Liverpool banter 2

24 Apr 2024 13:25:00
I didn't want Klopp to go, but it had to end at some point, he was a bit of a one off. I don't know much about Slot, but I trust FSG have a process and have identified what they want in a manager but reading some of the posts from the bedwetters on here you'd think he was Sam Allardyce.

24 Apr 2024 14:22:20
Read that Slot and Linders apparently have a good relationship.

Could it be a possibility that Linders stays on in some capacity. That way it gives the new manager some breathing space because if it all goes wrong next season we can just blame Pep.

{Ed002's Note - No Lijnders is leaving and will not be offered the managerial position at Feyenoord or Ajax but could end up at Besiktas after Marc Kosicke offered him to them - perhaps with Peter Krawietz as his assistant. The club are looking to Slot having Sipke Hulshoff join him but it is likely he will want Liverpool to allow him to maintain his role as an assistant to the National side. Hulshoff is out of contract in the summer. Feyenood will not want to lose other staff until they have ironed out the details with his replacement but have already made clear they would like Etienne Reijnen to stay after only recently joining.}

24 Apr 2024 14:30:31
I don’t know if you said it on purpose or for this very reason, but the moment you refer to fellow LFC fans as “bedwetters”, your point probably isn’t worth listening to with any great intent.

24 Apr 2024 14:48:23
Cheers for the reply Ed002.

Will Liverpool also have to allow Hulshoff to maintain his role as a lifeguard on baywatch also.

{Ed002's Note - Absolutely.}

24 Apr 2024 15:40:04
Ed, I thought that he would want to bring his own coaching team to Liv. Maybe a few peoples in his coaching team at Fayenoord with him if not all of them.

{Ed002's Note - Sipke Hulshoff yes; John de Wolf - I doubt would be interested at his age and Feyenoord want Etienne Reijnen to stay. After that I can't help with any of the other staff.}

24 Apr 2024 16:49:07
Thanks for all the info, Ed02. You called it. Also, why do you think we went for Slot, in any case? Cheers, man.

{Ed002's Note - He was clearly the third choice. The football is similar to Klopp and Amorim and the players will like him.}}

24 Apr 2024 17:23:10
He'll be the Kit man, JK.

24 Apr 2024 19:03:18
And you’ve hit the nail on the head Ed. Similar football philosophy and the players will want to work for him. As disappointing as it is that Alonso said no, it’s a fifty fifty between Slot and Amorim, so can’t say I’m unhappy with it. Looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team.

24 Apr 2024 13:14:57
Hats off Ed002. I know it's not a done deal but was scratching my head when you were mentioning Slot as he was nowhere in the betting and not mentioned by ANYONE else as far as I could see.

I know you don't need kudus from us but Slot and Gravenberch is impressive info.

Have you ever revealed your occupation or why you provide us with cool info for free?

{Ed033's Note - Ed002 is [allegedly] a retired rodeo clown, but still a gentleman adventurer, as far as i know.

24 Apr 2024 13:45:47
Ed002 may not need any kudus from but I would still very much want Kudus from West Ham 😁.

24 Apr 2024 14:45:28
A Chelsea fan with obvious insider knowledge when it comes to Dutch individuals. Obviously Ed002 must be Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink! (or possibly Ed de Goey)

24 Apr 2024 12:58:35


Nevada has written an article entitled, Is Arne Slot A Good Fit For Liverpool?

24 Apr 2024 13:38:16
A good read but somthing yuou could have added on the dressing influence. Can he manage the big egoes at LFC and that's where Ten Hag failed. Ten hag's Ajax played some breathtaking football but he simply couldn't control the UTD dressing room. He couldn't install any discipline and that is my worry for Slot. Do you think Salah, Robbo and VVD would listen to him?
Klopp had the spine to drop both Salah and VVD when needed, Can slot do the same?
As good as the coach you are if you cannot control the big stars you are doomed.

24 Apr 2024 13:59:19
Do you think failing to control a dressing room is a Dutch thing, Beek? A bald Dutch thing?

24 Apr 2024 14:14:06
The United dressing rooms full of clowns, I’d imagine our lot, especially the elders to be much more civilised.
VVD will respect Slot (no doubt he still closely follows football in his homeland and will know he’s a good manager and person) and the players respect the captain.

24 Apr 2024 15:07:44
Go on, I’ll bite …. Where has the “big goes” thing come from?

24 Apr 2024 15:15:11
I didn't even realise the post got turned into an article.

I intentionally didn't touch the man management side of the game because the truth is he's not been around long enough to manage any big egos, that tends to happen when you manage a 'big club' also my profession is sports psychologist and I have consulted in top level football before so it would be a professional faux Pas to suggest I can ascertain his mental acumen without spending any time with him.

Hope that answers the question.

24 Apr 2024 16:53:55
TheBeekeeper, Ten Hag can't coach. in fact according to some Utd fans out there, he is the absolute worst manager in the PL cos nobody has any idea what his style is or what his players are trying to do. At least when you watch Luton or Sheff Utd, you can tell what they are trying to do even tho, they aren't good at it.

If you tactic is "boys, we'll go out there and hope for the best" then sorry, I wouldn't let you coach my kid's U-10 basketball team (if Ten Hag was a basketball coach) cos even they don't deserve such levels of incompetence. Dreadful manager and an even bigger fraud.

24 Apr 2024 17:00:02
"Slot is very similar except his teams tend to have the ball a lot more and only use counter press to help keep the ball as opposed to create opportunities. In Slot's teams, the chances come from wide cut backs more often than not or wide forwards cutting inside. "

Exactly. Per what I have learned, Slot is more of a Guardiola disciple than Klopp is and that comment summed it up. Now that aside, I feel you are very negative and harsh in your assessment of the appointment.

The inuendos of "FSG thinks he is a cheaper option" and all that to me, is a bit iffy cos we really don't know how the selection process happened nor what Slot is really like. So for me, let's keep an open mind and see how things pan out should Slot take the job. Just my take.

Nice read, btw.

24 Apr 2024 18:47:29
Thanks Oli.

That's just my opinion not based on his salary but his requirements. Both Alonso and amorim would require multiple signings due to their different system of play. Slot can almost start from day one, though I'll argue we will need a right back because I'm 100% certain he'll move trent to a be part of a midfield double pivot with macallister.

I'm skeptical but not negative. I've heard how people talk about the Liverpool job in professional circles and while I wouldn't use the phrase poisoned chalice it is the one which springs to mind, whoever takes it will either be brave or looking for a payday.

In my mind the next guy is almost a sacrificial lamb to remove the stigma of "following klopp" if he does well then even better.

Oddly I actually think the way slot plays will work better in prem than the way klopp plays as slot tactics (I believe) would be more effective against teams that don't want the ball.

24 Apr 2024 18:50:22
Also Oli, if it isn't obvious from my comments on ten hag, I do not rate ten hag. I felt at the time the United job was too soon for him.

He doesn't seem to learn, against Coventry United were doing fine until the double Coventry change on 60 mins, which was to exploit space being left in front of Maguire and behind wan bissaka and it worked beautifully. Ten hag response was to send on eriksen to cover the area just in front of the box. which absolutely anyone on earth would have known would solve nothing.

24 Apr 2024 19:27:48
Hi Nevada,

Thanks for that - very comprehensive and good read

You alluded to the fact the Liverpool are not that big of a dry for coaches - in the article and previous posts I read recently

I note your backround in sports psychology in various spots including footy and you have gotten some good calls correct on here
In terms of Liv not being a top top draw - Do you know why that is? Im mean we may be behind the mega clubs such as Barca, Real, Bayern maybe but they are a handful. In term of history and recent success, finances, fans, facilities etc surely we are right up there (top 5-6 clubs europe? ) We all love Liverpool and think we are the no.1 and I appreciate that's not actually the case but we are surely top 5-6 clubs in europe (the world by extension) .
What gives i suppose is my point?


thx.

24 Apr 2024 12:08:55
Question for Ed1.

Was reading a post from 2023 about Ramario v Suarez.

You're always an insightful read.

Got to thinking.

Who's your all time Liverpool FC picks for

Striker
Mid
CB/ FB
Keeper

I'm a child of the 80s, so I think back to Rush and Barnes, King Kenny then Torres, Suarez, and now of course Salah. Hard to pick.

Mids, Stevie G, Alonso. But so many across the decades.

Defenders, Hansen? Hypiia? VVD?
I know the game has changed, so where does someone like Trent fit in to this?

Keepers. We've had some diamonds but I've got a special place in my heart for Bruce (I'm a Zimbo), but is Becker perhaps the only true worldie we've had?

{Ed001's Note - keepers is the easy one, I loved Brucie, met him a few times and he was a great keeper, but Alisson is the best I have ever seen. I believe him to be the GOAT keeper in the whole of football, not just with us, so it has to be him.

Full-back is difficult. Rob Jones was by far the best defensively I have seen but Trent's delivery is unbelievable. I would still pick Jones though, because he was just so good as a defender.

Centre-back has to be Hansen. Hyypia was too slow and simply not as good as Hansen anyway. Lawrenson and van Dijk would be the two close to him, but I just think overall it would be Hansen. Very close though.

Midfield would be Souness. Alonso was a better player overall, but not until after he left us. Gerrard would be the best if he had just had the right mindset when it came to defending. He had the technical ability at every level of the game and in every way to be the best, but would get caught napping defensively far too often. That led to dangerous tackles in the box when he just needed to be alert to the danger and see it out.

Left side would be Barnes by a mile. Mane was great, but Barnes was unbelievably good.

Right side would be Salah. Though if Gerrard had stayed there, instead of throwing his toys out of the pram and refusing to play there, I think he would have been the best we had there.

Striker is Fowler. He was special, just injuries that cost him. Torres was close but just didn't do it for long enough. Suarez was too much of a problem for the club, which ruined his time with us. Firmino didn't score enough. Rush was sensational but Fowler just had magic in his boots and could do it all, beat a man on the dribble, put a free kick top bin, pretty much anything. Actually no, Dalglish. It has to be Dalglish. Truly legendary player.}

24 Apr 2024 12:55:58
I would love to have Prime Fowler in our current team. He would ruin riot.

I often see people on Facebook suggesting Owen was a better player than Fowler. Absolutely blows my mind.

24 Apr 2024 13:01:07
Difficult so many great players so cannot disagree with Ed at all there. KK was special though
Up the pool.

24 Apr 2024 13:15:40
"Digger" was immense. He would be untouchable had he played in this era, IMO.

24 Apr 2024 13:27:36
Agree on all but Trent, Ed. He's a unicorn and has to be ahead of Jones.

Left back? Is Robbo in the reckoning? Aurelio was brilliant but always injured. Phil Neal used to play left back from time to time, apparently. Alan Kennedy probably gets it.

24 Apr 2024 13:44:03
Great reply Ed. Ta.

Obviously I loved God also, maybe it was just a pity we didn't have home long enough and he was with us when we were a bit. lost? . After Kenny's time, which was the end of an era of our great managers.

Shame it went so wrong second time around.

Big love, Reds.

24 Apr 2024 14:16:16
Rob Jones was excellent but it's Steve Nicol at right back, for me.
Poor pundit, mind.
Mark Lawrenson was that good he could play left back and that would allow VVD to play alongside Hansen.

24 Apr 2024 14:18:27
It’s mental how Rushie who will likely be our highest goal scorer forever never seems to get thought of amongst our greatest players.

When we mention our best strikers automatically we think Fowler, Suarez and Torres etc.

We even nicknamed a forward that came after him god despite him scoring only just over half the amount that Rushie did.

Let’s be honest though as fans we have certainly been spoilt over the years with some absolute fabulous footballers.

24 Apr 2024 12:44:53
Love it Ed, especially the twist at the end!

Great question Robboz, I'm also of the same vintage, started following the side in the early-mid 80s.

Hansen was just so majestic, whilst looking like a Bambi on ice when he ran - all angles and knees! I'd definitely pick him, as well as agreeing with Becker in goal.

Midfield is a really tough one, and as I sit here looking at a signed photo of Stevie from 2005, it has to be him. Souness was on the way out or had left by the time I registered our players - earliest midfield I remember was McMahon and Molby - so it'd definitely be Stevie for me.

Has to be Fowler for me up front - King Kenny was slightly before my time, was was player-managing mainly, and Rush was close, but as Ed001 said, God could do EVERYTHING!

Prime Fowler with prime Gerrard behind him - just amazing! A pity that by the time Gerrard established himself in midfield, God was suffering from injuries and falling out of favour with Ged in favour of the blue eyed boy - Owen (*spit*)

{Ed001's Note - I can't believe I forgot left-back! But that is the toughest one as we never really had great left-backs. Even Robbo, much as I love him, has a lot of flaws. But it would have to be Robbo I think. Aurelio was never fit. And none of the others that I can remember were outstanding. In fact I would say Nicol is probably the best I can remember. Or Lawrenson, but I only really remember him at centre-back. So I would have to go with Robertson.

As for the twist, Dalglish was fading by my time, so I wasn't going to say him, but then I remembered how good he was even in his final days. He was just a player ahead of his time. He was a Firmino who scored regularly. Paisley would move him around to suit the opposition because he knew Dalglish was so good he could play whatever role he was asked to.}

24 Apr 2024 13:40:48
Left back ed1? Robbo not doubt best I've seen in my time anyway.

{Ed001's Note - yeah it would have to be him, we haven't really been blessed in terms of left-back in terms of outright ability.}

24 Apr 2024 15:29:49
Kennedy for his European cup winner.

24 Apr 2024 17:54:08
Rush would be my number 9, without a doubt.
Dalglish as 7. He was an unbelievable player. He had a fantastic football brain but he was incredibly strong which often gets overlooked. Opponents would talk about him backing into them with his big backside. He could be a target man and a brilliant number 10 all in one.

24 Apr 2024 18:01:51
Alan kennedy left back for me over robbo Kennedy scored important goals that won us big trophies and was a top defender . The late great Ray Kennedy should be in any midfield what a left peg he had . jockey and larwo
Outstanding right back Chris lawler he was a attacking full back before it was invented and a goal scorer.

24 Apr 2024 18:29:57
Lb stig or riise where decent to be honest, Steve Staunton was very good too. But robbo takes it for me 2nd I’d have riise.

24 Apr 2024 19:02:27
Alison is the best keeper I've ever seen in my life. Full stop. Some are better shot stoppers, some are better passers.

There has never been such a good one on one keeper while I've been alive. Also when do you see him drop shots, crosses or corner? Extremely rare.


Hansen is the best defender we've ever had and people who it's van dijk never saw Hansen play.


Midfield goes to Gerrard for me, had the talent and influence to change games alone and did so with often inferior team mates.

Striker is probably the hardest, my heart says Fowler or Torres but if we are being really really honest it's rush. He was a pressing forward at a time when almost nobody did it, scored massive amounts of goals in all kinds of games at all levels and was unbelievably dependable. Very rare rush went more than three games with no goals, and even when he did he turned up other aspects of his game.

Rush is probably the most complete striker ever to play for Liverpool.

24 Apr 2024 19:14:21
Edd001 what would you call robertsons flaws?

{Ed001's Note - his delivery is extremely inconsistent, brilliant at times, dreadful at others. But his biggest flaw is his rashness, he gets caught up field constantly chasing when he should have dropped off, or rushing out to cut out a ball he is never getting to. His positional sense is good, but he will forget it to rush out far too often. The other flaw is that he rarely, if ever, cuts out crosses. He stands off and lets the wideman put the ball in under little pressure. Though I think that must be an instruction as Trent does the same. I don't understand it though as it does not take much to get a step closer and pressure the man on the ball.}

24 Apr 2024 21:17:18
GK is a straight contest between Clemence and Alison. Only other worth consideration is Elisha Scott from way back in the day.

RB you'd happily take Trent and Rob Jones, after that your looking at Steve Finnan, Marcus Babbel, Phil Neal and Alvaro Arbeloa.

LB Alec Lindsay is the best we've had in the position, Emlyn Hughes was versatile enough to play CB and LB. John Arne Riise had that free kick but I'd be happy with Robbo backing up Lindsay.

CB it's a squad you'd be looking at Hansen, Van Dijk, Phil Thompson, Emlyn Hughes, Mark Lawrenson - and I have high hopes Quansah will eventually be amongst these legends.

CM Souness, Alonso, Gerrard, Mascherano and maybe Ronnie Whelan although I did love Jan Molby and Jimmy Case

RM/ LM Terry McDermott was different gravy getting 15+ goals year in, year out. Steve Heighway was as smooth as silk on the left Billy Liddell could play wide or up front. McManaman probably had his best days at Madrid. I love Luiz Diaz and Mo would probably get in here as a RM/ RW and of course John Barnes

Strikers: Dalglish, Rush, Kevin Keegan, John Aldridge, Fowler, Owen, Peter Beardsley, Torres, Sturridge, Suarez, Mane, Firmino - take your pick

Manager: Paisley, Klopp, Shankly - that would be a hell of a boot room lol.

24 Apr 2024 11:54:01
If it's Slot, Ed2 seriously is ahead of the game.

24 Apr 2024 12:10:59
The meltdown from 'fans' on Twitter is hilarious. As well as being super embarrassing.

24 Apr 2024 12:41:08
Not sure what there is to hand a meltdown about? Seems like a decent choice. If it was Kovac et al, sure, knock yourself out, but Slot seems like a sound choice.

24 Apr 2024 12:42:01
He'll slot in nicely.

24 Apr 2024 12:47:28
Meltdown mainly seems to be about the Dutch league being so poor so, therefore, Slot is rubbish. Because the Portuguese league is of such high quality obviously.

24 Apr 2024 12:51:36
VV, Niko Kovac? Oh, heck no. As for "The Sloter", if he's the guy then, so be it. At least he knows what it's like to win a title when you're not expected to cos in Holland if your name ain't Ajax or PSV, you don't win titles over in the Eredivisie.

24 Apr 2024 14:24:21
If we get anymore nicknames like the Slotter or Darwinzy then I’ll be suggesting that hardrives are checked by the authorities.

24 Apr 2024 10:59:26
Question for ED01 - So Jota is injured again. Is this a recurring injury concern, was he rushed back too soon, or is this just bad luck? - he seems to spend a lot of time on the treatment table. Is there anything we should be doing to help him stay healthy?

{Ed001's Note - stop him spending so long on the videogames would certainly be a big help.}

24 Apr 2024 11:37:17
Ed001 you’re sounding like his dad!

{Ed001's Note - I love playing videogames myself, but I also know that playing them for long periods leaves your muscles and ligaments stiff and prone to picking up injuries. It is just the way it is. That is why you need to limit the amount you play. Or the same applies to working on a PC or any similar period of lethargy.}

24 Apr 2024 12:13:30
Given his injury record Ed1, would you conssidered selling him? Not going to lie, his injury record started to frustrate me. Its the same with Curtis, injured most of the time.

{Ed001's Note - I think we are going to have to consider it. If a decent offer was to arrive, it would be silly not to take it.}

24 Apr 2024 12:53:06
Most importantly, you are not getting the type of rest and sleep you need for your body to recover if you are a pro athlete.

24 Apr 2024 16:49:35
Ed do you think we could see Jota Salah Diaz all leave? That leaves us with Gakpo and Darwin who themselves have question marks over their long term future with us.

{Ed001's Note - I doubt that many would leave without replacements.}

24 Apr 2024 18:05:27
Remember our keeper David James had a very poor time and it was down to him being on video games, he was moved on not long after it came out.

24 Apr 2024 10:33:54
'Slot' is an unfortunate name in that in Liverpool, it's pronounced the same way 'slut' is.

24 Apr 2024 11:23:18
Guess he’s

Gunna be

Are slut then.

24 Apr 2024 16:50:16
As long as Arne doesn’t sound like Horny.

24 Apr 2024 16:51:53
Horny slut? Haha.