Liverpool Banter Archive August 10 2013

10 Aug 2013 22:56:57
hi ed's, do you think luis suarez will apologise to the club and fans? only I read something that he's said he is not in the wrong and won't apologise. also can you see R Madrid coming in for him? personally I don't think he will go as the is no one available and no body would want to come to us on the basis of no champs league. thanks will knotty ash {Ed002's Note - Suarez wants to leave and there is every chance of a bid from RM.}

I really do wish someone would hurry up and get him off our hands already.

I can see the Suarez situation developing exactly the same way as the Torres situation and the outcome will be the same. 4 months of sulking and putting in half the effort. January comes, transfer request goes in, player gets his move.

I fear Brendan might suffer the same fate as the manager too.

11 Aug 2013 01:10:06
No Ken, BR will not be gone at the end of the season - Moyes maybe!

10 Aug 2013 21:53:03
Shows what I know - I thought we played pretty well!

I enjoyed watching our posession aswell, we created enough chances to win the game and kept Celtic down to a few minor chances .

Bring on Stoke City at Anfield!

I thought we played ok as well. Downing, while having a few moments, was pretty ordinary. Enrique didn't have one of his better games. Henderson isn't a winger. Wisdom got showed up a bit. Stevie looked tired at times. Aspas was isolated. But overall I thought we were fine. Plenty of good chances created. Sturridge will find his finishing in a few weeks. Their first half keeper was excellent. No need for panics at all. I do believe however we are short a couple and are carrying a few players.

Andy K

When you play with Enrique, you really are playing with 10 and a half players. A tad harsh but he is useless going forward.

10 Aug 2013 22:34:43
Today showed why we have to keep Suarez. He would have put atleast 3 of the chances at the back of the net.

You're kidding, right? Suarez is a lot of things, but a clinical finisher is not one of them.

Not if he's suspended/sulking.

We missed several chances today and the keeper was excellent. If Suarez was on, we would have missed twice that amount.

People say he is unpredictable . but he is predictably wasteful.

That's why you go out and buy replacements. for me Fabio Quagliarella would a good natural finisher to get in and help Sturridge and Aspas with goals upfront.

Juve are asking £8.6m which is less than 20% of what we are demanding for Suarez £50m. it would leave us with £41.4m

then get a left winger so that Coutinho isn't repeatedly wasted on the wing and get a replacement for Downing because okay isn't good enough to be a starter.

Rdl not clinical? Okay he may miss easy chance occasionally. He scored thirty odd goals last year, all different types. If that ain't clinical, I don't know what is.

CC, 16% conversion rate is not a clinical finisher.

CC- he had the 2nd most shots out of everyone in Europe yet was not the 2nd highest goal scorer. Does that perhaps tell you something? Show me a decent striker who wouldn't score 30 goals with over 200 shots?

10 Aug 2013 21:40:02
I'm not to perturbed about our showing against Celtic because pre-season is hardly ever a pre-cursor to final league standings but what I'm slightly concerned about is our failure to land players that will go into the starting eleven. Something that Rogers himself said he was looking to do asap. Tottenham are going about their business in a shrewd, progressive and professional manner and the talent they are acquiring is nothing short of phenomenal. Capoue and Fernandinho would walk into our starting line up. Spurs will be a tour de force this season under a tactically shrewd and savvy manager. I know the Suarez saga has a lot to do with transfer ins and outs but getting so close to the big kick off you can't help but get a little concerned and suffer from player envy. {Ed030's Note - Fernandinho has signed for Man City mate,I think you may mean Paulinho? }

Thanks ed's 30. You get a gold star {Ed030's Note - No problem. }

10 Aug 2013 21:30:54
Cardiff city signing Gary Medel. I'm sure a few of the Ed's have rated him. How much did he go for? Thanks ed's

Ynwa

Has he actually signed?!

Wow, great signing for them I feel. For him and Honda only I am a little gutted we didn't try and buy them. Very good player. For me Honda would have been the best buy but let's see what happens {Ed030's Note - Yes he is now a Cardiff player and to the first post I think it's around £10 million however I wouldn't take my word for that. }

Thanks ed30

10 Aug 2013 20:51:06
One thing that the pre season has showed, which the media try to hide is, what huge support Liverpool have through out the world
Huge crowds and sold out ( don't have to give them away like Arsenal & Chelski)
All we need is a football team that deserves that worldwide support.

Agree mate. The one's up theeast lancs could only get 40,000 for Rio's testimonial 60% full at home andwe get 95,000 away in australia. Amazing support and we are finally tapping into it.

Ynwa

In fairness, they play at OT every second week and that was the first time we have played in Australia, I believe. I agree that we are incredibly well supported, for which we should be proud however I do not get why we need to make any reference to other clubs.

Andy K

10 Aug 2013 20:43:42
Not a rumour but an opinion. Liverpool are better off having lost their final preseason match. If they had easily won every match, they might've gone into the league opener slightly complacent and over-confident. Now they've still had a good preseason, so the confidence is there, but this loss against Celtic will put it in perspective and they will know that they need to knuckle down and improve if they are to make a serious run at the Champions League places, which I'm sure will be the case. Come on you reds!

Yes a hugely successful pre-season against amateur sides.

As soon as they play a team in a recognised league it's a different story.

Its true the level of comptetition will go up huhely but we will pick up speed too, and you can only beat (or lose) against what is put in front of you. perosally I think they pre season games were good and well picked (not sure who picks the ties or how it works but good choices IMO)

Pre-season is just about fitness and new signings gelling, and ours have done that. If pre-season was a good indicator then Utd are getting relegated. I agree, though. Had we finished on a win we might have been a little more complacent. How that muppet Owen gave Baldes MOTM was beyond me. Coutinho was excellent throughout.

I think pre-season has gone OK. I think we could have had a hat full more goals which worryingly is the same as most of our games last season but sooner or later they will come.

Could have had a pre-season like United! Generally weaker teams than those we played and managed to lose three of them with just two wins.

Pre season is not just about fitness so people stop implying that. People who just think that really are dillusional.

10 Aug 2013 20:40:08
Thought we were unlucky today, passed the ball well but maybe needed some more variation in the final 3rd.
Sometimes you learn more from a defeat than a win so might do us some good.
Would be tempted to start Ibe next week, has looked really impressive during per-season.

I also think the decisoning in the final third was poor from some players. I would maybe start Ibe on the bench and give him a run late so as to have dealt with some of the nerves. See how he goes. Some really positive signs from the Coutinho and Sturridge partnership continuing on from the end of last season.

Andy K

10 Aug 2013 20:33:28
PRE-SEASON IN NUMBERS: 7 games, 6 wins, 17 goals, 2 conceded, 9 different scorers

Absolutely shocking, not good enough, dire performances (according to some jokers)

Nail and head comes to mind there son, well put

And who have we played against? thailand indonesia a aussie team and a norweigan team?

It's all about gaining fitness man. We played some of our best games last year against top sides in the league. Man U has been getting trampled in the preseason against basically the same sides you speak of.

2012-2013 Pre-Season
Toronto FC 1 – 1 Liverpool
Roma 2 – 1 Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 0 Liverpool
Liverpool 3 – 1 Bayer Leverkusen

I will have this years thanks.

Andy K

10 Aug 2013 20:22:57
Disappointed with the loss but there are extremely good signs that we have a fantastic team. We should have won this game easily but for whatever reason we didn't. Downing was good but faded. Gerrard seemed to tire. He should have come off and be replaced with Hendo. We need that energy In the middle. Enrique had a bad game as did Wisdom. Toure was great. Coutinho made too many mistakes and Sturidge should have at least kept us level. A bit more luck and we would be firing in goals for fun. Lots of chances created. A good day with a lot of work for Brendon to do!

Yeah, I don't really get why Gerrard played more than 45 minutes, particularly considering the friendly on Wednesday.

Agree about the Gerrard and Hendo swap. Stevie did look tired and Hendo isn't a wide man.

Andy K

10 Aug 2013 20:16:32
Everybody rambling on about this game like its a champions league final! please remember it was a FRIENDLY! and we won 5 of 6. is that not enough? now please, stop been so personic going on and on. and move on, it could be worse after all. we could be in Man Utd's shoes ;)

Ed1 & 2 I hope everything is well? have a good evening!

10 Aug 2013 20:06:41
I cannot believe the reaction to a friendly defeat.i mean come on some people on here just want us to have a poor result so they can moan.this is not what shankly build Liverpool to be.we r a family, during the good times and the bad.we sing our hearts out every week YNWA, but I feel most here do not know what it means.criticism is fine but if it boders being plain dead pessimistic then i'm sorry lads that's not the Liverpool shankly build.targetting specific players just cause they are not superstars just makes u look stupid.to quote Bill Shakly, "If u can't support us when we lose, don't support us when we win".

10 Aug 2013 20:03:37
Hi Eds! First time poster. Was wondering when the teams in the CL and the EL have to submit their squads? Heard from a friend that it is this monday. Can Liverpool be holding out for movements untill then(fewer clubs to compete against. )? {Ed002's Note - At the beginning of September.}

10 Aug 2013 19:53:55
Hi fellow reds and EDS.

To all the doom merchants after 1 defeat.
Would you play the team to start next week to give Stoke a clear indication of how you line up/play?
The answer is obviously no.
It was the last pre season game and no silly injuries have happened. It was the last run out before it starts for proper next week.
BR has many options open to him as to how he is going to line up so it is anyones guess as to what the starting line up will be.
Keep the faith my friends.

10 Aug 2013 19:48:51
The only positive I take from the game today is hopefully we missed all the chances today so that the curse does not hit us next week during the more important game.
Anyway I am just praying we see a flurry of activity in the next 3 weeks regarding transfers. I would really like the club to bring as many as 4-5 new signings. Unrealisitc, I know but its what we need.
Hopefully the ungrateful no. 7 would have left us preferrably to another league while giving us atleast 45M pounds to bring new players. Really hope BR sees the need for a new CB and goes all-out for Papa or Sakho.

If we can bring in 2 attackers (to replace Suarez and Downing), a strong DM, a beast of a CB and a LB that should be more than enough to get top 4 quite easily. I know its been difficult for the club to attract players with no European footy but we really need these 5 players.
My choice Burak Yilmaz, Iker Munian (he could have a coutinho effect as his price at the moment will be quite low than what it was before), Javier Mascherano, Papadopoulos and Aly Cissokho.

10 Aug 2013 19:45:05
Some poor finishing, some very good Celtic defending, some good Celtic goalkeeping, we didn't play too bad I think, if we had got one I think we would have got three! reminded me of last season, play great up to the penalty spot then no one there to score, took too long to get our shots off as well, and nobody following in, we lack height in our attacks, corners and free kicks, can anybody head a ball? don't want to be too negative but we needed Suarez' spark today, we deserved a draw at least.

10 Aug 2013 19:41:21
Okay we lost a preseason match. But we've won 5 others. So I'm not worried at all. This is preseason. Nothing is dependent on it. I remember us defeating Sunderland 6-0 after having a really poor preseason. So doom mongers please, save your pathetic comments for some other time.

Cheers

10 Aug 2013 19:39:04
AndyKopLiverpool is totally right, some of the so called fans crying their poor little hearts out after a FRIENDLY defeat are a disgrace, I posted earlier about how well we played and all I've read around it is doom and gloom. We played really well today and were amazingly unlucky, sharp passing great off the ball movement and some very good individual skill, one sloppy moment from a defender who we all know won't be first choice is the only real negative (apart from a lot of bad luck). You lot get over yourselves, we're in very good shape for the new season and are going to do very well this year.

10 Aug 2013 19:36:02
its hard to be optimistic about attaining a higher league position this coming season, when we play 3/4 of the pitch like world beaters and then have nothing in that final 1/4, whether it be poor finishing or poor options, either passing or trying to shoot from ridiculous positions, the difference between those teams who get the 1-0 win or the late equalising goal is composure and good decision making, something I fear we lacked today, irregardless of this being pre-season, today was our final hit out before the season proper. If today is anything to be judged on we have some issues that need resolving in the final 1/4 of the pitch.
all the players seemed lost when it came to that decisive moment, it especially irks me that we have as many opportunities to cross balls in from the flanks that either don't make it past the first defender or go nowhere near one of our players, Stirling and Ibe seem to be the only players that can genuinely beat a player and find space behind the fullbacks, Henderson Aspas Coutinho are players that should only be used through middle, Downing-well I don't see him getting past anyone to be able to get a cross in, then there's Enrique and Johnson great ball carriers but again have no final ball, its all well and good being able to pass the ball and keep possession, but if you can't get it into areas that give opportunities to score we may aswell be passing it around our own penalty box.
I just hope the Sturridge and Coutinho show will deliver enough goals when we need them as that is our greatest threat to any opposition this year as it stands.
at the other end, if we aren't using Skrtel then I think Agger and Toure for stronger teams, and partner Agger with Kelly for the lesser likes, give Wisdom his chance in the Capitol one cup because on todays performance he still needs some time to get up to the level required - if he is capable of attaining that level of course
then have the midfield three as Lucas Gerrard and Coutinho, with Coutinho in front of the other two.

10 Aug 2013 19:15:52
BR Mid July:

"What we've done in the early part of the summer is to improve the squad. That's something I feel we've done with the players we've brought in.

"Now what's important over the next three to five weeks is improving the team. That's something the club is working very hard at."

Hopefully the Board will back these statements before the window closes. Its starting to look like we are either going to be rushed into signings come the end of August, or we will be caught with our pants down and a squad which is really not much better than last years, arguably worse considering the Suarez situation and Carragher retiring. Its nonsense for the Board and Rodgers to be talking about top 4 without any real investment in the Squad.

I get FSG were burned by KK and DCs awful signings, but any person with two cents could have told them at the time, without hindsight, Carroll downing and Henderson were completely overpriced and simply not worth that kind of investment.

I would rather us by no one than be "rushed into" anything.

10 Aug 2013 19:09:12
Why are some fans so negative, I thought we did ok.We played a lot better with Hendo going Left and Coutinho in the middle.It's still all about fitness.A good workout against an organised side.Our tempo will be quicker against Stoke next week.I want to see Coutinho play Central, he's much better there and he has a good understanding with Sturridge.

10 Aug 2013 19:08:32
Hate to lose but will take some positives from the defeat - Toure was my MOTM, rock in defence and read the game well. Sturridge look a little rusty but did provide some spark in attack. Still time to tweak the team. Another forward and centreback and we'll be ok

10 Aug 2013 19:04:54
I cannot believe the reaction to a pre-season defeat, which in the scheme of things means nothing, and could be a good wake up call for next weekend. Gives BR a chance to give team a good rollicking, and get them focused for the real thing.

10 Aug 2013 19:04:34
I think today has been a wonderful reminder how much more quality we need in this side. Not having a rant it's just a fact. As usual the signings we crave haven't even been bought.

10 Aug 2013 18:54:29
is it impossible for us to score from a corner, how many was that

Ooops, Martin Kelly scored a header from a corner against Valerenga . Hopefully Toure can add something on set pieces .

We scored last game

10 Aug 2013 18:41:49
". Suarez was right. this team to get Top 4, would need a Miracle.
fans have been amazing though.
we simply can't sell suarez. simply can't sell him. {Ed002's Note - He did not mention a miracle. What he said was that his teammates weren't good enough. There is a massive difference - particularly in terms of respect.}

Lets be honest some of them are not good enough. {Ed002's Note - Do you see it as acceptable he has let this out in to the public domain?}

10 Aug 2013 19:02:19
I don't think he was deliberately trying to disrespect his fellow team mates.
but he was right. Ed.You honestly believe this team is good enough for CL? {Ed002's Note - Being good enough for the Champions League is not a matter of concern.}

Why? Suarez has been here for 2 and half years and the best we did was finish 7th. Now, you think a Suarez who doesn't want to be here is going to get us into CL?

Ed have to say he's right though at this point they ain't good enough but they are young and I do think a couple of years they will be some special players here but this is what I have said all along u need the right mix of youth and experience and that's were we are slipping up {Ed002's Note - Of the four players Liverpool has purchased so far three are 32, 26 and 25. Basically there is no way to satisfy you?}

10 Aug 2013 19:06:13
god help us no suarez this side is going nowhere we are average at best
gutted

We need to strengthen some spots. CB, Winger players like henderson allen downing not good enough! People talks about top 4 after defeating thailand. Get a grip, we lack quality players

Finally someone else on this site admitting that Henderson is not good enough. I just don't understand the love affair some have with him. I'm sure he's a nice enough person, he just is not that good of a player.

Why is it that people seem to think a team that has the 5th largest wage bill and revenue (both a fair amount behind Arsenal) are somehow destined for anything other than about 5th? We have a chance at 4th, but it will be tough, no doubt. It is what is, moaning and complaining about it isn't going to accomplish much. Support the team we have, not the one you unrealistically want.

U know what me and many others support Liverpool fc not suarez.so harry if u can stop making this defeat as an excuse to defend suarez it would me mighty good of you.where were u when Liverpool won their other five preseason games.i don't recollect u saying a damn good thing about the team.u need to make your mind up lad, who do support Liverpool or the suarez?

10 Aug 2013 18:31:15
ffs coutinho has been mediocre

Wtf he has been immense for pre-season and one off game . which to be honest he wasn't that bad. sort your head out ALI?

Ynwa

PSH SPARE ME! So we didn't win or have the best match. Big deal we clearly played better. Their goal was rubbish. Should we be winning those matches? Yes. Should you be criticizing Phil right now? No. He played alright anyways. Reading people's comments on here after that FRIENDLY defeat makes me sick. Pipe down you morons. Making Liverpool fans look STUPID.

10 Aug 2013 18:26:33
Seems a bit strange to play Downing today if he is leaving.

Would have preferred to see Aspas stay on when Sturridge came on to see what they are like together.

Can't get my head around all the doom merchants on he though.

Spearing started the last game

10 Aug 2013 18:22:28
Alright boys, let me get something off my chest. All summer long during pre season all I've seen is 'top 4 chance', 'Top 4 here we come' and all that rubbish. And now today, all I see is 'Dire', 'Hopeless' and 'Top 4, yeah right'. Some of you have got to be the most bi-polar people I've ever seen.

How about you take pre season for what it is. PRE- season. Wait until you decide if we're going to win the league or get relegated. It might make some of you miserable goons a bit happier.

To be fair - majority of people have kept their counsel (like me) and said nothing.
Pre-season friendlies are supposed to be tame and victories are fairly hollow except for confidence, fitness and team building.

But - watching the game today - against a Celtic team without 9 of their first team regulars - and thinking about Stoke next Sat - its fairly clear we're going to fall short of Top 4 this season without a couple of transfers who can be put straight into the first team.

A "kwality" CB, and another striker as a minimum needed. Bench Wisdom - I just don't think he's ready.

Lots of chances - non taken!

That's the problem.

10 Aug 2013 18:50:54
Exactly an year ago. we said this. ". its just one game. we have 37 more to go. "

Exactly!

No we have 38 more games this season to improve

10 Aug 2013 18:16:57
Enrique shocking

I agree with mate.

Yep Enrique is awful - the club needs to get a left back sorted quickly. It's still pre-season but some performances were not good enough today - the midfield was awful until Coutinho came inside. Still confident about the season ahead though!

10 Aug 2013 17:56:28
Dire, just absolutely dire and awful to watch.
No real direction and purpose in this "pass, pass, pass". all of which is happening in unimportant areas with no real danger posed to Celtic.

Attitude also is a problem. We think and play like we are better than we really are; thinking that we can just waltz into the pitch, pass ourselves to nowhere and woila! job's done.

Alarming to think that this is the closest to our starting XI verses Stoke next week.

If this is any consolation, this is not celtics starting XI, only 2 are starting

The end of the world is nigh!
We lost a friendly game, and I want to die
Life is not worth living
the players they weren't giving.
and top 4 now looks so far away.

Sorry when I read these huge over reactions the utter stupidness of the comments bring out my inner poet (insanity). Seriously it was a pre-season friendly! It was about fitness and NOT over exerting yourself or getting injured! I think you need to sort your head out mate

10 Aug 2013 17:54:35
is this the same celtic the commentator mentioned are starting todays game with only 2 of the eleven that played in the CL qualifier midweek, dear o dear, looks like 4th is well out of reach, arsenal beat man city today 3-1

So what you you saying ( the word ) man city with the most expensive and probably the the strongest squad and probably one of the best managers in world football are also doomed because they lost a friendly match, does that mean the loser of the charity shield match tomorrow is also doomed because they lost a game that by all accounts is also a frienldy.

10 Aug 2013 17:51:05
Think its crystal clear we need a new CB, Winger, and LB

10 Aug 2013 17:34:11
Liverpool need another attacker; Sturridge, Coutinho, Suarez, Aspas, Sterling is not enough. Downing isn't good enough, desperate times for Liverpool. Where are the exciting first team players you promised to come in Brendan?
#Worrying

'Desperate times for Liverpool' (sigh) We're trailing half time 1-0 in a pre-season friendly! Season's not even started yet and doom mongers are out

Totally agree 100 percent red, people need to get a grip

10 Aug 2013 17:17:32
1 week until new season starts and no new signings. disappointed but not surprised. {Ed002's Note - There are four new signing and there will be more to come.}

All new signings are squad players ba the keeper.

Northern red aspas is no squad player mate, the boys going to be quality, all players including sauez, cavani, falcoa torres, augero all started somewhere, Rodgers knows full well saurez will never play for the club again but jh is prepared to play hard ball and show other teams we will no longer be pushed around, he will go and he will go for the price we want, believe aspas will score more than sturridge this season and I will put money on that

10 Aug 2013 16:46:37
Looking forward to the game today, expecting sturridge to get some minutes. Hopefully a half but I reckon he will get 20-30 mins what does everyone else think?

10 Aug 2013 16:36:49
Ed02 which teams in the Prem do you expect to be the busiest in the remaining 24 days in the window? {Ed002's Note - Measured how - most players in, most players out, most spent, most air miles travelled? I have said that clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are still looking for players. I cannot answer any weird subjective questions.}

Lets say in player numbers? Liverpool 2 more, united 2-3 more? maybee {Ed002's Note - I am not going to be guess the numbers of players to arrive at all of the EPL clubs.}

10 Aug 2013 16:18:20
Ed02,
I know Suarez and his case have been talked about for weeks now. But as both Rodgers and Henry said Luis is going nowhere, is it just a game they`re playing to get a higher bit or what? I can`t see Suarez staying after all that`s happened lately. Or is finding a good replacement making it difficult to sell him? thanks for your view on the matter. {Ed002's Note - I cannot think of anything else to say on the matter. Sorry.}

10 Aug 2013 16:12:23
Re: Javier Mascherano

Earlier this week several websites reported that Javier Mascherano is a target for Brendan Rodgers.
Mascherano has publically stated that he is unsure whether or not that Barcelona will be his employer next season, due to not knowing if he is in new manager Gerardo Martino's plans. Mascherano was instrumental in helping us maintain our European elite standings during his tenure with us between 2007-10.
I highly doubt we would re-sign Javier due to his high wages and the way which he left.

10 Aug 2013 16:10:49
Talk on twitter Liverpool have agreed a £24 million deal to sign Luis Muriel from Udinese

I know it's only twitter so probably complete Horse Dung but just wondering if there is anything behind it and if the Eds feel Luis Muriel is a viable option for us {Ed002's Note - We are really not here to respond to everything that comes up on Twitter.}

10 Aug 2013 15:59:17
would just like to get a few opinions about how things are going within the team and how people think we will fair this year in the league, my personal thoughts are that the club seem to be getting stronger as a whole and the team looks to be coming along nicely but I think the next couple of weeks will be massively important if we want to really make top 4, as it stands I would say we have a outside chance of getting top 4 and currently have a good team I just think if we can get 2/3 more signings of good quality then we will have a great chance of getting back in the champ league. how do others feel we will do this year with the current squad and what do people feel we really need as a team to improve

10 Aug 2013 15:57:58
Any Chance of John Arne Riise coming back for LB cover, he's on a free

10 Aug 2013 15:36:29
Any interest in John Arne rise? According to him he wants to leave and can go on a free transfer? Perfect cover for Enrique
Cheers

Good call carty!

Riise used to be my fav lfc player what a rocket of a left boot

10 Aug 2013 15:15:02
Mcmanaman on BT sport talking about Liverpool and the Suarez saga. He's mentioned about Liverpool having the money to bring players in from the sales of players! Do we have the funds to bring in the 2-4 players in positions that need back up and improving? And he's also said it would make things very exciting for Liverpool FC and the fans if another striker is brought in! Can't see that happening though with us already having Suarez, Sturridge, Aspas & borini. Would a striker be brought in, if or when Suarez leaves?

I want sanchez lemala or muriel. we have the money the costa bid shows that. but yes I think another striker/forward type player will arrive BR feels we need another, just simply going off the attempt to sign costa

10 Aug 2013 14:56:56
Ive just seen an interview with john arne risse saying he may leave on a free this summer.I was a season ticket holder when Risse was playing, thought he was a cracking player.Just wanna know if people think he would be a good free back up for left back. Thoughts anyone?

He would probably be looking for a last payday before retiring. Decisions, decisions, decisions!

I'd take him if he was on a free & wages were not too high, he could still do a job as cover for Enrique.

10 Aug 2013 14:44:36
Hello guys, the normal streaming site I use (firstrowsports) has been blocked, anyone know any other sites I could watch the game on? {Ed002's Note - Try .bz extension.}

Try eplsite.com

Go with vipbox

First Row Sports is working for me!

10 Aug 2013 14:00:10
Just one to think about
Not that many years ago I would come on here and every other post had Dead wood. High wages. Etc etc but now we got a good squad a lot of players cum through youth team, more to come hopefully not because they cheap because very showing promise that they are good enough, we really are looking like the strongest squad I've seen for a while, hats off as well to the youth set up, some hard word work and time and £££ must been done
Ynwa

10 Aug 2013 13:50:48
Hi eds

Im a bit concerned with our lack of spending again, I know you hate talking about finances, but we only did our business early because we got money for carroll and shelvey. And now we appear to be trying to get people on loan and selling even more of our players, how is this improving the squad? i'm worried

Same here, I don't see the sense in letting so many people leave, without replacements in 1st, downing, assiadi, reina, carra, carrol, shelvey, suso, spearing, robo and potentially suarez i'm sure there's more I've missed and more to go and there's only 3 weeks left with nothing imminent coming in I just don't see why they leave it so late every window I know we made 4 early signings but they were done before the window opened so its been almost a month and a half with no work done and nothing close so I don't see what they have been doing in that time. I thought the idea was to get them in early to help settle in before the season starts but they will be joining during the season now which isn't going to help preparations. worried fan!

My concerns are the same if downing and Martin s go also that will be 8/9 out 4 in.BR better have something special up hi sleeve

Personally think its fine. It will give some of our younger players playing time and reduce our outgoing so in future years we can offer more attractive players a better deal to join us

10 Aug 2013 13:36:58
Hey eds just wondering if the talk of Downing to West Ham is true?

If true surely we are going to need a replacement? as it seems a bit dumb letting people go from the attack which is an area we a still trying to strengthen i'll admit Downings not been great in his time here but he tries his best, doesn't complain and the width he provides is important for the team. So overall i'd say he is a good squad player.

We can't have "squad players" on silly wages though.

10 Aug 2013 13:00:00
Eds, if we were to know Suarez was almost certain to leave at the very start of the transfer window, do u think we would of still bought Aspas? Or would of we invested some more into that position with a more well known signing? {Ed002's Note - Aspas is expected to be a valuable signing for the club. I thought everyone was happy with him and his goals?}

Fed up with people moaning, well said eds. Aspas looks good. just because we got him fairly cheap and he is fairly unknown, does not mean anything he is not up to task.

Quit moaning, get behind the players, the team, the club.

We should have invested more money instead of getting coutinho then!!

Aspas has scored 4 goals and assisted 4 times in 6 friendlies so far having played less minutes than 4 full 90 minute matches. What else do you want from him?

Hes done ok lay off the lad. I was skeptical when we signed him but he's kicked on nicely and he really fits our system. do I think he's going to improve us and get us top 4? no. we need 2/3 special players for that

I have no problem with Aspas and think he's a great buy, I was just wondering that if we knew Suarez were to leave how much it would of affected our transfer targets. Sorry for giving off the impression that I'm not happy with Aspas, because I am. {Ed002's Note - The club are still looking for players. I gave specifics earlier but it had to be deleted.}

10 Aug 2013 12:40:15
Luis Muriel rumours doing the rounds again, but they are saying "Scouts from Liverpool and Barcelona were in attendance last night to watch Muriel in Udinese's the Europa League Qualifying game against Siroki Brijegin". What's the likeliness of us signing Muriel this window? Also hear the are interested in him also!

10 Aug 2013 13:23:45
Hi all, 1st time poster.
Just a quick question, in the likely event of suarez leaving (which I think will happen when real pull their fingers out) who in any of your opinions is our most likely replacement?
By the way love the site. cheers {Ed023's Note - Welcome. Give the search engine a whirl. This has been answered by Ed002 many times}

10 Aug 2013 13:21:42
All prem clubs should call a friendly before England's first world game. They might see how ridiculous playing the week before the season kicks off really is. {Ed023's Note - Totally agree}

Cheers r ed.

10 Aug 2013 13:14:40
Hey ed's, just wondering with talk of Stewart Downing moving for something in the region of £6m and with Assaidi already loaned out or due to be do you feel that there is interest in a wide player? As We would then only seem to have Coutinho, Sterling and maybe Ibe who can comfortably play in wide positions.

With recent talk of a striker coming in, we would then have 4/5 natural strikers (which is no bad thing) but BR commonly playing the 4, 3, 3 formation this would mean either pushing Sturridge/Aspas/Alberto out wide or heavily relying on Sterling/Ibe again which we saw the issues with last season.

Cheers ed's, hope to hear a response. {Ed023's Note - Yes, we have stressed all summer that the club would you look to bring in a CB, LB & FWD/Winger.}

10 Aug 2013 12:13:42
Eds, I know it's painful answering the Suarez questions, but everything seems to be spinning around at the minute. Everyone at Liverpool is saying he's staying and now John Henry has said there is no time to find a replacement so he'll not be sold.

One of the Eds said that a replacement is still being sought after, does Suarez leaving now depend on a replacement being ready?

Thanks, and sorry that it's another Suarez question. {Ed002's Note - I am done with these slight variations on the Suarez issue because people are trying to read between the lines of what Rodgers or Henry has said. I cannot sensibly be expected to keep answering questions like this.}

10 Aug 2013 14:02:07
Stop answering then sensibly then ed, you're magnificent wit coupled with the general gullibility of football fans - myself included - make a fantastic combination which only enhances this already fantastic sight

While I like the idea of having to register, it doesn't root out the STUPIDNESS!!

Eds, surely you don't have to post this stuff. If it's been done to death or involves finances, why do you post it and answer it?
I'm sure if certain posts weren't getting posted, people might get the hint and stop asking. Probably not {Ed002's Note - I am trying to give everyone a fair chance of posting but folks need to understand the limitations.}

10 Aug 2013 11:23:42
I think it's been obvious since day one that downing could not get his head around the extra expectation at Liverpool, he was a better than average player at best and had we paid 10 million I could see the logic in signing him if we thought we could improve him, 20 million players should be the finished article at downing age. It's a shame BR didn't have the Dalglish money to spend because there seems to be a lot more consideration going in to new players. I am genuinely excited about the new season because it's the first time in ages that utd don't start as favourites and a real chance that they won't even make the top 3. I am hoping our season is decided on how we get on against the likes of spurs, arsenal and above and not dropping stupid points against the cannon fodder. Come on you reds.

10 Aug 2013 10:58:04
Hi reds and eds
Looking forward to the game today will be good to test against a slighter higher calibre opposition and hopefully should be similar to our stoke starting line up bar possibly sturridge.
I really don't think we need to worry about the situation with Suarez, I would rather he went after the lack of respect he has shown to the club, staff and other players but if he is forced to stay then I do not believe there is any chance he will sulk as he is just not that type of player and at the end of the day he will want to perform his best in a World Cup year and will still want to attract interest for next summer or even January.
If we were to let him go however I would still not be concerned. I believe our defence will be stronger with toure and Kelly in there and hopefully a new centre back and also wisdom looking a much better player in my opinion really excited about him. Also believe a fully fit Lucas with a year of games and pre season behind him will benefit our defence no end.
In terms of goals I think Rodgers has spoken of wanting to add 20 goals to the side from last season so if Suarez left along with others who have or might go we would be looking at around 55 goals to replace.
We have sturridge who will get at least another 10
Coutinho at least another 7 or 8
Aspas, borini, Alberto will get 15-20 between them at least
Henderso improved a lot towards the end of last season and Allen looking back to his best so they will get 5-6 more between them
I believe Kelly and wisdom and toure will get more goals than skrtel Coates and carragher so probably an extra 3-4 goals
All that is fairly pessimistic and adds up to 40 goals at the absolute minimum which would mean we would only be needing to add fifteen or twenty goals to the side which considering we would have money for two forward players in a very reasonable target. Considering of this tally I havnt taken into consideration the fact that sterling and yesil and ibe and teixeira etc are a year older an guaranteed to chip in with a few I feel really confident that if we could pick up a couple of players with the Suarez money like yilmaz, ince, greizman, muniain, Muriel, Fischer, tello, costa, and many more options we would easily score the goals needed.
My only possible concern would be would put starting eleven be strong enough to beat the real top sides but to be fair to finish top four if you were consistent in other games you could probably get away with not winning many if any of the top four games
Thanks

10 Aug 2013 10:56:29
Hi eds,

Great site! Not sure if I've missed it already, but have the club indicated who will be vice captain this year? I won't put money on it being Suarez. {Ed002's Note - RTP.}

It's Agger

10 Aug 2013 10:25:23
RE : not a matter for discussion reply

Thanks Ed completely understand

Keep up the good work {Ed002's Note - Thanks. You have a great day Kobi.}

10 Aug 2013 09:51:37
Any predictions for today lads?
I'm going 2-0. Hopefully sturridge can get a decent run out and look sharp(ish)

10 Aug 2013 09:36:26
hey lfc fans.

i still believe we are not prepared for the season as we do not have enough players to last the season.

we have 2 wingers who are 17 and 18. they can't play all season. and letting downing go. is a big mistake. and west hams gain. or andy carolls actually!

suso replaced by alberto - who won't get time on the ball as he has in pre-season
shelvey not replaced. spearing gone downing caroll skrtel carra I just feel we have less players

we all know sturridge will get injured. ibe and sterlin won't play every game. so why haven't lfc BOUGHT first.then sell later. that's the safest way.


btw. FINALLY playing against a better team in celtic. I don't see why we play crap teams like valerenga. it doesn't help the team or get them prepared for the quality of the prem. other teams like city an arsenal and chelsea an spurs have played better opposition.
aspas and alberto are in for a rude awakening come next week. poor lads.

eds and fans.im just saying. we are nowhere near ready to compete with the teams who are fighting for 6-8th place. they have better squads
and brendan seems to think. agger toure.stevie g lucas and sturridge will play every game. he's nuts!

red lobster

You mean how downing and Andy Carroll linked up so well whilst lfc (sarcasm)
Can't wait for school holidays to be over

Maybe I'm alone here but I don't see Celtic as a test. They are vastly overrated and I don't even think they'd do too well in the English championship.

Nevada

Hey nevada. I have to say I totally disagree. I think celtic. will a much bigger test than any team we have played. and i'm happy. because it will be a little shock to the players to say. its game time now.

and as for u benny. I think my point was valid. we don't have enough players at all. even if downing an skrtel stay which I hope. a 17 and 18 yr won't play all season on the wing so we desperately need more wingers, midf and a forward. without selling any more

Looking at the defence.

Kelly, Wisdom and Johnson can all play RB

Agger, Kolo, Skrtle, Wisdom, Kelly and Coates can play there.

Enrique and Johnson can play LB and looking like Aly Cissohko.

In the holding role we can play Lucas, Allen, Gerrard and might see another cone in.

On the wings we have Ibe, Sterling, Borini, Aspas, Alberto, Sturridge, Suarez, Coutinho or Hendo. That's excluding Downing.

In the hole we can play Coutinho, Gerrard, Allen, Gerrard, Hendo or Suarez.

As far as strikers any of Suarez, Aspas, Borini or Sturridge can fill the one role.

The squad is definitely big enough and you mention players like Carroll or Spearing leaving.

1) They aren't good enough.
2) They weren't here last season so how can the be missed?
3) The basis of PRE SEASON is to get the players match fit and READY for the season. Do you think the players firget over the summer how competitive the league is? Do you think Alberto and Aspas are expecting walkovers like Thailand? Don't be so ridiculous.

And finally Celtic aren't a very good side, they have lost their dynamic midfielder and striker. And there defence is poor.

I agree we're light on players in the AM/wing roles but BR seems to know this - the question is if we'll be able to sign players this late in the window. I would imagine that if we're prepared to let Downing go for 6m then we've got someone in mind to come in for a similar fee and replace him (my guess is Tom Ince or Diego Capel). I also think the club are looking to sign an additional attacking player for the starting AM/wing position (after the pursuits of Mkhitaryan and Costa) and I think there are players available who could do this, but we do need to move quite quickly as clubs will drive up the price or just refuse to sell if it's too close to the end of the window

I was about to say what Ben rose did we have other players capable of playing wide beside sterling and ibe red lobster idk what you are talking about

10 Aug 2013 09:17:55
Hi Eds

If these rumours of Javier Mashcerano were to believed, roughly what would Barcelona be looking for in regards to a fee, just thinking surely we don't want to be paying £10-15million for someone who we sold for £15-20million a few years ago. Also I know I might get slated for this but how about Gareth Barry as a back up for Lucas?, there is a chance City will let him leave on a free to get his wages of the books as I've read he's been told he's not needed. Just thought with bringing Cissokho on Loan, Barry on a free or small fee or trying to get Mashcerano on loan then that could be 2 positions boxed of just leaving a centre back & a couple of attacking options. I would line to see Costa, he looks a good player, bit fiery but good stats considering he was behind Falcao, if Saurez goes I'd love to see Sanchez from Barcelona or Ika Munian from Bilbao, that boy looks class, add Papa the Greek to them signings & that for me would be a fantastic summer window, I know that Sanchez may be out of reach but I think we could get Munian. {Ed002's Note - I could only guess, but suspect they would be looking for about €15M or so if they were to sell him.}

I take it that means none of the teams that could potentially bid for Suarez, actually have a player we are interested in?

Gareth Barry is a good shout tbf

I'd take Barry on the cheap.

Gareth Barry is awful, very slow and has all the mobility of the QE2, I'd rather have Masch far better at doing the dirty work.

What about all this stuff about John Arne Riise on a free.anyone think this would be a good deal?

10 Aug 2013 08:38:17
What do people think about Carragher writing for the Daily Mail? Surely that's as ill advised as a Pere Guardiola client?

Carragher is not a Liverpool player any more, he can write for whoever he chooses. Get used to it.

Well its his life so I would be inclined to say he can do whatever he wants and write for whoever he want's and as for his recent article I think he's spot on with what he's said he's not being disrespectful he's just stating where both teams are and why Suarez really shouldn't be playing for either.

King Kenny wrote for them and I wasn't bothered either.

10 Aug 2013 08:32:26
Hi Eds,
Top site, not posted for a long time but I follow every day. I have a friend who knows Andy Carroll's agent and back in May he said Suarez to Bayern was a done deal at 50m.
Obviously that did not transpire but do you think with the Bale situation dragging on that clubs like Madrid and Bayern might see a player plus cash option for Suarez as a cheaper alternative tother targets? It's seems to me John Henry's comments regarding no time to replace him have left the door open for that type of deal. Crickey even Chelsea could be interested if they don't get Rooney. I'd appreciate your thoughts Ed, thanks. {Ed002's Note - If clubs want to unload players and they are proving difficult to sell, then including them as part of a transaction for someone else makes sense. However, Liverpool will be wanting cash if they can get it.}

10 Aug 2013 08:06:22
Friend of mine has told me Cissoko is not cover for Enrique. He is to be left wing but can cover for injuries/suspension.

He was right when he tipped me that we never bid for Costa. We have no money and the interest in Papa is loan to buy cause of this. BR interested in Alderweild buy cannot afford £7m to purchase him.
He also to me ages ago that there was no budget only from sales would cash be generated. FSG in a way loaned to buy the four we bought early to get them knowing of the huge cull.
Money is being used towards a training facility to combind both youth and first team which is costing around £40m.
Not sure but the Downing sale cash will be towards the Argie LB from Granada.

When you land from - can you tell us why you say there is no money - or have you access to the finances of LFC and FSG's input?
TBH - if someone they want becomes available, and at the value they think - then they will buy - no question.

What is it with these doom & gloom merchants saying we have no money, we had a £25million bid tabled for Henrik Mkhitaryan, this was before we sold Shelvey, Spearing & got Pepe, Suso & Robinson off the wage bill also. The owners have done a fantastic job of stabilising this club from the brink of going under & there are too many persons who don't realise this is not Football Manager or FIFA, clubs have very complex scouting systems, they have budgets, they have players who they want then if those targets cannot be brought in they look to others they have, we've been on a huge & draining tour over the other side of the world to boost finances we have lost due to lack of European football this season & I imagine while over there the club officials were working hard on gaining new financial deals to boost finances. I believe player recruitment will resume once we are back from Dublin. with 2-3 going out and as many as 5 coming in.

JohntheRed, stop trying to assure the pearl clutching fans! There is no good that will come from it.

Not trying to assure anyone, just sick off all the miserable pessimists, if they have no belief in the team or the management then there are plenty of teams in the London & Manchester area that like to take on the glory hunting part time fans. Liverpool football club only deal with football fans who are realistic & know that we are not going to sign Messi & Ronaldo but were also not the next Portsmouth, it seems on here too many "fans" are more interested in talking rubbish about the owners, the bank balance & the management instead of the great work that goes on behind the scenes. Not every name we are linked with in the press is coming to Liverpool, just look at Costa, we bid for him out of the blue, no press reports linking him to us, that's because we have plenty of targets that are not public knowledge. I for one am looking forward to the new season & think thee next few years will be very exciting & not all doom & gloom.

Did Shaktar confirm we bid £25m? I've a feeling they didn't.

Not saying we don't have money or FSG are bad etc said there was no budget for players cash is put towards new facility. That's not a bad thing. It's to get all level playing same system. Why us that slating?
All our transfers have been covered by sales. We're all aware we need a LB and both Cissoko and the Benfica lad obviously fit the bill. Both available for sale right.
LFC are trying to arrange loan deals for this? Sound like a club with money?
We haven't sold Coates or Skrtel so no more funds. The Spearing sale is the loan fee we are offering
Sorry you don't like to hear all this but have a think about the money so far this window. Think about why we are trying to loan LBs we could sign for £3-£4m? If they are not good enough to buy why bother loan?
You tell me where it is confirmed LFC are spending this £20m+ on a player? {Ed002's Note - People are getting carried away with these "bids". Go back and see what was explained at the time.}

10 Aug 2013 07:13:26
Up early today to move house. I'm off over the water to Prenton, no that its of any interest to you Eds. just thought I'd share it with you.
Good luck to young Spearo. The lad was red thru and thru and always gave 150%. Kept himself to his self and never gave up.
Well done to Dan Agger too. Top lad and is LFC thru and thru too. Great choice for vice.
Have a good day Eds. I think I'll be knackered this time tomorrow.
The Goatherder
JFT96 {Ed002's Note - Have a good day and (a) lift with your knees and not your back, and (b) At just after 1PM, think of your friends on this forum.}

Goatherder, you'll turn into 'one-of-them'!

Tunnel rats bite!

Really hope this rumour isn't true, she is a good dancer but not the best footballer ;0

10 Aug 2013 06:33:08
Good Morning Ed's
Well another turbulent week in LFC, I am posing a conundrum for you to answer. JWH has categorically stated Suarez will still be at the club come Sept 3rd.
Do you think that if we qualified for the champs league at the end of the new campaign ( yes I know we are a long long way off this as the season has not even started ) LS would do an about turn and come out with another load of crap stating how much he loves the club blah de blah.

Personally I think we should still get rid.I feel sorry for all the young supporters who looked up to this complete and utter person, It shows a complete lack of respect and professionalism

Alan {Ed002's Note - I don't see Liverpool buying Suarez back at the end of next season.}

10 Aug 2013 05:08:41
Brendan Rodgers may often give a little too much away in media interviews. But in the case of his interview about Luis training alone. I'm very glad for this information!
It's good to have an understanding of a players attitude. Too many times, we try to judge a player without knowing too much about the situation. At least here, we know more about this players situation.

Sad thing is. In this case, many of us were right all along.
He's a "person".

10 Aug 2013 03:00:54
So, just a thought of mine. Maybe I'm over analysing every word of every interview and trying to put two and two together but is there a chance that we'll loan Suarez to Athletico Madrid for a year as part of the deal to bring Costa to us?
That would cover all bases in what the owners have been saying and also possibly hike up Suarez's value if sold to RM?
Just a possibility that I've dreamt up but if it happens then u've heard it hear first!

Simsimo {Ed002's Note - It'll be the Orange Sunshine kicking in.}

10 Aug 2013 01:29:48
just a thought.would bringing Torres back on a loan with a view to buy deal, soften the blow of Suarez going to Arsenal?

No! Torres is an out and out Striker which means Sturridge would have to be moved out wide which he don't want hence why he left Chelsea.

No

1. We don't want Torres back

2. Suarez won't be sold to Arsenal - End of

Jose, is it you trying to sell torres?

Big D, you make a valid tactical point. However, what do you then make of our apparent pursuit of Yilmaz? Is not an "out and out" striker, like Torres, and would this not conjure up the same argument that you have already posed? {Ed002's Note - Turning scouts attending a game to look at a player in to the "apparent pursuit of Yilmaz" is one of the reasons it is sometimes best not to share information.}

Redindian, sometimes you have good eggs.…but not always a good omlette ;)

10 Aug 2013 00:52:32
Ed's why do clubs decide not to disclose transfer fees? Cheers {Ed002's Note - See previous answers.}

10 Aug 2013 00:20:19
Hey Eds, with Wengers comments about how they will conduct business, does it make you wonder that Rodgers may have overreacted in saying that Arsenal "lacked class" In their pursuit of LS? Some People think the 40 million and 1 bid was disrespectful, which is also bogus, but I don't see how they have lacked class. They have pursued a player they want, and continued to follow up with bigger bids. Glad LFC have been tough with the no sell policy but I think Henry's smoking comments and Rodgers saying Arsenal lacked class was a bit of a poor decision. Atletico didn't say we lacked class when we bid for Costa. (Assuming we did). Maybe I'm just picking at nothing but i'd like to hear your opinions. Think this has been handled so poorly and brought shame to my fellow Reds fans and the club. {Ed002's Note - Rodgers and Mr Henry made, in my view, ill-judged comments.}

10 Aug 2013 16:24:01
I agree Ed02. I like the hard stance approach to Suarez the club has taken but not to do it through the media as well.
Will someone be showing them the error of their ways?

10 Aug 2013 16:29:01
Ed02 - don't understand why you say that - Wenger, since he came to the PL has lacked class ( as you put it ) - he has form for giving little snippets to the press - and of course conveniently missing every controversial incident involving his players/team. He is a very clever man they way he uses the media for self promotion. {Ed002's Note - Where did I ever use the term "lacked class". I think you must be confusing me with someone else.}

10 Aug 2013 01:01:17
Aspas, Sturridge, Ibe, Sterling, Coutinho, Borini etc.
We've got enough firepower to destroy Stoke.
Have we got the physicality?. Well, we've got Toure, Lucas, Gerrard, Enrique and Mignolet.
For the tippy-tappy we've got Allen, Alberto and Henderson.
We clearly need 2/3 good signings to replace those who've left or are leaving. Spearing and Skrtel can be replaced quite easily with what we've got or who we can sign.
For me, and this is only my opinion, if we sell Skrtel and Suarez I'd readily take 3 of ;
Turan, Papadopoulis, Costas, Bernard, Jorginho, Benzema and Philips.
I think we'll be signing Aly Cissokho soon as cover for Enrique and I think we'll be selling the Uruguayan.
Losing Carragher, Suarez, Reina, Skrtel, Carroll, Spearing etc. all at the same time would cripple most clubs but we'll be stronger!
. As long as we can sign some quality (see above).
ANFIELDPETE

Bernard signed for shaktar yesterday.

Sorry but in your wish list strike Bernard. Jorginho, Benzama and Turan less chance to come to LFC. If you meant Philips who is from Blackpool it is noy going to happen as I think our interest cool down when King was moved.
ynwa

10 Aug 2013 00:20:04
What is the deal with suarez. Good player as he is his attitude and disrespect is appalling . Get the 40 - 50 million for him and move on. The club is bigger and much better than him. Wherever he goes he will be trouble!

09 Aug 2013 23:05:58
just a wee message of good luck to jay spearing in his new career at Bolton, all the best mate ya always gave 100% every time you put on the red shirt, good luck to the redmen tomorrow in Dublin, its my little buckcats 1st Liverpool match he's like Charlie bucket with the golden ticket, massive dagger fan, ynwa, justice for the 96