taking the piss! I can't believe a club would be so arrogant to think they can try to destabilise a player in this way 😡 Have we put another bid in for Keita yet Eds? Have those little boys at Leipzig fell into line yet? Cheers 👍.


09 Aug 2017 22:06:47
Well so far Liverpool seem to be digging their heels in after rejecting a second bid for Coutinho. That's good news 😄.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 21:55:31
Liverpool have immediately rejected a 90.4m bid for Couts! No one's coming over from Barcelona that's bs! I seriously think Couts is staying for another year at the least and it's nonsense to think Barcelona wouldn't come back for Couts next year. They've been after him for years now! Couts goes to Barcelona next summer we sign Keita as his replacement jobs a gooden. Or the little magician stays at Liverpool forever!

Believable6 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 21:47:48
Hi Ed's. Do you know at all how Henderson has been progressing with his injuries from last season and is it possible that we would look to sell the captain upon the signing of a CM (if were to happen)?
Thanks again for all you do!
Cheers.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool are not looking to sell Henderson.}

09 Aug 2017 21:50:39
Thanks for your swift reply Ed002.


10 Aug 2017 01:20:17
Shama don't rate henderson at all he does a lot of running around but with no end product. For me Can is a much better player.


09 Aug 2017 21:38:06
Regarding maccas post about keita looking for a house in Liverpool. Well I can confirm it is true. He has just bought a two up two down just off county Rd and he is renting it out for £98pw. Cheap.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 21:36:45
Thanks for the exciting update macca, Eds last night the odds on NB joining Liverpool were slashed big time do yous think word is getting around about him actually signing? Also mabye we're going to learn by earlier mistakes and keep things under wraps until players sign :) thanks.

Believable0 Unbelievable2

{Ed002's Note - No, it means people have been placing bets, nothing else.}

09 Aug 2017 21:43:27
Ok thanks ed, do you have any info on any other players we are looking to sign thanks.


{Ed002's Note - Not beyond what has been said on these pages.}

09 Aug 2017 21:34:50
Ed001

Might be a good time to invest on better servers the site is about to crash.

Macca has spoken

✌🏻😉.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 21:28:20
Interesting to hear macca has said Keira deal may still be done. I was listening to journo on radio city talk who was berating some of the sources of gossip pages with some journalists sitting in room thinking up stories and basically doing pretty for players agent's but he also said something interesting about vvd and that was attributed to a board member at saints saying that the vvd situation was embarrassing and they would be better listening to offers from clubs for him didn't catch the journos name but he was very good.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 21:58:22
Naby kiera

Damn new it was to good to be true lol.


09 Aug 2017 21:16:56
Hi Eds. Assuming this news with Keita is true. How would RB's stance on the player of changed? For him to allegedly be looking at houses then I presume he has some idea of where he stands. 🤔.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea. I have explained that I don't know of a new approach at this time.}

09 Aug 2017 21:30:06
Cheers Ed. You did indeed explain that.


09 Aug 2017 21:57:45
There might be no change in stance by the club at all. It could just be a case of Keita going ahead and property searching.


09 Aug 2017 22:10:09
Liverpool has some good investment opportunities 👍.


09 Aug 2017 21:10:21
I've just had a thought. If Keita is looking for houses in Liverpool perhaps Everton have signed him to replace Barkley! Then I remembered he's way too good for them and I feel much better now ;-)

Believable13 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 22:00:47
Haha 😂 brilliant.


09 Aug 2017 22:29:55
Tops ings gave me a good chuckle.


09 Aug 2017 22:29:55
Tops ings gave me a good chuckle.


09 Aug 2017 21:06:59
Hey everyone and the ED'S can someone please re-post or send me a link to MACCA info he posted today please I tried everything and still can't obtain the info. Thanks everyone.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 21:46:14
It's on the rumours page or you can search macca Liverpool rumours on google and it comes up with all his posts.


09 Aug 2017 21:05:30
Eds has macca posted twice today? I have searched and can find a post after 8pm but can see replys that seem to be to one of his posts but i can't find the actual post?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - One is now on the Other page perhaps.}

09 Aug 2017 21:22:46
Yes. Just after 8pm. On the main page.


09 Aug 2017 21:24:51
Haha! Macca's broke the website!


09 Aug 2017 20:25:14
Hi Ed´s. First Time posting, from Monterrey, Mexico. i love this page, the Ed´s, Macca is like a Heroe for me, always love his posts, and overall:
i want Ed´s (all or most of) personal opinion. How far can this LFC Team go (PL, CL, cups, etc) .?
what can we achieve this season?
All LFC fans are very excited, but worried because there aren't new signings, and i see this team need more and better players. Thank you Ed´s and cheers from Monterrey, Mexico.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Welcome. I cannot answer regarding cups as it is a bit of a lottery. It will be hard to win the league but I think top four can be achieved.}

09 Aug 2017 20:23:47
Keita agent is house hunting. NK Followed a Liverpool barber on instagram today. Another well known source said same as macca.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 20:18:05
Here's my take on Macca's info. If we sign Keita he will be Countiho's direct replacement, we'd still have money left over from Courinho's sale and remaining transfer money. So I still want VVD to sign. Also, I would want Barcelona to include a player for me I would want Denis Suarez as he can play on the wing and in CM so gives us options now I still feel we'd be a bit light in terms of 'quality' depth so I would still maybe look to pursue Oxlade Chamberlain. So for me: Coutinho leaves
Means: VVD, Keita, Ox and Denis Suarez in
This would be good for us imo.

Believable1 Unbelievable5

09 Aug 2017 20:42:49
We have no interest in Barcelona players so unlikely we will accept any players from them.

The three players we are after at this point is Ox, Keita and VVD.


09 Aug 2017 20:57:26
I've had enough of this transfer window now. I thought the Keita deal was well and truly over?


09 Aug 2017 21:09:03
Lots though the Keita deal was over until Macca made an appearance again giant :-)


09 Aug 2017 21:13:06
Will he want the number 8 shirt. I can't take this tried telling myself to only check this site once a day not doing to well so far.


09 Aug 2017 21:41:47
How many wingers do we need? ?


09 Aug 2017 20:06:33
Anyone else not getting their hopes up over Naby Keita whatsoever regardless of Cout/ Can leaving? The problem we had before was RB repeatedly stating he is not for sale and I don't see why this would have changed in the the last 2 weeks. I'd love to be proved wrong but it seems unlikely to me.

Believable5 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2017 21:09:16
I too remain sceptical. It would be bitter sweet to lose Phil and get NK. The pessimist in me says we will lose Phil and get no one in, but hopefully someone is telling Pip that he can only go if we can get in NK.

As for VVD, I won't even think about it until he has either signed for a new club, or when I wake up on September 1st. Don't want an ulcer.


09 Aug 2017 21:12:23
I'm not feeling anything, it's just too confusing.

I'm waiting to see how we play on the weekend and it'll be interesting to see what our squad is on the 31st August.

Apart from that i'm not letting myself think anything really. It's safer.


09 Aug 2017 19:49:17
I see a lot of comments on here about couts along the lines of 'we've lost great players before and got on just fine' or 'Salah is a better winger anyway' Etc etc.

Whether we can hold onto Couts or not is huge for me.
Klopp came in mid season and this is his second Summer transfer window. He is showing his talent in bringing in the right players regardless of price and if he can't get the player he wants he will go without (eg. He moved Milner to leftback) rather than panic buying and handing the wrong player a 5 year contract. For too long we had the later approach and it cost us.

The team is progressing, back (fingers crossed) in the Champions League, challanged for a while last seasin but ran out off steam/ squad depth etc. Players improving under Klopp, good signings and good young players developing well (TAA, Woodburn, Grujic, Gomez, Kent, Solanke) .

The team, squad and club is on course to take the next step up.

Couts is also about to take another big step up. Klopp moved him to centre midfield at the end of the season and you could see he shined. Just captained Brazil in that position and in pre season had a swagger about himself in midfield. You can see already how he will find Salah and Mane again and again on their runs into the box as well as free kicks and being able to arrive at the perfect time into the box for him to score 10 plus goals himself.

If we sell Couts the message to the rest of the dressing room (and their agents) the manager, potential signings etc etc etc is just all wrong. Deep down surely Klopp would be feeling deja vu from Dortmund and start thinking the next time Bayern come calling he might listen a little more.

Torres was different, we now know FSG believed his best days were gone and they were offerred a transfer record to sell him. It was a good decision.
Suarez was different, we now know what he did to force a move, it was rotten, he had to go.
Couts is entering his prime.
We must keep him and step up again.

Believable6 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 20:39:42
I think you're right on many points there Fitzy. Salah IS a better winger than Coutinho though because Coutinho is not a winger and doesn't have the attributes to be a great winger, namely pace. He's done well there because of what a good player he is but Salah will be more effective in that position.

He could be great in midfield though but still has a lot to learn in that position which suits his attributes much better.

My argument though is will the team be hugely effected by him leaving and if you compare us to last season no we won't because we already have someone else now playing his position that should be better at it than him and we did ok last season.

If he stays you are correct it could take us to the next level but that doesn't mean if he goes we'll suddenly fall to 8th place or relegation like I've heard some people saying.

The great thing about our team right now is that you can talk to 10 Liverpool fans and they could all have different views on who our best player is as we are a team and not reliant upon any one or two players like we have been in the past.

I also agree with you about the perception of us to other clubs and other players if we sell him. That for me could be the most damaging aspect as mentality is everything in football so if we do sell him it has to be on our terms and suit us. In other words we need to bend Barcelona over and they need to be walking like John Wayne all the way back to Spain.


09 Aug 2017 20:28:16
Why would he then be different if he demands his transfer?

Would you want to keep a player who we love, unhappy as a result of us turning down a huge transfer fee, at a club which he no longer wishes to play for (not fully committed anyway)?


09 Aug 2017 19:41:44
I bet the eds have some hefty poke on some of the odds that were flying about now conveniently shortened.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 19:16:02
Thanks Macca!

Seems like Can could very well leave now too?

Coutinho and Can out?

Keita, VVD and Ox in?

Believable6 Unbelievable6

09 Aug 2017 19:40:59
I would take that! 👌.


09 Aug 2017 19:48:18
See the big problem there is that we haven't really strengthened or added depth to the squad going into the champions league.

I'd have expected VVD and Keira without coutinho or can going, if coutinho goes I think we need to see a 20 goal a season striker come in, otherwise we've achieved nothing in this window.


09 Aug 2017 19:52:52
would take can klavan out and keita VVD and ox in.


09 Aug 2017 20:23:09
Origi, Solanke, Firmino and Sturridge.

Lavers, how many strikers do you want? It is not like Klopp will go with two up top. Firmino, Salah and Mane will be starters.

And who is this 20 goal a season striker we should sign?


09 Aug 2017 20:42:44
Max

Origi nor solanke are ready to start at the minute.

I said drop firminho back in behind the striker.

Then sturridge is always injured and lost the confidence he had a few years back.

The striker I don't know that's not my job haha.


09 Aug 2017 21:00:15
Origi and Solanke will be back up.

Ok so let us do it this way. Sturridge on form is a 20 goal a season striker. He is on quite high wages too.

I am pretty sure you can name a player equal to Sturridge's ability Lavers? That is why there will be no striker arriving and there is absolutely no point in letting Sturridge go as it will cost 4-5 times the price to replace him. Sturridge would need to be sold in order to bring in another striker. There is no interest in him.

Let's just use some common sense here please.


09 Aug 2017 21:17:43
Sturridge on form is a 20 goal a season man, but we haven't seen that in 2/ 3 seasons max, and I don't think we will see it again.

Coutinho goes that leaves plenty of money to find a striker. There would be interest in strurridge if his price was dropped.

Sturridge of 3 years ago was one of the best strikers in the league but you'd put him well down the pecking order on present form.


09 Aug 2017 21:52:57
Lavers

I asked you to name a player of equal ability to replace Sturridge. Forget about the money for a bit. We will not be able to get Mbappe, Aubameyang and whoever else it is that we are not linked with. So argue till you are blue in the face.

We are not chasing any strikers and none will arrive either.


09 Aug 2017 22:38:34
Max

Ok let's say aubameyang even lacazette (I know he's at arsenal) but we would have had the money should coutinho leave.

In the prem you would pick costa, aguero, lukaku, kane all above Sturridge.

Teams down the years win things by having a striker that will show up and put the ball in the back of the net.

Look at ibra for united season and van nistelrooy in the past.

We may not be chasing strikers but keita for coutinho is not a direct swap where as firminho for coutinho is more like it, but that would leave us short up top.


09 Aug 2017 19:02:33
If we do manage to push Keita, Van Dijk and Chamberlain over the line I will be extremely dissapointed because Alansbarnet will say "I told you so".

Ed001 can you confirm or deny that Alan will be getting his own page? Bookies have smashed the odds to 5/ 7.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - I cannot confirm or deny that.}

09 Aug 2017 19:37:55
Until those players are leaning you're safe MK.


09 Aug 2017 19:41:48
And until they retire he could still be correct 😄.


09 Aug 2017 18:50:52
Ed002 can you shed any light on Macca's revelation today? I trust both of you and would value your input as well mate 👍.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of any new approach for Nobby but would trust Macca.}

09 Aug 2017 19:05:35
Very much appreciated Ed002 thanks 👍.


09 Aug 2017 18:35:58
Okay it's official I can't cope with this anymore. I am barring my self from this forum until the end of the window.

Well at least for an hour or two. damn you macca 😘.

Believable11 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 18:33:04
Wow! Macca woke this site up! It's been down in the dumps last few days. Suddenly invigorated! Strap yourselves in! Ynwa.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 19:11:09
Keita is brilliant. FSG should offer whatever Leipzig want for him, he's that good.
Lets hope Leipzig have seen sense and are willing to let him go.


09 Aug 2017 18:21:22
If Coutinho is "injured" as is rumoured for Saturday, then sadly I think he's gone!
I would just hope we bid asap for a quality replacement attacking midfielder.
When you see some of the prices in the market now, I think we did well to get Salah for what we did.
Would Mahrez be an acceptable replacement for Coutinho do people feel?
I know he's predominantly a Right Winger for Leicester but he seemingly can play any attacking midfielder role and would probably leave us with a few million in the bank to strengthen other positions, but we'd need to use it not let it sit in the account.
Quicker the season starts now the better.

Believable2 Unbelievable7

09 Aug 2017 18:53:28
Don't care if he plays on Saturday, just want 3 points.
Wish him all the best if he goes, he's been a great signing.


09 Aug 2017 18:57:44
He will join Sanchez and Drinkwater who are also linked to moves and are also injured this weekend 🤔.


09 Aug 2017 20:43:15
Bang on that Ron. Who cares about all this nonsense?! If we get 3 points every week we'll all be saying Phil who?


09 Aug 2017 18:04:40
Tim Vickery has said we could sign Lanzini from West Ham if Coutinho goes to Barcelona, now I hope we don't sell but have always thought Lanzini looks a class player and has the ability to move to a bigger club.
What's everyone's (edds included) opinion on him?

Believable3 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - good player but no Couts.}

09 Aug 2017 19:02:49
Looked good on the odd occasion I saw him play.
But would Coutinho look good playing for West Ham?!
No disrespect meant towards West Ham whatsoever, just a hypothetical question.


09 Aug 2017 20:45:13
Couts was no Couts when we signed him Ed. Do you not think he could improve? It's a moot point really because I don't think we'll sign Lanzini. Unless you know something I don't Ed?


09 Aug 2017 17:41:31
Do you guys think gini should be a regular starter?

Believable12 Unbelievable4

09 Aug 2017 17:58:20
Not for me. My midfield would be Henderson, Lallana and Couts.


09 Aug 2017 18:08:40
Hendo gini couts is who I'd play in the big games. It's close between him and can but gini seems more consistent, less error prone and more likely to come up with a big goal he also does a lot of dirty work that goes unnoticed. However I think can has more potential if given game time. He has special moments in him that with added consistency in his performances could lead him to becoming a top class cm.


09 Aug 2017 18:18:43
good question square tomato, i must say i really like gini.

if im honest, only hendo (based on last season's performance, could change if he needs time to get back to his best) and coutinho must start when fit.

i am torn between can, lallana and gini for the 3rd cm. of course IF he who must not be named joins, then atleast 1 of our midfield will most likely leave.

gini is worthy of a starter, probably not regular. id have him for the smaller games as lallana tends to go missing in these games.


09 Aug 2017 18:21:57
Without a doubt Gini should be starting 25-30 games a season across all competitions.

Short memories people have. Gini was our go to man in the big games when nobody else turned up. Crucial goals against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City ultimately made the difference in us qualifying for Champions league. I think against the weak defensive sides (Stoke, West Brom, Southampton, Brighton, Huddersfield, Burnley, Newcastle etc) we could afford to trade him out of the line up for a player like Sturridge or Solanke as we don't need Gini's solidity in games we should walk. We need a man in the box to bury our chances.

For me though, he starts every league game against the top 8 at least, as well as any European games against the powerhouses of European football.

It is a squad game nowadays though and I'd sacrifice him for a striker in games against more compact sides that we struggle to break down historically. He is great playing box to box (which is why big sides struggle to cope with him as they tend to have less physical midfielders and/ or play more expansively), he doesn't really have that bit of magic to break down a deep defence. I think that may be why we want NK again with Coutinho leaving. One thing I have noticed about NK is a lot of his goals are scored when the opposition are camped in their own area because he has a fearless attitude to just run at people and bundle his way through. Different to Coutinhos masterful long shots; but almost as effective.


09 Aug 2017 18:26:20
Moot question at the moment, Lamb Banana is injured.


09 Aug 2017 18:56:32
henderson, keita and firmino (assumption coutinho out)


09 Aug 2017 18:59:55
The amount of games we having coming up we will have to rotate so yeah gini will prob start a lot of games.


09 Aug 2017 19:03:00
Hendo wouldn't start in my strongest 11 midfield. Think it would be Count, Can and Wijnaldum. People say we missed Hendo last season but we didn't miss him when we played well Aug-Dec and against the other top 6 midfielders. A lot of the games we lost was from poor finishing and individual errors for goals. Not sure he would have effected that.


{Ed001's Note - when we played well he was in the team, so why would we miss him then? What a bizarre post and so typical of the kind of crap used to get at one of our better players.}

09 Aug 2017 19:44:25
Overreaction overload. Just for saying Hendo wouldn't get in my starting 11 (only an opinion) Reminds me of the kid who says it's his ball and he's taking it home.


09 Aug 2017 19:45:26
Amazed at how many "fans" out there are so ignorant to work Hendo actually does when playing. Two reasons we lost out on winning the league under Brenda, Brenda's inexpierance against Chelsea when all we had to do was Park our own bus and the loss of Henderson for the last few games. When he plays we tick over, his work goes largely unnoticed until he's not there. To rate Can over Hendo is frankly backward. Bruno Cheyrou scored a few spectacler goals and had a lot of promise, much like Can actually🤔🤔.


09 Aug 2017 19:53:00
So if Hendo plays this season we win the league Molby. Is that what you're saying? It's my opinion nothing to do with you. Don't be a sheep and just follow. Think for yourself.


09 Aug 2017 20:24:00
Very interesting, cheers for the responses lads.


09 Aug 2017 20:29:44
neither can or henderson are good enough to be honest. henderson is more consistent but his ceiling is so low. he is perfect when playing attacking teams because he closes down and breaks up play but when we play defensive sides he offers absolutely nothing. he can only pass sideways or backwards and his touch and weight of pass is not good enough to break teams down. prime example was his performance against athletico madrid. just because he is our captain it does not mean he should be starting a la wayne rooney. imo against the deeper teams our mid 3 should be phil lallana gini and swap keita for lallana if we get him.


09 Aug 2017 20:51:56
Woaaa there guys calm down! ;-) For me Hendo is probably the most important player we have. Not flashy or eye catching but preseason showed me just how many counter attacks he nips in the bud before they've started just by his anticipation and willingness to cover the ground. He also looks for quick first time passes switching play which creates space against sides that park the bus. With Salah and Mane running in behind I expect him to get more assists this season too. Massively underrated player for me and a great captain too.


09 Aug 2017 20:26:46
We lost six games in 2013/ 14. Henderson played in five of them. Make of that what you want. For those who think they can see why he is so special, you're on your own cos i haven't heard any offers for him since he joined us. He's an average player and in some teams, that's enough. We had average players in the great sides of the 80's.
If barcelona were offering 80m for him, he'd be carried to spain.


10 Aug 2017 11:06:28
There would be about 60 games and everyone would get fair chances. Our injury records is frightening!


09 Aug 2017 17:23:47
Just a question for macca does he still believe vvd is on or not anymore?

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 17:33:18
where do i find macca's posts TIA.


{Ed002's Note - With all of the others.}

09 Aug 2017 18:54:58
By using the search engine 😎.


09 Aug 2017 17:21:26
I think everyone is getting overly concerned with phil leaving. What people forget is we suffered last year with bad results because of 2 players imo, mane being out and the skipper missing. With salah being brought in I think we are now covered for one of these, but for me hendo I a a massive miss when he is out. Imo he doesn't get the credit he deserves he is the one who makes the team tick its his through ball or his clever pass that sets up the attack or starts the forward movement. Yes coutinho will be a big miss he would for any club but we are a team built around togetherness and playing for each other, not on individual talent. The cream raises to the top. The question is who will be the cream this year? Thoughts fellow reds.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2017 17:38:35
Hendo played the season before and there were still bad results. Hendo also played the 2nd game against Burnley. He also missed all the games that we were extremely good in from Sep-Dec. Not saying he's not a good player but we definitely miss Mane and Count more than Hendo.


09 Aug 2017 17:05:44
hi lads, sorry very new to this site, 1st ever post. clearly "macca" is a legend and his information is V reliable, am i correct?

Believable6 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2017 17:15:47
more reliable than the vast majority, gets a load of grief when 'wrong' so rarely posts.


09 Aug 2017 17:17:43
The Eds, Macca and Square tomato are as close as you will get to the truth JR.


09 Aug 2017 17:41:24
I've been on this site for a few months and it's clear to see Macca has a lot of respect. I've never actually seen people give him grief though (and doubt the eds would even allow it to be posted) .


09 Aug 2017 17:45:28
I can remember Macca posting as far back as 2010 I think, and he knows his stuff.


09 Aug 2017 17:47:03
Seems that pretty much only this site think he is credible which really winds me up, I posted what he said about Coutinho yesterday on Reddit and got ripped to shreds. I really hope his Keita call is accurate to prove the doubters wrong.


09 Aug 2017 18:22:42
Macca is king.


09 Aug 2017 18:57:01
He gives his info to us honestly and with the best of intentions.
That's all we can ever expect. 👍.


09 Aug 2017 17:04:20
where have all the morals gone from football? sadly the money involved is making the game poisonous I will always support Liverpool fc but as far as im concerned football is going to hell in a handcart.

Believable6 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 18:57:37
SkyTV changed the destination of football.


09 Aug 2017 16:59:38
Not sure it's been discussed yet but if Coutinho leaves it could have a negative impact on Firminho game. There's no doubt he plays much better last season with Couts in the team as they seem to have a great understanding of each other's movement though when Couts was out I felt we got Bobbys worst performances.
Now if Sturridge could finally get fit and Bobby moved into midfield we may find a new great partnership but unfortunately we spend every month praying for Sturridge to get fit.
Just another concern for me if Phil leaves, we lose a great player but may also negatively impact another one of our stars.
Bobby will need to step up to an even higher level this season I feel.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

10 Aug 2017 11:05:06
I disagree! There were enough instances where Klopp could have played him the middle when Couts was injured last season which he simply did not? And there should be a reason. Firmino is pretty much settled playing up top and dropping him deep he will need to adjust all over again! Why do you want to do such?

I would say and what I have seen from Firmino at liverpool, he is at his deadly best when he makes those clever movement in and around 6 yard box. His constant moving between the lines of defenders is what gives him space and others!

He by no means a deep playmaker.

You could either drop him and carry an experiment which might fail or buy a world class Playmaker and do no change to the structure.

Firmino wouldn't mind who feeds him with those defense splitting through balls, would he?

The best, Keep Phil and he will pick the front 3 with ease!


09 Aug 2017 16:47:27
We shouldn't be Doing business so late in the transfer window especially from another league (bedding in time) . If Keita comes its obvious RBL wanted more money and we wouldn't pay and now that Coutinho is going we are forced to pay. I hope this is not another year of developing squad bollixology.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 19:40:15
I'd say they are thinking from a business point of view. Sell this year and make 66 million, keep a player who doesn't want to be there and get 48 milllion in 12 months time.


09 Aug 2017 16:25:48
Interesting to hear Tim Vickery the South American correspondent, on Talk Sport, regards to the Coutinho situation. He reiterated an opinion shared by many on this site that the owners hold all the cards and that the player is highly unlikely to make ructions. As each day ticks by I'm more hopeful that we will keep him for one more season.

I appreciate that this posting is hardly profound but just thought I would share some positivity.

I would be even more positive if our defensive frailties would be addressed before the 1st September.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 18:03:07
My ideal transfer window would be to keep Couts, Sign NK and VVD, Allow them to bed in for a full season, Couts has the season of his life in a red jersey, then let him leave next season with a great club and country play under his belt.
His worth would rocket surly then Liverpool get X amount for him. With two new signings bedding in greatly with a full season under their belt.
I know VVD has played EPL before, but not with LFC.
Maybe sign AOC, also. I think wed thrive with us.


09 Aug 2017 16:15:40
I think with macca saying keita is back on. Couts will leave and I hope we can get vvd as well.

Believable6 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2017 16:31:04
This summer has been the mother of all rollercoaster rides.


09 Aug 2017 17:58:36
Or we can get Keita and keep Couts.


09 Aug 2017 16:06:34
About a week ago I was quite confident that pip co would giv us another year now as each passing day the confidence is draining little by little. If media reports are correct then lfc won't sell unless he makes it clear to them he will hand transfer request and force the move. I'm not entirely sure about this ed002 has said lfc have given a price and if met then a deal could happen. Well if this isn't another dumb pr stunt on behalf if lfc and klopp then I don't understand it. The echo reporting we in a string position.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 16:47:35
Didn't Phil get asked last season to give us one more year?


09 Aug 2017 17:59:30
I don't think so, Razor. I may be wrong, tho.


09 Aug 2017 15:59:49
Straws firmly clutched here,
But should Coutinho play against Hoffenheim, would he be cup tied for the champions league?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - No.}

09 Aug 2017 15:42:59
Hearing there has been a flurry off bets on keita joining us before the transfer window shuts.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 16:39:25
If it wasnt for Macca i would of just thought this was people putting two and two together and getting 5.


09 Aug 2017 16:47:44
He was 8/ 1 yesterday but next club odds are small and volotile markets, bookies will only take small bets on markets like this to avoid being done by someone with inside info and because of this it wouldn't take many bets to send odds tumbling.


09 Aug 2017 18:00:30
Seems Macca thinks the NK deal is back on.


09 Aug 2017 19:41:09
Yeah seen the same mate.


09 Aug 2017 15:40:48
My problem with the Coutinho situation is how unprepared we are.

I mean who is actually available this window? Ed's I have seen names like Meyer mentioned. Is there actually a chance a deal could get done this window? Would they be open to the move if the price was right?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - If Liverpool were to agree to sell Coutinho they would be making provision.}

09 Aug 2017 16:03:09
Thanks for reply Ed002.


{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

09 Aug 2017 16:11:28
And no doubt anyone worth their pay packet would be exploring those options before we sell PC.


09 Aug 2017 15:32:58
Rumour round Anfield from one of the academy boys so maybe taken with a pinch of salt.
Coutinhio will NOT be leaving unless he forces the deal. However, if this is the case Mahrez will be the man we look to, not Lanzini.
IMO £100m profit from coutinhio, who has tendencies to go missing in games and replacement of last years player of the year wouldn't be terrible.

Believable4 Unbelievable11

09 Aug 2017 15:50:43
So you want to replace a player who in your opinion goes missing in some games with a player who goes missing for whole seasons?


09 Aug 2017 15:51:35
Mahrez was woeful at times last season and went missing an awful lot more than Coutinho did. Plus he is a winger.

If Pip does go I would want to go for a world class striker or central midfielder.

I would move heaven and earth to try and sign Alli, Vidal, Lewandowski, Mbappe or Griezmann.

All of which are likely not possible (Eds can you confirm? ) in which case I would stick with what we have and look again in January/ next summer.


09 Aug 2017 15:59:23
I would take Mahrez. But don't think it will be true.


09 Aug 2017 16:10:23
Coutinho is world class. Barcelona are not desperate to spend 100 million for a player who goes missing. He's our best player and losing him with 3 days until we kick off our season would be indeed terrible. There is nothing good to come from losing Coutinho this transfer window, not 100 mill, Mahrez, Lanzini. nothing. I get it, it's moral and credible to look for positives and claim he isn't irreplaceable, but losing Coutinho would be a disaster for this seasons campaign. We will be right back to square one, a selling, unambitious club waiting to cash in on the next superstar we create rather than win trophies.


09 Aug 2017 16:13:07
Hazard had an off season before the last one.

RedDawn. I would agree with you, but in reality when was the last time we bought a ready made world class player? We haven't won anything for a while, the only over way to convince these players we would have to pay over the odds which we won't do this year as there is loads of other clubs with more money.


09 Aug 2017 18:09:12
Mahrez, Lanzini, Meyer, Rakitic, Sigurdsson are all supremely inferior to Cou so they are non starters. BTW, SG84 is right. Those thinking Cou is not irreplaceable are fooling themselves, Why? None of the players touted above can remotely do the things Cou does for us and the creative influence he has in our team. The only two players I see who can do that are Eriksen and Sanchez.

Also, letting Cou go would be suicide. Don't think for one second that we will not struggle without him. That is total BS. Why? Cos there is no Mane or Firmino w/ o him. and his relationship with Salah alone this preseason is mouth-watering, that's why. We will be unable to cope without him, period. We would not have made top 4 without him, end of. He should not be sold, end of story.


09 Aug 2017 15:32:54
Hi eds is there any truth in what richard keys said about german players been told not to goto liverpool due to klop situation, i'am suprised he hasn't signed anyone from the bundeslinga or a promising lad.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I am sorry but I have no idea what Richard Keys has said.}

09 Aug 2017 15:53:40
Just gave this a google and seems like nonsense. Why would Richard keys have any inside knowledge on the situation, he hasn't been relevant to football in a decade, if not longer. If this was a founded claim in anyway it would be blowing up with much more credible people than him!


09 Aug 2017 15:55:53
his agent knows if klop win a trophy this year he is gone. so klops agent advised players not to goto liverpool, is that why liverpool been quiet in the market.


09 Aug 2017 16:01:35
What Klopp situation? I don't believe German players would be put off by having a German manager in charge of one of the biggest clubs in Europe in the most competitive and richest league in the world.


09 Aug 2017 16:02:08
Wouldn't put too much credence on anything coming from someone who was too much of a low life even for Sky Sports.


09 Aug 2017 16:08:06
What klopp situation?


09 Aug 2017 17:10:44
Keys is a misogynist who was sacked from Sky for being found out. His opinion is worth the same contempt as Duncan Arsehole, I mean Castles,


{Ed025's Note - i agree mate..

09 Aug 2017 18:10:59
Keys? Really? Who even pays attention to that air-head and his equally incompetent assistant Andy Gray?


09 Aug 2017 14:56:23
Dear Eds.
What is your take on Hakim Ziyech as a replacement for Coutinho if the need arises or who would you go for in the time available.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Comes with baggage and very, very one footed (left). This was discussed a little last week. I have explained Meyer or Gomes would work for me.}

09 Aug 2017 15:23:12
Fantastic player but caused a massive issue with the national team. The manager had the right to choose the team and when offered a way back he openly said he would not play whilst Morocco had the present manager.

However watched a lot of him including 3 matches at the stadium he has a magical left foot there is the redondo about him, not sure the mental strength is there. he sees the pass on another level maybe in the premiership you might need a Kante or magic with him. he could be a great player if he does not fix his atitude he might just become a poor mans fabregas

As a Moroccan supporter I believe he needs a really strong manager to get the best out of him or he will never realise his potential . However he is highly regarded by the Moroccan fans and Ajax fans good player would like to see if a klopp hug might help his career but no promises as he needs to know he has to work harder to stay in the team.


09 Aug 2017 15:25:37
Thanks again.


09 Aug 2017 15:34:00
I know I'll probably get stick for saying it, but I wish we'd just use what we have. We have Henderson, Can, Gini, Milner and Ejaria to play in the deeper midfield roles. We also have Lallana, Grujic and Woodburn to play in the attacking midfield positions.

Coutinho played as a forward last season. We have signed Salah so whether intentionally or not, he replaced last seasons Coutinho. In midfield we now have Milner freed up to play there, and Grujic and Woodburn more than deserving of game time. Not to mention we could yet sign Chamberlain as well who despite being a winger can cover midfield adequately.

If we sign Meyer or take Gomes then for me someone goes. If it's Meyer, then Grujic or Lallana need moving on, and if it is Gomes then Can is definitely leaving because he wants to play. Meyer and Gomes aren't exactly massive upgrade (if at all) so why turnover more players unnecessarily?

Even in terms of wide players we have Mane, Salah, Origi, Kent, Ojo and are possibly adding Chamberlain. So where do we need to spend to replace Coutinho? In my mind, we just don't need to waste money trying to replace a player who Salah has already replaced.

Am I the only one genuinely excited at the prospect of players like Solanke, Grujic and Woodburn playing bigger roles next season? They are all potentially brilliant players!


09 Aug 2017 15:37:25
Ed002 you have previously mentioned Insigne could be a smart option? Do you think we would go for him or if he would be interested in a move?


{Ed002's Note - He signed a new contract and Napoili are difficult to deal with but there is a little something going on in the background that could possibly see a move. I very much doubt it will be to Liverpool.}

09 Aug 2017 15:40:23
Moroccan red, Redondo was one of my favourite non Liverpool footballers ever, the ability to stick a defender on their arse should never be under stated. Particularly when it's Gary Neville. If he's that kind of footballer, then sounds a good shout.


09 Aug 2017 15:51:04
Always interesting to hear ed002s views on players

Ziyech is considerably better than Meyer though. Meyer manages only a handful of assists and goals (less than any of our current first team midfielders) and is certainly not an improvement on anything we've got already in our squad in that regard.

Ziyech on the other hand hits double figures for both goals and assists consistently and although on footed, we can all name dozens similarly one footed players who have reached the top of the game (Robben, Silva, etc)

I'd be awfully disappointed at replacing PC with Meyer. Sooner give the game time to the already better Grujic!


09 Aug 2017 18:13:17
Not for me, Ed. I have seen both play (saw Meyer play at the Olympics and the U21 tourney this summer) and I'm sorry, Gomez is average and Meyer is not fit to carry Cou's training kit.


09 Aug 2017 14:59:15
If no deal struck this week do you reckon phil be in team satday.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 15:09:17
Obviously not. His head is clearly not in the right place if he is trying to get a move to Barcelona over the line.


09 Aug 2017 15:19:15
I would really hope that someone at the club has set a deadline for this issue to be resolved.

I would hope that someone has simply said "look if this is not resolved by the start of the season it's not happening".

It's utterly pointless having Pip still at the club once the season starts if we don't know whether he is going to stay or not. He won't be in the right mindset to play and we won't know if we need to go and buy a replacement.

Get it resolved ASAP and everyone move on.


09 Aug 2017 16:04:03
It will be interesting how long he takes to recover from his back injury. If he is back before the end of the window, I think he'll stay.
Seen it plenty of times in the past where players have minor injuries and don't play in case it scuppers a potential transfer.


09 Aug 2017 18:14:44
He is doubtful for Sat. due to the back injury and was earmarked to play so we shall see. Remember, we also need him for Hoffenheim next week as well and he should be ready then.


09 Aug 2017 14:38:09
Hi eds and reds

Anyone aware of Clyne Coutinho and Sturridge should be fit for Watford?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - (a) No. (b) Yes (if still at the club). (c) Probably.}

09 Aug 2017 14:59:47
I hope that TAA gets a good run at RB at the start of the season and gets to a position where he's doing so well he can't be dropped.

He's got all the attributes and potential to be an excellent player I just think he needs a good run of games to show it.


09 Aug 2017 15:59:35
Cheers ed. Im trying to imagine that Pipco will still be here lol. I can't see that anyone will leave or arrive before Saturdays game? I no I no yiu can't answer about timings.


09 Aug 2017 17:40:39
Echo now saying Phil is struggling to he fit for Saturdays game .


09 Aug 2017 19:46:35
I thin Milner will play right back on Saturday personally, also have a sneaky feeling Moreno will start at left back as well.


09 Aug 2017 14:35:58
Just a thought, if Couts does go, and given the season starts on Saturday, what would the chances be of taking Zlatan for a season seeing as he is a free agent and moving a few players around to accommodate him? Would certainly give us some extra power in the squad (if he can stay injury free - if not he can keep Studge company on the medic table :)

Believable0 Unbelievable11

{Ed002's Note - About zero.}

09 Aug 2017 16:07:08
Thank god.


09 Aug 2017 18:16:06
Zlatan? Good grief. His wages alone is astounding and regardless, he's a has-been.


09 Aug 2017 14:31:39
Hello Ed,
Quick question about Keita Balde Diao, every transfer window for the last couple of years i have noticed sites seemingly promoting him for liverpool. Is there any truth to this and if not ( as i suspect) why not?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool have signed Salah so they have no need for him now. Brandt was first choice. We have been through all of this.}

09 Aug 2017 14:52:43
Thank you Ed002.


09 Aug 2017 13:27:31
Wonder if klopp and moores left the press conf early before questions as they knew someone was bound to ask if the person that okayed the size of the wu logo was visually impaired.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2017 14:05:30
Made rubbish of probably the best looking kit we have had in years.


09 Aug 2017 14:15:29
Haha agreed CyKlopps. Might as well have stamped the Everton logo onto the LFC kit sleeves if we wanted to make them that ugly.


09 Aug 2017 14:32:58
Madness how some idiots go on about fashion .


09 Aug 2017 15:03:25
Is it going to ruin your selfies this season

🤔🤔.


09 Aug 2017 15:44:44
I've no complaints about it. An extra 25 million over 5 years I'll take that. If any other clubs did it and we didn't you would be complaining and probably slate fsg for not bringing in easy money.


09 Aug 2017 13:20:10
imagine neymar has not signed for pgs. then if Barcelona offer 100 million pound for coutinho we grab it without hesitations. every team face loss of key player for large transfer fee. it is reality. but replacing the key player is the problem. last year coutinho player left wing. so salah easily replace him. but salah is able to full fill the desire? it is the matter. so just remove neymar effect. feel like it Barcelona gives us 100m and we buy salah for 40m. if there is no neymar effect everybody will say what a business. remember if we try to buy salah after neymar transfer then we need to spend at least 70.

Believable0 Unbelievable5

09 Aug 2017 13:50:27
Where your theory falls down is that we were always buying a winger this summer and Salah coming in has nothing to do with Coutinho being at the club, as the idea was to play them in the same team, not one be a replacement for the other.


09 Aug 2017 14:11:02
How is Salah a replacement for Coutinho? Klopp's plan was always to sign a winger and play Coutinho in midfield next season. If Coutinho leaves, we need a creative CM to replace him.
And is it so easy to forget we have European football next season? We need more players, not replacing one first teamer with another.


09 Aug 2017 14:13:31
I know this but question is before neymar transfer sell coutinho for 100m and get salah for 40.is is not a good business? I am 100 percent sure coutinho will leave. so accept the reality. I truly believe with or without coutinho attack is not our problem. problem is the defence. firmino is not too bad as cam compare to coutinho.


09 Aug 2017 14:24:07
I understand where you're coming from Frankly but for me Salah is an improvement on Pip as a left winger so in essence even if Pip does go we are a better team than last year IMO. I'd love him to stay and tear up defences from a deeper position but if he goes then so what? We are in good shape with or without him. I don't think he's ideally suited to a deeper role anyway as for me for all his brilliance he overhits passes a lot, slows the play down and drops too deep. Having said that I was looking forward to him having more time in the role because he has the ability to improve in the role and if he does he could be scary good. The general concensus is that if he doesn't go now then he'll go next season anyway so I'm over it. Let him go get as much as we can and get a proper midfielder or a proper striker in to replace him. Job done.


09 Aug 2017 14:42:22
OP, Salah was never here to replace Cou and the plan was to buy a left winger and drop Cou into CM. Brandt was the first option, then Keita Balde and then Salah. If you think we will be able to replace Cou efficiently this season with the transfer window as crazy as it is then, you are not paying attention. Every club is going to want to stick us for every penny of that Cou money for prolly a player who is inferior to Cou anyway as no player apart from Sanchez or Eriksen can replace him. That will be a disaster.


09 Aug 2017 15:26:40
And who will replace the Midfielder / Playmaker Coutinho? Salah was signed coz we never had a natural LW. Nothing to do with Coutinho as some here are spouting!
You do get this right Klopp has a reason to deploy Coutinho in the midfield inspite of having infinite CM's in the team! Do you?
That is the reason we will struggle without him in that midfield.


09 Aug 2017 15:43:37
Salah and Keita were 2 of the 4 auditions Klopp wanted in the summer. We are now discussing about the exit of a star player! I can't believe it. Klopp would have challenged for the title had he got both a Keita and VVD ( keeping Couts at the club ) Now that looks like another 4 years plus transition away!


09 Aug 2017 15:46:46
Ings

How are we in good shape without him? He contributed to 20 goals last season. It's like selling Sanchez and pretending oh well everything is right!


09 Aug 2017 16:42:05
Naby how many goals will Salah contribute to?

We won't be playing with 10 players just because Pip has gone!

Salah has scored 4 in preseason and could quite easily be involved in 20 plus goals this season.

Pip played as a make shift winger for most of the season, Salah is a proper winger with proper pace. He is far more dangerous than Pip in that position. Plus he will stretch packed defences with his pace in behind which Pip doesn't do.

The midfield will be exactly the same midfield that got us to fourth last season and looked unstoppable until we lost Mane's pace to the AFCON.

Plus if Pip goes we will strengthen further! I don't know what everyone's worried about.


{Ed025's Note - so your saying you wont miss couts?..pull the other one mate its got bells on..

09 Aug 2017 17:29:48
Are you saying Couts is a better left winger than Salah? I don't think he is.

Will we miss him? Of course he's a great player anyone would. All I'm saying is I think we've improved as a team with Salah as a winger instead of Couts.

We really don't know if we would be even better with Cuts in a deeper role and Salah on the wing because it's untested over a season but you'd hope we would be. In that sense we will miss him but we are certainly not in the proverbial like people on here are saying I actually think we will be a more balanced side with 2 proper wingers. Couts didn't play in midfield last season and we did ok.


09 Aug 2017 17:48:53
Couts wasn't just a static winger, he was coming deep to collect the ball and create chances for our forwards.

No 1 can replace couts in our team at the moment coz he's only our creative force from midfield.

Players like salah mane stu etc need couts to pick them where they can use their pace/ skill to hurt opposition.


09 Aug 2017 18:11:28
I disagree Kopite. Couts plays everything in front of defences he never runs in behind.

So when he plays up top it's easy for a packed defence to plug gaps because they are not looking over their shoulders everything is in front of them. Salah will go in behind making them turn and this will create gaps. Standard basic stuff mate.

That's why we didn't struggle so much to break teams down when Mane was on the pitch, get it coming from both sides and with decent full backs to overlap and it becomes much easier to pull defences about.

Don't get me wrong I love Couts he's a great player but we won't fall into the abyss without him. We will miss his moments of genius like the free kick against Arsenal at the Emirates that changed the game for us but hopefully Having Salah and Mane's pace with a proper left back and TAA's extra quality of delivery will more than make up for it.


09 Aug 2017 13:14:16
Season is just upon us and everyone is losing there mind, everyone except the Eds. Thanks for answering all questions lads/ ladies some which have been repetitive to say the least. Thanks again.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

09 Aug 2017 12:55:57
There was a post yesterday asking who would be a replacement for Klopp should he ever leave.

I know he has been out of football management for ages but the man I would turn to is Roy Evans who knows the club inside and out. This is like venturing into the twilight zone but if it had to come down to it I would consider asking him if he would ever decide to come back into football management.

He was also pushed out of the club and we made a mistake by doing that all those years ago as if given some more time and backing, I reckon Evans could have taken us to the top again.

Believable3 Unbelievable18

09 Aug 2017 13:20:37
Are you serious?


09 Aug 2017 13:23:30
What is it about fans always wanting to move backwards?

Re-sign Suarez! Get Alonso out of retirement! Torres could still do a job! Is Bjorn Kvarme still available?

Jeez, just move on. Roy was a great servant for the club but he is not a football manager any more.


09 Aug 2017 13:27:55
Played some great football but wasn't hard enough on the players. I'd have given Kenny another year.


09 Aug 2017 13:31:34
I thought we should have took Ancelotti in the first place but was happy when we did get Klopp as he did have a great reputation in football after his success with Dortmund. If the club were to sack him I would go after the best available manager we could find at that present moment not someone who hasn't managed a team in years no matter how much of a legend he is. Wouldn't mind seeing Marcelo Bielsa as he is someone the eds have spoke fond of for years and I rate they're opinions.


09 Aug 2017 13:52:12
Ancelotti was blunt with the owners, he said that the spine of the team was weak and that if they wanted him, they would have to back him to get in new defenders, midfielders and centre forwards, he said that he could not just work with what was there as it wasn't good enough to compete.


09 Aug 2017 14:13:47
No way Ancelotti would have agreed to join unless a huge transfer chest was given to him to sign some real quality.
If Klopp promised the owners the premier league title with the squad he inherited from Brendan, then he is a bigger fool than I thought. Compare our squad to the other top teams and there is serious dearth in quality, numbers and experience. WE will be found out, mark my words unless some decent quality players arrive and we manage to hold onto Coutinho.


09 Aug 2017 14:41:10
Are there any more nostalgic-driven fans than liverpool fans? Bloody hell we tried this with Kenny, we need to move FORWARD not backwards.


09 Aug 2017 14:46:41
Spot on, Frankly. Ancelotti like world class players in his squads and we were not anywhere near that level so I never bought into him coming here. We needed a builder and Klopp is a builder so it was the right fit, IMO.


09 Aug 2017 15:16:41
Roy Evans, Now I've heard it all.


09 Aug 2017 15:17:28
We tried it with Kenny, meaning what? Last time I checked Dalglish was the last manager to win a trophy at Liverpool and he only had 18 months.

Go back even further and he is still the last manager to win the league title at Liverpool as well!

I'm not saying I agree with Recruiting Roy Evans, but why are people still slagging off Dalglish. Not only the greatest player in our history, but also the third best manager in our history and the greatest human being in world football.

Just to answer the OP, in my opinion the man to take over from Klopp will be Steven Gerrard. Klopp will probably leave in 2 years time, and Gerrard is so obviously being groomed for the role long term. If Klopp leaves earlier than that expect a stop gap, maybe even Pepjin Lijnders as care taker.


09 Aug 2017 19:17:01
I think klinnsmann would of been a good choice.


09 Aug 2017 12:31:52
i keep seeing people saying how we barely scraped 4th last year but for me it's a false perception.

if you take it at face value, we made it by a point or so, which would appear "scraping through"

the reality is that our points total last year would have in seasons gone by been easily enough to secure top 4 without any "scraping through".

the league is now in a place where 6 teams can geniunely win the title year in year out so the gap between 4th to 6th will always be a lot shorter.

this in my opinion created a false impression.

the afcon and injuries to key players without suitable back ups is what nailed us last season.

with better squad depth (i. e. having mane AND salah means we should pretty much always have that devastating pace that opens up teams) .

hopefully hendo will be much less plagued by injury. people also underestimate the value of having a team not too dissimilar from last year who are another year experienced and better used to playing with one another - spurs being a key example of this.

Believable11 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2017 12:44:17
Great post mate!


09 Aug 2017 12:44:46
We did barely scrape through, it came down to the last game of the season, the reason being the mid season collapse. I still don't think we are well equipped for the season ahead. Failing to prepare means that you should prepare to fail.


09 Aug 2017 12:49:37
thank you for completely ignoring the core point of my post around perception vs reality.

if we won the title on 91 points on the last day of the season and 2nd finished on 90 points - would that be just scraping it? or would it be 2 teams who took it down to the wire with equal ability on the pitch?


09 Aug 2017 13:02:53
Your original post was really good.

However your second was like throwing a ball against a wall, if any friends fans are around in Joey's words "it was a moo point"


09 Aug 2017 13:03:52
I think my point is that it seemed like we made it to fourth in "limp home mode" and really were relying on Arsenal slipping up for most of it, so really I think it was both ours and Arsenals equal ability at contriving to be awful at times that made it what it was. Obviously, had we won the league by one point over United, I wouldn't at all be saying that we scraped home, but that it was a glorious victory. As you say, its a matter of perception!


09 Aug 2017 13:10:20
Do you have to see the negative in everything Frankly? If you get 4th spot by a point or ten points you still get 4th spot.


09 Aug 2017 13:24:35
Frankly, the fact that we finished 2 points behind City last season saw us in "limp home mode"?

I guess that can be compared to City having ordered wheelchairs for their players and using them on the pitch knowing that we were depending on Arsenal to mess up.

What exactly is wrong with you?


09 Aug 2017 13:31:29
Glass is always half empty Welsh. But that is because I am a realist.


09 Aug 2017 14:00:50
87 your bang on. A horse winning a race by a hand wins the race, end of.


09 Aug 2017 14:01:15
No, you're very much a pessimist.


09 Aug 2017 14:12:59
Reads more like 90% empty to most of us. But it's fine. I just look at the 10%.


09 Aug 2017 14:50:18
If you think we barely scraped 4th then you are deluding yourself. We were never even nailed on to finish 5th at the start of the season and in fact, the pundits had us battling Neverton for 6th so we did not finish 4th by scraping it. We were better than Arsenal and Everton (did the double over them) and way better than Utd while finishing 3 points off City who spent double what we spent. We deserved 4th and that is that.


09 Aug 2017 15:29:30
Max

That is why City are Strengthening. By last year's logic why would Chelsea buy any player? They walked away with the league. Didn't they?
Coutinho alone wouldn't get us the league but good enough for a CL spot which wouldn't enough again for elite players!


09 Aug 2017 12:21:47
With the league starting in just over 48 hours it’s time to look at the title contenders (note, I’m not including Liverpool as I’m going to write a more in-depth post on us and I am including Everton because everyone loves Ed25).

Chelsea were a bit of a surprise package last year, Conte took a group of players and got them playing cohesively and efficiently and it brought Chelsea the title, I expect this year to be harder though. Summer activity has focussed on replacing unwanted players and whilst this suggests that Conte’s squad now matches his style better I’m not convinced that it’s actually improved. Come May Chelsea will be in the hunt but they’re not favourites.

On their day Spurs were the best team in the league last season but a thin squad meant it wasn’t their day enough. I don’t think Walker leaving will hurt the team but the lack of any incoming players will. Spurs may be very busy in the last week of the transfer window but whilst they may find bargains this strategy is risky at best. I think Spurs may have missed their window for a title and their battle this season will be for a top four finish.

There’s little doubt that Guardiola has the finest array of talent available in the Premier League but the question is can he bring the consistency needed to lift the title? The fact that his transfer activity has been very focussed suggests that Guardiola has a clear plan which bodes well for City’s aspirations and if the team does gel then the title is City’s to lose.

Arsenal remind me of Liverpool in the 90s, every summer a new player is identified as the last piece of the puzzle that will return the club to glory, it never turned out that way for us and I can’t see it working for them either. Lacazette will score goals but I’m not convinced he’s an elite level striker and if Sanchez does leave (Arsenal would be crazy to allow his contract to run down) then I can’t see them getting top four.

I was really surprised how badly Utd did last year, Mourinho and that squad should have done better than sixth. Goals were a clear problem for them but, whilst I think Lukaku is a very sensible signing, he won’t create scoring opportunities, he will just put away those presented to him. Matic may release Pogba allowing him to cause havoc but Mourinho is searching for more attacking options and Utd’s success may depend on who he can bring in, regardless finishing outside the top 4 would be a disaster.

Have Everton made the same mistakes Tottenham and Liverpool made before them? Bale and Suarez left for a lot of money which improved the squad but not the first team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Rooney revival but the loss of Lukaku and Barkley will hurt. Top 6 may be achievable but there isn’t the quality for top 4 (sorry Ed25).

My prediction (with Liverpool removed) :
City
Chelsea
Utd
Spurs
Arsenal
Everton.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 12:37:25
I think united have, unfortunately, bought well.

Matic will provide cover and allow, as you say, Pogba to get forward more.

Mikitarian (that's as close as I'm going to get) i think will be more effective, and combined with Herrera, Mata, Pogba, Fellaini and Martial they will be dangerous.

They are my dark horses. Keep De Gea and back 4 strengthened by Lindelof and i can see them winning plenty of games 1-0.


09 Aug 2017 12:44:06
Agree with AggerDo, sadly.


09 Aug 2017 12:45:57
Their midfield is ominously strong. I think they will be difficult to beat.


09 Aug 2017 13:11:13
From the little I have seen, Linderof looks a liability.


09 Aug 2017 13:19:35
Utd won't win it they are draw merchants or park the bus team as others say! Zlatan and Fellini where their star players last year they are starting all over again this year! City will win it and Jesus will be the player of the year!
Wembley will mess spurs up!
Arsenal will be back in the hunt!
Chelski will feel the loss of costa they could melt!
As for us it's all about staying fit id play the kids in the cups concentrate on cl and the league! Hopefully a few more faces in!


09 Aug 2017 13:41:18
We can only hope Nick!


09 Aug 2017 13:42:28
We should factor in Mourinho too I feel. He is no longer top dog in the managerial circle so I think his bruised ego may cost them points.


09 Aug 2017 14:02:20
I think united have bought incredibly poorly, matic in his day was a very good player but hasn't played much football for a while, everybody talks about 'letting pogba get forward' what does that mean? He's never did much when he hs got forward, united will play the same as und LVG side ways passes very slow then punt it long and hope for the best. United then got rid of one of the best strikers in the world for lukaku who requires 10 chances to score one, Everton from that deal have done very well. United have bought the Swedish lovren. So basically united I think will miss out on top 4 again, Chelsea are pushing out a top class striker proven in the premier league for morata who although looks good, will take time to adapt. Arsenal may sneak in to the top 4 not due to their talent but due to others for all the money spent not necessarily strengthening. Tottenham will depend on the Wembley effect. Everton if lookman goes will miss the pace. City as mentioned have the most talented squad but will they gel? It's hard to keep a large group of egotistical footballers happy, just look at YAYA. Liverpool if they kept Coutinho we would be top 2 I have no doubt, if he is not replaced and he leave I don't think it's as bad as people think we have players to slot in and do a good job, perhaps not the same job but a good enough one. I would like us to sign a striker if Coutinho goes and see what happens dropping firmino back. I think it will be another close run fight but I don't see why everybody has all this faith in united they really aren't all that. obvioysoy just my opinion but I'd like to hear others.


09 Aug 2017 15:03:16
I think

Man City have spent a fortune but have yet to find their feet under Pep in the PL. tough to call but think top 3 with shout at the title of Pep can adapt and gel the team

Man Utd continues to look like a bunch of expensive individuals who have never met, sprinkled with a few players who are stealing a living as footballers (fellaini) . Add in the fact Mourinho looks on the verge of going into a 6 month sulk at any moment and I think they will struggle again

Chelsea are a machine and Conte will keep them efficient but not sure how Morata will adapt to the PL. Think they have a shot at top 2 and will be challenging again

Tottenham are tough - to me they had the best back 5 by a mile but selling walker won't help and I still remain to be convinced by them somehow. I think it's the lack of depth and they rely too much on Kane. Think they'll just make top 4 though

Arsenal I think will struggle for top 4 again. I think their midfield is inconsistent, Sanchez unsettled and while I like Lacazette, I expect he will need time to adapt to PL

Everton - sorry Ed25 but just don't see it. maybe when all your youngsters mature a bit more but losing Lukaku is going to hurt and Rooney is past it

Liverpool I thought was in with a decent shout if we could get a couple of top FBs, a top CB and winger and keep our players. Unfortunately Robertson is still a question mark for me, VVD is up in the air and Coutinho may yet leave. Salah is a very astute piece of business though and if Sturridge remains fit we could be a surprise package as our attack looks lethal. I think we could still make top 4 if Coutinho goes, but would depend on injuries. If he stays, we manage to get VVD in and the squad remains fit I would say we could be challenging.

My prediction
Man city
Chelsea
Liverpool
Tottenham
Man Utd
Arsenal.


09 Aug 2017 15:44:55
Matic was world class yesterday. He is an excellent player. People are so biased they just can't accept any non liverpool players. It's such shame! He won the league with a piss poor fabregas at Chelsea!
Liverpool without Coutinho is like athletes running all over without knowing what and where to go!


09 Aug 2017 19:19:57
My prefiction
Mancity
Spurs
Arsenal
Chelsea
Manutd
Liverpool.


09 Aug 2017 12:12:55
If Liverpool wins the 2022 commonwealth games any chance of a nice new stadium for free? Works for everyone else.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2017 12:36:43
for who? tranmere? i;ve been quite accustomed to Anfield.


09 Aug 2017 13:26:33
Pure unadulterated corruption.

.


09 Aug 2017 11:46:02
Ed01 who do you hope will start in Goal at Watford? I have nothing against Mignolet but I hope Karius gets the nod. He does have lapses of concentration during games but he has more to his game than Mignolet I think and has more space to improve in my opinion. Feel sorry for Ward he's not a player who should be rotting on the bench when he has so much potential. Cheers Ed.

Believable3 Unbelievable5

{Ed001's Note - it has to be Migs. He deserves it for his play at the end of the season.}

09 Aug 2017 12:58:39
I would be tempted to see if we could get a loan for Karius.

We are not going to be able to keep all three happy and I believe Karius needs to get back to playing every week to build his confidence. He was voted as the 2nd best keeper in Germany the year before we signed him of course.

Ward has been excellent in pre-season and for Huddersfield last season and would be a very capable replacement should Migs lose form or fitness.


09 Aug 2017 13:13:12
Agree with RedDawn about loaning out Karius. The lad is really short of confidence and keeping him parked on the bench waiting for Migs to screw up will do him no favours. He still has a big reputation in Germany and maybe one of the Bundesliga sides could take him on a season long loan and then we can assess which 2 GKs to keep out of Migs, Karius and Ward at the end of the season.


09 Aug 2017 15:02:11
Man, what game do you watch migs far superior goalkeeper, karius seems a great lad but will never be a premier league keeper loan him if we can ward should be number two.


09 Aug 2017 11:47:09
Just want to take a few seconds to thank the eds. Every single one of you deserve praise for putting up with us lot. Every single one of you do a fantastic job and I'm on this site, several times a day. Thank you eds. Legends!

Believable6 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Thanks Joey.}

09 Aug 2017 13:10:54
You forgot to do the usual VVD question, Joey? ha

'Hey Eds, you're amazing and I love you. any news on VVD? When will he sign? How much for? . '

But seriously, superb job from all the eds!


09 Aug 2017 19:45:58
I thought I'd give the eds a day off with his name lol.


09 Aug 2017 11:31:54
Looking at the top 4 candidates this season,

Chelsea for me will struggle slightly without Hazard until he is fit again. They will be up there again though.

City have strengthened quite well so see them starting strongly and claim a top 4 spot.

Spurs have signed nobody and whether they will settle at Wembley is going to be a massive factor which could affect them negatively. They are very short of players at the back too so for me they will be the team to loose out on a top 4 place this season.

Arsenal have a problem in keeping an unhappy Sanchez. Lacazette although a top finisher will need to adjust to the Premier League. Kolasinac, how I wish we could have got him! Arsenal probably will be huff and puff again this season but believe they will finish top 4.

Lukaku for UTD I reckon will be signing of the season and see them finishing top 4.

To us, we have as good a chance of claiming a top 4 spot as any of the contenders with or without Coutinho. Our transfer business ain't done yet so let's calm down to a panic

Not going to call who is going to win it but I reckon we are in for the closest title challenge ever.

Believable3 Unbelievable7

09 Aug 2017 12:16:30
Our transfer business is likely to be Coutinho out and not much more coming in. So we will be severely weakened going into the season.

Arsenal don't have a problem keeping Sanchez, Wenger has said he is happy for him to leave on a free and they don't have to sell unless a stupid offer comes their way, if they get that offer, I would imagine they would sign Lemar, which is a great replacement.

So City, United, Chelsea and Arsenal would all have made significant improvements to their squads in vital positions.

Spurs have held on to their best players, which is what they set out to do and haven't yet made any significant signings.

We face losing our best player without any real idea of how to replace him and have missed out on our primary targets, we are still soft in centre midfield and weak at centreback.

The only possible business that is being talked of is Oxlade Chamberlain, which is completely against logic as he is not a player who fills any of the areas that we are short in and is not capable of filling in the Coutinho sized gap in our starting 11.

The title race will be close, you are quite correct, but we will not be involved in it in all reasonable probability and looking at it from a head rather than heart point of view, I can't look beyond City/ Chelsea/ United/ Spurs, given that we were not in it last year beyond December and we will have more games to play. I think we will be sixth, fourth was punching above our weight last year and even then we only just scraped through.


09 Aug 2017 15:05:55
Frankly, I find the "Punching above our weight" rhetoric insulting. For anyone who has played football or any type of sport, no one believes in any of that. The fact is that nothing is given to you in sports. You have to earn it on the pitch, court or any arena of competition. The fie;d is the same for every one and as for us, we deserved to be top 4 and many think we could have done much better had things been different. We were better vs all the big teams which is not a fluke. This has been the record under Klopp since he got here. We improved on our 15/ 16 output by every metric (points, goals scored, goals conceded, no. of wins and losses) possible so that again is down to the manager and our boys putting in the hard work. Where we will finish, I do not know but wherever we finis, we would have earned it and nothing more or less.


09 Aug 2017 15:26:02
Without Coutinho we have no chance. By Mid September when the goals dries up and couple of players take up the place on the treatment table I could see Klopp moaning about fixtures, fans moaning about lack of depth and not signing players in the window.
One injury to Matip and we are dire at the back! One injury to Hendo and we are clueless in the middle.
I like your optimism but I have been here all my life wand seen many seasons.
We have a match on Saturday and a trip on Tuesday and then one on Saturday! Come back to me if we still have the same first 11!


09 Aug 2017 11:07:56
Morning Eds
Sly sports reporting that Juve have made a bid of £22 million for Can but we are looking for £27 million surly that's b######t, in the current environment with the likes of Kyle Walker (just an example) costing u £50 million, who the hell would you be able to buy as a replacement for Can with a paltry £27 million . Has to be a load of crap I know Can has yet to sign a new contract but with Lucas and Stewart gone we are tight enough in the centre without letting anyone else go . Rant over .
Thanks.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

{Ed002's Note - The price Liverpool might want for Can is unrelated to the price Manchester City paid for Walker or any other transfer.}

09 Aug 2017 11:19:10
Considering that Walker had a long term contract, City had to pay a premium, Can has one year left on his contract, there is no way that any team would offer £50m plus in those circumstances, unless it was Messi/ Neymar etc. So take it in that context.


09 Aug 2017 11:29:39
Losing Coutinho and Can in the same window would be a disaster. And the worst part is the club had only one midfielder they were desperate to sign and his club have put 'not for sale' stamp on him. Please tell me Klopp has 2 midfielders lined up if Can and Coutinho both leave or next season could see LFC dropping out of the top6.


{Ed001's Note - Oxlade-Chamberlain?}

09 Aug 2017 11:35:33
We have grujic who will be there instead of stewart and liverpool are actively pursuing a replacement for can who is likely to be leaving this summer due to playing time ahead of the world cup. Coutinho is likely to be sold however this may not necesarily mean a like for like replacement will be brought in. Jurgen 'Klipperty' Klopp needs to stay well away from transfers and fsg need to hire a proper director to shape the club to do things the right way. This is the only real issue we have with fsg is the hiring of the wrong people and letting Klopp get away with what he does. It would be foolish for us to go for vvd now but ultimately we should be punished for unsettling the player. We have 4 centre backs already another one is not needed. Something we could do with is a disciplined defensive coach who could work with what we have. Another thing I personally think the sleeve sponsor is a good thing Fsg have not made any profit at LFC since they took over so 25 mil over 5 years for a badge is great business. Football shirt are horrible anyway I don't wear them and as long as its got the bird on the front its fine. All im saying is people getting hung up on transfers need to take a step back and just support the players we have got.


09 Aug 2017 11:37:15
Also remember it's the prices English clubs are paying other teams that have been inflated, not European clubs buying from EPL. That could partly explain the discrepancy.


09 Aug 2017 11:52:43
I was just using walker as an example of over inflated prices for players and that if liverpool were to sell Can to Juve for £27 million what would that £27 million buy u in the current environment if we're to look for a replacement, maybe the way I worded it didn't quite get the point I was trying to make across .


09 Aug 2017 12:11:59
I think the eds have repeatedly said that selling to raise money to buy isn't an issue and the 2 shouldn't be linked. Bearing in mind the players the club has already looked at without selling and the urge to get Can to sign a new contract, it would seem there is no need to limit a replacement based on what his sale raises.


09 Aug 2017 12:19:24
Notsozippy, I get your point that £27m gets you nowt. But wit a year left on the contract, you won't get top dollar.


09 Aug 2017 12:57:55
If he won't sign new contract sell him asap can see lfc transfer team ***in it up tho and being suprised when he won't sign after window closes.


09 Aug 2017 15:28:00
Can will become a £100 mill player at Juventus just like Suso has become a brilliant player at Milan. If Allegri thinks he could start ahead of Marchisio, Pjanic, Khadiera and Sturato, Then we can agree Can is an excellent player!


09 Aug 2017 11:06:52
Hi eds,

Long time reader, first time poster! Just wanted to give my 2 cents on the coutinho situation.

Read reports this morning from Guillem Balague, who always seems to give an honest and accruate opinion. He's basically saying liverpool have not heard from Barcelona since their first offer and have no intention of meeting Barcelona to discuss a potential deal. Barcelona are saying they won't over spend on coutinho. Coutinho is out with a back injury and is still behaving impeccably.

Surely we are in the exact same situation that RB Leipzig were in with Keita. A part from Barcelona aren't directly tapping up the player but using the media to unsettle him. Other than that it's the same, isn't it? The player would like the move put won't necessarily push for it. We do not need to sell or want to sell. Personally I think we'll keep hold of him, unless he hands in a transfer request.

Either way, excited for the new season! Hopefully klopp can win us a trophy this year!

Thanks for all your hard work eds! Not sure I'd have the patience for your job!

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - It was Coutinho who courted Barcelona so it is very different to Keita. Barcelona will return with a proposal this week - I have explained that.}

09 Aug 2017 11:18:54
Oh ok, sorry ed. I didn't realise he courted Barcelona. I must of missed that. I guess we'll just have to see what happens when Barcelona return. Thanks for the reply though ed! Top job!


09 Aug 2017 11:28:28
Ed002 - I know it isn't strictly LFC related but for Barcelona Is Dembele there replacement for neymar? and Couts for iniesta?


{Ed002's Note - They want Dybala as the replacement for Neymar. They want DEmbele as an addition to the squad.}

09 Aug 2017 12:39:00
Thanks Ed. Talk about squad depth if they get Dybala aswell as Dembele and Couts.


09 Aug 2017 12:53:40
I've always found Barcelona to have the thinnest squad on FIFA and PES. Bought time they added some depth!


09 Aug 2017 11:05:10
Surely only a matter of days before this transfer window explodes.

Too little business done by big clubs and a lot of improvement needed.

I think the market stalled due to the Neymar transfer and should ignite once they get his replacement (Coutinho/ Dembele)

There's big players still likely to move in this window.
Mbappe, VVD, Dembele, Aubaumayang, Sigurdsson, Costa, Lemar, Sanchez, Ox etc

Plenty of business still to go in the next 3 weeks!

Believable0 Unbelievable3

{Ed002's Note - Coutinho is not a replacement for Neymar.}

09 Aug 2017 11:13:52
Coutinho will be Iniesta's replacement.

Replacing Neymar will be top of Barca's list.


09 Aug 2017 11:20:09
Aubemeyang isn't moving, he has said so and so have Dortmund.


09 Aug 2017 11:26:54
Coutinho replaces Iniesta.


09 Aug 2017 11:46:08
Coutinho is the long term replacement for Iniesta, but will replace Neymar on the left this season as i doubt Barcelona will be spending another 100-150m on another attacking player.


{Ed002's Note - Forget the money, Barcelona will be adding another forward as well.}

09 Aug 2017 10:48:05
Good news one day
Bad news the next!
🤷🏻‍♂️.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 11:04:38
what's the good news!?


09 Aug 2017 11:30:28
Or, if you're Ron, what's the bad news? Optimism.


09 Aug 2017 11:44:49
The good news is that nothing bad has happened yet.


09 Aug 2017 10:35:40
Hi Eds (probably Ed02 i think)

I'm going to avoid the use of any player names so as to hopefully note cause a stir. So this is an entirely hypothetical situation.

Say club receives multiple offers for one of their players, a couple at a lower amount and one higher than the others.

The club then accepts the lower offers but rejects the higher offer as they do not want to deal with that club.

The player does not want to play for the clubs who made the lower offers, so rejects their advances, and states that they want to play for the club that made the higher offer. His club refuse to accept the higher offer still.

Would the player have any case for restraint of trade as he is not being allowed to join the club he wants to and who have offered an amount deemed reasonable by the player's club, solely because the selling club do not wish to deal with the highest bidder.

I am guessing it's a no, as clubs have previously said that they won't sell to rivals or teams in the same division etc but it was an interesting question posed by a colleague.

Cheers in advance and thanks for all your hard work in this mental time of the year.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - No, the player is contracted to the club who rejected the higher offer. There is no reestraint of trade as he can play for them.}

09 Aug 2017 10:41:31
Cheers for the speedy response Ed.

Would this still be the case if said player was then told to "rot in the reserves" if they did not move to one of the clubs who made the lower offers?

I'm trying really hard to keep this vague, it's probably not working.


{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of any club who has told a player to "rot in the reserves". If a player is not ready to play for the first team and has to bide his time it is not a restraint of trade.}

09 Aug 2017 10:46:14
It is extremely obvious who you are talking about. Liverpool should stick to their word and try to mend relationships and earn back a respectable reputation by leaving the player and club alone.


09 Aug 2017 10:55:01
I agree with you Denzil. I was just wondering what the impact might be for the player involved. It's not just about the impact of the relationship between the clubs but how it affects the career of a professional footballer as well.

Personally I feel that every club has the right to refuse to deal with another club if they deem there to be good reason to do so, especially in cases of such an obvious overstepping of both moral and actual rules.

Hopefully it is not out of the question for the relationship to be repaired to the point where the clubs can do business again. Not only to repair that specific relationship but to help improve the reputation of the club throughout the game.


09 Aug 2017 12:21:53
I am happy to be corrected if it has but I can't think of a situation where that has actually happened and the reason would be because somehow everyone would work it out. Either the club would take the bigger offer or the player would make the compromise or the bigger offer would be withdrawn. The club aren't going to keep a player who really wants out and a player isn't going to turn down a move if he wants out and a club isn't going to waste their own time. If the accounts are true Delle Ali wanted to go to Liverpool, Liverpool didn't want to pay what he wanted, he went to spurs. Chillwell wanted to go to Liverpool, Liverpool wouldn't pay the fee, he signed a new contract with Leicester City. That would seem to be how it works in the real world and where the hypothetical stops. As I say happy to be proved wrong if anyone knows of a case of the theoretical impasse.


09 Aug 2017 10:25:59
Hi Eds, I don't know if this is the right forum for this, but I was wondering how probity of contract works in football?
I have 2 questions about this. The first is what is the FAs role in contracts. When Neymars release clause was activated it was given to the Spanish FA. So are the FA party to the contract or is this just a requirement in the release clause?
The other issue was about the enforceability of clauses by third parties. I was wondering why the jurisdiction of the club makes a difference for enforcing these clauses as, under U. K. Privity laws, an interested third party can enforce clauses in contracts and this law doesn't specify that they have to be from the same jurisdiction, so I was just wondering why it is different with football contracts?
Thanks, and I do understand if you don't want to post this as it is pretty technical and not Liverpool related.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - (a) When payments are made they are paid via the FAs who are responsible for settling debts due and taking their cut before passing the remainder on to the club. (b) Privity is no different with regards football contracts. I assume you have a more specific question with respect to this.}

09 Aug 2017 14:14:08
Hi ed,
I was wondering if a players contract referred to other clubs directly in the clauses or if they were worded generally?


{Ed002's Note - I don't understand, refer to other clubs in respect of what?}

09 Aug 2017 10:24:09
Anyone else think that new sleeve sponsor makes the shirts look tacky, at least we have more money for all these signings we're making ;)

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 11:00:59
Looks horrible ruined a decent home kit!


09 Aug 2017 12:09:30
Who cares. I don't think it affects our game.


09 Aug 2017 10:03:50
Hi eds, do we have an interest in Seri from Nice as an alternative to NK? Also would his reported 40m euro release fee only apply to French clubs?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

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

09 Aug 2017 09:45:43
Eds I take it Saints have rejected VVD Transfer request?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - Ok.}

09 Aug 2017 10:04:19
No need to answer my previous question conference already held it was to do with the new sleeve sponsor. Thanks anyway 👍.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 09:50:43
I have no problems in selling coutinho the player ( he's very hit and miss to me )
I have a problem selling the name coutinho.

He's arguably our biggest star, so I worry about the message it sends out to other players and the fans.

Believable5 Unbelievable5

09 Aug 2017 10:00:45
Maybe we can retain the "name" as part of the deal Benny. Would that work for you? :-)

His new Barcelona shirt could say "Philipe the artist formerly known as Coutinho" (in very small font. ) .


09 Aug 2017 10:07:02
In a slightly more serious response, I take your second point, but disagree on the first point.

I think he has become our Steve G replacement (not in terms of style of play), but if we are having a bad day at the office he is the one likely to provide that spark and do something brilliant from nowhere (freekick against Arsenal last season) . I also think he has been far more consistent in the last year or so, so I do think he will be a big miss!

I share your concern with how it looks that we let our biggest name go when we have finally got back in CL. I think I have posted on this before, but in the last 10 years or so we always seem to struggle to get quality players to stay long enough to enable us to get two or three of them at the club at one time. Torres left as Suarez arrived (would have been great watching those two with Stevie G behind them), then Suarez left, now if Coutinho goes before we can see what can be achieved with a couple of new signings it is just disappointing that we are not really ever getting a firm base to kick on from.


09 Aug 2017 10:07:49
You say that he's very hit and miss, but he was at least as effective as Eden Hazard last season.


09 Aug 2017 10:19:20
next season coutinho will be all hit benny. because he is . supposed to play in a position where everything passes through him.
Anyway one Brazilians loss would become another's gain so not to worried either.
i more look towards keeping studger fit and hitting them 30 goals.


09 Aug 2017 10:28:53
I'll be honest akshit, after seeing Sturridge pull up in pre season, I am worried that he will break down quite a lot this season as well.


09 Aug 2017 10:23:15
Benny, I agree with most of your post except the message to other players. We will always be able to attract young players with potential, the problem is that they see us as a stepping stone club. Although this will probably suit the business side as there could be huge profits to be made, as in Coutinho.


09 Aug 2017 10:26:40
He will always be hit and miss whilst being stuck out on the left wing. Put him in the middle with runners ahead of him and then you'll see him at his best. The last time he played in his natural position for a full season; with runners ahead of him was the season we finished second - 4 seasons ago when he was just 21 years of age. He's been wasted ever since.

Red Rum.


09 Aug 2017 10:42:32
I think he's more hit than miss these days but still not quite in that top echelon on world class players for me. Not to say he can't make that next step.


09 Aug 2017 10:43:29
Stars come and go and new ones are made to replace them.

Everybody was saying the same when Torres left, when Suarez left, when Gerrard retired, but people step up, new players are signed.

though I'll be gutted if Coutinho leaves I agree with akshit in that I think it will massively benefit Firmino. Bobby is not a striker he is a trequarista and dropping a little deeper to support a striker would allow him to play his more natural game and it would allow us to play an actual striker who will get 20+ goals a season.


09 Aug 2017 11:07:06
Torres, Suarez and Gerrard are really poor examples as we have never adequately replaced them and that is the problem.


09 Aug 2017 11:13:35
Studger will fire this season.


09 Aug 2017 12:36:53
surely suarez replaced torres?


09 Aug 2017 13:50:47
I think I'd rather sell the name and keep the player 🤝.


09 Aug 2017 09:49:32
Morning Ed1, do you consider Mignolet the favourite to start in the league? Do you think there's a chance we'll play one in league, one in cups and one in Europe?

Thanks mate, hope you're well.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - Migs is likely to hold onto his place until he makes a mistake or two. There is every chance Klopp gives one of the others a chance in different comps. Though it does depend on how Migs is getting on, as him being dropped will alter things.

Good thanks mate, how about yourself?}

09 Aug 2017 10:27:53
Mignolet had a good season, I think he deserves to start.

Red Rum.


09 Aug 2017 10:25:48
Ed001 in your view is Migs is doing well?
I play goalkeeper and really don't like the way he is so weak at set pieces and corners and is still flapping and punching around. he has ironed out mistake or two out of his game but i don't think his general technique has at all improved. he is just a good shot stopper. he is always a second slow at every dead ball situation and almost never makes a clean catch.
he was supposedly doing well last bit of last season but there were still problems, the shear nervousness around anfield during corners and set pieces tells you all.
Also he can't find a LFC player when he kicks it out.
I would want to try Ward but as you have assessed we will begin with Migs and wait for mistake. That is not a good sign.


{Ed001's Note - at the end of the season there were major signs of improvement in those areas. Up until then I would have said he was terrible, not even a good shotstopper, but he looked a much better keeper at the end of the season. His confidence has clearly risen due to the training, which makes him much stronger coming out for balls in the air. I think he deserves to keep his place on his showing at the end of the season.}

09 Aug 2017 10:42:46
I'm good thanks mate. Excited about the season ahead and looking forward to getting the window out of the way so there's no more bs to deal with.

Am I right in thinking that you felt Mignolet was starting to look good towards the end of last season?


09 Aug 2017 11:11:56
I agree Ed, up until last season I thought he wasn't a decent keeper at all. Which was strange as he had the tools to be a very good keeper, he is tall, agile and quite strong. The fact that he is now playing more to his potential is very encouraging and also I think some credit has to go to Achterburg (who has come in for criticism) as they have clearly been working hard to improve, yeah Migs isn't world class, but he is at least a good competent keeper now, which is fine.


09 Aug 2017 09:42:46
The very fact that Liverpool have agreed to meet Barcelona's representatives is a bad omen. That sends a message out saying we are willing to listen, then its just a case of money, which Barcelona have plenty of.

What would people think of Mahrez? He's used to the Prem, he used to pressing from the front and then hitting teams on the break, and has played in a very similar role to Coutinho in a title winning side.
We know Leicester want £50m, that would leave enough to make an offer Southampton couldn't refuse for VVD whilst still breaking even. I think it makes sense.

Believable1 Unbelievable5

09 Aug 2017 09:51:38
Personally I don't rate Mahrez that highly, look at how he acted last season when things were not going well? Plus he is more of a winger than a number 10.


09 Aug 2017 10:07:42
Of course we're willing to listen. Listening doesn't mean we'll accept although every player has a amount that their club would find hard to turn down. I feel we're about to find out what Liverpool's is.


09 Aug 2017 10:27:43
the leicester player we should have bought was kante.
as for meeting with his representatives how else do you say no he is not for sale on their face?


09 Aug 2017 10:39:28
Akshit, by refusing to even meet them.


09 Aug 2017 10:59:11
Andy but that's not at all fun :)


09 Aug 2017 09:37:49
Just a thought: Liverpool might want Coutinho to ask for a transfer or start acting up (slacking in training, seeing some reports being planted, could just be rumours though) to make it look like they didn't want to sell but the player wanted the move and therefore it was done. This would help the club and the owners to not come across as jumping at the cash being offered and the player getting the move.

PS: I hope he stays and helps us to push on this year to better results.

Believable0 Unbelievable5

09 Aug 2017 09:48:02
Sky sports say that the reports about him slacking aren't true and his attitude has been first class.


09 Aug 2017 09:51:24
How would it help the club? It would just look like we hold our players to ransom which in turn would deter others from signing.
Some people have to realise that until we start winning trophies on a regular basis, then the Real Madrids and Barcelonas of this world will always be able to cherry pick the players they want.


09 Aug 2017 09:52:08
The report about Coutinho came from Duncan Castles, so you can dismiss it out of hand.


09 Aug 2017 10:08:52
I'm sure what Liverpool want is for Coutinho to say he is happy at the club and all this Barcelona talk is nonsense.


09 Aug 2017 09:20:45
I would love to have a crystal ball right now to see if prices from this transfer window are sustainable. I'd doubt it and would hope not personally. Average players with potential to be good going for £30 million plus is sheer madness, not naming names or anything, but just last summer £30 million bought you a pretty decent or even in some cases a world class player - that's now doubled or tripled, incredible!

Believable3 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 09:42:18
I doubt there will be another player as expensive as Neymar anytime soon but players at £60m will become a norm now.

Look at Sigurdsson at £50m. I doubt transfer windows will be sustainable at the rate it is going.


09 Aug 2017 10:10:54
The only way it stops is if clubs refuse to pay or if players actually honour their contracts. By that I mean a player in the last year of his contract is worth significantly less than one who has five years left. Coutinho wouldn't be anywhere near £110m if his contract ran out next year.


09 Aug 2017 09:55:57
I wish transfer fees were abolished. If a player wants to sign a 5 year contract then he accepts he will be at that club for 5 years. The only way he could leave would be to buy himself out of the contract with his own money or once the contract has ended.
It won't happen, but just a thought.


09 Aug 2017 09:04:20
Ed001, if your about. Why don't you rate Isco?
I admit I've only seen him play a few times, but he seems to do well. May be he does well only when I see him play!
But would like to know your views on him, his strengths and weaknesses.
Thank you.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - the problem with him is that he runs around a lot, has lovely touches but achieves very little other than to look nice on the eye as a player. His end product is appalling. Often it is just gifted back to the opposition or he will make a difficult pass just because he can, when a simple pass could have opened up space for the team. He dribbles too much when a quick one-two would be more use. Decision making, that is his main weakness. If there are two or more options on the table to him, he very rarely chooses the right one.

Don't get me wrong, he has lovely feet, great touch, good at running and beating a man, works hard, but it is ineffective. He does too much, like a kid on the playground.}

09 Aug 2017 09:13:54
Sounds a bit like Lallana. but Klopp has helped to improve him.


09 Aug 2017 09:40:27
Thank you for your input. Appreciate it.


{Ed001's Note - welcome, I did wonder if anyone would ask why I didn't rate him as everyone seems to think he is the next coming of Messi. I just don't see that in him at all.}

09 Aug 2017 09:42:23
Also, if phil goes, would you take mertens as a replacment?


{Ed001's Note - I like Mertens but he is 30 and not a midfielder like Couts.}

09 Aug 2017 10:11:04
I still reckon Ed002 was on to something when he said we should look at Insigne. The boy is rapidly quick, has a great range of passing and he can score goals, plays as a number 10 for Napoli and doesn't easily get bullied by bigger players. Could be for us what Zola was for Chelsea.


09 Aug 2017 10:12:11
I think Isco is class. Would improve any team. Surprised he's content being a bit part player at Real.


09 Aug 2017 10:20:16
Ed001, who would you replace Phil with, given a choice?


{Ed001's Note - Firmino.}

09 Aug 2017 10:31:37
Actually My two cents, he wins trophies and medals year in year out as a bench warmer, so from that point of view, he is happy with things. He is also not the brightest lad around by all accounts.


09 Aug 2017 08:58:09
Southampton sign future Liverpool star Mario Lemina from Juventus in £18.1m deal.

Probably.

Believable9 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 09:34:25
Is that you you Le Tissier.


09 Aug 2017 08:45:37
Phil is staying.

I was at the emirates for the 4-3 first game last season. I am looking forward to watching the leagues most exciting front 4 (Mane, Salah, Bobby and Couts) this season. and with our defense a few more dramatic 4-3s!

Bring on vicarage road.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 08:54:55
thank god 1jj has spoken. I was worrying he was leaving for a moment.


09 Aug 2017 09:36:39
Haha gayfish - it's all the drama about absolutely nothing I'm commenting on. At this point nothing has happened yet lots of people are ranting as if he has gone.

Has he gone? No. Is he going? No one knows. So, I will carry on being positive, supporting the team and looking forward to an exciting season ahead with Phil as a
Key part of it until I see him in a Barcelona shirt (which IMO we won't see) .

There are some big, serious and scary things out there in the world to worry about. A football transfer that hasn't actually happened is not one of them.


09 Aug 2017 10:04:39
You say in your reply "Is he going? No one knows. " which is a direct contradiction on your original post.

There is no need to be upset about him leaving (if he does in fact leave) but claiming categorically that he is staying is much the same as those saying he is categorically going. It is based on nothing but your own belief.


09 Aug 2017 11:12:01
Hank - there is no contradiction. I said he is staying. is he a Liverpool player at this moment? Yes. Does anyone know he is going? No. So, right now he is staying as in nothing has happened. I simply don't get why are people ranting about something that hasn't happened. Surely you can't argue with that can you?


09 Aug 2017 08:38:36
Morning Ed's and everyone. £1million question is Sturridge expected to be fit for the weekend as things stand?

Believable3 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

09 Aug 2017 08:34:45
For one if Coutinho wishes to leave, i wish him all the luck and success at Barcelona. may our little magician have the world under his feet.
we have always helped them ( barca) win la liga titles and CL since 2010. Their defence was short we gave mascherano, their attack was short we gave them suarez, now the midfield is short. Sigh.
Liverpool citizens should be given free trips to barcelona as and when they want no expense spared!

Believable4 Unbelievable3

09 Aug 2017 08:44:23
If they need a goalkeeper we have got Adam Bogdan for them.


09 Aug 2017 08:58:22
i think adam left but 20 milllion for karius and he is all yours :)
and i hear their martinez deal fell, we got sakho too, then we have moreno for their LB issues. we got markovic to replace neymar.
now if i was LFC if they want coutinho i'd make a deal only if they took all our deadweight ( just like they want to include theirs in the deal! )
talking in million pounds we have - 30 for sakho, 16 for marko, 12 for moreno, 120 for couts, 20 for karius and the sum is voila 198!
There all sorted.


09 Aug 2017 08:26:20
Morning Eds,

What is the latest on Daniel Sturridge injury?

Just also wondering is Ward now up there with a chance to be our number 1 or is he still seen as back up. I think all 3 of our keepers are on par with each other no one really staking their claim.

thanks and good luck for the season!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - it was just a slight strain. Ward has every chance, the 3 of them are fighting over the number one spot.}

09 Aug 2017 08:13:50
Any chance we'd put our hat in the ring for Serge Aurier eds?

I don't know if we have ever looked at him but I remember reading that we were looking at right backs at the beginning of the transfer window.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - no, thankfully.}

09 Aug 2017 08:20:06
bad investment all the way, what would we do with TAA, gomez, milner flannagan and clyne?


09 Aug 2017 09:33:36
Pereira was our preference if Clyne was to b replaced. Unfortunately, he will probably end up at Spurs now would you say Eds?


{Ed001's Note - Spurs are struggling to attract players with their wage structure.}

09 Aug 2017 10:07:43
OP, Sahko is an angel compared to Serge Aurier. Average player with a more than wretched and despicable attitude.


09 Aug 2017 07:48:58
I want Couts to stay just to see how brilliant he can be in that central role. Wishful thinking perhaps but our season will be much better with him in the team than not.

Believable10 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 08:09:38
Nobody wants him to go but if he does tell the club he wants to leave then not sure we will have much choice. Coutinho is a moral pro but keep him against his will and things could change. This is football after all.

As it has been reported, he is turning up for training and we ain't seeing any signs of him rocking the boat as yet. It has been said he will move if Barcelona and Liverpool can agree terms. That is the clearest indication that he wants to pack up and leave for Barca.

The problem is that Coutinho probably has his agent in his ears 24/ 7 at the moment. If Barcelona come with a now or never ultimatum more fuel will be added to the fire.

I can't imagine what is going through Coutinho's head at this point as he knows he is loved by the fans and the club. Whatever happens, all I am hoping is for things not turning out being ugly as that is the last thing we need right now.

Come what may, Liverpool will still be here tomorrow.


09 Aug 2017 08:13:17
Spot on, Octopus and this is why we should not sell. He will be key in CM to unlocking defences with mane and Salah and Firmino providing clever movement. If he is sold, good luck breaking down parked buses after selling your best player and one of the best no. 10's in the PL.


09 Aug 2017 11:35:26
we have got to do everything we can to keep him, there is a lot of negativity around at the minute with this transfer window but if we do keep Coutinho going forward I don't see a better team in the league. And it does not matter what people are saying about us not strengthening defence is wrong it is a lot stronger than last year. mings has improved 100% on the beginning of last season left back and right back is stronger and Gomez make the centre stronger if we have any injury's.


09 Aug 2017 07:25:13
I firmly believe we will land vvd and the ox and hang on to couts for one more year. Cannot see klopp being happy by saying we will not sell couts and then sell him! The question now is simple, do FSG want a crack at glory or just the money. I am keeping the faith.

Believable3 Unbelievable7

09 Aug 2017 08:15:14
RR, Ox can stay well clear of LFC as he is pants, end of. On the other parts of your posts, I fully agree. FSG must not budge on this or they will be sending the wrong message to the fans and other players in the dressing room. Cou is not for sale and for now based on the Echo, Sky Soports and Guillem Balague on Twitter, we are holding the line for now at least.


09 Aug 2017 07:02:41
To be honest, if we can find a quality replacement before agreeing to sell Coutinho and any left over money is used on a top CB, then personally it wouldn't upset me too much to see Coutinho move to Barca.
I honestly don't think Coutinho will go this season though.
Seems like all clubs are digging their heels in this summer, could it be because there's so much tv money now?!
Might be a good thing, it might force clubs to build from within and develop their own youths even more - something I'd love for us to continue doing. Can't wait for the season to get going now whatever the situation.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2017 08:18:35
I hope you are right Orlish esp. since Cou will not sulk and will continue to give his all esp. if we make the CL proper as this is a WC year. We simply cannot sell him this season as no replacement bar maybe Eriksen of Spurs can do the things he can do with us right now and Spurs won't sell to us either. We also don't need the money as we were potentially ready to drop 150m of VVD and NK so money is not the issue. We need to stand firm. end of.


09 Aug 2017 10:20:57
Eriksen, really?


09 Aug 2017 02:38:24
Unless Coutinho forces a move, I think it would be rather stupid to sell him even for the 120mil that some sources are reporting. Yes, that's a lot of money but we don't really need it? Say we went ahead to sell him, who are we going to get as his replacement? Anyone decent is going to cost us a chunk of that money we'll get for coutinho. its a chain effect. We will demand more from Barcelona and other clubs will demand more from us. So at the end of the day, if we re-invest the money from Coutinho's sale, where does it leave us? If RBL can resist the money, I hope we'll do the same.

Believable8 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2017 06:41:55
I hope we do indeed resist the sale of Coutinho, but from past experiences, Liverpool always are ready for a deal if enough money is offered.


09 Aug 2017 07:05:00
I hear ya, but what if we found a bargain replacement? Is Lanzini good enough for example and at what cost? Can he be replaced from within? Can the money go towards other needed positions such as a top CB?
I'm just happy the season is about to start.


09 Aug 2017 07:14:08
We don't need it?
Both the Keita and VVD deal have failed because we are not willing to pay to get them over the line, yes the others teams want over the odds but that is always the case when Liverpool come knocking.

As much as I would love to keep Coutinho, I am beginning to look at what we could do with the money. If the lad we signed for around £8.5m goes for anywhere near £120m then we are looking at fixing our defense and a replacement for him in midfield. Defense has been our problem for a long time, not attack, we have an ideal opportunity here to bring in the funds needed to fix that.

Not saying I want Coutinho to go but I can see positives either way, as you must when following football in the modern era, contracts do not mean loyalty and one player leaving does not mean the end of the world.


09 Aug 2017 07:42:18
Keita and VVD deals not happening are nothing to do with us not wanting to spend money. We obviously do
Southampton don't want him to go, and we tapped him up, not about money
RBL don't want to sell and don't need the money (due to ownership), we've offered well over the odds for him.


09 Aug 2017 08:24:06
I do not believe Southampton will be keeping Van Dijk now. I doubt their fans are happy with him and he will be a rotten egg if he was allowed in the dressing room.

Southampton knew he wanted to leave last season. All they are probably doing now is waiting for the bids to come in. He has set his heart on Liverpool so VVD can reject any offer that comes in from another club then they sit with a player for a season who might not even make the bench. He could also request that Soton sells him to Liverpool.

There are many twists and turns ahead before the window shuts and we most definitely have not heard the last from Liverpool re VVD.


09 Aug 2017 08:30:29
The OP is bang on the money. What he s]described is exactly what is happening to Barcelona now as BVB want 150m for Dembele cos they know that they are flush with cash from the Neymar money. We sell Cou now, any replacement we try to land (Lanzini is not good enough to carry Cou's back pack, neither is Siguurdsson, Meyer, Rakitic or whoever apart from Eriksen from Spurs) will cost the Cou fee as that club will do the same thing BVB is doing to Barcelona now. We will regret selling him cos there will be no adequate replacement for him and we will be left to either panic buy or hang on to "dead money".

Andy, you are patently wrong. The VVD and Keita deals did not go through cos we tapped both of them up and the clubs refused to sell to us at any price esp. RBL whose CEO came out to veto the deal despite Naby Keita crying that he wanted to go so stop posting falsehoods in order to slate the club's heirachy as they were ready to back Klopp on both deals. Also, stop fooling yourself with "what we can do with the money" thing as that is a false narrative. Look at Barca, they have the Neymar money and they can't use it well cos every other club like BVB for example, wants most of it for Dembele. See how that works? We will be in the same boat with Cou hence, we must keep him.


09 Aug 2017 01:52:00
Hi Eds,
Firstly, a huge thank you on all your hard work over what has proven to be a long and arduous transfer window- it's appreciated as ever, particularly with two of the most frustrating and long-winded transfer sagas seen for some time!
Additionally, I had hoped to ask about two ongoing in-house matters if any of you have time.
Firstly, I believe it was ED002 (though my memory may serve me incorrectly there! ) who pointed out the change in Jurgen Klopp's approach to press conferences in recent months, from light-hearted clowning to a more serious and frustrated tone. Would you be able to explain why such a change has taken place? I have noticed a less charming presence, and now I know it's not just me imagining things, I'd love to understand why?
Secondly, I believe two ex-players have come out to show support for Mamadou Sakho's "case" (if you can even call it that) to play for the club again. I've no doubt that his days are numbered at Liverpool, but I'd hoped to gauge your opinion on whether you think the treatment of him is entirely fair? Obviously his behvaiour before his exile from the first team was well documented as being inappropriate, but since then (bar one social media-related slip on Snapchat- albeit a large one), I've read only praise with regard to his attitude and determination to work hard. Whilst a return to the first team set up is unlikely at best, if you were in the manager's seat, would you return him to the fold?
Thank you so much in advance, and I hope I'm not walking on already well-trodden ground (even I, as a reader, get frustrated at the repetition of the same questions and would hate to be guilty of this as well! ) .
All the best!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - Klopp is stressed, the English league is not a fun place to be, very few managers who are there for long come out of it unchanged. Jose was a smiley happy guy when he first arrived, now look at him. Conte is showing signs of the stress getting to him and he won the league last season! The pressure they are under is immense. Too much media attention as well. It is tiring for them.

Sakho is very good at playing the victim, when it was his own constant problems that caused the issue. He needs to go. He is a brat who will not change, just say the right things, then continue being an arse.}

09 Aug 2017 07:02:44
I think its about Klopp to get angry and frustrated. I have always said he is too jolly, he needs to get angry through a fit and get 200 percent performance from his players. i donot think our players at all fear our manager. he should through bottles hit chairs when our defenders do comedy goals, Stop with all this hugging, you don't deserve one if u have under performed. our players should know there will be a mad man waiting for them after a weak performance.
"he can be a joker but the batman joker"
i think he needs this fire, we have a capable team and we have depth too now ( bar defense) and he needs to transfer all this angst / frustration to his players. how can these players not be frustrated after playing well and not winning a single trophy last season? i think we are too soft as a team, we have got all the quality in the world but we lack fight and angst when we are down. Teams should dread facing klopp and his team. '
It is needed. i think this debacle, his own incapability and carelessness should fire up Klopp and in turn that fire should reflect in his team.


{Ed025's Note - you dont know how angry klopp gets in the dressing room, 200% is impossible, he is not alex ferguson..

09 Aug 2017 07:19:19
Can we drop the Sakho nonsense please.
Firstly we only know about a few matters that became public there could be more.
Secondly, how hard is it to be good at the club when you are on loan or training alone. He is not being given another opportunity to mess his team mates around.


09 Aug 2017 08:36:07
Pls, the Sahko issue needs to be done with now and forever. The guy is like Trump. Always playing the victim like a Snowflake-in-Chief, never taking responsibility for anything he does and blaming others for his own pathetic behavior. He's a cancer in the DR and Klopp has successfully performed chimotherapy and our DR is now very tight. I don't care how good a player is, if he acted like Sahko did and is doing, he needs to get the book thrown at him and get shot of, end of.


09 Aug 2017 11:36:57
If in doubt over Sakho. have a look at the last game vs Palace and his actions pitchside, should be pretty clear after that if he should go.


09 Aug 2017 07:54:51
Ed025, i know, sadly you are right too .
Our team knows he is good boss, now they need to know he is the boss.
i don't know how angry he gets but it but i have never seen him get purple with anger flared nostrils (so i am thinking not much) . he has never been too angry i feel. i don't know but i do feel we miss some elements in our game. i call it anger may be others will call it something else.
i mean if you loose to burnley with 90 percent possession, somebody needs to go complete nazi on players behinds.


09 Aug 2017 00:46:36
Seems to me like Coutinho is key in all of this. And I like what ed001 had said about the club, despite the outcome eventually may disadvantage us, work to find a deal in the best interests of the player too. Some may not agree with this, but I do believe it is the better way to conduct ourselves.

So Coutinho is super key here.
Ed001 my question is - You've said the club will let him go if he wants to go and various eds have reported that the club are aware of his desire to join barca. It seems like Coutinho has been relatively passive about his desires if not persistent. Very different to Suarez, torres and sterling. Do you have any insight into how far the club would be prepared to push back against how Coutinho has presented his desire to leave and forcing him to stay another year versus settling for a deal that suits all this summer? In essence if there is a chance that we can reject the bids and Coutinho may just pull up his socks and get on with it, are the club prepared to go there?
Do you think that is how we should approach this?

Believable2 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - Klopp does not like to work with players that are unhappy at being there. So he will not want to push back too hard. Happy players perform better, usually. However, with a world cup coming up and his place in jeopardy, the club may well be willing to take the chance. It is impossible to say for sure, as I don't know how hard he will push to go. It all comes down to Couts.}

09 Aug 2017 05:08:04
awesome thanks for the reply ed001 :)
tricky balance for manager's aye? seems like if the fans were in charge decisions would be made far more easily aye. :p.


{Ed001's Note - and probably always the wrong one!}

09 Aug 2017 05:38:56
Ed, would you not draw comparisons between Coutinho now and perhaps Suarez's last season with us? Suarez was said to be willing to move but we got him to stay and he ended up getting player of the year.


{Ed001's Note - no comparison at all, they are totally different people and Suarez was an arse who forced the club into a corner. Coutinho has conducted himself well and it would be a shame to now be the arse to him.}

09 Aug 2017 06:00:16
Thanks.
I guess the best we can do is persuade him to stay another year.


09 Aug 2017 08:08:59
Besides Suarez's posturing, we actually had a lot of leverage and persuasion to say no to arsenal and then push suarez to wait another year for the bigger clubs to come calling. The big fish is here, right now.


09 Aug 2017 08:44:38
Nice post, OP and great reponse, Ed01. It is a very delicate situation. It is all down to Couts now. Will he give us one more season to epay all the he himself said we have done for him and his family and his career as a thank you gift or does he just do what is best for him only and leave? That is the question. The club and Klopp gave to walk a fine line and that is the challenge. We shall see.


09 Aug 2017 01:12:45
Long time reader. Rarely post though.
I just wanted to give my thoughts on the coutinho rumours.
I don't understand why coutinho would want to leave Liverpool at the moment, yes Barcelona is a big pull for South American players but looking at their squad a lot of their core players are in their 30's or close to it (messi, Suarez, iniesta, macherano. etc) and their squad players who are younger ( Denis Suarez, rafinha, Gomes) are not close to the standard of players they will have to replace in a few years.
Their acedamy is regarded one of them best in the world, but still past few years it has not produced any one of notable quality ( I believe any way)
Barcelona may still be a force for the next few years, but after that they will need to spend lots to replace most of their first eleven, and with the way the market is going prices are only going to rise.

Meanwhile Liverpool has a young Up and coming squad. We have 3 young goalkeepers who may not be the best in the world but if one of them doesn't perform there is another to take their place.
Our core squad: coutinho, firminho, mane, salah are only 25 years old. Can only 23, Henderson 27, matip 26, wijnaldum 26. Also we got some youngesters who are looking the part so far in trent, Woodburn, solanke, gomez, Kent.
What I'm trying to say is that while our squad isn't perfect (name me a team that is? ) we have a young core of players that will only get better and have longer at the top. With look on our side, hopefully few injuries and maybe a few top signings this summer or next we could have a team capable of not just winning the premier league but also challenging the champions league for years to come.
So why would coutinho want to leave a young team that he can be the talisman for.
Personally I see it has a step down.
Sorry for the long winded post. Just wanted to give my thoughts on the matter.

Believable2 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2017 02:18:17
I feel you but our perspective as fans differ from that of a player. Not many will turn down the chance to play with Messi and Suarez.


09 Aug 2017 04:42:35
Messi and Suarez still got 2-3 world class seasons still left in them. They will be challenging on all fronts for the time being by virtue of those two players.
The rest of the Barcelona squad though is painfully average. Iniesta, Pique, Masch, Rakitic all on the decline and their squad players would not even make the matchday squads of any of the top6 teams in England.


{Ed001's Note - that was a consequence of having Messi, Suarez and Neymar all in the same team. Now Neymar has gone, they might finally be able to afford to improve the strength of the team overall.}

09 Aug 2017 05:14:40
Who wouldn't want to play for Barcelona? Have you seen the amount of modernist architecture in that city? Phil is obviously a Gaudi obsessive.


{Ed001's Note - I have never been but I would hate to play for a team that is so fake. More than a club my arse. They are just like Real Madrid but try and pretend to be more.}

 
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