Liverpool Banter Archive May 12 2016

12 May 2016 22:20:29
Hi Ed02 do you think Allan Rodrigues De Souza will be able to gain a work permit for next season and be part of the 1st team squad?

{Ed002's Note - I think it will still be difficult for him.}

12 May 2016 20:37:44
Joe "dogs of war"Royle back at everton for the last game, haha

rumours are that the tactical instructions on a finch farm white board says
" lump it up to the big lad. That is all".

12 May 2016 21:15:15
Big Dunc coming off the bench as well then?

12 May 2016 17:37:45
Anyone with me and like origi over sturridge?

Think our play has declined since his injury.

12 May 2016 18:05:06
What i would say is on the form he was starting to show in the games before his injury yes in ways as was said b4 he is more agressive than studge to tackle high up not just block but sturridge has come back every time and burried half chances. i'd take both up top 😂.

12 May 2016 18:08:05
Not me. A sub-par Studge has shown he's our best goalscorer, I can't wait to see him when he's back in form.

Origi's got boundless energy and was on a good run of form but he's yet to demonstrate he's in Studge's class. That could change next season but Studge, right now, is #1.

12 May 2016 18:20:38
I'm not talking about who is better, that's not even a conversation.

I'm saying we are better as a team with origi.

12 May 2016 18:22:01
Can we not have both? Along with Ings, Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana we have attacking options. Youngsters like Origi will come in and out of form, Sturridge rarely stays fit for entire seasons, so having a quality group of strikers and attacking mids is essential. Ibe, Markovic and Ojo add to that. With a potential signing on the wing if one or more of those leave. Let's not put all our eggs in one basket, eh? Squads win trophies these days, not just starting 11's.

12 May 2016 18:22:02
Spot on Hem Origi is way better than Sturridge actually and is our no 1 striker. The fact that he plays with both legs unlike Sturridge makes him more clinical and he is powerful too.

12 May 2016 18:32:09
Origi on form vs Sturridge on form = no contest who is most clinical, Sturridge all day long.

Origi is a good team player though. There is definitely room for both at LFC.

12 May 2016 18:39:46
Im with Gmac, i'd really like to see them given more of a run out together. I thought in the Stoke game they both seemed to link up well and they both have a tendency to drift out wide so it shouldn't leave us short in midfield.

12 May 2016 18:50:41
Then I'm still against you Hem, our best performance recently was Villareal at anfield, less exciting than Dortmund but better.

12 May 2016 19:00:02
Might not see the best of Sturridge till next season I think, needs a good pre-season and time to get his body and head together. He still seems to be not quite giving 100% yet, not surprising though.
He's a better player than origi is though, no doubt about that.

12 May 2016 19:00:46
Origi for me his best year are not even close . Sturridge is in his best year . All round play Origi but I would pick Sturridge if it was a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper.

12 May 2016 19:07:19
Can't believe there's actually a debate on origi or Sturridge.

Sturridge on form is probably the 2nd bet striker in the league.

Trouble is he's been out so long people have forgot how good he is.

12 May 2016 20:39:09
Sturridge wins hands down!
BUT he will not last a season everyone forgets he's made of glass when he comes back scores goals and slots in seamlessly.
If we got offered 30m i'd let him go lpool pay him top wages for part time hours it makes sense.

12 May 2016 20:47:43
Sturridge is freaky good on his day, and pure class . I love Origi though, sometimes you just take a shine to a player. I can't wait to see Ings again though, I hope he comes back firing on all cylinders.

12 May 2016 20:57:12
Origis a kid and JK will continue to have fun with him. maybe even turn him into Liverpool's lewandowksi?

Studge is class but is he going to fit in long term? I think a decent offer and JK will bite and Studge will chance his arm elsewhere. Arsenal seems a logical solution to me. Not saying I agree with it but I think studge will have to change before JK does if there's any longevity to his liverpool career.

12 May 2016 22:11:33
JK having fun with kids?! Er, Ed002, care to intervene! 😂.

12 May 2016 22:33:47
Why can't we have both?

12 May 2016 23:28:58
Origi better than Sturridge! you're drunk.

12 May 2016 21:28:24
If Klopp decides to sell Sturridge just because he doesn't run all day like Lallana then he is a bigger fool than Brendan.
Sturridge will win the title for Arsenal if he goes there.

13 May 2016 01:15:26
Origi has fantastic potential and might end up becoming the better all rounder but for now Sturridge is the better striker. Each should be used as and when suits their particular style of play.

13 May 2016 02:22:24
I enjoyed this topic, really lucky to have sturridge, origi playing for us, for me sturridge showed playing In the SAS combo he can assist and score, so maybe the SAO show and the SOI show premieres this year, get your tickets.

13 May 2016 06:31:04
Sturridge is not really a true centre forward because very often when crosses came in he is not present whereas Origi is a true centre forward. I think Klopp should use both more often in games.

12 May 2016 12:57:21
Ed002
Without making it Liverpool-centered (because of the response it would get), when you have a mo' could you explain to us what the formal limits of "tapping-up" are? I can see that a manager speaking to a player directly about a move is banned. (although I can't see why having an agent involved makes it any better), but I imagine that all players when they get together discuss whether they might move, ask questions like "if there were an offer would you be interested" - just in their general banter? is that also illegal? Also, why does this apply to contracts in football (? sport in general? ) but not other jobs in the world?

{Ed002's Note - Clubs or representatives of clubs are not allowed to directly approach any player who is contracted to another football club. They can approach his club and ask for permission to speak to a player and typically that would be agreed on the basis of a commitment to pay a specific fees. Some clubs (typically in old Eastern bloc countries - Russia and Ukraine aside) will give permission based on interest rather than a commitment to buy - and that is because they rely heavily on income from transfers. An example here might be Marko Grujic who had spoken to a number of sides (e.g. Chelsea, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Udinese and Anderlech) with the permission of Red Star Belgrade before speaking with Liverpool. It is excepted that managers will call players they know but they are not allowed to discuss transfers - and everyone knows that. No doubt it happens a lot but the brighter managers or coaches should perhaps not do it with players who are keen to give interviews and discuss the matter (e.g. Zielinski and Goetze). The correct process to follow would be to typically discuss options with the agent of a player before approaching his club.}

12 May 2016 18:25:38
Thanks for your time (again) Ed002. (still find it a bit arcane though. why doesn't football behave like other professions where head hunting etc is the norm. is football so unstable that it needs these rules? ) .

{Ed002's Note - Sorry you don't understand. Footballers are contracted to clubs fopr fixed periods of time. Company employees are not.}

12 May 2016 13:05:24
Some point towards the end of te game sturridge worked his arse off to help kill a chelsea counter and win ball back on edge of our box. We tend tonget caught up in giving back-handed complimets e. g. he did this well bit. etc anyways that stood out for me in a meaningless game were nothing much was going for him. Thought he deserve some praise for that.

12 May 2016 13:29:03
I don't think he's lazy. He just lacks aggression. There was a point yesterday that somebody pinged an awful ball back to the centre backs and it was bouncing awkwardly. Instead of going up to challenge them and knock to ball in behind for himself to run onto though he just gambled on them missing it and ran past them.

That sums up this argument. He isn't lazy. He runs around a lot cutting off passing lanes and slowing down counter attacks. He also makes a lot of offensive runs when we are in position. The reason he is often called lazy is because unlike Origi, Ings, Firmino, Lallana and Milner he will more often than not just jockey the player instead of just going in for the tackle.

He needs to be more aggressive but he isn't lazy. He can be when things are going wrong. That's more sulking though than just a general lack of effort.

12 May 2016 14:58:20
Scouser, the second part of your post describes exactly what Studge is being asked to do hence, he`s doing his job. He may lack aggression atimes BUT he is doing what he`s told as this is the way LFC press the opponent now under Klopp.

12 May 2016 13:38:15
He is a world class striker who picked up Firmino in the fist half with a beauty of a pass. He isn't a Lallana who will run all day until the battery dries up ( may be cautious not to miss the euros ) . He is a threat and scores goals.

12 May 2016 12:26:42
Just for a bit of banter,
where do you guys think we should strengthen in the summmer? I think a new left back and goalkeeper are needed. wouldn't be suprised to see a winger come in too.

12 May 2016 13:05:46
In:
GK Horn (Koln), LB Chilwell (Leicester), CB Matip (Schalke), CB Subotic (Dortmund), CM Grujic (Red Star), FW Silva (Braga)

Out:
Bogdan, Vigouroux, Moreno, Enrique, Skrtel, Sakho, Wisdom, Rossiter, Allen, Alberto, Teixeira, Markovic, Lallana, Yesil, Sinclair, Balotelli, Benteke

Loaned out:
Ward, Ibe, Allan

That's my prediction. I'd personally replace Clyne as well but i can't see the budget stretching that far. Gomez or Flanagan may save us a few quid there though anyway.

12 May 2016 13:28:20
In: GK Horn LB Hector CB Rudiger CB Matip CM Grujic LW Yaramalenko RW Zielinski

Outs: Bogdan Wisdom Skertl Sakho Enrique Rossiter Allen Alberto Texeira Markovic Yesil Sinclair Balotelli Benteke.

Loan: Vigouroux Ward Allan Chirivella

Other possible outs are Lucas Lallana and Sturridge.

Other possible ins Sebastian Kehl.

12 May 2016 14:00:07
Poolie is that what you want or what you predict?

If it's what you want then how come in 1 hour you've changed your mind on us needing a holding midfielder? ;)

If it's what you predict them why does it include players like Hector, Rudiger and Yarmolenko whom we have shown no concrete evidence in? ;)

Only kidding buddy.

However, Zielinski is a CM. It's unlikely Udinese will want to deal with us after how it's been handled. If they will though, Zielinski would be a great signing. He could slot in alongside Can and Hendo. That would be an excellent 3 man midfield. All depends on how upset the Italians are over the alleged tapping up of the player though.

12 May 2016 14:07:31
In: GK Horn/ Karius/ Rulli, LB Chilwell, CB Sule, CM Dahoud, AM Volland
Out: Bogdan, Enrique, Skrtel, Allen, Benteke, one of Markovic/ Ibe, and all the standard ones. Would keep Moreno though.

12 May 2016 13:49:08
2 incoming CB + Lovren + Toure + Lucas + Gomez + Sakho ( After the ban ) . A possible 7 CBs for next season.
Wow no wonder y this club has been in mess brining players.

12 May 2016 17:29:15
In. Butland matip grugic kante reus. sorted.

12 May 2016 18:24:00
Wow lots of changes. I think we need more continuity and should keep and work with what we have rather than keep rolling the dice.
Unless a key player eg PC leaves then just a keeper and left back. Keeper for sure.
If Sakho leaves then perhaps a replacement or we have Gomez as back up.
Sell those obvious ones on loan who aren't needed.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe Allen stay based on Klopps comments but we will see.

12 May 2016 18:33:31
In - Zieler, Matip, Grujic.

12 May 2016 20:21:31
Adam, you want Chillwell and Smith to be our two senior LBs? Also, Ed002 has said that Udinese has spoken with Liverpool about Zielenski. If we want the player, we will get him IMO. I disagree that he is a "great" player; he is a decent player who has a good engine, similar to Mark Noble at West Ham, but more attack minded. I also disagree that Rafa Silva is any better than Lallana, as you seemingly hinted we replace Lallana with Silva.

IN: Horn, Chillwell, Matip, Grujic, Zielenski and Goetze. (not my choices)

OUT: Bogdan, Vigouroux, Wisdom, Jordan Williams, Brad Smith, Enrique, McLaughlin, O'Hanlon, Maguire, Lloyd Jones, Tricket-Smith, Skrtel, Allen, Rossiter, Teixeira, Luis Alberto, Dunn, Benteke, Balotelli, Sinclair and Yesil.

Loans: Ward, Fulton, Awoniyi, Canos, Kent and Ibe.

12 May 2016 21:35:28
Llori will go as well (in addition to your list AG) .

I can see Chirivella getting a loan as well - I think he needs first team football to develop.

13 May 2016 02:47:38
Thanks Hoola. You can also add Daniel Cleary to the list, as he has confirmed today that he will be leaving too.

12 May 2016 10:29:16
I get the whole "he is lazy and doesn't work for the team" thing, I really do but you cannot argue with his stats! Benteke has now scored 10 goals in just 13 starts, why so much hate? Wether you like him or not most clubs would love a striker with them kind of stats. He may be lazy but if he scores goals should we not just love him for what he is? A proven goal scorer rather than what he isn't!

12 May 2016 10:50:00
actually he is not lazy! its a petulant blame from some of our so called experts . if he is lazy than what's sturridge? This season lots of time I saw him waiting in the box for cross, pass or cut back . but unfortunately we don't have a system to support his game . we lack pace in the wings and how many good crossers do we have? or how many times do our wingers make cut back pass? moreover benteke himself lacks speed to move quickly through the spaces. the total scenario is a mess up. the system is contradictory .

12 May 2016 10:55:47
I agree. I am one of Benteke`s supporters. He may not work on the high press, he may be what people presume lazy. But his stats prove he is a goal scorer. He hasn't had a great deal of chances and injuries this year yet still give a good return.

Baz.

12 May 2016 10:36:15
You can have one none presser in the side. He has accepted sturridge for that, I struggle why he has this hate for benteke. The boys guarantees 20 a season that's for sure.

If he had of treated benteke like origi, game, games and more games. Confidence booster etc bentwke would be just behind hardy and Kane now, guarantee it.

12 May 2016 10:44:56
Not going to rant,

Someone picked up a thought he doesn't fit in our style and I have been hearing it from past 4-5 years on this page. This has been ongoing under different manages all failing to win anything with thier style of play. Not sure which style did we play yesterday. After the 15 mts mark we busted like a balloon and were chasing Hazzard shadows all over. If you go by stats, Allen and Benteke would get inside the top 5 best players this season and I could see both moving out.

He is a physical monster who could surrender any defender due his sheer strength. For some strange season he hasn't scoring goals for fun. The first season excuse doesn't apply here unfortunately as people don't like him.

His over head kick against UTD wasn't a fluke, the lad is quality whether you like it or not that's a fact.

12 May 2016 11:08:51
On a number of times this season Benteke been calling and pointing for the ball and he does not get it.

12 May 2016 11:21:20
Can't believe all I've read. Benteke is crap and a waste of money. The biggest waste in Lfc history. He doesn't try to get on the end of crosses, he doesn't make runs behind, he doesn't offer anything in build up play. He wants the ball given directly to him wherever he is, to give him a chance of scoring.
Sooner he's gone the better with ings origi and sturridge fighting for cf.

12 May 2016 11:22:52
When we say "lazy" we aren't necessarily saying he should be pressing as much as say Lallana, he's lazy in the he doesn't run the channels and isn't busting a gut to get in to the box to get on the end of the ball.

Also if we're comparing him to Sturridge, Sturridge actually tracks back significantly more than Benteke does. Sturridge also makes many more good runs than Benteke does.

12 May 2016 11:41:07
So benteke gets a hard time yet our very own Jan Molby was class as great only moving 4 metres a match. Get real. Benteke asks for the ball in positions because he knows what he can do with it. The lad hasn't Bern given a fair crack at it.
Why are we looking for wingers? Wingers are they to beat a man and cross a ball. So with that you need a target man, who is that target man if Benteke isn't there? Benteke proved at Villa single handled that he could score big amounts of goals. He needs time to adapt to Klopp's style of play which I'm sure he can.

Baz.

12 May 2016 11:41:27
Whether you call him lazy or not the majority of games he is VERY easy to mark and there is nothing defenders like more. I remember one Europa group game he literally trotted from penalty spot to the edge of the centre circle and back all game. There were 2 big slow lumbering centre backs who were in there element. With a bit of movement he would have made a massive impact on a dull game.

In tight defensive games where teams "park the bus" you have to move defenders around and pull them out of position - he does not do this. If you have 1 striker up top then Benteke does not work at all. With 2 strikers it is different.
Sturridge is actually a complete contrast in terms of movement and sometimes he'll be on the right wing instead of in the box. But at least it unsettles the defence.

The reason I don't think he suits Klopp's style of play is that Klopp often prefers 1 striker up top. No other reason IMO.

12 May 2016 11:45:50
Seriously Benny? The biggest waste in LFC history? I'd post a list of players to argue that statement but the servers would likely blow up from too much data.
I can't stand statistics but one area where they rarely lie is goals per game and Bentekes look pretty solid on that front. He has scored those goals in a system that doesn't suit his strengths too.
Don't get me wrong, I don't see him fitting in as neatly as Ings or Firmino but he has plenty of ability and he is certainly no Balotelli. Or Carroll. Or Aquilani. Or Cole. Or Keane. Best I stop there.

12 May 2016 11:49:15
I was going to do my own post but saw this and thought I'd join in. Benteke's scored a respectable amount of goals with his game time but what shines through is that he's been rubbish when he starts but brilliant off the bench. He's only managed 3 goals and 1 assist from his 13 starts (1078 minutes) but 6 goals and 2 assists from his 15 appearances from the bench (352 minutes) . I can only assume that this is because when he starts he tries to play Klopp's game (and fails, he's scored just one goal in the league when he's started for Klopp) but plays his natural game off the bench.

I think Benteke wants to be the leading man so if he leaves I'll wish him well but if he does stay I'll be delighted that we have such a potent weapon on the bench,

12 May 2016 11:58:28
Pretty sure Carroll can safely take that title Benny.

12 May 2016 12:04:02
i liked benteke, liked him at villa. no doubt he has tons of ability and whilst his goal scoring is not in in doubt the question is can we get more from someone else, if we got 25 mil or so can we get someone that gets the same amount of goals but offers more to the team as a whole? if he goes and someone comes in that can deliver that then so be it. if not maybe is it worth giving him a full season under klopp and moulding him into that? (if that's possible! )

12 May 2016 12:06:23
add to that the number of one on ones he has missed this seasons because he lacks the confidence. IF he is properly backed he is a supreme player. But when the coach just doesn't see it we cannot help it. All said i still believe it is Benteke who will stay and sturridge who will leave this summer.
Klopp hasn't trusted him a lot this season tbh. If benteke also starts pressing like what klopp wants which i can't see why he can't actually he will be a hell of a player. and klopp would know that too. he likes origi for his strength and pace.
I mean the sheer number of times he wins the ball of a corner is just incredible. i don't want to see him go. But one of either him or studger will go or rather has to go because we have 4 first team strikers.

12 May 2016 12:52:56
Benny, you're owed some grief for that comment. Annie and Fornax have already tackled your 'biggest waste of money' claim, I'm going to take issue with your 'he doesn't offer anything in build up play' claim.

Benteke creates a chance every 45 mins compared to Studge (139) and Origi (116). According to Squawka scoring system he does much better in possession than either Studge or Origi. He draws more fouls from the others, he attempts more passes, he wins a huge amount of headers. Basically he offers far more in build up play than our other forwards.

12 May 2016 12:59:36
If we do make the decision to move him on I hope to God it's a team abroad. He will hunt us if he goes to a premiership team.

Baz.

12 May 2016 13:11:57
Benny is probs the only outfield player that I have slated this season. I see strikers from other teams lead hard and strong when a cross comes in. They overpower defences in doing so. Even Andy Carroll will have a powerful burst when the path of the cross can be predicted. Jenny does not have this. 10 goals in 13 games is a great stat, but it is misleading. When the ball is served up on a silver platter he will score. More or less. But if he has to run for it, then it is to much effort and he won't make a burst for it.

In my opinion, the difference has been that recently he has ventured past the penalty spot and sat on the last man, for a player of his work ethos, this is exactly where he should be.

Benny is valuable in a 2 striker situation. I believe that in a striking partnership you need a poacher and a creator. Sturridge, Ings and Origi are all creators. Be my is a fantastic poacher. In my opinion.

{Ed023's Note - I'm curious... Who's Jenny?}

12 May 2016 13:16:51
Moreover, Benny was given a pretty decent run of games when he was our only fit striker. But that seems to have been lost in many people's convenient memory lapses.

12 May 2016 13:36:29
You can have an endless number of arguments about why Benteke should or should not stay. But at the end of the day, it is results that are the most meaningful and for a striker it's goals scored. A 20 goal striker is a must. This is Liverpool Football club. A club with a rich successful history and aspirations to reach those earlier heights again. Without a 20 goal striker, we will never reach those aspirations. So Benteke must leave. To make place for a striker who'll get us those goals. Sturridge may do it of course, because he's done it before. But his injury record is too risky to depend on.

12 May 2016 13:58:38
Benteke's goal stats are undeniable and I am happy for him, however his all round game play is lacking. We can't expect to play to one players strengths when that limits everyone else.

The problem is what does Benteke have that Origi doesn't, I would argue Origi looks stronger, better at holding up play and can head the ball which is what Benteke is supposed to bring to the team. But Origi then has so much more with his pace, runs and skill on the ball.

Selling Sturridge would be stupid, because he has such ability, imo the only English player who plays with a level of class and composure shown by the very top players.

12 May 2016 15:20:38
Wow, now this is funny. Benteke scores 2 goals in two and a half games and now suddenly, he will guarantee us 20 a season and all the other nonsense. Give it a rest. Benteke is lazy as in, he doesn`t do what other strikers who are big and strong like him do. He is as Ron said, VERY easy to mark. I have watched countless times when we are ready to cross, he is either at the back post or not yet even in the box hence, the cross is put in to no one. He doesn`t press, doesn`t work hard enuff for the team, and DEFO doesn`t make the runs needed to move his markers around. Origi is the exact opposite of all that. He is big, strong powerful, has aerial ability, bullies CB`s for fun (go ask the great Hummels if he wants to see Origi in his face again) and is lethal in front of goal with both feet. Benteke thought he was just going to play regardless of how good or bad he was BUT ther`s a new Sheriff in town and that crap won`t fly under Klopp and the fact that a green horn like Origi is now ahead of him on the pecking order, says it all and NO, Klopp doesn`t hate him. he`s just not doing what the other forwards are doing so if he`s not playing often, it`s his fault, not Klopp`s. I don`t care for his stats because they mean nothing.

12 May 2016 15:22:16
Still think we could get a pretty penny for him from a side expecting to be on the lower half of the table next year. He can keep a side in the league, no question about it. Since everyone is getting a truckload of TV-money, 25 mil is not too much for that kind of "insurance". He is not a Klopp-style player and will never be. Sturridge in not a perfect player in our current system either, but he is getting there.

12 May 2016 17:33:31
I watched him when we played Exeter, both games.
He was woefull statuesque if you like, just standing on the corner of the 18 yard box waiting for something to drop for him.
Now this was a league 2 side. He should of been pulling and spreading their center backs but he didn't. It should of been easy for him to do that against that level of opponent.

I feel he just has not got enough movement to his game, and we have better players in Origi and Ings that both run the channels off the ball into space and make theirselves available for the pass or pull defenders out of position creating space for others.
Thank you but goodbye Benners.

12 May 2016 19:08:24
Ha ha stats don't mean anything this makes me chuckle. I appreciate that some obscure stats mean nothing but goals scored is one that can't be ignored. I think back to Heskey, when playing with confidence he was capable of some great goals and play, when not. Well we have all seen those YouTube clips.
I would like to see Big Ben get a chance, he is no lost cause like a certain Italian. If nothing else it will boost his sell on value.
Oh and I am calling it now, watch him come off the bench and win us the Europa League with one of those goals scored that don't mean anything. ;-)

12 May 2016 20:24:07
Your stat is pointless. 10 goals in 13 starts, which nonviolently includes his goals scored when coming on as a substitute, but not the game. The only stat that matters for Benteke is that 40 appearances and 10 goals for LFC.

12 May 2016 23:30:32
Baz, in relation to an earlier post, the reason you have wingers isn't just to send in crosses for a target man, they are used to make the field of play as wide as possible. By staying wide by the touch line it creates more space in the middle for players like coutinho firmino and Sturbridge to work their magic. Currently Moreno and Clyne are trying to supply that width but a real winger will allow them to focus more on their defensive duties and should be more creative in the final third.

That's why we need wingers.

12 May 2016 23:53:52
Your stats mean nothing, Higgins because as AG pointed out, it doesn't include all the other stuff strikers do that don't show on the stat sheet nor does it include all the sitters and open goals he missed. Your post just proved my point. Anyone who uses manipulative stats to, prove a football point already lost the argument. Use your eyes more and maybe you will see what doesn't show up on the stat sheet.

13 May 2016 01:59:41
Spot on benny and others, got to be the first out the door. Dosnt give us any more of a goal threat than Sturridge origi or Ings. He will not win us titles.

12 May 2016 10:04:08
Anyone think that benteke movement and pace improved recently, he looks fitter and leaner than I have ever seen him.

12 May 2016 10:13:04
Not really no, sadly.

12 May 2016 15:29:45
The bar is so low for him in that dept. at this time that it is hard to say, unfortunately.

12 May 2016 08:39:38
Would people trade places with Leicester? What I mean by that is, would you take the Premier League title this year for an uncertain future with Ranieri, so no Klopp as our manager or would you prefer our current league position but our future in Klopp's hands?

{Ed001's Note - 100% Klopp. I love Ranieri, but love Klopp more.}

12 May 2016 08:47:48
I agree Ed let's hope Klopp can deliver over the next few seasons.

12 May 2016 08:58:34
Klopp 100%, i like Ranieri and i admit i am a little jealous of Leicester but would i swop with them, hell no.

12 May 2016 09:09:41
Klipperty for me.

12 May 2016 09:42:19
I wouldn't swap, but am impressed with their squad this season in terms of spirit. The recruitment guy is brilliant, think he was a teacher from Bristol? He has spotted a few great buys this season, would love Kante. The stadium is lovely too.

But I'm in love with LFC and couldn't change that for anyother team.

{Ed001's Note - Steve Walsh and he was a teacher yes.}

12 May 2016 09:43:37
Klopp, 101% all the way. Ranieri has a lot of experience behind him, but Klopp has that something that will lift LFC up higher than Ranieri ever could.

12 May 2016 12:16:31
I'd pick ranieri if that meant we will win the title. the future is now and i would pick ranieri over klopp if that meant liverpool would replicate leicester fortunes.
the tinkerman is clever. klopp is a good coach, but so is ranieri. their is not much giveway here both are likeable too. but klopp would not achieve what ranieri has achieved with leicester.

12 May 2016 14:03:23
what is that? Dilly ding dilly dong.

Where Ranieri scores above Klopp is on the touch line where he has control over his emotions.

Not like the crazy Klopp antics.

Though I don't like this Gegen press (high presssss) but who are we to question if it can guarantee a title.

12 May 2016 14:07:55
lets not forget ranieri lost to the faroe islands whilst managing Greece! he has done well because no one thought he would do well. Its going to be different next season as he will have to tinker with his team and he will have more games to manage, he has been built up now the press will have to knock him down, its going to be a whole new ball game for him next year, I would not swap klopp for anyone as I still have to pinch myself that he is the manager of Liverpool football club.

12 May 2016 15:37:13
Klopp, all day long. I saw an interview he did for Roger Bennett here in the States and it was revealing. He said he always knew he would come to LFC especially after the friendly at Anfiels 2 yrs ago. Even on holiday, he said LFC was the only team he would cut his vacation short for hence, we could have had him last summer because he just loved us and the city and the passion we have for football but some genius at the club thought it not to go for him at that time. Regarding Ranieri and LC, the bar was very low for both him and LC and credit to them for defying all odds. next season, they`re not going to sneak up on anyone and most importantly, we will see how they handle playing every three days because it`s a lot easier to recover and game plan if you have a week vs just three days.

12 May 2016 20:27:59
I would keep Klopp. Ranieri has done an excellent job, but we must see how they get on next season before we can conclude whether this was a flash in the pan moment.

12 May 2016 08:01:37
Can someone explain why we're being linked with another forward (Dembele, £20m+) when all we really need is a top quality keeper? The mind boggles.

12 May 2016 08:43:14
We don't know what Klopp wants, maybe Klopp thinks we need shot of a few and will need replacements. Ben and Balo probably off and maybe Sturridge really isn't happy. Maybe the rumour is just a load of tosh. All we can do is surmise. Wait and see I'm sure we'll find out before too long.

12 May 2016 09:14:11
We need much more than just a keeper mate.

12 May 2016 09:53:24
He is tipped as the best young player in Europe, soon he will be unaffordable and potentially become a world class player.
Over the years we've missed buying this 'next big thing'. We were linked with players like Bale, Hazard, Ronaldo, Morata, Alli etc but didn't make that final move in. He could be in that list one day, it's about time we closed one of these. But I guess you could say for everyone of those, there was a Victor Fisher, Frode Kippe or Marko Marin. It does look like we now have the coaching set up to improve talent, so I'd say we could elevate him towards the top tier.

I do agree though he's not the area we need to invest in, but the GK and defence require proven talent who can walk into the first team and improve it, so I'd rather not sign potential in those areas.

12 May 2016 09:54:39
We need a 20+ goal striker without a shadow of a doubt. The closest we have to that is Sturridge. And he is simply not reliable or dependable because of his injury record. Benteke will not get us those goals unless we completely change our way of play in the final third of the pitch. And that's not happening. I can see Origi and Ings getting around 10 or slightly more, over a season, but not much more. Unless one of them has amazing progress and pulls off a Vardy-esque season.

12 May 2016 10:02:30
Maybe because its paper talk and they need something to fill them.

Wouldn't believe anything your hearing from the papers, they have no idea who klopp will be targeting.

12 May 2016 18:22:00
Luckily he's signed for someone else. Spend the cash on a GK please, we'd improve significantly with someone better between the posts.

12 May 2016 03:07:46
Hi eds, now that villa, newcastle and norwich officially relegate? I wilk like to know your opinion which of their players is worth a raid in the cheap? I do like wijnaldum and ayoze perez.

{Ed007's Note - For Liverpool I'd say none.}

12 May 2016 04:13:04
I think a lot of Robbie Brady, very versatile as he can play in midfield as well as left back, and he has as good a delivery as anyone going.

{Ed001's Note - he can play lots of places, the problem is that he is not very good in any of them.}

12 May 2016 05:15:44
Brady' crosses are very good but he is not pacy.

12 May 2016 08:12:00
Brady is one of those frustrating players who has everything. Excellent weight of pass, work rate, good tackler, quick, doesn't get bullied off the ball, can shoot, can whip in a deadly cross etc.

However he just has absolutely no awareness of his surroundings, no intelligence on the ball, no positional sense and very little idea of how to best use his skills.

I think he is a poor mans Milner. Brady has probably suffered as a result of his versatility though as he has never been able to settle into a position. In his early 20's Martin O'Neil made a decision that Milner would be a central midfielder alongside Barry. Probably because Young a Downing had more pace out wide. However at City he was moulded into a wide man and probably had the best years of his career in that role despite only being a squad player. At both clubs though he was consistently used by his manager in a similar role. Both clubs took advantage of his versatility to cover for injuries, but you knew what position his manager saw him as a regular.

Brady needs more direction though. He is constantly switched between left back, left wing and midfield and as a result he can only play all 3 positions to an average standard. There is a player in there, but it's a gamble to try and find it!

12 May 2016 10:26:35
Wijnaldum is probably the only one worth looking at from all 3 teams, just not sure as he does tend to go missing for large parts of games.

Maybe Orlando Aarons as he looked an amazing talent last season but for some reason doesn't seem to have featured much this season (could be wrong on that, maybe he's just been rubbish)?

12 May 2016 05:59:19
Wijnaldum is a good player. But I would want a world class player to come in.

12 May 2016 11:45:53
Exactly Kova, if it's not a significant upgrade in quality then stick with what we've got.

11 May 2016 22:26:00
Hazard was world class who got enormous help from Liverpool midfielders who gave him acres of space and couldn't stop him.

Why you need a CDM Adam? For the very obvious reason above.

12 May 2016 08:24:34
Hazard is a world class player when he turns up Harry. You could've put Alonso and De Rossi in front of our back 4 last night and he'd still have given them nightmares.

Can has been back from ankle ligament injury for about a week and he didn't exactly do a bad job on Hazard. We kept him mire quiet that Dier and Dembele managed and if I remember correctly you were fornicating over Dier the other week?

What is your problem with Can, Stewart and Chirivella? That's a first team option, a good back up, and a young lad with superb potential. Can is going nowhere, and Stewart signed a new contract and is rated highly by Klopp. So you need to let go of this fantasy that we will be signing a holding midfielder.

Between the Watford and Swansea games Stewart made 10 tackles, 5 interceptions and 10 clearances. All whilst maintaining a 91% pass accuracy. When will you accept that he is a very good holding midfielder?

And yet you recommended Kouyate yesterday who has no tactical awareness and had to be pushed forward into a box to box role because he can't protect the back 4 even to Championship level. It beggars belief.

12 May 2016 08:49:58
Stewart isn't ready yet. Can is no DM and Chirivella has hardly any 1st team experience. Lucas is one of my favourites but again is far from consistent enough. Stewart and or Chirivella may well be optons for the future but need a quality CDM to play alongside and learn from. The problem is we have no real quality CDM which is why our midfield loses out consistently.

12 May 2016 10:41:58
He could've fooled me since Klopp took over Natural Poolie. 40 odd games in a holding midfield position later and people have been calling for him to take the captains armband next season. Our midfield rarely ever loses out when we have Can fit. Even against Chelsea yesterday we dominated for large periods. Can and Milner easily matched Matic and Fabregas. Had it not been for Hazard playing out of his skin, they wouldn't have even got a goal.

I really don't get why people think our midfield is weak. Henderson, Can, Stewart, Allen, Lucas, Milner, Brannagan, Chirivella and Grujic to arrive (who is a powerhouse btw) and people are concerned?

Our greatest weakness is that all of our play is congested because Moreno and Clyne cannot cross a ball. Klopp has always played with a narrow front 3. Reus, Lewandowski and Blaszczykowski (spelling) played very narrow to allow Piszczek and Schmelzer space to overlap. The difference was they could cross a ball into the box!

Coutinho and Lallana both come narrow to create and get into scoring positions but then we have no quality on the overlap.

Midfield isn't our problem. Full backs and goalkeepers are. We have lots of creativity, lots of goal scorers and lots of quality in midfield. The problem is that opposition just play really narrow against us to crowd out the likes of Firmino and Coutinho because they no they don't have to worry remotely about our full backs putting in a good cross.

That is why when Ojo comes on as a sub he causes problems. Because it gives us an instant new dimension to our attack when we have a player on who can cross; a dimension most opposition haven't planned for. We need a left back who can defend but also offer a good delivery and then we will carry more threat going forward. Moreno put in one good cross last night and Lallana nearly scored. Allen put in a good cross and Ojo nearly scored. Ojo put in one good cross and Benteke did score. Good delivery from out wide is critical and neither of our full backs can provide it consistently. When you have as much quality in attack as we do, teams will sit in with two narrow banks of 4 and just give you no room to work. Which is why you need quality on the overlap to get a good ball into the area and cause problems. Clyne will probably stay but don't be surprised if Flanagan or Gomez displace him next season. Moreno will definitely be replaced though.

Either way, defensive midfield is not an issue for us. In fact it's so solid there that Rossiter has cut his losses and left the club because he knows we have too much quality there. It will click one day that Can and Stewart are good players. Every game they play people mention how good they were, and yet we want them to be replaced?

Sorry lads, I just don't get this fantasy. I'm open to some actual reasoning why though. I've seen our midfield get totally over run for just 45 minutes all season and that was against Swansea last week when Chirivella had a howler. Aside from that, our midfield has not been where we've lost games. Individual errors and silly free kicks from Mignolet, Clyne, Moreno and Skrtel is what has consistently cost us points this season. That and poor finishing from Benteke.

We are in my opinion 3 new players in the back 5 away from being title contenders. No team has scored more goals than us in the Prem this calendar year. We just need to cut out the mistakes at the back. If you really don't rate Can as a holding midfielder still, then we should sell him and get a new player in because he is not going to sit on the bench after proving this season to be top quality. Because when fit, Henderson will come back into the side. He is the captain.

12 May 2016 08:42:30
Fair enough Adam. Let's see where we end up next season with Stewart Chirivella and Can in the role.
No complaints mate.

12 May 2016 11:41:53
Harry Ed002 has repeatedly said that Can is seen as a Defensive midfielder. Henderson will play when fit. So if you want a new defensive mid then what you are saying is we should sell Can as he isn't good enough in your opinion. Stewart was handed a new contract and is one of the most highly rated young players at the club now. We will see indeed.

12 May 2016 14:27:34
good post mk scouser there is nothing wrong with the players you mentioned, hazard is one of the freshest players in the league as he has done nothing all season, he scored a brilliant goal it happens, sometimes you have to accept that, if firmino had scored it we would have been drooling, it does not mean the whole midfield is not fit for purpose. Looking forward to seeing grujic play next season and let's hope he gets given time to prove himself before the knives come out.

12 May 2016 00:07:00
Not much chat about the game today, but I guess not much to chat about. One thing I have noticed, is coutinhos improvement in challenging headers and putting himself about a bit more, good to see. The game was played at half pace, a good charged start, but without the croud buzzing or the need and desire to win, mixed with the final looming, we slowed, but avoiding defeat and no injuries and I'm happy.

12 May 2016 01:06:49
Trying too hard and coming for things he had no right too. His defence didn't help him out by going for crosses when he clearly shouted keepers. Lack of game time and confidence in him from his own team led to a few shakey moments but he still made some good reaction saves expecially the one from Studge.