Liverpool banter 10

28 Jan 2026 08:57:52
Light winds of 8 mph predicted for around Anfield tonight so that's a plus.

28 Jan 2026 11:18:46
Or an excuse.

28 Jan 2026 12:15:48
We had a gameplan for the wind and then the wind stopped, we can't catch a break.

28 Jan 2026 12:26:52
Just as we start getting used to playing in the wind it goes away!

27 Jan 2026 23:52:05
Looking at the Squad options and academy we could use as we are short.

Rhys Williams and Calvin Ramsay both part of the first team squad, along with Bajcetic.

Beck just back from loan but injured, although could be used if fit.
Danns if fit can be used.
Koumas back from his loan at Birmingham. He's now played 66 games in the Championship so could be an option to bring on to rest Ekitike.
Really like the look of Josh Sonni-Lambie.
Kaide Gordon although not amazing has experience so could be an option to rest Mo.
So Arne has some options.

28 Jan 2026 00:49:22
Amazing squad depth.

28 Jan 2026 01:58:40
Good luck telling Slot that.

28 Jan 2026 05:04:39
Arne Slot isn't playing any of these players.

28 Jan 2026 06:17:46
That list of players probably puts us back In the title hunt.

28 Jan 2026 06:22:56
Rhys Williams isn't good enough
Kaide Gordon is injured
Danns and Bajetic are still recovering

Ramsay has already made the bench with Slot already stating that he currently isn't up to scratch, which really only leaves us Koumas who got 1 goal and 0 assists at Birmingham in 23 games.

Nallo would be better for CB but again what we have seen hasn't been great.

28 Jan 2026 06:48:55
Of course they are options but not if you want to win anything. If we have to use these players then we are doomed.

28 Jan 2026 06:58:50
Sonni-Lambi is doing well but he's not even stepped up to u21's yet.

Keylor Figueroa and Will Wright are rotating for the u21's and right now Figueroa looks to be the best striker in the academy in terms of being ready to step up. He has 11 goals in 12 appearances for the u21's. The other forward player who looks ready is Kieran Morrison who is making a mockery of u21 defenders. He's a left footed winger.

Rio, Nyoni, Pecsi, Ramsay and Nallo are also all playing very well for the u21's but they're all more well known amongst the fans. Nallo looks fantastic at u21 level but both times he's played for the senior side he's been sent off! It's a big jump.

28 Jan 2026 07:42:31
After what Slot said about Calvin Ramsay I'd suspect hell would have to freeze over first.

28 Jan 2026 08:18:04
Arne Slot na na na na na! I really don't like that song. Still over 3 months of footy to go…he might have no choice but to use our super subs.

28 Jan 2026 08:22:07
I stopped reading at Rhys Williams.

28 Jan 2026 08:30:03
It was just a list of those he could turn to if desperate like Klopp did.

28 Jan 2026 08:31:13
From the little I've seen I'd have Kieran Morrison in the squad, along with Nyoni and Nallo. Be interesting to see if Nallo can actually stay on the pitch for more than 5 minutes. If he's ever going to start living up to his publicity, now's the time for him to take his chance.

I'd have McConnell in the squad too. He seems to be back from Ajax but I think I saw that he has just had minor surgery, which is a pity.

28 Jan 2026 08:55:23
I honestly think Slot would rather play senior player way out of position over one of the youngsters in the right position.

28 Jan 2026 09:10:46
Slot ain't touching any of those youngsters, some of whom Klopp actually got a tune out of, btw.

28 Jan 2026 09:19:18
Slot won't use some of the first-team squad so he's hardly going to start giving academy players a chance.

28 Jan 2026 10:12:38
Alonso will incorprate the academy players as Klopp did, which is an essential aspect of club management. Those young players bring energy and hunger, which can kick the others up the backside.

Slot and his 13 man squads are for pub football only.

28 Jan 2026 10:14:08
Genuinely hope Endo isn't at centre half tonight or on the weekend.

He looked like a fish out of water there on Saturday.

Surprised it's not been mentioned much on here about the fact it took 7 mins to make a sub and how we played the last 36 minutes with 2 midfielders in the back 4.

28 Jan 2026 13:06:00
Red Reaper: I have just realised that the Arne Slot song has 5 negatives in it! (Na na na na na).

We have been singing him out from the get go! Hardly encouraging.

28 Jan 2026 13:50:47
They've got to be good enough to bring something extra, even when our squad is depleted they still have to be standout players. Rio seems to have that potential, maybe Trey, the other next likely may be Figueroa.

Our Academy isn't producing much, but the bar is high and the teams not in a good place to integrate young players. Manchester United seem to have a good academy right now, much as I don't like to see it.

27 Jan 2026 22:45:00
Hi Eds, is there a greater financial implication to the club if Slot's contract was terminated now as opposed to in the summer?

{Ed001's Note - well of course, the contract will be shorter in the summer than it is now, so less to pay off.}

27 Jan 2026 23:04:23
Imagine how much money he's going to spend in Ibiza after his pay off.

27 Jan 2026 23:12:41
Thanks Ed. Forgive my ignorance. I was just wondering if it may be another consideration for why he hasn't been let go yet. Also if the cost of not qualifying for the CL would be greater than the cost of letting him go now.

{Ed001's Note - it won't be about money.}

28 Jan 2026 01:12:11
That money (for the duration of his contract) is already allocated and committed.

It's the cost of getting a replacement in for longer (or an interim) and getting new backroom staff and new coaches which adds to the costs.

28 Jan 2026 06:19:33
Ed is it just the remainder of the contract that gets paid out in full or is it more than that as a compensation package?

{Ed001's Note - usually just the remainder of the contract. It can depend on clauses, but standard is just the remainder.}

28 Jan 2026 07:44:22
The question is whether the club feel the risk of missing champions league revenue is worth keeping him. I don't think it is worth it as the trajectory we're in suggests we'll be finishing mid table.

28 Jan 2026 08:32:42
Who cares where he goes when he leaves @LFC08?

28 Jan 2026 08:52:31
Exactly what I was thinking WDW. Why do people have such a fascination with Slot's holiday destinations?

Is he the first football manager to ever have a holiday?

28 Jan 2026 09:11:57
It's a typical pay off.

28 Jan 2026 09:22:49
Ed01 what's your view on how long Slot has left. Lose to Newcastle and is it game over?

{Ed001's Note - I think now it depends on the fans reaction, Hughes and Edwards are too spineless to make the decision, FSG are trying to trust in the men they appointed but they will not wait if the fans turn. They fear attendances dropping.}

28 Jan 2026 09:29:20
Whatever the cost of it is I can assure its less than missing out on CL qualification.

28 Jan 2026 11:27:56
ED001, shouldn't there be a system for managers, that if you don't reach your targets like top 4, that if you get the sack you don't get any compensation because you've failed at your job,

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

28 Jan 2026 11:53:27
Managers are not going to sign that deal though.

27 Jan 2026 22:31:05
Hello Ed's,

Big fan of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, what would are chances be of a cheeky bid for him?

He would improve us massively, has been brilliant all season and played very well against us at the weekend.

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - I must have watched a different player, I see a defender who can't defend and has poor positional sense. Good on the ball but not a good defender.}

28 Jan 2026 01:12:52
Maybe the OP's user name is a clue Ed001?

{Ed001's Note - yeah, I was assuming it was ironic, but now I am not so sure.}

28 Jan 2026 09:12:29
Senesi? Yikes!

27 Jan 2026 22:19:36
With Slots fascination with PSG how about a swap deal with Enriquez.

28 Jan 2026 09:12:50
PSG owns his soul, at this point.

27 Jan 2026 21:27:57
It's getting beyond understandable. I don't know what's going on in his head, but Slot again mentioned PSG for the one millionth time in the press conference. His comments were factually incorrect (He said we won the league because of the easy schedule after losing to PSG, but we were already 15 points ahead with 9 games left when we lost to them). Anyway, the PSG obsession has got to step.

I think the game fundamentally changed how he wants his teams to play. In his mind, he has a an ideal way in which he thinks he can beat a team like PSG, but unfortunately either he is unable to implement the style properly, or it just doesn't work at all. Anyway, I think he is himself under immense pressure now, and for both us and him a parting of ways as soon as possible might be the best option.

27 Jan 2026 22:12:00
He's obsessed by them. Jurgen would've just seen it as any other game and probably not mentioned it after the post match press conference. Just goes to show how out of his depth he is. Its coming across as if he's lacking belief in himself and his team.

The league was pretty much win by then anyway. The same fellah went to Ibiza before the season ended. Showed a complete lack of respect to the club and the other Premier League teams.

27 Jan 2026 22:17:54
The guy talks about PSG more than their fans, media and players do. Prolly sees "Ici, C'est Paris" in his sleep since that day we went out on pens.

At this point, the club might as well just let him go after Quarabag cos he seems to be begging to be sacked. Just like BR was when his deluded drivel became tiresome.

27 Jan 2026 22:22:59
It's a weird thing with Arne. If he knows he's gone and it's a mutual consent type thing then he may feel sore but actually there would often be relief that the pain is nearly over and a pay off is coming your way.

He's behaving more like he's under severe pressure, and he looks a bit lost and without support. While his decisions can be questioned, and we all know the football is dire, I don't like that look for a Liverpool head coach or manager. It seems a bit undignified how things are being handled when you see his demeanour in the press conferences.

27 Jan 2026 22:42:34
He didn't say that thekoparmy I wish people would stop putting words in his mouth.

What he said was maybe we only won the league because we got drawn against PSG and lost the game. Then he compared our run in to Arsenal who got to the semi final and dropped points in the league around the same time.

It was in reference to the lack of injuries last season when compared to this season and the schedule. He was speculating that we might have got more injuries later in the season had we had a longer run in the champions league which might have affected our league form.

His only mention of PSG was that we got drawn against them and lost. Which we did. He's correct on both counts.

The guy literally can't say anything without someone, somewhere twisting his words to have a go at him.

I can't wait until he's gone because this witch hunt is really showing our fans in a bad light. We are turning into Spurs fans.

27 Jan 2026 23:18:06
Great post, Sean Dundee. I don't think anyone is looking at Slot as the long term solution anymore but some fans have got to the point of abuse and fabricating lies to attack him with.

27 Jan 2026 23:46:37
@SD, I don't hate him or want him gone no matter what. If he can improve the performances, I would be more than happy for him to stay. But lately he has come across more and more distant from reality in his press conferences. Also the constant mentioning of PSG has to stop.

"What he said was maybe we only won the league because we got drawn against PSG and lost the game". That's exactly what I am saying, but unless we had a generational bad run, losing a 15 point gap over 9 games is almost impossible. We had the league as good as done by the time we lost to PSG (obviously with a lot of help from Arsenal slipping up again and again).

I find it hard to believe with any amount of increased injuries due to the possible 5 extra games (if we reached the final) would have lost us the title. Also, claiming other fans are on a witch hunt for him while you are among the really supportive fans might make you feel good about yourself. But when you love something as much as we all love Liverpool, we all want the best for the club. I backed him when our performances fell off last season, because I realised with the league as good as won, the incentive for players to perform at the their best is very low. I supported him when we suffered the first few losses in October, because we had a very new team, with injuries, and an unprecedented emotional loss. However, after the PSV loss I was really on the fence, but still not in the completely must go section.
But I have finally lost faith in the last few weeks, when the team have had more than 6 months together (though there have been injuries) and the performances have been mostly very poor. Not just that, we play absolutely boring football and hardly give chances to young players even when we have huge gaps to fill, the two things I value the most.

I will always respect him our title win, and even more for how he handled the Jota tragedy. However, it is pretty clear it is not working with us anymore, and unless there is a miraculous turnaround in both the performances and the mood, I think a mutual parting of ways would suit both.

28 Jan 2026 05:57:07
The irony in Slots press conference is that he has a proven weakness in trusting the fringe players in the squad to do a job and rotate when he has the option to do so.

For instance running grav into the ground last year, isolating Endo and Chiesa amongst others. So it's a bit weird to complain about injuries and a lack of options when in all likelihood he wouldn't have used them anyway!

28 Jan 2026 06:21:45
Oli watching Slots pressers must be a hard illegal stream for you.

28 Jan 2026 09:07:43
Thekoparmy I agree with you that he needs to go. Like you I've pretty much felt this since the PSV game. No Liverpool team should ever lose 2 back to back home games by 3 goals regardless of the opposition.

Going back to his press conference though he wasn't saying he thought we definitely would've lost the league with the extra 5 games. He was just saying, who knows? Had we played those extra 5 games and the pressure they would've brought we could've got injuries and fell away. Arsenal dropped a lot of points in between their CL games. It was more a hypothetical scenario rather than him saying it was 100% true.

And that's my issue. He's just answering questions put to him by journos in as honest a way as he can. He's not making excuses or blaming other people he's just being honest in how he feels and thinks.

Then afterwards people are twisting everything he says and bashing him over the head with it. We all want him gone and I'm sure he will be but the witch hunt has to stop.

28 Jan 2026 09:15:16
Darwin, then maybe you should tell Slot to stop mentioning PSG at near every other turn so people don't get the wrong idea. Just a thought.

28 Jan 2026 18:30:08
But maybe he's created a team that CAN beat psg. Just a shame it can't beat Fulham, Sunderland, Bournemouth, Brentford, Crystal Palace, man united, Chelsea, galatasaray, forest, Leeds, psv, man city and burnley. Haha he's Crap.

27 Jan 2026 18:50:28
Ed001

What do you think of Emery? He never gets a shout as our future boss but I think he's capable. Certainly knows how to structure a tam?

{Ed001's Note - god no, he is great when there is no pressure, but the minute he is expected to do well, then he struggles. Not even close to what we need.}

27 Jan 2026 19:21:48
Have to agree Ed. He's a Villa, Spurs, Newcastle manager and he will make them competitive but the second the heat is on he loses the plot.

Tanked at Arsenal because he can't cope when he's expected to win every game.

27 Jan 2026 20:22:45
Ed001 and fellow reds who would you choose between Alonso or Enrique.

{Ed001's Note - I have a massive soft spot for Xabi, so I am too biased to answer that. I do think either would be great.}

27 Jan 2026 20:32:21
Xabi is absolutely class, drills fitness into his players and has a winner's mentality. It must be him.

27 Jan 2026 20:38:37
I would say xabi he's already had the real job and that didn't go great mostly down to the players being baby's. So he will not be seeking that job possibly Bayern but having the leverkusen link may sway him not to. So he could be our manager for 10 years if all goes well without being lured elsewhere With enrique I think 2/ 3/ 4 years would be him looking to call it both have pedigree but what leverkusen done a few years back was outstanding to topple Bayern and I think he would be the top choice and for longevity but I have no doubts Enrique would be an unreal manager for us and have us trying to play some very attacking football.

Xabi for me but only just.

27 Jan 2026 20:36:01
Do you think Xabi will arrive Ed mate? Won't hold you to it 😬.

{Ed001's Note - I expect so.}

27 Jan 2026 20:52:26
I like Emery. Always have BUT he can't hack it at a big club or when the spot gets hot.

Just look no further than last week where Villa had a chance at home vs Everton to really stick it to Arsenal and City and they played their worse game iin months.

27 Jan 2026 21:00:09
Alonso had to work with the worst group of cretins ever assembled this side of Manchester United at Real. Absolute vermin the lot of them. Refused to do as he asked and threw their toys out the pram. I'd imagine he's learnt not to manage there. Alonso is the best manager we can get, simply cannot see Enrique being interested.

27 Jan 2026 21:45:32
I would say Xabi but i think one to watch is Sebastian Hoeneß who has done exceptionally well at VfB Stuttgart and has taken a relegation threatened side into one of the top teams in Germany, the next Klopp maybe 🤔.

27 Jan 2026 23:35:17
If I could choose between the two I would choose Enrique.

bit older, experienced in multiple countries and leagues, evidenced success and identity in the teams he's built. Loved what he did with PSG post-Mbappe.

I'd love Xabi for the connection to the club and am sure he would be a great fit as well.

Just think if it's a direct choice then we should go with the guy has had a bit more teeth in the management game.

28 Jan 2026 01:17:58
All the talk of Emery failing at a big club but no-one blames the players he had.

When Xabi fails at a big club, it's all the players fault. "Xabi drills fitness" - except he didn't at Real.

Such weird mental gymnastics going on with our fanbase.

28 Jan 2026 06:24:58
Ron your hatred for Alonso is matching the hatred energy some have for Slot.

Personally I want a manager that wins a lot more than 5 league games in 4 months.

If that's Slot then great and if it's someone else great as well.

28 Jan 2026 06:57:29
Mental gymnastics? You're the one dismissing his time in Germany to suit your narrative. You stated earlier Alonso hasn't done enough to get a job at a club like Liverpool. He won the Bundesliga and German cup whilst in the same sentence you say Slot did by winning the Dutch league but you never mention him getting sacked by AZ Alkmaar. Why not?

28 Jan 2026 08:13:27
Ron is quite dismissive about Alonso, he even once said he could end up at United. now that's some mental gymnastics.

28 Jan 2026 09:21:03
Ron, I told you this before. You give poor arguments as to why you don't want Alonso and as others have said, you are very dismissive of him as if he is some scrub just cos things didn't work out at RM. Also, you remove all context about his time at RM in a bid make make him worse than he actually was. That is unacceptable, IMO.

Rafa got sacked for doing the exact same thing Alonso was trying to do as in, get the players to work hard. Is he a scrub manager, as well? Exactly.

There things you can criticise Alonso for BUT you seem unable to present them and all you have for him is the tedious and dismissive "Oh, he failed at RM", as if that is some anomaly. And comparing his undefeated domestic season with Leverkusen to Slot winning the Eredivisie is just cringe.

28 Jan 2026 10:11:38
I'm a big fan of Emery and would happily take him, although Ed has told me his misgivings about lack of pressure before which are understandable.

But Xabi is my favourite LFC player of all time, bring him home at all costs I say!

29 Jan 2026 19:59:09
I feel like if you are manager at Real Madrid and the get fired, that in many ways that shouldn't held against you.

I mean, the list of managers sacked at Real madrid is quite impressive!

27 Jan 2026 18:45:38
So qarabag. Would slot dare to start endo chiesa nyoni and rio?

I guess not as long as his job is being saved by good CL games.

And then he will complain about playing on sunday against Newcastle.

27 Jan 2026 19:00:34
You get that the difference between winning and losing this game is avoiding a potential playoff right? It's a pretty big deal. No one wants 2 extra games in February.

27 Jan 2026 19:51:21
Well unless his plan is to play with one center back or start Nallo, I assume Endo will start.

Chiesa maybe. Rio maybe. Nyoni, I don't think so.

27 Jan 2026 18:44:45
Hi Ed's, quick question regarding our lack of transfers this month. Everyone can see we need at least 2 CBs and a right back at the very least. Why do you think we have not dipped our toe into the market? I know the club always say we want just buy for buying sake, but with only one CB available and having to manage minutes in the RB area do you think we are making a mistake? Do you think this lack of activity will essentially mean we don't get CL next season? And if so do you think Hughes and Edward's should be replaced if that is the case? Thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - it is clearly a mistake and it is also clearly down to not backing Slot any more. The fact we still have Slot, Hughes and Edwards is the biggest mistake though. Edwards should never have been brought back, he made a mess last time and he is even worse this time. Hughes and Edwards should be nowhere near the roles they have.}

27 Jan 2026 19:11:17
I 100% agree with everything you say there eds1.

As Albert Einstein said. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

{Ed001's Note - that wasn't him. Why would he say that? That is almost the definition of scientific process, doing the same thing over and over to see what is different each time.}

27 Jan 2026 19:58:48
So they don't back Slot anymore with regards to backing him with signings, but still back him to take charge of coaching Liverpool? I think getting rid of all 3 will fix things.

27 Jan 2026 19:30:05
Thanks Ed, I agree with you. I wonder why FSG haven't removed the lot of them? They would do well to pick up the phone to a certain Mr Klopp and seek his advice. I would love us to have the balls to back a manager, he has say on transfers, training and coaching.

Live and die by the sword is surely better than the crap we are witnessing right now.

{Ed001's Note - it shouldn't matter. The issue isn't the set up, it is that we have the wrong people appointed.}

27 Jan 2026 19:52:19
So Ed1, with Edward's and Hughes at the helm are we looking at a repeat of the muppet show that was Moores and Parry? Lord, I hope not.

{Ed001's Note - it does feel that way.}

27 Jan 2026 20:54:43
If FSG do what most sports owners in the U. S do when things go this bad then, all 3 of them should go. Cos all 3 of them were hired as a team hence, they are all joint at the hip.

27 Jan 2026 21:08:53
Longthing it was Mark Twain who said that.

27 Jan 2026 21:23:35
Ed who do you think would be a good sporting director for the club?

{Ed001's Note - the two who are probably the best are unlikely to be available, as one is at Man City and the other is at PSG. Maybe someone like Zorc, I don't know if he is still at Dortmund, but he did well under difficult circumstances there, with a fair bit of churn on the player front like we will have in the summer.

Maybe Olabe, he has done well with Sociedad, but might not have a good enough understanding of the English league. Which might make bringing back Buvac or Borrell better options, as both know the club and league well. Maybe even Rangnick, as it is the role he performs best and he was spot on with all the things he identified going wrong with Man Utd. Other than that, I am not sure.}

27 Jan 2026 22:19:20
Wouldn't mind Ragnick.

27 Jan 2026 22:38:56
@Iron Man - no she didn't - it was actually from the 1980's and was coined by alcoholics / narcotics anonymous and was relating to the destructive outcomes by repeating habits.

27 Jan 2026 23:32:23
He not she and apologies to the ghost of Mr Twain.

28 Jan 2026 01:24:02
Personally I prefer "manager" to "head coach"

That's a fundamental shift from Klopp's era to the present. The manager needs to have final say on signing players, otherwise it won't work. Edwards can go forth again and take his muppets with him. Get a manager in.

I know this won't happen that's why I expect Iraola is next man up.

27 Jan 2026 18:06:13
That Press Conference this afternoon seemed like Slot knows his exit from LFC is inevitable!? A damage limitation sales pitch for any potential new employers! Not so veiled message to the recruitment team!

I am doing my best with what I have been given under difficult circumstances is what Coaches say when they are on the brink!

27 Jan 2026 18:29:26
Tbf I think he has been hung out to dry to a degree. We need a CB and a winger, it easily could of been sorted this window. It hasn't, that's not his fault but he is at fault for a lot of other things.

On the presser, he knows. I think the last CL presser before the game, when he laughed about the Alonso rumour told me all I needed to know. He knows his days are numbered, regardless of what he does from this point.

27 Jan 2026 18:35:06
a man out of his depth talking rubbish make excuses blaming everyone but him and coachs if he thought that before speak out he was a man with lots of brownie points I think league win went 2 his head and went 2 his own style since February and it never worked.

27 Jan 2026 19:33:42
When did he blame anyone else Slot out? Can you please let me know the exact words he used to blame everyone but himself because I must've missed that.

On the rest of it, he was given a very good squad at the start of the season which he failed to get the best from. There were mitigating factors of course but he's not shown the level of improvement you would've expected from such a talented group of players so he's left himself in a really difficult position and he knows it.

Yes we need some players but the players we have should be doing a lot better than they are.

27 Jan 2026 20:58:47
@Fields, I believe he has always known. This is why I feel he has refused to change his style in the PL cos he is ready to go out on his own ideas and on his own shield, come hell or high water.

27 Jan 2026 21:28:42
I believe it will be the best for the club if Slot goes but its messy. Imagine being under this much pressure in your own job with basically knowing your bosses are actively looking to replace you. And your customers and colleagues are throwing you under bus.

Then sitting in a weekly press conference and getting asked stupid questions. I know Klopp wouldn't put up with this and neither would I. This is being managed so badly its unreal and I do feel sorry for Slot.

27 Jan 2026 22:06:05
he looked and sounded deflated to me. like he is already aware of his fate.

27 Jan 2026 22:20:17
He is giving stupid answers which also don't help, mind you.

27 Jan 2026 17:52:52
W-D-D
That's my prediction for the next 3 games.
What a rubbish season it has been, really difficult to watch.
I have a feeling Brighton will do us in the cup though.

27 Jan 2026 19:46:20
That's unbeaten in 3 Shughes.
Not too bad that. get the contract extension ready mate.

27 Jan 2026 20:59:18
Another unbeaten run in the making.

27 Jan 2026 21:39:33
D, l, l next 3 games, really can't see it any other way.

27 Jan 2026 22:40:20
I'll go W D W 😉.

28 Jan 2026 09:36:54
Nice one, W D W.

28 Jan 2026 09:50:27
No way. we're getting spanked on at least one of the three.

27 Jan 2026 17:28:09
Hi Ed's1
My question is about Salah in general. Now obviously he's not having a great season compared to most other season, I think it's 5 goals and 5 assists in all comps. Do you think this is down to age catching up on him or down to the hole set up, formation/ not wanting to play for the manager.


I ask this because as it stands I would definitely consider selling Salah in the summer but if we got a an interim manager in until the end of the season or Xabi in and Salah started playing well it would be worth keeping him for one last season. ? Thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - I think it is a bit of everything. If Slot used him correctly, he would still get a lot of goals and assists, but sticking him out wide and then not delivering any early balls to him makes it damn near impossible for him to do much. However, there have been signs of him ageing for a while, so he is defo not at his best. I just do not understand why Slot decided to change the things that were working, such as Salah and Gravenberch's positioning. You change them when you need to, fix what is broken, not what works!}

27 Jan 2026 18:05:45
The Ed is spot on!

27 Jan 2026 18:07:26
Hi Ed,
Just to understand more, not a dig.
What do you mean play him correctly?

He does not have the pace to beat a man, nor the skill, anymore. Quite often if we are playing a low block he has no space to move into either.
Defo agree on moving the ball quicker. Just not sure what moving the ball quicker to Salah would do for us.
Look forward to your reply!

{Ed001's Note - because it would give him the chance to get it while their defence is not set. Opposition always try and double up on him usually, but when you get the ball to him early, that means two players are having to sprint out of position, which makes openings. As they are having to sprint, it is easier to beat them with a simple move, it is very difficult to change direction when sprinting, or to knock it into the space they have left. We are so slow moving the ball, every team has time to get everyone back into position and no one is having to sprint or being forced to make choices. They can just sit back and wait.

Slot has not learnt anything from the problems we had with low blocks under Klopp. The fact teams used to deliberately leave the grass longer so that the ball would not run as quickly to hinder our speed of passing should have told him something. Opponents fear the ball being moved quickly because it is impossible to defend against when the passes are accurate.}

27 Jan 2026 18:09:15
Couldn't agree more! The demise is catastrophic.

27 Jan 2026 18:51:13
Very interesting that eds1 thanks.
Can you remember seeing a team that has a slower build up than ours because I can't. It is unbelievable to watch and think that slot is ok with that as a tactic. ?

{Ed001's Note - I can't think of a team that looked more ponderous than we have been this season.}

27 Jan 2026 19:04:19
Thanks for that response Ed. Interesting.

Slot has shown he is too stubborn for his own good this year.
Will not change and tbh, probably Dosent even see what we need to change. God awful.

Funny about the grass. Teams will literally do anything! I guess, it's all the 1% that add up!

{Ed001's Note - Klopp used to complain about the grass all the time, because it really does make a difference. The ball doesn't run properly if the grass is longer.}

27 Jan 2026 19:57:06
Spot on ED001.I been debating with a few on here, they just say Salah is finished without understanding why n they won't have it. Slot is the reason why he hasn't been great this year.

27 Jan 2026 21:03:50
Indeed, Strom. We don't move the ball quick enuff to get it to Salah. Also, Salah no longer has players like Szobo and Trent buzzing around him (playing triangles) in that half space to loosen the marking/ double teams and get him open.

Worse, he is being asked to hold the width with the RB underlapping rather than overlapping which again, does not help him. His pace has gone a bit, all the more reason we needed to do more to get him open, like we were doing under Klopp with Trent and Hendo. Or even last season with Szobo and Trent.

27 Jan 2026 21:11:48
Remember playing away at Leicester when it as snowing. They didn't clear the snow off the outer 5 m. Made it very easy to compress the play and negate threat of salah.

27 Jan 2026 23:18:35
Oli, exactly, we all know he's not 26 but he could still be banging the goals in if he was played right. his confidence is also low because he's knows the balls aren't coming to him quickly enough.