Liverpool Banter Archive November 11 2017

11 Nov 2017 18:51:08
Ed, do you think there would be a benefit for coaches to sit higher in the stands to get a better overview of the match or do you think they can see enough from ground level?
Does Klopp have any of his assistants at a higher level giving him feedback?

{Ed002's Note - Some do, and some do half and half. I don't know if Klopp has anyone posted there - I rather doubt it.}

11 Nov 2017 22:08:09
Some do and some don't. It is all about preference.

11 Nov 2017 19:52:50
If you were a manager Ed would you utilize the high ground?

12 Nov 2017 06:34:56
Maybe Klopp should get one of those umpire chairs they use in tennis.

11 Nov 2017 15:24:47
Ed 01, are there any stats about to compare Coutinho to last season. Key ones being distance covered and sprints made during his appearances. It's clear to see he's not playing as well but if it's due to a lack of effort then these stats will confirm that or put it to bed as him being out of form. Would also be interesting to see those stats for his Brazil appearances this season. Ps Keep up the great work with the site.

{Ed002's Note - Why would you see such stats as relevant. Is it better to have run further? Why? Would it be better to have the ball doing the work rather than running around?}

11 Nov 2017 15:47:31
Ed02 very true that. Was just wondering if there was much difference in his stats this season to last or even when he has played internationals.

{Ed002's Note - I am sure you can find his running about stats somewhere.}

11 Nov 2017 15:49:18
Coz they are trying very hard to make Coutinho a bad influence to the team ed02. What a stupid stat. Now I’ll give you a fact which is more important than anything else. 4 games played. 2 goals scored and 2 assists.
He wants to go so let’s make him a poor player! Brilliant logic!

11 Nov 2017 15:56:33
Ed 02 cheers for taking the time to reply. From them I'm taking that you think running about isn't important in football then 👍.

{Ed002's Note - Players can run about a bit to keep warm in the winter. I don't see anything wrong with that.}

11 Nov 2017 16:13:42
Haha Ed02. Harry I'm not trying to scapegoat anything on Coutinho. I was actually really interested to know. If it turns out he is still breaking a gut then that would actually stop fans scapegoating him. I think a players fitness levels and running stats are extremely important to the modern day manager. I can't think of a player who very rarely runs at a top club.

11 Nov 2017 16:47:27
Imo we put too much emphasis on physical stats. Yes, being fit enough to last an entire game is important, but it can't be to the detriment of players that possess greater technique.

11 Nov 2017 16:52:11
I do understand why you want to know the stats Jayden mate I get what your saying (I don't know them but would indeed be interesting) but stats aside, he's not been good enough, and Harry it isn't because he's leaving why I'm saying this, it's because it's true, if you can't see that then I just don't know. His heart isn't in it and hasn't been since the summer, he wanted out and he has spat his dummy out because he didn't get it his own way, keep defending him all you want, truth is, he's not playing well for us and he will soon be history to which I say thank god going on his behaviour since the summer, we don't need players disrupting the team no matter how good they are. All he's managed to do the past couple of months is prove to us we don't need him, time to cash in on him.

11 Nov 2017 17:27:10
Wait till January if you wanna see him run, he will be running all the way to Barcelona 🏃.

11 Nov 2017 17:38:22
Corelone

Nothing to do with stats! If he wasn’t forcing a move in the summer and had a terrible start to this season! None would have uttered a word against him! Let’s be very very honest!
All of a sudden people brining up his running stats. Really? Couts was never famous for his hard work on the pitch. It was always about goals, chances created and ability to create magic.

I wish the manager listened to you in the summer and sold him when the money was there for taking rather than the abuse and mocking he is receiving now on his ABILITY!

I wish to god he comes back and score a brace against Southampton on Saturday!

11 Nov 2017 17:51:38
Harry you are trying to make something out of my initial question that isn't there Mate. I'm not trying to bring up his running stats to mock him. It was a general question to compare him to last season. I like Coutinho and want him to stay but I know that it's going to be sooner rather than later that he goes. His game isn't based on running I agree but if last season for example he was averaging 8km a game and this season he has dropped significantly then that picture paints a thousand words. If it's simialr then perhaps that will give the doubters food for thought. At least my question has given us something to debate about I suppose in this international window.

11 Nov 2017 19:05:49
I know of a player who runs a lot. He runs from the hips. All day long and that's it.

11 Nov 2017 19:12:41
Harry, no one is making Cou look like a bad player. He is doing a bang up job of doing that on his own. To me, stats are worthless esp. on this issue. We all have our eyes to see that he was useless vs Burnley and nonexistent vs Spurs as we, might have well have been playing with 10 men in that game as he lost the ball so many times I stopped counting. I wanted Cou to stay as well cos I thought he would do a Suarez and knuckle down at LFC alas, it did not happened. Worse, the fact that Suarez conducted himself more professionally than Cou is doing is damning indictment on him and to those shamelessly supporting him

Remember that Klopp was fed up with Cou near the end of the TW and wanted rid to get Lemar BUT we could not get a replacement so him tanking games or not giving his best is not that surprising. Cou seems to be downing tools and Ed01 (who has been a Cou fan since he arrived) has said that he wants to go and is showing it by not giving his best. If he comes back and scores vs Saints, who cares? It is his job to do his best when he gets on the pitch. What does he want for that, a cookie? Nonsense. Stop defending him cos it is embarrassing.

11 Nov 2017 19:38:11
Exactly loris. Ed01 started this!

11 Nov 2017 20:05:06
And why should I listen to you loris lol. Stop defending him really? You have a reason to hate him! I don’t care nor I am getting into your thoughts. I have my own reason to back him till he is out from the club. You don’t need to impose me! Some of your logic is ridiculous. You don’t care if he scores a brace on Saturday! Why do you jump from your seat when Migs let one in then?
It’s embarassing coz I don’t agree with your stupid thinking lol!

11 Nov 2017 22:17:23
I hate Cou? You really think I take players that seriously. I have no reason to hate anyone on this planet. You have a reason to back him till he leaves. But your pathetic logic falls flat as he does not wanna play for us anymore and he is literally tanking games and not giving his best. That may be okay for you BUT the sane disagree. He is a liability and a distraction and a nuisance, per Ed01's info.

Yes, I don't care if he scores a brace vs Saints cos it won't change a thing cos his attitude sucks. What changed after he scored and assisted vs LC or scored vs Newcastle? NOTHING. He followed that up by tanking the Spurs game. If that is who you choose to back then that personal problem for you. The rest of us disagree and again, the fact that Suarez acted more professionally than Cou did by NEVER tanking games, is a scathing indictment on him and those who shamelessly defend him like you. As for Migs, here's a thing for you: Cou is a nuisance and Migs is crap. Both things can be right at the same time.

11 Nov 2017 23:55:24
So many exclamation marks.

11 Nov 2017 10:35:37
If Coutinho is sold in January, will a replacement also be brought in, in January? Hypothetically speaking.

11 Nov 2017 11:08:54
I hope we don't. I don't think we need to replace him right now, we've proved this season he isn't 100% needed, we have coped without him. Id rather us wait till the summer, give woodburn a chance and prioritise a CB in Jan.

11 Nov 2017 11:16:28
I get what your saying corleone but if replacing him properly means a top 4 finish and not replacing him means we miss out. I'd like to definitely replace him and build on last seasons finish.

11 Nov 2017 11:16:56
Hopefully strengthen the defence, maybe a defensive midfielder aswell.

11 Nov 2017 11:21:34
Only if the right player can be bought. No point bloating the squad by buying for the sake of it. I'm sure klopp has an idea of who he wants to replace coutinho. I think a deal for coutinho might be struck in Jan but he won't leave till the summer. Vvd a must in Jan for me though selling coutinho or not.

11 Nov 2017 11:37:23
If the player targeted to replace him can't be bought in January, shouldn't we wait and sell him in the summer? It seems apparent that he wants out asap, but by not bringing a replacement when he does leave I believe would weaken the side quite abit.

11 Nov 2017 12:47:00
We brought in Salah which effectively replaces where he used to play on the wing, and Ox who can cover at wing or midfield, and Keita who will be coming next season to start in the box-to-box role.

I think if he leaves in January, it would be a shame, but I see no point in bringing in someone else just for 6 months until Keita joins. just let Gini / Lallana start and then use Can as backup, and Milner / Grujic if necessary.

The biggest problems we have are still at CB, and once Can leaves we will be short in deep midfield. We should focus on bringing in a CB in January and then a defensive midfield in the summer and I'm fairly happy. Quality over Quantity please!

11 Nov 2017 12:56:32
I’d look at bringing a player like Max Meyer. For me it’s the perfect time to bring in someone like Meyer who’s younger and not have too much pressure on him as we don’t need coutinho at the moment to win games. He can come in start games or be eased into the midfield three. Though that being said I’d Lemar right away. From the games I’ve watched him in he’d fit way we play really well, technically good and full of energy.

11 Nov 2017 13:31:25
Jordz. Max Meyer is not the replacement for me. Coutinho is in a different league to him. Max meyer is a decent player but he is like 21/ 22 and to be honest woodurn at 18 looks just as good. Not saying woodburn to replace coutinho right now but I believe we have a really special talent that should be getting easily 10-15 mins of premier league footie every week. Let's not forget keita is to come in, Lallana is to come back from injury and we wini hendo can (gone in the summer) milner grujic ox if needed there also. Lemar is an excellent shout tho. Fantastic player from what I've seen but for me if we sold coutinho for x amount a top centre back is top of that list as it is a priority in my eyes. Gk too if klopp doesn't rate ward or karius as eds said he clearly doesn't rate mignolet but that's a whole different debate.

11 Nov 2017 13:54:54
Steph. I think the way coutinho is playing at the min well was playing he is injured now apparently but will see on Tuesday how injured he is anyway the way coutinho was playing for himself not the team really weakens us. I agree his head or heart isn't here anymore. I would of got rid in the summer to be honest but respected the decision by the club and klopp to keep him. Was hoping he was going to do a Suarez and up his game to the next level get us into the champions league again and then leave for Barcelona then everyone would be happy. If he wants to leave the best club in the world to go play for a team of pensioners/ criminals leave him too it. We have lost better players than coutinho we will be fine. YNWA.

11 Nov 2017 14:38:53
I agree, IR89. Jordz, everyone seems to be all in with Max Meyer. I disagree, totally. I have seen him play for Schalke, and for Germany for the U-21's and in the last Olympics and sorry, he is not not anywhere close to Cou's league. He is 2/ 3 years younger than Cou and is still trying to get to Cou's level of 2 seasons ago. He is simply not good enough. I would rathersaign Brandt for his replacement even tho he's a diff. player and even if I think we will be fine w/ o a replacement till the summer if he indeed goes in Jan.

11 Nov 2017 15:53:20
The last thing we need is to sell our most influential player which might cost us a CL finish. What if Salah’s gets injured?
Brandt is a good player, someone klopp wanted last summer. I ll signs him next summer.

11 Nov 2017 16:09:30
Tbh IR89 I would be more than happy to see woodburn get more game time and spending on the defence. Just don't see that happening as he is not even getting a chance on the first team bench at the moment.

Loris I agree Meyer is not as good as Coutinho currently. But do think it is early to right him off, debruyne and coutinho only just coming in to there prime now at 25/ 26. I don't see a need for a replacement just someone that we can look to be there in a year or two. Whether that be woodburn or a younger player from Europe.

11 Nov 2017 17:18:04
Sideways Henderson. Salah our most influential player isn't going nowhere so don't lose any sleep over that. Joking aside coutinho is a fantastic player one when in top form would grace any team in world football. BUT I can see why klopp was willing to sell him in the summer as he is becoming a bit of a nuisance/ distraction to the team. I know you mentioned stats there played 4 scored 2 and 2 assist but be honest, as good as that stat looks it doesn't tell the full story. Coutinho has been a shadow of the player he is and we all love. His head and heart is not with us anymore. You say selling him would be a risk of getting top 4 but its not a dead cert if he stays also. We have lost better players than coutinho down the years but I'm sure klopp has in his head who he wants/ needs which is all that matters. Keep the faith man YNWA.

11 Nov 2017 17:21:05
We have the replacement for Coutinho already. Firminio, what we need is a quality striker to replace Sturridge and Origi and to bring Solanke into things more.

11 Nov 2017 17:31:11
Couldn't agree more Loris, Max Meyer is nowhere close to being good enough to replace Coutinho. He'll come sit on the bench for 2 seasons and leave for a loss on what we pay for him.

11 Nov 2017 17:35:07
Obviously. Can you imagine letting our best player go and not bring anyone in the fans would have a meltdown.

11 Nov 2017 19:24:07
You are wrong, Harry. What is wrong would be if we tried to keep a player who is clearly no longer with us against his will. That is what would be wrong. Also, Cou WAS our most influential player. He no longer is. That would be Salah, followed very closely by Firmino and Mane who are going nowhere and w/ o Cou we are 5th 4 points off 2nd so CL is definitely on. Even tho he has scored some goals for us, you simply cannot compare his output this season with that of last season. He was in the running for the PL Player of the year at this time last season. Clearly, that is not happening now as he was dreadful vs Spurs cos he did not even bother the whole game.

I know you love the guy and so do I BUT sorry, you are defending the indefensible and just throwing up excuses for his disgraceful behavior. I would like for you to show the same kind of support you show Cou, to our captain Hendo who actually, is dedicated to LFC and gives his all every time he plays even through pain and injury BUT I won't be holding my breathe for that to happen.

11 Nov 2017 23:39:28
Don't think replacing or not makes top 4 finish. Sorting out GK and defending (not just defenders) is more likley to decide it.

11 Nov 2017 23:59:44
If Coutinho goes, I won't look for a like replacement. I'll go for Leon Goreztka.
But then, even if Coutinho stays, I'll still go for Goreztka.

12 Nov 2017 09:03:26
Realtofel if Goretzka is to come, someone has to go and since Can is leaving, Goretzka will not be needed as his replacement is already on his way: Naby Keita.

11 Nov 2017 08:28:27
Morning eds and to all.
Do you reckon that when Klopp signs a players it is as much to do with the playing side as it is mental
by this I mean there are certain players he has either signed or inherited from previous regimes who he seems to have given a really tough time to, not unfairly but as in putting them on the bench or not even selecting them for match day squads, eg Moreno robertson klavan (to a certain extent) milner (this season) Joe Gomez for a while after injury, Karius, Grujic, Markovic
Is this maybe his way to see who has the right mindset, strength and determination to fight and prove they wanna be part of things and in the team.
Those that don't show the right fight and attitude are probably those who are not progressing as quick as they would like
Or am i badly barking up the wrong tree here?
Would love to hear Ed 01 opinion on this
cheers guys and have a great day.

{Ed002's Note - It is really a case of Klopp not being very good at dealing with the defence nor buing players for defensive positions. Lazar Markovic has been a completely different situation and has been an absolute financial disaster for the club for reasons you don't need to know. They will need to look to sell in January or he could potentially invoke a FIFA ruling that would allow him to walk away from Liverpool in the summer. You are right that players need to fit in with the team and the squad and it is not simply a case of footballing abiity - people often forget this.}

11 Nov 2017 08:48:18
Thank you for your reply Ed002.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

11 Nov 2017 07:47:47
Morning Ed 001.

Sorry to raise the Couthino issue again but something has been on my mind and was talking to friends on it last night.

He clearly wants to play for Barcelona but if the likes of say PSG come in with a better offfer does the club have any say as to where he goes?

We know player power has been a big thing for years but he has a lengthy contract and he's employed by LFC. People say contacts are there to drive the price of the player up but surely the club has to have some time of legal rights?

{Ed001's Note - the only say they have is in which offers they accept, the player could then reject the team that makes an acceptable offer and hold out for a different one if they wish.}

11 Nov 2017 08:00:23
Right, so that could then ( and one uses the term loosely ) negate any bidding war and play into Barca’s hand.
Contacts really do mean nothing these days.

My stance on this has changed and. I’m with you now Ed001, we should just get rid but ensure we get the maxim price and screw Barcelona of every penny we can, with the conditions of the sale on our terms.

{Ed001's Note - it is sad to see, but he has to go. He could have been a legend with Liverpool. Oh well, his loss.}

11 Nov 2017 09:10:18
True eds it is a shame brilliant player but his heart has gone over to the Barcelona side. Just need to let him leave now get as much as we can and move on we’ve done it many times and it will happen again.

{Ed001's Note - players always move on eventually, just not always is it done amicably. Let him go and he can be remembered for the good times, hang on to them and it tarnishes the memory. I hate it when that happens as it does no one any good.}

11 Nov 2017 14:44:44
Right on, Ed. He needs to go for the sake of the team as he is simply no longer into LFC. It's a shame he is leaving cos he was well-accepted by the team and the city and he in turn, gave us some very brilliant games and moments (esp. vs City who will be glad to see the back of him) . But it is only the way he is doing it that is disappointing BUT life goes on and we move on.