11 Apr 2025 09:06:15
Arne praising Richard Hughes for getting the Salah contract sorted. Not Julian Ward after all.
{Ed001's Note - doesn't necessarily mean they have changed their job remits, might just mean Hughes had a lot of spare time to step in as he did f all in terms of his own job in recent months...}
11 Apr 2025 09:22:50
What has he failed to do the last few months, Ed01? I'm completely indifferent to Hughes and have repeatedly said I will judge him when the window closes at the end of the summer. I'm interested to know what you think he hasn't done the last few months.
{Ed001's Note - it was a joke. But he didn't sign anyone when we clearly needed a midfielder. We have a liability at left-back and nothing was done to address that either.}
11 Apr 2025 09:25:28
"It's also a big compliment to Richard that he has achieved to extend Salah, who is such a great player and as a free agent, can go to any club in the world he wants to. But he has stayed at our club and that's also a compliment to Richard. " - Arne Slot
Fair play to Hughes, credit where it is due. C'mon Ed001 ?.
{Ed001's Note - why? It was an easy job, Salah wanted to stay. This is just more Hughes propaganda to try and get the fans onside. Every time anything happens in European football these days we get some propaganda bull about how Hughes had a part in it. Instead of messing about doing other people's jobs, he should try doing his own.}
11 Apr 2025 09:34:50
Point taken, Ed01. I can't disagree that we need strengthening in the positions you mention, and a few other positions as well. I will be the first person on here slagging Hughes off if we don't address things in the summer.
{Ed001's Note - hopefully he is all ready to go and we will all be cheering his name next season, but I do worry. The amount of propaganda the club puts out about him worries me. If it was felt he was doing that good a job, then surely they wouldn't feel the need to ensure he gets all the praise when it should have been all about Mo. Same with all these puff pieces the club keeps setting up (most of the stories out there are given out by marketing men to journalists and websites etc for them to use as their own). It just makes me uncomfortable as there should be no need for it all if he does his job.}
11 Apr 2025 09:40:48
Hughes and Ward failed to sign a LB, CB and a midfielder in the last two windows. What more evidences do you need @Rome?
11 Apr 2025 09:45:06
Who do you think is behind this Hughes propaganda, Ed001?
And what has Hughes been given credit for in European football that is just propaganda bull? I've not seen anything like that, mate.
I do agree that we needed a midfielder (or two) last summer and, in hindsight, we do need a left back. Hopefully we'll get away with it, we are just waiting for the right players and the patience will be rewarded like with Salah re-signing and VvD, too.
{Ed001's Note - the club are trying to get the fans behind him mate. A friend of mine used to do this for a living, he used to write these kind of puff pieces to hand out and stuff like that. He actually did one for us once which actually got me on local TV news many years back. Not for these sites though, but something else we tried. But you can see the way they are written, they are all puff pieces which just give the good bits and ignore anything else. They are not well rounded. I want to read the good and the bad, I want to read about his failures more than his successes because they are what defines you, they are what you learn from and help you to improve.
I hope you are right Rigsby, I really do. I want him to be a success, but reading how he is now apparently the key figure in Italian football does nothing for any of us. And constantly praising him when anything happens good is just embarrassing. If he is that good, then he would not need all this praise for everything and anything. I am half expecting the club shop to have a sale on with the staff praising Hughes for reducing the prices, it has got that ridiculous.
And I do find it really annoying that they have taken Mo's special moment, which was never in doubt anyway as he was desperate to stay, and made that partly about Hughes. If they want to praise Hughes for his part, leave it a few days while we all enjoy the euphoria of the King re-signing and then drop it in to the post-match interviews etc.}
11 Apr 2025 09:50:23
With respect Ed01, I've not seen many "Hughes out" banners on the Kop. Generally speaking fans couldn't care less about him. I've no idea what Hughes' or Ward's role are at Liverpool and to be honest I don't really care. Like Slot said, ultimately money played a part in Salah staying, and that obviously isn't Hughes's money.
{Ed001's Note - Hughes has taken a lot of criticism for not signing players, you are wrong if you think generally speaking fans couldn't care less about him. Just wait until the window opens and he hasn't signing anyone with the first two seconds of it opening.}
11 Apr 2025 10:00:02
Ed, I think its fair to say that out of all DoF out there, he is probably the only one where there are always articles coming out praising him. You don't hear much about other DOF being praise so much in media.
For some, there will probably be an article when a new DoF sign for big clubs and that is the end of it. For him, it feels like there's articles coming out once a month praising him for being a good DoF.
{Ed001's Note - exactly.}
11 Apr 2025 10:02:25
Expert in Italian football? Yet signs Chiesa who has barely been on the pitch for us. ?.
11 Apr 2025 10:20:17
Ed01, if what you are saying is true then it is really a bad look esp. if they are using Mo's big moment to prop up Hughes as THE guy who made it all happen whereas it was Ward handling the negotiations, according to your info.
At the end of the day, victory/ success has many friends and siblings so I can see what the club is trying to do at a PR level; it happens in near all walks of life and politics. However, all that mess will be over when the summer window opens.
11 Apr 2025 10:21:53
Thanks for the reply, Ed001, I was about to say I'd not heard anything but Hughes just got a mention on Sky Sports News.
I've seen loads of criticism of Hughes though; most of it on here and a lot of it unwarranted. He could well be a failure but some fans wanted him sacked last summer for not signing enough players. I can get that if we were now sixth or seventh but he hadn't even had the chance to fail. Some were also unwilling to give him credit for the appointment of Slot. Again, that could ultimately fail us but let's see what happens before sacking anyone.
Either way, it's great news about Salah signing another contract and I'm trying to stay positive about it. We know bad news is never far away and it might not work out for us but Salah staying is only good news, for me.
{Ed001's Note - I understand what the club is trying to do, because some of the criticism Hughes got was embarrassing, but there is no need for it. Fans are fickle and they will forget they hated him for not bringing in their choice of players the moment he signs someone in the summer.}
11 Apr 2025 10:32:26
I’ve no confidence in Hughes. Slot wanted a midfielder never got him and then that was it? No back up plan? Failed. he's so good we getting linked to players he signed at his last job what happens when they fall through? I don’t know if it’s the club but we still feel like we flip flopping as the late great “ed02 “ said. I don’t think this summer is going to be all that everyone thinks it is. And as for stealing mo’s thunder no class, as Ed 1 said let him and us enjoy the moment. Wouldn’t be surprised if we win the league he will want to be on the bus holding the trophy! Any man who seeks providence instead of letting his actions speak for themself is no good in my book. You own blame not glory.
{Ed001's Note - I don't think this is Hughes doing it mate, this is very much the club's doing. Whether that is Edwards, who is good friends with him trying to do his mate a good deed or whether it is just the club itself trying to calm the waters, I am not sure.}
11 Apr 2025 10:55:57
I must be missing something. The only times I hear Hughes name mentioned is on here. On here he's more despised than Donald Trump. I'm very fortunate that I get to go to a lot of the home games, I never hear Hughes name mentioned. I don't expect anyone to follow me, but I'll judge him when the summer window closes.
11 Apr 2025 11:22:11
Bit like Steven Gerrard Rome, universally loved apart from on here. This is Hughes window to show what he can do, i have faith we'll be happy.
11 Apr 2025 11:41:57
It didn't take long for the bad news to arrive! Nice one, scouse john ?.
Surely it's good for us all if someone is getting too much praise- if that is the case- rather than too much criticism. Or blame.
It means things are going reasonably well. We could win the League, our top scorer is staying, it's looking good that our captain will, as well.
Is there a constant need to look for bad news, someone to blame and one-upmanship?
If you look for someone to blame, you lose the ability to change and that's never a good thing.
So, just enjoy the Salah news and the psychology lesson of the day ?.
11 Apr 2025 13:13:48
Excellent news. Fingers crossed we're seeing van Dijk sign his soon.
On Hughes, I hope to Christ we're happy with Hughes at the end of the usmmer but I can't see it, I don't think he's right for the job at all but fingers crossed I'm wrong and the past 2 windows were somehow part of a masterplan which is entirely possible? time will tell.
11 Apr 2025 13:18:34
I haven’t brought bad news Rigsby. It’s a discussion group im only offering my view. Good news today mo signs but Hughes name gets mentioned ( it’s never happened b4 with any other dof as far as I can remember) . Just seems a bit up his own arse but ed1 reckons it could be the club? Just a bit weird isn’t it? Especially for a man that’s done nothing so far.
11 Apr 2025 15:09:15
I was joking, john but your post did have Walter vibes about it!
I saw Schmadtke get some praise for rebuilding the midfield the other day, though.
I've read more criticism than I have praise for Hughes on this forum. You can't go on for months about what he doesn't do, what he does wrong, what he wears etc and then say you're sick of hearing about him when he gets some praise, in all fairness, mate ?.
11 Apr 2025 17:18:30
I do not understand all this negativity about Hughes. Judge him after this window, maybe Slot needed a season to assess the squad before deciding on what players he needs.
Salah, Trent and Virgil should have been signed up long before Hughes started his job, so why dismiss his involvement in Salah signing a contract extension.
Just because Salah wanted to stay, doesn't mean negotiations are easy, so give Hughes credit.
I understood that Trent also wanted to stay, but he is going to Madrid and there will be plenty of posters on here who will then blame Hughes.
I guess Hughes cannot win either way, still he did very well at Bournemouth.
12 Apr 2025 00:51:58
Greenflash, why is Hughes the only one getting credit for the Salah deal? If Edwards and others were involved in making it happen, why aren’t they being acknowledged as well? It feels like there’s a deliberate attempt to elevate Hughes, just as Ed1 pointed out and you're playing into that by saying “give Hughes credit”.
And frankly, what he achieved at Bournemouth is irrelevant. What matters is what he’s done here, and so far, that’s very little. Why was he even brought in if the expectation is for him to sit on his hands until a few transfer windows in? That’s not good enough.
At least those criticising him have a basis for doing so - we brought someone in to address key areas, and he simply hasn’t done that. We needed reinforcements, particularly in midfield and at left-back. He made an attempt for a midfielder, fair enough, but ultimately failed to get it over the line.
Like I’ve said, I hope that come summer, we’re looking back pleased with the business he’s done. But based on what we’ve seen so far, I just can’t see it. The early signs don’t inspire much confidence.
12 Apr 2025 02:35:57
Who has ever said that Hughes should get all the credit, Salah?
I bet you can't answer that. You can't seem to answer anything without paraphrasing Ed001.
He was brought in as Sporting Director and to help appoint a new manager. He helped bring in a new manager and we are close to winning the League. How is that sitting on his hands?
I understand that you wanted some more shiny new toys and your issues addressed but Hughes was brought in to do a job and that wasn't pandering to what you wanted.
Most fans will be happy with the League title and your issues being unaddressed, mate.
12 Apr 2025 08:06:23
Spot on Rigsby. And during Slot's press conference he also praised FSG and Edwards, it wasn't the Richard Hughes Show.
12 Apr 2025 10:13:54
Rigsby, nobody claimed Hughes should receive all the credit. The first part of my post was in response to Greenflash saying "give Hughes credit, ” and my point was about balance — if others like Edwards were instrumental in the Salah deal or the current setup, then they deserve acknowledgment as well meanwhile this full discussion has been about Hughes! It’s not about denying Hughes his due, but about questioning why the spotlight seems disproportionately focused on him.
As for the Ed001 comment — whether a point originates from him or anyone else is irrelevant if the argument holds weight. Dismissing criticism by focusing on who said it rather than what’s being said is a distraction. The core issue remains: Hughes’ impact so far has been minimal, and the justification for his appointment remains unclear. That’s a valid concern, regardless of who voices it.
So yeah, less of the Mr Billy Big Bollox routine, more focus on the actual discussion next time.
12 Apr 2025 11:42:53
Salah, so you missed the part where Slot also gives credit to Salah and his management team, FSG and Edwards? The money, too.
How do you think the credit was disproportionately focused on him?
The truth is, it hasn't all been about Hughes but some fans don't like the fact that Slot gave him some of the credit so claim it was disproportionate without explaining why.
Rome has also explained that FSG and Edwards were credited.
I apologise if I came across as Mr Billy Big Bollox but you do the same when you continually moan about the club not addressing your issues.
12 Apr 2025 12:26:11
Not exactly shocked you missed the point again - I read the first few words and knew straight away you hadn’t clocked it. Happens a bit too often to be a one-off, which makes having a proper conversation tough, you know?
Just to clear it up (again) I never said Slot didn’t credit the rest. I was clearly referring to that Greenflash post - hence the quotation marks. It’s not that deep, but if we’re going to keep a discussion going on, you’ve at least got to read things properly or, bare minimum, reply like you’ve understood what was actually said.
Just to finish off: it’s not my issues, mate - it’s Liverpool’s. I just watch the drama unfold and in the meantime we’re all well within our right to have an opinion… or does that only apply when everyone’s nodding along with yours? Funny how opinions suddenly become nonsense the moment they don’t match your echo chamber.
Until next time.
12 Apr 2025 12:27:36
Salah, I'm not brainwashed by anybody, I think for myself, I was simply responding to this thread about Hughes. It is a fact that there have been numerous posts on this site condemning Hughes, yet all these posters, including me, have no idea what goes on behind the scenes, so how do you know he is not doing his job properly.
So I will give Hughes credit, even though others were involved, as it is only him getting slagged off in this thread. You talk about balance and giving others credit, but you only criticise Hughes.
Furthermore, dismissing Hughes achievements at Bournemouth is laughable, as I'm certain that's what got him the Liverpool job in the first place. If he fails in this summer transfer window, then the criticism is justified, but so far it is over the top.
12 Apr 2025 13:09:22
Fair play Green, a proper post. Rigsby you might want to take note.
Green, Hughes failed in the last two windows, so why are we waiting until the 3rd window to criticise? we can't be saying all of this was planned when he tried to sign players yet couldn't get the deals over the line. The criticism is valid.
12 Apr 2025 14:25:05
Salah, as I previously stated, maybe Slot wanted to assess squad last summer.
Maybe the club thought the 2 current left backs would get us through this season, same with the midfield. January transfer window is always difficult, so I am not turning on Hughes yet.
It is now clear to us all that we need a new left back, forward, midfielder and centre back. So if Hughes fails to address these positions in the summer, then I will certainly criticise him.
Let's hope you get a couple of goals tomorrow Salah.
12 Apr 2025 17:16:28
Salah, you said:
'why is Hughes the only one getting credit for the Salah deal? If Edwards and others were involved in making it happen, why aren’t they being acknowledged as well? '
You commented without knowing what Slot actually said. Edwards, FSG, Salah and his agent were credited.
You should have had a proper gander instead of falling for the propaganda.
I'll ask again: why do you think Slot crediting Hughes in a few words was disproportionately focusing the spotlight on Hughes? How was it disproportionate?
If you think Hughes failed in the last two transfer windows, how are we eleven points clear at the top of the League? Is it because the players didn't the reinforcements that you desired and because of the manager that Hughes played a major role in appointing?
12 Apr 2025 17:55:57
Honestly, Rigsby, you're insufferably dull. This conversation is over until you can actually comprehend what's being said. I answered the very question you claimed I couldn't, yet you keep piling on more. It's obsessive. I have a life to get on with so I'll leave you to stew in your own thoughts.
12 Apr 2025 18:31:29
Stick to the discussion and don't try to be Mr Billy Big Bollox, Salah ?.
You didn't answer the question. You couldn't answer the question because Hughes wasn't getting all the credit.
Yet you said:
'why is Hughes the only one getting credit for the Salah deal? If Edwards and others were involved in making it happen, why aren’t they being acknowledged as well? '
Unless you can come up with an answer about anyone giving Hughes all the credit, I'll leave it there and let you get on with your life ?.
13 Apr 2025 05:24:40
Lol Rigsby, classic you, missing the point yet again - which, to be fair, is kind of your brand at this point. I've explained it several times already, crystal clear, but somehow it still flew right over your head. Honestly, I'd be more surprised if you understood it. You're like the only person on this site who can read five paragraphs and come out more confused than when you started. It's impressive, in a tragic sort of way.
And those endless questions of yours - always trying to play detective, hoping to catch someone slipping. But mate, you're not Poirot, you're more like Clouseau with a Wi-Fi connection. Every debate ends the same - you doubling down, not because you’re right, but because you don’t quite get why you’re wrong.
Still, I’ll give you thhat you’re comedy gold. A walking sitcom. Keep doing you, you glorious, baffled sausage.
13 Apr 2025 15:27:29
I see where you’re coming from, Green, and I’d generally agree with you. But the reality is, we did attempt to sign a midfielder so regardless of whether Slot wanted to take a season to assess the squad, the core issue still stands: Hughes didn’t execute his role effectively. He delayed key decisions and lacked clarity in the market. That said, I do understand your perspective, mate.
On a personal note, I’m hopeful too. With this new contract in place, I’m aiming to hit top form again ?
I was thinking recently about Salah’s dip towards the end of last season and people were quick to write him off, questioning whether he was finished. Yet, look at him now, he’s come back this season and absolutely smashed it. That quiet spell was just that - a brief period, nothing more. He really is something else.