10 Aug 2020 04:54:43
Hello Ed's and Reds.

Barring a major smokescreen, it's looking likely that Kostas will sign for the Reds. However looking at his current involvement in the Olympiakos and Greece team it's difficult to see how he will take a backup roles and be content with playing less than half a dozen games in the entire campaign (he played over 40 games this season) . Which leads me to my question - do you think he is capable of rotating with Mane for the left wing position or slotting in at left wing with Mane sometimes playing off the right and may be that's a tactic which could be explored to give him more game time while also giving the wingers some much needed rest?
I could be wrong but in a season or so once the excitement of joining LFC wears down and the lack of game time starts sinking in, he might start craving for a change. Thoughts?

10 Aug 2020 09:07:35
He will only be backup if he wants to be, any player in our midfield has to work hard to get in, look at the centre backs, Gomez did not have a look in when Matip was on form, Robbo will be the same if his level dips and this new fella shows his worth. Plus Klopp likes to take his time integrating players in the team with the exception of Allison and Virgil and Salah and Mane . you get my point.

10 Aug 2020 09:23:13
Less than 6 games. I stopped reading there, nonsense. I don't care if Robbo missed less than 6 games last season there is no chance this lad would play less than 6 games this season if we sign him. Of be stays fit it would be more like 16 games not less than 6.

10 Aug 2020 09:48:48
That was a typo @Sean. I meant to say less than couple dozen games. Instead said half dozen, but thanks for your classy feedback.
To your point, with 16 games, would someone who played close to 40-45 games last season all of a sudden be content with playing approx 1/ 3rd games this season being in the prime of their career? Time will tell, but my point behind raising that question was to inquire if folks who might have watched him and Eds feel that he has the skills and ability to play higher up to fill in other positions on the left side of the field and if that's something where he can be deployed to deputize in a few matches?

10 Aug 2020 10:09:15
The guy will play 25 games in all comps this year if he's healthy for the season robbo was pretty bad for most of the lockdown games probably due to fatigue.

10 Aug 2020 10:34:24
And the drink Jezza.

10 Aug 2020 11:04:21
OP, you are missing a crucial point here, IMO. The reason Robbo plays as many games as he plays is cos he is ridiculously fit and has the energy levels of Sonic, the Hedgehog. And even at that, we have seen Robbo look tired and leggy BUT Klopp has had to play him cos well, te need that energy he brings in our system. I know Milner does a job BUT he cannot do what Robbo does hence, the drop off is glaring.

Based on what have seen on youtube and read of this Greek lad (never seen him play), the guy has seems to have the legs, energy ans some end product to his game and that IMO, has given Klopp more flexibility at the LB spot where he Klopp does not have to play 50 games a season.

Also if he is signing here, you can believe that The Guru M. Edwards and his mad scientists would have done their homework on him and know what he can bring. Now like someone also said, he will only be back up if he wants to be and if he is outperforming Robbo then, isn't that what we want? Now how many games he will play? Let's wait and see.

{Ed002's Note - Edwards does not decide on the players.}

10 Aug 2020 11:05:20
Bayern or PSG for me. AM are strong outsiders. City? I think they will come up short BUT I could be wrong, clearly.

10 Aug 2020 12:03:30
If we go deep in the UCL and domestic cup competitions, Tsimikas will be starting around 18-20 games at least next season. He is being brought in as competition, not simply as a backup. His profile like u said says everything about how competitive his environment and attitude is.
Robbo needs to be on his toes now.

10 Aug 2020 14:39:37
"Robbo needs to be on his toes now"

When has he not been? Robbo's attitude and work rate is up there with anyone you care to mention.

10 Aug 2020 13:05:32
Ed02, I never said Edwards decides on players as I am fully aware that Klopp has the final say.

10 Aug 2020 18:11:07
Actually Robertson was a lot better when he was competing with Moreno for his spot, he was more sluggish last season.

10 Aug 2020 19:16:54
Robbo's been brilliant full stop. But I think this will push him on. I also think the Greek will improve working with Robbo.

10 Aug 2020 22:38:15
@Abbassep, quite the typo half a dozen versus a few dozen. Fair enough you didn't like me having a go at you for that but starting 6 games is a ridiculous comment so ya I didn't bother reading the rest.

Robbo has been over played and looked leggy. We now look to have proper good backup and possibly even competition. This is great for Liverpool so let's be happy for the team.