09 Nov 2018 13:34:23
Couple of things regarding the recent game versus Red Star.

Firstly, I think we need to remember that the rotation of players is not just to rest some players who regularly start. It is also vital that players on the fringes get game time so when they are needed they are somewhere near match fitness.

Lallana, Matpip and Sturridge have to play now and again to keep some sort of sharpness - though they looked way off on Tuesday.

Secondly - I think we are too nice as a team - we have some good players but lack a little nasty streak . sprinkle this team with some suarez aggression ( no biting please ) up top, the odd cynical foul in midfield and some carra basics at the back and I think that's the missing piece for when the going gets tough. just my opinion.

1.) 09 Nov 2018
09 Nov 2018 14:02:50
However, if you need the points the sensible thing to do is play your strongest 11 and win the game. If you are good enough you would hope to give yourself enough breathing space in the match to give the fringe players half an hour or so. Whilst we have the best squad we have had in years it is still not near as good as Citys so I am afraid to keep up our best players will have to play more minutes than there best players.

Completely agree that the team needs a bit more bite though. I would love to have a Mascherano in front of VVD and Gomez to be honest!

2.) 09 Nov 2018
09 Nov 2018 19:31:03
A midfield of Fabinho, Henderson and Keita would add more than enough bite for me. I really do think its time to start playing a double pivot in midfield against weaker teams as opposed to the three work horses we have at the moment.

3.) 09 Nov 2018
09 Nov 2018 20:07:31
Spot on, AW. That midfield if on form, is enough to do the business in midfield. As for the Red Star game, I agree with the OP. You got to play and rotate the starters cos it is a long season. Klopp wanted that team to go out and do the business and they did not. We can blame Klopp for not playing his strongest team (which is ludicrous cos you have to protect the team as a manager) BUT it was the starters in the lineup, who made the most mistakes and caused the goals so how is Klopp to blame for that?

4.) 09 Nov 2018
09 Nov 2018 21:19:37
Agreed about the midfield. Have always thought that our best balance is to play 2 CMs and a more advanced AM if you like. So for me any combo of hendo/ milner/ fam/ gini as the 2 CMs and then keita/ shaq/ lallana/ ox in the AM role.