12 Feb 2017 20:40:25
The main difference between yesterday's performance and the rest of 2017 was it was pretty much our best 11 barring Lucas. Just shows how much we rely on our first 11 and struggle when someone has to swap in into the team. Depth next season will be key to our success so will be interesting to see who we target.
1.) 13 Feb 2017
13 Feb 2017 05:08:28
Liverpool's lack of quality in depth is really irritating, but it's a hard problem to solve with haste. Fans expected Liverpool to go out in August and buy at least 12 new players to strengthen not only the first team but the squad. They then expected the depth to be fixed in January, which as the eds keep on stressing is not ideal for that month. Fans wanted part of the deficit in quality squad depth to be remedied in January but players typically don't leave their clubs during that month unless they are looking for more game time, not to play a role as competitive depth.
2.) 13 Feb 2017
13 Feb 2017 09:28:16
We should never buy squad players only ones that improve the first team: creates depth and competition and gets the best out of everyone. I never really understood buying players for the 'squad' - what that means is your buying players not quite good enough for the first XI - what's the point of doing that?
3.) 13 Feb 2017
13 Feb 2017 09:30:00
I think you have nailed the problems we have just had. We have a great first 11 that will compete with anyone. It is a very well balanced team.
The problem came when any needed replacing.
You have to do this like for like. Winger for winger. striker for striker. Can only plays when Hendo is injured or needs a rest. It upset the system too much.
We have a great foundation now to get in the players in the summer that can give us 2 options in every position. Mix of youth and new faces.
And we still have a lot to play for this year and I'm confident unlike previous managers. If we can finish strong and get close to winning the league this manager won't implode and ruin the team that got him there. He will add more quality to take us on a level.
4.) 13 Feb 2017
13 Feb 2017 11:15:42
If you are well and truly aware players won't leave in Jan why not buy them in summer? We simply passed the windows without buying a left back and another winger / wide forward which has cost us what another real chance at the title.
5.) 13 Feb 2017
13 Feb 2017 11:58:40
Maths the Jan transfer window is a joke and is only in existence because of Sky milking it (but that's a conversation for another day)
Alfie, Seano and Robin, I couldn't agree more we have brought players for the sake of it in the past and it's got us nowhere. In the summer we should look at a keeper to replace migs, a lb to replace moreno, and a first 11 cb to partner matip anything else should be dependent on sales or if someone comes up that improves the first 11 outside the priority positions.
6.) 13 Feb 2017
13 Feb 2017 18:07:09
Harry, The Jan transfer window is a shambles and if football was as simple as you describe it, it wouldn't be as exciting and unpredictable as it is now. If it was that easy to get the player you want, why did conte get rejected when he wanted Bonucci, Ruddiger and then Coulibaly as CB only to opt for David Luiz in the summer? Also, why did no one in the top 6 sign players in Jan?
Cos no one will sell you their top player in Jan unless something crazy happened as in Suarez's case with Ajax where he threatened legal action against them to force a move to us or us panic-buying Carroll for stupid money.
Buying for buying sake makes no sense and we are in the best position to know that but hey I guess it's easy to moan cos that's always better than thinking and analyzing situations pragmatically (not referring to you personally, Harry) .
We now know the type of players we want cos we have a great first 11 as a blueprint. Stick to that in the summer and we go again next season hopefully, in the CL.