Liverpool Banter

01 May 2024 06:54:50
If Klopp turns out to be a modern era shanks in terms of the way he turned the club around then we can only hope that Arne is the next Bob.

But how likely is that?

Well let's look at where we are. If we win our last three games that will leave us on 84 points (and I get that looks unlikely right now but go with me) . Unbelievably despite how dire this season appears to be ending that would be Klopp's fourth highest points total in his 9 year tenure.

Statistically 84 points would also be a very good performance historically. In the last 28 seasons (38 game seasons) 84 points would have won the league in 7 seasons. It would have seen you finish second in 21 of those years.

It would leave us 17 points better off than last year. City would only be 2 points better off and Arsenal 5 points better off.

Now I am as gutted as everybody else about how the season has panned out but I do believe when you look at it objectively Arne is picking the team up in quite a good place. Yes there are issues but compare it to the state of the club when Klopp took over. In Rodger's last full season we were 25 points behind the winner. In Klopps season we were 21 points behind. If we finish on 84 we would at most be 7 behind.

And we can all think of a list as long as our arm about things that could have gone better this year.

So given where we are, how close we are and how much room for improvement there is (both defensively and offensively) I think we have reason to be cautiously optimistic that Arne could take us to the next step.

30 Apr 2024 20:54:22
Hi Ed 01
Can I have your opinion mate, I like what you think for next year with Trent, szobo, beck, . If we sell Diaz and mo and bring in top quality centre back and forward, do you think we need a commanding centre mid like rice or rodri to compete with arsenal and city?
Personally I think we do but would appreciate your view.
Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - it would help, but there are other ways to play that would mean it wouldn't necessarily be needed. It is the easy solution though to improve midfield. But who is there out there?}

30 Apr 2024 23:28:48
Surely koopmeiners would be top of the list considering his past with slot?

As another poster said he's not the best defensively nor is Trent macca or szob so do we need a specialist 6 or not?

Twitter seems to think the young Dutch 6 at feyenoord is the next best thing but that would be a massive risk.

01 May 2024 06:46:49
Ed1, we all can see how Rice has transform Arsenal into legit title contender or how the likes of Alisson, Van Dijk or Salah has transform us into contender since they coming to our club. Do you see any player out there that can do that for us for next season? It doesn't have to be any positions, just player that can elevate our squad to the next level.

{Ed001's Note - not that we could get, no. I am sure there are some out there, but I can't think of any.}

01 May 2024 07:11:35
Perhaps Romeo lavia, see if he wants to play for a decent team😄 . Thanks for your reply.

01 May 2024 07:34:26
I always felt that we should've went all out for rice 2-3 years ago, he was the transformative signing we needed in that area of pitch.
Would've added physical strength+size, leadership, availability virtually always, a v v good footballer and could cover if need me all 3 positions in midfield and also cb. used to premier league so no problem adapting either.
U should be going for a player like that when your on top of the tree, like utd done buying keane after they won there 1st league in years
Unfortunately as ed1 says I can't think of anybody able to.

30 Apr 2024 11:34:58
It's on some sites that a lip reader has stated that Mo said to Klopp, i will get red carded I've been here 7 years. Wow, if that is true that is bang out of order by Mo.

30 Apr 2024 12:33:49
that's a hilarious accusation I highly doubt it, think everyone is taking this to seriously people argue and have disagreements move on I bet if you look at training photos everyone will be smiling and forgotten about it.

30 Apr 2024 12:34:48
I think Klopp just wanted him to stand together with Nunez and Gomez as subs were made instead of sulking on his own. He has disrespected his manager his fellow team mates and the fans who supported him to get to this level. Get gone you fowl little man remember Liverpool fc will always be bigger and better than any single player. We put you on the map Mo and you act like this I hope to not see him play again.

30 Apr 2024 12:46:20
I wonder if it’s the same lip readers that tried to get Suarez off the hook 🤔.

30 Apr 2024 12:52:57
I agree nicol.

30 Apr 2024 12:56:55
Kloppers, indeed. I do agree that Salah should not have shown up his manager (who he owes his career to, btw) in public. No player should do that to his manager. Apart from that and from desperate media hacks looking for a controversy to nibble on, there's nothing to see here, personally. a.

30 Apr 2024 14:31:55
What do you reckon Oli, salah nets against spurs, runs over to the touch line high fives Klopp and jumps into his arms? All forgotten in best way possible.

30 Apr 2024 14:51:13
Salah doesn't owe his career to Klopp and the club didn't put Salah on the map.
Liverpool and Salah have been great for each other and there's no reason that can't continue for another season at least.
As for Klopp, he's very much a hands on manager. One of the lads with his hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, celebrations and general demeanour.
I can imagine him having the crack and bantering with the players. I can imagine him using some colourful language and letting players know when he is not happy and I can also imagine him taking some back if one of his players did it.
Klopp says it's "done" and I'll take his word for it.

30 Apr 2024 14:57:03
How does he owe his career to Klopp?

30 Apr 2024 17:01:42
Totally agree Rigsby. Salah has been a consummate professional and deserves all the plaudits for his time at Liverpool - Klopp has got the best out of him during his time. Neither made the other.

30 Apr 2024 17:20:32
Think we just need to move on rather than over-analyse.

30 Apr 2024 18:17:32
Ah c'mon nicol and Salah, one spat in 7 years undo's all the good? this man has maybe along with De Bruyne been the most consistent and brilliant player in the league these past 7 years. Yis live by high standards lads.

30 Apr 2024 19:34:18
If I did a great job for 7 years and then behaved like that towards my boss you best believe I’m getting fired, Jude. Maybe some people are simply sick of footballers and managers getting away with pathetic behaviour because of their asset value?

In the grand scheme of things, Klopp and Salah’s spat is minor compared to what goes on with some players at other clubs. Wouldn’t even break into the top 10 for embarrassing moments at Man United under EtH. But it wasn’t a comfortable watch seeing two absolute Liverpool legends behaving that way on camera. Nothing will happen because it is football and this is part of why we’re raising a generation of entitled brats right now. Modern celebrities don’t suffer consequences and they are sadly the role models for our children.

30 Apr 2024 19:45:48
MKS, nah you ain't getting fired if you flew off the handle for the first time in 7 years, bro esp. if you did GREAT work for all those years.

In fact, your manager would be very shocked to see you get really p. ed off and will think that there must have been something that really got you to crack like that as it's the first time you're doing it. Just my take.

{Ed025's Note - Oli, but dont you think that Mo should go on the record and apologize?, after all you cant talk and gesture to the head honcho like that in public mate, it would solve everything imo...or does Salah think he is too big to make an act of contrition?, if he does he will really go down in my estimation..

30 Apr 2024 19:47:51
Yes, Salah owes Klopp his career cos it was Klopp who literally built the attacking side of our scheme around him by having him play much closer to goal than he was doing at Roma. Salah said so himself during his first season when he was asked how it was possible for him to be scoring all those goals, something he never did previously.

30 Apr 2024 20:49:02
Agree with rigsby. Klopp and Salah won those trophies together and neither would have any without the other. That's just simple truth.

I don't think Salah should have publicly argued with klopp like that (or any manager) but klopp has been throwing Salah and Nunez under the bus lately by insinuating the losses were because of them not finishing chances. Diaz, Jones are just as guilty but no shade for them and everyone bar Mac has been awful for weeks.

It doesn't entitle Salah to fall out in public like that but it does explain his feelings.

30 Apr 2024 20:57:05
Somethings been wrong for a few weeks now, players seem to of downed tools. Maybe it's down to klopps personality at the moment, we don't know what's happening behind the scenes. But it doesn't seem a nice place anymore, perhaps the players feel let down by klopp leaving them whilst in a title race. Not blaming just mo here, never been in his nature before so would love to know what klopp said also.

{Ed025's Note - i hope he said "hey you! you are one of the highest paid players in the world so get on the bloody pitch and perform instead of sulking you prick"..

30 Apr 2024 20:58:19
I thought Salah and mane owed their careers to Bobby.

They wouldn’t have scored without him.

{Ed025's Note - im afraid you all looked at bobby through red tinted glasses JK, he was ok but nothing more mate, flitted in and out of games for me and was a luxury that you could afford at the time with 2 excellent players either side of him..

30 Apr 2024 20:58:49
Also let's not forget mo was a very very good player at roma too, and klopp didn't even want him as his first choice.

30 Apr 2024 21:11:19
My wife is brilliant at lip reading and that's why we have the best spare bed on the market, she thinks it was bought for the in-laws but oh no it was not
1 nil me.

30 Apr 2024 21:45:50
My friend is also a lip reader and was at the game. From his angle he had the benefit of also seeing Klopp. That is what the papers are missing. This is the full conversation.

As Salah's getting ready. Klopp says " I think you need a haircut Mo"

Salah did not take kindly to this as he got a haircut last week. "I'll go red"

Klopp losing it " that would be a ridiculous haircut for you. It wouldn't suit you one bit"

Salah " I'm a grown man. I'll get any haircut I want. "

It was at this point that Nunez interjected and said

" I go ball kick now"

30 Apr 2024 22:17:41
If your manager annoys you just before you go on the pitch, you go and silence him on the pitch.

That’s the deal.

You don’t act the “big I am” on the touchline.

Do your job, perform on the pitch then no-one criticises you.

Arguing with the boss? That’s an argument you’re never going to win.

30 Apr 2024 23:14:15
ED025 has called it . Spot on.

01 May 2024 01:02:48
Exactly Ron.

Jude Nkunku, nobody is saying otherwise. We all know how good he's been and he will always be remembered for it, a Liverpool legend for sure but at the same time this with Klopp what happened the other day won't be soon forgotten either. None of us know what was said but he should never of acted the way he did, it's unprofessional.

Love it, Davey.

01 May 2024 05:02:46
I don't think it is such a big deal Ed25. De Bruyne and Pep bickered more than once on the touchline in the past, but everyone doesn't make a big deal out of it. Plus we don't even know what is being said between Klopp and Salah. Everyone is making a guess.

Maybe because its Salah, and he is never known to be a big egomaniac or having any kind of attitude problems in the past. This is the first time this happen with Salah. And everyone is making a big deal out of it. I can understand the problem if its coming from someone who has attitude problems.

{Ed025's Note - i just think we have to move on now mfahmee, its really dragging on now mate, in my day the 2 of them would sort it out in the car park and have done with it..

01 May 2024 07:14:36
That is all good Ed25. Its just that there are things that is being said about him that is unfair to be honest. Some is even borderline racist. From Liv supporters nonetheless. Its really is shameful.

30 Apr 2024 08:52:16
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, West Ham United v Liverpool - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

30 Apr 2024 09:46:34
Good read as usual Ed1. I wonder how can you watches these last few Liv matches more than once. It must be hard watching the replay without cursing on everyone on Liv side. Every time I saw we passing the ball sideway and then all the way back to the keeper, or when Trent just casually walk into the middle, it make me infuriated.

{Ed001's Note - it is hard work watching us once, let alone twice, at the moment.}

30 Apr 2024 10:57:43
Ugh, no idea how you do it Ed. It's difficult to watch these flat performances. A slow death.

Agree on the curious recruitment vs the way we try to play.

But then again, the coaching team has remained pretty static for 5 years and Klopp, whether intended or not, has effectively played the role of sporting director over the last 2 years. This is how echo chambers are formed.

{Ed001's Note - very good point. We have needed to refresh things. That was how Fergie stayed at the top so long, he constantly changed his coaching team. He was more of a sporting director/director of football than a coach, he rarely appeared on the training pitches. But the rotation of new coaches underneath allowed him to stay up to date and brought in fresh new ideas.}

30 Apr 2024 12:07:57
This is the point I was trying to make previously. I am as sad as anyone to see Klopp go, however, I am glad that Pep Linders is going and I am looking forward to a new COACH coming in - which is what I believe Arne Slot's "job title" to actually be. As much as I love Klopp it seems like we play "Linders-ball" which is this slow monotonous play which doesn't suit us or the majority of our players. Klopp deserves all the love and thanks for what he has done over the last 8 years but I am excited to see what AS will bring to our playing style next year.

30 Apr 2024 11:26:27
Great read, as always Ed01. IMO, the reason not much is being said about Taylor's reprehensible display of incompetence laced in infinite arrogance, is cos LFC are out of the title race. As I said before, had this incident happened vs Palace (and had Gakpo scored, for ex. ) when we had a real shot at the title or vs Fulham last week and we didn't win, can you imagine the type of firestorm that would have ensued? Webbo and the PG-LOL (saw that on line, lol) would have been scampering for cover cos after all the wretched decisions we've had go against us, it would have been very interesting to see what Webbo and Owen would have come up with.

As for the game, it was a real snooze fest esp. in that first half. WH are terrible, mate. Absolutely dire but we couldn't do much cos we ain't that far away from their level right now.

As for the bust-up, I think Klopp kept Elliott (who was having a wretched time of it, IMO) on for that long to send a message to Salah and others that there are no favorites here. Salah got upset (he prolly was already for being benched) and with him ignoring Klopp's hug/ handshake), tempers flared up. Storm in a tea cup, IMO.

{Ed001's Note - I doubt it has anything to do with Elliott. Not a chance.}

30 Apr 2024 11:50:50
Ed001, whatever you're paying yourself, it's not enough to watch these games twice. Maybe call it a day until next season pal! For your own sanity.

{Ed001's Note - it is not enough to watch them once, so I defo agree on it not being enough to sit through a repeat!}

30 Apr 2024 12:27:01
Tactics have been poor but the manager not being ruthless with poor performances from Mo Szob Konate and Nunez has not helped. These 4 players have been truly abysmal and would not get in a League one team based on performance. I would not sweat it if any of these 4 left the club.

30 Apr 2024 12:45:15
After your review of Everton game, first time it gave a feeling that the reivew came out of full frustration.

(esp around Klopp should have gone 2 years before and all)

But you hit the nail on the head here when you said that if we need to play possession style, we don't have the right/ intelligent players to play that sort of game.

Honestly the evolution from heavy metal to the current style was required and the right apporach. Unfortunately we did not have players to execute and hence we have looked so dull in most of these games. (the results were covering us up untill the last few games) .

Every team we have played this season looked like the have come to challenge us and were looking better most of the time whereas we were able to grind out results.

Hence we had so many fans say x, y, z team would roll over against M City, Arsenal but a team at 20 or 19th spot would give us a run for money everytime we played them. (that feeling)

Wished Mo Salah could have handled it better when he was asked while he was leaving. We can fogive whatever happened on the field as there might have been too much tension brewing but he could have kept quiet and put this to rest by just keeping calm instead of fire comments.

30 Apr 2024 13:00:02
Ed01, I can see that. Just thought Salah could have been pee'd off at the fact that he's on the bench (and rightfully so) yet those playing ahead of him (maybe not Elliott specifically) aren't doing the business either and in fact, are fluffing their lines the way he has been.

30 Apr 2024 13:11:15
Ed1, I don't know if you agree or not but it seems to me that we have no pattern or any idea of what to do in our build up phase. All we do seems to be passing the ball sideways and backwards between the midfielders and the defenders. And when Trent goes to midfield, we give him the ball and hoping he can produce pass of the season or we pass the ball to our wingers, mainly Diaz and hoping he can dribble pass all 10 oppositions players. Its hard to believe that we actually work on our build up phase in training sessions.

{Ed001's Note - to a degree I can see what you mean yes, but I am sure they do work on it, but it is just that it conflicts with the keeping possession work, most likely. It leaves the players trying to play it safe too often, as the emphasis is on keep ball.}

30 Apr 2024 14:08:16
Watched the game in a bar on holiday with a Chelsea fan. funny hearing other people's thoughts who don't support us . but we were winning 2-1 n I was sayin don't sit back, go for the 3rd n he says no Liverpool are managing the game now . I laughed n said you abv don't know us well.5 mins later its 2-2.he was shaking his head on how easy it was for them to score.

30 Apr 2024 15:00:06
The words he used in his departure announcement says it all. "Running out of energy". Not "content with what I've done", or "ready in a new chapter". I think the obvious inflection point is C.V.. The collective and personal trauma of the C.V., winning the title with no fans, and the unexpected collapse in the following season are huge stress inducers. We use the word burnout colloquially but sometimes it's important to actually clarify what it is. WHO consider burnout to be an entirely occupational phenomenon, and it genuinely affects how the brain functions.

"Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is categorised by three dimensions:

- Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion,
- Increased mental distance from one's job, or feeling of negativism or cynicism related to one's job,
- Reduced professional efficiency

I'm not here to diagnose Klopp. However, the decision he made 2 years ago to take a step back, while still in the job (this distinction is important) is a telltale characteristic of someone managing burnout, and it also speaks to his nature of not wanting to quit or let the club down. Unfortunately, that's a temporary fix at best. The only real cure is to stop completely. But taking extended leave isn't an option in management. You're either in or you're out.

One more quote.

"Initially, signs and symptoms of burnout are subtle, with gradual progression. Although aware of negative changes in their mental (emotional, cognitive) and physical functioning, at first, many affected individuals neither recognize nor understand the connection between these changes and the depletion of their resources of mental and physical energy and well-being".

Cheers.

{Ed025's Note - interesting read that mate..

30 Apr 2024 15:04:11
It's even worse when you actually pay to watch the turgid ****.

30 Apr 2024 15:08:07
A Chelsea fan shaking his head at Liverpool?!
I wonder what he makes of things at his club. That penalty the other week was unbelievable.
Credit to Palmer though. He let them argue before scoring it and leaving them to carry on arguing about who should have taken it 😂.

30 Apr 2024 19:00:30
Rigsby. he was praising us until I pointed out, we wouldn't be able to stop them scoring. that's why i wanted a 3rd. he thought I was joking. Oh don't worry I gave him what I thought of his team. he agreed ha.

30 Apr 2024 21:09:52
Agree with you there ed. In the first three years klopps 'safety' in games was to just keep scoring until the other team couldn't catch up. Last three years he's been far more negative and tried to protect one goal leads more commonly. The players don't have the organisation and mentality to protect leads and also best defence is offence.

You've got that dead right.

01 May 2024 03:09:03
A great read at the end of my day Ed1, many thanks mate.

{Ed001's Note - thanks mate, glad you enjoyed.}