07 Apr 2015 03:18:13
Don't shoot me, just asking a question. How important is CL footy for us next season? It wasn't the big carrot we hoped it would be in attracting top players, though I know that is just one aspect to a player signing. Also, big money is expected when selling to English teams in the CL, so we often pay over the odds. Utd still attracted Blind, Di Maria and Falcao, and yes I know they can pay more in wages than we can.
We had our best season in years last year without European competition, and let's face it, our current squad couldn't cope.
Of course, if I had a choice, I'd love us to finish fourth, but it's not the end of the world.

1.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 08:23:25
Very important, if not to attract big players, it would be the money received that we couldn't afford to miss out on

2.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 08:03:01
How important? In terms of finance, in terms of player attraction and in most importantly, in terms of the big European nights at Anfield happening again and beginning to mean something - very important.

Our current squad probably could cope. But sadly they never even tried

3.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 09:12:33
Fair point - but first of all if we finish 5th or get to the cup final (I think) we are very likely to get to the EL which is even worse in terms of how it will affect our league form (more games and closer to the weekend.

I agree that it is not the only relevant factor attracting (or failing to attract) top players but can still be important for some. Part of the reason ManU was able to attract all these names you mentioned is the assumption that they will be back in the CL sooner or later. And it is not only about attracting big names but being able to keep young talent, Sterling etc.

Maybe most important, if we ever want to be title contenders it is likly to be a gradual process, first becoming regular members in the CL, then builidng the winning mentality especially in big games, the squad to compete well in two competitions (when you do well in the CL it also add a bit of fear factor domestically against the small teams), testing ourselves against the best in Europe, hopefully improving and then find another Suarez and and top manager and take the league.

{Ed002's Note - So another 10 years of transition then?

6th will do for the Europa League.}

4.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 10:22:02
Champions League qualification is important in every way, shape and form, the financial aspect, the lure of playing on the big stage, reputation, competing against the best, etc, etc.

Ok being in it this year didn't attract the 'Big names'(Sanchez is the only one I can think of that we went for and got turned down) but as Arsenal have shown, consistently being in it along with the money it brings in makes you a better proposition for 'big name players'.

You can't put a price on the experience the squad receives from playing in it against the major teams and the best players in the biggest stadiums. Our players won't get used to playing at the top level if they aren't playing against the top level teams!

Utd were only able to sign those players due to the fact they threw crazy money at them. Show me a player who would turn down £300k a week to sign for Utd without Champions League and I'll show you a liar!

5.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 11:34:09
One year of Champions League qualification won't make much difference to your ability to attract players, you have to be a consistent Champions League club like we were in the noughties.

6.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 11:51:59
We cannot compete with United they are absolutely huge and it is a very long time since we actually signed a top class proven player we just cannot attract those type of players anymore.

7.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 12:15:47
We hardly need any players in my opinion.
Get rid of all those we don't want and bring in youth players and a few 1st eleven players.
Evolution rather than revolution for me.

8.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 16:23:19
Very important unfortunately. Not only for the financials, but for future Champions League rankings as well. It isn't ideal having to go in the 3rd pot, Citeh being a good example of that.

I can't imagine that we are going to be spending much money in the Summer regardless of Champions League or not, but it will have an effect on who we target. The Europa League really is not ideal. They have put a small amount more in participation money, but not enough. Additionally, the fact that you need to win it to get to the Champions League makes it very tough.

9.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 16:44:54
Depending how early we find the next Suarez and top manager. Do you have a better/faster plan Ed002?

10.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 18:20:19
Jonnny, evolution won't work with the blood thirsty glory hunters on here.

{Ed001's Note - bit harsh that, everyone wants to win things.}

11.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 18:56:46
I think we should put a petition in to UEFA asking them to give England 5 CL places then were sorted

12.) 07 Apr 2015
07 Apr 2015 21:37:54
Everyone is entitled to their opinion Davey!! (Made me laugh though fella)
I respect those who think Rodgers has run his course a Liverpool.
I just don't agree with the notion.
There is no-one out there who I think is attainable who can change the situation dramatically for the better and I still don't think Rodgers has been here long enough to properly judge him.
3 Years in my opinion is not long enough to judge a manager who was brought in for a long term project.
Others may disagree but hey that is what makes life worth living!!