24 Aug 2023 03:38:54
Since the start of the transfer window, the main focus was on midfielders. Even more so after we lost Fab and Hendo. Although I'm pleased to see that we've signed Mac and Dom early, I feel that we've wasted too much time to get our business done early. I hope we don't forget to strengthen our backline because as is, either our current crop of players need to step up or we're screwed. We've seen that as much we said we'll learn from mistakes, but things are pretty much the same. We still get caught out and our tactics are pretty much the same. I'm not saying a new defender will fix our problems instantly, but I do feel we need a RB cover for Trent.

So Eds, do you think we still have time to get a defender in?

1.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 05:58:07
I think Bradley and Gomez are the cover for RB. If we’re going to a proper back 3 we’ll need a LCB but I hope we just stick with a back 4 and play Robbo/ Tsimikas as I think they’re both great.

2.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 08:34:29
We have a very able squad.

Not the deepest but one of the best in quality.

Like in all walks of life practice makes perfect, lack of practice can reveal temporary cracks.

There is nothing in football that compares to competitive “practice” I. e. real game time.

Some of the guys being named regularly as “not good enough” are IMO. They are no different to the pilot needing flying hours the surgeon needing surgery hours the accountant needing to compile a few balance sheets etc.

I’m not going to name them as it is pretty much all those that the so call fans are so quick to scoff at yet applaud next minute (or vice versa) .

They’d go to a Brighton, a Fulham, a Palace, ply their trade and, ultimately, be likley wrek in week out starters. These are teams that are exceeding expectations even when they lose what might have been considered “their best players”.

They don’t all have as good in their first 11 in all positions as we actually have in squad.

Klopp and Liverpool know this and so would be quite right to ignore all of the noise from fans about needing signings and go about it as they are.

I prefer to say I’d “like” a couple more signings - but wouldn’t we always want that if it is likely to improve depth and cover etc? And wouldn’t Klopp too?!

If we do or we don’t in this next week sign a player or 2 please realise that what we have is one that can compete at the top it is the tactical usage of what we now have that we should leave to a very able management team. We should get behind our squad every one of them!

YNWA.

3.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 08:34:41
I don't think we are signing a defender this season. If that was the case Tsmiskas and Robertosn to a good deal would have been sold by now. The hybrid system doesn't facilitate the need of a full back. Its no rocket science.

4.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 09:15:41
Tsimikas needs to go I think. Nothing against him and I actually think he’s a good player but with our non HG players at near max I think we need to trim where we can. Tsimikas would fetch a good price for a backup player. It would be great if he had a FB that could cover both sides for when Trent and Robertson are out. Gomez can do it and perhaps Bradley as well.

5.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 10:10:24
We still have 8 days before we can fully judge the window. However, it is safe to say, it is not going according to plan.

We're definitely short of a defensive midfielder and a centreback. There's no way of dressing that up.

6.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 10:35:19
DAPred, We are covered at RB with Bradley and Gomez. At CB? I don't know if that is going to happen but I hope it does happen. Another mid and a CB would be a very good window for me as it takes care of all the needs we had going into the window. Hopefully, this will happen.

7.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 10:42:42
@FPF, we have Endo, Baj, Macca, Thiago and TAA who can play DM. What you are saying (and I agree with you) is that we don’t have a DM with the ‘x’ factor. I suspect the DM will be Andre in January. I think we’ll sign Gravenberch will be signed in this window to add depth to the squad.

I’m hoping that the CB, if we sign one, is Hincapie - left footed, left sided defender, young and seemingly bags of potential. Not sure I’ll get my wish though.

8.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 11:03:29
WDW, we need to win duels and make interceptions in midfield. It's as simple as that. I don't care who does it but they need to have the physical ability to just get on with and win those duels and make those interceptions.

On Hincapie, I think reports have said they will consider an "immoral" offer. I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.

I find it interesting that if we are fully committed to this new system then why did we sit back and watch Gvardiol, Ndicka, Van Der Ven and Lukeba go elsewhere and nor make an attempt to sign Inacio? Or maybe we are not actually 100% committed to this system?

Hincapie and Theate could still fit the bill but they might be very difficult deals to do at this late stage.

If we intend to go back to 4 at the back, then you'd probably make a case for a RCB.

9.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 11:45:12
WDW, the Gravenberch "fuss" at Bayern is all about his not getting enough playing time there. In essence being a squad player. So I don't see him coming to us unless he is offered assurances and guarantees about playing time. And if the club offered him such, it would be a grave mistake, in my opinion. I'm not convinced he's the "midfield destroyer" we need. More of a floating "No.8". And I wouldn't bring him in to back up Mac Allister and Szoboszlai either with Elliott, Jones and Thiago around.

10.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 11:46:44
Maybe we could write them a rude letter. That might get the job done lol.

11.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 12:26:57
We have quite a few players who can play Dm but we also have quite a few players who can play Centre back be it right or left.

I think the key is having players that can play it to a certain standard.

12.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 12:52:06
Jk did we not learn about taking from Peter to pay Paul a few seasons back when we wouldn’t purchase a cb?

13.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 12:54:26
FPF. What a load of crap lad. You writing off endo before he’s played a full game for us but you would also be happy with van der ven who wasn’t even heard of until smadtke got us linked to him. Why would you give him a chance but not endo? From his little cameo and from what has been said about him your not prepared to give him time. I give up.

14.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 13:06:40
Jay I agree and that was actually my point even though I’ve probably not articulated it.

WDW correctly pointed out that we have players who can play Dm and I’ve just added we also have plenty of players who can play CB but all offer a different level of ability in there.

For us to challenge at the very top then you need the best quality in the spine of the team. I think we have a squad that is capable of challenging top 4 but not the title.

15.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 13:27:36
scouse john - when did I write off Endo or claim that I would be happy with VDV?

I will support any player we sign.

Doesn't change the fact that recruitment has been shambolic for 6 windows now or that we're short of a defensive midfielder and a centreback.

As for Schmadtke, a temporary hire asked to come out of retirement to fill a role that has been open for 6 months prior. You get what you plan/ don't plan for.

16.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 15:23:11
@FPF, I don't get it. You agree we have Endo and Baj who can play DM yet in a previous post say, we are short of a DM. So do you want a "rd DM to come in esp. with Endo signed for 4 years and Baj needing to play games as well? How can you say you want to give Endo and Baj a chance yet say we are short a DM? Pls, make that make sense. Im only using your logic here.

@MetroRed, I fully agree with all you have said. Even tho we sign the two players that we need at CB and in midfield, many would still say they would like a couple more. Happens all the time and nothing wrong with that either. Allow the club to do it's work and then, see what happens cos at the end of the day, these signings have to perform regardless of who they are.

17.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 15:33:42
FPF I shouldn’t of said your talking crap ( even tho you are) it’s rude, I’m sorry. Your saying we are short of a dm when we just signed one. We can only play 1 if we’d of got caicedo instead would we still need another? Baj has now got to be the back up or what’s the point? And if we really need mac/ Jones / Trent can cover. My vdv point was you be prepared to take him ( a unknown, as is endo) but not need a back up for him. Enjoy your weekend lad.

18.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 15:43:22
Sorry by "rd, I meant 3rd.

19.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 16:06:48
Guys, we are short of a DM. Even the club thinks so as it's still trying to sign Cheick Doucoure. Don't argue with me, call Jurgen. :)

I have said my piece about having any kind of dependency on young Bajcetic on here many times. He needs time to grow into his body.

20.) 24 Aug 2023
24 Aug 2023 16:35:52
@FPF, that may be true that we are in for Doucoure ut that does not mean we are short a DM, IMO. There is nothing wrong with being in for a DM right now while having a senior DM like Endo in the door. Things are not that simple nor are they that binary.

It could mean that we are trying to do a deal for Doucoure but if Palace are going to try to screw us with the price (cos they don't need to sell), we can walk away knowing we have Endo and Baj already in the squad so no need to get all desperate and take our time with Andre still being a real option in January. That's the way I see it.