Liverpool other posts

31 Mar 2026 22:16:56
Frimpong comes off injured after 14 minutes for Netherlands.

Season done.

31 Mar 2026 22:56:12
Beyond a joke at this stage.

31 Mar 2026 19:33:36
Serious question. Can I ask what people would say to Jarrod Bowen? He's only 29 and is decent in a pretty bad West Ham team. We have Isak and Ekitike and Wirtz so I think Bowen would be a great bit of business. I don't think an out and out replacement is a) required and b) possible.

31 Mar 2026 20:56:19
Love Jarrod Bowen. Just don't see us giving what West Ham would demand for a player of his age.

31 Mar 2026 21:00:08
Only 29? He's not got many miles left on the clock and would come with English tax. Hard pass.

31 Mar 2026 21:23:00
If West Ham go down and he's available on the cheap I'd take him as a squad option to replace somebody like Chiesa. He would be a decent option off the bench and it's obviously a bonus that he is homegrown.

01 Apr 2026 00:41:04
I'm with Vik. He would have been great 5 years ago, but now, at 29, I think we should look for someone who is just entering their peak instead of exiting it.

01 Apr 2026 07:30:27
Would rather have Kulu from Spuds.

31 Mar 2026 15:44:55
For those in the Xabi-in camp, do we think a back 3 can succeed in the Prem and if not, does he have the flex to adapt and be successful?

The squad maybe looks better suited to a back 3, along with flicking those without the required dynamism.

31 Mar 2026 16:46:09
I'm sure a 3 can. Not sure the squad looks better suited to it though. We would need as many signings as if we stuck with a four for me. Then there's always the players it doesn't suit, like Rio.

31 Mar 2026 16:49:32
Xabi has played a back 4 plenty of times. He plays the formation that best suits the players that he has available.

31 Mar 2026 22:04:12
I think starting shape is secondary to tempo, pressing, passing rhythm, aggression etc.

So I don't see why it can't work.

01 Apr 2026 10:10:21
It can definitely work but depends how it works.

One man's 3-5-2 can be very, very different from another man's 3-5-2.

We play 4-3-3 now, which was amazing under Klopp and first 6 months of Slot, but it's a very different 4-3-3 today to that time in how it is played.

Formation does matter, but pales in comparison to tactics and principles.

31 Mar 2026 10:35:10
I am very confident you will not have anything confirmed regarding Slot until the season is finally finished for Liverpool. There will be loads of rumours, some true, some conjecture, some guesswork, but the owners are very careful, and while there may have been informal contact with Alonso etc., owners will not compromise how the club is professionally run in undermining Slot.

30 Mar 2026 22:45:24
This might be a little long winded, but I have been stuck at home nursing a possible re-tear of my ACL, so have had nothing but time and boredom to contend with. During this period, I was flicking through Youtube videos and I stumbled upon a really old match that I vaguely remembered from my childhood. The match in question was Liverpool vs Barcelona in 2001, a UEFA Cup match, I believe.

I only started watching because I was reminded of my childhood, and also wanted to see what football was like during that time. And, honestly, I was kind of blown away by the spectacle and the comparisons I was making between football then and now.

Obviously the picture was more fuzzy, and harder to make out who was who, the kits were baggy and most players tucked their shirts into their shorts. But what really threw me was the level of play I was watching. The best way I could describe it would be chaotic, the ball was being blasted all over the place, players were throwing in red card slide tackles all the time, and the ref not only ignored it but told the player to get up and get on with it. The players were attempting unnecessary receiving skills and times, but it allowed everything to flow better.

Both Liverpool and Barcelona were actively looking to get the ball forward, no control the tempo, no negative play, just get it forward. The gaps both teams were leaving was bordering on unprofessional, the amount of times a player ran into open space without being pressured was bizaree. It did take me a little while to realise why the latter was happening, it was because the majority of the team was pressing so high to get the ball, and win it closer to the goal, that they willingly allowed this. The risks were great but they were relentless with it.

And that is what stood out, risk. The play was often sloppy, amateurish, but that was because players were willing and prepared to try something difficult or unexpected in order to get the ball higher up the pitch, or in order to beat their opponent. The imperfections throughout was honestly a breath of fresh air. There was no conservative play, no pass the ball around the defensive line or lure an offensive player out of their line. Everything was full throttle, disjointed and just brilliant to watch.

The imperfections really made me realise why I have become disillusioned with football now. Now, everything is about control, avoiding risk, play acting in order to get favourable decisions. But, in the match I was watching none of that. Barcelona, the great Barcelona, were willingly booting the ball all over the place. I watched Steven Gerrard miss control the ball several times, yet that was because he was trying to beat his opponent with his first touch, rather than receive, hold and play backwards.

Honestly, some of the tackles, as I said previously, were outrageous. A Liverpool player, I believe it was Smicer, went in for a slide tackle and basically studded the inside of the Barcelona players knee, with full force, and the ref just waived play on. The Barcelona player even got up and hobbled around after, with very few complaints. The number of players that took crunchers in 90 minutes, even unnecessary digs after the ball was gone (mostly by Liverpool, unfortunately) yet just got up and got on with it, I forgot that was how it was.

Honestly, if people have the time, watch some old matches from the 2000 period, really is a breath of fresh air. I get that footballers need to get protected now, and are an expensive commodity to owners, but the lack of fight, danger, etc, was very eye opening. Players had to deal with constant slide tackling (Honestly, very few actually engaged in a standing tackle, it was mostly sliding) and many attempted to win the ball from impossible angles.

The imperfections I watched reminded me of why I loved football, because it was a battle where perserverance and struggle were needed to win, as opposed to managerial shifts and changes for every single phase of play, area of the pitch triggers or set piece plays, etc. Or, at least that is what it felt like watching it. It also made me think, as a child, I had a chance to make it as a footballer because all of the professionals were making mistakes, losing the ball, etc. Now, players rarely make mistakes because everything is safe, co-ordinated in such a way that safety is now paramount over risk and reward, and individuality is squashed as a result.

Long winded, I know, way too much time on my hands, but while my leg ain't working, going to be rewatching a lot more matches from the past.

30 Mar 2026 23:50:29
Bloody hell, Mango!

You're making me feel old! I was in my pomp in 2001!

31 Mar 2026 00:18:07
Mango, great post. Man after my own heart. I couldn't agree more w your observations.

I was busy doing nothing yesterday watching YouTube myself, actually. On came a Maine Road, Manchester derby featuring Georgie Best. It was an 8 minute highlight reel of him, and tbh, I thought "my god, his touch is dreadful and he's given the ball away every time he got it." His overall play was awful. He'd be hooked this day and age. I'm sure it was an "off-day" for him, but the rest of the match was awful too. The passing and touch was shocking across the board. Bestie was diving too, and the City player actually did a swan dive next to Best, which was comical.



I was also watching a Ronaldinho highlight reel. Sadly, I don't think we'll ever see a player like him again. Now, he'd go down at the first, slightest touch and try to score from a free-kick.

I moan on here about this sort of stuff more often than I should lol, but it's hard to watch the PL as it is now; any "top-level" footie now tbh. Thinking of dropping my LFCTV membership also, just really losing interest across the board. Hoping the PL comes to its senses next season and we see some good football again, but I think it gets worse before it gets better, sadly.

31 Mar 2026 00:18:53
And hope your leg gets better soon!

31 Mar 2026 00:42:35
Red Flyer - there can't be many old reels of Bestie having a poor game - he was a total genius and played on mud baths and got kicked all around the pitch with potential leg breakers !
Try & see if the YouTube vid comes up when he scored in a League Cup tie vs Chelsea, when Ron "Chopper" Harris almost broke him in two or the European Cup final in 68, when he ran the show !
Brilliant player who had everything - he was on a level IMO of any of the greats who have played that I've seen.

31 Mar 2026 06:34:16
Yeah BR, before my time, but my dad always raved about him. But like I said, I'm sure it was an "off day" lol.

Glad I grew up in the 70s, 80s etc., when football was a totally different game to what it is now. Call me old fashioned, numpty, or whatever, but football now is no comparison to what it once was.

We'll never see the likes of Messi, etc. again. Now have to settle for "clever" players who "draw" fouls, aka cheating Berkeley hunts.

31 Mar 2026 07:13:30
I was at that game, Mango. Don't remember it in as much detail as that, but I do remember an absolutely outstanding atmosphere. I was in the Kop, and u could feel the stand moving at times.

It was in the days of away goals. We won 1-0, but if Barca scored we were out, so v tense. I do remember Sami Hyypia having a monster of a game.

31 Mar 2026 08:11:01
A few weeks ago I posted about seeing an Ipswich v Liverpool match from 1980. That was wild; Phil Neal got a yellow for 'clotheslining' an opponent!

31 Mar 2026 10:48:15
See the above post shows me as well, how out of touch modern players and commentators are when you see Rooney, Rio, Terry commenting on today's players not being as good as their day.

The players today can outrun the players from old, are better tactically, they complain that today's players are more athletes than proper footballers, well guess what if you are being beaten by someone that can simply outrun you, you can't have been that good at the game.

I am 40 and remember this match. I remember many others being the same, end to end like basketball matches, too often nostalgia takes over.

We were lucky to get over the line in the League Cup that year.

Today's football I admit is a Hell of a lot less exciting, but when they say VVD wouldn't have dealt with Rooney, Drogba etc from their day, it's laughable. Rooney would be blowing out his arse at 60, burning through his energy reserves trying to get past VVD. VVD would have bypassed the out of shape midfield with 1 50 yard cross field to Salah with Evra up the pitch.

31 Mar 2026 11:28:11
Phil Babbs Nut, nonsense statement that, mate. Rooney, Rio and Terry are better than 99% of players out there today, you'd have to be completely mad to argue against that. They are top 1% athletes, just because the style of the game has changed doesn't mean the talent has gotten any better.

31 Mar 2026 12:41:06
Well, the point stands, Chewy, they are complaining in 1 sentence that the players today aren't as technical, but are able to run more. If more technical players are replaced by athletes, then they can't be that good at the sport.

This is, by their own admission. I think the game has absolutely moved on considerably even in the last decade. I don't think Rooney gets close to being a pro today, given his fondness of food and drink, look how much it undid Hazard.

Players simply can't drink or eat burgers on a whim. Everything is calculated.



I think the idea that Rooney says his Man U side would batter this Arsenal on is laughable. They wouldn't keep pace, Rooney didn't have the discipline to stay in the centre forward position, Saliba and Gabriel would have a day off against Rooney and Berba.


There seems to be this thing about sports where people of a certain generation don't think the generation that follows is better or is as good.

We see it in Golf and Basketball and Boxing. There seems to be this adamant position that "things were better in my day" from commentators.

{Ed025's Note - i happen to agree with Rooney PBN, yes these athletes we call footballers can run but lack technical skill for me, Rooney would succeed in any era mate i can assure you, tell me who you would rather have in your midfield, a Curtis Jones or a pie eating Jan Molby?, its not all about running and being a physical specimen my friend..

31 Mar 2026 12:54:03
I don't think I was at the game you were watching, Mango, but I was definitely at the 2001 game against Barca, in the CL.

They beat us 1-3, and if I remember right, the Barca team were applauded off. They were that good.

It must be a sign of me getting old, but I don't remember football being that different back then.

However, I was watching football back in the 70s. Now that was different! While you're recuperating, Mango, try watching some clips from that time. It was a different sport.

31 Mar 2026 13:04:18
I am sure it was LFC vs Man U where Hansen chips the ball up and it bypasses all the Man U players and lands at his own feet, as they all just close down Hansen, passes to Dalglish who misses?

31 Mar 2026 14:37:10
1980, Phil Babbs. At Old Trafford.

31 Mar 2026 16:00:47
Ed025's Note reply - I don't agree sadly, for many there's a lack of technical skill, I think Gabriel Saliba and many other top CB's have better touches than Vidic did back then.

I agree that player have had tings drilled into them from youth hold you position, recycle possession, don't take on the wingback, move the opposition around until space opens. Yes you got that in the other decades but there was greater freedom of expression, then again, a small injection of pace from Giggs and Barnes highlighted how badly some players positioning could be exposed by doing the 100m in under 12 seconds back in 80's 90's

I just think, you don't get to complain that the football is boring and they're all atheletes when Pep moved the entirety of football to that way of playing cus his "athletes" who followed his rules, absolutely dominated those with freedom of expression.

I just don't think you get to have your cake and eat it Ed. You can't complain about players being less technical but those same players would batter your team from 2 decades ago simply with a press and outlasting you) I think Rooney was deluded there.

{Ed025's Note - Rooney was an excellent player PBN, came from a nutter of a family but is one of the all time greats in English football, players now are mainly 6ft 4inch grocks who rely on pace and strength rather than skill mate, i take it you were not around in the 70,s, 80,s, or 90,s...when it was a beautiful game..

30 Mar 2026 14:10:21
Ok guys I get we have been mad bad this season but these suggestions on here that we should splurge on Diamonde and Gordon are creeping me out.
They aren't good enough. And I think you guys are forgetting Ekitike plays LW. I don't think its a priority position.
We need a CB, a Salah replacement and a DM

CB - I want some one experienced and despite all his flaws my pick is Romero. Despite his rashness I think he brings leadership which is what are lacking bigtime. I also won't mind Sensei
CM - I think we need a DM and I want Bruno but that won't happen. I do like Ayari from Brighton in that role or Tonali (he isn't a true DM though). I still want us to check out Nyoni first before splashing big bucks.

We have 3 excellent MFs. Don't think we need to overdo it here. Just one good signing - I don't rate Wharton no matter how high his ceiling might be he doesn't look to me like he will cut it. Anderson is the better player but his team is fighting relegation so I don't know how better he is. So neither one for me.

RW - I don't see any point in selling Chiesa for 10m so maybe I'd actually give him a chance and have Harvey back and rotate them. I do want us to look at Nico Paz from Como but I don't think we have any sort of interest. Obvious choice is Olise.

I'd certainly be super cautious of spending too much this year given the world conditions.

30 Mar 2026 14:45:04
I think you're wrong about Diomande, I think he's exactly what we need on both flanks and is what we're currently missing! Legs and unpredictability!

Agree about Gordon, not a fan tbh.

30 Mar 2026 15:24:57
Romero is shocking. The only "leadership" I can think of is his level of passion, which is a bit intense and ultimately leads to several red cards. Leaders don't get sent off for brain dead tackles on a regular basis.

CB - Schlotterbeck or Bastoni.
CM - Sadiki or Ederson.
RW - Diomande.
CM - Anderson.

Sell Salah (well, release), Macca, and I'd bring back Harvey as backup to Wirtz, and keep Robbo 1 more year.



First 11.

Alisson.
Frimpong/Bradley (don't care which way round).
Schlotterbeck or Bastoni.
VVD.
Kerkez.
Grav.
Anderson.
Szob.
Diomande.
Isak or Ekitike (plenty of games for both if we have Europe).
Gakpo/Ekitike if Isak is playing up top.

30 Mar 2026 15:58:37
Diomande would be the Salah replacement.

If we signed Wharton, I suspect it would likely be as a Macca replacement, but I would like to see us sign a deep lying midfielder to replace Endo in the squad also.

CB is a weird one. If Konate and Gomez stay, then I don't think we will sign another, but they could both potentially leave, at which point we need to sign at least 1 CB. For me, it would need to be a Virg successor with a bit more experience than the other lads we have signed of late. Schlotterbeck and Bastoni are the 2 that have been talked about on here a lot, but it looks likely that Schlotterbeck is going to sign a new contract and stay for at least 1 more year (rumours of a release clause becoming active in 2027), and Barca are moving for Bastoni.

I'm not convinced either were the answer anyway, but I don't know who is. It feels like there is a real lack of quality LCBs around at the moment. Senesi would not be terrible (I'm assuming that is who 'Sensei' is, unless you have a Japanese teacher who excels in defence?)

The fact is, though, that we don't really know who will be in charge next season (we are all assuming XA or at the very least not Slot but who knows!), what formations and tactics they will likely play and therefore who we need to sign!

30 Mar 2026 16:20:35
Isn't Schlotterback signing a new deal? Sure I read that somewhere recently?

30 Mar 2026 17:51:32
Stopped reading at Romero.

31 Mar 2026 08:12:04
We do need a new Sensei at the helm.

I'd love Enrique to be it, but I'll be ok with Alonso, Iraola or Hoeness.

Ps. You lost the plot with Romero and Chiesa being solutions for us, mate.

31 Mar 2026 11:57:19
Schlotterbeck has stated today that he has not signed a new contract.

28 Mar 2026 21:17:30
Can any of the ITKS or the ED'S confirm that apparently Arne slot has asked for a new contract and has said he will resign if not given .

29 Mar 2026 13:03:00
Wouldn't even give him a fone contract.

29 Mar 2026 13:12:39
Win the CL and Slot an ask for whatever he wants...

I don't think that he is any position right now to ask for anything...except for a few days off every week to go back home.

29 Mar 2026 13:30:01
If that's the case, wouldn't this suit us all? Slot doesn't get his contract, resigns and saves us money paid to him?

29 Mar 2026 13:42:32
Bloke knows he's gone in May, remember? Why resign when you're looking at all them lovely reddies in a few weeks?

31 Mar 2026 11:34:44
Absolute rubbish, the article published by Football365, pure clickbait site, regurgitated by the likes of Indykaila.

28 Mar 2026 18:28:53
What I'd give for today's Liverpool legends coaching team to be our actual coaching team right now.

28 Mar 2026 17:14:07
What a player Thiago is, absolutely bossed that legends game!

28 Mar 2026 19:15:24
I shud hope so. Only retired a coupla years ago.

28 Mar 2026 23:58:03
So the only reason he bossed the midfield is because he only just retired? Turn it in. your a troll you lad

29 Mar 2026 08:42:48
Preach, SJ8. Tedious and ubiquitous.

29 Mar 2026 11:43:55
Helps in fairness, lads. ? Also helps Dortmund started with a 44 yr old and a 56 year old in the middle. Good watch though. Nice to watch a stress free match.

30 Mar 2026 13:36:37
Thiago biggest sicknote since Darren Anderson for Spurs. He only managed about 2 minutes in his last season. Got some nerve showing his face.