18 Jan 2026 14:21:14
Ed's - with Chelsea seemingly reaching an agreement with Jacquet they obviously need to negotiate the fee with the club but it wouldn't suprise me if they get their man and show clear intent they'll back a newbie manager who's only been in the door a week!
Our Two numbskulls meanwhile pussy foot about with Guehi and Semenyo obviously not prepared to back our manager it seems?!
My question is this though - if we lose on Wednesday at the start of some really pivotal games for our season and Alonso by accounts willing and ready to step up will those above Edwards and Hughes pull rank and say enough is enough?
I'm on the fence with Slot, he's a huge issue but players have not performed to a standard this club demsnds and part of me is still wanting him to be the man to get the show back on the road but his whole demeanour is one of a beaten man and it's impacting on everything within club. act now or the limited ambitions left in the season with top 4 being the most important will be over.
{Ed001's Note - firstly, when this many players underperform, that is on the manager not the players. His job is to get them performing after all.
Secondly, Hughes and Edwards are weak and indecisive in this matter, something we have seen before from Edwards. I fear that it is going to have to come from above for a decision to be made.}
18 Jan 2026 14:48:48
If it does Ed.
Silly question. Are you aware of when a decision like that may be made? Have you heard anyrhing about FSG losing patience?
Also, If they had to pull the trigger. Surely they would lose faith in Edwards and Hughes?
Thanks.
{Ed001's Note - how can I know that? It will depend on what happens and I am not a fortune teller sorry. As far as I am aware, so far they are backing their staff, but yesterday may change things. The crowd booing is a big concern for them, they very much value having the fans onside. A few weeks back the crowd were chanting his name, which made sure he kept his job. I think they have learnt from Klopp that having the fans onside makes a huge difference and they were not going to sack a man who has the backing of the crowd.
If they have to step in, I would expect that to trigger an internal investigation into why the decision was not made by those they put in place to make them.}
18 Jan 2026 14:50:15
With Chelsea getting Jacquet, that's another promising CB scratched off the list.
Good job, boys.
18 Jan 2026 14:51:00
Ed01, you clearly have no time for Hughes and Edwards, I, personally, have no real opinion. Can you explain to me, and perhaps others who are less informed, what their respective roles are, when it comes to transfers? I would have thought only one of them was ultimately responsible. Also, where does Billy Hogan come into all of this? And what is Julian Ward's role?
Oh for the good old days of John Smith and Peter Robinson.
{Ed001's Note - Edwards is the chief executive of football, currently just at Liverpool, but FSG appointed him with a view to that being over a group of football clubs. He is the decision maker overall, with the power to hire and fire all within the football sphere of operations. He is more oversight than actually making the transfer decisions, though I would expect him to have input, considering he rose from within the ranks of recruitment.
Hughes is the sporting director, who is the man in charge of transfers. He is the one who is ultimately responsible, as Edwards only returned to work with FSG on the proviso that the sporting director would have sole power over recruitment, rather than the head coach.
Billy Hogan is CEO of the club, but he is the business head and has little real involvement in transfers. He would probably only be involved to sign off on the money and to organise the budget for transfers.
Ward is technical director, but like Edwards his role is meant to be overseeing a group, rather than with direct involvement at Liverpool.
I do think there is an issue with Edwards and Ward not really having a clear role at the moment, which is not going to help when making decisions, with them being in the way, so to speak. Hughes should be the man making the decisions, but it is very difficult to make decisions when your boss has nothing to do but look over your shoulder!}
18 Jan 2026 15:14:29
Thanks Ed ?.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome.}
18 Jan 2026 15:16:40
On a side note can I ask please are man city still to be punished for those 115 charges against them and if so whens the verdict due must be soon because the impression is that they are stock piling players in advance of a possible transfer embargo could that be the case there is no excuse for all this dragging on as much.1 more question ifbyou please mate in that if slot were to go whenever and Alonso takes over would it be worthwhile with having stevie G assisting in any shape or form surely he could instill into some of the players that's its a privilege and and honour to wear and play for red of liverpool I believe the great bill shankly said something of a similar ilk.
{Ed001's Note - the Man City thing is being dragged out by their lawyers. I think it is probably not going to happen until the season is over. I expect that is why Pep is looking at leaving in the summer.
I don't think Gerrard is the right man to assist anyone. He is not particularly good at taking instruction, which is what caused issues with him and Rafa. I very much doubt that it is needed, we still have the likes of Dalglish round the club to show players that.}
18 Jan 2026 15:40:45
A would like to say thanks very much for the prompt and very informative reply a don't know how you do it all mate so knowledgeable I'm jealous but keep up the good work much appreciated and for the time you take mate.
{Ed001's Note - thank you very much. It is an advantage that this is my full time job (or more like way of life!) so I have more time to keep abreast of things.}
18 Jan 2026 15:58:24
I presumed you would know Ed.
I see you as a fortune teller, yes. Or something along those lines.
All jokes aside though, I value your info. I thought with the sources you have, the news you get, which always seems to be accurate, that maybe you heard something through the grapevine.
{Ed001's Note - at the moment, nothing. They were all backing Slot. However, I personally believe that the boos last night will have made them sit up and take notice. They are always given reports anyway and they hold regular meetings with Edwards, but I would expect Edwards to be on the end of a grilling now. I can't see there being much time left to Slot as he refuses to change his style of play, the crowd is only going to get more annoyed.}
18 Jan 2026 16:01:28
Ed001, who do City want to replace Pep other than Enrique? Please don't say, Xabi ….
{Ed001's Note - I don't know. I am told Enrique is number one choice. Maresca has tried to put his name in there, Pep is backing him, so probably him if they do not get Enrique.}
18 Jan 2026 16:03:21
Ed01, thanks very much for taking the time and trouble to answer my garbled questions. Much appreciated.
{Ed001's Note - no problem mate. I just wish the circumstances were better and you were asking to clarify who deserves the credit for a sparkling season!}
18 Jan 2026 16:05:58
On Jaquet. Of the reported 60mill is the figure reported then that for a 20 year old is mad. Let Chelsea do their usual 9 year contract and destroy his career in 3 years!
18 Jan 2026 16:08:46
Ed, it's never a good look if your boss is looking over your sholuder even if you do know what your role and job description is, let alone if you or your boss don't.
Also, I think the fans booing have been holding their tongues (or boos) thru out the season in hope that something will change and hats off to them. Yesterday is clearly the last straw and have decided to make their voices heard, in addition to fans leaving at about the 80th minute, I read somewhere.
If we get a couple more poor results (the away fans will not abandon the team on the road, IMO) in addition to a poor result at home then, things could get untenable for Slot cos the atmosphere could go bananas.
18 Jan 2026 16:34:43
Thanks for your replies Ed.
As others have said, your knowledge on football, players and how you rate them, and all the background info is really interesting. The ins and outs of what helps a club function.
I was surprised the booing didn't happen earlier tbh mate.
Horrible situation to be in as a fan, but maybe it's better we slip up once or twice more, get more boos, and finally the decision gets made.
Can't believe I've said that!
Nothing else seems to be working though.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate and thank you so much.
I just wish Slot would wake up. He surely can't think this style of play is going to work!}
18 Jan 2026 16:45:42
Yep I 2nd the thanks ed. The info you put out probably puts a lot of our minds at ease and a bit of hope in all honesty. I've not seen any games this year unfortunately, so I can only ever go by what you and other posters say, and I can only thank everyone for it.
{Ed001's Note - thank you mm.}
18 Jan 2026 18:09:04
Another great Q&A. I love this real info stuff! It needs a really good question in order to get a really good answer. Much appreciated both Rome and ED01. And everyone else re above.