Liverpool banter 5

31 Jan 2026 16:42:08
Just wondering why was my last post deleted? I apologise if I offended anyone. It was meant as in a light hearted banter/ rumour. I did elaborate it a bit but that was just for fun. Didn't think people would have enjoyed what she had to say so I put it into words that people could enjoy.


Again it wasn't meant to offended anyone. Next time I'll just post what she tells me from meeting with them.
Peace out for reds and eds!

31 Jan 2026 17:38:23
Mane-Jeff, Can you summarize your post or rumour?

31 Jan 2026 17:56:55
What was it lad?

31 Jan 2026 18:30:52
It was a very offensive post mate. Not surprised it got deleted.
The abuse you gave Mcgoveb and KingKen77 was disgraceful.

Albeit true 👀😂.

31 Jan 2026 19:11:24
I knew it 😂.

31 Jan 2026 20:02:05
I made a post of my misses meeting some of the wives of the players! It's a rumour but I elaborated it somewhat otherwise what the misses said sounded boring! I'll try again next time she meets them. I have to add someone did comment saying it was the worst post he'd ever seen on this site hahaha I'm sure there has been plenty worse than what I wrote.


Much love to everyone and let's hope for an amazing result tonight.

31 Jan 2026 11:21:24
Hi Ed001,

In your opinion, should the club bring back Jörg Schmadtke if possible? Thought he did a decent job when brought in getting Grav, Mac and Szob at good prices. If I recall it wasn't easy for him to operate fully in his role since he required lots of approval to do anything.

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - he certainly did a better job than Hughes has done, but he would not be my choice unless it was a short term role again.}

31 Jan 2026 12:28:56
Not denouncing what he did but didn't Mac and Szob have release clauses that we met.

Though Grav and Endo were good finds though as a lot were against Grav and personally I'd never even heard of Endo.

31 Jan 2026 12:49:16
Szobo was a release clause activation. Not exactly master negotiating.

Macca deal was handled by Julian Ward before he left. Macca credits Julian Ward for that.

Caicedo and Lavia (we got lucky on that one eh? ) approaches that summer were messy, dragging Bill Hogan and Mike Gordon into the process.

The Endo deal couldn't have been too difficult to do. And Gravy was desperate to leave Bayern for game time.

We also needed a CB in that window with Inacio and Lukeba being linked at the time.

I am not sure Schmadtke's time with us would warrant another go at it.

But I have serious concerns about Richard Hughes' role. Once the window slams shut, he will have had one notable window in 4, with us going into the second half of the season with an imbalanced squad that cannot seem to cope with the intensity and style of the Premier League - our bread and butter.

31 Jan 2026 12:54:54
Is Monchi still available after leaving Villa? Supposed to be one of the best in the business?

Dan Ashworth maybe? My knowledge of these folk is limited!

31 Jan 2026 13:25:26
It is difficult to know who would be a good fit until we know which coach we go with and what their remit will be.

Luis Enrique has been really fortunate to have Luis Campos working with him at PSG. Campos is probably the best in the business right now.

Max Eberl seems like a bit of a tit at Bayern. His colleague at Bayern, Freund might be interesting.

Tim Steidten was supposed to be promising but West Ham don't look too healthy at the moment do they - although I am sure the owners played a part in that.

Rolfes at Leverkusen is highly thought of but then I question his judgement in hiring Erik Ten Hag this summer.

Txiki, Rangnik, Monchi and Zorc are probably all ready to chill out now, so can't see them being options. Not sure Monchi is made for a big club anyway.

Ashworth? No thanks.

Anyways, I doubt Edwards is going anywhere. He probably won't sack his mate Hughes either. And if did, he might just move Julian Ward back into the Sporting Director role.

I did notice that Big Virg say that outside of being a football player, the Sporting Director role is one that he likes. One for the future perhaps? That would be fun!

31 Jan 2026 13:33:17
You still have to want the player at Liverpool tho, release clause or not? The club still has the decision to make if the player is the one they need I guess so there is still a fair degree "talent" to pick the right one.

31 Jan 2026 13:39:16
To be honest I don't really have an opinion on Edwards and Hughes as individuals or even their roles but I do enjoy reading others on them.

My only point would be we've just came out top in the PL and 5th in the world for revenue and the highest of any PL club in 29 years.

I honestly can't see FSG pulling the trigger on them after that. Results are usually laid at the managers door.

31 Jan 2026 14:10:55
Ed1, if you judge this season based on what has happened so far, do you reckon the three musketeers — Edwards, Hughes, and Slot — will still be at Liverpool by the start of next season?

{Ed001's Note - if it was up to me, no. I just can't see how they can be judged to have been anything but disastrous when you consider how much they spent to take us backwards to the shambles we were in pre-Klopp.}

31 Jan 2026 15:13:15
Paul Mitchell was said on here by someone a couple of weeks ago.
Does he have a good rep, would he be suited to us?

31 Jan 2026 16:07:04
Indeed, IR. If only it was that simple. You can trigger someone's release clause all you want BUT if the player doesn't want to come to you then, you have to convince them to do so and if you can't, they won't come and will stay put or go somewhere else. Zubimendi or Diego Costa from back in the day ring a bell?

Oh, we were going to trigger Huijsen's release clause at B'moth too BUT as soon as RM did, no more suitors needed to apply. He was gone. Also, Newcastle also triggered Szobo's release clause at the same time we did. Who did he pick straight away? Newcstle kicked rocks immediately cos he picked us and said exactly why.

At the end of the day, a negotiatior (which is what a DOF is, btw) has to do his job regardless and anyone ho thinks that it is easy cos you released some damn release clause then you are gravely mistaken. Just my opinion.

31 Jan 2026 16:24:55
If I remember correctly, ed2 used to speak very highly of Paul Mitchell. Apologies if I am remembering incorrectly.

31 Jan 2026 17:11:14
Correct Gazza and Lfchopefull 👍.

31 Jan 2026 18:05:31
Edward's might have to sack his mate in the summer, always got the feeling even the stuff from Ornstein on Hughes was media PR from Edwards to try and back up his choice.

A club like ours needs the best of the best, but the sporting director and the manager are both a delegate mix. While there is history of them not getting on the best with each other Klopp and Edwards worked as Klopp maximised the ability of Edwards picks especially in the early days when we didn't have as high a budget to work with, the ultimate person to squeeze every drop of ability out of the players at his disposal.

I've heard and we have all heard about how amazing Edwards is, but I do wonder if a ton of it is himself using media pathways to blow smoke up his own arse. It's so and was so painfully obvious when all of the articles starting coming out about Jurgen picking certain players to sign he was trying to push blame and keep himself as squeaky clean as possible.

Also I do wonder what happened to the multi club model, there was a bit of a buzz about it a few months ago but nothing has been said since?

The club are in a very delicate position currently and we desperately need UCL football. Will always appreciate Arne winning us the league but this year it's become apparent the job might be slipping from his hands. For me I wouldn't be shocked if him and the STC are gone this summer and as for the replacements, the obvious one is Alonso and for me if it somehow turns out not to be him then I would move mountains to get Enrique in from PSG.

As for the sporting director it could be a complete mystery but no doubt would have to be someone Edwards would have a good rapport with and be able to hinge the blame on if things go south again.

31 Jan 2026 18:59:08
I'm with JK23 on this. I certainly can't see Edwards going anywhere, nor Hughes for that matter. I'm indifferent to the pair of them, but have difficulty understanding the hostility towards them. They weren't brought into question last season, and they delivered a transfer window which most of us were ecstatic about.

I'm currently sat looking at the Kop and I will be amazed if I see any Hughes/ Edwards out banners during the game.

The inability of VVD to remain focused for 90 mins, as an example, has nothing to do with either Hughes or Edwards.

I don't expect too many to agree with me, but, like I always say, I couldn't give a flying fish.

31 Jan 2026 20:29:19
Flying fish 🤣🤣. Very polite Rome 👍.

31 Jan 2026 22:37:52
I try my best, Irish! Hope you were happy with tonight's performance, mate. Probably best performance of season. Folk will still be having a pop at Slot.

31 Jan 2026 23:04:49
Ekitike baller
Wirtz baller
Kerkez slow start, baller
Frimpong unlucky with injuries baller
Isak baller
Leoni baller unlucky with injuries
CB strengthening all but over the line with Guehi until Palace pulled the plug. Absolutely no problem for me with that window. They could do with helping Arne out with a defensive signing this month though.

31 Jan 2026 09:51:35
Hi Ed 01.
Is it not possible to come to some agreement with Villa about Harvey Elliot that is best for for parties?
It seems crazy with no-one winning.
1. Remove the obligation to buy and allow him to play and get minutes.
2. Allow him to return and save them the wages and he gets to play with us.

{Ed001's Note - yes it can be done.}

31 Jan 2026 10:37:05
Denzil the problem is

1. We are strengthening a top 5 rival who have a depleted squad

2. Exact same as one except change 'we' for Villa.

31 Jan 2026 10:53:52
what a disappointment for Harvey. Wish he stayed.

31 Jan 2026 10:57:32
Can't help thinking if we actually used the 4-4-2 diamond formation this season we'd have been such a great team

Imagine Ekitike and Isak infront of a number 10. Elliot would absolutely thrive in that 10 and probably push Florian Wirtz all the way

We had all the tools and pissed it up the wall for a Slow Negative 4/ 3/ 3 with no speed.

31 Jan 2026 11:49:51
So we are saying that an experienced manager like Emery is not playing Harvey because of obligation to buy clause?

He's not playing him for exactly the same reason Slot didn't play him. He's not good enough.

Don't you think it would be a bit odd for Villa to agree to loan Harvey with an obligation to buy if he played a certain number of games when they knew they couldn't afford to buy him so would not play him? What purpose would that serve?

It's much more likely that he's gone there and just not good enough.

31 Jan 2026 12:42:37
@Sean its well documented that Elliot was a Monchi signing. Emery didn't want him. Unfortunately for Elliott, Monchi left just a week after the window, and now Emery is the main man at the club. You don't have to be so condescending with your opinion every time.

31 Jan 2026 13:19:45
I'd imagine Chiesa wasnt a Slot signing and that's why he doesn't play him.

31 Jan 2026 16:10:17
Exactly, @thekoparmy. @Sean, slow your roll, man. No need to get testy and snarky. Emery didn't want him just like Slot did not want Chiesa and treated Elliott as such. This is why I don't like this loan deal.

How can you loan a player out to a club when the manager either is not involved or doesn't want him? The only person who suffers is the player and that is sad regardless of who the player is.

31 Jan 2026 16:32:33
I like Elliott, he always gives his all and is a decent player, but anyone thinking he could push Wirtz are kidding themselves. Harvey is a poor version of Wirtz, and the drop off between them is huge.

Now, I don't disagree that the best option for him at the moment is to come back and try and get some minutes without the cloud of "I'm getting a maximum of 5 more games this season" over his head, but to be honest he has no future at the club, as much as I wish it had worked out for him.

31 Jan 2026 23:08:46
He'd get more minutes than at Villa, but not much more.

31 Jan 2026 09:04:36
Ed001, do you think it will be a mistake if we don't bring in any reinforcements for the first team? Or do you think we should go with what we have and see how the season unfolds. If you think we should bring in players, what position (s) would you like to see reinforcements, and are there particular players you'd like to see come in?
cheers.

{Ed001's Note - I don't think it matters what we do while Slot is in charge.}

31 Jan 2026 10:11:15
. And those hiding in the shadows ; Messrs Edwards and Hughes.?

31 Jan 2026 11:55:00
Why is everyone so obsessed with Edwards and Hughes? You have no idea what's happening behind the scenes but I would be willing to bet my house on them not sitting there twiddling their thumbs.

The team isn't performing, they will be working on a fix but they won't want to be reactionary and make things worse. It's a delicate situation and the next move is one of the most important decisions the club has had probably since Kenny left the first time. We got it wrong back then and spent the next 30 years in the doldrums. This could go the same way if the wrong decision is made.

31 Jan 2026 12:59:15
Sean, mate - they are literally paid to maintain and develop the sporting project of Liverpool FC.

They are responsible for the squad makeup, footballing idea, performance of the teams (at all levels) and the club culture.

The January window opened and looks like it will close without addressing any of the squad issues we have and not achieving CL qualification could cost the club anywhere between 20-40% of its income, depending on the sponsorship conditions.

We signed players like Isak and Wirtz to win Champions Leagues now. To drop out of it, even for a season, was be a massive fail for the club.

So, yeah, Edwards and Hughes are being judged.

31 Jan 2026 13:07:59
People are looking at Hughes and Edwards Sean because it is their job to ensure that if the team is going in the wrong direction they do something about it.

The thing is they are being reactionary. As it's quite clear now they have no intention to pull the plug until it's likely too late.

Liverpool where left in the doldrums in the 90s precisely because they where reactionary - on and off the pitch.

31 Jan 2026 14:16:44
Ed1, by the looks of it, it seems you've already lost all hope in Slot being able to turn this around. Is the situation behind the scenes really that bad between Edwards, Hughes, and Slot?

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

31 Jan 2026 15:41:32
How you're not pointing the finger at them, Sean says a great deal. Is that you, Rigsby in disguise 🥸?

On a serious note, wake up and see things for what they are, you're getting no medals for backing up the tools sending us backwards.

31 Jan 2026 16:14:37
Sean, we are pointing the finger at them cos it is literally their job description to make sure the players we need esp. as desperately as we do now, are signed and they have had enuff time to know this and act.

Guehi and Semenyo were ready to come to us yet they sat on their hands and did nothing. Ed01 said as much so that's how I know. Just as Slot is solely responsible for the on-pitch debacle we have been experiencing this season, both guys are equally responsible for their part re: transfers.

It is called accountability and taking responsibility. You are passing the buck instead, btw.

31 Jan 2026 16:36:32
Salah it's Beckers pecker in disguise.

31 Jan 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - Madman has posted a new article entitled, Wolves January Window and Championship Planning Concerns

30 Jan 2026 23:06:29
GURU tbf he's recently said that injuries in key areas are really mounting up and that the squad is too small to cope with the amount of injuries (he's also inadvertently saying that there's not enough quality when addressing players like Ramsay etc) . Midfield is an area that's an issue but it's probably not going to be addressed in this window, CB/ RB might be an option but selling or loaning Jones now doesn't make much sense in how that's fixed. According to the likes of Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool aren't willing to greenlight the move unless they can get one of their top targets in and that doesn't look likely with a few days left in the window.

Queen of Scotty Road; there's no chance we're going to negotiate a recall with Villa and generously offer £5m for the privilege of having him back early. Anyway with the way Villa have been wheeling and dealing this window I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up triggering the clause and completing a permanent move to Villa (only 4 more appearances to go) .

31 Jan 2026 08:53:35
There's no way we sell Jones. He's probably our main Right Back coz those 2 are made of crisps.

31 Jan 2026 11:09:14
Jones at right back is a disaster waiting to happen against any half decent winger.

31 Jan 2026 16:15:26
VV, so what do you do since Slot already sent Ramsey and actual RB, to the basement?

30 Jan 2026 22:45:09
Not one of ITK got this information. Club. maybe has closed a few leaks.

31 Jan 2026 09:37:28
Maybe it was the way to test where the leaks are coming from.

30 Jan 2026 21:45:47
Anyone got any bar recommendations for pregame tomorrow? Ideally not near anfield - in town?

31 Jan 2026 07:15:46
Cavern club in town mate and then Church or Taggies by the ground.

I'm sure lots of others will have better preferred locations mate. Enjoy the game.

{Ed025's Note - Scruffy Murphys in Harrington st is a great atmosphere with loads of screens JB, but you have to get in early if you want a seat mate..

31 Jan 2026 12:35:38
Sounds great thanks JK and Ed!

{Ed025's Note - no problem mate..

31 Jan 2026 16:37:28
Oli any recommends?

30 Jan 2026 22:15:28
Someone, please WTF is going on? Why is Slot still in employment?

Is a MF coming in to replace CJ? we are already paper thin.

30 Jan 2026 22:46:23
Wish I could help u FSW. I have the same questions. It's as tho Slot is in charge. Nobody else seems to be.

30 Jan 2026 21:13:50
There's interest in Curtis Jones from Inter Milan.

30 Jan 2026 21:24:08
Let them be interested he's Liverpool threw n threw.

30 Jan 2026 21:25:17
Strange one this, but Fabrizio confirming it's for a loan. If this is allowed to happen (and no Jones fanboy by any means) this has to be the stupidest decision in history given the current state of our squad. Even if Dumfries or Bastoni come the other way it wouldn't make sense.

30 Jan 2026 21:34:34
If true, then Jones must of had a falling out with Slot, otherwise it makes zero sense.

30 Jan 2026 21:36:22
So Frode, are you saying that if Jones goes to Inter and Bastoni comes the other way that's not a good move? Really?

30 Jan 2026 21:42:00
It opens the door for nyoni. Jones frustrates me five yard passer who can't tackle. May as well have a traffic cone in midfield and keep moving it sideways and backwards.

30 Jan 2026 21:37:16
Any info on this ed01? Apparently jones and slots relationship is done in hearing Curtis flipped his lid big time and told slot a few home truths regarding playing him and dom at right back, apparently been told he's surplus to requirements which indicates that we're backing slot?

{Ed001's Note - I have heard the rumours, but I haven't had time to check them. It is hard to tell if people are just guessing because Jones wasn't in the squad or if there is something in them. There has been a lot of rancour within the group and between them and the coaching staff this season, so it would be very understandable if things have turned nasty again. The fact that the move is a loan move only suggests that they are not really backing Slot totally. But if Jones takes it, when he has no interest in playing for any other team, will confirm there is something in it.}

30 Jan 2026 21:44:33
@Sean, I think Frode means that we can't afford to diminish our midfield numbers.

30 Jan 2026 21:52:36
I doubt he is Sean, but let's face it Bastoni is not coming in any case. We cannot weaken our squad more at a time when if possible we should be adding to it.

30 Jan 2026 22:05:32
Why not the koparmy? Especially if Elliott is coming back?

If it's a way to get Bastoni through the door I'm all for it.

30 Jan 2026 22:19:39
There has to be a fit and useful player incoming in CJ is going on loan. We are already thin.

Bastoni would be the only Inter player to soften the blow.
This better be some master stroke by Huge, otherwise he is walking the plank.

30 Jan 2026 22:36:46
Thanks Ed, I think slots out of his depth personally.

30 Jan 2026 22:59:08
Bastoni looked out of his depth when we played them and we've been poor.

Not sure he could hack it in the Prem.

31 Jan 2026 06:42:52
Yeah Sean I am saying that you contrarian. Jones is a midfielder who we need and Bastoni is a defender who we also need. You see the difference? Thought not.

31 Jan 2026 06:47:24
I was awaiting the Nyoni can step up case from the moral bunch. No he can't.

30 Jan 2026 21:08:44
Just red on a few sites that inter are interested in a loan deal for curtis jones, any truth in these rumours. Seems a bit odd so late in the window.

30 Jan 2026 21:24:44
It's not worth it.

30 Jan 2026 21:29:33
Plenty of twitter rumours about a bust-up between him and Slot either last week or early this week. Plus then followed up either with him giving the ok for the move or being told he can go. Not sure which of the above (if any) is true.

30 Jan 2026 23:15:45
Not sure why Jones isn't liked, he is a decent footballer, imo this year he has been better than Macallister. he is a local lad so it matters more to him. Big mistake if we move him on in this window.

31 Jan 2026 06:36:07
He has 18 months left on his contract and I bet you he runs it down. As for the not liked part, I just think some like me, become frustrated by him.
I honestly think he has ability on the ball and he can get around the pitch, but I don't know his best position, because he lacks something.
How many times is he passed through? How many times does he hold on to it too long? How many goals does he score? How many successful tackles does he make? How many time does he slow us down, with five yard backward passes?
The only time I have seen a bit of fight in him was against Everton and that was after the game.


Would I be unhappy if we sold him? The answer would be I don't care. He thinks he is better than what he has showed he is.
This my opinion, of somebody who grew up watching Jimmy Case and Terry Mac.

31 Jan 2026 09:55:40
If Jones leaves (doubtful) who is the next choice of whipping boy for the hooples?

30 Jan 2026 16:52:05
Not konate's biggest fan, and sorry to hear about his loss but never be so made up he back in the squad with the injuries.

30 Jan 2026 18:27:03
Much rather have a fit Gomez play tomorrow, Konate would be a bag of rubbish against Gordon and Barnes running at him.
He is a flapper, Gomez is a cracking defender when fit, but made of crisps.

30 Jan 2026 20:25:27
Cant stay fit though, never has and even less likely he ever will. We should have sold Gomez when someone would have given us £30m or so for him a coupla years ago. I like the guy but the love he gets on here compared to other players who represent the club is crazy.

30 Jan 2026 21:26:46
Bag off Gomez? Your opinion is yours but are you 4 real lad? He is twice the defender Ibou is.

30 Jan 2026 21:42:38
@FM, it was Newcastle at the time we had our eye on Gordon. If it is a choice of a good defender who needs his injury managed or a crap defender who is fit I'd rather go with 5he good defender.

31 Jan 2026 13:23:47
Well neither Slot nor Klopp seem to have preferred joe over ibou, no matter how nice a guy he is.