Liverpool Banter Archive November 12 2015

 

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12 Nov 2015 18:28:02
This is a question for Ed1 if you are around. With Klopp temporarily bringing back loan players to have a gander at them, and also with our current injury problems, how conceivable do you think it is that some will be recalled? and if so who do you think would be likely candidates? . Naturally your not a psychic and can read Klopp's mind, but It would be great to know your opinion as it's clear that, like me, you're keen for our young players to get a fair crack at first team football before we start writing cheques we can't afford. Thanks in advance.

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{Ed001's Note - personally I would say the most likely is obviously Ilori, as his loan move is a waste of time, but Ryan Kent also stands a very good chance of getting into the side.}

12 Nov 2015 19:18:52
Agree on Ilori.

We have Sahko out injured for Upto 8 weeks, Gomez is out for the season and Toure is not getting younger. Plus he hasn't even played for Villa who now have a new manager who might not want him. Add the fact Klopp was interested in Ilori before he signed for us and it's the most likely for me.

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12 Nov 2015 19:33:15
Kent will be top class if he works hard. Absolute baller.

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12 Nov 2015 19:40:30
Would be great to see Ilori get a chance, finally.

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12 Nov 2015 22:39:16
Wilson always got the plaudits from the academy, mainly due to comparisons to bale (welsh and left footed) and the early welsh call up, but personally always liked Kent more.

He drives so well with the ball, bit of Robben about him that way. Doesn't look for the pass or easy (team work) option but just goes at people.

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12 Nov 2015 19:27:38
I posted before Ed (in a reply) about Illori.
Can I ask what you have seen in him to think he would get a first team chance with us? (I haven't seen him play)
I know Lovren is shocking and Toure couldn't play every game.

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{Ed001's Note - because he is excellent technically, smooth on the ball and looks to play football. That is why it is idiotic to loan him out, because his kind of player has very few clubs available to him. Clubs like Villa, in the middle of a relegation battle, want thugs like Shawcross, rather than footballers.}

13 Nov 2015 00:17:59
Ed - do you think Kent is ready / warrants the chance / will be given the opportunity?

It's a big step up but could be a huge confidence builder if he does get a few opportunities.

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{Ed001's Note - only way we will know for sure is if he gets them, but he looks ready to be a fringe player, some cup games and impact sub appearances.}

13 Nov 2015 09:01:54
This is where it has all gone wrong and the eds get infuriated!

Stuff like having ibe and paying our for Marko.

Resigning toure to sit on the bench and loan out both tiago and wisdom.

Signing origi when we have Sinclair.

Signing Milner when we have rossiter

Everyone is banging on about sane or whatever from schalke. Why not Kent. Both are unproven in the prem, both are looking good talents.

Go with Kent in January save the money and if it doesn't work out, then we have the summer. What makes me laugh is we only got sterling from such a situation.

If we use our academy right, we will have a better future and also more money for actually key positions.

Ao say big klopp wants gundogan and he is say 40 mil, if we don't have to pay out for a winger because we can use Kent, we don't need a cb because we use ilori and use ward in goal or something then we cab start cherry picking top players to cone in and potentially get people like gundogan because we won't need to split our funds over another 8 players.

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12 Nov 2015 16:33:38
The sooner we sell Skrtel the better. 4 million should be his value. Remember him saying he refused an unacceptable offer? Get rid and get someone like Richards from Villa, even scott Dann would be better imo.

Please don't censorship me, i'll send you a lovely poem if you dont.

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{Ed001's Note - please don't convince the club to sign Micah 'last into training, first out' Richards!}

12 Nov 2015 17:00:52
I will agree that Skrtel has been a problem for some time (though he has improved a little under Klopp) . However, your suggestions for replacements is hilarious/making me cry.

If by some miracle we could find the money for Howedes/give Ilori a shot (if it doesn't work out so what, he's a 7 million pound player with a decent background both on loan abroad and international u21s) I'd be happy. There is always Gomez to come back. I would prefer actually if we were to strengthen at CB to sign someone 28-30 who is ready right now so that players like Gomez/Ilori/Jones don't feel the way Sinclair felt in summer on the cusp of first team appearances and suddenly 4 forwards are brought in and he is 6th choice.

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12 Nov 2015 18:33:34
Skrtle has improved under Klopp. We also have Sahko, Lovren (who will improve also), we also have Ilori hopefully returning from Villa and Gomez. For me that's enough. A keeper is more of a priority than a centre back.

Our complete defence next season after loan and injuries will be

Lovren, Skrtle, Moreno, Clyne, Flanaghan, Ilori, Sahko, Gomez. I think both Toure and Wisdom will leave. Remember money is tight and we are already in breach of FFP.

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12 Nov 2015 19:37:07
The sooner we get rid from fans who want to get rid from players the better. I never understand this. You think he is not great? You can say the club should buy a better CB, you can say he shouldbe left on the bench. Same with those ecalling to sell Sturridge, or those that already gave up on Coutinho. I am all for people discussing who from the squad should start and who sit on the bench and suggestion for who to buy. If soemone is clearly distructive fair enough say we should get rid but why the need to get rid of player who served the club so well over the years.

All this 'Cashing in' rethoric is rubbish. Are you personally going to see this money? Do you have any indication that we can use whatever we get for him (the guy is 30 ho wmuch will you get for him? ) Quality CBs cost a lot of money.

I say stop giving advice who to get rid and start give advice how to do everything we cn to keep players. I would rather see us with Suarez and Sterling and not the 100 millions we got for them and didn't do much with.

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12 Nov 2015 21:01:52
The OP lost all credibility when he mentioned Micah Richards as a possible replacement for Skrtel. The only person he missed proposing to form a deadly partnership was Joleon Lescott.

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12 Nov 2015 21:33:15
Once again I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but for me, Skrtel has been our best defender for the past few seasons now and deserves a tad more credit than he gets on here. Yes, I know his organisational and positional skills aren't the best, but he's a fighter and I've lost count of the number of last ditch blocks and tackles he's done that have saved a goal. I also know that some of his decisions have led to him needing to make that last ditch attempt, but he cleans up for others on plenty of occasions too.
Remember when we brought in Lovren and everybody said his organising would help Skrtel? Well, it hasn't but Skrtel's still doing the same job, and am sure would love some consistent help.
Anyway, that's my two bob, feel free to point something out I haven't.

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12 Nov 2015 22:15:10
Richards . Jesus .

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12 Nov 2015 22:17:15
I can't see Lovren improving I think we just have to accept defeat on that and say we spunked cash unwisely. Skrtel hasn't improved any where NEAR the grade required, he just messes up less, rather than looks good, Klopp is not a miracle worker.
Gomez is 18 and no where near ready to step up to the grade required, games here and there maybe, I wasn't impressed with him at left back and the 1 game I saw at CB he looked uncomfortable, he's not some one I wish to rely on over the coming 2 years. We need 3 competent/good centrebacks, we currently have 1 in Sakho, I expect toure may not stay on longer, and his legs are clearly giving way I think he's come of in 4 matches he's played (out of not many) with hamstring and muscle problems.

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12 Nov 2015 21:40:10
Yeah because Wisdom will raise 90 million. I would rather keep Wisdom than Ilori.

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13 Nov 2015 00:24:27
I'm not saying Gomez is the finished article Bobatron but why couldn't he step up?

He's not a left back and many other CB's have struggled filling that role; also as BR was hopeless with tactics and preparing players defensively - why can't that change under Klopp - will he make mistakes - yes - we he allow us to play a higher line - definitely!

BR could have given llori a chance this year but choose to give Toure an extra year - not knocking Toure but he has been poor for us (I assume tactics as this does not look like a player who won the premiership with other clubs) .

Maybe Klopp can get something out of these players - it is possible!

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13 Nov 2015 03:12:32
i think when it comes to who we all think should go we all have our own opinions which are guided by who we like as players and not who is practical to the club or is the right fit for the system the manager wants to play, so a lot of people want to voice their disapproval of skertl although he's probably the best choice for right sided center back at the club atm, the other rcb being toure hence why we found can being played there more often or not in the past. Now i agree i'd love illori to be brought back and possibly given a chance as atm he's just warming benches and tracksuits at villa (really badly thought out loan for the lad) . now back to practical thoughts i think in the system that klopp wants to play you could get rid of allen and replace him with texiera and rossiter they offer more, you could get rid of toure and replace him with illori as toure won't improve and illori can only improve. i don't think flanagan when fit is good enough sorry i know he gives 200% every time he plays but that's just my opinion so cover at fullback is needed. I think ibe has everything needed but unless one of our many number 10 enthusiasts reinvent themselves as wingers we need a winger ryan kent or harry wilson might be good call here. Now the one person i really think we should sell (and please this is just my opinion) is sturridge and its not because i don't like him i think when fit he's lethal but the guy can't stay fit and we as a club are just paying i wages for him to be a spectator in the stands so in reality he offers less and less the longer he is injured so in all practicality sell him hard to replace i know but just my thoughts.

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{Ed001's Note - how on earth can you not think Flanno is good enough when fit? He was playing a lot better than either Moreno or Clyne have managed, it makes no sense to suggest he is not good enough.}

13 Nov 2015 08:31:27
He's 18 years of age, Hoola and he's making a lot of positional mistakes on the wing, and the 1 performance I saw in the centre in the Europa league he did nothing to convince me he was ready to step in for 38 games, he looked like a rabbit caught in headlights at times, and was responsible for the goal.

I don't believe in the premier league era there's ever been an 18 year old centreback ready to step in full time. give him 3 years to develop his game.

Toure has played 3 games, in 2 of them he's been injured! and the other he played well considering he was in a back 3 with Can and Gomez. I'm not saying Klopp can't get anythign out of Skrtel or Lovren, or that Gomez doesn't have potential, but at the moment we need a vastly improved centreback worth of starting in the prem, no matter how much Klopp works, that's not Lovren or Skrtel for me, and Gomez maybe in 2/3 years.

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13 Nov 2015 11:28:37
Realistically skrtle overall has to go down as a good player for the club he cost less than 10 million pounds or so and he's kept numerous players over the years out who have cost twice that and has won club player of the year as well. Add to that I think the offers we've had before have been in around 14 million pounds so we could still get more than what we paid for him. we've had a lot worse players overall and while I'm guilty of it to he does get too much abuse at times and possibly not enough credit for someone who looks to have been a good servant and hasn't caused any problems I've heard of.

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12 Nov 2015 16:03:35
Merry, ****** day to all. How ***** doing? Has he given up on playing at the highest level now? Was always better than *********, would still be here if ******** knew how to take ****. I miss ******.

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12 Nov 2015 16:25:07
Oh dear, any one want Agger back? I miss him. Agger dagger.

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12 Nov 2015 09:40:10
Klopp vs Carlo:

I rate Carlo Ancelotti think he is one of the best managers around, but i just didn't see him doing much better than Klopp with the current squad and the passion Klopp gives in the games, towards the fans etc is priceless, where ancelotti is more of the "serious" coach! There is nothing better than seeing your manager high five the fans, the running jump celebration and playing and heading the ball as he is on the pitch etc.

For me for Klopp to have a successful season is to win the capital one cup which is possible. I am not expecting to finish fourth this season but europa i would be happy with in his first season baring in mind that this is not his squad and he probably won't strengthen in January.

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12 Nov 2015 10:12:26
Ancelotti is very good but he likes to work with big name players.

His abilities to dig a club out of a hole. I am not so sure about.

Klopp is the best for Liverpool.

Rodgers was the worst.

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12 Nov 2015 11:02:14
I wouldn't say Rodgers was the worst, he just ran out of ideas, and when you lose your best players and don't replace them that is were Rodgers went wrong. He got big headed in my opinion. He nearly won us the league and got us back into the champs league and i know nearly winning the league means nothing but that was one of the best seasons i have seen since I've been an LFC fan, and with the champs league that wasn't great at all. I do agree with you on the Ancelotti bit tho as he has been where teams have money or quality players through out, where Klopp at Dortmund basically worked on the same budget he will probably work on here at Liverpool Football Club i just hope he can succeed and get the luck he can with finding gems like Reus, Lewondoski etc.

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12 Nov 2015 11:55:02
Liverpool has a bigger budget than Dortmund.

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12 Nov 2015 13:05:53
Rodgers never had ideas to begin with, was lazy, was uncommitted to being the best manager he could be hence, his inability to get the best out of a team he himself assembled over the past 18 months whereas, Klopp has gotten us to inprove within a month. Ancelloti would not have been able to work with the players we had because he`s used to having and coaching big names and has been for the past 15 years. Klopp is just the perfect fit. BVB were in a much worse position with much less money than LFC when he got there so in comparison, he`s in a better position here which can only be a plus. He also has better players to work with than at BVB so that`s another plus.

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12 Nov 2015 11:44:01
Pretty much agree with Ally over Brendan, He is far from worst. Started very modest in the first year and grew into confidence. His arrogance after finishing second started his decline. had he remained the simple guy and sticked to basics, he would have been still at the club. Tried too many tricks which he had no clue.

Coming back to Klopp vs Carlo. Carlo is one among the elite, but would never be a long term solution to any club.

Klopp on the other hand is pretty much a People manager. Very close to the fans and club.

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12 Nov 2015 15:05:01
i did post how much Rodgers spent and on who and out of the list there was only 2 maybe 5 good buys coutinho sturridge (ings) (firmino) (benteke) the reason the last three are in brackets is that it is to early to judge! i do rate moreno but does still make the odd mistake and then shows his brilliance in other games e. g the tackle against Mane for Southampton is one of the best challenges I've seen!

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12 Nov 2015 17:08:30
Why is anyone doubting Ancellotti?
One of the best club managers in the game.
Don't kid yourself.

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12 Nov 2015 17:20:36
Moreno and Clyne will both grow into their roles with us and eventually become top class players. Moreno has shown a few times that he has the talent, although his defending is suspect, particularly on set pieces. Clyne has the full complement of attributes that Johnson had, he'll just have to manage expectations and also prove himself in training -- particularly when Flanagan returns healthy and tries to get back into the squad. I would say Can is another one that was an excellent buy by Rodgers, and I would suspect Klopp will manage him expertly, thus giving us a really dynamic option in the midfield. Coutinho and Sturridge were fantastic buys, although Sturridge's health problems have been an issue. The purchases of Lallana and Lovren were suspect because of Rodgers' subsequent refusal to use the former and overuse the latter, particularly in Lallana's case when I believe he's a form = confidence player, although I do sense that they will both have a distinct part to play the rest of the season under Klopp (especially now that Sakho is out for two month) . So far, Firmino hasn't consistently given us what he did for Hoffenheim, though I believe he will come on strong towards the end of this season. The biggest mistakes were Joe Allen, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto, Tiago Ilori, Fabio Borini, Lazar Markovic, Oussama Assaidi Ricky Lambert and Mario Balotelli as well as the loans of Nuri Sahin, Javier Manquillo, Victor Moses and Aly Cissokho, none of which accomplished anything of note with us. I personally feel Benteke was great business, although the price was steep, Mignolet has been worth the money spent, Joe Gomez was a terribly astute decision, and I refuse to give up on Origi just yet. All that said: Not particularly good from Rodgers.

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12 Nov 2015 17:31:11
I think given the amount of money BR had to spend, you can't really look past him for "the worst". However, I don't think it was the right time for him, I think he should have spent more time at Swansea, perhaps moved on to someone like Tottenham or Southampton, maybe even go abroad for a few years. Had he done that then come to Liverpool, I think he'd have done well.

I just think lack of experience and being as young as he is, made Liverpool a step too far for him.

I wish him all the best with future endeavors though and he still has my respect.

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12 Nov 2015 21:13:05
BR`s arrogance, foolish pride and lack of integrity is what stopped him from being an LFC legend in 2014 when he bottled the PL. It was a wasted opportunity for him to cement himself as a young, up and coming manager like Jose was at the same age. instead, he kept running his mouth about how he wanted to manage RM and Barcelona instead of focusing on his job and working on his craft as a manager. Klopp got to where he got to due to not only desire, work ethic and self belief. He got there via his humility and will to learn and the knowledge that he wasn`t an ITK, all things BR knew nothing about. BR needs to learn all these things before he can be a good manager because right now, he isn`t.

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13 Nov 2015 00:35:36
Why are you doubting Ancellotti? Saying he only wants to work with established players - how do you know?

If your a manager and you say I need a new Goalkeeper - anyone would choose experience over no experience if the budget allows!

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13 Nov 2015 07:31:39
Why is it even up for discussion?

Klopp is our manager and I couldn't be happier about that.

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12 Nov 2015 09:05:31
I read that Sterling has said that all criticism 'goes in one ear and out the other'. The standard answer to this remark is 'there's nothing in between to stop it'! In most cases that is a joke but I honestly believe that he really is an exception to the rule. Liverpool played a great part in his development and he had the support of most of the fans so any criticism from him is unwarranted. He is (at the moment) doing a good job with his new club and should concentrate on that inside of trying to alienate the Liverpool fans that did support him. I will also say that at the time of his departure both clubs got a good deal.

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12 Nov 2015 09:52:14
Shame Klopp didn't get to work with him it really is : ( He shouldn't be at city red looked better on him.

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12 Nov 2015 12:21:27
Really Fat Cat? Considering the man he grew up to be, I'd say blue looks perfect on him.

He's at City and doing everything he can to endear himself to his new fanbase and 'push on'. And apparently, despite doing very little and having maybe 2 decent games (granted one of those was a hattrick), he's 'improved' and 'off to a great start'. Well good for him, hope he enjoys his career as the new Jesus Navas.

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12 Nov 2015 13:08:59
RS is still learning the game and it shows in how he plays for City. He`s been incosistent IMO but he`s a kid and will improve if he works hard. I don`t criticize him that much because I don`t expect him to know any better. I criticize the "grown ups" around him who did nothing to protect him and manage him better. They know who they are.

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12 Nov 2015 16:28:01
Kid, he is 20 yrs old, not a kid at all a young adult and any decisions he makes will in my book be credited solely to him. Kid my ass.

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12 Nov 2015 16:28:33
Im not bothered anymore, he wanted to go so he's gone. No longer a liverpool player so can say what he wants I won't read or listen.

We got a nice amount of money, they got a pumped up little p****.

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12 Nov 2015 13:48:46
Redohio

He is not a kid anymore. He drives a ferrarri and has a kid being only 21. he know exactly what's going around him and knew in depth when he pushed for a move to City. i do not think the people around him would have made any difference in the summer as he made up his mind for a move.
you could blame quiet a few who pushed the scene far too much.
How many Kids earn close to 150k per week?

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12 Nov 2015 21:14:08
Valid point, EG. i just feel that he was severely-mismanaged, that`s all.

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13 Nov 2015 00:38:18
Playing first team football and earning 4 to 5 times more than you was - I wouldn't regret it either!

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13 Nov 2015 08:46:31
He's a kid with a talent. That's why he's earning the money he's on. He's a kid because of how naively he's acted can you say at 20 you didn't do any phenomenally stupid things? Int erms of his football ability he's also still a kid and inconsistent. Just because he has a kid himself doesn't mean he's ready to take on the world plenty of teenagers get themselves/get their missus pregnant, does that mean they're automatically a mature adult?
He was very naive and acted stupid, because he's still a kid in terms of the world of football, Having big money and a child doesn't stop this it simply means he probably has to learn to grow up quicker than most.

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13 Nov 2015 15:16:28
Exactly my point, Boba. Thank God someone caught that.

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12 Nov 2015 09:06:25
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Have Southampton Already Abandoned Their Principles?

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12 Nov 2015 09:41:02
Yes and no there chief executive admitted they needed to hit the market more this year bur have set another goal of so many years (he did name how many) when they want to more kids to be coming theough

You can't just keep having amazing kids out of the academy in the numbers they were having them. The natural progressions is to slow whilst those 14/15/16 old come of age.

I haven't even read the article and I'm on your case sorry.

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12 Nov 2015 12:26:03
Personally I'd say a few managerial takeovers have left their academy less than fit for the current managers useage, and they're going through a period of re-adjustment of training and development programmes before they can rely on them again. After all the likes of Ward-Prowse, Taggart etc are still well thought of and getting the game-time, so there is no reason to predict a complete freeze of youth activity into the first team.

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12 Nov 2015 07:30:38
Hi Ed02 question for you. How would you rank Liverpool against the top clubs in epl ( city, united, arsenal, spurs, Chelsea) in terms of :
1.Infrastructure for training facilities, medical facilities etc
2. Efficiency of transfers both incoming and outgoing and long term strategy model.
3. Player contact ie for new players to bed them in and for loan players.
4. The way the public persona of club is handled.
5. The internal machinery of the club ie are there clear cut processes within the club to address any issue or case to case basis of dealing with things.

This is just to get a perspective from outside abt how Liverpool in general are doing. Your info would be greatly appreciated.

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{Ed002's Note - (1) The training facilities at Manchester City, Spurs and Chelsea sit above the others. I have commented before that the Manchester United training facilities are a very strange place to visit resembling some cheap sports equipment "super store" inside with their equipment all lined up in rows, And the backstage area at Old Trafford (player's lounge, offices, conference rooms and even reception) has the feel of a cheap 1980s hotel in design and quality of fittings. I have not visited the Liverpool training facilities nor the updated Arsenal training facilities. From a medical perspective would not want to try and answer. (2) I am not sure I can answer this at all. Arsenal has not be that active in the transfer market in recent years but has maintained a position in the top four - so taking that approach they would heave to be the most "efficient". However, Manchester City have shaken up the approach they have been taking twice in recent years and will be doing so again. Liverpool and Spurs have generally not done well in recent years. Chelsea has a structured approach and has been doing well financially with players they have needed to move on (Lukaku, de Bruyne etc.), Manchester United are at the end of a rebuild but don't seem to have completed it - there have been mistakes. (3) I would not want to speak for players not on loan but in dealing with loan players clubs generally have specific staff assigned to deal with them. Whilst managers may occasionally see players it is generally something undertaken by others on a day-to-day basis. Manchester City has said it is an area they will improve - possibly by using some of the senior scouts - this is likely a show of intent that they will be increasing the number of players it has on loan. Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs do not have a large number of players on loan - compared to Chelsea. Manchester United has a couple of long-term relationships with mainland European sides which have helped considerably in the past. Each loan player from Chelsea has a liaison officer assigned (some are ex-players) who regularly see them, deal with any issues and report progress back to the club. For instance there was an issue with Lukaku and the club decided at the start of 2014 that he would be sold in the summer. His liaison tried very hard to reverse that decision, but to no avail. There was also a problem with a couple of players in the Netherlands and that resulted in the club having them get involved with spending some time with the local community (schools and charities). Chelsea has also helped clubs they have and are building relationships with - this may include providing training facilities, loaning coaching staff, having ex-players works with them in some capacity etc.. They have a structure in the Netherlands and Belgium in addition to relationships with South American and old Eastern Bloc countries. They are currently working a deal with a Champions League side as well. In Italy I know that the clubs with a significant number of players on loan have regular contact and bring them back as a group for training on a couple of occasions mid-season. I am sure there will be someone at Liverpool keeping contact with the younger players on loan but it is of course something players have criticised the club for in recent years and there is clearly no structure. (4) Manchester United and Liverpool remain very high profile clubs with a wide-spread fan base. As far as the "public" is concerned they can probably do no wrong. Success is bringing new fans to Manchester City. Arsenal and Spurs have a more traditional fan base that doesn't change dynamically like the others. Chelsea are not having a good time at the moment but are generally fine. The views of owners and boards of other clubs and the media will vary wildly in this respect. In terms of communications with the media Liverpool has got tied up in some particularly dumb stuff in recent years. But that has been done to death. (5) I am sorry but I am not sure what the question is.}

12 Nov 2015 10:28:57
Thnx Ed that was very informative. I will try to rephrase the last one. In recent times it has been suggested by some that there is lot of bureaucracy at Liverpool due to lack of clear cut command chain.

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{Ed002's Note - I think everyone is clear who is in charge - the club has made many changes over the past 18 months. I really don't think bureaucracy is getting in the way of anything.}

12 Nov 2015 10:42:38
pankaj i think your last question has been rubbished by klopp before, when asked about the transfer setup, he was surprised and said there is no problem. i have the first and last say. which is also why ed002 said there are no issues.

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13 Nov 2015 00:26:48
That was a great read Ed002. When you shared about the training facilities, if I may ask, how about other top european clubs, i. e. Bayern. I've read somewhere quite few years back on how Pep was "blown away" by the facilities at Bayern when he had a visit there before signing.

I've seen some training places in my country, and basically they consist of gym, pitch, and nothing much. Maybe there are better facilities that I didn't see here in my place, but how exactly are those very good facilities that you mentioned above? Maybe if you have time, you can share a bit in general. Thanks Ed002.

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{Ed002's Note - I don't have any recent experience at Bayern but the guy behind it was a Dutch guy tasked with "making it the best".}+

13 Nov 2015 11:31:16
Thanks a lot Ed002. So based on your experience at Chelsea or some other EPL sides, how would you measure or describe them as good? Just would like to know more from you, for me to compare with the ones that I've seen in my country. Please, only if you have time to reply. I still remembered your "meat and motion" reply. ;)

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{Ed002's Note - You are not comparing like-for-like. Many of the leading clubs have multi-million pound facilities with the best available training equipment, all weather pitches, etc.. The architects, AFL, cite it as a show piece design. The Cobham facility has an extensive underground area, there are numerous pitches (I don't know the number but 20 or so), medical facilities are in the same complex, as are the women's base and the academy base. I am sure you could Google it and find much of the detail.}

12 Nov 2015 08:14:27
Hi all,

Looking to gauge the average opinion on where we will finish this year? If top 4, why? If not, why not?
I'm trying to look at it without my red tinted specs on.
In my honest opinion I think we will finish either 5th, or 6th.
We are yet to have a goal scorer firing this season and there are to many weaknesses to our defence for us to sustain a push for top 4.
It's either city or arsenal for the title, spurs look solid this season and Utd despite their fan frustrations have a solid defence and are winning games.
Of course like I said this is just my opinion, I would love to hear what others think.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

12 Nov 2015 09:29:29
I expect City and Arsenal and Spurs to make top 4. I think pocetino's finally got a team he wanted and got rid of most the players that didn't fit his style. They are playing good football. Eriksen needs to stay fit as he keeps them ticking.

4th spot for me is up for grabs, I'm really unimpressed with Man Utd, they need a striker yesterday. Southampton will challenge, for 4th too and have finally gotten out of second gear from the start of the season. Ideally LFC need both these teams to mess up to stand a chance. I expect Leicester to drift away given the December/February fixture lists. I think their position in the table is deceptive and the way they leak goals will haunt them during a vardy dry spell.

I think LFC should hope for 5th/6th decent cup runs, and 4th and above is a bonus. Ideally I would give Klopp plenty of time I've been impressed by what Pocettino did with that Spurs squad left to him across 3 windows, and he still needs another player or 2. Klopp will probably need 3 or so transfer windows to get us functioning as a team with the players he deems able.

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12 Nov 2015 09:37:59
I think realistically we will end up 4th, 5th or 6th. Although fourth place will seem like a huge success to some fans, it is would be an exaggeration to say we are currently the fourth best team in the BPL. yet it is still achievable.
Other teams are not consistent in their results but over the season I would say that City, Arsenal and Utd will probably take the top 3 leaving us scraping Europa places with chelski, spuds and maybe southamton.

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12 Nov 2015 09:38:27
For the title I'd say City, I think it will get to march again and arsenal will start dropping off.

I think its possible to get top 4 and I think if we have a good run of games we can get it. If we keep improving the way we have I think there is a very good chance of top 4.

I think benteke will start firing them in on a constant basis but if he gets injured for any length of time this season I think that could be when we finish 5th or 6th as we wouldn't have a goal scoring striker.

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12 Nov 2015 09:39:34
I actually think it will be very close this year and that we won't be far off 4th, but if i was forced to make a huge bet on it and had to take off the red tinted specs, i'd have to back spurs or chelsea to get 4th.
I think chelsea are close to turning things around, and when they do they might just be capable of going on a great run and closing the gap to 4th.
Next season sadly chelsea will be 100% back, and 4th place will be harder than ever unless utd or aresenal implode somehow.
Longer term i think the gunners might be hit hard after wenger leaves at the end of next season, so that might leave a gap for a while. Likewise for utd when lvg leaves.

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12 Nov 2015 10:18:48
City
United
Arsenal
Spurs
Liverpool
Chelsea.

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12 Nov 2015 09:15:03
I don't think we would have an easy go next season as some here believe, You don't see a top team struggling often, Chelsea and UTD being recent examples.

Our target should be top 4 and nothing else. Its so vital for the club's survival. 5th to 17th are the long list of failures for a club like Liverpool FC.

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12 Nov 2015 13:15:04
If Sturridge, Hendo and Sakho come back and stay fit for the run in, we should have a decent chance at top 4.

As it stands I'd say Arsenal, Man City, Utd, Spurs will take top 4 because we have too many weaknesses ie.
1) we only have Benteke as a top striker with Ings/Sturridge out
2) Lovren at CB with Toure only backup
3) No cover for the FBs if they get injured
4) Migs in goal
5) Playing Can as first choice CM despite his inexperience.

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12 Nov 2015 13:39:32
For us to achieve top 4 the work Klopp's being doing will have to start bearing fruit pretty soon. We're only 4 points off spurs but if we don't kick on soon they'll end up too far ahead for us to catch. We're also only 6 points above Chelsea and if (or when) they start playing like we know they can they will close the gap rapidly.

It's not impossible to get fourth but we won't get it playing like we are now.

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12 Nov 2015 14:11:03
I will happily place a bet now, Chelsea won't get top 4.

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12 Nov 2015 17:25:08
If we get Ilori back in January we will win the the league and Europa easily.

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12 Nov 2015 18:05:05
A lot depends on Sturridge IMO.

Having said that, I think we could qualify for the CL by winning the Europa League.

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12 Nov 2015 20:59:26
I think if we don't win it (stuff of dreams aha) It would be nice to see the gunners win it purely makes a change from the usual city or chelski.

Im going 1st place is tough to call but probably city.
2nd - arsenal
3rd Leister ;) it would be fun to see them qualify aha.
4th Spurs
5th pool
6th Chelski
7th united.

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12 Nov 2015 02:54:25
Some predictions in terms of player acquisition. Not based on any ITK, just what I've seen, and what I understand to be Klopp's approach.

Won't cover obvious points, like our need for a CB, with Sakho getting injured. (Sule would be awesome! ) .

On the Leroy Sane / Pato rumors: I do think that given LFC's past use of planted stories for misdirection in their pursuit of players, I do believe that we are pursuing either Leroy Sane or Pato. The question, I think, is which one is genuine and which is the story used to misdirect rival teams. Both players make sense, as they could offer pace, movement, from the wing, which we need in Klopp's preferred formation.

On Benteke, I think he eventually become a big impact sub, but not our starting CF. While I think Benteke creates problems and is a beast in the air, as I've written here before, he just doesn't have the pace or creative movement, nor pressing, to be the CF in Klopp's system.

Benteke was never a guy who did those kinds of runs, but it is really obvious in a high pressing counter-attacking system like Klopp's, as it requires quick runs in pressing and then in counter, with movement and short paces in tight spaces. Not long balls in, or crosses from out wide.

Benteke's lack of movement was dreadfully exposed against Palace. With a CF that cannot find space, or pace to run in behind, or give options, you're going to waste Coutinho and Firmino.

Prediction: Benteke will eventually be an impact sub, not starting CF.

So: Sturridge, once back, will be our starting CF, which makes sense if he stays healthy.

If he doesn't then I think Klopp will look to acquire a CF in the mold of Aubameyang or Lew. Someone with pace, movement, etc.

Believable8 Unbelievable8

12 Nov 2015 05:33:12
Just to clarify, I don't actually think we'll target Auba or Lew, just that this is type of CF that will flourish with Klopp's pressing game, if Sturridge remains unreliable.

Also, I meant to say "short passes in tight spaces", not "short paces" above!

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12 Nov 2015 06:29:35
It wasn't benteke move t that was a problem at all. He had a few chances that a better striker would have scored.

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12 Nov 2015 06:46:56
We didn't pay the money we paid for Benteke for him to be an impact sub. That is a ridiculous idea and the owners would demand his sale before they allowed that to happen.

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12 Nov 2015 08:38:14
Klopp will never sanction a move for pato. He is just not good enough.

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12 Nov 2015 09:43:26
I think once he has had more time to get used to things benteke will start firing them in.

I really believe he will, he has everything in order to start doing it. I have no idea were people are getting these doubts from.

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12 Nov 2015 10:19:53
3 disagrees just shows how ridiculous it is on here. He should had at least 2 goals. He had his chances!

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12 Nov 2015 10:48:01
Wow fatcat you really not giving him much time to settle have you? Believe it or not some players take time to settle into a new team, certainly after in the time he's been at the club he's already had 2 managers.

Suarez took time to settle as do most players, I think you need to cut him a bit of slack.

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12 Nov 2015 07:36:04
Agree with Red Lenin and amazed how could people actually think to keep Benteke as an impact Sub, I do remember ED02 saying Benteke made it pretty clear to his agent of his wishes to play regularly and main man.

We need to play a two striker system with Firmino taking that false role.

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12 Nov 2015 11:57:21
Lol kenny, think you need to reread what I wrote.

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12 Nov 2015 12:09:09
I think all we need is a left winger and a keeper in this window. Give the rest of the squad a chance to grow and some of the youth. Then in the summer be ruthless. If players are not showing any potential to improve then they will have to go.

We are sorted for strikers just a shame Ings got injured. As for Sturridge the time will come to make a decision on him too. If he can't prove his fitness he will be moved on. Fingers crossed he can because he is lethal but if not that is the time to look at striker options.

As for Benteke he will be fine wait and see.

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12 Nov 2015 13:17:59
Fat, were you part of the crew who kept sayin we should have kept Carroll as an impact sub? because if you are then you were wrong then and youy`re wrong now. Benteke should have scored vs CP? Of course, you think he doesn`t know it? You`re not telling us what we don`t already know. Impact sub? you must be joking. That will never happen. Klopp wanted Benteke when he lost Lewandowski at BVB. You think he wouldn`t want him now? Benteke will have every opp to prove himself and mind you he`s already doing that by scoring 4 goals in an injury hit start to his LFC career especially if Studge can`t stay fit to save his life. Stop beating up on him just because he didn`t score in a game he should have. Suarez was useless in his first full season in front of goal until he became the beast he became with time and his desire to be better. Give him a chance, lad.

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12 Nov 2015 14:13:13
In all honesty, We're probably better at keeping Studge as the impact sub reducing his playing time if we need a goal in the last 15!

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12 Nov 2015 14:40:38
Fatcat, don't think i do mate, read them quite clear

"It wasn't benteke move t that was a problem at all. He had a few chances that a better striker would have scored. "

"3 disagrees just shows how ridiculous it is on here. He should had at least 2 goals. He had his chances! "

And redohio seemed to read it the same way as well mate.

Stand by my comment.

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12 Nov 2015 16:10:58
It seems many disagree with me. That is fine.

I actually would like Benteke to succeed, and as I've posted before, he's shown moments of great composure and skill, with key strikes.

My original post was simply a prediction about where I see things going. I just don't think Benteke works, long term, as a starting CF in Klopps' system. I could be wrong.

We'll see.

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12 Nov 2015 16:13:00
And on Pato/Sane, people are saying that Klopp would "never" sanction a move for Pato.

Then that means, the Sane rumors may be the true ones and Pato is misdirection. :)

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{Ed002's Note - The club do not release any "misdirection" to the press. Other clubs are not sitting their watch what Liverpool are doing.}

12 Nov 2015 16:32:35
Ed002: You're probably right. Though I follow the Boston Redsox, and FSG's approach to signings/PR in MLB. FSG regularly leak/plant stories for advantage in negotiations, PR reasons, really anything.

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{Ed002's Note - It is nothing whatsoever to do with FSG - I have no idea where you are getting all of this from.}

12 Nov 2015 19:22:28
I agree with FoaRP about Benteke. Just because Klopp wanted him at Dortmund doesn't mean he still wants him for LFC. I just don't think he fits the style of play, he doesn't work hard enough.

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12 Nov 2015 19:28:19
In response to a post further up the thread,

"Agree with Red Lenin and amazed how could people actually think to keep Benteke as an impact Sub, I do remember ED02 saying Benteke made it pretty clear to his agent of his wishes to play regularly and main man. "

Whatever you think of my original prediction, this is a ridiculous idea. So, Klopp's first team selections are forever bound and restricted by promises Brendan Rodgers made to Benteke? Right. They're no more binding, than Rodgers' assurances to Milner about a guaranteed starting role in central midfield.

If, in the end, Benteke ends up being an impact sub, and he's unhappy, he's under contract. He'll have to honour it.

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12 Nov 2015 21:19:54
I want Big ben to succeed. Didn't have the best of games against palace but he's scored some good goals for us and is a instant target. With regards to his work rate i think its okay most of the time. but where Mr Klopp does is a different story!

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12 Nov 2015 21:45:33
Benteke won't be no impact sub and ron you must be blind because benteke has not stopped running and chasing back in the last 2 games.

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13 Nov 2015 00:54:58
Ron never wanted Benteke even tho he's already scored 4 goals in an injury hit start to his lfc career and has shown that he can succeed here. At least he's consistent on this issue which isn't saying much.

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12 Nov 2015 01:09:23
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Are Spurs Realistic Top Four Contenders?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

12 Nov 2015 06:00:11
Don't even need to read the article, my response to the title is this: Yes. They are definitely top 4 contenders and may well usurp ourselves for that position. Pochettino is playing good football, with a young squad, and getting the best out of players who were being written off previously (Lamela the glaring example) . They are, from a Liverpool perspective, a worrying threat. The mythical "top 4" seems to be more and more fluid as the seasons pass by.

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12 Nov 2015 06:20:42
I expect the top 4 to be made up of city, Arsenal, Utd and spurs come May.
We will improve under klopp no doubt but with our shaky defence (minus sakho and clynn) we will struggle to reach the top 4.

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12 Nov 2015 08:36:23
I still wouldn't rule out Chelsea.

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12 Nov 2015 10:29:33
I wouldn't rule LFC out either. Klopp has already shown what he can achieve in a very short space of time and with the likes of Henderson and Sturridge close to a return, I believe we can push on. From now until the New Year we have a run of games which we can win providing we don't aquire many more injuries. Keep believing. YNWA.

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12 Nov 2015 10:32:36
Top 4 is achievable for a host of sides including us and Chelsea imo . It's only half way through November and injuries will play a part as usual as well as the so called weaker teams improving and the so called top teams declining hence the ability for more even games, anybody can take points of anybody now imo . The title I think is city's to lose but top 4 is anybodies and we are in with a shout .

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12 Nov 2015 12:32:19
Why can't Liverpool and Spurs be top 4 together? No team has looked infallible and no team looks nailed on - City without Aguero are always 1 key player injury from disaster, Arsenal have been continuing their yo-yo form of the past 3 years and United have been riding luck because like us, they can't hit a barn door with a shotgun. Could go either way for everyone at this point.

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12 Nov 2015 13:08:29
Not in my eyes. 1 injury to kane or Ericsson and there season will collapse. There a better team than recent years but wouldn't get carried away.

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12 Nov 2015 13:21:43
Dizzy is spot on. What many also seem to forget is that LFC have played all their top 4 rivals on the road this season already after the City game. All these clubs will have to come to Anfield where we will have an opp to affect their standings in the table by beating them all. Also, our tough road schedule will be over after the City game hence, another opp to push on with winnable games home and away. These are factors that for now, work in our favour. I will never rule out LFC until it is truly over.

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