26 Jul 2026 15:27:41
Timikas isn't good competition for Kerkez. The lads extremely lucky to be in the squad given Robbo's departure. Right back is a conundrum with Bradley out. Centre backs were now short.
Midfield is essential as I previously mentioned and although I'd be happy with Wharton, the club need a proper 6 which I'm dubious we'll even seek.
The wide areas will eventually sort themselves out as the club seemingly are prioritizing those areas.
Some very weak spots within the squad.
26 Jul 2026 16:36:16
I know it's only pre-season, but in last night's game, Tsimikas was a lot better than Kerkez!
26 Jul 2026 16:59:47
Tsimika isn't great, but he has the experience and we have other priorities. CB and RB should be part of that priority, but we'll have to see what happens with the winger debacle before we get a clear view on what the club thinks in that regard.
We're not looking for a proper DM/Gravenberch replacement/competition; we just signed him up to 280k pw a couple of months ago.
26 Jul 2026 17:03:58
I pretty much agree with everything you have said.
Unfortunately, I feel we may very well have to bite the bullet and use Tsimikas as a left back backup this season. When you consider the number of positions we are light, a sacrifice in quality may have to be allowed in one department, that being LB.
We absolutely need a RB (Bradley is a liability coming off a major injury. Frimpong is RWB who simply can not function without a defender behind him, and an offensive player to cover for his runs, if needed).
We absolutely need a CB (Van Dijk is 35 and notably regressed last season, not surprising considering the number of games. Gomez, has been a liability for a very long time, stays due to both sentiment and everyone seeing him for what he is, broken down. Leoni, coming off an ACL injury, which increases the likelihood of setbacks early on. Jacquet, not even ready yet, and has played very limited first team minutes. Ndiaye, an U21 player who is simply not ready to be thrown in yet. The Austrian centre back can't even play for us, and has to go out on loan.) Also, don't come to me with Endo, Baj, because soon you'll be bringing up the tea ladies as viable options.
RW, is an absolute necessity. To not have a ready made replacement for Salah, before letting him go a year only, is baffling to the extreme. The lack of a contingency in place, allowing ourselves to be messed around by Diomande's agents for so long, has wasted a lot of time. Barcola may come in, but if Gakpo leaves, then we will need another winger, preferably one with speed, just like Barcola, just not as pricey.
CM, we need a proper DM, but reports suggest we are after Wharton. Wharton will certainly help in progressing up the pitch with his line breaking passes, vision for a pass, but we are severely lacking in steel. Would love a Camara type player, but looks like we are not looking for that. A real shame.
Either way, Iraola is reason enough to be excited by this season. I think he can really work wonders with this team, and the players we are bringing in to strengthen the squad. Fingers crossed it all works out.
26 Jul 2026 17:20:16
Jury is still out on Kerkez, hoping IR can work his magic on him like he did when he was at Bournemouth.
26 Jul 2026 17:21:11
How is he lucky? He grows into the team, throw him in for the odd game, he is sometimes all over the place, but let him have a run and he gets there. I like him, I'm glad he's back, he's great cover. Klopp liked him.
26 Jul 2026 17:32:18
I think Nyoni has a higher ceiling than Wharton.