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07 Apr 2024 00:56:30
Hi all, unlike our previous front 3, the current group of forwards really splits opinions. Salah, should he stay or should he go now. Jota, better than we thought he would be, but can he stay fit. Nunez, love the energy but can finish the easy ones. Diaz, again great energy but is he just running in circles. Gakpo, looks off the pace and what's his position.
Personally I love Nunez, respect Salah, have grown to love Jota, feel sorry for Gakpo (Not been given a chance in his favoured position) and have been most frustrated by Diaz (although recently he is improving) . It's all about opinions on this one and I'm sure we'll all have our own favourites.
I don't normally care too much for stats, however with forwards, goals and assists are what they are there for. My issue with Diaz is his indirect running, spending too long on the ball allowing the opposition to regroup and a lack of end product.
The stats:
Salah: Goals - 22 Minutes per goal - 111 Assists - 12
Nunez: G - 18 Mpg - 146 A - 12
Jota: G - 14 Mpg - 112 A - 4
Gakpo: G -14 Mpg - 169 A - 4
Diaz: G - 12 Mpg - 241 A - 4
Diaz was brought in to replace Mane. Mane was more direct with his running and more efficient with the ball. Diaz looks wonderful and he puts in a shift BUT he's there to score or provide scoring opportunities for others. For me, at 27, he's not giving us enough in that position. I really do love the way he plays football for us, but in this case the stats don't lie. I know he had a traumatic situation with his family and some injuries. Even so, for me, his decision making is poor. He dribbles the ball too much, a la Grealish, and his finishing is average. Bradley has more assists this season. I wish I was wrong on this one.
Opinions are divided on the front 5, what do you think?
1.) 07 Apr 2024 05:15:37
I think Diaz is fine. Provides something that no one if the attackers do which is carry the ball and be direct. Awesome options across all of out attackers.
2.) 07 Apr 2024 07:29:30
Diaz has been playing really well of late to the point of being no question first choice on the left. Would be nice if he scored more goals but we don't play like we did w Mane and Mo feeding off Bobby. From your stats our "front 5" have scored 80 goals so it seems more of a team effort than relying upon Bobby Sadio and Mo like we used to for so many seasons. Diaz should have finished off more situations for sure of late (City springs to mind) but his overall contribution is solid. Hopefully he bags a couple today.
3.) 07 Apr 2024 08:07:32
The sum of the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Individually - like everybody - they have ways in which they could improve, but together they are getting the job done (anyone recall those dark days when we were certain we would never replace Sadio’s 20 goals per season? ) .
The bring different strengths which seem to combine 8th what’s needed to get the job done.
4.) 07 Apr 2024 09:11:21
8th = with.
5.) 07 Apr 2024 09:14:38
I think the old front 3 when they at there peak together for 2-4 years where undoubtedly all world class players. if u picking a world 22 I think all 3 gets in2 squad at that time. but there wasn't all that much behind them. Now we have 5 top class forwards but I don't think any of them at this minute in time would be in a world squad of 22. (could argue mo would) I think spreading the goals around like we have done this season, with midfield chipping in as well, is better.
6.) 07 Apr 2024 09:21:28
Seems to dribble down blind alleys a lot and lose the ball. Like Nunez he is totally erratic which confuses the opponent but also his teammates. But even though end product is sometimes lacking they are both supreme athletes and there are not many better. Imagine if these two did manage to perfect their game it would be frightening.
7.) 07 Apr 2024 09:43:17
But now we have mids that score.
8.) 07 Apr 2024 09:58:29
I love Diaz as a player but i wish he would mix things up occasionally. Whenever he gets the ball he looks to take on the defender which is great but more often than not he is doubled up on. This means he cuts inside and passes the ball back or has a long-ranger. None of this is bad but i wish he would send more crosses over from the byline before the second defender arrives.
9.) 07 Apr 2024 10:26:40
Be interesting if amorim is the new manager how diaz and salah do in his 3.4.3 formation becoming more inside forwards/ 10's.
10.) 07 Apr 2024 10:51:03
Great replies all.
Agree with the sum of the whole bit and we do have back up far superior to Origi, Minamino, etc.
Darwins Evo, exactly my point. He's so good with the ball at his feet and yet he doesn't set up others or convert enough. Passing back or shooting from range. He's more than double Salah and Jota's minutes per goal and equal lowest assists. He often gets hailed by the pundits as one of the players of the match but does he flatter to deceive?
Red Flyer, I really hope he does bag a brace today. Prove me wrong!
11.) 07 Apr 2024 11:13:36
The options out 5 forwards offer are excellent. Salah has world class moments in him, Jota is a top drawer finisher, Diaz is direct and tricky, Gakpo can drop in and link the play and Nunez is a rapid, madhouse battering ram. Combine that with the best CD and GK in the world plus the midfield being more than just workhorses like he had before showing real creativity and goalscoring, I genuinely think this might be the best shape have ever seen the LFC squad be in. Been supporting since mid 90's.
12.) 07 Apr 2024 11:13:44
Spot on, West Derby Wanderer3. We have more depth than we did previously and the players we have provide different individual qualities (and flaws) ato the table which is why we have the best attacking group/ depth in the league and the nos. shows that as the second best attack in terms of actual production.
I would not trade any of them right now aas they are both in the double to high double digits in goals in all comps. There was a time that we literally could not afford to lose our legenday front 3 for even 2 games cos we did not have the depth we have now which tells you absolute insane levels Sadio, Bobbie and Mo played at. Im happy with them all and would keep them all cos they individually (even Salah) can go up another level.
13.) 07 Apr 2024 11:17:31
Potclay - any team in Europe would love to have 5 options like this. All of them have contributed. All of them will have given us at least 20 GA's. Nunez and Salah over 30. That's insane numbers, hence us being the highest scorers in Europe.
14.) 07 Apr 2024 11:30:23
It’s crazy how many people on the internet wanted Jota sold last summer to raise money for the bank account.
15.) 07 Apr 2024 11:41:23
He doesn’t do enough for me ( Diaz) . wouldn’t mind gakpo given a run of games starting . As for Nunez he plays with his heart . I think he would have twice as many goals if people would look up and see his movement. He needs a Bobby, will do a lot better when Trent’s back.
30 Mar 2024 01:18:14
Can I just say about Alonso, what a classy move. Staying at the club that gave him a chance at a higher level. Not chasing or believing the hype. Deciding to stay at the best place for him and his family. Makes me respect him even more. Of course I would have loved him at Liverpool but coming out now and telling everyone that he's staying, pure class.
1.) 30 Mar 2024 02:04:09
I completely agree mate.
2.) 30 Mar 2024 03:07:39
He's not waiting one more year to replace Ancelotti at Madrid? That's where I'd put my money. Can hardly come to us or Bayern for one year if his heart is at Madrid.
{Ed001's Note - personally I think people are missing the point with Madrid. They extended Ancelotti for an extra year when Klopp decided to leave Liverpool, after years of them chasing Klopp. So Klopp decides to leave Liverpool and then take a year out, and Ancelotti's deal runs out at the end of Klopp's sabbatical year. I think that is where Klopp will be.}
3.) 30 Mar 2024 04:12:42
Oh you serious Ed mate? That would be something and probably unexpected, for me at least. But now that you mentioned, it does make sense.
Do you have inside info mate or how you see things panning out, given their pursuit and prior to this.
{Ed001's Note - just that one minute they were trying to persuade Klopp to join, the next they were extending Ancelotti. A few months later Klopp admits he has decided to leave at the end of the season and take a year sabbatical, which would end at the same time as Ancelotti's deal. That was last year that Klopp made the decision, just as it was that Ancelotti had his contract extended by a year to match up. That was before any interest in Alonso from Madrid.}
4.) 30 Mar 2024 06:19:24
Personally I think he’s made a big mistake (Alonso) and I think he’s bottled it which is a black mark against him having another crack at it.
He’s totally misread it in my opinion.
What’s he going to do at Leverkusen? Win the title again? Extremely unlikely, he’s overachieved this season when Bayern have underachieved. Lightening doesn’t strike twice.
Leverkusen are the equivalent of Leicester. Had an amazing season when everyone else was struggling relatively.
Even if he did have another incredible season at BL, so what. They’ve already won the league once, it’s not exactly taking them on another level.
So what about the Champions League? See Leicester. They’ll bomb pretty early, they might get to the knock out stage but I doubt it. Experience counts in the Champions League, history shows this.
This is not like Graham Potter leaving Brighton for Chelsea. BHA had not won anything. Their next manager could conceivably take them further. Xabi has won the highest honour he could possibly win at Leverkusen. Liverpool are not like Chelsea. Except for Hodgson, Liverpool don’t switch their managers around every 1-2 seasons.
Alonso has shown he’s not up to the job by staying at Leverkusen. Take the easy decision, stay in your comfort zone. Sadly for him, the only way is down for BL. They’ll never replicate this success, football just isn’t like that anymore, money talks and Bayern have a lot more money than any German team.
Check David Bowie’s quote about being in your comfort zone.
5.) 30 Mar 2024 06:38:49
I said if at the time but was completely speculating but maybe there is something to the timing of Xavi’s resignation from Barcelona.
I don’t know how I feel about it. He won a title at Barcelona with a team/ club that is falling apart somewhat.
He also had some terrible results - but that team IS falling apart.
He’d be a big risk, but then who wouldn’t?
Alonso has only 1 full season - in Germany and ruled himself out.
Amorim - Portugal
Nagglesmann - questions about his man management
De Zerbi - bluffer
Postecoglu - possible bluffer.
There are no outstanding candidates. The next man has an almost impossible task to follow Klopp. Prising an outstanding manager from their current club to take an impossible job will be “tricky”.
Maybe Xavi, who took an impossible job at Barca, would take it on. What has he got to lose? His reputation is not soaring at the moment.
I’d have a sneaky fiver on him IF I was a betting man - which I’m definitely not.
6.) 30 Mar 2024 06:47:24
Surely Klopp is not going to Real Madrid? It should be a match made in Heaven, the world's best manager in charge of the world’s biggest club, but it just doesn’t make sense. Klopp leaving Liverpool to eventually manage Madrid would actually be a bit insulting in my opinion. I know Klopp has done so much for the club and owes nobody anything, but it would be quite difficult to take seeing him in charge of a club that get nearly everything they want while we’re scrambling around looking for what will be a highly inferior replacement.
Please say it’s just a hunch, Ed.
{Ed001's Note - it is just a hunch, but it makes sense.}
7.) 30 Mar 2024 06:51:40
Sorry to “bomb” this thread - last post I promise.
Another reason Xavi might be an option apart from “timing” is his love for Liverpool which is on record for many years.
As a player he talked about how he loved watching Liverpool in the late 80’s as a kid and how he loved John Barnes “wow, what a player”.
He talked in glowing terms about the fans when he played at Anfield in 2001. Barcelona gubbed us that night, played us off the park and won 3-1. But Xavi was left “speechless” by the Anfield support who stayed and applauded their team right until the end.
As a manager he talked of his admiration for Klopp and his Liverpool team. Their style and their intensity.
I think it could be Xavi.
I’m not making a case that it should be him, just a feeling in the absence of any obvious outstanding alternatives.
8.) 30 Mar 2024 07:02:47
Always respect your opinion Ron, but Alonso may just be showing his human side by sticking by his players for at least another season and repaying the faith the club put in him.
He’s also got a wife and kids to consider, maybe he’s also looking out for their needs.
As for staying in a comfortable place; firstly, IF he wins the league this year, I’d say retaining it is probably a bigger challenge. Secondly, feeling comfortable, valued and doing what you believe to be the right thing are important.
I quite like the way he’s handled things. I get it and it reminds me of Klopp a little.
He’s a very young manager and I think he’s showing humility and respect by not jumping at the first opportunity. He may have higher priorities and values than money or professional.
By showing some integrity he’s kind of proven he would have been a good fit.
9.) 30 Mar 2024 08:06:42
Ed1, its interesting if that come true. We can finally see what Klopp can do when he got everything going for him. He can have all the resources to get the players he wants, a squad with all the best young players in the world, no 115 charges team to go against. And compared to when at Liv, he can finally get the referee on his side. Its also interesting to see how he will get along with Perez, both with big personality.
10.) 30 Mar 2024 08:19:11
Timing wise klopp would fit in perfectly with when ancellotti leaves madrid but I just couldn't see klopp going to likes of madrid, doesn't come across as his type of club particularly at his age now. I see him taking over german national team in due course and i think that will do him, retire after that.
11.) 30 Mar 2024 08:24:54
Interesting perspective Pompey Rouge and of course Alonso doesn’t need money or a high profile having already achieved everything as a player.
Totally respect his decision and could very well be family orientated.
But, IF that is his reasoning, I’d argue he’s not really the man for the job anyway. Totally respect family first - of course - but football management is all consuming and if you want to be the best you have to take your opportunities.
Maybe it’s a bit like Dalglish’s reasoning why Hansen wasn’t cut out for management - “not enough passion”. Could be true of Alonso, maybe he doesn’t have that burning desire to be the greatest.
12.) 30 Mar 2024 08:47:01
Ron isn’t that the same as Alonso and his love for everything Liverpool? But he ain’t here?♂️.
13.) 30 Mar 2024 08:56:38
Ed01, it's about damn time you said this in public on this forum. Back in the day when the podcasts used to happen (Oh, what a time, lol! ), the Ed's had said that RM came in for Klopp at the end of last season BUT he had decided to stay at LFC. I was shocked out of my wits when they mentioned that (along with Ed77) in the podcast. That's how I knew Klopp still had it and the clout he had built for himself was thru the roof. Suck on that eggs, Danny Mills!
Now I have no idea where Klopp will go should he return to management BUT we will have to see. RM is indeed worth a shout. Bayern? That ship has sailed for years now, IMO.
14.) 30 Mar 2024 09:03:37
And as for Alonso, who didn't know that there was a possibility that he would stay at Leverkusen when this whole saga started? If you didn't then you don't know him as much as you think you do. Alonso is a very intelligent human being hence, very cerebral player and now, manager. He unlike the Gerrard's nd Lampard's or Rooney's of this world, Alonso is very meticulous about his approach and know never to run before he can crawl. He's prolly seen these ex players fly straight into managing bigger clubs and seen them fail cos they were't ready, me thinks.
Alonso simply was not ready to take the LFC job right now (thanks to Klop, it is a TOP job right now) andfeels that he needs more time to hone his skills and finish whatever he has to finish at Leverkusen as in win their first title, get them into the CL and see what noise they can make there. IMO, Alonso did LFC a truly great service by being honest and forthright about his decision and that can only be commended.
On another note, I find it pathetic that some of our "fans" are berating him sying he "bottled" it by not joing us. Or blaming FSG (shocking, I know) . Disgraceful behaviour BUT not surprising.
15.) 30 Mar 2024 09:12:07
To be fair it would be nice seeing Klopp with the likes of Bellingham and Mbappe etc and sticking it to Guardiola in the CL every season.
16.) 30 Mar 2024 10:00:28
If you didn't then you don't know him as much as you think you do. Alonso is a very intelligent human being hence, very cerebral player and now, manager. He unlike the Gerrard's nd Lampard's or Rooney's of this world, Alonso is very meticulous about his approach and know never to run before he can crawl”
As Oli then tells us all about Alonso . I think if you were honest Oli you would admit you know no more about Alonso than the man on the street. It really is time you came down of your pedestal fella.
17.) 30 Mar 2024 10:06:33
Very interesting that Ed1 mate, an idea that would indeed make sense. Imagine him with that team? he'd win everything and probably retire there I'd imagine.
18.) 30 Mar 2024 10:34:59
IR, no pedestal crap here, mate. There was always a possibility of him staying at Bayer and many of us mentioned it on here multiple times at the time, as well even tho we wanted him here. As ED02 would say, RTP!
19.) 30 Mar 2024 11:22:18
IR thank god someone said it.
Oli other posters don’t need you constantly telling them what they should think or how they should support the team.
In your own words “take a day off”.
20.) 30 Mar 2024 11:43:44
OliRed - Klopp is the best manager in the world and every single club in football would get rid of their current managers for him, even Manchester City.
Rival football fans mock Klopp incessantly, but all of them would give anything to have Klopp as their manager, even Evertonians.
I agree with Irish Rover - Klopp at Real Madrid would annihilate Guardiola’s City team.
21.) 30 Mar 2024 12:17:38
Stylistically, Klopp would do brilliantly at Real Madrid.
However, I am not sure he would vibe well with Florentino Perez and his mob. Klopp is pretty fussy about the environment and culture of the club, from top to bottom. Would Real want that part of Jurgen?
Having said that, perhaps Jurgen loves Tchouameni and Bellingham that much that he would do absolutely anything for them. Joke.
I am not convinced but I am often wrong. Most recently about Xabi Alonso not turning us down.
22.) 30 Mar 2024 12:28:44
Klopp reckons he packing in because of the pressure, running out of energy etc and his family life is on the receiving end of it. wouldn't managing a juggernaut like Madrid actually be more pressure energy sapping than bein at Liverpool. I thought the German national team would be ideal for him .
23.) 30 Mar 2024 13:39:29
I don’t see Klopp going to Madrid. I think he’ll take the German national team job. Less day to day aggro,
24.) 30 Mar 2024 14:15:02
I said early on when Klopp gave the news that Alonso did not have the management experiance for LFC
Winning the German league is a feather in his cap but winning the Premier league is a diffrent prospect and how long would he need to get the team playing to the standards Klopp had and how long before comparisons of Alonso and klopp . No i think Alonso has made the right choice to stay where is and good luck to him . I believe that LFC will know the best candidate for the job and will go through everything with a fine toothed comb and make the right decision on behalf of the fans the club and the players.
25.) 30 Mar 2024 15:25:57
FFPF I think Perez etc would move the heavens to get Klopp and keep him happy. Trent and Virgil down to a year. be nice to see them extended.
Oli do you think Leverkusen will attempt to sign Alonso to a longer term deal, a nice pay raise and a higher buy out clause?
Ed thanks for the perspective makes sense. I expected Klopp to take the Germany job w less day to day involvement.
{Ed001's Note - I am hoping that is what he will do.}
26.) 30 Mar 2024 15:26:45
Seems too boring for Klopp but then again he did say he is after an easier life now so could happen. I would be flat out disgusted if he joined them a year after leaving us in deep doo doo. Just can’t see it, he would lose a lot of respect and I for one would put him in the same class as so many others who have committed treason. There is literally no one worthy of taking the Liverpool job how can that be?
27.) 30 Mar 2024 15:54:22
"Deep doo doo" would be walking out no warning. He told the club in November. I'm sure they told him to sit on it for a bit before making the announcement. Squad is in a great place and ready to kick on next season. I have no fear. King is dead long live the King sort of thing.
28.) 30 Mar 2024 19:23:37
Hi IR, that’s the difference between Alonso and Xavi.
Xavi could have stayed in Saudi, winning a pub league every now and again, easy money.
But he chose to test himself at the highest level. He went to one of the toughest leagues to a club that was falling apart. He took them to a league title against all the odds in his first full season.
Alonso could stay at Leverkusen, mediocre club in a one club league. He’ll probably not get sacked, but he’ll never have tested himself.
Xavi - fearless competitor.
Alonso - bottle job.
I want a manager who is not intimidated by the challenge and I think that’s what’s happened to Alonso. Gutless.
{Ed025's Note - thats a bit harsh imo Ron..
29.) 30 Mar 2024 19:46:47
Ron, Im not sure a burning desire to be the greatest or even to be the manager of Liverpool is what we need.
I don’t even think the term manager is right. We need a leader and sometimes the right person is the most reluctant.
Leading Liverpool is one of the most emotional jobs in world football. For all Klopp’s personality, I actually think many others could have got far more carried away. Klopp has always been able to keep a lid on things in my opinion. Certainly walked the line but kept it professional.
Maybe we need someone who is a little removed from the pressure and can just focus on the work.
And I’ll counter your Xavi (quite like it actually) with James Milner ?.
30.) 31 Mar 2024 00:01:55
Ed you are spot on with your analysis. Regardless of if it’s Klopp or not, seems like RM will have their pick of coaches next year from the likes of Alonso and potentially Klopp and that paired with a fairly young talent dense RM roster does not bode well for the rest of European teams for the next 5-7 years.
25 Jul 2023 02:06:27
Ed.001 and fellow reds.
A couple of times over the last few seasons, Joe Gomez has filled in at right back. Whenever he has done this, he's always looked pretty assured in that position, to my amateur eyes. Defensively he doesn't have to be the last line and seems more relaxed for it, honestly he's better defensively than Trent at RB. Going forward, he definitely has qualities. I remember him providing a couple of assists. He's got a decent cross on him and ball at his feet has never really been questioned (Not as good as Trent obviously) .
With the call for Trent to be in midfield and the lack of cover at RB, wouldn't this be the obvious solution or am I missing something. I've long thought this would be the solution to the JG situation, talented but unfulfilled. Watching the pre season last night, it seems that was what was happening.
It doesn't change the need for a CB and at a stretch Joe can cover that spot as well, if we are in a bind. He has a few years on Bradley in terms of experience. I'm not a fan of playing players out of position too much but this seems to be his stronger position. Focus on bringing in a quality CB and Bob's your uncle!
{Ed001's Note - I would prefer to go with Bradley personally.}
1.) 25 Jul 2023 05:46:12
Just my opinion here but I don’t rate Gomez at all. When ever he plays am a bag of nerves because I know there’s going to be a mistake. For the money he is on I would gladly sell him and give the place to one of the kids coming through!
2.) 25 Jul 2023 06:31:46
Just a reply in defence of gomez, when he signed under Rodgers wasn't it? I'm sure he played his first few games at left back. Could he not be tried as the lcb if went to a 3 at the back? Agree he also does a decent job at rb however he certainly hasn't regained the form he had when he was vvd's main cb partner. Make or break season for him and perhaps a move away would do him the world of good.
3.) 25 Jul 2023 06:43:11
Ed00 mate, I reckon if Bradley gets his head down, he could get a few games.
4.) 25 Jul 2023 07:17:40
I feel for Gomez. A few years ago he was first choice in the team and rated by some as England’s best centre half.
It’s said he needs a run of games to get his form and confidence back but last season he did get quite a run and still looked a different player from one week to the next.
If options allowed (which I don’t believe they do) i think him going out on loan to a premier league team and playing a full season would give us a far better player back next season.
5.) 25 Jul 2023 08:12:59
Agree JK. I think a loss of form and confidence is all that is wrong at present with Joe. I would keep him personally he’s versatile and happy at the club.
6.) 25 Jul 2023 14:47:53
I think Bradley has done enough to start the first game against chelsea. he's been excellent in both pre season games.
17 Jul 2023 06:47:36
I am convinced that Jurgen Klopp will bring glory to our team again this season. He is the reason we have won everything in the last five years. The players, the fans, the club all brought together by this guy. We are so lucky to have him. The man is the spirit of Liverpool FC. I trust him 100% and I can't wait for the season to begin. YNWA.
1.) 17 Jul 2023 09:30:25
Klopp will be fine. He’s getting himself a new team.
2.) 17 Jul 2023 09:54:41
I’ll tell you what. Jurgen has kept very quiet this window - lot less of a target than he was this time last year.
3.) 17 Jul 2023 11:53:08
We have Klopp. That's all I need. As long as he is in charge and regardless of his flaws, we will always have a chance for glory.
19 Apr 2023 02:14:27
New away form theory!
In '96 united worn an away kit in grey. It's the season they famously changed their kit at half time, away to Southampton. The reason given was that grey is the hardest colour for the eye to pick out. That season they lost 6 games, 4 of them in their grey kit.
Move forward to the '23 season and the indomitable reds have an away kit that does a proper job on your eyes. Horrible to focus on. I would be interested to see our season's results wearing that kit. Our away form has been abysmal, goals scored much lower than our home form or dare I say in our red kit. If you are not picking up a player, you can't pick the pass, you can't find the back of the net.
Just a bit of fun or is it?
1.) 19 Apr 2023 03:57:25
Good try, Potclay. I checked and we have worn that white kit 5 times this season, with us losing four times (Man Utd, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Brentford) and drawing the other (Crystal Palace) . So there may be a bit of truth in that theory.
Still though, we have lost 4 times while wearing either our usual red kit or the green one so it may not fully explain our away woes.
2.) 19 Apr 2023 08:19:14
I think Nike is just a jinx and we need to bring New Balance back.
3.) 19 Apr 2023 08:59:52
Bit of a crazy left field shout here but maybe it’s the players who played in those matches fault for the performances.
Obviously they can’t take all of the blame and FSG, Edwards, Klopp, Ward, Pep, wind, sun, pitch too wet, pitch too dry, 1230 kick offs, refs, linesmen, Var and Nike kits have to take their share as well.
4.) 19 Apr 2023 09:15:54
Jesus no, we'd have no transfer budget at all if we were still with New Balance! We'd have to pull out of the auction for N'dicka the free transfer.
5.) 19 Apr 2023 10:16:55
JK, that's just crazy talk.
Our loss of away form just CANNOT be down the players.
Its far more likely to be the recent change from a non-bio washing powder to a bio one (specifically Daz) .
6.) 19 Apr 2023 13:22:17
My favourite away kit of recent times was the bright orange one of 18/ 19 I think. I just remember prime Virg-Gini-Sadio-Bobby-Mo tearing it up in that strip.
7.) 19 Apr 2023 13:28:24
Very odd, JK23 and Zed. I always thought it was because of the difference between top loading and front loading. We're obviously not using the right type. ?.
8.) 19 Apr 2023 18:28:00
There’s a euphemism there somewhere, Aray, I’m sure of it!
12 Apr 2024 02:57:27
We've really seen the drop off in recent weeks of converting good chances. Diaz, for all his endeavour is the least productive of all our forwards. Given that Salah is not getting any younger and if you take away his Penalty goals, he has 17 open play goals whereas Nunez has 18. We are losing goals from Salah and cannot rely on Diaz to help out.
Given that Diaz is older than Nunez and Gakpo and has been here longer, I would allow Diaz to leave. Provided we can spend on a couple of quality replacements. I would also cash in on Salah.
Lastly, I can't believe it but I actually found myself giving NegativeWalter a thumbs up!
14 Aug 2023 15:57:43
No one is suggesting a conspiracy, but it is fair to say that it's a seller's market. West Ham see Rice, Brighton see Caicedo, Southampton see Lavia and so on.
18 Jun 2023 01:57:52
47 - We publicly came out and said we aren't going for him / can't afford him / don't want him. He wasn't given the chance to play for us. How in can you read that as him not choosing us. He literally din't have a choice!
31 Aug 2022 02:30:47
I seem to be in another position here. I don't see a problem with someone changing their mind. What's the big deal. I run a business, you try and make the best decisions that you can with the information you have. We do reasonably well but occasionally, with hindsight, you realise that you could have done things differently and if possible, you make amends. It happens.
Why does anyone have to learn lessons or stop being a Jerk? Yes its on a bigger scale but it's really not a big deal, is it? The wife changes her mind all the time, I wouldn't dream of calling her names. ?.
10 Jun 2022 23:39:03
I'm with MK on this one. However, as he says, its more of a feeling than a quantifiable. Mercenary may be too strong a word but employee for hire is closer to the truth. They have both been highly professional but for me Bobby gives the feeling of being one of us, whereas Sadio and Mo are just plying their trade.
To be fair to Sadio, there's never been rumours about his agent shopping him around. Maybe its that he never got the love that Mo did.
12 Apr 2024 03:04:57
Take away Salah's pens and he has 17 goals this season. Not bad by any stretch but he is certainly on the decline from a very high peak. Can he still do a job, absolutely. Is he the player he was, no. If the Saudi's want to play top dollar for a 33 year old player (at the end of the season), a player who incorporated speed as one of his strengths, then we should be extremely grateful for his time and wish him luck away from the club.
Was he/ is he world class is irrelevant. Should we part ways is the question. For me the timing is right.
07 Apr 2024 10:51:03
Great replies all.
Agree with the sum of the whole bit and we do have back up far superior to Origi, Minamino, etc.
Darwins Evo, exactly my point. He's so good with the ball at his feet and yet he doesn't set up others or convert enough. Passing back or shooting from range. He's more than double Salah and Jota's minutes per goal and equal lowest assists. He often gets hailed by the pundits as one of the players of the match but does he flatter to deceive?
Red Flyer, I really hope he does bag a brace today. Prove me wrong!
09 Feb 2024 00:16:00
Pulling a player back with no attempt to play the ball, knowing you'll get a yellow and potentially save a goal is gamesmanship at best, more honestly it's rubbishhousery. All the players do it, take one for the team. When it happens to your team, the crowd boo the player and it ruins a potentially goal scoring opportunity, especially in a tight game. 10 mins in a sin bin seems more appropriate than a poxy yellow.
As for the verbals, we all know that it's a problem. Rugby doesn't allow back talk to an official. You tell the ref to F*** off then maybe you should get a card. Personally I like a good swear but I would never say it's warranted. Circling the ref was targeted a few years back and we don't get that anywhere as much as we used to.
About the implementation of it, personally I have a rant during the game but my feeling is get over it. We always have opportunities to score, to play better and to win the game. Since VAR, we seem to be talking about refs much more, people saying the standard has gone down. I don't believe it has so much, I just think it's been under a microscope. The decision didn't go our way, get over it and keep playing.
Right now, I like the idea of blue cards for foul mouthed players and rubbishhousery.
25 Jan 2024 15:29:47
Ed.001 Didn't mean to annoy you with my opinion. I agree with almost everything you post here and am hugely appreciative of your efforts. As in most things here, it's a game of opinions. I just don't see it the same way you do and that's fine.
The old policy of the Paisley, Fagan, Dalglish era was ruthless, cut a player before he reaches 30, even if he was still doing something for the team. That way we had continued success.
Klopp has only really stuck his neck out for Hendo in getting him a new contract. He has shown loyalty to players and he did want Bobby to stay and have a new contract.
However, the players who left at the end of their contracts were never going to be offered an extension. Hendo made the choice to leave after being told his game time was limited. I'm not sure how much say he would have had in the Fab deal and whether he had any ability to keep him, but we got the money we spent on him and 5 great years. Cutting him from the line up for Bajcetic last season was far more ruthless and the right call. He was already on his way out. And Milly had been given a rolling extension for years, we all loved him but his time was up. None of these were ruthless decisions by Klopp.
If the Saudis hadn't made the offers we would probably still be lining in some league cup games with Hendo and Fab. They did us a favour and it was obvious to everyone and their mothers that it was the only call to make to let them go, hardly ruthless.
The criticism of Klopp being too loyal is fair but hardly a bad trait to have in most situations. I don't think any of the departures last summer have assuaged my thoughts on that. We have a really exciting midfield and I'm loving that. The criticism of the Saudis has been another constant, in this case though, I think they did us a favour.
25 Jan 2024 11:50:06
Ed. 001, far be it for me to question your knowledge of the game and the team, however . I would question the absolute truth behind your statement, 'Klopp has put aside his usual loyalty' in reference to the midfield. In Milner's case, you could argue the truth of it but it was hardly ruthless to let the old man move on. As great a servant as he has been.
Contracts running out for Ox and Keita, inevitable, again not ruthless.
I would argue that we have the Saudis to thank for the final removal of the old guard. Would we have replaced Fab without them, would Hendo have been tempted away so easily and quickly. I am not so sure. I think they did us a huge favour and without them we may have seen Klopp being more loyal than he actually appeared.
We would always have brought in a couple of midfielders but I'm not so sure Endo and Gravenberch would have come without the Saudis.
{Ed001's Note - so your point is what? Because contracts could have been extended. And the Saudis did make their bids. So he was ruthless when the chance presented itself, rather than in a fantasy world you are suggesting where those things didn't happen. It doesn't matter why he was ruthless, the point is he was.}