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JK_RED's rumours posts with other poster's replies to JK_RED's rumours posts
22 Apr 2024 15:24:57
The usually reliable David Ornstein just said it looks unlikely Amorim ends up at Liverpool.
Back to the drawing board it is! Just please don’t be De Zerbi.
1.) 22 Apr 2024 15:32:13
It's Alonso. Just said he is staying to get press off his back.
2.) 22 Apr 2024 15:36:50
Hodgson coming home?
3.) 22 Apr 2024 15:42:48
Time for a punt on Rafa at 66/ 1 odds?
{Ed025's Note - terrible manager SR..
4.) 22 Apr 2024 15:47:38
that whole article was weird. a short article surprising us with the link the west ham and then just 1 sentence stating he is unlikely to be preferred at liverpool without any justification. I am not saying he is wrong, but it is confusing. Anyway, I hope we get the right person for the job.
5.) 22 Apr 2024 16:31:30
Got a bad feeling it will be De Zerbi. Hughes supposedly a big fan of his.
6.) 22 Apr 2024 16:37:53
The pool of talent out there is shallow, and that’s being generous, if it’s not Alonso or Amorim then the only other remotely acceptable option is Slot. Beyond that every other potential candidate is awful.
7.) 22 Apr 2024 17:02:14
Hope Hughes can keep his De Zerbi fanboyism to just that. De Zerbi would be an unmitigated disaster.
{Ed025's Note - same here VV..
8.) 22 Apr 2024 17:59:52
Mourhinio was at Fulham match just saying.
06 Dec 2023 10:18:00
Few rumours flying about that Klopp is leaning towards playing Trent solely in midfield. If that was the case, what would you do at right back? Bring Bradley into the team and hope he’s up to the task? Or look to buy a right back?
Not many right backs I can think of off the top of my head who would be available but did read somewhere that frimpong of Leverkusen has a release clause that activates in the summer.
1.) 06 Dec 2023 12:16:57
Gomez, initially at least.
2.) 06 Dec 2023 12:21:25
Bradley all day long looks a great little player already and deserves his chance. The lad couldn’t have done anymore than he’s done.
3.) 06 Dec 2023 12:28:48
Frimpong plays as a rwb and although is putting up attacking numbers, isn’t exactly solid at the back. I guess the question is there a better DM or RB on the market? I suspect RB is easier to source, but is Trent a sure thing as 6?
4.) 06 Dec 2023 12:53:52
From pre season I’d say his plan always Trent in midfield with Bradley at RB and then Bradley’s injury saw an end to that.
5.) 06 Dec 2023 14:19:28
If Matip is going to be out for a while I think Gomez might get a run at CB so it would have to be Bradley at RB.
6.) 06 Dec 2023 14:21:59
Not sure where Bradley is in his comeback. I'd certainly be looking to get him game time as he is the RB that fits our style better as RB I think.
But Gomez has been great so I would start him with Bradley getting Gametime in behind to impress (cup and sub appearances) . In any case Konate will get injured soon enough so there ll be Gametime for both. I know that sounds harsh but it will probably be true.
7.) 06 Dec 2023 14:33:39
Personally, I would rather give Bradley a run at right back over Gomez. Bradley has a good delivery whereas that’s not Gomez’s strength.
8.) 06 Dec 2023 14:59:38
Personally, I don't believe there is a plan to move Trent into midfield. I think Klopp (probably more so his coaches) are trying to create advantages in areas of the pitch. We started out with a full-blooded gegenpress (2015-2019), moved to playmaking/ advanced fullbacks with two high-intensity pressing no8s (2017-2020), uber-high lines and right sided overload with Trent starting to invert at times (2020-2022) and now to this press-baiting system which shifts between 433 and 3box3 by moving Trent about.
While I don't have a crystal ball, it wouldn't surprise me if we're just as likely to try and mould Bajcetic to mimic Trent's ability to switch between those positions than we are to move Trent into midfield and sign/ use a conventional rightback.
If we're going to make a good fist of this approach, we will need to ensure we have the centrebacks to play it well, consistently.
And we are not the only team doing this kind of stuff. Zinchenko inverts for Arsenal, Stones for City and Porro does it for Spurs. Whether it is a good idea or not - we will find out.
9.) 06 Dec 2023 18:05:46
What FPF said. If Trent moves into midfield we’re not going to get an attacking RB who bombs up the wing and puts crosses in, other wise we’d use Trent for that! We’ll get a defender who can defend.
10.) 06 Dec 2023 19:14:13
So much depends on the system. If Trent's going midfield full time there are plenty of fullbacks out there that do what Robertson does on the left side down the right. I don't really mind what formation we play just so long as it doesn't involve a fullback inverting. Of all the transitional positional systems used in years gone by and currently a fullback also being a central midfielder is up there with the worst. Said it before and will die on this hill - Trent is made to take Hendo's place on the right of the midfield 3. Only problem then is we have to many midfielders unless we go permanent back 3box3 which I would be in favour of.
11.) 06 Dec 2023 19:26:25
Play him in goal if it meant us winning all the time . Obviously I’m being sarcastic.
Point im trying to make is that I think Trent has now proved he can play anywhere and influence a game and il be honest I don’t think he’s as bad at defending as people make out I just think he tries harder in attack . So that’s one thing klopp must keep on top of if he is to stay at rb is that he puts in as much effort defensively as offensively.
I think he’s just quality and key to us and silverware in the near future ??.
12.) 07 Dec 2023 00:15:21
We also have Ramsay to come back after his loan spell. I think there's a cracking player there if he keeps his head down, stays humble and works hard.
13.) 07 Dec 2023 08:26:40
Klopp's given an interview that suggests Trent won't be moving into midfield at this point.
14.) 07 Dec 2023 08:49:05
@FPF, I believe Klopp himself, less than 48 hours ago said Trent would play wherever was best for Liverpool. What I read into that was that Trent would move between positions depending upon the team we were playing against and the strategy we would employ in each game - sometimes as a right back, sometimes inverted, sometimes not, sometimes in midfield, sometimes not. It seems that he isn’t going to be ‘pigeon holed ‘ as a player who plays in one position which I think is a really good approach as it enables us to make Trent as effective as possible but also adds another thing for our opposition to think about, whenever they have to try to figure out how we’re going to play.
15.) 08 Dec 2023 20:15:39
Ed1 - if OP is correct don’t have any sense whether we’d be moving Trent into 6? And therefore we’d not consider buying a 6? I’m ok with not buying and would hope we don’t if Trent does move to midfield as we’d suddenly have a stacked midfield again!
{Ed001's Note - I am not sure what you are asking here. Sorry.}
16.) 10 Dec 2023 01:38:48
Ed1 - sorry couple typos and a poorly phrased thought/ question from me lol
1- do you have any insight as to where Klopp would want Trent to play in midfield? Is it CDM?
2- if that is the case then I’m assuming that means we wouldn’t be in the market for a new CDM?
{Ed001's Note - as a deep lying playmaker, not a defensive midfielder as such. So it might not mean that at all, depends on whether he wants options for different games.}
16 Aug 2023 10:00:54
Ed002, seeing a lot of talk regarding Cheick Doucoure but nothing super reliable, are we interested?
{Ed002's Note - Cheick Doucoure (DM/CB) Has major language issues that need resolving in the coming months. Crystal Palace have told Monaco, who want him to replace Fofana, that he is not for sale. Only moved to Crystal Palace last summer convinced he would not get a move to PSG that he desired. Although they have added Ugarte, PSG are still looking for a versatile defensive oriented midfield player having decided Verratti can leave and CD is considered an option and was discussed during a meeting about another player. Attractive to Atletico Madrid due to the Cotonou Agreement as an alternative to Amrabat for them. Potentially on the list of options for Liverpool but I am not aware of any approach to Crystal Palace at this time. Language certificate for England not yet issued and deferred by Crystal Palace until January 2024. Crystal Palace will not want to sell unless someone will pay well over the odds for him. Thuram seen as a potential replacement.}
1.) 16 Aug 2023 11:48:58
How much is "pay well over the odds" for Palace to reconsider Ed? 60M to 80M?
{Ed002's Note - They will look for £70M knowing that their ideal replacement is probably not going to be possible.}
2.) 16 Aug 2023 11:59:37
Ex2 - did you mean Thurman is seen a replacement at crystal palace for CD?
{Ed002's Note - Yes.}
3.) 16 Aug 2023 12:13:35
Is this language problem that bad Ed? I've read that Nunez had the same problem last season. Has that problem lessen?
{Ed002's Note - I have no idea about Nunez but they need a language certificate, ideally within 12 months else within 3 years but that becomes a huge problem with oversight and reporting.}
4.) 16 Aug 2023 14:28:35
Surprised Bobby got away with this language certificate. Took him 10 years to manage an interview.
5.) 16 Aug 2023 14:55:03
They turned a blind eye for Bobby Red_Finance because of that none look goal.
6.) 16 Aug 2023 17:10:57
Ed002, why is language certificate important?
{Ed002's Note - It is a UK Government Home Office requirement and gels avoid folks coming in to live off the State or work illegally.}
7.) 16 Aug 2023 18:46:49
What do you make as Thuram as a DM ed anything i’ve seen from him makes me think he’d be so much better with a licence to carry the ball forward and play around the edge of the box rather than sitting in front of a defence.
{Ed002's Note - it is not really like that- he is versatile and would be a great addition in my view.
01 Aug 2023 14:06:49
According to fabrizio Romano, we have bid £42m for lavia, Southampton will reject the bid as they insist they will only accept £50m. It’s getting to the point where we either need to pay the money or look at other options. I get that we need to try and negotiate but when a team says they categorically will not accept lower than £50m, low balling is not going to work!
{Ed002's Note - From what they have said I understand that they will accept £48M but want £50M still.}
1.) 01 Aug 2023 14:17:36
And obviously Liverpool know this and continue to send lowball offers knowing they will be rejected. Time is of the essence, the season starts in less than 2 weeks and we are without a recognised number 6!
{Ed025's Note - spot on JK.. hi in
2.) 01 Aug 2023 14:20:11
According to some reports that 42m is with addons so likely under 40m initially but talks are ongoing still. must still believe a deal is possible.
3.) 01 Aug 2023 14:34:47
So we spent a week deciding to go in low when there’s loads of teams after him brilliant!
4.) 01 Aug 2023 14:36:11
Ed’s, any idea why we are so persistent to get involved in protracted negotiations? I thought it would be beneficial just to pay the £48m and get the lad integrated into the squad if we really want him. I am sure I read that he wanted to join so not sure all this messing around is doing anyone any good.
5.) 01 Aug 2023 14:36:17
After receiving 52m on Hendo and Fab, why is LFC still toying around? Do they not see Lavia valued at 50m? They should just move on and look at alternatives.
6.) 01 Aug 2023 15:09:45
It’ll be interesting to see what Lavia actually goes for if or when he is sold.
7.) 01 Aug 2023 14:59:03
Ed002 if they said they would accept £48m is that all in one go or with add ons, I see something on the internet that they wanted £40m and then add ons.
But I would rather listen to you rather that web crap. I don’t get how we bid what we did the other day then it takes nearly a week to up are bid by about £3m. We should have got this sorted out it’s not as if there is a massive gap In are bid and what they want. I under stand Chelsea and Brighton taking there time as they are starting a good bit apart but this is very poor from us considering the money just brought in for Henderson and Fabinho I bet with the saving on there two’s massive wages would nearly pay for his transfer over a 5 year contract.
{Ed002's Note - There is a reason they want £50M. I understand £48M might be acceptable and they are talking to others about their interest. The situation with Caicedo is very different.
8.) 01 Aug 2023 16:01:22
Ed002 yeah there was a £30m gap between Chelsea offer and the £100m Brighton want Ed but at least Chelsea upped there bid by an amount worth bidding are new bid was a total waste of everybody’s time.
9.) 01 Aug 2023 16:41:24
What about the money Chelsea have brought in?
10.) 01 Aug 2023 17:20:06
Really looking forward to the £44m bid next week!
11.) 01 Aug 2023 17:51:52
£42m is not low balling. You're talking about a kid with less than 30 Prem games in the bank, and in his most recent competitive game he played a blind pass across his own penalty area allowing Jota to stroll onto it and score.
Lavia is not worth £50m. I hope the club move on because we have better players at a similar age (Bajcetic) . We're not low balling anyone. Southampton are trying to rinse someone for what is currently an average Premier League midfielder with the potential to be good in 2 or 3 years. If he was a £50m midfielder Southampton wouldn't be in the Championship right now.
This would literally be like Liverpool asking £50m for Tyler Morton because he's looked alright in 10 games in the Prem/ Champions League, and 30 games in the Championship. It's crazy talk. Are we really that desperate for new signings that we're encouraging the club to sign a Lavia for £50m? Mac Allister helped Argentina to a World Cup, and Brighton to a top 7 finish and even he didn't cost that much. Take a step back and think about this for a moment before making throw away statements like "low balling".
{Ed025's Note - the original bid was nowhere near £42m MK..
12.) 01 Aug 2023 18:18:29
@MK it is low balling if the selling club say they have no intention of selling below £50m. You may not believe he is worth that much and fair enough but they do and they hold all the cards.
13.) 01 Aug 2023 18:16:42
Good Ed025, he's not worth anything like £42m. I have never understood the hype. He's decent for his age but he's not worth more than a World Cup winner because he had a good compilation on MNF analysis once. You see this every single year with a DM that has a decent game and Carra/ Neville nosh them off. Bissouma the year before wasn't it? Best player outside the big 6 they called him. Year before that everyone and his dog wanted Ndidi but Leicester actually kept hold of him and fat lot of good that's done them taking them to the Championship. Seen exactly the same with Kalvin Phillips as well (same summer as Bissouma i think) and then he was crucified publically by Pep after his City move for actually being an overweight training dummy.
It's always the same. Just media nonsense hyping up average Prem midfielders. So many clubs just seem desperate for the next Kante-esque gem but simple fact is that most of the time it is a one season wonder. They've pulled me in previously but I'm not buying into it anymore. Therefore spending mega bucks on a DM with one good season in the bank is just not something I'm going to jump behind. This year is just Lavia and Caicedo's turn for baseless hype.
We'd be wise to walk away if Southampton are living in complete and utter delusion.
{Ed025's Note - im not saying hes all that MK as i have not really seen much of him mate but liverpool obviously want him and know the price, i just think if you know the price they are looking for you have to at least be in the ballpark, if you dont think hes worth that then dont even bid..
14.) 01 Aug 2023 18:56:17
I sort of agree Ed025. But I'd liken it to selling a car. If you spend all summer asking for £5000 with no luck or concrete interest, and then somebody eventually rocks up offering £3700-4200 that gives you a decision to make. Some might just take it, others might not.
If Southampton want to hold firm on £50m then that is absolutely their perogative but i just think it's disingenuous to call it low balling. Surely not one person here actually watched Lavia square a pass to Jota and said "Yupp, that's the relegated kid i want to pay £50m for". Just because Southampton value him at that, means nothing. He's clearly not worth that to any interested party or a deal would've been done by now. On the flip side though, if Saints hold out until the end of the summer there is a chance buying clubs might become desperate and in my opinion, overpay. I simply hope that it isn't Liverpool who get desperate and overpay!
Having said all that the alternative seems to be a Brazilian lad I'd never heard of until Ed002 memtiomed him, so maybe we should just go with Trent in midfield and give up on a new DM because the market appears to have been wrecked by Rice going for £105m.
15.) 01 Aug 2023 20:05:19
So we sell a captain for 12 mill and Southampton want 50 mill for a player that could go tits up after a season walk away the lad worth 10 mill at most never mind what edd 25 says if clubs don't make a stand clubs in near future will be asked 200 mill for players like this lad . And edds 25 that is why your club are in such a state paying well over the odds for players that really should of resulted in your demotion .
{Ed025's Note - but it never Albey, despite the failings of our board and owner we are still top flight mate, because we are EVERTON, the pride of merseyside, knock us down if you wish but we always rise like a phoenix from the ashes.. :)
16.) 01 Aug 2023 20:37:25
City have a 20% sell on clause so £50m would get southampton 40m. Offer them a 44m loan fee and a obligation to buy for a tenner ??.
17.) 01 Aug 2023 20:40:35
Could the Lavia delay help with raising finances, the wage bill has been reduced, a few weeks of delay would raise the difference to what we are offering and Southampton want ?
Ed’s if you don’t mind, re AT, I’ve read that he is a DM but can play CM too, can you offer an opinion on this point please re AT a DM as pointed out above it’s Lavia or AT, but is AT more versatile?
Regarding AT settling in, Ali could help and the other South American players would too.
18.) 01 Aug 2023 20:42:52
Talking some sense there, MKS. Btw, clubs do this all the time but when LFC do it, it's a problem.
19.) 01 Aug 2023 20:40:35
Could the Lavia delay help with raising finances, the wage bill has been reduced, a few weeks of delay would raise the difference to what we are offering and Southampton want ?
Ed’s if you don’t mind, re AT, I’ve read that he is a DM but can play CM too, can you offer an opinion on this point please re AT a DM as pointed out above it’s Lavia or AT, but is AT more versatile?
Regarding AT settling in, Ali could help and the other South American players would too.
20.) 01 Aug 2023 21:26:53
Time to walk away I think. I like the look of Lavia, the HG factor plays a part as does City’s sell on clause but what Southampton are asking is to much. I’d leave the offer on the table and start looking at alternatives. Southampton will surely know now is the time to cash in.
21.) 01 Aug 2023 21:38:05
@Ed25’, point of order if I may - Everton are in the top flight, however, Everton themself are far from top flight ?.
{Ed025's Note - "form is temporary" WDW, agreed we are a sleeping giant and are in desperate need of some magic beans, but sooner or later as Arnie said..."we will be back" mate.. :)
22.) 01 Aug 2023 23:07:34
At last MK some sense. It seems that Liverpool fans just expect us to throw money around even when it’s not warranted just because a selling club says that’s what they want yet when we are holding out for a fee for one of our own players we are pricing them out of a move and blocking their progress!
If this kid is worth £50m and all of these other clubs really are interested then why hasn’t one of them just bid £50m and got a deal done? Maybe because they, like us, are not willing to have their pants pulled down by Southampton. At least we have tried to negotiate a more realistic price (which is still way over what I would consider the right price) . The other so called interested parties haven’t even done that!
Some fans just look for any reason they possibly can to castigate the club. We’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t.
23.) 01 Aug 2023 23:12:47
MK - I'm with you 100%. The idea that we should just bend over and pay 50mil for an unproven 19yr old just cos that's what the selling club says is ludicrous. And actually, I think the real issue is that people are allowing their anxiety to be dictated by things they can't control.
Now in saying all that, I am on board with signing the kid. I think he has great future and potential, but if we walk away because we can't find a happy compromise between our valuation and what Southampton would accept, then so be it.
24.) 02 Aug 2023 08:18:20
You couldn't make it up just reading this and ping now Saints want circa 60 mill for Lasagne, sod that put a bid in for Barella instead, definitely taking the pizza out of us Southampton.
23 Jul 2023 22:38:04
Ed002, lot of talk today about palhinha from Fulham. Unfortunately it seems he has just dislocated his shoulder in a pre season friendly. I have 2 questions…
1. Are we even interested?
2. If we are, would the injury make us look elsewhere or would we still be interested considering most players recover from this type of injury in 6-8 weeks?
{Ed002's Note - 1. See previous answers. 2. Liverpool have preferred options.}
1.) 24 Jul 2023 10:34:21
Hi Ed002, apologies, despite reading all your comments rather closely, I wasn't able to recall/ find Liverpool preferred option, apart from Lavia. And that was post Henderson/ Fabinho's transfer.
With Henderson and Fabinho expected to be gone, is there a change now in preferred option, or is it still Lavia, and would there not be more preferred options, as in targeting to get at least 2 or more?
Is Valverde as possible option, you think?
{Ed002's Note - I have explained about Lavia and Valverde.}
JK_RED's banter posts with other poster's replies to JK_RED's banter posts
30 May 2024 10:12:13
Seeing reports of Slot wanting Ollie Watkins. While I really like Watkins and wouldn’t mind the signing at all, I just can’t see us spending the money Villa would demand when he is 29 in a few months. If we are after a striker, Isak looks a lot better in terms of value for money, someone who I think will score plenty and is only 24.
{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has no interest in Isak.}
1.) 30 May 2024 10:43:15
Depends on the price. Isak would probably be pushing 80 million whereas I doubt Watkins would be over 60 million.
He’s 29 in December so I would give him a 4 year deal.
Gives time for Danns/ Koumas to break through.
Watkins is a good finisher.
2.) 30 May 2024 10:36:50
Fair enough ed002. I saw on another post that you said Watkins’ agent has approached a handful of clubs including Liverpool. Do you know if liverpool are interested in taking it further?
{Ed002's Note - I don't know I am afraid.}
3.) 30 May 2024 11:05:14
Nunez is quite a fan favourite so the new manager coming in and laying his cards on the table by replacing Nunez would be quite the move.
Lots of fans believe Slot is the coach that will unlock Nunez's potential so for him to come in and look to replace him from the off would be a potential gamble.
4.) 30 May 2024 11:11:23
Watkins makes absolutely zero sense as a signing. His age and the English tax make it a non starter. Villa aren’t going to sell for less than £100m given what he’s worth to them and the fact he’s English, and quite honestly he’s not worth it for maybe two or three good seasons at best given his age.
5.) 30 May 2024 11:28:40
I'm not vehemently against signing Watkins but I don't think it is the best use of what will probably be about £80-90m for a homegrown key player with 4 years left on his contract. If he wasn't 28 we'd be talking well north of £100m given the fees paid for Grealish and Rice recently.
6.) 30 May 2024 11:29:46
Wow we are scraping the barrel if Watkins rumours are true, actually no I just cannot believe this it will never happen.
7.) 30 May 2024 11:55:55
Probably a made-up story TBH as that kind of spend on an older player is a complete step change from our usual MO. Also I hope it's not true as I don't think we have that much of a problem upfront and there are obvious issues in midfield and defence.
8.) 30 May 2024 12:39:55
English tax is a myth. Premier League tax is real though.
9.) 30 May 2024 12:53:02
Ah all the rumours are starting now and we'll go sign someone we've all barely heard of lol.
10.) 30 May 2024 12:57:55
If like ED002 said that hs agent has been hawking him around, then I'm guess the agency may have leak made up stories of interest to either get interested clubs firm up. Or using stories for Villa contract negotiations?
11.) 30 May 2024 15:15:37
Torres was a fan favourite and justifiably so, but we sold him and bought Suarez.
Coutinho was a fan favourite, sold and replaced by multiple players.
Movement is normal in football, fans will quickly move on from Nunez if he’s sold.
12.) 30 May 2024 22:39:00
Then again agents looking for interest in their clients is par for the course - it doesn’t mean anything.
I have no idea when Watkins’ contract at Villa is up but it could easily be a ploy by his agent in (pre) contract manoeuvring.
We don’t have our new Head Coach yet and the transfer window isn’t open for over a fortnight - a step back and a couple of deep breaths may be the order of the day.
13.) 30 May 2024 23:16:34
With @Victor on this one, too. Watkins makes NO sense at all and the fact is that he is only marginally better than Darwin in front of goal and is not that of a huge improvement on him either. Also, Darwin has a lot more to his game than Watkins and Haaland, I might add so signing him to replace Darwin is just wheird and pointless, IMO.
Whether Slot is the guy to unlock Darwin is another story however, I am pretty confident he can look forward to iproving Darwin cos let's face it, the kid's got ability and potential. He just needs a maager that will clean out the rough edges, just like Slot did with Gimenez, someone certain fans think we should sign which like Watkins, would make no sense either, IMO.
14.) 30 May 2024 23:31:21
Transfer window is just the period you can transfer a players registration.
You can do the deal any time.
15.) 31 May 2024 00:19:22
Watkins is a good player and would suit us. Well, under Klopp anyways, so making a bit of an assumption.
19 goals and 12 assists in this league is no fluke.
Regards his age, he could perform well into his early 30s, so don't see what the issue is here. other than we have spent a bit on Nunez so we'd need to balance those two investments.
16.) 31 May 2024 08:04:22
@Ron, provided you have permission to speak to people at the right time, of course. The point is, Arne has even got into his office yet, let alone take his coat off and we have people giving credence to every dumb thing written on social media as though it’s the end of the world.
17.) 31 May 2024 07:41:39
Ron didn't mean it in a sense that we can't sell fan favourites mate.
Meant as in it would be a bold move from the new manager to do it from the off. Torres and Couts both pushed their moves and were sold under Kenny and Klopp.
Whilst I'm not an advocate for Watkins coming in to replace Nunez he does have 34 PL goals in the league the last 2 seasons so that is marginally better than Darwins 20.
I'm looking forward to Slot unlocking Nunez's potential like he did that 1 striker in Holland. With a bit of luck he might unlock more than Nunez as there's a few players in the squad who have more potential or can perform better more consistently than what they have.
It is silly season though and the media reports cannot be believed. This time last year they were making out like we were going to replace our whole midfield.
26 Apr 2024 11:42:01
I’ve seen a lot of people blaming Trent for the second goal the other night. While I do agree he should have done better, why on earth is he left with Calvert Lewin who is going to beat him in the air every single time. This is why i despise zonal marking! Just gives the attacking team all the advantage of targeting the weaker opposition players!
1.) 26 Apr 2024 11:55:38
Personally, Im over the game now. it's gone. On to WH and hopefully we can finish strong and win all our games. We may finish 2nd with a few point behind City, who know?
2.) 26 Apr 2024 12:01:13
Look I would normally try to defend Trent, probably more than he can himself in fairness butI mean even if DCL steamrolls him - he should at least try and make an effort. He to all intents and purposes opened the door for him.
The footage from behind the goal is nothing other than criminal defending.
He sees the cross, sees DCL coming, moves BEHIND DCL and then barely touches him.
Sometimes you have to call a spade and spade and zonal marking be damned that was awful defending.
3.) 26 Apr 2024 12:53:05
That's why we miss Henderson and milner sometimes. Trent cowered out of the challenge just like Curtis Jones always does. Pathetic, thought Scousers were tough? Not them pair.
4.) 26 Apr 2024 13:57:07
The lack of effort shown by Trent at the back post the other night and In most defensive situations is an absolute disgrace. Shirking out of a challenge in the derby when you’re going for the league, criminal! Your captain and vice captain are meant to lead by example on and off the ball. I’ve said it countless times, Trent is a fantastic footballer, oozes ability on the ball that most pros can only dream of but defensively I can’t remember a weaker right back in red.
If he wasn’t a scouser and hadn’t come through the academy I’d sell him to the highest bidder. The main reason being what I’ve said above, defensively he’s absolutely awful. More over the argument to have him play in midfield only works if you give him a free role and that doesn’t exist in modern day football. He doesn’t have the engine, bite, press, physicality or hunger to defend in midfield.
I’m typing this after having the time to reflect. The loss to Everton, the defensive frailty shown all season, the consistency of missed chances game after game, choosing players out of form and lastly the having no plan b from Klopp and the coaching staff is the reason I’m looking forward to a change. Klopp is a legend and I’ll be eternally grateful for the memories but fresh eyes are needed.
5.) 26 Apr 2024 13:58:09
This post isn’t me defending Trent either, he should do a lot better and put up more of a challenge. I was highlighting how ridiculous zonal marking is! If we man-marked at corners instead, Van Dijk or Konate are picking up Calvert Lewin and that goal doesn’t happen. Can anyone tell me the benefits of zonal marking? The cons definitely outweigh the pros for me!
6.) 26 Apr 2024 14:15:17
VVD and Konate both got bullied as well. Then it really highlighted the massive deficiencies of some other players when it comes to defending.
I hope Klopp changes at least half the team for tomorrow’s game. I wouldn’t give Jones or Sob a seat on the plane never mind the bench.
7.) 26 Apr 2024 15:33:16
Problem with trent is he's truly woeful defensively but a brilliant passer. He's positive with the ball, he'll play the ball fans want played. That's a great asset but he's not imo ever going to succeed as a defensive midfielder. Trent has a lot of flaws as an overall player. He's not athletic like a Bellingham or past Gerrard. He's weak physically in the air, in challenges and doesn't have the legs to be a box to box midfielder.
Trent has to continue being an attacking full back and work qnd work on his defensive side. It's as simple as that.
8.) 26 Apr 2024 16:01:36
Ecogsi
I posted similar earlier in the season and got prayers
“He’s world class” - “perfect for midfield”
Fact is he doesn’t tackle, doesn’t provide the energy that he used to, and switches off defensively
None of those can happen with a midfield player or we would get rinsed through the middle
We could get a very good fee, play Bradley, and strengthen other areas.
9.) 26 Apr 2024 16:39:39
There will be a system to get the best out of Trent. I wouldn’t mind seeing Bradly and Trent playing together down the right. Trent doesn’t have to charge around his delivery is world class from anywhere.
10.) 26 Apr 2024 19:22:43
I don't think people realise the modern game isn't all sliding tackles in one on ones.
Defending in midfield is done via interceptions and blocking passing lanes - both metrics which trent scores high every season. It's aerial duels and tackles. Despite everyone thinking mac was no good at DM he was actually far more effective than endo.
Sometimes I think everyone is trapped in the past. Busquets is considered by many to be one of the best DM in modern game and he was no midfield destroyer.
The modern game uses pressing into forced errors as a defence in midfield.
Also slot doesn't use a DM he uses two pivots whose sole job is to recycle the ball and keep possession. He inverts the fullbacks for defensive duties in mid.
11.) 26 Apr 2024 20:50:49
Bored of saying the same thing. When I say Trent is a liability at RB it is not because of his positioning, his tracking, his tackling or pave or effort. It's because he cannot defend the back post at set pieces or when crosses come in. Time and time again it happens. It's at the point where I am not blaming him because a blind man could see he shouldn't be there.
12.) 26 Apr 2024 21:00:31
That's a good point about interceptions, Nevada. I remember Sammy Lee saying his better performances were when he never had to make a tackle.
That said, all midfielders should be willing to tackle if they have to. They should all be able to pass the ball forwards. It annoys me to see the number of times I see midfielders not taking the ball on the half turn. And they should all be able to score a few goals.
I suppose I am old fashioned though.
13.) 26 Apr 2024 23:02:24
Back in July Klopp stated that Trent could play effectively as a 6 but chose to play him in this 3-2-2-3 formation instead as this "hybrid" role? What would be so wrong next season to have him move permanently to that specific 6 role instead of Endo with Bradley who is a much better technically defensive RB? Get Quansah hitting the weights in the summer to add some strength and speed and play him alongside VVD; Bradley RB and source a new LB to compete with an ageing Robbo and there's a more solid back 4 imo .
14.) 27 Apr 2024 10:02:43
Schultzy, Trent switches off far too often to play at number six you need a modicum of defensive ability and be alert to danger as well as being able to read the play, which Trent really doesn’t do very well (and I’m being generous there) . Trent is great at the Hollywood passing and free kicks, but the rest of his game isn’t that great, certainly not to be considered for arguably the most important role in the team.
Nevada, I’d tend to disagree that Busquets was the best defensive midfielder of modern times, Makalele was the best by a very very long way and I’d go as far as saying Rodri is better than Busquets ever was.
{Ed001's Note - Alonso was better than any of those.}
15.) 27 Apr 2024 10:25:40
@schultzy I'm pretty sure that's what slot will do. Hell make Bradley right back and have Trent sit as the second pivot with McAllister since he likes his fullbacks to invert and provide the defensive cover and he prefers his midfielders to be able to pass their way through or recycle the ball until they can.
@riggsby there is a quote often attributes to maldini in which he says if he has to make a tackle it means he's already made a mistake (the quote was actually a playful joke aimed at baresi during their run together in the late 80s because baresi was probably worlds best tackler and there was a lot of playful competition between them) .
Despite it being a playful jab there is some truth to it you have more control of the game when you're on your feet. Sliding should be a last resort and if you win the slide you should either keep the ball or put it out because sliding and losing possession has left a gap where you should be covering. This was actually something saachi realised as Milan coach and it's where the high pressing system originally comes from (pep and klopp both credit saachi as an influence) . Saachi realised that because everyone was playing the (horrible) catennacio system they were more focused on winning tackles than what to do with it after and since sliding was enough vogue there were gaps to exploit.
This post went on longer than expected but it's only because saachi is such a fascinating character and doesn't get the credit he deserves for how he changed the game. Also a nice bloke.
23 Apr 2024 07:55:31
Ed001, with a new manager coming in, it could be an interesting summer regarding transfers. What positions would you strengthen and who would you move on?
My outgoings:
Matip - contract expired
Thiago - contract expired
Gravenberch - I know he’s only been here since the summer but he’s simply not good enough or doesn’t try hard enough.
Salah - I think now is the perfect time to move him on.
Diaz - sick to death of his fathers comments about him and his son dreaming of Barcelona or Madrid. Diaz has very fast feet but his end product is very inconsistent.
Tsimikas - I just don’t think he’s good enough.
Incomings:
CB - with matip leaving and Konate’s fitness issues, I think we definitely need a CB
Attacker - with salah almost certainly leaving and maybe Diaz, a versatile attacker who can play across the front 3 will be needed.
LB - Robertson isn’t getting any younger and Tsimikas isn’t good enough. Not sure if any of the kids such as Beck are ready to step up but if not, I think we definitely need another LB.
{Ed001's Note - Matip and Thiago have to go, can't stay fit so it would be crazy to give them a new deal.
I would take a good offer for Salah, but I wouldn't be pushing him out of the door.
Diaz, on the other hand, I too am sick to death of his dad's statements. I am more fed up of his lack of end product, people moan about Nunez, but Diaz is far worse for messing up opportunities.
Tsimikas I would probably keep because my worry is Robbo is ageing and I would want him to cover so Beck can get a run, then assess the left-back again next summer. I do believe Beck is the answer in that position though.
The other one who I would be considering selling is Jones. I like him a lot, on his game he is excellent, but he is always injured, so I would want to look at that and see what is the cause and maybe have to move him on.
Priority for me is a left-sided centre-back. Rotation option for Virgil and long-term replacement.
After that it would come down to who is available for the right price. I think Danns has the ability to push on and be an option in the centre forward position, so not sure we need one of those. Right-side though, that I do think we need to look for. We have options there, but no one has nailed down the place as an alternative to Salah.}
1.) 23 Apr 2024 08:44:53
Interesting read that, ed001.
And who would you bring in? Including manager?
Keen to hear your opinion.
{Ed001's Note - manager I have no idea. There was only Alonso out there.
As for the defender, the ideal choice would be Bastoni but other than that it really depends on how the new man wants to play. I would probably look at Pavlovic though to be honest.
Kubo is the obvious choice on the right side of the attack, as he offers flexibility as well being able to play all over the front line.}
2.) 23 Apr 2024 09:08:43
Thanks for the reply Ed001, I do agree aswell regarding Jones. He finally looked like he was nailing down his place in midfield earlier in the season but yet another injury has completely derailed his season and he has come back very rusty, back in his old habit of taking far too long on the ball and getting caught.
{Ed001's Note - it is a shame, I really want him to succeed but he has to stay fit.}
3.) 23 Apr 2024 09:42:47
Ed, what are your thoughts on Thomas Frank?
My assessment of him is quite shallow but he’s done well wherever he’s gone and has plenty of wins to his name against top level opposition.
What would be the drawbacks here? If it’s not Alonso or Inzaghi, I’m picking Frank over every other name mentioned.
{Ed001's Note - he gets results by shithousery. His football is horrible and he has the team diving, playacting, niggly fouls, timewasting, that's his methodology. Not for me would I even consider him. That is not a tactical plan that can step up to top level as the players want to play football. He would be down with Allardyce for me.}
4.) 23 Apr 2024 10:21:13
Tell you what Ed1, I can see your love for frank, it's shining through mate, almost like rons love for Nunez. Haha thanks for writing this mate, I don't have the time to read right now but will later on today.
{Ed001's Note - I actually quite like Frank, he seems a nice guy, but I wouldn't want to watch his football every week.}
5.) 23 Apr 2024 10:25:51
Would love Eze for us.
Interesting times manager wise.
Looks like it’s going to be a Brendan Rodgers’s type of appointment unless someone with experience comes out of nowhere.
6.) 23 Apr 2024 10:36:47
Kubo or Eze are great shouts.
7.) 23 Apr 2024 10:38:04
What happen to Bakayoko Ed1? I remember how highly rated he is last season. But this season, it seems like his stock has fallen.
{Ed001's Note - I guess you mean Johan? There are a lot of Bakayokos! He is just 20, they go through peaks and troughs usually at that age.}
8.) 23 Apr 2024 11:20:09
Ed1. I also don’t get why Diaz’s dad is talking. And when I say talking, I mean constantly talking. He is not even an agent in any capacity. If I was in Diaz’s shoes, I would be telling my father to zip it as it’s embarrassing all around.
On the managerial front, I have 3 questions:
1. As far as you’re aware is Amorim, who was just behind Alonso as my 2nd choice, now completely off?
2. Richard Hughes is apparently a big fan of De Zerbi. Do you now see him being appointed?
3. I have long resigned to the fact Alonso is not coming after his announcement. Do you think he could do a U turn or has that ship completely sailed.
I have a feeling we are going to appoint De Zerbi, who I’ll be honest is not my favoured choice at all. Not for the way his team plays, because his brand of football prior to this season was breath taking and quite possibly the best in Europe. But more so for his very combative personality, which could go one of two ways.
{Ed002's Note - 1. He cannot be completely ruled out. Ruben Amorim (C) Manchester United may still offer an option - another option will be Liverpool, but he knows he was not first choice - but I think they will still try for him with Alonso not interested and I think he would be a good choice and a good fit, but persuading him to leave Sporting may be difficult.
I understand that there was no clear understanding between the club and his agent regarding the scope of his responsibilities and Liverpool will need to be flexible – critically over the squad – another with an issue that targets are still Fallows, Hunter and Klopp derived and a whole new structure being put in place. Do not rule out Barcelona but Deco has a preferred option whilst the board want to persuade Xavi to stay or to move quicky for Amorim.
If needs force the situation and given the likely link between the club and Sporting, Chelsea may start pushing having spoken with Amorim before. West Ham spoke with his agent and Sporting to allow them to talk directly to Amorim, but it would seem an unlikely move for me and probably not one he would be keen on but they will offer him control over targets and will offer him much more than Moyes gets in salary.
They have a project to sell but, for me, will likely need to revert to the other potential replacements for Moyes that they have identified. Newcastle may offer a wildcard option and will pay the termination clause and the cost of terminating his staff but they again will not be an attractive option. Bayern Munich may also see Amorin as an option as they too struggle but he is not currently top-of-the-list for them as they are likely to revise their approach now.
2. Roberto de Zerbi (C) Brighton would fight to keep him but another who will certainly be discussed by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester United with Jim Ratcliffe having a very serious interest in him. A minor issue exists in the €15M cost of Brighton releasing him.
Additionally, there are termination clauses for all of his staff. Deco has de Zerbi as his preferred option for Barcelona which he has shared with Yuste and Laporte but it will not be Deco's decision and they can perhaps be excluded. Not top of Chelsea's list, but on the list. Likely first choice for Bayern Munich now but if they cannot sign him they have a Plan B.
An interesting option might be Manchester City when the job becomes available. He has said he is not interested in the Liverpool job but they could look to trying to persuade him to make the move as they struggle to bring in preferred options. Brighton are actively looking for a replacement and fear he will depart.
3. Xabi Alonso (C) A popular choice for clubs and having a great season at Bayer Leverkusen, but very inexperienced, although there will be interest in him from Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United, I would discount all but Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Has made no secret of a desire to follow Ancelotti at Real Madrid - but that won't be until 2026 so they can be discounted at this time although he has the support of Carlo Ancelotti. Manchester City may provide an option in 2025 and don’t rule out a move. Klopp has endorsed both Alonso and Nagelsmann for the Liverpool job – but neither is available this summer.
Bayern Munich offered a serious option but again they are having to look to other options inkling a Plan B that will see an interim Head Coach for a year. Having won the league this season it would likely make it very difficult for him to leave Leverkusen and there would be significant pressure to stay.
His agent Inaki Ibanez has said that multiple clubs are enquiring and that clubs need to work with Bayer Leverkusen, who Liverpool have approached to ask permission to speak directly with Alonso but he will stay for now looking at a future role in Madrid when Carlo Ancelotti departs in 2026.}
9.) 23 Apr 2024 11:17:59
Agree with most of that especially the Diaz part I get so frustrated with the amount of times he runs into trouble and holds it too long. Nunez gets, but Diaz is more frustrating for me.
I'd keep Jones personally.
10.) 23 Apr 2024 12:43:53
I think Diaz's dad is especially disrespectful given the support the club showed his family during their hour of need just this season. He's also there at every game wanting photos with everyone. The next day he's talking about his son leaving. Talk about a cheek.
I don't think we need to replace Diaz if he leaves. He has zero end product. Just give extra minutes to Elliott, Clark, Doak and others.
11.) 23 Apr 2024 12:54:38
Ed2. Cheers for the detailed response. Much appreciated.
15 Apr 2024 09:34:55
Watching klopp’s post match interview yesterday was the first time the thought of a new manager actually felt right. Klopp looked mentally shattered. I absolutely idolise the man but I think now is probably the right time for fresh ideas.
Thanks for everything Jurgen!
1.) 15 Apr 2024 11:46:27
JK_RED, maybe the guy knew what he was saying all along.
29 Mar 2024 16:41:27
Ed001, with the news of Alonso now probably staying another year at Leverkusen, the consensus now seems to be that Amorim and De Zerbi are front runners for the job.
I personally am not too excited by the prospect of De Zerbi. I know they lost some important players in the summer but Brighton seem to have gone backwards this season.
As for Amorim, haven’t got a clue about him other than he has done well with sporting over the past couple of years. Do you know enough about him to know if he’d be a good fit?
Would one of these two be your choice? And if not, who would you go for?
{Ed001's Note - it does seem a bit pointless me answering this as I have said it a hundred times before. Amorim would be my second choice but De Zerbi would be on the level of Fat Scam as a choice.}
1.) 29 Mar 2024 17:13:27
Not that I’m vying for De Zerbi but he’s in a right position this weekend.
He’s on audition in his eyes for one of the biggest jobs in world football.
Losing against us isn’t going to make him look good but how is he going to look in Liverpool fans eyes if he’s beats us and ours a huge dent in our title hopes and Klopps swansong.
Brighton are some what a recent bogey team for us. We’ve only beaten them once in the last 8 fixtures between the sides.
2.) 29 Mar 2024 19:31:38
JK23 if the club aren't getting him and leaning towards Amorim then, it's not going to matter what he thinks he will be auditioning for "in his eyes".
I remember Allison getting battered at LFC with Roma over two legs conceding 7 goals in the CL which one could say was his "audition". Did that stop us from getting him eventually? Exactly.
All Im saying is that if De Zerbi is the guy (which I hope is not), Sunday's result won't matter. And if he is not then equally, the result won't matter either, IMO.
3.) 29 Mar 2024 19:46:31
Alright Oli calm down.
First PGMOL were gaslighting you and now the club are interested in managers you don’t like.
At this rate you’re going to have to stop streaming free football games hours after they’ve happened on YouTube to really hit the club where it hurts.
4.) 29 Mar 2024 21:25:12
If that were the case JK then you would like to think (particularly if you’re associated with Brighton) that he would do what he is paid to do and be professional.
To be honest I couldn't care less about next season at this point. Beat Brighton and on to the next game.
5.) 30 Mar 2024 09:47:55
JK23, you're doing too much and not for the first time, lol.
16 Aug 2023 17:17:14
Ed002, are we not allowed to have a joke on here anymore?
{Ed002's Note - Of course but all of this is demonstrating ignorance or stupidity. We have been through those who think the Saudi PIF are the secret owners of Chelsea, and the many, many fans who think Saudi Arabia is in Europe and we are now on to those that think Liverpool showed interest in and made offers for players before Chelsea.}
09 Aug 2023 23:39:23
@beckerspecker, not as embarrassing as us lowballing Southampton for weeks and then potentially losing out to Chelsea instead of just paying the extra few million!
01 Aug 2023 18:18:29
@MK it is low balling if the selling club say they have no intention of selling below £50m. You may not believe he is worth that much and fair enough but they do and they hold all the cards.
01 Aug 2023 17:20:06
Really looking forward to the £44m bid next week!
01 Aug 2023 14:17:36
And obviously Liverpool know this and continue to send lowball offers knowing they will be rejected. Time is of the essence, the season starts in less than 2 weeks and we are without a recognised number 6!
{Ed025's Note - spot on JK.. hi in
30 May 2024 10:36:50
Fair enough ed002. I saw on another post that you said Watkins’ agent has approached a handful of clubs including Liverpool. Do you know if liverpool are interested in taking it further?
{Ed002's Note - I don't know I am afraid.}
26 Apr 2024 13:58:09
This post isn’t me defending Trent either, he should do a lot better and put up more of a challenge. I was highlighting how ridiculous zonal marking is! If we man-marked at corners instead, Van Dijk or Konate are picking up Calvert Lewin and that goal doesn’t happen. Can anyone tell me the benefits of zonal marking? The cons definitely outweigh the pros for me!
23 Apr 2024 09:08:43
Thanks for the reply Ed001, I do agree aswell regarding Jones. He finally looked like he was nailing down his place in midfield earlier in the season but yet another injury has completely derailed his season and he has come back very rusty, back in his old habit of taking far too long on the ball and getting caught.
{Ed001's Note - it is a shame, I really want him to succeed but he has to stay fit.}
21 Mar 2024 11:16:11
@WDW trust me I get it, I’m just as sick as you are of talking about them, but it seems every single weekend there’s a big decision ruining games. It’s actually quite impressive how many decisions they get wrong with a million cameras covering every single angle of the pitch.
20 Mar 2024 16:46:10
WDW, not saying anything is surely worse? Just accepting it will only allow them to get away with it for longer.