Liverpool Banter Archive December 11 2014

11 Dec 2014 23:12:12
As I said below, I think the Europa league will do us good even if we will nto win it. I still think though that in principle it is unfair to the teams that fought the group stages in the Europa league that now they get the 3rd place from the Champions league - and if I am not wrong, in most recent years the CL 3rd place teams were the ones who won the Europa league. I don't get the point fo that. If, say, Man City had failed to win in Rome, why should the likes of Everton and Spurs that worked so hard to get here, have to play against a legitimate CL side (which LFc is not by the way but the principle should be the same)? In my view no CL clubs should take part in the Europa league.

12 Dec 2014 05:02:50
There is no way in heaven we would beat Roma or Napoli

12 Dec 2014 08:07:10
100% agree, the entire competition is devalued by the champions league clubs joining

11 Dec 2014 22:48:45
Eds 001 & 002 - Is the delay in Gerrard re-signing connected to whether Rodgers will be returning?

{Ed002's Note - No. There are no conspiracies going on - it is simply "stuff" (as we call it in the trade).}

11 Dec 2014 22:30:16
hi eds i have been reading this forum for years but this is my first post no clever insight just wanted to say how disappointed i am to see our team playing with no plan no intensity and sadly a manager who does not know who to play or where to play them this sunday is a scary prospect we need some luck and players to step up not confident at all

11 Dec 2014 21:37:45
Just looked at a previous post from me saying we need players and then I just posted saying we don't need any players because we have loads of youth players!!
Just to Clarify. I do think we need a couple of top quality additions like a keeper for example but 80-90 % of what we need I think is already at the club in the form of our youngsters.
Cheers

I understand what your saying but our youngsters need quality senior players who have confidence in their own ability, otherwise they will just perform to the level of the first team which in this moment in time isn't near good enough. We've only had 1 strong convincing performance in the league and that's just utter b*******. Even with the talented youngsters we have currently in Ojo, Canos, Rossiter etc they will suffer if they were to play under our current regime.

11 Dec 2014 20:53:43
Lol seems Rogers is at it again, all this is everybody's fault but mine ! The current state of affairs at our beloved club is the fault of everyone at the club, collective responsibility so to speak and nothing really to do with me ! The man is an ass, another foot in the mouth moment from our Brendan

11 Dec 2014 19:11:20
Hi Eds, it seems that most are saying we need a striker & a keeper in Jan (personally don't think Mingolet is that bad) & we seem to have little or nothing to spend in Jan. Therefore what are the chances of Torres returning? None or nil? Thanks.

11 Dec 2014 18:00:40
Hey question for ed01,
Just wanted to know your opinion on Bilic as a coach and if you think he could probably take a step up from the turkish league?
no bashing just asking for opinions

{Ed001's Note - he did a decent job with Croatia, I have not been able to keep up with his time in Turkey though. I am not sure he is ready to step up though, he doesn't inspire me somehow. When you think of him, he is just sort of there, I am not sure if he has that real presence, that stand out charisma required. You look at Mourinho and Fergie, you either love them or hate them, but you can't deny they have real presence, they stand out. Bilic doesn't seem to have that about him, which is a big part of leadership.}

Bilic is a grate shout he appeared to have charisma around the time he 1st beat England with Croatia but it is hard to judge as I haven't seen enough of him myself

Cheers ed,
agree that i think he did a great job with croatia and he seems to be doing well in turkey too right now.
He is still young so who knows, i could rather say the same about de boer right now, handful of coaches have the charisma you speak of unfortunately, goos luck finding one willing to take us on right now

11 Dec 2014 17:34:25
JimmyHustle

You said earlier no top 4 teams player their youth? Are you kidding me. We won multiple championships playing giggs, scholes, beckham, butt, the Neville's etc etc, remember Hansens famous quote?

This season we have played Paddy McNair, Blackett, Wilson, Janazaj, Jesse Lingard multiple times. So your talking waffle pal when you say nobody is playing the youth.

11 Dec 2014 18:02:40
Stand

I am sorry, but you won all those before Roman and City started pumping money, since then it's a battle to catch them.

Regarding this season tour best player of last season Januzag isn't getting on the bench.

United's season is mirroring ours last season.
They are playing kids and they look pretty decent when tried.
They have a crap defense but a really good attack.
And they both have an arrogant manager:)
I'd rather have an arrogant manager with trophies in his cabinet already though like Van Gaal.

He said top 4 teams.

11 Dec 2014 18:19:01
Stand

You did play them when your first teamers were injured. I don't recollect a youngster breaking into your first team in recent times.
And with LVG buying more players in summer, don't see anyone getting a game.

11 Dec 2014 18:52:30
Adnan & Wilson are making strides, in recent times Evans has broke into the squad.

11 Dec 2014 23:27:38
Adnan gets games , only when we've changed the system he has been left out! He played 3/4 on the bounce a few weeks back. And James Wilson has been introduced into the first team squad, where he will stay all season and will get games, he is a star of the future. Lingard started but got injured, and Blackett played all pre season and was a starter in the league, only McNair has been drafted in desperation.

Don't forget when we won the league 2 years ago cleverly a be welbeck were regular starters too. So to say none of the big teams are using youth is rubbish.

12 Dec 2014 05:26:11
Stan

And where is Cleverly and Welback currently? From the title winning team to exit door, ain't it?

At least United tried them out.
That's the way to do it.
What is the point unless at the end of the academy the players who have gone through it are at least given a few games to see if they make the grade.

12 Dec 2014 08:20:39
Passion

It makes me really sad that you can't see his point here. You cannot argue that United are playing younger players from the academy on a regular basis and several have come into the team over the past few years.

Sure, some didn't make the cut and have since been moved on. Of course they did, not everyone will reach the limit of their potential and great opportunities will mean that some players get moved too far down the pecking order. But they were still given the chance.

And sure, some came through when they were drafted in as emergency injury/suspension cover. But our version of emergency cover is playing Stuart Downing and Glen Johnson out of position, or draft in an on loan Victor Moses when we have a wealth of able and talented young players waiting for a chance. And when they do get their chance, they aren't relegated to the reserves never to be seen again just because they are young.

Hell, even last weekend Aguero went off injured and who came off the bench for City? Pozo. They didn't stick Nasri up front, they didn't decide that Mangala can be an emergency CF etc. They just put on the youth player as the guy available. We don't even have one on the bench on the must win game of the season.

We are among the worst in the league in how we treat and use young players. We are definitely worst of the top four

{Ed001's Note - not just that but look at the difference in price that can be got if they are sold after a few appearances, even though they failed to make the grade. Even Campbell was sold by United for over 6m.}

Ok, let me address this Stand-United fella.

Butt, Scholes, Beckham etc. And that has happened how often again over the past 10 years.pal?

The reason Utd are playing youth players now is because they have been decimated by injuries and as soon as money is made available to LVG again, I can assure you, you're going to see less of them on the team sheet.

I don't know how anyonecan start pointing to the Man Citys and Chelsea's of this world as being the forefront for promoting youth talent into the first team. It's for one reason only. DOLLARS. Why spend 30mil on a 20 year old when you can get the kid at 8 and push him through the academy? With all the FFP rules, these owners want a sustainable business model, so please spare me how great and wonderful these big clubs are promoting the youth.

I had a few ding-dongs with Ed01 yesterday, and having reviewed his comments, I agree with him that a bigger push is required to put these young kids into the 1st team. My point was merely that other top 4 teams were doing it. The case in point about Utd doing it is laughable.

Best post I've read on here in months hjikle.

12 Dec 2014 09:13:44
Hijike

It makes me immense proud that my best players are all from our academy and stand tall to claim we have given more chances to youngsters than any other top clubs who fight for titles.
Man UTD over the years had occasional introduction of their younger players, but it's quiet impossible to catch Chelsea and City. I don't blame UTD, Liverpool or Arsenal for it.
Apart from Suso which kid has been shown the exit door?
Kelly at the age of 24 would play second to Flanagan. Brad smith would defo be at the club next season with Moreno at the back.
Rossitor is already there, Sterling and Ibe would be our future players.

Sometimes you need a bit of experience to win things.

The reason they sold Welback was the arrival of Falcao for an year?
Cleverly lost his place courtesy of blind and fellaini.

Not to blame but that's a hard truth.

12 Dec 2014 09:40:38
Stand to others

So you saying, you don't have a promising LB in your academy that you splashed 40 million for another teenager from Saints?

I promise you by he end of next summer when LVG would be splashing more, three won't be a single youngster in your bench.

That's fact mate.

12 Dec 2014 09:58:31
Jonny

On your reply,
Ofcourse that's the way to do it, bring an injured player from Monaco, pay him 300k per week and then sell a hard working academy player to Arsenal?
Do you want us to do this way mate?
Or how about buying a A teenager LB paying close to 40 million.

I am sorry but UTD has done nothing for their youngsters in a very long long time.

12 Dec 2014 13:27:49
That's not a fact Harry that's a guess mate, why do u lot always want to pass off opinion as fact?

Just a quick one, There's a reason Pozo was given a chance against Everton.It had more to do with not wanting to risk Dzeko than because he was preferred

11 Dec 2014 17:17:42
Football is not a complicated game. Play your best team in their correct positions. Stop buying players that are average. Buy top class players who will improve on what you have got. Not to be left on the bench. Also Liverpool need to go back to 4-4-2.

You literally had me right up to "4-4-2". Way outdated!

11 Dec 2014 17:40:35
The one

Sensible and brilliant post mate, some here wants us to play 10 attackers and Lucas together.
Lallana, can, Hendo, Gerrard, sturridge, borini, Markovic and Sterling would do to them

Are people seriously disagreeing that 4-4-2 is out dated? Jesus. Ed001, seeing as the geberal consensus is that 4-4-2 is the way forward, what are the chances of Hodgson, Martin O'Neil or Phil Brown getting the job?

4-1-2-1-2? Yes. I like the diamond a lot. A flat 4-4-2 though? Really?

11 Dec 2014 21:11:50
A diamond is a variation of a 4-4-2 really, people just have fancied it up by calling it a 4-1-2-1-2.
For me, the formation obviously has it's part, but it's the system and dynamism that make the game. As said, it's no good playing a 4-1-2-1-2 or whatever people wish to call it, if you're picking the wrong players. Or players than aren't dynamic.

My biggest problem with our midfield and attack this season is the complete lack of player rotation, specifically when in possession. It truly baffles me, how players are meant to create space and penetrate if everyone is static?! There are bigger issues than the terminology of a formation IMO! I'd been fighting it, but it's what studge and Suarez did magnificently, dropping into midfield if necessary forcing others to vacate and push forward, I can't entirely put my finger on the complete change on philosophy.

I've gone a bit off track there but that is where in my opinion (of course!) our biggest attacking outlets are lacking.

11 Dec 2014 21:13:03
Why is 442 out dated? Because u say so? City won the league last season playing it.

I think way to many people put to much importance on formations really, it's not about a formation in modern football it's how the tactics of the coach gets utilized.

Moyes played 4231 the 'modern' formation, barca play 433 the tikka takka formation, neither were successful last year for each team.

It's about how u perform the role u are given by the coach.

The closest to a 4-4-2 that City won the league with was the 4-2-2-2 they played under Mancini in that first ever title win.

Last season was nothing like a standard 4-4-2 with two flat banks of four and an out and out strike partnership.

Nobody at the top of the game plays a flat 4-4-2 formation. That is not even opinion. That is genuinely fact. It leaves two many gaps in key areas and is far two rigid. Even Fergie abandoned it in his last few years because he realised football had adapted.

11 Dec 2014 23:13:10
City played predominantly with navas on the right, Dzeko/Negrado up top with Kun and two power houses in CM, hardly a massive change to a flat 442, granted they had Silva who used to tuck in though but regardless it was pretty much a 442.

TBH, like I have said people give way to much importance to formations. All it shows u is where a player starts from ko, good managers will often change tactics throughout a game.

4231: (we don't have right players available to play 2 up front unless Sinclair or Yesil is chucked in).

Lucas, Can(Allen)
Markovic, Lallana, Coutinho
Balotelli

12 Dec 2014 06:30:15
Hyach
I would play borini and Markovic upfront with Sterling At the tip of the diamond. Lucas as the anchor man and Hendo / Allen / lallana / countinho to play the offensive midfielders.

I do agree with that last post Chris.

12 Dec 2014 08:23:48
The starting line up of players is largely irrelevant. How they conduct themselves, how they play their position and how they interact with each other is what counts. The only time it is really relevant is in defense, where 3 or 5 at the back are a more telling sign of what tactics will be used

12 Dec 2014 08:58:19
Wasn't 4 months back we bought lovern to solve the crap in defense? What are we doing in the scouting?

Pretty sure I've heard the Ed say that formation tells players where to stand at kick-off an contributes little else. Basically formations and there importance are over-estimated.

11 Dec 2014 16:13:06
Why do people bang on about how good Gary Neville is at punditry? He is clueless. Not only did he claim we only spent £40m net last summer (when it was way closer to £60m and that doesn't even include agent/signing on fees), he then said we need to spend more money! Does he not realise we're running at a loss and failing FFP how it is?

He is potrayed by the media as being knowledgeable and this statement has consequently given all the clueless Football Manager fans ammunition to attack us when we try and tell them "We're skint!".

Thanks Neville. Over rated as a player. Over rated as a coach. And hopelessly over rated as a pundit.

What he is saying, might not be what he thinks. this is the television were talking about, it is most likely scripted mate.

To be fair I think people refer more to the insight he gives when giving his analysis on certain plays in matches. I doubt he has a clue about the financial aspect of things. I do think he is decent when it comes to the football side of things.

11 Dec 2014 16:40:59
He was a very good player, even if you dislike him as a person. We're never going to be the richest, biggest spending club - doesn't mean we can't be successful despite this

11 Dec 2014 16:41:34
LOL, OH the irony ems.

Let's hope so mate. I'd like to think nobody could be that uneducated in a position in the game like he is.

I know he was a good player. He was often referred to as world class though when in reality, he was never as good as the likes of Cafu.

He's right. To win on the pitch we need to spend the mega bucks and buy the mega stars. We can't do that because we don't have the money but it doesn't change the fact that that's what we need to do to be mentioned in the same breath as the true major clubs in world football none of them are short of a few bob are they?

Is his insight really that great? Or does he just have a fancy screen and a position of power? The only pundit I've ever really respected is Hansen. Even he said some silly things though in his earlier days. Danny Murphy looks like he knows his stuff as well.

I personally think Neville and Carragher are just fortunate to be charismatic and passionate enough to make great TV when pitted against eachother. Most of the stuff they say is total nonsense. Not saying I'd do a better job mind. It's just obvious that they're experts at clutching at straws and stating the obvious.

EMS agree with a lot you say but no, just no.
He was a great player and his analysis, maybe not of a financial basis but football-wise, is second to none

I'm happy to just agree to disagree lads. I personally never thought he was world class, don't rate the job him and Hodgson have done with England and think he is massively over critical of things he has very limited knowledge of. He is great at analysing the defensive side of the game. When he starts talking about midfield, strikers or keepers though it just comes across as amateurish in my opinion.

I'd just like to reiterate, I'venot said he was a bad player, only that he was over rated. He was just a John Flanagan who was fortunate enough to play in a great team. He was aggressive and tactically astute. He had virtually no physical or technical ability though. Good player, but never world class like many suggested. It helps when you've got Ferdinand covering you as well because he really was world class.

I think he should probably stick to the football and avoid the finances as it's clearly a subject he knows nothing about.

11 Dec 2014 17:43:08
I understand you recently took a couple of days off due to being bullied, and don't wish to upset you further. But his footba knowledge, analysis and opinions are absolutely fantastic.
As I've said before football is a game of opinions, but there is still a line to a point in which the basis of the comments are correct and more often than not, Neville has it spot on.
As for the finances stuff, I'm no getting involved in that is without anyone genuinely seeing the books, it's very difficult to comment. But he compares it to the net spend of man city and Chelsea etc when they spent large. The context of articles is very important, especially when people then try to criticise.

11 Dec 2014 17:51:36
Lol just a Flanagan? Really ems? Maybe not worldclass, but to suggest he's only as good as him, a player that can't get into a really poor Liverpool team over a rb or Enrique is laughable.

But then I suppose it is always ems's way or your wrong as suggests your posts and attitude.

Neville was a very good right back who done exactly wot a rb should, he could defend and attack and in his prime got the balance spot on!

It's also worth pointing out that he didn't always have Ferdinand there 'covering' him too as u have stated.

{Ed001's Note - Flanno is out through injury CTR, not because he can't get into the team.}

Talking about pundits, a very BR-critical piece by Lawro today in BBC sport. Wouldn't be a big deal unless two weeks ago the same Lawro rubbished people saying BR should go, said he shouldn't be judge before Sturridge is playing more than 6 games etc. Now his tones has changed big time. Says he can't understand why Allen starts instead of Lallana, why Enrique started, says he is baffled by some of BR's decisions and that Sturridge will not save us etc. Not many admirers left for BR.

I appreciate that Big E. He genuinely suggested that we need to spend £80m on one player though and that we weren't spending enough money. On the contrary, it os obvious we're spending far too much.

Like I said though, I'll agree to disagree regarding his football expertise. A lot of what he says is spot on. But it is things that a ten year old could point out. When he gets into serious depth, I personally feel he just presents his analysis in a way so passionate that it is hard to disagree. If you actually take a step back and focus on what he is saying and not how he us saying it though, it's very rarely correct in my opinion.

Like you say though, it's an opinions game and opinions always differ. I'm not offended by people dusagreeing. It's when people start being patronising and trying to tell you that you don't deserve an opinion that I get annoyed. Or when people take things you've said out of context to try and belittle you. A simple disagreement is not going to annoy me remotely.

Chris you are clearly biased. Flanno is injured and 21 years old. I am saying they are similar players with similar ability in terms of their ceiling. Flanno could easily be as good as Neville. He will never be as good as say Dani Alves though because he just isn't that gifted a footballer.

You taking this way too personally and completely missing my point. Neville was limited but he did a job. Flanagan is the same type of player; albeit it nowhere near his prime. He may never get there as players don't get chances like they did in Nevilles day.

Are you really telling me that Neville was as good as Alves, Lahm, Cafu etc? Like you say, he did what was required. That does not constitute calling him world class though. Danny Welbeck 'does a job'.

I think your misinterpreting my point.

11 Dec 2014 18:12:56
And do u think Rodgers will play him once fit eddy mate?

{Ed001's Note - defo mate, Enrique would never get a game over Flanno.}

When is he due back Ed?

{Ed001's Note - not for a while yet mate, they still haven't confirmed any kind of date. I have a feeling it will not be until the run in, if at all this season.}

Who cares if he's a good pundit he's Gary Neville and he epitomizes utd, you can see it in carraghers face how much he dislikes him.

11 Dec 2014 18:38:44
What a load of nonsense.

A very good player and an excellent pundit.

11 Dec 2014 18:57:25
Ems not taking anything personal mate, the fact that u rate the higher class as Alves says it all.

I just think to compare someone who received over 80 caps for notional team and won many honours as a player, to a player who as of yet has shown nothing really, in fact a player Rodgers wanted to sell not so long back is a little wrong.

Chris I'm comparing Neville and Flanno in terns of style and theur limitations. Not what they have achieved. Neville comparatively has of course achieved more. He is retired and played in a damn good team. He was consistent. He was reliable. He did a job well. He was not exactly what you would say epitomises the modern full back though.

I'm not saying Flanno is as good as Neville in his prime, only that he is a similar type of player. Both have limited ability but do a good job.

11 Dec 2014 20:35:17
And what would u say is the modern fall back? Someone who can't defend but is good going forward? Because I'd say nev had everything u want in a full back, maybe he didn't get credit because he doesn't have a flashy Latin name, but with knowing it u proved my point in a way, u said he was a good defender and tactically astute, I also remember those many over lapping runs for Becks when going forward.

And I'd say if flanno has half the career gnev had he will do well. But to suggest they are similar after seeing flanno play just a hand full of first team games is crazy. U speak about limitation, I'm saying u can't even compare the 2 yet and u are letting your obvious love for Liverpool fast track a thought that as of yet there is no way of proving, but u are still attempting to pass it off as fact.

11 Dec 2014 21:28:29
Seriously?? Neville was overrated, same as Flannagan but in a good team? Yet Alves is world class? What would you think of Neville if he was playing in that Barca team, at the time when they dominated nearly every game they played with about 70% possession?

It's no secret that you guys hate Neville, but to say he wasn't a great player is just bitter beyond words!

I see Neville as a bit of a pantomime villain and even though he played for that rabble down the road, I do respect him, I respect what he achieved, I respect his ability as he was a top class right back who would have got in to most top sides at the time, he was no slouch, could defend, decent on the ball, didn't make many mistakes(wish I could say the same for Johnson!), do I hope that Flanagan can be as good? Yes and I think he will be, i'd rather have a right back Neville than one Alves because he's a defender and I'm not going to hide behind tribal BS and be churlish.

I give up. You're not reading a word I'm writing and just twisting what I'm saying to try and make me look stupid. The said thing is everyone is falling for it. Ed001 touched on it earlier. The amount of condescending people on here is ridiculous. How you can say I'm trying to pass it off as fact is beyond me. I don't know how many times I've said "in my opinion" or "personally" in this thread, but you're welcome to count.

No point debating with people who ignore everything you write or try to make it into an argument.

Oh and it has nothing to do with hating Neville. I don't think Carragher was world class either. A great player who did a job. But never in the same class as Ferdinand or Nesta etc.

You've all just completely missed my point regarding him as a player because one person has repeatedly misquoted me or twisted my words to change my argument or detract from what I was trying to say.

For what it's worth, I don't rate Carragher as a pundit either. I think both he and Neville just make good TV and know enough of the basics to make their opinions sound convincing. Again, not saying I could do any better but its easier to spot flaws than it is to better them. I could watch formula one and tell you every corner Hamilton screws up on. Doesn't mean I could get in the car and do better.

I'm not trying to claim I'm more knowledgeable than either of them but seriously, just focus on what they're sayong next time and it's really not that groundbreaking or even insightful most of the time. Just good TV banter.

He was far from world class as a player, he's a good pundit though, football wise

11 Dec 2014 23:21:20
That's fair enough Adam, I was not trying to make u look silly, was just merely pointing out what I saw as a few flaws in a opinion that I thought was wrong.

He was a decent player and nothing more. End of.

EMS, I agree with most of what you say. But you lost me when you put Alves with Lahm and Cafu. And then Ferdinand with Nesta! :)

11 Dec 2014 16:06:11
Ok, so we are 2 weeks to Christmas! Hard to believe i know but i want you all to spare a thought for other people maybe outside your family circle this Christmas.

Over here in Northern Ireland a local radio station (Cool fm) run a mission Christmas every year. Last year they had requests for 5000 gifts for kids of all ages and sex that would have had nothing to open on Christmas Day. An awful thought for any kid i'm sure you agree. This year they have requests for close to 7000 gifts. It tells me how many families are struggling these days and need a little bit of human kindness.

On doing a bit of research i can tell you that loads of other local radio stations run similar projects all over the UK. The Salvation Army also run a Christmas appeal.

So when you venture out to the town for a bit of seasonal cheer maybe you can spare a thought for those not so fortunate as ourselves. Boots do great 3 for 2 offers for older kids, Smyths toys also! That extra £20/30 will make a huge difference to some youngster this year. Please if you can, do your bit.

Thanks for reading.

{Ed001's Note - I will put this on all 3 main pages so it can be seen, great idea mate.}

11 Dec 2014 19:39:50
U mentioned this last year Irish and I shall be doing again this year buddy, such a great cause.

Thumbs up bud.

Class man, puts everything in perspective

11 Dec 2014 15:46:15
I am aware there is contention about an interim manager in some quarters.

However, who would you like to see take over for the rest of the season on a temporary basis? Please add your own suggestions.

Guus Hiddinck

Fabio Capelo

Tony Pulis

Jurgen Klinsmann

11 Dec 2014 15:56:42
If, Then Pulis. A very underrated manager but an excellent manager. The first thing would be to stop conceding goals.

11 Dec 2014 16:11:47
I like Bento the Portugal manager.

It would have to be someone currently unemployed. Klinsmann is not going to give up a dictator role at the top of American football to manage Liverpool for 4/5 months is he.

Pulis, Evans, Thommo, Dalglish etc are realistic options for an interim role. They aren't exactly great options though are they?

FSG are actually being very calculated in their decision not to just bring down the axe in a rush of blood. I don't really know which managers are currently out of a job and so in a position to take a temporary role but we definitely shouldn't be rushing into anything. That is why FSG are successful business men and I am an apprentice Engineer. Because I would've sacked Rodgers after the Palace game!

Dont think pulis is a good long term prospect personally, although probably better than rodgers in the short term.
Plus pulis probably won't be interested in a temp caretaker job
Who can you trust to advise on a new head coach? Even fergie got it wrong

11 Dec 2014 16:32:33
Bob Paisley.

11 Dec 2014 16:44:17
I like the way Leverkusen are playing currently on a smallish budget, no idea if the guy speaks English though

11 Dec 2014 17:11:07
I would think it unlikely that anyone will come in on an interim basis, and when Rodgers does go, either a new manager on a multi-year contract, or intended long-term replacement management team (ie. DoF + Head Coach) will be in place within three or four games.

Kenny's the only current employee of the club who in my opinion is in any way fit to take over management of the first team on a temporary basis for any length of time longer than three or four games. And after last time, I would expect that only be done as a last resort ie. if the situation reached the point where Rodgers could not remain in place for any longer and a permanent replacement was still a couple of months away.

Beyond Kenny, I can only see worthwhile candidates coming into the frame if there's the carrot of serious consideration for a permanent role if they do well enough. If that was to be the case, top of my list is Rafa Benitez. But I can't see him either fitting into a DoF or head coach role, so it'd be a more 'traditional' manager appointment he'd be after. Is that something FSG are prepared to consider?

An interim would be a tough find. I suspect they'll just wait until the summer given that the season is pretty well blown anyway at this point unless we find ourselves in a relegation fight.

Everybody has their price. It depends on availability and desire.

Perhaps Hiddinck or Capelo might be able to combine their National jobs with Liverpool from January until April?

Kenny and Clarke were sacked. FSG would lose face if they employed them in that position again?

Why shoud a coach have to speak English? Bielsa that everyone crows over on here speaks no word of French YET that fact does not hinder him from making Marseilles the best team to watch in the French League at the moment.

May need pulls to save us from relegation if we keep performing as bad as we are at the moment

11 Dec 2014 14:34:55
Just a quick few questions if you don't mind, wondering what the current situation was with the players profile page. Went to have a look at it and saw it was very different and tbh was confused by how to interpret it.

Secondly, was curious about two players. One was your opinion on konoplyanka as a player (understand he is out the question for now). Second was what your opinion on what's happened to Torres? Know he has lost his pace a bit but can't even score a goal in Italy and most their CBs are about 45!

Thanks in advance

{Ed001's Note - the old way took up too much time and all the editors that were doing that fell by the wayside as they realised how much work it was to maintain the profiles after producing them. So I thought I would come up with a new way, just not had the time to work further on getting more profiles up and adding to those on there and none of the other editors have done so either. Still, one of the main reasons for moving here is to save up to start employing full time staff, who would then be tasked with doing those kinds of things, so hopefully that will be done in the near future. Probably not for a while as we are busy with the football-news-views site right now and relaunching that, and that is keeping me busy 18 hours a day at the moment.

I have only seen a little of Konoplyanka, but what I saw of him was like a more well rounded version of Markovic. Quick, direct and always looking to drive at the opposition with the ball at his feet.

Torres has lost his acceleration more than his pace. He used to have this little burst that created him a split second of space to do his thing. Now he doesn't have that, so he has to use clever movement to create his time, quite simply he is being shown up as not having that movement. It doesn't help that his confidence has completely gone as well.}

11 Dec 2014 15:19:47
Kono is a miss and is a very good player at his age and price. Shame he wanted to come to us and we were like.

Ed001, I'd love to help out with that page in any capacity. If you ever plan to revive it and need my help do send in a mail.

{Ed001's Note - the profiles? Have you checked it out recently, I mean since it moved over to the new style of being done? If so, or if you are still interested after you have checked, send in an email via the contact form and I will get Ed033 to set you up a page to post in your ratings of players.

It shouldn't take him long to set it up, we just intend to keep different inputs differentiated so people can see how different people see different things when they watch a player. Once we have more players and matches watched, we are going to increase the number of options for people to view the ratings in different ways.}

Ed001,I'll check it out in a couple of days and get back.

{Ed001's Note - cheers.}

I agree with you Harry. And I did not realize that you have changed name again fella!!
Ed. thanks for the heads up on flanno.

11 Dec 2014 13:43:37
This is probably going to get me flamed for asking a naive question, but it's something I've often wondered - do individuals at director level who are 'directly' involved in the transfer of players INTO the football club (like Damien Comolli) personally make any money from the transactions?
So something like an agent saying "If you buy my player for your club, you can have 2% of the fee paid" or something like that?

{Ed001's Note - that is something that does go on at times.}

Makes you wonder if LFC are getting players in to benefit the team - or to just line someone's pockets.

{Ed001's Note - you could say that about any club, Man Utd with Jorge Mendez for instance. It shouldn't stop the club being able to compete, it certainly never affected United.}

This is true. !

11 Dec 2014 13:28:47
I for one would love if Rogers realised he's loosing his job and done something mad like started a youth player up front 😆

11 Dec 2014 17:01:21
I'd love to see if too. However the most likely candidate is unfortunately Ibe, who is plugging away in the Championship

Yesil is excellent forward maybe he should be given a chance, couldn't be ant worse than we have and he knows where the goal is.

11 Dec 2014 12:54:56
I would like to thanks for all your hard mate .

My question is just a yes or No answer trying to make your job a little bit more easy. Is it safe to say that we will not be buying anymore players come January sir ?

{Ed001's Note - right now, yes, it is unlikely to see anyone coming in.}

11 Dec 2014 11:44:14
Hi Eds,

If Liverpool won the europa league would the 4th team in the pl lose out on a CL place ?

{Ed001's Note - no.}

11 Dec 2014 10:17:34
I don't know if this will make it on, but I was away after I posted and just checked my post history. Many thanks to ed33 for replying to my query regarding the search function, just so he knows I'm not ungrateful

{Ed033's Note - OK, thanks bobatron

11 Dec 2014 10:33:58
If Liverpool finish in the top four (which they will), would you all still be gunning for the managers head?

If so, what more did you expect?

Will many of you still be demanding Klopp or even Tony Pulis (who's name has actually been mentioned)?

I said it at the start that the managers potential downfall is the signing of the Italian. Players aren't soft, they know what a helm he is and this has had a detrimental affect on the moral of the squad.

The manager is still learning and he's made some big mistakes, especially in the European competitions, but this is what the game is all about, and if the owners expected anything more, then more fool them.

Football supporters are fickle and the modern Liverpool supporter makes that look a compliment.

The owners can look all they like but this job is a poison chalice, and it's whiners like many of you making it so - just ask Spurs.

{Ed001's Note - but he is not learning is he? What has he actually learnt? Point out one thing he has learnt to improve the club moving forward.}

11 Dec 2014 11:23:48
Davey Bootle, If we lose against United and then Arsenal - which ion current form is more likely than not, there is no way we will finish in the top four. To do so would require a run better than last season.

If Brenda was a good learner he wouldn't be clinging on to his job in such a spectacular fashion. You've cluelessly denounced the vast majority of posters on here and decided to back Rodgers. This is clearly an attempt to be different.to stand out from the crowd. I don't have a psychology background and cannot understand your mental reasoning but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you're being ironic.

If LFC finish top 4 we will say how lucky we were that Roman Abramovich and Mourinho got into a fight and so Jose left them and replaced BR in January. This is more or less the only scenario that I can see us finishing top 4 this year. Two years ago with Suzrez, BR finished 7 and we looked way better then than we look now. What make you think that without Zuarez, when we are 9th at the moment, play awful and Arsenal (with Sanches) and ManU with Di Maria and RVp in good shape we will finish top4?

I am sick and tired of BR's supporters blame the fans as if anything that happen is their fault. I am sure when ManU sacked Ron Atkinson mid- season in 1986 to bring Alex Ferguson there were some fans who objected that and thought Atkinson should get a chance to finish the season. Well, good for them (and bad for the rest of the world) they didn't listen to them.

11 Dec 2014 11:58:02
Top four? I would be very surprised.

BR has had my support from the start and I like many were optimistic about a hungry and attack-minded manager. His reverence for our history and ethos was something I also personally appreciated. I agree with you davey about supporting the manager, team, and avoiding being fickle. I believe I have, but when does faith hinder clarity? I totally agree with Ed 1, I'm all about being optimistic and showing faith in something that shows some sign of improvement, but where is that here? I can't see it personally. Not a great realization to have either from a supporter's perspective. After all this "transition" to perhaps having more seems very daunting combined with our current performance and financial woes. I don't know if putting a DOF in place or a new manager is the answer, but major change is needed.

Davey, I honestly hate to say it, but we don't look anything like making top four, and the points gap is growing every weekend.
Where are the signs that things are improving, or are going to turn around? I honestly haven't seen any change since september apart from spurs, and Kenny showed in 2011 that even having a great run from january isn't enough to recover from a bad position at xmas.
We have to carry on hoping of course, but the reality is it will take a miracle to get top four, and sturridge returning will not be enough on its own.
Its not just rodgers- the members of that bloody committee left us without a top striker to cover daniel's inevitable ten games out injured.
They let remy go and paid nearly double the fee for balotelli? What a bunch of clowns

But we certainly have learned ed001. we have learned that he will never learn.

{Ed001's Note - that is the sad thing, if he was learning people would support him.}

Agree with you DaveyBootle.

Flavour of the month most of the people on this site. Have absolutely no clue whatsoever about football.

We'll finish in the top 4 and then they'll go back to throwing random names on this website saying we're going to buy them, or asking the Eds to rate (1-10) whether we're interested or not.

1. We're doing well - let's throw random, unrealistic players up and hope we sign them in the summer.

2. We're doing badly - slaughter the manager and throw up random managers that we actually know nothing about.

Rinse and repeat.

Liverpool ending in the top four. I don't think so, it is very unlikely.

As ed001 says: Rodgers does not learn. In any event, Liverpool are not a training club for managers to cut their teeth.

Look at Rodgers last days at Reading. He stuck to the same plan even though the results got worse. He is following the same mind set now. The money that has been wasted is scandalous.

If FSG hang on to him until the end of the season. They will only have themselves to blame.

Man Utd and Arsenal coming up. Perhaps we will manage another draw?

Fourth place ?

So you're moaning about the fans because they're moaning about the manager while at the same time you're moaning about the manager
Wow

So let me get this straight Davey, us fans are the reason we are doing crap?

Yeah right, like rest of your post, it's about as pertinent as the existence of Cuckoo land lad.

It's actually people like you, who keep on blaming the other fans while conveniently sweeping aside the bigger issue, the very definition of the modern day LFC fan: the red tinted brigade.

If Liverpool are not a training club for managers to cut their teeth then why did Fsg hire him? Maybe because they didn't want to fork out for a high end manager? Either way stick it down on the long list of cock ups Fsg have made. They have their part to play in this mess.

Davey mate. A good example of him not learning, which I think is most people's gripe. Is Chelsea last year we needed a draw, he goes at it all guns blazing, you could say he was naive?
Wednesday we need to WIN nothing else will do, so what does he do? Puts out that team to play those tactics!! Clueless.

A debating website where you can't debate?
Is that what you want Davey?
Why would I presume that all the Liverpool fans who access this website don't know anything about football?
I support the club.
The players and managers come and go but I support the club.
I support Rodgers 100% as he is the manager.
I want him to turn it around but the idea that his job should not be under pressure is wrong.
"A club that spends 120 million on players should expect to be challenging for the league"
His words not mine.

Sorry guys I have read further down that a fair few have said the same. My bad

11 Dec 2014 09:58:39
Well I have wrote a long piece yesterday that went to the other page which no one reads. I hope the fate of this one is different, it is really annoying to write a long piece and then it is not here. I will try to make it shorter.

So, for long time I was really depressed about the team because while I thought (and still think) that BR is a disaster, I didn't see how a different manager can make a big difference with the lack of quality we have and no money to spend. But I slightly changed my mind now. I do think with a different decent manager (doesn't have to be a magician, even a Pulis type of manager) we can be alright. I think other than Lambert, our signings can still come good, including Lovern, Moreno, Can and even Markovich who I doubted if ready for the Pl (if the red card doesn't knock anything left of his confidence). There is still (somewhat surprisngly) good fighting spirit, and I think, as I say below, that the Europa league is good for us and not all hope is lost for the future (although probably not for top4 this season).

It will not work with BR though. As long as he insists to play Johnson, Allen before Lallana, not more than 1 new signing per game, the strangest starting line ups and substitutions and no knowledge of how to improve our defence, it will not work.

We also need a bit of luck. And this include Sturridge fit and Balotelli play with him and start scoring goals.

And we need someone to work with Sterling on decision making, he is so talented but then his very final decision of what do do with the ball is so wasteful - really frustrating.

In any case things can't go much worse now. Well they can and probably will on Sunday but after that some long time before we meet a big team again so time to heal (and ideally get rid of BR).

{Ed001's Note - sorry mate, the idea is to put the longer articles there, and better written ones, so that people can actually take the time to read and digest. On here it is fast moving and often posts can go unseen before they drop off the page.}

Ok I get the logic though I think very few people go there. But it was probably too long anyway so no big deal.

By the way, any Balotelli news? I understand he should be fit for Saturday. Also, do you see any way he does not get the automatic 5 match ban and when does that supposed to happen?

{Ed001's Note - he should be available, but I can't see why he would be in the right frame of mind to be picked following the comments Rodgers has been making regarding him. I fully expect him to get a ban, no idea when it will happen as it is up to the FA when they deal with it.}

11 Dec 2014 11:04:35
agree somewhat. Still don't think they are the right players and have further blocked the path for talent from our academy.

But aren't as bad as what they are showing, but if we can keep within touching distance of fourth (dunno 5 or 8 at a push) and sold a few players (allen, johnson, enrique, migns, borini, etc) and get 2-3 quality players in (pacey/trickery striker and a good keeper, maybe but not a necessity a DM) could get fourth. With players returning from injury can start to be more offensive and maybe get fourth or try win Europa league. But two massive problems with doing this:

1) The idea you can't get quality in january is rubbish (only two good signings were in january) but have absolutely not faith in BR buying the right ones.

2) BR refusal to change or bring in help (defensive coach for example) style isn't working and refusing to trust his new signings makes getting the right players in irrelevant.

As for sterling personally think it's a combination of needing a game or two on the bench combined with having no other options up the pitch with him and a lack of confidence. perfect example was early against basel got played through down the right into the box and I was begging for him to shoot, instead tried to cut it back and got intercepted.

Roland, If BR can`t trust th players he himself picks to buy the we will NEVER have te right players as he will always revert to the old guard because that is what desperate and clueless coaches do like Wenger at the Gunners. BR has ruined the players` confidence and they are scared crapless of expressing themselves for fear of failure ang with knowing that they have a manager who has no idea what he is doing YET talks and acts like a well-proven manager.

11 Dec 2014 02:52:06
BR baffles me. Lucas and Gerrard haven't played well together for about 2 years. Play one or the other but not both! ( preferably Lucas) why anyone thought that would change on Tuesday is beyond me.

secondly he goes gung ho for a win against Chelsea when all we needed was a draw and plays for a draw against Basle when we needed a win. go figure.

Cluelessness at it`s best. But I will say tht v Chelsea, I wanted us to go for the win because this team under BR is not capable of playing for a draw.

To be fair, Gerrard and Lucas playing a defensive pair does not work. They seem to get in each other's way. Don't get me wrong I hate the team selections most days but I don't think playing gerrard as an attacking midfielder and lucas as a defensive midfielder is a problem.

The problem I have is skrtel and Johnson play every game (I really wished they'd be given time out) and Emre Can who I've been really impressed with isn't getting a look in. Johnson and Skrtel may actually improve as players with time on the sidelines. Right now they just need to turn up and neither are showing any improvement in performance.

He went gung ho vs chelsea?

These posts are starting to get embarrassing and to be totally honest, downright disrespectful to our current manager.

Some of you need to have a long hard look at yourselves. It seems that you're so busy up the editors backsides, you're forgetting to support the club you claim to love.

In regards to the "Gung-ho" against Chelsea - we had 11 wins on the bounce, blitzed every team we faced, and you were expecting a change of tact for that match? I can garuntee that if we set out for a draw, there would have been uproar on this board. Hindsight it such a wonderful thing.

So instead of waiting by your keyboard ready to slam the manager and point out his failings, maybe get your backside down to the ground and support the team, or stay away from the computer and support them in your arm chair.

When the chips are down, you find out the real character in people.

{Ed001's Note - you think support is blindly following? You must be one of those superfans who is so deluded it is embarrassing. Have you ever thought that just maybe some people want what is best for the club, rather than just pretending to be a better fan than anyone else?

You have your head so far up your own backside that no one will ever have to worry about you putting it up someone else's will they? Give yourself a pat on the back, for the most condescending and incorrect post of the year.

Perhaps if you bothered to listen to others you would know that most people wanted Rodgers to go for the draw before the game against Chelsea. Some of us, including me, thought it better to stick with the same tactics, regardless of the result, but the point is that he should still be using those tactics now.

Real character is not sitting idly by watching while the club you claim to support is being ripped apart by a clueless manager mouthing idiotic platitudes to placate the sheep that support blindly.}

We support the club, not the clueless manager who is damaging it.

Ed 001 may I suggest an Ice bath to stop your blood from boiling there?

That reply was like watching a man whip a defenseless animal (punch) (heidy)

{Ed001's Note - I am perfectly calm mate, and in a very good mood as it happens mate!}

Looking back on it I think Mourinho paid us the ultimate compliment.
We could have just kept the ball for 90 mins and they would have let us.
Their team sheet that day said " take your point Liverpool and well done on becoming champions"
I think Rodgers was desperate to get one over on Mourinho when Mourinho actually did him a favour with his defensive approach.
Chelsea would have been slaughtered in the press for being defensive while we would have quietly collected the point we needed.
Hindsight is wonderful but that is my honest opinion.

JimmyHustle, if u had any commonsense whatsoever u would know the damage Brendan has done and will continue to do if he stays in charge. The man is out of his depth, no amount of support is going to change that. It is not the fans who are being disrespectful to Brendan, it is actually the other way round. Fans like u are the reason why the club is no longer in the list of elite clubs, u are happy with mediocrity and finishing mid table as long as it make u feel like a 'real fan.' And the club juts laps it up, coming up with embarrassing stats from god knows how many years ago. Unless the knowledgeable fans speak up and make the club know how badly it is being run then maybe we will see improvements. Blind fans like u are holding the club back. LFC is too much for u if your happy to see an inept and clueless man running the club to the ground.

The response from Ed01 is what really gets to me. Jimmy Hustle was making his point but to be so rude is what will keep me away from these pages. Will you post this and be rude to me now?

{Ed001's Note - no, I just really don't care, if someone is as condescending as he was, and rude to others, then he deserves what he gets. If that is a problem for you, sorry but it really doesn't matter and you are better off going elsewhere and not being in a forum where people have differences of opinion. You are obviously far too sensitive for the real world, if you think this is bad enough to keep you away! Bit sad really, as you obviously only see what you want to see in order to have a dig at me, and totally missed how rude and disrespectful the original post was.}

The only embarrassment here is posts from the red-tinted brigade who claim to be the better fan tacitly and blame the others.

Just think for a second superfan Jimmy; why is it that the a large majority now don't support the manger? Probably because the team has been performing poorly while all attempts have been made by the owners to provide what is necessary to build a good team. Or are you claiming that too is the fans' fault that the team sucks and has been for a while now.

There are no problems with criticism otherwise progress will never be made. BR rightly deserves the criticism because he has been the major reason why we are struggling. Why is that he is immune to criticism from people like you?

Don't post rubbish if you don't have a reason and blame other fans.

Well then far be it from me to judge.Enjoy the rest of your day/evening in Dubai. Must be around 25 degrees. good beach weather

{Ed001's Note - I don't know, I don't get to see the outside world much these days!}

Nice one ED001 ! Snickers?

{Ed001's Note - hehehe thanks mate.}

Thanks Ed, couldn't have put it better myself. I also wanted the win against Chelsea but that was ego taking over- I'm not being paid a lot of money to manage liverpool for a reason. BR is paid to make those decisions and he should be doing so without his ego getting in the way!

11 Dec 2014 10:55:54
I have to say ed I had sympathy for Brendan with sturridge being unlucky with injuries but in all honestly if you are a proper cl team you should not rely on 1 striker and if you really look at the whole first team positions their is nowhere that you could say he is doing really well he will get a run of games .someone on here said recently he thinks Brendan has lost the players confidence I think it goes both ways here he has also lost confidence on the players especially his new signings there is only 1 way this is going to end and I think it needs to happen asap imo.Hiddink Gerrard number 2.I would also like to say the likes of lalanna has a good game gets dropped, can has a good game dropped Moreno plays well gets dropped what does skrtel have to do to get dropped play good.

{Ed001's Note - there were huge mistakes made in recruitment in the summer, but hopefully they will learn from it.}

Last thing jimmy, I support the club, I don't have to support every decision the manager makes. Who in their right mind can support someone who thinks it's a good idea to leave 2 of your best attacking players on the bench and have no striker even on the bench when you are playing a must win game!?

Well said JimmyHustle.

11 Dec 2014 11:04:22
If Rodgers truly loved the club he would announce his own stepping-down and throw his weight behind helping to find a successor.

LOL@ Ed01

I guess I struck a nerve, but seeing as though you're doing your very best to slander Rodgers on any and every occassion, I shouldn't be suprised.

I don't recall you ever being that supportive last season when we were playing some of the best football we've played over the last 20 years? Maybe you were banging that "play the youth drum" again and couldn't hear yourself think. This, the same youth drum that no team with top 4 ambitions seems to play, but you have an obsession with. Maybe you were released as a kid, or have some affiliation to the academy, but there's an obvious bitterness there.

And please spare me the superfan quotes. You don't like Rodgers, I get it. This is a great opportunity for you to put the boot in and you're wading in with both feet telling everyone and anyone that's willing to listen just how bad he is, and unfortunatley this site is following you along like the pied piper.

And idly sitting by? What, 15 games into the season? You don't think he deserves a season at least to see whether he can get us out of this mess? He's not allowed to make mistakes and learn from them? A young manager, relatively inexperienced in management, at a huge club, shouldn't get the time to rectify a mess after finishing 2nd 5 months ago? But let me guess, he's stubborn and won't learn from it? Maybe, but guess what? You'll certainly highlight it to all the sheep on this site so they are aware of it, any mishap or quote in a press conference, any tactical error, any player mishandling, you'll certainly bring it to the forefront here to ensure this entire site is agreeing with your disapproval of him being the manager.

So please spare me the condescending approach and "he deserves what he gets" nonsense. Give me a break, I'm not one of the kids on this site agreeing with any and everything you say.

{Ed001's Note - hit a nerve? No, not at all, you have no point to make to hit any nerve, just the 'he deserves time' nonsense, when this is his 3rd season, so he has clearly had time. Don't recall me being supportive last season? Sorry, is it my job to blindly follow like you? What is the point in that? Do you want better? Or do you just want the club to carry on as they have been doing? Perhaps you thought Hodgson deserved more time?

You do make a very good point though, a young, inexperienced manager that should never have been given the job in the first place at a huge club, let alone get the time to make things any worse than he is already doing.

As for the banging the youth drum, perhaps you have missed the fact that Chelsea and Man City are are trying to do exactly that, to play the youth and spending huge amounts of money on preparing their clubs for a future. While we let the top coaches in our academy leave to help them improve and let our youth stagnate.

As for bitterness, you are well wide of the mark, just like in every other bit of nonsense in this inane reply. I just believe in football being done the right way, not through throwing away money at big names.

By the way, you should stop throwing out pathetic insults about sheep, when you are clearly the one with the woolyback, following blindly on listening to Rodgers spouting his drivel about how great he is. And yes, I don't like him, but that is not relevant, as I love Rafa but would never want him involved with our club ever again. It is not about personal feelings towards people, it is about getting the best people for the job, which clearly Rodgers is not, right now. He might well be in years to come, but right now he needs to step back and realise he is wrong, then make the changes needed. Whether that be to change the tactics, players used or to hold his hands up and admit he wasn't ready for the job and walk away.

Oh and stop with the pathetic 'kids' and 'sheep' insults, they are just showing what a bitter child you are that you can't make any kind of point without the need to degrade everyone else to make it seem like you know better. Clearly you don't know any better, you just have a different opinion, but you like to make yourself feel superior to add weight to your points.}

Ed01,

Let's address the point your making, in amongst the waffle about how much of a superfan and how deluded I am.

1. Your obsession with youth.

You've mentioned Man City and Chelsea. Please enlighten me with the youth players Man City and Chelsea have played this season? And in particular, in the Premier League?

This has been Chelseas lineup for the majority of the season:

Courtois
Ivanovic
Cahill
Terry
Azpilicueta
Fàbregas
Matic
Schürrle/Willian
Oscar
Hazard
Diego Costa

This has been Man Citys:

Hart
Zabaleta
Kompany
Demichelis/Mangala
Clichy
Jesús Navas
Y Touré
Fernando
Milner
Agüero
Silva/Nasri/Jovetic

As you can see, a VAST array of youth playing week in week out.

Maybe I'm not privvy to the behind the scenes going ons at these clubs, but the reality is, there are no youth players playing, so maybe that drum has a hole in it.

The rest of your post is waffle aimed at saying how deluded I am. If there's any footballing points you'd like to discuss, then fine, let's bring them to the table and discuss it amicably.

{Ed001's Note - I would discuss football, if you would actually talk about it! City and Chelsea are spending vast amounts on building academies to produce the talent needed, a path we started on before them, so you can't expect their labours to bear fruit yet.

It takes years to build through an academy, usually ten to show its full effects, as you need a young lad to have spent his entire time there to get full benefit. We have had that time, yet we are still not finding out if it has worked. We are not giving the youngsters the chance to prove themselves. It is time to find out if it has worked, or if we need to rethink how the academy is run.

Secondly, without producing through the academy, we are never going to be able to compete, as we simply do not have the commercial muscle to win by buying players. It is not about an obsession, it is about wanting the best for the club. If the youth players aren't good enough, why are we wasting millions on an academy? May as well scrap the thing and buy more ready made players.

You are the only one obsessed. Obsessed with proving you are a better fan with a superior knowledge, which you have yet to display in any shape or form. It is childish of you to constantly try and denigrate and claim superiority constantly, instead of just making a point and letting that show what you know. If you want an amicable conversation, stop insulting and denigrating everyone else and perhaps you could have one. You start off with an attack then whine when you only get attacks in return.}

Hear Hear

11 Dec 2014 12:56:54
Ed can i become a shepard? don't dig bein a sheep no more.

Again, Ed01, you fail to backup your point.

Play the youth, play the youth is the constant theme on that drum you keep banging.

You then point to the fact that Man City and Chelsea are doing that, I then highlight to you that are NOT doing that at all, and then you go on to say they are building the academies, so that in 10 years time they will be playing the youth. (facepalm)

The discussion wasn't about academies, or what will happen in x years time, or who's spending billions on state-of-the-art academies, it was:

"What teams with ambitions of finishing in the top 4 of PL are playing the youth?"

You said Man City and Chelsea. Complete waffle.

This isn't a debate about what should happen with academies, it was a debate about what top 4 teams actually play youth players.

{Ed001's Note - you can't read! Are you deliberately trying to be obtuse? I clearly said we need to give them a try to find out if they are good enough and if not then changes need to be made to the academy. Try reading and learning instead of trying to prove how much (or should that be how little?) you actually know about the game.

I am not interested in a debate with you about what top 4 teams do, I am interested in what is best for Liverpool, which is still going over your head obviously. We don't have the money to compete, Chelsea, City and Man Utd can all outspend us comfortably. It is similar in Scotland, where Celtic can outspend everyone, Bayern Munich in Germany or Spain with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

What way is there to consistently compete with those clubs? The only team to have managed to consistently do so in any of those countries is Borussia Dortmund in Germany. How have they done it? By giving the youngsters a chance.

So you keep telling me I am banging a drum, like it shows you know something. I will keep on pointing out the idiocy of ignoring our only chance of long term success. And I was not debating your nonsense point about other clubs, only you are 'banging that drum', because it is a pointless debate with no relevance to anything other than you.

May as well argue about whether we should move the club to London or Manchester, as they are doing better currently. It is a shallow argument, with no sense to it, just like arguing about whether we should just copy what everyone else does by not giving young players a chance.}

Ok, Ed01 - let me quote you:

"As for the banging the youth drum, perhaps you have missed the fact that Chelsea and Man City are are trying to do exactly that, to play the youth and spending huge amounts of money on preparing their clubs for a future. While we let the top coaches in our academy leave to help them improve and let our youth stagnate.
"

My point that was that no top 4 teams play the youth - your comments above say:

"Chelsea and Man City are trying to do exactly that, TO PLAY THE YOUTH and spending huge amounts of money on preparing their clubs for a future"

They are, at this present time, in no way, shape or form playing the youth. It's all well and good saying that in 10 years time they will be, but let's deal with reality, they are currently not playing ANY youth players.

The failings of Liverpool youth players coming through the system is a deep rooted problem that existed WAY before Rodgers and has existed for years throughout football in this country. That in itself, is a whole other debate. You cannot attribute that to Rodgers or keep constantly saying he should play the youth players, they are not good enough, and that is deeper rooted issue that doesn't lie at the managers feet.

{Ed001's Note - sorry but you still can't understand what you read, or you would see the word TRYING in there. As for Rodgers, I can blame him and will blame him as he was appointed because of his promise to do exactly that. If that doesn't make it his fault, then exactly whose is it?}

Trying to play the youth?

LOL. it just gets better. Like building an academy is something new.

The proof is in the pudding. No top 4 team plays youth players presently.

Maybe in 10 years time, you can restitch that drum.

{Ed001's Note - is that meant to be you making a point? That the mega rich teams are not playing youth players?

Perhaps you haven't seen the top 4, but I believe Man Utd are in there and they are having to play a number of youth team players, some of whom made their debuts this season.

Last season we played a number of young players and, unless my memory fails me, we did happen to finish in the top 4.

So please give it a rest as you are just making a complete fool of yourself. I don't need a drum, but you need to start thinking before typing.}

11 Dec 2014 16:22:50
"Some of you need to have a long hard look at yourselves."

Spare us your lectures, mate.

Most of us support the club, not random managers. Especially ones who are so obtuse and arrogant they would rather damage the club than change their ways.

Jimmywhat`shisface, let it go because you seem too thick to understand what is going on w/ BR and the club. I thought only mancs and bitters were BR has shown he is no longer good enough to manage and the worst is he is not even smart enuff to see it and change. He has become an embarassment to the club and this is even mor painful for me because I have always supported him BUT, the facts are the facts and Ed01 speaks the truth so get over yourself because not a bigger fan than anyone else on this forum. Oh N BTW, BR will b SACKED! It is only a case of when and not if so you`d better save your useless drivel for his professional obituary.

12 Dec 2014 11:42:14
The owners I have heard have had no problems letting coaches go in baseball and if they will sack king Kenny they will have no problem letting go of Brendan especially when it starts effecting attendances global appeal and getting back in the cl we can't wait another 5 year's.COYR.

11 Dec 2014 00:45:01
Hi there, sorry if it's already been asked but if we were to win the Europa league this season which would get us into the champions league next season and we didn't finish in the top 4 of the league would there still be 4 places or 3 plus us?

{Ed001's Note - this season it would be 4 plus us, in future the rules will revert to 3 plus us. I believe anyway. Unless I misunderstand what it says in the UEFA handbook, which is entirely possible as I nodded off a number of times while trying to read it.}

We won't beat Bournemouth or Wimbledon let alone triumphing in Europe!
I wouldn't book a hotel for the final just yet mate.

11 Dec 2014 08:31:49
Ed001 - you're correct on what happens this season, it's 4 plus

{Ed001's Note - cheers, I thought that was right, but those rulebooks are so boring it is difficult to keep awake and alert when reading them!}

I think the Ed's interpretation is the right one (btw what happen if Arsenal say win the CL and then finish out of the top 4 - and we or Everton win the EL do we then get 6 teams in the CL?). Anyway it means that the my grand plan from the begining of this season, of us winning the Europa league and in this way takes ManU 4th place will not happen (that could have been so sweet). Also, because the way we and Arsenal play ManU will probably finish 3rd and there is also this small thing of us probably not winning the Europa League.

I still think, though, contrary to common opinion, that being in the Europa league is good for us. Nothing to play for in the Pl anyway - top 4 is beyond us and we won't be relegated. We have a big squad especially if sturridge will be fit for more than two weeks, and Europa league will give us a chance to find our best 11 and make the most of our new signings. And if Sturridge is fit and with a bit of luck and maybe another manager, you can never know how far we can get there.

11 Dec 2014 11:37:09
Wouldn't worry everton r us will not be winning the Europa league both will be busy fighting relegation.

10 Dec 2014 21:43:26
Ed is there anything to suggest Borell would be interested in coming back? Or that we have any interest in bringing him back?
Just before I start getting excited! :)

{Ed001's Note - no mate sorry. He is busy working on setting up the youth system for Man City's sister club in the US at the moment, NYCFC.}

Good on him.

Borrell as D.O.F. With his choice as a coach would do for me. Something different and he knows the club so well. But and it's a big but, would he leave what he is doing and come back to take on such a big undertaking?

11 Dec 2014 11:11:46
Ambition, Robbie.