Liverpool rumours 5

31 Dec 2025 17:01:00
City wanted to take James French, one of our key analysts under Klopp. They offered to triple his wages (influenced by other ex LFC staff now at City) . French asked to speak with Slot, because he didn't want to leave. Apparently no-one speaks with Slot, unless you're in his inner sanctum.

He got a text from Slot to say he can go. The next thing he's on City's bench helping them improve. . While we've gone backwards.

31 Dec 2025 17:18:17
If what you're saying is correct, then surely this goes beyond Slot's role as "head coach"?

I thought he was given that title exactly because of things like this - allowing the bigger heads to make these kinds of decisionscinstead of him?

All sounds a bit funny to me.

31 Dec 2025 17:24:46
We don’t need analysts we settle for getting beat cos we won the league last year.

31 Dec 2025 17:25:22
1 more for the Slot bashing pile. next it’s his fault the wars not over in Ukraine.

31 Dec 2025 17:27:35
French must be a saint not fancying them triple wages. That settles it, Slot out.

31 Dec 2025 18:11:41
semenyo would have been a great signing, i thought t was said we had a lot of lightweight players getting pushed off balls, VDV, Konate are probably the strongest of the 11,
Semenyo would have people other people off the ball, Hopefully we don't get barcola as he is a true lightweight but skillful player.

31 Dec 2025 18:12:54
Post of the year, Kloppers.

31 Dec 2025 18:33:27
Well Klopper’s it looks as though Putin consulted him with tactics which shows how progress has been slow.

31 Dec 2025 18:47:39
FFS this happened 6 months ago. He went to City to be a set piece coach and move up from being an analyst, and the influencer was Lijnders - you want him back? French started here under Rodgers and perhaps would've been a better appointment than Briggs, but that was up to Hughes', not Slot.

Let's not twist things to fit the Slot out campaign.

31 Dec 2025 18:50:06
Read the article in the NY times, from official sources. Slot told him he could leave and now he's helping City score from set pieces.

31 Dec 2025 19:06:34
Smells like bull faeces.

Triple wages? Anyone would walk immediately and would not ask to speak to someone who is not his boss first.

Asked to speak to Slot?
Why Slot? Why not speak to Hughes?

Slot shouldn’t be occupying his thoughts with staff which are not his remit. Slot coaches the first team.

31 Dec 2025 19:08:36
French whispers?
If French didn't want to go, why didn't he stay?

31 Dec 2025 19:23:46
No one blaming him for anything other than the slop he has the team playing this season. If he can take the plaudits for winnng the league last season which he should then he should be rightly called out for the way he's taken the club backwards with almost no sign of improvement apart from a few lucky wins recently .


Any other club he would have beem sacked ages ago but we seem to have a couple of incompetent morons behid the scenes.

31 Dec 2025 19:40:49
Shocking if true. It appears we are being badly run now and it will get worse. Is this why Klopp left.

31 Dec 2025 20:06:35
@Whatsup, your first sentence is just complete and utter rubbish. Slot is being blamed with anything and everything, real but mostly imaginary, at the club on this forum.

31 Dec 2025 20:31:09
If it was me, I would never have left lfc even if they did triple my wages.

Now if they were to sextuple my wages that would be a different story. No one can resist a sextuple.

31 Dec 2025 21:12:41
Personally, I’m glad we’re not “any other club” who would have sacked the manager ages ago. That kind of club go through mangers like undies.

31 Dec 2025 21:44:54
Slot: *Lets a staff member no one has ever heard of pursue another opportunity on far better wages. *

Liverpool-rumours. co. uk: "SLOT IS EVIL! ".

31 Dec 2025 21:54:05
Yes THIS is why Klopp left🤯.

31 Dec 2025 23:27:34
Are we really scrapping the barrel for blaming slot? I stop at the tactics myself and unfit players this takes it to new heights.

01 Jan 2026 02:21:17
Whilst it's not Slot's job to consult staff over job offers and his title as head coach determines that, I feel like he should have influence over these things, he should be available to discuss matters outside of first team coaching. I may disagree with a lot of Slot's tactics but I feel the head coach position compartmentalises too many managerial responsibilities, fragmenting the club, allowing for issues to slip through the cracks. The structure lacks cohesion for me. I might be old fashioned but I never liked the head coach position for a manager.

Whatever your opinion, I think the whole Slot/ Edwards/ Hughes dynamic leaves a lot to be desired.

01 Jan 2026 07:21:09
Gurrrrrr, I’ve just read the long, dull article in the NYT from the contributor tasked with covering MC, which Donkey quoted to bash Slot in Discussion Posts,

Donkey, I really hope this isn’t the article you are referring to above, for anyone who hasn’t read it, it does not make one reference to Slot.

Donkey, is there another NYT article on French? Maybe you would post a link.

01 Jan 2026 08:44:29
Just because Slot wasn’t mentioned doesn’t mean that it should stop rational, discerning people from blaming him.

01 Jan 2026 11:13:43
If Slot did move him on, if it was his decision, he’s well within his rights to have done that. That’s leadership for you. Equally could have been Richard Hughes decision, who knows. The picking over of every decision or non decision off the pitch is crazy given he’s the head coach. Let’s just judge him on performances and results.

01 Jan 2026 13:53:51
I’d say just judge him on results Hugo. If we win every game 2-1 and are hanging on at the end of every game for the win we win the league.

Isn’t that what we’re here for? Winning? Performances are in the eye of the beholder but the scoreline never lies (unless you have a good goal chalked off at Spurs because the VAR miscommunicates a goal to the ref. No, I’ll never get over that game)

01 Jan 2026 13:59:19
WDW trying to ram his opinion down everyone's throat as usual.

01 Jan 2026 15:11:10
@whatsup doesn't like being called out so goes on the attack.

Your anger and distain towards Slot and LFC shows just how entitled you are.

Stay humble.

31 Dec 2025 11:28:49
Hi diddly Ho,

Appears Semenyo won’t be happening unless a drastic last minute turnaround.

Couple of factors as to why we probably won’t get it done;

- significantly higher base salary offered
- concerns about project direction
- concerns about coaching

I’ve been told that Semenyo really wanted to come to us, but our side have had difficulty aligning on all levels thus giving off a sense of hesitation.

The feeling seems that the changes behind the scenes and within the coaching setup (upcoming) will mean extra diligence will be placed on the January window.

Expect Elliott to return and become an option as well as continuing to push for Guehi.

Carra made a great point that we can expect the unexpected, just may be a bit quieter/ steady than first anticipated.

Diddly out.

31 Dec 2025 12:07:21
Great update. Thanks Ned. While Semenyo would have been great to have, I can understand his concerns. I would be happy to see Elliott back and actually given a chance. In my opinion, we really only necessarily need a CB. All the other signings can wait, depending on how the situation evolves with Slot.

31 Dec 2025 12:16:28
This would be a great shame. IMHO Semenyo tailor made for LFC, and will be another (very good) squad player at MCFC.

If he doesn’t come in, it would make sense to bulk out the squad with returns for Elliot and McConnell.

BUT if they don’t bring in a centre back, with Konate as our most obvious Achilles heel (and Gomez not being used, Leoni not able to be used), then the previously lauded Ward and Hughes will confirm that they are incompetent, negligent and should be booted. And I can’t see how Slot survives the summer, clearly a dead man walking, and that further castrates any remaining authority.

What should’ve been a season to enjoy, is one to endure. Or am I just a miserable old git? Either way it’s after mid-day on NYE, so time for a beer.

31 Dec 2025 12:31:02
Cheers Ned.

We need some defenders us.

31 Dec 2025 12:36:09
Thanks for the update Ned, I feel we have dropped the ball with Semenyo, he would have been a fantastic signing for us. I agree though that the priority should be in the CB position so we really can't afford not to act on that in January.

31 Dec 2025 12:53:09
Elliott wasn’t good enough to break into the first team last year, wasn’t good enough to get into the Villa starting 11 this first half of the season and wherever anyone wants to admit this or not, won’t make any impact if/ when he returns, unfortunately he lacks the pace and physicality. The Villa loan was a poor move and shouldn’t have been sanctioned. We should have taken a lower fee and sold him to a club on the continent like Red Bull Liepzig, Leverkusen or Dortmund where he could have actually got game time and would have shone in a less physical slower pace.

As for missing out on Semenyo, think he’d have added pace, physicality and end product in which we are desperately short of our wide, as well as being an option to give Ekitike a rest, as none of our wingers are what you’d call electric in terms of pace. I’d expect that will be the spark that adds another title for City while we limp home in 3rd or 4th. As for a centre back, if we don’t bring one in it’s going to be a huge risk if one of Konate or Van Dijk get injured or aren’t available for any period of time as the cupboard is completely bare in terms of back up as there.

31 Dec 2025 13:12:20
Amazing how bad we've become on and off the pitch. It feels like the Rogers era is creeping back in.

31 Dec 2025 13:12:56
Strange how Semenyo would have concerns about the set up at LFC, and not at MC. Surely MC are looking at an extensive overhaul of players/ management in the not too distant future.

31 Dec 2025 13:24:34
Great update as always

Just seems the club is in disarray at the moment and nothing whether it’s at board level, management level, coaching level and out on the pitch is aligned?

From being well deserved prem champions and seemingly on the cusp of domestic domination for a period with a bloody good chance of another champions league in the not too distant future we’ve gone to a club with not a lot of direction and all round uncertainty sweeping through us!

Everyone’s opinions differ which is fine and it creates great debate but the one thing we all want is to look at the club and see or feel a sense of togetherness?
I’m not seeing much of that atm.

31 Dec 2025 13:28:15
Translates to Slot doesn't want the player and Hughes does? Therefore, may as well go and play for a coach that wants me.

I sense a growing tension between Slot and Hughes.

I hope they would both see sense in adding to the CB numbers, regardless at what is at play behind the scenes.

31 Dec 2025 13:45:38
We all knew it wouldn't be happening a week ago when Ornstein broke the news.

31 Dec 2025 13:45:54
FlyPelican, I don’t think that’s the translation. My reading is that Slot may be keen, but he isn’t going be the long term project leader, and so clarity about Semenyo’s place in a long term vision cannot be guaranteed when so much is likely to change within the next 6 months (ie Slot is likely to leave), and a new manager may come in, and be given freedom to sign a couple of their own preferred targets.

How that’s much different to his situation at City I’m not sure, but he’s likely being offered more money either way.

31 Dec 2025 13:50:33
Can’t blame the lad! I’d not be going near LFC with slot in charge the place looks like a circus at present with dire football!
Thanks for the update Ned lad.

31 Dec 2025 14:02:49
Spot on Jay The Red.

31 Dec 2025 14:31:06
Proven prem quality, want’s to sign, relatively low buy out clause. Huge opportunity missed if you ask me considering we need to replace salah and arguably gakpo.

31 Dec 2025 14:35:38
Hope he enjoys his few months under Pep. but hey, were the ones in disarray.

31 Dec 2025 14:41:06
Significantly bigger basic wages - there’s your answer…the rest is an excuse.

31 Dec 2025 15:23:14
I think if we’re being honest, CB, the midfield and a wide forward need to be addressed, it’s minimum 3 players but I don’t see that happening, I can see 1 at most and I would be surprised if anymore came through.

Historically the Jan window has been pretty good for us, so it would be great to do as much business as possible in those three areas but I just don’t see it. I see a lot of it being pushed to the summer and I don’t expect anything like what we did this past summer. It all seems a bit wild considering the business we just did but that’s where we are. The two areas I’m most concerned about is CB and midfield personally.

31 Dec 2025 16:01:15
You don't need to be "ITK" to know that Semenyo was going to City. I have no connections what so ever in football and predicted it 4 weeks ago. He was ALWAYS going to City it was so obvious . Can we stop pretending half these posters that claim to know anything actually do. Its pure guess work.

The "project" at Liverpool seems to be currently trying to destroy all that has been built in the last 10 years. Slot needs sacking now. Not in the summer . This " turn around in form" is a phalacy. This unbeaten run includes wins against a terrible West Ham team who will be relegated, a terrible Spurs team who nearly got a point with 9 men, a terrible Wolves team that will go down as the worst team in EPL history and nearly got a point the other day, a Brighton team who are bang average and then there's draws against a terrible Leeds team that will be relegated, after being 2 goals up and and Sunderland team who haven't been in the EPL for a decade and who are the best team in that run. Scrapping wins and getting draws against teams who on their best day are bang average and on their worst would struggle in league 1 is not progress . Slot is, in the words of CM Punk, a bald fraud . He needs to go now. The reason our project isn't attractive to Semenyo and the like is due to him and those that refuse to sack him. Forget signing anyone of any note including Guehi either in January or the summer. We will hear in a few days Guehi has singed a pre contract with a European giant . Im not ITK but that is what will happen. Yet there will be those on here claiming they know this and that and he will definitely be coming. he's not, nor is anyone else that will improve the absolute shambles of a team we currently have . Nothing changes till the bald fraud goes.

31 Dec 2025 14:45:34
I always acknowledged ED01s opinions of Edwards and Hughes and I didn't know enough about them to comment either way, but I now see the light. I can see that his reservations and critique are indeed appropriate, going by everything from June 25 onwards. A reset is needed beyond Slot which must now include those other 2 protagonists.

31 Dec 2025 16:34:59
I read as why would he want to come here and be hampered by bad tactics. I love this club but if I was a neutral I wouldn’t sign right now. We had our chance last summer if we would have kicked on maybe.

Not now tho by the time we attack it’s extra time why would an attacking player want to join when we don’t play the ball forward?

31 Dec 2025 16:42:43
Klopps last season we finished 3rd, we'll finish 3rd this season. In between we won a title, how have we become so bad on and off the pitch, in disarray and nothing is alligned, have tensions between Slot and Hughes, and look like a circus? Grow up we won't win the league this year, looks like a very good Arsenal who have spent even MORE than us to build there squad will.

Hopefully we get some of what we need in in January, we won't get it all no matter how many people on here think were playing FIFA and then we go and see what we can still achieve this year.

31 Dec 2025 16:42:56
Is it really a fallacy? So you're saying that we're 4th in the league but we actually should be much lower in the table?

31 Dec 2025 16:45:28
Are you an Arne Bot K. T? You do realise that Arne is Liverpool’s most successful Manager over his first 55 league games and since he came, we have accumulated the most league points. Plus winning and not conceding against Arsenal, Real and Inter. Let’s judge him over the whole 18 months and not a 2 month bad patch.

So it’s a nonsense not to give him a chance to turn it around, especially as he hasn’t played his favoured 4-2-3-1 yet with Wirtz in the number 10 role. Frimpong on the right, Cody on the left and Dom and Grav as our double pivot. That could work, although we probably need the insurance of an extra midfielder ( Jones ) for now.

Anyway, whatever your opinion, Happy New Year to everyone.

31 Dec 2025 16:52:39
Well said kimuraking.

31 Dec 2025 16:56:36
And who would you replace him with? Someone who isn’t bald?

31 Dec 2025 17:31:04
@monstersouness: someone who isn’t Dutch.

31 Dec 2025 17:55:57
Maybe someone who doest believe their own hype like rodgers did. He's rodgers mk 2.

31 Dec 2025 18:04:29
Scouse, what’s wrong with the Dutch? One bad Man U manager surely doesn’t mean that every Dutch coach is hopeless? Seems harsh, given how Dutch coaches have continually revolutionised the game since Total Football.

31 Dec 2025 18:08:18
Rodgers never won leagues in 2 countries spending less than his competitors.

31 Dec 2025 18:12:04
Whatsap, that seems a bit harsh.

Brendan was a total David Brent in that doc during his first season. Had a huge portrait of himself in his house, and seemed to have a full-on cliched male mid-life crisis (ditching his wife for a younger version etc) .

I don’t think Slot has ever done anything like that? Speaks openly and honestly to the press, and handled the Salah minefield with dignity.

If he does a Rafa and suddenly appears with a creepy magician’s style goatee then I will be with you, but until then I think he’s done nothing wrong on the public front.

31 Dec 2025 18:18:37
I've said this before but sod it, I'll say it again as it's New Year's Eve. What makes anyone think the cautious way the team has been playing this season is Slot's endgame? Have they seen his Feyenoord team?

31 Dec 2025 18:45:52
Well said, JLDA. First half v Wolves is the aim, I reckon. Injury to Frimpong really messed up the plans, plus the inability to defend set pieces - there is a good article by Paul Joyce in The Times about it.

31 Dec 2025 18:47:30
That. is a very good point JLDA one I hadn't considered TBH.

31 Dec 2025 19:09:07
Monster, cruyff was total football manager I think at Barca, don’t know who taught him but who else has there been? LVG, hiddink, rijkard crap all had big clubs with money. Even Ed 25s favourite koeman had money ruined the rebirth of the blues. Nah no Dutch .

31 Dec 2025 19:10:05
1jj has it spot on.

Players are motivated to move by 3 things :
1) MONEY (this trumps everything else) .
2) Silverware
3) Higher profile.

Tactics and project direction are just pure fallacy.

Sorry.

31 Dec 2025 19:23:11
Does anyone, ITK or IKFA, know that Semenyo wants to join us?

Kimura, the turnaround in form is not fallacy. I watched us win and draw them games and the results are easy to check. I know beating and drawing with PL teams in the PL is a stretch but we also beat Inter.
Unless you did actually mean 'phallic' which is more accurate because we have been going higher and higher up the League table.

scousejohn probably wants one of his own to manage the team. Joey Barton, perhaps?

31 Dec 2025 19:28:15
It’s not really that relevant how much Arsenal spent in previous seasons. We won the League last season and spent £450 million in the Summer. Arsenal didn’t win the League and didn’t spend as much as Liverpool in the Summer. That’s relevant.

31 Dec 2025 20:41:04
Scouse, I think you are taking the mick? Total Football happened in the 70s, VG blew the game asunder with Ajax in the early 90s after, let’s not forget, the Dutch dominated AC Milan team of van Basten, Gullit, and Rijkaard.

Cruyff then turned Barcelona from a basket case into the club you see now. Pep is still a pupil to Cruyff.

Big Guus was also a damn great manager.

Basically, Dutch coaching has defined the game for almost 50 years.

From other countries, there have been few big thinkers: Arrigo Saachi and Lippi in Italy changed tactics a bit, but it always seems to be the Dutch who move the game on.

31 Dec 2025 20:44:35
Clearly doesn't want salah involved, however a perfect younger replacement in semenyo is available and wants to come, and we don't push for him. Madness. He will smash it at city. Would of been perfect for us.

31 Dec 2025 21:12:40
Mr Rover, what is the cut off point for you when it comes to spend? It strikes me as a bit weird that Arsenal, with the cost of their stadium still in play, can continue to spend so much money, while selling no one for a fee.

Is that relevant? I am just not sure what your rules for relevancy are?

31 Dec 2025 21:18:58
Maybe we’d have more room in the wage bill if we weren’t committing almost half a million each week on a guy who isn’t doing a lot.

31 Dec 2025 21:58:32
They still spent around 300m Irish, on a squad everyone expected to finish way ahead of us when Slot came in. They also didn't lose players of the calibre of trent, Diaz andJota.

31 Dec 2025 23:57:02
Arsenal’s net spend was higher than ours in the summer Irish.

If you’re going to use the value of players brought in to criticise the team and manager you also need to take into account the value of the players we lost.

Arsenal didn’t lose anyone, they just added to what they already had.

01 Jan 2026 02:19:55
TBH if he doesn't want us, I don't want him no matter how good he is. Must like the prospect of playing lower division when the 115 charges are finally announced. Anyone else think Pep has been given a nod in that direction hence the rumour of him going next summer has suddenly come about?

01 Jan 2026 04:24:32
You forgetting his trips to Ibiza Monstersoyness? Definitely a Rodgers type character.

01 Jan 2026 08:48:56
Perhaps Slot shops at Morrison’s, if so, it’s an absolute disgrace and Slot should be sacked immediately.

01 Jan 2026 09:31:57
Bit ridiculous calling van gaal, hiddink and rijkaard crap managers, sure they dropped off later but they reached the very very top of world football before that. Is the only measure for a good manager managing to win everything forever? Would you call mourinho a crap manager just because his career went into decline after winning everything?

31 Dec 2025 10:17:26
Morning Eds 001

Happy New year to you and your Family mate.

Reports saying we have a clear Path for Ordenez?

Do you rate him?

Also is it true Mconall being recalled?

Thanks for all your work mate.

YNWA.

{Ed001's Note - I have not seen much of Ordonez, sorry.

McConnell is certainly expected to be back from Ajax, yes. The only question is whether it is to stay with us for the rest of the season or be loaned out elsewhere. I believe he is staying put now. I am hoping that it is so Mac Allister can be dropped.}

31 Dec 2025 11:27:25
I just can’t see it Ed. He’s not even being subbed off during matches let alone being dropped
What do you think has happened with him. He had a okay season when he first come in.
I remember (believe it was Ed002) it being said that he was to be Real Madrid bound at some point.

Has he’s head been turned by that?
Shocking that our two worst players this season haven’t been dropped
AM and Konate
Ruthless Slot lost his nerve.

31 Dec 2025 12:19:25
Agree on Mac Allister but how can he drop Konate, we have no centre halves!
Even Van Dijk could have been dropped if we had alternatives.

31 Dec 2025 13:21:48
Molby, introduce a youngster. All the time Joe Gomez sat on the bench.
Experiment with Endo if need be.
Enough time on the training pitch to get something done within the squad he has.

31 Dec 2025 13:36:59
I like McConnell and I recall Slot liked him too. Maybe Slot will actually use him if was to return. All depends on what kind of condition he is in though.

I like the look of Ordonez and wanted us to get him in the summer instead of playing games with Palace on Guehi. We were linked with his international team mate, William Pacho, the summer before last. He's a similar profile - very mobile, good dueller and decent passer.

31 Dec 2025 14:27:24
McConnell is already back and doing some training with LFC (presumably with Ajax's agreement) but loan has not been officially terminated yet.

31 Dec 2025 14:53:21
Can't see McConnell getting in ahead of Mac Allister, no chance. The guy couldn't break into a struggling Ajax side, so no idea why people suddenly believe he has a chance with us now. His loan was puzzling at the time, and has turned out to be a waste of his time, he achieved literally nothing during his time in Holland.

Quality player, though, who should be loaned out to a Championship side to aid his development. Still think he'll be a viable option. Then again, I thought the same about Tyler Morton ages ago, and Klopp and Slot wanted nothing to do with him. Hopefully McConnell follows the path Jones took, rather than the one Morton did. It would be a shame to lose a player with potential, which McConnell genuinely seems to have.

31 Dec 2025 14:48:57
I can't see Slot dropping Mac Ed001 even though it fully makes sense.

{Ed001's Note - unfortunately.}

31 Dec 2025 08:24:44
Good Morning Eds, who's call was it to get rid of Aaron Briggs? And why was he needed if last year our set peice record was so good, sounded like a bit of a mess this year?

Also how confident are you that we will strengthen in January? We are so short currently it's negligence if we do not strengthen but we have been here before

Have a great New year's eve

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - I don't know sorry. Everyone seems to be shifting blame at the moment, so it is not clear.

A set piece coach was needed, it was an area we could improve, so it made sense to look for one. What is odd is the decision to move a guy doing well in his correct field over to the role when it is such a different skillset. There was no sign it suited Briggs, imo. Development coaches mostly work with players on an individual basis, from what I understand and have seen. I can only think that he worked on the delivery of set pieces last season and this was seen as a potential extension of that work. It makes little sense to me though, the skillset is so different. It does showcase just how limited Hughes is, when he could not find a specialist set piece coach, nor understand the skillset needed.

I fully expect at least one centre-back, at the very least, to arrive. It would be crazy not to bring one in as we spent all summer trying to buy two more and that was without the injury problems we now have there.}

31 Dec 2025 09:13:18
Back to my consistent point Ed

I don’t believe Hughes should have such as wide a brief as he currently has.

And IMO Edwards for that matter

Both maybe great in getting deals done- but to directly impact the football side of things- I’m not sure.

{Ed001's Note - I am still not convinced either should be anywhere near the jobs they have.}

31 Dec 2025 11:26:26
Agree with Ed001 on Hughes and Edwards.

31 Dec 2025 11:26:39
Would have thought there'd be more uproar on here about his sacking as we hear daily 'its not the Liverpool way to sack coaches'.
As Ed001 says he was not a set piece specialist so being moved there and failing should be on Hughes and Edwards. Square pegs in round holes seems to be the norm now at our club, on the pitch and off it.

31 Dec 2025 12:10:11
Wasn't he set piece coach last season?

31 Dec 2025 13:17:49
Decent set piece coaches did not want to join as they felt they would not be allowed to implement their tactics onto the team.

31 Dec 2025 14:07:07
Mcgoveb - He was the wrong man for the job either way. If he felt he wasn't capable, he should have refused the duties. It was a terrible decision to hire somebody who previously worked as an analyst to fulfil any sort of coaching role imo, but at the same time, set pieces really are not that difficult, and he got them abysmally wrong. The fact that MacAllister is still marking the biggest man on the pitch after that Dan Burn goal in the carabao final last season tells you all you need to know.

I do feel like Slot should be catching more flack for this because at the end of the day he has final say on all first team coaching, but I have been calling for the set piece coaches head for months so I'm glad something's being done. Don't like seeing anyone out of a job but he wasn't fit for the role. Equal blame must go to the hierarchy for putting Briggs in that position, and to Slot for not pulling him up on his tactics sooner, but you can't fire all of them unfortunately, at least not in one go.

Would have been better to let keep him in an analytical role considering his time spent at city, might have had some valuable knowledge from behind the scenes, but hopefully this sacking will put the rubbishs up everyone a little bit. Keep them on heir toes, maybe inspire some much needed change.

30 Dec 2025 17:37:27
Interesting that we are in for Read who is Feyenoords talented Right back. The player himself has said in interviews that Liverpool is the only prem club he would join. Very talented though. Romanos latest video mentioned Kees Smit and everyone wanting him especially Newcastle.

Summer move but huge fee touted at £50m plus. Ordonoz looks a real talent but with fellow Ecuador players at Chelsea I could see him going there.
I wonder if Hughes will continue his shopping in Serie A as there is lots of talent and value and pull us a rabbit out of the hat.

30 Dec 2025 17:47:45
Good to hear that we’re in for a right back. Maybe the guys off the pitch aren’t as daft as we think. A good solid right back and centre back would make a world of difference to our team.

30 Dec 2025 17:50:28
I prefer the look of Jacquet over Ordonoz, who looks potentially mistake ridden.

31 Dec 2025 05:35:54
Sign him up, we've got no reliability at RB, Dom's too good to be played out of position. Smit looks a real talent, I know he's coming from a second rate league but his potential is beyond evident. Personally, I would be happy to break the bank for him. I could see it happening if the price was right but the level of interest from clubs will drive it up and I don't see us getting involved in a bidding war for an AM after bringing Wirtz in. Would love to see hm at the club, could be done with a couple of outgoings but for now I think if we're strengthening the midfield our focus should be on a more complete midfielder with high level defensive capabilities. We're a little bit light in that area at the moment.

I saw we might be looking a Bahoya, young LW at Eintracht. Lightning quick, likes to take players on, good ball carrier, fair bit raw in terms of finishing and awareness, could be gotten on the cheap, might be a decent option on the left, anybody would be better than Gakpo at the moment.

31 Dec 2025 10:51:53
If we’re looking at a RB, would love Munoz or Kayode with slight preference for Kayode.

30 Dec 2025 17:17:24
Hi diddly ho,

Three clubs in Italy have enquired about Chiesa, the club would be willing to let him leave - preferably a permanent deal but there is room for negotiation.

Personally I’d like him to stay but minutes would be guaranteed elsewhere.

Semenyo despite reports isn’t dead in the water as it may seem. Though it isn’t a smooth sail as it seemed a couple of weeks ago.

Elliott will come back with Palace and West Ham enquiring currently.

Diddly out.

30 Dec 2025 17:35:36
Enquiring about Elliot for what? He can’t play for them til next season.

30 Dec 2025 17:38:29
I thought Elliot couldn't play for another club this season, are they looking at a summer transfer?
I still have the faintest optimism for Semenyo although it all looks pretty much done for City.
Appreciate the info as always ned.

30 Dec 2025 17:40:34
I really feel bad for Chiesa. Slot ruined 2 years of his footballing career.

30 Dec 2025 17:50:58
I don’t think we’ve ruined anything. The guy has basically had a seasons rehab on very high wages, and hasn’t been able to make a second season breakthrough. The rigours of the prem are too high for him, let’s be honest about this. A return to Italy would be the best for all parties.

30 Dec 2025 17:52:28
He always seems happy enough, £150k a week probably softens the blow.

30 Dec 2025 17:53:44
I don’t think Elliot qualified for playing time with Villa so therefore might be able to play for someone else. Although I’m not sure on this.

30 Dec 2025 18:30:15
Hi diddly Ho,

The Elliott interest would be for a summer move, when he returns he will only be eligible to play for us (or Villa) for the rest of the season.

Apologies for not adding that before, you’re all absolutely correct.

30 Dec 2025 19:24:45
Slot didn’t ruin Chiesa. He is not the player he was when Italy won the Euros, we bought him cheap because Juve didn’t think he would recapture his form pre injury.
Chiesa is one of those players whose reputation improved every time he wasn’t picked to start, and never lived up to the hype when he did.

Like Minamina/ Shaqiri his best work was done when coming on late in the game and running full tilt. He looked out on his feet after 50 mins last match and had no impact. He was essentially a free swing of the bat and LFC will hopefully get a good fee for him.

30 Dec 2025 20:22:07
How many times did Chiesa start over his season and a half at Liverpool?

Now compare that number with Konate, Maca or even Isak.

Fair play to the lad for giving his all when barely given a chance off the bench.

30 Dec 2025 20:24:12
Thats miraculous considering he's only here 18 months and arrived injured.

30 Dec 2025 20:25:37
Sorry but players can only get better with game time. When chiesa has come on, he has done more in the 5/ 10 mins he’s been on the pitch than most of the starting 11. The guy shows hunger and desire which is severely lacking in most of our current starters.

For whatever reason, Slot doesn’t like Chiesa, even he has played a blinder. Chiesa could score every game he comes in but slot would never choose him a regular starter.

30 Dec 2025 20:37:56
Semenyo is going to City guys 100%.

30 Dec 2025 20:48:16
Kameron, are you saying Slot should have picked Chiesa at CB/ CM/ CF?

Whatever about CF, I’m not sure I’d trust him to partner Virg, but maybe he would be better than Ibou.

30 Dec 2025 22:09:14
Who might those teams be Ned? Please tell me Bologna is in the mix! If he leaves my favorite team, I wanted him to go to my my second favorite club. I am sure though it is the useful suspects. Loke Napoli, Inter, Milan, maybe Roma?

30 Dec 2025 22:11:10
Thanks Ned, appreciate the info.

30 Dec 2025 22:20:11
Italians want top $ for thier players but always want loan or cheap prices when they buy.

30 Dec 2025 22:51:44
When did Chiesa ‘play a blinder’? I love his enthusiasm but he hasn’t looked up to standard.

31 Dec 2025 05:55:22
Chiesa should go, for his own sake. Would also free up a spot for us to bring in someone who Slot might actually use.

Said it weeks ago, and I'll say it again, don't see Semenyo choosing us over City, I'm sure talks are being entertained, if only for the sake of negotiating a heftier wage packet from the 115

In regard to Elliot, yes, he can be registered to 3 clubs in a season but can only play games for 2 of them, which he already has. So whilst he is technically available for a move, he can't actually play for another club this season, making a move in January completely pointless. Doesn't make sense for any team to be inquiring, why foot the wages bill for a player who can't play.

31 Dec 2025 07:17:26
I appreciate these rumours, but they are all dead in the water save for Chiesa.

31 Dec 2025 10:26:57
Chiesa didn’t arrive injured. He arrived having played no pre season games.

He had a full season playing for Juve the season before as his big injury was 2 years prior.

31 Dec 2025 10:54:53
Thought it was mad that we let Elliot go out on loan. Seemed to cement the idea that we were going to carry a smaller squad which again just seems crazy for the Prem.

31 Dec 2025 11:20:30
Maybe there's a Yildez deal being done with Juve with Chiesa going as part of the deal.

30 Dec 2025 15:09:55
Just out of curiosity do any Eds or ITKs know if there has been interest in Curtis Jones

Just wondering if we turn down offers or there is no interest

For me he isn't a Liverpool quality player.

30 Dec 2025 15:53:17
I don't intend this to be confrontational but I genuinely don't understand the amount of criticism he gets. A local lad who has multiple seasons being a steady pair of hands in midfield. He has been better than Alexis and Grab so far this season in my eyes (and I love them both)

30 Dec 2025 16:05:21
Agree with Skeletor, teams need players like Curtis, dedicated, versatile, fiercely loyal, not going to rock the boat if he’s not picked every week (like some) .
You need players like him, they’re worth their weight in gold.
The club should not entertain any bids for him and I don’t think he’d leave anyway. He’s where he wants to be.

30 Dec 2025 16:12:52
CJ needs a new contract.

30 Dec 2025 16:17:01
Why would we even consider selling him? He dwells on the ball sometimes but other than that he always gives his best. He doesn't play act like Macalister. He may not be a world beater but is still an England international that can be trusted if he starts or comes of the bench.

I would hate to see him go.
Carful what you wish for! Every team needs a blend of talent. They can't all be super stars.

30 Dec 2025 16:17:33
Well he has generally been very good the last few games, bit odd that you would single him out as somebody to sell.

30 Dec 2025 16:34:50
What has jones ever done but give his all when called upon, so many posters lacking class recently.

30 Dec 2025 16:44:34
On one hand people are complaining about lack of depth in the squad and then on the other homegrown players is being wanted sold. Hard to make sense of it. And Curtis Jones is definitely good enough to be a rotational option. Right now he is even one of the few players who is undroppable based alone on desire and work rate.

30 Dec 2025 17:19:57
Hi diddly ho,

Last I heard he and the club were looking at new contract options, very much doubt he leaves in the next couple of windows. Would say longer but you never know in football.

Diddly out.

30 Dec 2025 17:50:44
Players i would, if given a chance on the transfer committee, consider selling.

Tsimikas
Elliott
Macallister (summer)
Chiesa
Mo (summer)
Mamardashvili

Special mention to Konate who will no doubt leave for free.

Curtis is right where he should be in my opinion.

30 Dec 2025 17:54:02
Swifty, is it classy to say another poster lacks class when giving their opinion of a player?

CJ deserves his spot in the team and I would not look to sell either. Would gladly have him over Macca as things stand.

30 Dec 2025 20:16:24
If you can’t see that curt is a very good player then you should start watching rugby sorry. Such a shocking take I’m sick and tired of hearing.

30 Dec 2025 21:20:52
Strolls in the 11 at the moment.

31 Dec 2025 04:34:09
Curtis has def stepped up This year. Clearly trying more progressive passes, is not holding onto it as much as previously and working hard on field. Not world class but solid option.

31 Dec 2025 08:37:25
What Skeletor said 100%.

31 Dec 2025 09:30:43
Defo what Skeletor said.

31 Dec 2025 10:56:13
Curtis gets the local player / British player tax.

He will always be critiqued against the ideal prime potential of himself. So he’ll never reach a standard good enough in the eyes of many fans unless he hits Stevie G / TAA levels.

30 Dec 2025 12:13:25
Hello all,

I hope everyone has had a happy holiday season.

Quick update.

Slot is working extremely hard to change certain minds and keep his position for the long term.

Edwards and Hughes will back their man but others are extremely unconvinced he is the long term answer. He was told this by Hughes weeks ago, regardless of others on here disagreeing.

Still being told if the right candidate becomes available, he will leave and that hasn’t changed.

Alonso is the man they want.

Semenyo wants Liverpool still, Liverpool continue to play agents and go around transfers with a serious element of tomfoolery.

We look amateur and classless behind the scenes, in my opinion this Hughes and Edwards double act is looking like a serious circus act.

Guehi will sign I believe it’s just when. Glasners attitude and turbo ego could place LFC in a good position for a January swoop. Still difficult.

Interestingly, Palace are trying to do a deal for Jérémy Jacquet, if that materialises then the writing may be on the wall for Guehi

Ordonez is very very well liked, Diego Lopez has been looked at as has Smit and Givairo Read.

I get a hunch we may get someone completely off grid to the speculation. Been some extremely random scouting of late, may turn into a fun window

We will see.

Thanks to the Eds and all the contributors.

Take care all and have a happy new year.

Ta.

{Ed025's Note - great stuff as per usual Carra, we all realize nothing is set in stone mate as things can change very quickly with transfers, even the great ED002 said that, have a great new year and keep the info coming...its much appreciated..

30 Dec 2025 12:34:29
Nice one Carra lad, much appreciated as ever.

30 Dec 2025 12:46:31
Thanks as always Carra - massively appreciate the info.
Happy New Year to you too.

30 Dec 2025 12:48:38
Thanks Carra. Always excited the see you post. Do you think we can land Semenyo? If he wants us it should be an absolute no brainer.

30 Dec 2025 12:50:03
Absolutely nothing better than a major Carra update, aside from the smile on my child’s face!
lol, thank you mate.
Amazing we get this reliable info for free!

30 Dec 2025 12:50:42
I thought Hughes was supposed to be some art of the deal miester.

30 Dec 2025 12:52:54
Nice one mate, All the best.

30 Dec 2025 12:53:52
Thanks Carra - great info as always and Happy New Year to you too. Hopefully we will sort our act out with Semenyo and let’s hope Parish overrides Glasner this time and takes the money. Although wouldn’t mind getting Jacquet for us - looks a good long term Virg replacement.

30 Dec 2025 12:55:04
Maybe Hughes and Edwards have other priorities and Semenyo does actually want to go to City.

30 Dec 2025 12:56:17
Would they be telling a manager that he is only there because their preferred choice is not yet available? Is that how it actually works?

30 Dec 2025 13:02:45
Cheers, Carra. Happy New Year!

Very concerning to hear the Edwards, Hughes and Ward cabal is not working as well as it should be. There’s a lot of experience there by now so there’s no excuses. Personalities or a power struggle? Or perhaps their elevated power and recent success has them flying too close to the sun?

I saw a random rumour of Hughes continuing to be linked to Saudi and could go in the summer.

30 Dec 2025 13:13:36
Thanks for the update Carra. Hope you had a great Xmas and have a great new year.

30 Dec 2025 13:24:29
Cheers Carra, as always much appreciated 👍.

30 Dec 2025 13:29:45
Great Update from the Main man. I feel this is a really pivotal window for he reds.

If we get this right then we should be ok. Get it wrong and we could be in bother so to speak.

Thanks Cara and Ed's for all your hard work.

Happy New Year to all.

30 Dec 2025 13:41:30
Remember the weeks leading up to d summer window same stuff about Edwards and Hughes. By the end of the window everyone was delighted. Was it not the window of the tissue on here no?

30 Dec 2025 14:02:50
Honestly I really like the look of jacquet, he looks like he could become the next big thing at center half. Maybe we should go for him?

30 Dec 2025 14:07:58
Merry Christmas Carra,

Thanks again for the update.

If I may, If Semenyo wants Liverpool, and seem to be interested? What is the hold up? You mentioned something to do with agent playing? Do you mind elaborating on that current saga.

Once again, thank you for sharing.

30 Dec 2025 14:27:38
Always look forward to your posts Carra. Good info as usual. Happy New Year.

30 Dec 2025 15:36:15
I remember years back Ed002 saying Liverpool dicked around with regards transfer and were pretty amateur. You sort of hoped the club had moved on from that but maybe not 🙄.

30 Dec 2025 15:19:02
Great info. Big thanks and a happy new year to you Carra and all yours!

30 Dec 2025 15:22:15
Cheers for the info as always Carra. All the best.

30 Dec 2025 16:03:40
Thanks as ever Carra. All the best!

30 Dec 2025 16:05:06
Excellent insight and info Carra once again. I wouldn't mind if we signed 1 CB this window, we need 2 in my view though. Konate still hasn't signed so 2 CB's in and we are sorted for a few years!

30 Dec 2025 16:14:09
PatrikBurgher Im in agreement re JJ - he looks to have all the attributes required to play in the Prem.

I hope we go for him and Guehi.

30 Dec 2025 16:39:08
Cheers Carra always good to hear from you.

30 Dec 2025 16:55:03
Love your posts Carra. Thanks a lot.

30 Dec 2025 17:03:37
Thanks Carra. I appreciate your updates and always look put for them.

30 Dec 2025 17:15:42
Sounding like Clinton Baptiste now Carra.

30 Dec 2025 17:31:43
Hey Carra . just curious who decided to sack the set piece coach and have the senior players been involved in the “sacking” of Slot? Why is GvB still at the club? Should I do the Euro millions this week or put £20 on us signing Semenyo instead? Will Guehi be Liverpool captain and do Aliens really exist in Area 51? Happy New Year ⚽️.

30 Dec 2025 18:31:46
Wow not seen Benny Baller on here for awhile. How you doing?

31 Dec 2025 01:16:20
Life has treated me well Coulred.
Hope you’re well bud.

31 Dec 2025 07:24:31
Carra is an absolute master. Keep the posts coming because they define the site and give it such appeal. Have a happy new year!

30 Dec 2025 11:09:16
Liverpool have parted company with first-team set-piece coach Aaron Briggs.

30 Dec 2025 11:44:23
He lasted months longer than I thought.

30 Dec 2025 11:45:31
When does the window open for set piece coaches?

30 Dec 2025 11:53:13
Good. Liverpool set-piece coach Aaron Briggs leaves club; no side has conceded more goals from set-pieces (excluding pens) than the Reds in Europe's top five leagues this season; Liverpool recently conceded 12th set-piece goal as Wolves scored from a corner in Arne Slot's side's 2-1 home win.

30 Dec 2025 12:00:06
I assume he wasn’t very good at his job seeing as everyone who plays set piece based football are better at it than us 🤣.

30 Dec 2025 12:04:52
Just like rodgers did throws he's backroom under the bus to keep he's job. but this still ends the same way. The captain must go down with he's ship!

30 Dec 2025 12:30:28
I also think fitness and conditioning coach should be next. If that's a thing?

30 Dec 2025 12:31:38
It’s good to see a reset in this aspect of the coaching, if something is not working change it.

I can’t recall which coach we had when our set piece record was at its recent best but we have proved we can do a lot better offensively as well as on the defensive side of things.

30 Dec 2025 12:55:00
I believe Briggs was an internal move after a failure to secure an experienced set piece coach. I’m not sure under what conditions he moved into that role in the first place but I hope he was dealt with fairly by the club.

30 Dec 2025 13:01:48
Something has to be done in that area, a change needed as we shouldn't be that bad at them.

30 Dec 2025 13:04:42
Well done Arne, ruthless!

30 Dec 2025 13:33:21
Good, we've been rank at defending them, so if a specialist coach isn't doing their job, they need to go.

I agree the fitness team needs looking at as the fact a lot of players don't hsve the condition to complete 90 minites is a huge concern too.

30 Dec 2025 13:37:31
Arne ruthless 😂 😂.

30 Dec 2025 14:03:33
@Rsanchez - are you sure that Slot was responsible for hitting the man? Are you also sure that Slot was the man who fired him? Interesting that so many of us think it’s a good thing, also interesting that those who slag the club off daily never mentioned the bloke and wouldn’t recognise the bloke if 5hey bumped into him in the street.

Of course everybody must have an opinion on everything I guess.

30 Dec 2025 14:32:45
Anybody who has MacAlister trying to body check the opposition's biggest player on set pieces deserves to be relieved of his duties.

{Ed001's Note - they were doing that before Briggs was asked to fill in as set-piece coach.}

30 Dec 2025 15:33:16
Sorry west derby not sure what you mean by hitting him i don't think I said that? For the record I think he should have lost he's job but only after slot and the rest of them! Rodgers all over again!

30 Dec 2025 14:46:30
Haven't we got a throw -in coach aswel. that's another thing what bugs me, even under Klopp we just threw it as far down the line as possible.

30 Dec 2025 15:05:05
Floian, Rodgers did the same sacking he's back room. things didn't improve as ultimately he was the problem. Wait and see my friend but I won't be saying well-done!

30 Dec 2025 15:46:47
And it is not only Liverpool that have a smaller player marking one of the bigger player. Bizarre as it may be.

30 Dec 2025 16:22:36
Fortunately for Slot it’s harder to replace a 1st team coach than a set piece coach or both would be inline at the job centre together.

30 Dec 2025 19:15:01
Aaron Griggs, son of the great Ronnie, both robbed a living😛.

30 Dec 2025 19:32:30
Not sure what you make of this ed001 but makes me a little uneasy.

Fella was meant to be the development coach gets moved to this and then jettisoned. Feels a bit like a scapegoat (and I appreciate our set pieces are terrible like) .

{Ed001's Note - I said as much on youtube mate, he is not a set-piece coach and should not have been shafted after filling in for us. Why not just return him to working as a development coach?}

30 Dec 2025 21:02:23
The lad never came to the club as set piece coach it was forced on him so the clubs a bit out of order there.
The club wanted the Feyenoord set piece coach.
but could not get a work permit for him.
YNWA.

31 Dec 2025 00:59:35
@Rsanch, Whoops, #hiring, not #hitting, although I suppose it might have helped if he had. The point still stands - was Slot responsible for the hiring and firing or were just assuming he was to ‘validate’ your slagging off of Slot?

29 Dec 2025 19:17:15
Seen a few rumours about a tentative interest in Yildiz from us Ed001. 1.have you heard anything your end and 2.would he be possible for us.

{Ed001's Note - nothing from the Liverpool end, but Juve are expecting offers and are a bit financially hamstrung. They are hoping to hang on to him but know that they are not really in a position to reject big offers. Certainly possible but while he usually plays wide at the moment, it is similar to Wirtz and he is seen as long term playing down the centre.}

30 Dec 2025 06:28:37
The few times I have seen him play, he has looked really good. If we can get him, that would be great.

29 Dec 2025 18:03:38
Hi Ed’s. Do you happen to know if we have any interest in Lacroix please and do you thinking Wouk’s be good enough for us?

{Ed001's Note - I don't know of any interest and I am not sure. He does show some good signs but he is playing in a very defensive back three set up, which does not really give him much opportunity to show how much more he can be. The players either side of him get much more freedom to play, while he tends to be the sitting defender. There is certainly enough there to want a closer look at him.}

29 Dec 2025 16:09:11
Anyone ITK still think there’s a chance we could get Semenyo in January?

I know it looks like City is his preferred choice, but i’m seeing posts it isn’t over just yet for Liverpool. Fingers crossed here, I think he would be quality for us. City don’t need him imo.

29 Dec 2025 20:51:30
Everyone was wrong about Semenyo -what happened there? Is this because we are not the draw we were supposed to be and that City are a better proposition than us? Is it because Semenyo feels that he would not be a starter at LFC?
Whatever it is, its a shame because his skill set will give us a Diaz like outlet once again and help to further unlock Flo.

29 Dec 2025 21:24:23
At the start of the interest in Semenyo I think I saw that he was hoping for Arsenal to show an interest as, apparently he us an Arsenal fan. We were attributed as being interested for a while on social media. It seems that the club might not be as interested as was first thought or it might be that they have other priorities - hopefully a CB or two. Seems that the more reputable end of social media now think City are close.

Looks like, at this stage, that City are the only ones with genuine solid interest. The reports of Semenyo saying yesterday that he wants it sorted by Jan 1st was interesting. If it is a done deal with City then why is there a need to say he wants it sorted.? Perhaps a last attempt to get Arsenal and / or us interested maybe?

29 Dec 2025 21:40:09
Who says Semenyo would be a starter for man city?
they had a 100 million pound player on the bench.