Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.
13 Aug 2013 22:51:35
Back with my newly created PG rated username (thanks for posting my comment before then banning me without saying anything ed's)
Anyway, Real Madrid to buy Sewerez for £27 mil + Ozil
Unrealistic? {Ed002's Note - I think I preferred the old one.}
Perhaps you should have chosen Lewis Sewerez as your username
13 Aug 2013 22:47:54
Oh god, Some reliable Journos have said we are interesting in Willian.
Please bring me back to reality ed's before I get my hopes up!
1) too much competition, we would be outbid
2) wage demands too high
3) no champions league or Europa, he wouldn't come to us.
What has probably happened is his agent has contacted many clubs after Anzhi announced they were selling off their high earners. No doubt we'd be interested, but we would be rapidly outbid.
He is a massive Liverpool I heard.
Means nothing nowadays.
1) Anzhi want between £30m-£35m for him which is the price Liverpool are willing to pay and I don't see anyone that is willing to pay more than £35m for him.
2) we sold downing, will probably send assaidi out on loan, sent reina out on loan so we have room for at least 1 marquee player's wages to make him 3rd highest earner behind gerrard and suarez.
3) its not important for every player, if we can convince him his presence will get us in Europe next season then it doesn't matter.
13 Aug 2013 21:45:44
Hi eds. Great site. Sinclair from city odds been slashed. Seems an obvious move as he and Rodgers worked together before. Do you expect a bid from Liverpool? Could be an exciting player for us. Any thoughts from eds and fellow reds? YNWA. {Ed002's Note - I really don't know.}
13 Aug 2013 22:16:50
AAAH! So Barrett says we're interested in Willian. So did Bailey from Sky earlier on today. I'm trying not to get excited because sometimes you just believe what you want to.
13 Aug 2013 21:43:29
So as we stand today, Liverpool have signed 4 players in Mignolet, Aspas, Toure and Alberto. Out the door is Reina, Shelvey, Downing, Carra and Suso. i'm going to count Spearing and Robinson although they didn't appear much last season plus when you add that Skrtel, Coates and Assaidi look to be going thru the exit door, from a squad point of view we look very light on players. 4 players in and 10 players out? Even we add the 2 or 3 players that might be purchased we are in the same position as the start of last season when Rodgers was stating how small our squad was. Even taking into account the 2 players added in Jan. I also really beleive that these extra 2/3 players will be purchased on the back of Suarez being sold. Possibly 2 players less than the start of last season? Relying on the young players, who didn't set the world alight last season in the hope that they have improved drastically? Rely on more unproven youngsters this time around? I don't know but hey at least the wage bill is being sliced.
The Irish Rover
Mignolet in for reina
Toure in for carra
Alberto in for shelvey
Aspas in for downing
Kelly (back) in for Coates
We are actively looking for a new centre back to replace skrtle.
We are actively looking for a left back to cover enrique/replace Robinson.
Assaidi never played and will be replaced by sterling and ibe.
Don't know what the plan is to replace spearing, I'm hoping we get back up for Lucas. It's really important in my view.
Suarez will go and we will use a hefty chunk of that to get a striker/attacker in to replace him (not so much like for like, but someone who will have a big effect on the team like Suarez did when he came in) and use the rest of
the money towards bringing in players to replace the ones mentioned above.
I think I have pretty much covered everything there.
I strongly believe the players already brought in to replace the players leaving are of a much better quality already (maybe not toure, but I honestly couldn't think of a player we could have brought in that could have replaced carra, not just talent but heart as well).
The players we have been linked to replace the possible outs are all of (possible admittedly) better quality than the players they will replace. For example we looked at papa for skrtle.
Just about any left back we bring in will push Enrique for a place, he blows hot and cold far too often so needs competition.
When Suarez goes then we will need to use the money very wisely and get in a brilliant left winger. We will only miss him if the money is not spent.
I honestly believe the squad will have improved so much with so much more attacking options that he will not be missed. (until we lose a game and the trolls come out)
All in all I strongly believe the squad is in good shape and will be in better shape still after this transfer window is over. The only question Mark for me is replacing spearing like you say. Rodgers couldn't have missed the impact a missing Lucas has on the team, I'm sure he will look to bring in cover.
You concerns have been appropriately noted.
13 Aug 2013 21:18:00
Eds now that we've sold downing do u see us going for atsu? {Ed002's Note - I would be surprised.}
13 Aug 2013 21:12:10
Getting a bit tired of listening to people on here slag players off before they've even signed. The latest victim seeming to be Scott Sinclair. When will people realise this is a team game, it's not about individuals. BR is trying to get players in that fit his system within the budget constraints he has. It's not all about superstars for £20m plus. We've had some of the best strikers in the world at this club, Fowler, Owen, Torres and now Suarez and yet never won a league title. With one of the best midfielders in the world playing with all of them.Suarez was 2nd top scorer in the league and we finished 7th. United had the top scorer and finished 1st. Arsenal previously had that top scorer and didn't win the league. Are you seriously telling me Manchester United had the best players last year? Not in my opinion. But they had the best team, the best winning mentality and the consistency. Coutinho and Sturridge should give you faith in what BR is doing. He's also had the balls to slowly rid of players that simply weren't good enough, like Spearing and is gradually replacing them with fast technical players who can actually play football. Why not support the club in what they're trying to do instead of being so negative.
Brilliant post. finally, someone knows the difference between cricket and football.
Great post Stanni, couldn't agree more. Our biggest problem has been inconsistency, not beating teams we expected to. This points to a mental attitude issue. I think we'll do surprisingly well this year.
People are always negative regardless. Its just something that positive posters have to accept. Its the way it is. Best we can do is keep supporting, keep being positive, and not let the depressing negative people get us down.
Stanni Scott Sinclair will not be signing for LFC - see my earlier replies
I have to say that until a player signs for Liverpool people should be entitled to whatever opinion they have of that player. IF and when they might sign its a different matter, they should hopefully get all the support and backing possible. surely we're not trying to stop freedom of speech or opinion?
Personally I think he's decent player, but I would rather keep the money and faith placed in the two young wingers of similar style . Ibe and Sterling. Both of whom I believe will be if aren't already better.
People often talk about wasted millions or overpaying and they're right but what's even more efficient is not to sign uneccesary players. I'd rather the "kids" get their opportunity. In recent years the likes of Doni, Poulsen, Koncesky, Josemi all spering to mind. change for change's sake is not necessarily a good thing.
Great post stanni, at Least 2 players for every position rather than playing the likes of agger or johnson at left back. Gota good feeling this season, just hope we don't mess up on sat.
Ynwa
That's fair enough but if you can say Spearing was not good enough, what happened to the "team game" defence?
Surely if you can say Spearing was not good enough then others have the right to judge Sinclair is not good enough.
I've not seen enough of him, but Chelsea sold him and City have not played him and seem set to sell him. You have to ask the question about whether he is good enough to improve us.
Well said Stanni - you will no doubt get shouted down by the naysayers peddling their doom and gloom - quoting 8 out and 4 in, FSG only in it for profit etc. I have to say I - probably like a number of fans - put together a 'cull list' at the end of the season and I have to say BR has got rid of most of them on my list - Rodgers is putting together a lean competitive squad and giving youth a way in - I am looking forward to Saturday.
How's it negative to weigh your thoughts on a player that is rumored to join? It's not official and he isn't a Liverpool player. No lack of support there, just peoples opinions on players and speculation about fitting into our system.
Like this my friend. Superbly written
14 Aug 2013 00:39:45
@ken aguerro: mmm any similarity with sturridge not played at chelsea or city, if he was signed, could be another young hungry player with something to prove. having worked with him before at least rogers would know if he would be an improvement on who we have already. All hypothetical of course.
Seriously Stanni, are you telling me you've never heard of a player linked with the club and thought he wasn't good enough?
If you've thought it then what's wrong with expressing your thoughts?
I've never been 1 for the slagging off of players but we all wished Spearing well at Bolton, said he tried, but just didn't make the cut.
Don't like the doom and gloom posts much either but in the Sinclair case its just people rating him in their opinions. I always thought Sturridge would be excellent, didn't know much about Coutinho, but fair play to the people who had their doubts and were man enough to say they were hasty in their judgement.
I think this post is great, absolutely spot on.
But to Ken, didn't Sturridge also play for City and Chelsea yet exceddin expectations at Liverpool? Personally, I don't think City or Chelsea's style matched Sinclair's style.
14 Aug 2013 04:56:23
Ken, he only left Chelsea in the first place cause he wanted to play first team, and they didn't think he was ready yet. As for man city, it's almost like when Scott parker went to Chelsea. He never really had a chance, so how are we supposed to know whether or not he could have made it. It was a strange move to make, and he almost certainly regrets it now. All we can hope is that if we do offer him a lifeline out of there, he gets back to his best quickly, because that would mean we would be less likely to run our younger players into the ground by overplaying them, like happened with sterling last year. Having 3 quick, tricky wingers is better than 2 imo.
So because I don't think a player is good enough I'm a joke and don't recognise it as a team game. Well I do and I still think he's rubbish.
To Richards Farmer and Ken, I'm not saying people don't have a right to voice their opinion, I like to read different people's views actually, that's what makes football and this site interesting. It's just throw away comments like 'he's rubbish' with nothing to substantiate it, when the guys not even played for us, IMO just adds nothing of value. A player might be rubbish for a team that doesn't play the style Liverpool play, that doesn't play in his favoured position or not get adequate game time. He might lack self confidence at his current club. It doesn't mean they are rubbish and won't succeed at Liverpool. Downing for example will flourish at West Ham as will big Andy and good luck to them. They just weren't quite right at Liverpool. As for Spearing, he had played for Liverpool for a number of years. Nice lad good heart but simply not effective enough. Football is not about sentiment, it's about winning. Hence, because spearing has played for us I can see he wasn't good enough. I can't possibly comment if Sinclair is or not because he's not played for us. Common sense really. And if he does, which I doubt he will, I'll give him every support.until he has a bad game then I'll boo him :-)
13 Aug 2013 20:50:32
Hi eds, Scott Sinclair backed for Liverpool move after bookmaker Bet Victor slashed its odds on him joining us. Do you think he might be the left winger Rodgers is talking about? {Ed002's Note - Sorry, I can't help.}
13 Aug 2013 20:48:46
Hi eds, I think it's obvious that we are getting a LB, which one though is anyone's guess. But there doesn't seem to me too much action in the transfer market involving the top teams in the PL. I know we've brought a few squad players but are we in for a storming transfer window, or is it just going to fizzle out. {Ed002's Note - They are all looking to bring players in.}
13 Aug 2013 20:48:33
Jonjo Shelvey just scored a very nice goal for England U21's.
Sterling playing very well too.
Nice to see.
Puzzled Red
Now, can we bring back Shelvey?
13 Aug 2013 20:37:48
is it just me or is everybody getting pi. ed off with
reports that wenger still thinks he can do a deal for suarez .first br said not going to happen the jh said no way no steve g .give it up seriously
Just trying to keep the Gooner fans from lynching him.
He's walking a tightrope at the minute in my opinion.
I say string Arsenal along for as long as possible.
This will hopefully weaken them by them loosing other targets by putting all their eggs in one basket
I think they'd sell him to Arsenal at the right price. But Arsenes' too tight to delve deeper.
Arsene`s nothing but a lost soul who will do anything to keep the gravey train going for the directors as they plonder their own fans` blind faith. He has continued to disrespect lfc by saying he still wants suarez even after henry has told them to stop. and if yu think we will sell to arsenal, U`re fooling urself. Henry coming out has made it near impossible now because henry thinks he`s being made a fool of.
Ah man I should have registered as Ken Aguero, now I am jealous and disappointed
There's only one Ken Aguero, Buck.
;-)
13 Aug 2013 20:30:41
Hope the SS rumours are false he doesn't offer anything over Ibe or sterling
I hope it's a case of lazy journalism as well.
Me too . don't eate the chap . think lads in the u21s would be better .
I think just cus his brother was playing against us for u21s they assume Scott is signing.
13 Aug 2013 20:14:01
Hello Eds,
1) any interest in Memphis Depay?
would be a quality replacement for Downing and most importantly one within our price range.
2) A few Italian sites reporting Napoli have an agreement with Skrtel but will wait till next week to negotiate with LFC. Any truth if so why? {Ed002's Note - We are not here just to answer repeated questions about players you find on fantasy football games and to justify something probably translated by Google.}
13 Aug 2013 20:06:29
So if reports are to be true than were set to sign 3 new players this week in:
LB - Guilherme Siqueira = £5M - £7M
CB - Mamadou Sakho = £8M - £10M
LW/RW = Scott Sinclair = £5M - £6M
Not too bad if it happens as Sakho is a very good player, Sinclair will add good depth & Siqueira is a better LB than Enrique. Still feel we need a AM/CF as Borini is not good enough, hope he proves me wrong though!
Really don't see 3 signings we desperatley need a centre forward borini has been tried he does not have the speed or skill to destroy defenders and is to small to win anything in the air terrible buy if you ask me
Scott Sinclair will not be signing for LFC rumours started when he was seen at a reserves game watching one of his brothers play in a game!
If we really do sign those 3 players, I think it would round up a great transfer window. I have no idea why most people are rejecting the idea of Scott Sinclair IF he came. Remember, the last City reject we bought was Sturridge, so nobody should be holding that against him.
Sinclair is not good enough.
13 Aug 2013 19:07:31
I don't really know what to believe when BR or the owners open their mouth, but when Stevie says 'Suarez won't be moving to another Premier League club' that'll do for me!
Yeh when I watched that England press
conference I was delighted with Gerrard
saying he believes Suarez won't be signing
for another British club. So let's hope
we can put the Arsenal worries to bed
Deano95
I don't know where you got your info, but I would be astonished if a player was making statments to the press regarding a team mates transfer/contract.totally outrageous and out of order if this has happened,
The word - how is it outrageous exactly. Gerrard wasn't speaking on behalf of Suarez, he was speaking on behalf of what he thought the club would or would not do. He is the club captain, he is simply repeating what was said by both BR and JH. Wind your neck in and stop looking for someone to wind up.
Why's that mate? Because you're an arsenal fan? Suarez won't be signing for Arsenal, deal with it.
The word, I'm completely in the know mate. Or did I just watch ssn? Can't remember now. Either way Stevie G confirmed it
The word he said this at the England press conference!
Tbh says to me that we are looking at a deal to sell Suarez abroad!
Henry will not allow it, get it. In America, owners of teams DO NOT allow players to dictate to them. They make sure the player rots in the reserves (so to speak) because at that point, its no longer about money but about credibility. Suarez will lose his before henry or lfc lose theirs.
13 Aug 2013 18:43:13
Hi eds, please can you shed some light on this Scott Sinclair to Liverpool. Me personally hope it doesn't happen, he is a dreadful player, would rather give sterling & Ibe the playing time! {Ed002's Note - I know nothing of it, sorry.}
He was watching his brother play - nothing in it. I hate how these rumours start!
13 Aug 2013 18:23:10
Anybody else worried about stoke? I am! We haven't won an opening day game since 2007. 6 years straight! If sturridge is 100% fit then I can see us winning narrowly but if we start with borini or aspas then I can see it being a draw. Thoughts people?
Yeah, the weather was a bit crappy today.
I am counting down the days to a great home victory! wots with all the doom & gloom we have great team that are chomping at the bit for three points . have faith! BRING ON STOKE
Stoke is managed by Mark Hughes. The worst manager ever! Why do teams keep hiring him? There's nothing to worry about. They would have been a threat if they were managerless.
We won in 2008 against sunderland
Thats because we only kick up a fuss if its someone the team really needs .
Yeah I'm worried about Stoke too. The Potteries are in serious decline. It's terrible for the local economy.
Good news lads I was at the last opening day victory and I'm going Saturday. First opening game for me since then.
If I'm the lucky omen I expect you all to chip in next year.
We must be wary of stoke because we have struggled of late against them. I hope and pray that we get the three points because we need consistency and confidence MORE THAN EVER BEFORE.
13 Aug 2013 18:21:17
Well good luck to Stewart Downing i'm sure he'll do very well at West Ham its just a shame it didn't work out. If only more player could conduct their selves in the manner he has, leaving without a fuss. Speaking of players leaving i'm expecting another circus act from Suarez and his new spokesperson Edinson Cavani, I hope in future the club learn their lesson and keep Cavani out of contract negotiations and promises to players.
Now for players coming in, a left winger is needed, one that scores goals. For the life of me I can't think of any, Turan is a hell of a player and someone iv'e always want Liverpool to sign but I don't know if he is the answer. Eriksen is still following the example set by Hazard last year whoring himself around Europe, but I guess that's the way football is going these days. Any suggestions for LW anyone, please not Willian.
Willian. Yeah. As he is quality. Other than him riise :-|.
13 Aug 2013 18:15:10
Liverpool have made an £8million bid for Sakho
13 Aug 2013 18:10:11
Downing leaves LFC. Didn't work out here and never was worth 20m. Anyway, Stewie, YNWA and best of luck for the future.
Fingers crossed JC, ribbit!
13 Aug 2013 18:01:54
Reports of an 8 million bid from Liverpool for Sakho and PSG are considering it?
13 Aug 2013 18:00:12
Good luck to downing in his new team.
Also a big well done to king Kenny for another cracking investment lol.
Why have a go at King Kenny? You obviously have no idea what the man has done for LFC, it's fans and the community.
For the record, managers don't over rule CEO's or director's of football.
Comolli and Ayre would have more input to the finances of a transfer than the manager.
Downing when he was signed was Villa's player of the season. Villa did not want to sell.
He leaves 2yrs older as an unwanted player who doesn't fit into the current manager's plans.
Is it any wonder that his price has dropped so much?
So leave out the snide digs at men who you're not fit to lick the boots of.
So does that make KK immune from criticism. I love him as much as the next person but he should be bollocked for the crap he bought.
Answer me one question ken!
Was downing worth 20mil?
Well said ken - are you signing for us this season?
Calm down Ken, Downing was a bogus signing.
Nasty little dig at the King there Lavers. You obviously know very little about what Kenny has done for LFC and it's supporters over the years.
I think Ken Aguero (above) was spot on when he said, "You're not fit to lick the man's boots."
Was Downing worth 20 million? No.
Was Torres worth 50 million? No
Was Robbie Keane worth 20 million? No
Was Aquilani worth 30 million? No
Is Bale worth £85 million? No
Was Veron worth 30 million all those years ago? No
Was Trevor Francis worth 1 million?
No, players are not worth the money paid for them or the wages spent on them. The whole transfer market is an out of control runaway train fuelled by Sky TV. Teams will pay whatever they want to get a player in and usually they overpay because Sky funds them.
But is that a reason to have snide digs at an altruistic man of great integrity and compassion?
He has never been immune of criticism, but there is a difference between criticism and snide remarks designed to undermine him. Basically, have some respect!
Totally agree, yeh he may be King Kenny but he did make a few terrible decisions. Should of stayed away, you won't see fergie coming back. Yeh comolli and Ayre sort finances but Kenny gave them the names.
Please take blinkers of redmen, people like you that stand up and defend king when he's made mistakes are very biased and have no footballing knowledge.
No one is questioning what king Kenny has done for the club but the signings off downing and Carroll where ridiculous.
I now it was down to the club to buy them, surely Kenny could have stepped in and said I like them but I wouldn't pay that for them.
Mongrel red: Something could happen in the next 48 hours.
Also ken, Trevor Francis was definitely worth 1 million.
How dare you lol.
Listen no one is damaging kennys legacy here. but to be honest adam carroll downing and yes Henderson( he's improved and fair play but not good enough ) were all purchased near around d same time . it was a disaster recruitment drive the fees and d wages where terrible didn't improve us one bit . hodgsons cole konchesky and poulson b4 were just as bad . u can't ignore that kennys time in d window with commoli was a true disaster . i'd love Rodgers to have had that money in that window 4 lfc . we would be far better than where we are now. i'd like to know the edds opinion on the commoli and kennys buys? no fan on here is guna blacken kennys name . no way! but honestly deep down u got to admit we threw the money away! hence why we had d predicament of last summer and d way fsg didn't want Dempsey {Ed002's Note - I explained about Commoli the day he joined. Nothing changed my view. Dalglish was the right person to settle the club but should not have been given the job full time.}
What does Lavers cracking a joke about Stewart Downing have to do with Kenny Daglish's integrity?
Bore off. this is a banter site.
My name on this site is because I absolutely loved watching John Barnes in 1989 to 1990. But even I would admit that Barnesy may have made 1 or 2 mistakes in his life. We all do!
Stewart Downing was 1 of Kenny's mistakes. Signing footballers s not an exact science.
I absolutely love Kenny Daglish as well by the way before you start.
I'm 100% with you when you say Downing and Carroll were bad mistakes that went horribly wrong. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I agree Kenny deserves to take a portion of the blame.
The problem I have is how you choose to reflect that i.e. snide remarks which appear above. There's no need for that. He deserves more respect and to ignore that really is classless from a LFC fan.
Criticising some of his mistakes is fair game, but I doubt most of us would have a better record than him if we had a go.
Anyway, I've had my say and I think my position is clear. I'll leave it at that now and not escalate the debate.
Carroll, Adam, Downing
Vs
Enrique (8), Bellamy (free), Suarez (22.5).
Not all of Kenny's signings were disasters.
13 Aug 2013 22:22:31
Mate we need to move on because it wasn't just kenny`s mistake but it was the whole bosard mistake!
1) Comolli negotiated the deals-mistake
2)Ian ayre agreed with comolli-mistake
3)Tom werner agreed to sign the check, no chairman even in dreams would let those deals happen -mistake
4)King kenny chose the players-mistake, but if those players were bought for 11m like borini or 3M like assaidi no one would have complain!
So its better to move on rather then just try to put all blame on single person which is completely unfair!
Stop the blather. Some players make it, some don't. Even £20m is no recipe for success. Downing, on his form was a good signing. How often do people come on here moaning because we don't splash some cash and buy substantial players? Downing, by any measure, fitted that bill. It didn't work out - get over it. It wasn't like anyone writing on here paid for him is it? Good luck to the man, thank you for your efforts, some of us realised you were working hard. Now let's look forward and stop bleating about 'mistakes' KK made.
13 Aug 2013 17:46:07
Scott Sinclair will be joining us for a 5.5m fee. he will have a medical on Friday
I hope not, he'd make Assaidi's decision making look good!
He's never going to be good enough for us!
13 Aug 2013 17:16:44
Eds - do you think we might be buying Siquiera (spelling?) to play left mid/wing? I've only seen YouTube clips of him - so doesn't count for much - but of what I've seen - playing him in front of Enrique on the left wouldn't be a bad shout? What do you think? {Ed002's Note - I really don't know.}
13 Aug 2013 17:38:37
although we have sterling, aspas and ibe as back ups who is the starter then? or are we buying 1 or 2 more attackers before the season kicks off. other wise were I the same postion as last year. I know you said were hoping to bring in 1 more wide man to let coutinho play through the middle. what wide players are we after.
Cheers
SAGGY REDKNAPP
No why would we buy 2. some people just want to buy buy buy buy the club into the ground. we only need 1 we have coutinho suarez sturridge plus 1 then sterling aspas ibe borinni ibe. no reason for 2 unless ls leaves!
13 Aug 2013 17:31:30
Hi eds.
I've had a look through and it looks like BR wants a LW but do any of the eds have any indication of who that might be?
Or even where our current interest lies? I've had a look but it seems to be ever changing and a bit hazy at the moment.
Cheers,
Puzzled Red
Willian is a left winger, or at least Whoscored thinks he plays best there
Siqueira mate, best LB in Spain last year. but again were offering 5m for a very good player which is gunna be rejected, so who knows!
13 Aug 2013 19:11:20
toby alderweireild on sky transfare news he will never choose the money but image and history IS THAT A CLUE {Ed002's Note - He is in talks over personal terms with another club after a free was agreed. They are struggling to agree terms so perhaps he is talking about Newcastle's interest?}
Yes, Siquiera would be a good buy but that is for LB, I presume and not LW. Or am I wrong?
Eds?
Also, I don't think William is a target I hope not anyway because for that kind of money we could buy real quality and Willan is not that.
See his record at Anzhi: 1 goal in 11 apps. In short, not good enough for the fee being banded about.
Puzzled Red
13 Aug 2013 17:30:26
hey lfc fans.
all the fans. who were hating on downing.
just do me 1 favour.just watch west ham vs Liverpool. and u will see him roast johnson or enrique for pace
yea he doesn't score enough goals. but what winger has for Liverpool for a long time?
ashley young for Manchester United doesn't score enough either. or valencia
We don't play with wingers in the current system.
Although he preferred to play on the right, I always thought he was more effective on the left side going around the outside of the fb and getting in a cross. He never did this enough though. I think we have lost a valuable squad player who has lots of experience. We have too many youngsters in these positions - we all saw how sterling burned out last season.
We look to be dumping everybody at the moment with no clear strategy who to bring in.
I don't think the majority of LFC fans 'hate' Downing.
Most think he has not lived up to his £20m price tag and £90k a week wage.
At 29 and some very good kids (Ibe and Sterling) ready, it was in everyone's interest for him to go
Good luck Stewart (but not against us!)
So what you wanna keep an under performing player being paid 80k a week?
If you really think Downing justifies getting the wages he was getting at LFC there must be something wrong with you.
I'm not Downings biggest fan but I think we should have kept him as a squad player. I don't see anyone better for £5-8m and what I admired about him in the end was his attitude when he was under pressure. He improved no end last year and in the Celtic game when he must have known he was leaving he was one of the best performers. He also covers left back ok if needed. Plays right or left. His goals record was poor but he's a confidence player and if he'd got off to a good start the fans would have helped boost his confidence, but he didn't and so they've made him worse. BR likes fast technically gifted players who contribute more goals though and after signing coutinho and Sturridge I have every faith in his decisions. Ibe looks class but he's young and we shouldn't put too much pressure in him. Same with Sterling.
Don't start sticking up for Downing he's been pathetic since he joined. We can all say "it just didn't work out" but at the end of the day he was complete and utter tosh
I can see Downer supplying loads for Carroll, especially if he plays on the left and both may just click.
Good luck to him.
I can see him ripping Johnson apart as well, almost as pay back for holding him back all this time at Liverpool.
I will never blame Downing. He didn`t ask to be transferred for that much. It was all lfc (KK, Commoli, etc) for buying USELESS players at crazy prices. This will set us back a few years for sure. But the past is the past and we must move on.
13 Aug 2013 17:24:06
Just watching repeats of preseason matches. MY MY MY! Jordon Ibe. Frightening potential. What immense talent he is. Looks as though he's been playing at this level for years.
Lad knows no fear whatsoever. I'd defo have him start on Saturday and against the Mancs. He would not be overawed one iota.
The good thing's that BR would have the balls to unleash the lad.
The prospect of him and Sterling in their early twenties is mouthwatering.
And what actually pleases me the most is that these two are actually intelligent footballers with a varied skills set, not headless chickens who are all speed and no substance like Lennon and Walcot (with respect).
Credit to Rodolfo and his fellas. The technical output of the Liverpool cadet has considerably risen.
Sterling and Ibe are going to be excellent players, they do need to improve some of their decision making on the ball though. Passing when they should hold and vice versa. Saying that, I don't know a back in the league that could hang with either of their pace. Futures bright and with time and some more experience I think they'll make that next step.
It is only preseason, but Ibe has looked special. he's supposedly not quick but knows how to get past his defender and he knows how to secure the ball when pressured. he's shown rapid improvement
13 Aug 2013 17:10:07
siqueira for any doubters will be our first choice left back if u watch him he's like enrique but better his final ball is amazing and very quick. scored. 6 goals and 3 assists that's impressive for a left back in what is probably now the best league. really hope this one goes through
13 Aug 2013 18:42:04
He was Grenada's designated spot-kick taker mind
I agree. He's top drawer. Though I think most of his goals if not all were penalties. Still not a bad thing, because we're awful at penalties over the last few years. I'm hopeful this signing wil go through over cissokho
From what I've seen of Siqueira, he no doubt has better attacking ability than Enrique but what concerns me is his inability to track runners. He is good with the ball at his feet and can tackle but doesn't have the defensive mindset to read the runs of players on the opposing team. He seems to be caught ball watching too much.
13 Aug 2013 17:08:19
Ed02 - The premier league cost control provisions was published yesterday.
I know this will affect contracts going forwards, will you have time to read through the published documents as I would like to see what your thoughts are on them as you did with the FFP rules some time ago?
I know its a pain but you seem to be one of the very few people who can get your head round these rule changes and present them in laymans terms. {Ed002's Note - I have a summary somewhere and will see if I get time to post it tomorrow.}
13 Aug 2013 17:00:40
Just going to say, for the first time in a long time I think the vast majority of people are NOT expecting us to get top four this season. Not just Liverpool fans, but fans all across the Premier League (great article on the official site by the way).
I for one think that's a advantage for us this year. Call me crazy, but I think too much speculation and over expectations in previous years has set us back.
Lets take each game as it comes, first one being Stoke and with a bit of luck, get 3 points.
Cheers.
13 Aug 2013 17:25:42
Of coarse mate anything can happen in footy, but still I think top4 is a big ask, we need to be realistic
Im with you. with che, Manchester United and man city are under new mnager, this is the time for us to break into top 4. our squad have been transform into new team of Liverpool. but we really need to sign 2 more exprience player.
We are the dark horse!
. And there we go again. Top 4, here we come!
Wouldn't it be incredible if we just won the league. I know it's near impossible but at the start of every season the kid inside believes we can
If suarez goes we have a chance if he goes and we don't replace him with quality the it will be a struggle
13 Aug 2013 16:58:15
We lost one game pre-season and the doom merchants are everywhere. prior to the defeat there was optimism everywhere.
We have got players off the books who have been totally slaughtered on this site. shelvey, downing, carroll, pepe and spearing. Now people are saying we are weaker than last season. I totally disagree as from the beginning of last season we have sturridge, coutinho, asaps, alberto, toure and mignolet added.
Pre-season these players have all performed exceptionally well except for the celtic game where no one wanted to get injured before the kick off this weekend.
We have no europe so we can focus on the league week in week out up until januray until the fa cup kicks in. Forget the carling cup is just a distraction and warrants nothing these days.
We will have 5 new players starting this weekend from last season's kick off, nearly half the team.
I see us going unbeaten for the first 8-10 games looking at the fixures
I'll have 12 of what he's having please!:)
13 Aug 2013 16:36:47
Can anyone tell me what happened with sergi canos and pedro chirivella. They do not appear in the under 18's squad sheet on the official LFC site
Thanks alex7777 {Ed002's Note - They are children from another country.}
They both play for the U-18's now. Chirivella captained LFC in the recently concluded Milk Cup.
Chvrileva stole the show at the milk cup! Have a look at the players that have played in the milk cup and you can clearly see his potential.
13 Aug 2013 16:22:34
Downing, Carroll, Shelvey & Spearing have all now departed.
Wage bill must be significantly lighter and new recruits most likely on incentive based contracts (with lower weekly wage package). Given FSG policy.
However, the team does not look any stronger than it did at the end of last season.
Agger & Suarez continue to be linked with moves away and it will be hard to see them staying.
If they leave we will be without doubt a much weaker team. Are the other players not very concerned about the exodus? I struggle to see how we can even begin to compete for a 4th place finish.
We also continue to fail in attempts to buy quality players. Costa etc. If anything this is reinforcing the perception that we are a club in decline.
Apologies for pessimistic nature of post but any positive news you may have would be very welcome.
They say when in Rome do as the Roman do. So with that in mind, when making annual losses, unable to qualify for the CL, not awash with oil money and a stadium to re-develop, why all the negativity when we are doing exactly what a club in our position SHOULD be doing!. And that is keeping our books balanced and spending within our means on transfers and wages. Unfortunately it will get worse before it gets better, but in the long run we will be better off both financially and in football terms. We will produce our own players a lot more and the average age of our team will be one of the lowest for the foreseeable future which on these terms is looking very bright.
Agger will stay don't worry but can't say the same about Suarez.
Anywway we still need to move on 5 more players in Coates, Skrtel, Assaidi, Flanagan and Pacheco. Then we will finally have a squad where every player deserves his pay.
People seem to get too hung up on 'proven quality' when some of the best player to play in the EPL were reletively unproven.
Great clubs can make players great, just look at what Manchester United did to Ronaldo, Arsenal to RVP and what spuds did to Bale.
We don't need to be spending mega bucks on players who have a big reputation, we are good enough to breed these types of players.
I'd much rather be a club like Barca and Dortmund who have amazing youth set-ups than a club like Man City who just blow millions each year.
It'll take time, I have faith in our squad, it's young and hungry, that what we need! I for one can not wait til Saturday, bring it on!
You have also forgot that Carra has retired, Pepe is on loan and Skrtel is going the same way. The only player signed remotely on big wages would be Toure.
13 Aug 2013 17:48:49
Prestige Worldwide mate we aren't doing what we should do, we have wasted lots of money on players which some weren't even needed!
Its impossible to build a team in this day & age, because bigger teams will just snap them easily!
Wenger once said its impossible to build a young team when teams like barca, madrid, chelsea etc can take your players whenever they want, especially after investing so much time, hard work etc on them!
We need to spend our money wisely because we have always spend more then spurs, Arsenal etc & still finish below them!
13 Aug 2013 15:53:35
Hi Eds
Lots of names being thrown about regarding LB Cissokho, Siquiera, Contento. With reports of Cissokho close to Sunderland move and Bayern not willing to let Contento go without guarantees over playing time is it safe to say Siquiera looking the most likely?
Any news on the CB position would love either Papa or Sakho
And one last one, in know its probably mocha fe o happening but Willian would be an immense signing
Thanks in advance for any efforts to reply
Cheers {Ed002's Note - RTP.}
13 Aug 2013 15:46:57
Lass diarra available for 8/10m and has told his club to sell him on the cheap so he can leave this window. Great player would love to see him along side Lucas
Would add experience, how old is he now?
Would that be to replace gerard then?
13 Aug 2013 15:43:21
Where us everyone getting this info from that we beat Newcastle 3-1 today with sturridge scoring 2? Can't find that anywhere! Also I live in Canada, an we have amazing football coverage over here but I was just wondering If anybody knows if the capital one cup is gunna be showen in this country this season? It wasn't last year! Cheers boys!
It's a closed door match to give Sturridge more playing time to get him match fit for the opener against Stoke
Sturridge scored 2 penalties and Luis Alberto got the other.
13 Aug 2013 15:37:18
With Downing off to West Ham, expect announcement of the signing of Scott Sinclair over next few days.
Are you sure your surname sign-off isn't "Kidding"?
Don't want him
13 Aug 2013 15:15:50
Nobody can tell me we haven't improved our squad from last season aspas > downing, Alberto > shelvey (who I still think will be a cracking player) toure is equal to carra (like it or not) mingolet equal to pepe. Ok we might not have a committed Suarez but we all want him gone & know we won't be able to replace him. The fact that we've saved money just looking at transfer fees & reported wages & not all the hidden extras & saved wages & improved the squad how is that a bad thing? We wanted the Armenian for 20m he didn't want us. You'd go mad if we paid 20m for Scott sinclairfor example but you'll go mad if we don't pay that money for someone! Lose lose! Still think there's too many posts from other fans
13 Aug 2013 15:34:04
Getting nervous, I'll take three average performances and three 1-0 wins to start us off this season!
I'll take that big time, no point in losing when you can win ugly . Let's hope we can play well and grind things out when we need to .
Gosh, if we could just find consistency against the 13 teams beneath us, being as we can give anybody a game on our day, we would be in great shape .
I hope we get through the first half of the season with a good league position and continue that through the second half of the season with our home games against 5 of the top 6 helping us out .
Here, here!
13 Aug 2013 15:27:28
ed's are we close to signing the granada LB lfcullah {Ed002's Note - RTP.}
13 Aug 2013 15:06:33
With Downing gone, we must surely be the youngest team in the premier league this season. I haven't done the math or whatever, but we are clearly a very young squad. It is looking likely that Ibe and Sterling could even start this weekend against Stoke. Any comments on possible starting 11? I suspect it will really be Sturridge, Aspas and Coutinho up top, but perhaps the young wingers would do more damage with their speed. I have concerns with the light weights against Stoke, but let's be honest, we don't really have any strength or size up front anyways. Might as well use speed.
Final note, I really hope BR knows what he's doing. I am sensing deja vu with the continual efflux of players, and the repetitive "we are working really hard behind the scenes for transfers". Is it possible that we will have the current squad (and likely without Suarez) until January? Seems impossible to believe, but felt unbelievable when we didn't replace Carroll last year.
Thoughts? Discussion?
Coop
I have got a feeling the starting front 3 will be Sterling, Borini, Aspas. Only because Sturridge is lacking match practice, I think Coutinho will be in the CAM role and Allen will be on the bench.
We are not. Aston Villa have the youngest average first team age; we are second.
We had the youngest squad last year just beat arsenal. And we've sold old an bought in young so far so we've got the youngest team by a mile now
How can you say that we don't have the youngest average first team for the coming season, when we havn't even played one game yet AG? Am pretty sure our average age this season will be lower than what it was last season, but will depend on who we get in before September.
We was youngest last season AG and now we are without Carra Reina downing so must still be youngest.
Nick
Does it really matter? Our average age is 25.4 and for Aston Villa it is 24.9 if you want specifics.
Square tomato
Aston Villa also had the likes of Petrov, Dunne, Holman and Andy Marshall in their squad.
Their average squad age will be going down even further when they sell N'Zogbia, Ireland, Bent etc.
But, why does it matter? 1st or 2nd on average age shouldn't make any difference as along as we have a stronger squad and we keep improving from last season in my opinion.
Agreed it's not particularly relevant, but I do think people tend to forget that Sturridge, Allen, Henderson, and Martin Kelly are the same age and Borini is younger than all 4 (and Coutinho is younger than all of them).
It doesn't really matter AG it's just I remember seeing we was 1st so though I'd point it out, not being funny.
13 Aug 2013 15:04:58
Does anyone else think the window has came to a snail pace which will result in panic buying/selling in a couple of weeks time?
Key will be the Bale transfer, I think that will be the catalyst for the rest of the 'big transfers' namely Suarez and Rooney. Just a thought.
Anyone else think Liverpool will not make a marquee singing this summer?
Kosovo Joe
If by "marquee" you mean players that are top four material then yes I think we'll sign one or two. Not doing so would be suicide after all the outgoings.
Also, I don't think the sale of Bale/Suarez has any impact on our ability to buy.
(P.S Ed's, if my user name is too offensive can you email me and i'll change it. Thanks.)
I wouldn't be all that surprised if we only bring in a LB before the end of the transfer window, but who knows?
If by "marquee" you mean players that are top four material then yes I think we'll sign one or two. Not doing so would be suicide after all the outgoings.
Also, I don't think the sale of Bale/Suarez has any impact on our ability to buy.
13 Aug 2013 15:02:12
dowing sold we have made 5 mil profit so far and reduced the wage bill.
we will proberly sell/loan skrtl/quates, both not suited for the style br wants to play.
the next 2 weeks we will see if fsg are ready to spend on a cb lf and midfielder.
we need a cb and give wisdom time to grow.
enrique has no final ball and a final ball is needed with the system br wants to play.
we need a left midfielder eriksen would be perfect in the role coutinho played last season.
we will have hendersen and allen as back for the 4 starters.
downing was sold because of his age and the lack of goals, br wants a left footed player on the right wing with goals.
how I see it we need 4 players, names that I have been reading papa/eriksen/seguira/dudzsak ect are all expensive.
i don't think we have the money and I am not sure fsg would want to spend with out cl football.
malta
You can always tell a part time fan who just wants to moan when Coates is spelt quates
We need a left sided midfielder erikson would be perfect??
Erikson is a CAM not a left sided midfielder
Left footed player on the right wing instead of downing?
Haven't we got aspas for that
Jay91 I am no part time fan I am 39 years old from malta I have been to anfield at least 50 times.been to the final in rome with my dad and istanbul.and in 2 weeks I will be there against man u, just paid 250 a ticket.i went at least to 1 home game a year for the last 22 years would love to go more often but tickets are a problem, lfc club malta gets limited tickets and there is always the flight and hotel costs.bangor eriksen plays on the left side for ajax, de jong plays the cam role.eriksen cuts inside just like iniesta does at barca.
Yeah apparently were not proper fans because we rightly show concern for our current squad. It's the people with their rose tinted idealism that rile me. I pay 800 odd quid a year for a season ticket I'll moan all I want, doesn't mean I won't support the lads. Some things need saying.
13 Aug 2013 14:46:33
LFC won against Newcastle in a behind closed doors friendly today. Score 3-1. Sturridge (2) and Alberto the scorers. Teixiera, Sama and McLaughlin played.
I think I may have already posted another update on this, not sure. Only post this Eds.
Do you know if any of it was recorded? Will highlights be available online?
Don't think so mate. Sorry.
Do you know what the starting 11 was?
Cheers,
1st half: Jones, McLaughlin, Sama, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Alberto, Teixeira, Ibe, Coutinho, Sturridge.
In the 2nd half, Agger was replaced by Kelly, Enrique by Flanagan, Coutinho by Borini.
Wisdom, Sterling, Coates, Suarez and Johnson on international duty. Skrtel injured and I have no idea if Lucas played or not.
Cheers AG, you're a star
"Blush".
13 Aug 2013 14:44:38
3-1 win vs Newcastle behind closed doors. Sturridge 2, Luis Alberto the other. McLaughlin has a very strong performance by all accounts. Looks like Sturridge is ready to go for Saturday.
13 Aug 2013 14:44:01
LFC played a behind closed doors friendly today against Newcastle. We won 3-1 with Sturridge scoring 2 and Alberto scoring 1.
Can u tell a part of the game? i'm really excited to know, did sturidge, aspas and countinho playig well together?
how about alberto? does he is.in perform?
13 Aug 2013 14:41:03
Just had our interest confirmed in Willian even though he'd cost upwards of £20m, Anzhi have put their whole playing staff up for sale.
13 Aug 2013 16:20:08
he would cost a lot more than 2o million I think I read Ed02 had said a team most likely man city had offered a lot more than 20 million and it was rejected and that was 10 days ago so I just can't see us offering any where near there valuation and the money would be better spent on 2 players rather than 1
13 Aug 2013 14:36:48
Just wondering what sort of price Rami would be allowed to go for and if we have looked at him as target? Cheers in advance
Rami has dropped behind Costa and Matheiu as the CB pairing for Valencia. I guess he could be available.
Valencia came to here to the U.S for friendlies and Rami and Costa were the defensive duo thru all the friendlies. and Mathieu is a left back/winger (known him since his days in Toulouse) so I respectfully disagree with AG on this.
13 Aug 2013 14:21:23
Hello Eds,
New rumors doing the rounds are us being after Scott Sinclair. I assume this is due to the fact we just offloaded Downing. Is there any actual interest show or is it just people adding two and two seeing as he is an ex Rodgers player not getting any game time at City and we currently have a vacancy? I'd also assume he'd be on the cheap. Thoughts?
I believe this rumour started as he was at Melwood watching the U21's play. He was their to watch a family member who plays for Southampton U21's.
13 Aug 2013 14:19:59
Would Benitez be likely to sell Insigne, was wondering what he's worth? {Ed002's Note - That is not their intention.}
13 Aug 2013 14:19:48
Ed I would like to point out that effectively there has been no net spend in this transfer window from our side. The sales of shelvey, carroll and downing is if not equivalent in terms of money spent but is more than money spent on aspas, alberto and mignolet surely.
We also have to bear in mind the wages of carragher and reina off the wage bill and the signing of kolo but still there is no net spend. Am I right to suggest so? I think FSG has not been up to the mark yet showing willingness to compete in the transfer market.
Nil {Ed002's Note - If of course you ignore signing on fees and all of the other costs incurred, then sure. The club are making the efforts to bring in two or three more players, what will you moan about then?}
Would it safe to assume they will be a lb, cb & winger/forward? Or would a DM be priority over a cb unless skrtel/ Coates is sold?
Probably yes
13 Aug 2013 14:06:57
I've had a look through and it looks like BR wants a LW but do any of the eds have any indication of who that might be?
Or even where our current interest lies? I've had a look but it seems to be ever changing and a bit hazy at the moment.
Cheers,
Puzzled Red
13 Aug 2013 13:59:49
So far this summer we have seen Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Kolo Toure & Simon Mignolet join the club. Whilst Andy Carroll, Jamie Carragher, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey, Pepe Reina & Stewart Downing have all departed.
Forget the argument's of reducing the wage bill, net spend etc. My question is, are we starting the new season with a stronger squad than we had last season?
Carroll, Shelvey and Spearing weren't playing.
That leaves Carragher, Downing and Reina.
Carragher is not better than Toure.
Downing is not better than Aspas.
Reina is not better than Mignolet.
And we have got Luis Alberto too.
Yes, we have a stronger squad.
Although the number of players we have has gone down, I'd like to say we do have a stronger squad this season.
Quality wise, I think Toure and Mignolet are roughly equal to that of Carragher and Reina. So for Alberto and Aspas, I'd personally much rather start those two over Shelvey and Downing. Alberto and Aspas gel with the squad style at lot more and I think offer the squad a lot more going forward.
Carroll and Spearing were out last season, so I wouldn't really compare them (but we did replace Carroll with Sturridge already).
Andy Carroll and Jay Spearing didn't play for the 1st team last year. I think on current form Mignolet is an improvement on Reina, Toure prob just edges JC with his pace and heading ability, Alberto is better than jonjo and Aspas has had a better impact/goal return than Downing already. Add to that a fit again Lucas, Allen, Kelly and Borini and the addition of Ibe to the squad. Wisdom and Sterling also fresh and raring to go with another season experience under their belts. I think we are definitely stronger. I will be more than happy with cover at lb, a left sided attacker and/or cover for Suarez(depending on whether he leaves). A new cb if Skrtel leaves too. We would have a very strong, very well balanced team with very strong bench/squad for the 1st time in years, with 2 players for every position but that can play in several positions across the pitch. I think that's what BR is building towards. An interchangeable group of players that can cover defence and attack, whilst still keeping possession of the ball and every1 working in tandem to win it back when we don't. The emphasis is on team play moving quicly through the zones forward or back. I think we are going to surprise a few people this year. It's beginning to look like BR has nearly got the squad he wants and the original players also have another season of playing his style under their belts. Well that's my opinion anyway lol.
Considering Carroll was on loan all season, as was spearing, we have only really lost Shelvey, Carragher, Downing and Pepe.
As we have bought Alberto, Toure, Aspas and Mingolet, we are in the exact same position as they are like for like replacements.
The Ed's have said we are looking at 2 or 3 more players to come in so by the time the window closes we will be in a stronger position.
Thanks for the reply's fellas.
In regards to Reina, I was watching the review of the 2013 season and I must admit that anyone who thinks Reina did not deserve to be sent packing is fundamentally irresponsible and flat out deluded. His clanggers were horrible. And after all that, he was making a fool of us all by saying if Barca came he would go and if not he would stay and about how lfc are no longer contenders. That is disrespect at the highest order after the mediocre season he had. They were right to give him the boot. Mignolet will be an upgrade at that position for years to come.
13 Aug 2013 13:53:14
Read your thing about the break away league etc 02. We can all agree Europe is the best footballing continent? Where everyone around the world wants to play. This plays into uefa hands, and I believe it would allow them to put a wage cap across Europe. Imagine a 50k max per player. This would bring down huge wage bills, making clubs sustainable. In turn you wouldn't get players holding clubs to ransom or just moving for a pay day. They would go to the more successful clubs, yet those clubs can only fill 11 slots, so in contrary it would let most clubs compete for the same player, thus bridging the gap between man city and Sunderland. I really think the ffp will ruin football. It will make this distance between the biggest grossing clubs and the least even greater. Better to bring all money down, than to spend the clubs own means. What do you think? {Ed002's Note - The clubs looking to do this want rid of UEFA and want the money for themselves.}
13 Aug 2013 13:42:04
Long-time reader, Plus 20 year Season ticket holder,
I have seen a few posts on here lately moaning about the quality of players we have signed this summer, had anyone REALLY heard of Coutinho, Ronaldo etc. Before they arrived in this country.
I'm glad all the business we are doing, is behind closed doors, like it used to be, Glad Rodgers is taking his time, I'm sure there is lots of work getting done behind closed doors, we don't want to waste money, like we did last minute on Carroll.
Great well when we are midtable I can say I told you so.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I heard of Coutinho before we bought him, years before we bought him when Rafa wanted to sign him for us five years ago . If you look in the archives, you will see him name from years back .
I agree with your point though; Did we expect him to adapt so quick, maybe not, did anyone expect Ronaldo to be the player he is now, again no, don't think so.
Why is this "clearly garbage being spouted from our owners mouth!" I think there is a big difference between a team not in the ECL finding a suitable replacement for Suarez (where there are very few of that quality player around) and a team buying decent but ultimately fairly average player like Downing.
Also would it not be nice for once to show a bit of respect to the people who stopped this club going to the wall after the debacle of H&G?
Good point.
Houllier was rumoured to chase Ronaldo's signature as was Rafa with Coutinho.
Hadn't heard of Xabi or Sami who turned out to be great players for the club. I had heard of and was excited about Suarez before he signed.
The quality of player is most important so the club should be prepared to go big if a suitable player is available. At the moment there seems to be a bargain basement search which concerns me but one investment can change that.
I agree Steve and CC you're a muppet!
13 Aug 2013 13:39:45
Shame to see Downing go, but as he said it happened very quickly. Therefore, with JW Henry saying Liverpool FC don't have enough time to sign a replacement for Luis Suarez, its clearly garbage being spouted from our owners mouth!
Players such as Downing, Reina and Carroll are being sold / loaned to reduce the wage bill for players who would sit on the bench which is fine, but we need to then strengthen the first team.
So with your insight and forget about who the papers and media are telling us, who are the real targets for LFC.
Downing is easily replaceable as we already have better players than him in Ibe and Sterling, however we wouldn't be able to get another player of Suarez caliber would we I do however think he'll be sold, Carroll was an over paid alcoholic who was no where near good enough for Liverpool and Reina has been off form for the last 2 years, Mignolet is a huge improvement.
Not being funny, but I think downing is slightly easier to replace than suarez.
Its not garbage from the owners mouth at all. Replacing Downing and replacing Suarez are 2 very different things.
I can't think of many players out there like Suarez, never mind ones who are available an would consider joining us.
Downing on the other hand, there are plenty of mediocre wingers who can't handle the pressure of playing for LFC
Henry wasn't talkin rubbish. If you think about it, Downing would be far easier to replace than Suarez. Plus Downings replacement may have already been signed in Aspas.
Downing was on 80 grand a week and had a return of 7 goals in 91 games. I make that 1 in 13. That's poor.
He went a whole season without creating a goal or scoring a goal in the league.
That's pants.
13 Aug 2013 13:36:06
Hi all, just like to add my twopenniesworth, especially now Downing gone too.
Since BR came in I have been more upbeat than for years and remain so. It is so obvious to me what we needed to do on the pitch, and BR is doing that.
He bought Joe Allen, along with the rest he has brought in, for that reason. If we have the ball more than the opposition, less chance of the opposition scoring? Simples.
Carroll et al were simply not good enough - cannot play football. The many of you wanting him for Plan B! I was amazed. he failed on and off the pitch. BR has changed us for the (miles) better in the long run. We do not have multi £m to spend so must do it the better way.
Those that say sorry Downing gone, I am not. He had moments last year (as many have pointed out) but we need a lot more than moments. He has such a tendancy to give the ball away that it far overshadows the positive he does.
I also believe Enrique and Johnson are the two left that not up to it. At their age and experience they should be better, and more consistent. Yes others do make mistakes, but they are younger, newer players. Enrique and Johson like I said are older and experienced and we should not accept their inadequencies.
Hendo, Allen, Coutinho, Aspas and the rest will over time make LFC a better team.
Finally, my son is at a well known academy. And after seeing BR take over and what he is doing, and the way football is being played, I would absolutely love it if he ended up at LFC one day - not just from a personal point of view, but from football point of view.
Thank you BR for trying to get us back to where we were. I will support your efforts 100%. I am glad you had the balls to release the ones who are simply not up to it, and look forward to the future.
(and all this does not include any ref to LS, we are better)
Thank you
Squiresy,
You have made some good point but I would have to disagree with you on the Enrique thing. He might not be good at going forward but he does decent defending. We have had some problems for a while. Enrique provides strength to the team which I think is the major factor in the team right now.
I agree with Johnson. He is not the best Right Back but does go forward very well. Only if you could combine Enrique's ability of defending and Johnson's ability of going forward.
Lastly, Good luck for your lad. Hope he makes it to LFC Academy and become one of the top bloke in the squad.
Thanks Live-On-Pool
Good comments, and actually seems we're saying similar things in a different way.
As you say Enrique strong defence, but when forward losing the ball. This is against what BR wants, ball retention. Even Johnson going forward prone to misplaced passes, losing the ball, we are again under pressure.
These players should be able to do better, and if we could find someone who can, then I would be happy to change
Thanks for the good luck! Who knows, maybe one day. minor chance as there are so many, but when I see what BR does with the Academy kids coming through makes it all worthwhile to see them given a chance!
Whats the name that I should look out for in the LFC squad in future?
2 for the future: Jordan Rossiter and Harry Wilson both aged 16. Both played for under 21s yesterday
13 Aug 2013 13:29:29
Ed One simple question, I know this has a detailed answer availble, But an Objective type would do it.
Will Liverpool fail in FFP if we don't attain CL end of this season? {Ed002's Note - You would do best to avoid the subject as the question makes no sense.}
I can confirm that if Liverpool miss out on the top 4 we will not be able to play in the champions league.
Good one!
13 Aug 2013 13:23:31
Out of interest people, I have Sturridge in my dream team, is he likely to feature against Stoke?
I'm sure he will feature at some point, but probably not as a starter.
13 Aug 2013 13:12:16
Good luck Stewart Downing. Thanks for your commitment and effort. Best of luck at West Ham
With Carroll, Downing and Cole is Allardyce going to be trying tikka-taka this year?
13 Aug 2013 13:03:42
Downing confirmed, good luck to him! Good effort defensively but not quite good enough for us attacking wise
13 Aug 2013 12:56:22
Quick question Ed. If I am signed In, do I still have to fill in my Email every time I post? {Ed002's Note - No Adam.}
13 Aug 2013 12:51:56
Good luck Stewart Downing, West Ham will make the most of his abilities just not quite good enough at Anfield. On another note welcome to Anfield Neil Critchley.
13 Aug 2013 12:49:03
Afternoon eds and everyone. Quick question I was under the impression the owners wanted to buy British talent so that there market value would go up in few years and they get good profit on them? Now what we are seeing the two British talent we bought by King Kenny 1) Andy Carroll 2) Stewart downing both sold. So are we still actively looking for British talent? Even though we have signed some good Spanish youngsters
Thanks
Gr8 1 {Ed002's Note - I have not heard of such a policy.}
Downing is hardly young. An we was never ever guna recoup 35 m for a man that can't stay on his feet
13 Aug 2013 12:48:51
so sad to see Liverpool selling a committed player who's trying to fight for a place in the squad and trying to keep a controversial player who doesn't even want to stay
Being nice has got us 7th and in to debt. Downing, reina, were necessary departures.
Stewart Downing was as you say a committed player, but was he really good enough?
We need quality in the wide positions. We need Wingers who can make a pass and who possess the quality to score up to 10 goals per season each.
As I said yesterday, Rodgers has stated we need to bring in quality on the sides to move Coutinho to a central role. Now that Downing has gone I suspect Rodgers will have replacement lined up.
As for Suarez I do not think it is so much that we are trying to keep hold of him, but more that there has been no acceptable approach from abroad YET. If Real Madrid came in with an offer of £50m he will be gone. It is just a waiting game at the moment and a great sales technique by Liverpool to convince potential buyers that we don't want to lose the player, when in fact as soon as a foreign club meets our valuation he will be sold.
Red Rum
What is the point of keeping someone who is blatantly not good enough just because he "wants to stay"?
I really fail to understand the logic sometimes!
13 Aug 2013 13:56:39
Jay Spearing 4 years of professional football. sold at 1, 75 mil. what on earth was he doing all these years?. I saw him play personally, and am 100% sure, we all could do better than him.
Joe Cole wanted to stay should we have kept him? What about Spearing he's the most committed player in the world should we have kept him? You're gullible if you think we're trying to keep Suarez, we'd be shot of him in a second if a decent offer came in from abroad.
Jay, Downing, Wilson, Carroll, Reina and Carragher have all gone, so let's just wish them all the best and thank them for their contribution and efforts they have given to the club.No need to ridicule anyone.If you didn't like them fine, but there's nothing wrong with being respectful.
13 Aug 2013 12:42:05
To silence all the "fans", the club should just buy Yilmaz (insert your own marquee flavor) for 250 million pounds. We are going to get the player for NO price BELOW a quarter of a billion pounds.
Lets just throw money down and show we are the biggest and baddest. That will show the other clubs who their daddy is! Money doesn't mean anything to us. We are Liverpool. That's how our "fans" want us to roll.
13 Aug 2013 13:35:20
Strange man
Ha.
Straight to the point RED G.
13 Aug 2013 12:40:05
Two problems we have had in tight games is not enough guile to break teams down or lack of pace on the counter attack. Ibe, Sterling and Coutinho solve some of these problems. Suarez adds guile, Sturridge adds pace, both add goals. Is there enough depth in the squad to be flexible enough to change games, Gerrard on his day changes games, can Allen, Henderson, Alberto, these issues and whatever player additions we can make will turn the draws into wins and narrow defeats into draws. I think we need a bit more quality in the squad.
13 Aug 2013 12:38:55
Eds - I have been informed by someone within the game that Scott Sinclair is likely to be joining soon. Have you heard anything similar? Thanks. {Ed002's Note - I answered it yesterday, I am not aware of interest.}
13 Aug 2013 12:37:27
Downing confirmed to WHU. Good luck, fits their style of play I'd say.
Good luck! No matter what people think about Stewart Downing, he was man of the match in the last final which we won.
Yeah because Carroll and downing linked so well for us.
13 Aug 2013 12:34:36
Ed. If you rememeber, tevez Refused to PLay for City in a CL match and then was Banned by the Club, later he came back and had a decent seaosn with the Club.
Did he appologized to the fans?. I mean a Public Applogy?
{Ed002's Note - Why would anyone care for a "public apology"?}
I don't care for an apology. He's meant every word he's said, and the apology wouldn't be meant with solace. It's just a way to allow him back in. Silly really, he can avoid saying sorry and not get involved, where as if we involved him anyway, without saying to apologise, and he gave awful performances we could of avoided paying his wage.
13 Aug 2013 12:33:14
Why is Willian so desired!? 40 million euros for that! He is 25 years old, so not a young prospect with lots of room for improvement. He scored 37 goals in 222 games for his previous club, before moving to Anzhi and scoring 1 goal in 15 games. All this in a far weaker league than the EPL. Are we seriously excited by that, just because he has a fancy name and a massive price tag? Aspas got 12 goals and 8 assists last season in 36 games (and 25 in 38 the season before in the Segunda Division). He cost what? Roughly £8m, despite scoring more goals in a far superior league, in a worse team. But "Aspas is no better than a squad player" and "Willian will propel us to the top 4"? I'm sorry, but wtf goes on in Liverpool fans heads nowadays. I hope spurs blow 40million euros on Willian, because that'll end their summer spending for sure and leave them with a high earning, average player, with massive expectations.
I would genuinely rather sign Ince for our left forward position. He was brilliant last year in a weak league albeit, but he was also in a pretty poor team. With a years more experience to his game (he's only 21), and better players around him, he could be a great player. If Zaha is a good signing for United at £15m, Ince would be an absolute monster steal for less than £10m! He's a Liverpool accademy product, and a Liverpool fan as well. He should never have been allowed to leave. I really hope we rekindle our January interest.
Siqueira looks decent statistically and review wise. Never seen him play, and won't judge him on youtube, but he would be valuable competition for the weakest player in our starting lineup right now, Enrique.
Seriously guys, lay off the Willian rubbish though. Its borderline pathetic. Youtube could make Tom Cleverly look good.
Take it you have never actually seen him play football YNWAdam? He was nothing short of amazing against Chelsea over two legs and while at Shakhtar outshone both Mkhitaryan and Fernandinho in the midfield trio. If we could capture him he would be an amazing signing, even though I would be happy to sign Siqueira and Ince also as at the moment the squad is looking extremely thin yet again.
Finally, some sanity restored. It's really good to see comments such as yours mate. The whole world seems to be undergoing meltdown. However, I don't really agree with your Siqueira analysis. He's pretty much similar to Enrique statistically. I think you can find a report at bleacher report.
13 Aug 2013 13:58:35
He is a superb player. an excellent player, But at 40 mill and would have some serious suitors other than us. and we won't anyways matches his wages.
Not a chance in lving earth
Have to agree with you there. All too often people on here throw their toys out of the pram because we don't sign a player with a huge transfer fee or as they like to call them "marquee signings". I bet if this was last January and we were linked with Willian for 40 mill or coutinho for 8 mill they would have been up in arms at getting PC instead of willian and look how he turned out. Don't get me wrong.im not saying we shouldn't buy players at that kind of value but it doesn't mean that we can't find quality elsewhere either. One of the eds had a brilliant reply to a post a while ago that said something like "price doesn't equal talent" something a lot of people on here should take note off
William is a solid player, great engine
Can I just say that Willian has played 274 games and only scored 40 goals and at the cost of 40 million I really don't think its worth it not in the slightest.
Haha he's a top class player and would walk into any prem side
For 40 million Euros, I would be glad to see him walk into anyother team except LFC.
I am with you all the way Adam.
A lot of money for a good player. The wages he wants are nearly as big as his afro!
I also think Daglish made a mistake in getting rid of Ince but Thomas Ince's problem is his old man. In my opinion he would be better off leaving Blackpool and taking control of his own career rather than having his career path dictated to him by his dad.
I really do not mean any offense to Ince snr, its just that from the outside looking in it seems that he wants to be too hands on. Even to the point where he became manager of the side in which his son plays.
It must be hard for Ince jnr having a dad who was an England regular and top level player and who is now the manager at his club!
I actually liked the fact he left Liverpool when he did because it showed a young player not willing to just collect a pay check. He wants to prove that he is a good player and he was willing to drop down a division to prove it.
Just my humble opinion.
13 Aug 2013 12:32:47
Just wondering why Downing got a start v Celtic at the weekend when everyone at the club must have known that it was a pretty sure thing that he would be leaving in a matter of days? Doesn't make any sense to me
Give him a final run out infront of the fans?
To Show possible suitors (WHU) his ability!
13 Aug 2013 12:30:23
Hey ED. With all this news about the Suarez, Rooney transfers, I have come to realize the faults of the modern day game. Transfer costs are sky high, Wages are unimaginable to the common man and on top of that, every player is virtually guaranteed a transfer or a rise in wages whenever they choose. Because honestly, no clubs can afford to keep a unhappy player just to teach him a lesson.
Do you think this model is sustainable in the future. When a player is being sold for more than what a person can buy a whole club for, u have to admit something is wrong with the game. Do you see it changing in the future or is football bound to continue like this, because I don't think any game will survive if it continues.
{Ed002's Note - A good question and one with a short and a long complex answer. In order to provike discussion on something other than the toxic one, I shall give both. Short: It is not sustainable at any level of sport and will be something that needs to change - wages are crippling the game in many countries. Long:
Putting aside the whole argument of what people can, can't, should, may be able to afford etc. (which does nothing but reinforce my point that we should avoid discussion of money), the game has changed significantly and will continue to do so. Football at the highest level is big business and attracts the sponsorship it does because the sponsors wish to tap in to the disposable income of the fans and ride the back of the advertising that flows naturally from the success some clubs achieve.
Long gone are the days of the cloth-capped, hobnailed-booted, chimney sweep making his way, rattle in hand, to cheer on his team at Old Trafford on a Saturday afternoon. I explain below that there will be changes, probably within the next 10 to 15 years, which will force the restructuring of all of the leagues in Europe and likely do away with the likes of UEFA. You will have the opportunity to see the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and the other major European sides play in week-on-week regular competition at The Emirates, Stamford Bridge etc.. You will have the opportunity to visit Milan, Barcelona, Monaco, etc. every couple of weeks to watch your team play - if they make the cut.
Without going in to too much detail: (a) A number of clubs take the opportunity a once or twice a year to discuss various issues including changes in rules, television rights, the power of UEFA, exploitation issues for new technology streams, etc.. These discussions, the last of which were in late August, also always turn to the possibility and structure of a breakaway pan European league. Several are ex-G14 clubs, several are not, and some clubs decline involvement in such discussions. (b) The plan is that at some point a number of clubs would break away from their national leagues and UEFA. They accept that they would be banned from all existing club competition and the players would initially be banned from all FIFA competitions as well, but know that FIFA would be looking to negotiate in any case. It would be the end of UEFA in all probability and UEFA are very aware of this. It would also result in a restructuring of many of the national leagues. (c) The clubs would renegotiate their television rights, rights of distribution via other streams etc.. (d) It remains the greatest fear of UEFA and all major national authorities that one day this will happen.
There is every likelihood that the big money from television, sponsorship etc. would go with a breakaway league. It would completely rupture the operations of UEFA and I would expect it would require national associations like the FA to restructure their leagues. Nobody wants this but it is the eventual consequence I would expect. If I had to speculate, I would think (1) you might eventually see something like five or six EPL teams leave for two-tier pan European league; (2) the Premier League would be disbanded as an organisation; (3) the FA would restructure in to two 20 team divisions with lower leagues regionalised as they were many years ago; (4) FIFA would ban all players from the breakaway teams from International football - perhaps rescinding that position to stop FIFA breaking up as well. I could also see many teams lose their professional status.
I would think we are probably 10-15 years away from any significant move at this time.
I hold a reasonably strong view in terms of the need to restructure football in Europe in any case. For me an eventual a breakaway pan-European league would force the restructuring of many of the national leagues, possibly resulting in a British league with perhaps only a couple of professional tiers and then regionalised amateur leagues below that. I would expect to see local sports teams (at all ages) tied in to their local amateur sides on a regional basis – giving a grass-roots to amateur to pro-route for homegrown players – as I also see far more stringent limits on non-homegrown players in this new structure.
Financially I do not see that so many pro sides can be sustained within the sport which, like it or not, will see more and more money going in to the highest levels of the game. Governments will ensure that grass-root sports get funding but everything in the middle (Southern, Northern, Conference, Division 2, Scottish Divisions 1-3, League of Wales will not get the funding needed to continue on any sort of professional basis. For me, clubs should recognise this and put their efforts in to getting back to the EPL, SPL, Championship in order to secure an eventual place in the top two tiers of a British professional league that will need to flourish without perhaps six sides that have gone down the pan-European route - and have gone for good.
And what of the players? At the highest level you will continue to see high wages, perhaps paid for by individual sponsors and image rights. At the nation pro level, I would see the wages dropping to what needs to be a sustainable level.
If you want to don your cloth cap, have a pint of wallop with your chums before going off to the local match, perhaps one of the sides from the suburbs will have survived so you can go and watch them?
I'm of the opinion that this might all happen a little sooner. Certainly, the financial strains and distorted competition of the current situation makes it difficult for many clubs to continue as we are. Add in foolishness from FIFA and the WC 2022 could prove a catalyst fro action.
Whenever it happens, there will be a lot of conflicting interests. The conflicts have to be resolved and agreements reached on the rules of competition and financing for the league to succeed.
Some clubs must be in because of their large fan bases if the league is to generate sufficient revenue. Others must be in because of the financial muscle of their backers.
Will the league operate like an American league with mechanisms to strengthen weaker teams or will it (as I expect) embrace unbridled competition.
If the latter, then we will have no collective TV and streaming rights, only individual club contracts; No restrictions on owner cash injections, nature or amount of sponsorships; No restrictions on financing other than national laws.
One of the greatest difficulties will be negotiating who is in division 1 and division 2 at the start. Consider our own club. Liverpool will want to be in division 1 and will argue entitlement based on 5 x champions of Europe and worldwide tv audience. Currently, we are the worst of up to 6 teams likely to be included. The other 5 have fair arguments why they should be ahead of us. As it will be a league based entirely on money, I'm fairly optimistic about our chances.
Anyone who doesn't like recent developments in football (overpaid prima donnas, insane expenditure, high prices, shallow, dishonest, disloyal, even more selfish behaviour) can expect to hate the European super league.
As a total cynic, I don't really have a problem with any of those apart from high prices.
As a red, I'm optimistic about what we might achieve. I certainly don't find the current setup attractive. We have neither a properly functioning "level playing field" system not a system that allows LFC to make best use of its large fanbase to compete. {Ed002's Note - The whole issue will be discussed between the major players (clubs) in two weeks time or so. There maybe some news then.}
13 Aug 2013 17:09:39
Truly in awe of your footballing knowledge Ed02, it's amazing, really appreciate your response. What I don't get is are you suggesting Madrid and Bayern and clubs like these discussing the break away league but that doesn't really make sense to me, because they are the biggest clubs in the world, with the best players and coaches, and are pushing for the biggest trophies so I don't understand why they would want it to Change, surely it suits them to keep it like this? Unless the realise that what they are doing is unsustainable but then why are real offering 90 million for a player that's had one good season? {Ed002's Note - The clubs that are discussing it want control of the organisation and structure, the revenue from media (TV, streaming etc..) and don't want to be controlled by third party rulings.}
Lets not forget the Arabs looking to challenge FIFA on a club based World Cup competition every other year, mega money offered to enter, stupid money to the winner.
Players will be itching to get in on the act!
Piddy.
Sorry Travelling Mike. I just read your post and realised you had already suggested what I was getting at!
13 Aug 2013 12:30:57
Stewart Downing to West Ham United confirmed. Good luck to Stewart at WHU. YNWA.
13 Aug 2013 12:23:15
If it's true that Assaidi is going out also then we are letting far too many players leave, our squad is starting to look rather thin and if we get a couple of injuries, let's say to Countinho and Gerrard then we've got big trouble. Really hope that there's something in the pipeline.
13 Aug 2013 12:21:41
Just like to say all the best to Downing who has now completed his transfer to West Ham.
13 Aug 2013 12:05:52
Weekend Loan Watch
Conor Coady - Played the full 90 minutes for Sheff Utd in the 1-3 defeat to Brentford
Michael N'goo - Played the last 23 minutes for Yeovil in a home defeat to Birmingham
Suso - First League game for Almeira will be on 19 August, only friendlies so far
Pepe Reina - Should play first League game on 25 August against Bologna
Kristjan Adorjan - Not selected by Groningen but came on as sub the previous weekend
Henoc Mukendi - Did not feature for Partick Thistle
Jack Robinson - Full 90 mins for Blackpool, winning goal came from his long throw
Former Player - Do any of you remember our former cente back, Mauricio Pellegrino,
current manager of Estudiantes, who dislocated his shoulder while
giving instructions on the sideline last week . {Ed002's Note - Thanks for this.}
Thanks Ritters!
Nice one mate.
Great post.
Thanks man, hope you keep it up all season.
Nice one mate!
Thanks for that, keep them coming. The Pellegrini thing sounds hilarious, but probably not for him. Must see if it appears on youtube.
Thanks ritters, suggestion for the eds, I know this might make the site similar to social media sites, but it would be a useful update to the site. subscribe to a registered poster? as I don't really visit it daily, and might miss it, would love to be able to subscribe and not miss a post like this for example {Ed002's Note - That is why we have a search engine.}
13 Aug 2013 11:58:23
Ed02, if we don't start achieving champions league can you see owners extending Rodgers contract? {Ed002's Note - His target is to get Liverpool in to the CL, as it was last year. I would not want to speculate on his future at this time.}
Can't disagree JP, the new lads should be given the chance to impress but after a wonderful pre-season with Liverpool playing some slick football yet we struggle to score against Celtic, and it awakened some doubts, well it was pre season, and the strongest team was not fielded, so let's wait and see how the team does, not just the new boy's, also, if any fans have doubts and express them on here it does not mean come kick off we will not support the team! there seems to be a bandwagon that if you ignore any weakness' or post your fears for the new season you are a "little bitch" and don't support the team! that is not the case.
I suppose it depends a lot on how the season goes.
If we end up miles away from 4th then he has to be in danger of losing his job.
If it's only a couple of points or we suffer with long term injurys to key players then he will probably escape the axe.
That's my opinion anyway, who knows what the owners will be thinking.
I don't see the point in sacking him if he has been asked to implement a whole new structure behind the scenes, reducing the wage bill, bringing in young players, new scouting system etc.
What would be the point in getting rid? I think and hope that the owners will give him at least 1 more year after this one.
Football is a results business though.
Bad run of games and you are normally gone. {Ed002's Note - You are giving Rodgers too much credit.}
14 Aug 2013 00:44:48
Maybe you are right Ed02 (certainly not saying that you are wrong).
What I was getting at is that Rodger's is FSG choice for the managers role.
If they admit defeat and sack him after a bad run of results( for example) does that not invite criticism that they do not have a clue?
Surely they have to give him time and patience to give him the best chance to succeed? {Ed002's Note - You are talking about a situation that is purely hypothetical.}
13 Aug 2013 11:40:34
Why doesn't everyone just give it a rest until we've actually seen the new signings in action in the PL? It's like a broken record hearing how they aren't good enough, Alberto is no better than Suso, Aspas is only good to be a squad player blah blah. Just let them have a go first, it's as simple as that. Everyone was lambasting Sturridge before he'd kicked a ball for us, now everyone loves him.
Stop judging these lads unfairly, it really is sad. Everyone on here is seething (and rightly so) that Suarez has kicked his toys out the pram and doesn't want to play for us, yet players like Mignolet, Kolo, Alberto and Aspas have ALL come out and said how excited and fired up they are to play for Liverpool, and they're already getting hammered on here before the season has started. It isn't fair, and it makes people sound like persons.
Give them a chance, don't pretend you know everything about Alberto, Aspas etc because none of us know their ins and outs fully unless we've studied their careers.
JFT 96
JP
Remember BR said they were squad players to improve the squad and now its time to add quality to the first team.
So before you knock some of the fans, they are hearing and takling this type of info from the club officials.
Well said JP.
I'm personally excited by all our new signings so far. The squad looks so much stronger with so much more options, especially in attack.
We still need to strengthen but looking at who the club is looking at (papa, costa, left backs) then we can (almost) safely presume we will be bringing in a left back for competition, a centre back and an attacker. That will fill in almost all of the holes in our squad. Hopefully we will get some back up for Lucas as well and we will be set.
Crunch, you really have missed the entire point of my post. My point is that our new players are being unfairly treated before the season has even begun. Aspas did great in pre-season, in fact he did enough to warrant a starting place in the XI against Stoke I think, he was one of our better players in all the games he played, however there is still a plethora of people on here belittling these signings unnecessarily.
I think all 4 signings thus far, at certain points in the season, will all have a positive effect on the team. That's all that matters.
MIKEY - I agree, people are saying we are getting weaker but I really don't know how. Yes, we've offloaded a lot (a lot of which people wanted off the team), and we do need more signings as it is a little nervy now seeing if we will bring more in, but I'm hopeful. LB, CB and a winger and I'd be happy.
JFT 96
JP
13 Aug 2013 11:32:22
Got to admit, that I haven't seen much of Willian sincehe plays in unattractive (for me) league but from what I have seen from few games I have watched and from youtube clips he looks like a one hell of a player. Imagine our team with Sturridge as main striker, Willian at left and Aspas at right with Coutinho in middle, Gerrard controling the game and Lucas killing the oppositions game and counter attack.
As you can see I already am sooooo thriled so please, please EDs, tell me there are no chances that we will sign that dude. That way I will be able to sleep at night without checking Liverpool rumours site every half an hour with hope something has moved further :P
Cheers
Can't see it myself. He would be very expensive.
Maybe we could afford him when Suarez goes, but you would be using most if not all of the fee in buying him and you have to ask would he even come here anyway?
13 Aug 2013 11:20:20
For those who were wondering about signing somebody from Crewe eds, it is Neil Critchley who is the academy director. {Ed002's Note -
Thanks Alex.
13 Aug 2013 11:12:26
i am tired of the suarez issue. Liverpool must resolve the issue asap.buy another top striker and move on . let him rot in the reserves if he doesn't want to play.after watching the celtic game, we need an injection of 3 quality players desperately. we looked very very ordinary. surprise us rodgers!
Er. I watched the game v Celtic and I thought we dominated - having the bulk of possession, playing a high line and having a lot of shooting chances. Sure we lost but it was to a bit of a fluke goal. Our play showed a lot of creativity and skill. How you reach the conclusion that you do surprises me. Some games it just won't go in the back of the net - this was one of those - it wasn't for want of chances.
13 Aug 2013 13:33:08
Martin
Yep. I wasnt worried about the Loss or the scoreline. That happens. bUT some shocking individual perrformance, substituions and Positioning of player.
henderson on LW, Allen ACM Countinho LW, Enrique?
MartinR: For me, that was the problem for much of last season (and it's been a problem for many years now) that we often failed to take chances and allowed teams to get results against us despite us having the bulk of possession and lots of chances. It's no good saying it was 'one of those days' - we need players who can make things happen or be relied on to make the right decisions in the final third when we need a goal. I agree with BR that we're lacking at least one quality attacking player who would help us to get results in games that go like the one against Celtic
13 Aug 2013 11:09:12
Season ticket holder for years, Suarez has burnt too many bridges for me now & will struggle to accept him again.LFC made a mistake with Torres playing him when he wasnt happy resulting in paying over the odds for Carroll. Sure you are board of talking about him but please tell me a European Club is in for him
I know. It's never been the same for Rooney or Tevez post transfer request, and I suspect that to be the case with Suarez if he stays.
Yes, Tevez has now gone but the scenario wasn't too indifferent.
You got the feeling that the fans lost faith.
I agree. I have backed Suarez for too long and think I have been proved to be wrong. I don't think I can ever love him again, even if he scores 20 goals this season. Appreciate him, of course, but it is too easy to now see him for the man he is. Talk about blind faith and idols with feet of clay!
13 Aug 2013 11:08:06
Were do people get this crap to write about us looking to battle with spurs for Willian, that is never going to happen
Agreed, teams in Europe and teams with more money than us we just can't compete with. People need to stop getting carried away before they start because we just can't compete if certain teams come knocking.
13 Aug 2013 13:40:16
{Ed002's Note - You replied to the wrong post.}
13 Aug 2013 16:21:04
@Ed02 & SteveG a lot of people seem to do that. They either don't read to the bottom of the posts or else they scroll back up to the top and click reply above the initial post
13 Aug 2013 11:03:17
Suarez sitting on the naughty step. He can't come back in until he says sorry. Meanwhile the team prepares for Saturdays premiership opener with Stoke. I can't get my head around whether this is a profound stand by Liverpool management or a childish game that will further take a bite out of Liverpool Football Clubs standing? What do people think?
I agree with the stance the club/manager is taking as you don't want a negative influence disrupting the squad, but they should keep it out of the tabloids.
Whatever the club and manager decide it will never be good enough in many peoples minds.
They can't win.
I think Suarez is banned for until Sept 29th from playing for us. IF we're going to keep him then now is the time to set the ground rules rather than pandering to him.
13 Aug 2013 11:13:47
The Green T.
You would be waiting untill he says sorry, Man he want to move, why should he say sorry, Its us who are keeping him with us.
Some of the Players should appologize to him playing rubbish from past 3 years.
Lets not talk about loyalty, Ed mentioned he had a chance to go to Juentus last summer, and he decided against it to give a chance to BR and we finished 7th. I would have moved myself out from the Job if Its not going to give me anything in future.
Did he ever utterd a word against the Fans here?
Give us the 50m and have a nice trip to Spain
I think it was enough to make him train on his own and keep it all in house. The public statements by BR ratchet up the stakes.
Talk quietly and carry a big stick is the way to go on these situation. I can't imagine old whisky nose washing his dirty smalls in public
You're right, but on the other hand, what should you do if you really don't want to lose your best goal scorer and he insists on using the media to indirectly insult the club.
Personally I think it's high time that contracts become more binding - after all the are in other industries where the salaries are nowhere near what these people are enjoying. What is the purpose of a contract if it ties the club to the player but not the player to the club?
Take a bite out of LiverpooI's standing. Ha. I think, as long as it holds up that Liverpool are finally showing some backbone management wise.
Agree in some ways as I'm sure that Suarez could have engineered a move in a much more appropriate way but I think that the management need to move on now because it's obvious we won't get his 100% commitment anymore. LFC should tell Arsenal they can have him for £45m cash upfront but that it needs to be kept under wraps until we've signed a replacement so that we don't get shafted (e.g. FT for AC).
In my opinion Suarez has a right to try and leave he club, just like any worker has a right to leave his current company. It is easy to forget that is the crux of the situation due to the levels of complexity the discussion has reached.
HOWEVER, using the outlet he claims has made his life in the UK untenable to continue his life in the UK is not only highly disrespectful to Liverpool but shows how he is prepared to say anything to get his way. Honesty is a mere detail. With this in mind BR has acted commendably. He had been backed into a corner and fought back with force finally. He now either has to stay and then will eventually have to play and apologise - discounting the idea that he finds another way to wrangle his way out of it - or be goes and won't really be missed.
Harry, Suarez is to blame for our failure too. His absence from the squad contributed to our worst start in a hundred years. His play acting cost us important decisions. There were matches he would miss a sitter and/or not pass. Stop putting the man on a pedestal. Not agreeing withthe way management are dealing with he issue is one thing, but defending him?
Harry what your saying may be true to some extent but the guy while brilliant also missed how many games? 10 plus the Evra claim. how many is that in 1 season. also he got away with at least 2 stamps and studs to shin tackles. he could have missed most the season with his antics.
don't forget mate that the mf gets paid a hell of a lot to play football. more in a week than i and a good selection of my mates earn in a year and yet i would be sacked for 1 significant mistake.
the guy is brilliant but a jerk and you just do not say how the rest of your team is not good enough. keep it to yourself. you get paid to be professional not a jerk!
seriously, can't believe anyone is suggesting we owe him an apology
Sure your not suarez in disguise harry
Just to continue your analogy, Gabriel - Suarez assaulted another company's employee on more than one occasion; was found to have used discriminatory language; and has been publicly desperate to get interviews with rival businesses while criticising his current employers and co-workers. In addition to this he would like to receive a golden handshake despite agreeing to commit to his current employers for the next few years. He's a hard-working, talented employee but we need to treat him like the commodity he has become and flog him to whoever will pay the most for him. Can't wait until his next company finds him just as unemployable.
13 Aug 2013 13:19:23
Gareth.
Whats the wages of aguero?, bale?. silva?. carzola? mata? or an awful torres at chelsea?
Common dude You have to pay the wages some player demands sheer briliance on the pitch.
If instead of brining allen, downing, caroll and borini, bought some quality players like Suarez, we owuld have nevre felt hism absence and would have been in CL.
The problem Liverpool have from years is Like a solar sytem.
Sun and revolving planets,,
Torres/gerrard and revolving planets
Suare and revolving players
Now sturridge/countinho and revolving players.
To fight for title, or a top 4 side, should have atleast 4-5 class players.
Caroll failed misserably, yet he was on 80k wages and no one has damm on it.
downing failed 80 k on wages and no complain.
Suarez justified his price tag and will give us some profit. and people havea go at him.
If atleast 5 of the players played with the quality of saurez last season, we would have been in CL.
He single handeldy saved BR last year, Imagine if we would have finished outside 10th.
Dude. the more you provoke him He hardly cares, if you stick him in reserves, he would play there. if you sent him to streets, he would play there.
Should have sold him months back and started for reinforcment.
Now the situation is worse, 3 weeks time, yet to finalse a deal for saurez, 4 critical position yet to be adressed, No money, and some here believes we have done a remarkble job in suarez situation.
BR still wants him to stay here. What a joke that is?
Gareth242000
I agree entirely. Well said.
Harry,
BR does not want Suarez to say, but he will not publicly state he wants rid of him either.
And what's with all the solar system planet talk? Is that where your head is at?
13 Aug 2013 10:46:41
Hai Ed great work once again.
I think we had 5-6 Windows since FSG took over and they have spend almost 120 mill together.
If we ever bought 2 quality player each window, we would have been comepting for the Title.
Instead we haev only bought 2-3 Good Players alltogether. {Ed002's Note - The owners don't pick the players Harry.}
U can blame dalglish and commolis horrendous and infamous 100mil blowout
The "committee" consisting of Brendan Rodgers, Ian Ayre, a head of recruitment & a head of analysis decide on the transfers Harry.
This so-called "committee" came to fruition after the sacking of Damien Comolli as Director of Football.
Kenny should never have been able to pick the players it was obvious he didn't know the foreign leagues well enough so he mainly bought British garbage as we know
DBol
KD bought Suarez, Enrique, Doni, Coates who are all NOT British!
AG, look how well those turned out.
Maxxon
That wasn't the point. Can't you comprehend?
13 Aug 2013 10:44:09
Willian would be a dream signing but would mean us breaking our transfer record and I really don't see that happening how the window has gone so far unfortunately. Us fans can live in hope but it seems highly unlikely we will be in for him.
Why not? We broke our transfer record last year. If we could just get rid of Suarez.
Why would he be a dream signing man? His record shows that he is a good player but hardly worth paying the 40 million Euros Anzhi want. There are better players available at much much cheaper price; example Arda Turan for around £18m, Gaitan, Konoplayanka, or even Balasz Dszudszak.
13 Aug 2013 12:05:10
Turan or Konoplayanka would do for me. good solid players. would be a dream if we bring 2 out of three.
I mean why we haven't step up our interest in Muriel. I kknow Wp is a big task, But the lad is 21 and he would come at around 15-18 mill. that's an investement for 5 years {Ed002's Note - You need to get registered if you wish to continue posting.}
Everyone is pointing out about his goals to games but what was Coutinho's goal to game? He offers so much more than just goals and looking at the players we have he is better than that of Henderson, Allen and our current wingers. He won't be signing so there's no need to worry anyway
13 Aug 2013 10:07:15
Eds, do you think it is likely we will sign Siqueira? {Ed002's Note - I would not want to say.}
Why do you say that Ed. Are you not confident a deal can be done? {Ed002's Note - I have explained what I understand the situation to be.}
13 Aug 2013 09:52:37
Club officials have met with representatives of Willian but wages are a sticking point, Rodgers sees him as an ideal replacement for Suarez and he would be open to a move due to his fellow Brazilian nationals Lucas and Coutinho. Just passing on what I've heard Eds.
13 Aug 2013 10:03:17
At 40 mill, I highly Doubt it
Good lord that's quick! u didn't even wait for the ink to dry on the mornings gossip papers and posted that.
Or what you have seen in some newspaper
If only it were true.
Andy K
We should forget about him and instead move for Alan Dzagoev or Konoplyanka or even both if Suarez moves on.
Both would cost around 20-22M pounds each and have more reasonable wages. Much more within our price range. {Ed002's Note - Konoplyanka has been subject to two significant offers from other clubs - both of which have been turned down. At this time Liverpool has not shown any interest in him. Dzagoev has previously interested Chelsea and Arsenal (who at one point last season sent an entire contingent to watch him play in Moscow) but that has probably waned. Anzhi, Roma, Napoli and Spurs have contacted CSKA about the player in the past 6 months. It should be noted that he signed a new contract last summer, been fighting a ban, fallen out with Fabio Capello, become a father and said he would only leave Moscow for Italy and is generally making a bit of a mess of everything right now. At this time Liverpool has not shown any interest in him.}
Ed it doesn't take long to be interested in the player. And what I generally meant was these 2 would be better buys than spending 35M+ on Willian both financially and for the team as a whole.
Anyway can you please explain the LB situation again as I am getting confused.
Are we getting Cissokho or are we getting Sequira?
Valencia press seem convinced we will sign Cissokho while all the realiable English Journos seem convinced we will sign Sequira for around 6M pounds.
While sky are claiming Ayre is on his way to spain to negotiate with Granada.
What the hell is going on? {Ed002's Note - If there is no interest in either player from the club at this time, it just seems like wishful thinking.
As for left back, I am not aware of Mr Ayre's travel plans today so can only say what I understand the situation to be.
Valencia's Aly Cissokho is subject to interest from Lokomotiv Moskou, Sunderland, Liverpool and Kuban Krasnodar. Liverpool agreed terms with the player's representative put decided they only wanted to take the player on loan when Valencia were looking for a sale. For now any move to Liverpool has stalled.
Contento would be a good choice but Liverpool would need to give commitments about playing him, and I don't know if they would be prepared to do that, even if Bayern Munich were prepared to loan him out. A loan enquiry from Eintracht Braunschweig has been rejected already. Hertha Berlin has also enquired of the player, but a move to Werder Bremen seems to be the favoured solution right now. Perhaps that will change.
Granada's Guilherme Siqueira has been subject to interest from Galatasaray, Fulham, Liverpool, Everton and Lille. There is now confirmed interest that Real Madrid are looking to him as a Coentrao replacement.
As far as I know, that is where we are with the left back situation. It should be noted that both Cissokho and Contento have ridiculous haircuts, so the should fit in at Liverpool just fine.}
13 Aug 2013 09:44:31
Do you think we could go for Anzhi's Lassana Diarra as a back-up option to Lucas? {Ed002's Note - Liverpool has shown no interest in him.}
Better give it up pal. I too have been stressing on the need of a top class DM but unfortunately I feel BR thinks Lucas is good enough. (Wobbles head)
The best we can hope for in this window right now is the granada LB, Papadopoulos to replace Skrtel, and 2 top class attackers to replace Suarez and Downing (I would say Willian and Alan Dzagoev or Konoplyanka would be exceptionaly buys).
Lucas is a fantastic player and he proved his worth last season when he was injured and we struggled!
13 Aug 2013 11:15:20
Mushroom.
I agree to this one mate, he is one of our better players and very Loyal.
Most of the fans booed him in his early days. How many of you have appologized him personaly?
"Better give it up pal. I too have been stressing on the need of a top class DM but unfortunately I feel BR thinks Lucas is good enough. (Wobbles head)"
As did every other Liverpool manager since his signing. Not just any managers but managers with many years experience of the game.
Strange that, isn't it?
I am not saying Lucas is a bad player.
He is a very good player but not a great DM. He just doesn't have the pace, power or positioning to be a great DM.
Hell the club has made me so desperate that I would even take James McCarthy or N'Zonzi as DM.
13 Aug 2013 11:57:42
@Mushroom, That does not make Lucas a fantastic player. It just makes him better than anyone else we have. So obviously the team would be worse off without him.
Lucas is outstanding, it takes a bit of knoledge of the game to see this. We couldn't get a more important player to the way we play than him.
Navjyot, "The best we can hope for in this window right now is. " your best we can hope for would be a great window so what's all the doom and gloom best we can hope for about?
Also James McCarthy is a very good player who will be a great player and he will make it he'll be a champions league player yet. He'd likely cost £16m or so and we don't need him for that money. N'zonzi wouldn't be of any use to us I'd rather we give Henderson a go at DM if Lucas was injured than go buy players of N'zonzi's standards - he's pure filth as well but he isn't intelligent enough to get away with any of it.
The Pirate, I point you in the direction of Gabriel Shankley and his post.
I would also add that he has been with the club since 2007, signed a new contract in April and has been voted player of the season 2010-2011, so he can't be that bad.
13 Aug 2013 09:42:55
Really surprised to see Skrtel and Coates still at the club, hopefully the loan move to Napoli has been knocked on the head because I think we could still get good money for Skrtel. Fingers crossed the rumour of Sakho is more than paper talk, the lad is quality and at only 23 will only get better.
13 Aug 2013 10:18:45
No one wants Coates to be honest.
I can recall. Some here. worshiping the 6ft 3 inch, International Coates when he arrived for 6 mill.
I know whe shouldn't slate Our new players. But please let's don't Praise them either. Let them prove themself first.
Maybe you should bear this in mind Harry when you are having a go at Aspas and Alberto.
AC Milan have enquired about coates for €4m and will probably wait till near the end of the transfer window.
Ynwa
13 Aug 2013 11:17:02
Mushorrm
Mate I don't have any problem with Asaps. he looks a pretty good decent signing, who can score if played at his positio, BUt can't see him doing wonders if Played like borini on the flanks.
He could lead the line, I trust him provided we have 3 good players behind him
Hear hear MUSHROOM!
Coates is 6'6" and he was/is of interest to West Brom, AC Milan, Gremio and possibly Juventus.
Thought he was over 6'6 when we signed him?
He shrank through lack of play.
13 Aug 2013 09:15:42
Hi eds, appreciate all your hard work!
I was just curious, but I've read a few reports that state John Arne Riise is available for a free transfer. In my opinion, he would be an ideal buy for a backup to Enrique if our interest in Granadas left back Guillerme Siquiera and Valencias left back Aly Cissohko isn't followed up. Would you see this as a possibility at all? I mean I think he'd have a warm reception being back at LFC and I always rated him highly with his ability, work rate and simple play for the shirt attitude.
Cheers! {Ed002's Note - See previous answers.}
Really!? Have u watched riise play these days!? Noooo thank you! Great ex-play but that for a reason. On other note excited for new season. Onward and upward! Ynwa
13 Aug 2013 09:53:17
But on a free transfer, he would do the business.
Enrique is an average defender from years. And we are bringing another average defender to cover enrique, But with a transfer fees?
No he wouldn't. He struggled with pace and form anyway hence the reason why Liverpool let him go - many years ago! Anyway, as each year passes them inflatable cheeks in his shorts are inflated a little more each year.
Finished.
Riise was finished when he left us let alone now. He lost yards of pace back then and he is worse now. People say we'd be going backwards if we bought Xabi which is nonsense, but this takes the biscuit.
If we sign Riise then things are desperate. I thank him for his previous service but nowhere near good enough now. Obviously Fulham don't think so as they are not retaining his services.
I'm sorry but no he wouldn't make any sence at all! he's was a great player for lfc. But sorry he's past it. Most fulham fans want rid so that tells u something surely.
I don't get that logic Harry. The plan is to improve the team.
Andy K
You cannot seriously rate a present-day Riise over Enrique, Harry?
People seem to forget that when a player is in the squad as '' back-up '' then, occasionally, he will be selected for the team . Riise hasn't been Premiership quality for several years so why should we find him a place in our squad?
He was once a fine player .
13 Aug 2013 08:52:50
Ed, I have a question for you, What was the necessissity for Buying Luis Alberto?
Was that to replace Shelvey?, Shelvey wasnt contributing anyways, don't you think that money should have spend to fix our CB or LB issue?
I am not sure whom are we going to Buy for LB, We actualy don't need a cover, We need a Proper LB, Enrique is average, and to buy someone to cover Enrique is awful business. {Ed002's Note - He was bought to improve the squad.}
Totally agree with you Harry on Luis Alberto, I posted a similar opinion few weeks back and got lots of abuse.I have nothing against the boy I think he is a decent player, but we have more than adequate cover for the positions he plays in Sterling / Ibe and (Suso) can/could've done the same job. I think the money could 've been better spent elsewhere.
Why do people insist on players coming in being direct replacements for players going out? Esp with Rodgers who has brought in a different style of play. Rodgers is getting rid of what he can't use and trying to bring in players for HIS team.
Cos we need strength and depth Harry? I agree he needs a lot of fine tuning perhaps and maybe we have other players who can do a similar job, but all great teams have a great bench also and he is versatile, young teachable talent and obviously BR sees him as a better final product than other youth players we have
13 Aug 2013 11:18:43
garerth
Mate I agree, I don't have any problem with the player, he is a pretty good player, But Do we have money to afford such transfer when we clearly need to fix other position.
We should have fixed all our starting Berts early on and then by now to add some deapth. We did exactly reverse.
And he's a good player
I can see what your saying Harry, I can, and I like a good debate too! :)
For me I guess I just think maybe BR was fully aware we would get rid of some bit part players and need to replace them with better squad players, and also I guess sometimes the players you want fall through. I'm not sure
However, I also would have liked to see Suso play more but glad he will get playing time away and hopefully next season will be excellent
13 Aug 2013 12:34:03
We need short term cover for Enrique because we have a long term plan in Robinson. What's the point in buying someone first team, when he will be just as good as them in a year or 2. Therefore, we buy cover as whilst Enrique isn't the best, he isn't terrible either, and its generally cheaper to do
I would have thought that Alberto was perhaps a direct backup for Coutinho. The key thing though is that he, along with most of our purchases, is flexible in the football we play and can play a number of roles. And for the record, while I don't believe Alberto was a replacement for Shelvy at all, I must say he is technically superior by a long way from what I have seen so far.
13 Aug 2013 14:03:29
gareth.
Luis alberto is a decent good player who would be similar to suso in 2-3 years, and we could make some good profit if we sell him.
But actually we don't need him this season, we should ahev gone for a good pacy winger.
9 mill for mertens, would have beena good shout at a position where we desperatly need someone.
Harry, I hate to burst your bubble, but Alberto is a better player than Suso currently, hence why Suso has been loaned out.
13 Aug 2013 08:22:09
Good morning eds,
Some papers are reporting we may be interested in willian, any accuracy to this? Seems like the type of attacker we'd be looking at. Thanks
Nevada {Ed002's Note - See previous answers Nevada.}
13 Aug 2013 07:07:42
The saying we are set to fight it out with spurs for willian. 35 million. Lost that fight then. I have given up hope of us signing any new players who are of a decent standard. City are also in for papa.another 7th place finish on the cards
13 Aug 2013 09:35:09
im a spurs fan, as I understand its only avb that wants the player at the club? levy, the scouting system and players would prefer either eriksen (who again has sent a come and get me plea to spurs) or pjanic! willian was wanted last term but avb was told no!
13 Aug 2013 10:15:56
Don't believe everything from the papers.
Skurks
13 Aug 2013 07:01:21
Why do people on here constantly saying BR has weakened the side? We've replaced a fading goalkeeper, who was going to walk away if Barca had wanted him, with a better younger one, and we've released players who were not first team regulars, or bit part players, with hungrier players who wanted to come and play for Liverpool.
13 Aug 2013 08:50:50
I am not worried wether we replaced a Keeper or not, We would need two pacy wingers regardless of downing, We haven't added them to the squad yet, and that worries me. We also need a Strong CB, and skertels future is up on hold, If its proposed a Loan move, then we might not have the fund to Buy papa.
John is spot on.
Harry, you mention the word "yet".
End of.
Have a little faith and patience, lad, none of us know what the f*** is going on.
Well said John! I think we have done well to get rid of the overpaid dead wood that is hindering the LFC plan. I now hope that we can use some of this money (sales and wages) to buy some quality like BR has suggested.
Mingolet aside yes he's replaced second stringers with more second stringers. Good players yes but not top 4.
13 Aug 2013 06:56:22
Hi eds. ssn reporting were intrested in willian? what u think are the odds we could nab him? {Ed002's Note - 18 to 1.}
Ha ha. Congratulations moyes. Already dampened expectations for utd fans. Noe celebrating community shield as a major trophy. let's see if your still smiling when you finish third. Tactically inept manager who just pulls an angry face on the side line when he doesn't know what to do. Ha ha, well done moyes.
It amazes me how any person can doubt the ability of Moyes or that of Utd who are still the Champions.
Is this the current mentality of Liverpool supporters?
Let's concentrate on our own side and I suggest you post the Utd stuff on their page, lad, as you're coming across as nothing but a divvy.
Got to agree with Davey. I do not understand all this negative stuff about Moyes at all. Maybe it will take him time to settle but there is this strange mentality in football which makes people think and suggest managers who don't win loads of trophies are not great?
as Big Sam said once (and maybe this was stretching it) but put me in charge of Barcelona and ill win the title). Jose is a great manager but seriously most teams he has been with have already been great and had a huge financial backing. He did well with all especially inter I think and porto of course.
BUt seriously I would love to see all these world greats take hold of Wigan and see when they can do with them, or Villa, suderland etc etc (no disrespect to those teams).
Its crazy if you ask me. Moyes may need to become more refined and learn new tricks but as a man manager he is excellent and you could see how he had the cohesion so tight at Everton
You've just joked about the mancs finishing third, I think most of us fans would snap their hands off if anyone offered us third!?
This is a direct quote from a very good friend who is a lifelong Evertonian (we were discussing footy over facebook) and he said this about Moyes:
'i remember catchin a bit of a wigan game were the keeper (Howard) bannaned a clearance into his own defender from like 10 yards. The fact that happened in 2013 under that coaches watch speaks volumes and that same keeper didn't get dropped the next game. Everton are an half ass club with a cheap hangin in there feelin. they had a coach who was so good that he plastered over this'
I obviously don't want Moyes or United to do well however to say Moyes is a bad coach is way off the mark. He's talented manager and a shrew appointment - his biggest challenge is doing enough in a short space of time in order to get the muppets who support United off his back.
Third? You overestimate them. Their key for winning PL was consistency. It was an awful squad with awful gameplay compared to other teams yet their consistency won it.
Do you see Moyes getting the most out of United?
I believe they will start with a loss and it will be downhills from there
13 Aug 2013 06:31:38
Are the stories out of Madrid to be believed? Bale really is no longer a target (for this window at least?) does this mean they are happy with the squad and will not try to make any marquee signings? Or are they now going to launch the much written about/anticipated Suarez bid? Thanks. {Ed002's Note - Interest in Suarez is of no relevance to what happens with Bale and vive versa.}
13 Aug 2013 06:07:44
Hi eds and reds,
I just want to point out some points to the gloomers. If for some reason we don't make the signings we all crave, then the least we will get is Europa league next year.
This may sound bad, but if we go on to win the Europa League we will get Champions League the year after. And if FSG do not want to delve in their pockets, then that is a nice thing to look forward to.
Be happy, we are on our way up
13 Aug 2013 06:03:34
Patience please! everyone is screaming sign this player sign that player, as numerously stated the marque players will want CL football so it is hard to attract the level of player the fans demand.
We have lost a lot of players this season and brought x 4 players in to the team that on pre-season form have done very well, BR has stated the whole recruitment team is working hard to bring in additional players that will be first team replacements for those departed. We are not the only club trying to recruit top tier players and as mentioned we don't have CL which hinders our recruitment.
Also the brand of Liverpool FC has somewhat been tarnished over the last few years and with the Suarez saga this has not helped. hopefully this debacle is behind us now wether he stays or goes the club need to be strong in dealing with him.
We should not contemplate selling any more players without additional players already in place, our senior squad is already small and we have to have that balance of senior and junior players to progress this season.
13 Aug 2013 09:00:04
I don't think people are screaming here for any luxirous Players, We haev some critical position to fix and that must be done to have any shout on the Top 4.
Two or atleast a decent quality Winger is a must.
A CB is a must.
A Proper LB is a must.
We haven't purchased anyone till now.
We have bought a Striker, Asaps who would be played out of position like borini.
we bought Luis alberto, when we should have given Suso to comepete with Countinho in the ACM role.
Toure and Mingolet is adecent purchase.
But after bringing 4 player we are still short of 4 very important first team players.
We have 4 strikers now, Which non CL sides have 4 strikers?. we should have 2 good strikes and 2 decent wingers instead.
I also would have liked to see suso here. Last 15 minutes of matches that are already decided
Today's football formations are not set in stone any more. Players move from position to position and formations constantly change throughout a game. Other than central defenders I would say, all the other players in the team will at some point play in varying positions during a match. Intelligent, technical and adaptable players are what are needed.
Barca, Spain and now Bayern Munich have had considerable success without playing a recognised out and out forward.
Harry,
You stated in one of your posts a while back that we need 4 strikers as all good teams have 4 strikers. Now you say we have 4 and only need 2? Are you only happy when you are moaning or contradicting yourself? Or does it depend on which side of the bipolar bed you get out of?
13 Aug 2013 10:13:15
Mushroom,
I am sorry, But I never said we need 4 strikers, I poited out Spurs did had 4 strikers. We cannot simply Afford 4 strikers. I was the very few along with the ED never wanted soldado here, since we have sturridge upfront.
We need 2 pretty good strikers who could score goals, and we need two players on the flank who should be really talented.
Yes I agree formation changes according to the game But most of the player we bought are pure one dimensional If you look at their respective career.
Apart from suarez and countinho, there ain't any player who could actually be successful if you change their Position.
Allen has been tried at all availble posiiotn in the Midfield, Failed.
henderson is a CM you can't expect him to play on the Wings, that's suicide.
Players like Muriel, sanchez, would be capable to interchange their position with ease and flair.
Its really an acheievment to ship some deadwoods of the wage books. But we have bought some average players at best who could play in diffeerent positions But won't be much effective.
I like Asaps, But he should be played as CF, should come off the bench every 60 mts Eiither to replace sturridge or to add another striker if we are trailing.
Borini, You can't expect him to beat a man at flanks and do the business, He is a Striker.
Look nani, Valenica, lenon, Walcot, bale, they won't play as full backs, they have a position which they are good at, and they play there.
Alberto is no much better than suso, and Robinson would do the Job as a cover for Enrique, If we ain't going to bring a pretty solid LB, .
Thats almost 15 mill squad.
We don't need a large squad as we must have 11 pretty good player to play the next 38 games.
13 Aug 2013 10:27:54
Barca from years have been playing one system 4-3-3. with two players on flanks pedro/tello/neymar and Messi in the center. with Inesta, xavi and busquets in the middle.
I have never seen them playing 4-4-2.
Bayern simply play 4-2-3-1, with Schweinstiger and martinez in the middlem with Kroos/ribery/roben on flanks and Muller in the middle behind gomez or Mandzokic
Mushroom is right and I believe that we will make a number of good signings.
Also ourkid, that would hinder Suso's development he might as well just play in the reserves if we were to keep a player just for 15mins of games already decided - what useless experience would he gain from this? A full season of top flight football in Spain or your idea, I'm glad you're not in charge
Harry, you did say we needed 4 strikers and I pointed out we only needed 2 as we only play with 1 up top. If the search function worked on posters names I could copy your post for you.
Anyway regardless of your short term memory loss, Bale did start his career as a full back. And the others you named are all tosh.
We have no chance in signing players like Muriel or Sanchez so get real.
You have also slated Aspas many times before when I pointed out to you that he was Suarez replacement.
How do you know these players are average? They haven't played 1 competitive game for us!
Robinson is not yet good enough for back up hence him being loaned out.
And you need far more than 11 players for a season. You need to cover injuries, loss of form and players need a rest every so often.
I can't believe how much drivle you spout and how you change your 'opinion' to suite.
13 Aug 2013 11:02:44
Sean Ireland.
I don't get that either, How did Sterling and Ibe became a regular starter?.What If suso comes back after the loan period and we have 3-4 players for the no.10 spot.
What you talking man? How is Luis alberto better than Ongoing Suso, Alberto played in Spanish B diviosn last year and Suso played with senior and reserves.
We could loan players, If we have senior players already for the position or we have the finance to buy some top quality players.
Kevin Debryune, good classy player. Loaned, Marko Marin Loaned. because chesle can afford world class midfiedler and Wingers.
13 Aug 2013 12:14:14
Mushroom.
If we have no chance in signing players such as Muriel or Sanchez, then Like me just accept the fact that we would finish below top 4 and our transfer dealings have been average so far.
Instaed of adding to the First team, we bought to add squad deapth and now in the final moment, we are struggling to bring some First team players.
You mate would find possitive in everything the club does, which is actually beyond me. Its been 3 years the club is struggling to get from the Bottom, and you still find some possitives. seems you are living in dream land.
Ye Yes Yes. we managed the books and our wages have been reduced Siginificantly.But Mate, that's a minimum requirement every Non Cl does. Its not a big deal.
Look QPR, The moment they went to Championship, they sold their high earners.
13 Aug 2013 12:17:04
Mushroom.
If you say asaps is Suarez repalcemetn, then along with me most of the fans here would slate BR.
Its like comapring an elephant with ant (no Disrespec)
OK how many years you need to Judge a player, and why does this unique system is aplied ony in Liverpool
we have bought more than 15 new players in past 3 years. Do you actually realise how many would be sold in profit?
I am not here to slate any player, I am fine and really delighted with Asaps, if he is bought as a Striker.
Its a joke if we loaned Borini, just because he isn't good enough.
MUSHROOM
Give it up mate. I have had many a argument for Harry Scousser. Harry changes his opinions to suite his views, whenever he wants.
Harry, how are these points you are making related to my previous post?
Yes Chelsea have world class players so they can loan out players who would be definite starters for us, etc, but once again I don't see what you're trying to say regarding Suso.
Where did I say anything about Alberto being better?
13 Aug 2013 13:38:52
SeanIreland.
It wasnt for you.
Regarding Suso, I rate him very very high more than alberto (Not because alberto isn't good), since we don't need any adition in that area and the money should ahve been wisely spend
We have now more than 5-6 players who typically play in the midfield, and we have just 2 spots.
We have 0 players to play in wings, other than Sterling and Ibe
I hear you The real AG, but I find it very funny. I know little things and the such :-)
Harry,
I will always have faith in my club, that's what you call being a supporter. You support your team through the good times and the bad regardless. I go into every new season with great optimism.
BR has added much needed quality to the depth of our squad and is now looking to strengthen the starting 11. The transfer window is not closed yet so I assume we have not finished buying/selling players.
QPR are struggling to offload most of their high earners and have had to pay some off so that's a bad example.
After our club almost went into administration, a great deal of work was needed to bring the club back onto a sound financial footing. Unfortunately FSG made a few errors in judgement and paid a hefty price for that. They are now rectifying this.
I read somewhere that up to a 3rd of lower league club owners are looking to sell as they are struggling to meet the FFP rules. To me that means again your argument about minimum requirement is flawed.
I have said from day one when he signed that Aspas (correct spelling) was the replacement for Suarez. Not a direct replacement per se.
You are not here to slate any players yet you say Borini isn't good enough and if we loaned him it would be a joke? Borini had a torrid time last year with injuries, so it is unfair to judge him on that.
Ok Harry you had my name at the top of the post that's why I was wondering.
Anyway I rate Suso but he tailed off half way through last season (not burned out like Sterling but maybe it was just lost form) and he got very little game time. I would hope Suso has been sent on loan to gain a full season of top flight football in a suitable league, therefore coming back to us a much better player than he would staying playing bit parts like last season.
The post suggesting to play him for 15mins when games are already done would mean he wouldn't learn much like this he would just get a year older without progressing as much. Really bad idea, imo.
And Suso is predominantly a CAM but he has been used mainly on the wing for us so I imagine going forward he will be comfortable enough to play in any of the 3 positions behind Sturridge and to change during games. The 2 CM positions you refer to are more defensive ala Gerrard's position and Lucas DM and Suso won't be playing in these positions.
13 Aug 2013 04:37:18
sad to see downing go. really thought he was coming into his own in recent performances.
13 Aug 2013 09:01:29
3 goals in 65 appearence?. coming through?
cant believe its been 3 years, we are relying upon downing the only established Winger?
If he was with any other team, he would have been shipped last seaosn.
Got to agree with harry on this one.
Also agree with Harry here, Downing would only keep us stuck in a rut we need to move on overpaid players who aren't performing and bring in better players.
£5-6m transfer fee plus wages of £4m per year will go into the general kitty - we can use funds from elsewhere to go get a better player whether that be someone for £8m or someone for £20m
Agree with Harry, Downing his been dire since his arrival. Huge transfer fee, huge wages, abject lazy performances and a complete lack of contribution to the team. Getting rid of him is a fantastic piece of business.
13 Aug 2013 03:33:46
Hey Ed's, sorry for another Suarez question, but I was wondering how this makes the club look to players were looking to buy? Would they be put off by this inside their possible new club? Do people inside football believe about this "agreement to leave if CL was not achieved", and therefore LFC don't stand by their word? Or does everyone just know Suarez is acting the person? Thanks, you all do a fantastic job! {Ed002's Note - Their views will vary.}
13 Aug 2013 02:13:00
Any truth in ESPN's reporting about Tottnham and Liverpool going for Willian? {Ed002's Note - Spurs are likely to be interested but I am not aware of any interest from Liverpool.}
Aww gutterd. A signing like him could make the difference. A couple of his fellow Brazilians play for us the only pulling power for him. {Ed002's Note - It would take €40M and at this time the story seems to be no more than conjecture. A bid of a little less than that has already been rejected.}
I have to say I can't see the point in Liverpool buying a player at €40 million euros. I would much prefer they purchased 2 players at €20 million euros, thus strengthening 2 positions rather than one.
13 Aug 2013 09:43:54
spurs also have three brazilians!
13 Aug 2013 11:59:11
Hi Ed02, that bid that was rejected was that a good bit earlier in the summer? Asking this as I am curious do you think they would now be more open to a similar sized bid or will they still look for big money for their players {Ed002's Note - About 10 days ago.}
13 Aug 2013 01:46:34
Ed, could you please educate me on these issues about Liverpool FC and the owners which bothers me to say a least? Everyone is pretty much aware that when the owners took over, they promised every Tom, Dick and Harry that they will make Liverpool FC one of the Powerhouses when it comes to European Football. They said they could compete with any club in Europe not forgetting about the upgrade of Anfield. But Ed, if I am right I have realised that while other teams are buying players worth 10Million and over Liverpool seems to be interested in 7million and below players and many at times loan deals. There are less than 20 days to close the transfer window but no marquee signings so far. Brendan Rodgers last month stated categorically clear that he has signed some players to improve the team and his concern now is to bring players that will improve the starting eleven yet nothing has been added although he keeps on saying money is available. Every single Liverpool fan wants the team to push for Champions league and while the teams that finished above us are strengthening we are just cutting the wages. Liverpool has not been participated in Champions league for a while yet it is regarded as the 9th richest club in the world. The only excuses we could hear after every transfer window is the right players were not available. Ed, do you think these "talks" are a strategy manufactured by the owners to get their profit instead of pushing the team to achieve laurels? I sincerely thank you for your wonderful job which always gives me the best information in Sports. {Ed002's Note - The inability of the fans to understand the money that has been spent and the mistakes made by managers has been dealt with plenty of times before.}
But we have a new manager now. A manager who they claimed was always their first choice and the way he has been backed has been half arsed to put it mildly.
The way I see it - they have been trying to steady the ship after the balls up by previous owners. Once that is done, they can put their own stamp on it. I don't see why everyone gets on the owners backs, there will be loads of financial stuff that we don't know about.
If the owners are just in it to make profit then that doesn't really bother me, to make profit they will have to be successful, so it's win win.
Just relax, get behind the team, and enjoy the season.
1. Owners are trying to steady the ship, and stem the losses. This is taking some time as we have to offload almost all the players foolishly bought by last two managers.
2. We are using the Dortmund/Arsenal model, rather than the Anzi/City/PSG model.
3. Upgrading Anfield will divert some resources.
The owners are trying to rectify their mistakes and the balls up of the previous owners.
BR is also trying to rectify the mistakes of the previous managers without the financial clout they received (please see my first remark for reason). BR is receiving some backing and money is available for the right players at the right prices.
Solidifying and strengthening a club after being on the brink takes time. The owners made some mistakes early in their tenure (which I am sure they would admit to) but now seem to have a better handle on things. I agree we need more signings to really push for Champions League however I don't want signings just for the sake of it. If the right player isn't available I would prefer us to simply sign no one. Adding names is what we did previously and it was disastrous. The clubs strength in dealing with Suarez as well as refusing to ripped off over transfer fees (both purchases and sales) is refreshing, our club is finally showing some backbone, I hope we continue in this vein as I think long term it will be both sustainable and successful.
Completely agree with op6, Fireball and Mushroom here.
We are trying to balance correcting the mistakes and moving forward at the same time. If good players we are interested in are reasonably priced then we will go and get them but if clubs are looking to rip us off then we're not having that any more. The owners have been burned with the huge money they gave to Daglish & Comoli especially. They also saved us from Hicks & Gillett and they are moving towards the club being a viable business, through increasing our turnover in many ways & success on the pitch will be paramount to this.
We're lucky to have these owners & BR in charge, just think back to 3 years ago and stop complaining.
13 Aug 2013 12:01:41
Given that this is the so called big spending Summer before certain rules and regulations really kick in, I have to say I find it surprising thatLiverpool are not spending more. I appreciate that the owners have spent money in the past but itseems to me that Liverpool are more interested in cutting the wage bill. Maybe i'm wrong Ed02? {Ed002's Note - Liverpool are still looking to bring players in. However, they will know which players they want and won't I hope, just buy players because of any knee jerk reaction. If the club could rid themselves of Suarez then matters would be easier to resolve.}
13 Aug 2013 01:16:00
christian eriksson . is this transfer still a possibility . ? downing now gone. aspas you say should fill that role . br has openly stated coutinhos best possition is the number ten role. lots of cackle about sterling getting a loan, thanks for any response
13 Aug 2013 07:29:56
I think It would be a huge mistake If Asaps is played wide left, He is a striker and should play in the center, and compete with Sturridge.
"CAN PLAY". is making a big Issue for us.
Harry, our forwards interchange with each other. There is no left, right or centre.
13 Aug 2013 09:44:51
Brisbane LFC
May be, But the players we bought are not that versatile. can't expect Borini to beat a man with pace and driblle like countinho, can you?
Sanchez, and Muriel would do that time in time out.
Cant expect Downing to Finish lost of chances and get into the box, being a winger he should beat his man with pace.
We have sturridge to finish things off.
and to add we won't play 4-3-3, which will push Countinho to Wide left.
4-2-3-1 for most of the games.
BrisbaneLFC, Harry is still stuck in the world of, in the words of the famous Mike Bassett, "four, four f*****g two". I don't think he has the capacity to understand players can interchange.
13 Aug 2013 10:15:00
Mushroom,
With all respect, If U can show me the interchangbility of borini and asaps played in flanks, I ll shave my head.
Modern football means players must be interchangeable. Aspas is technically accomplished and good enough to play anywhere upfront and isn't and out and out centre forward (like Drogba for example) so I really don't see an issue.
13 Aug 2013 11:06:15
Asaps is a good player, and would be deadly if played as proper CF, would keep sturridge on his feet. Like hernandez at UTD, he doesn't play as Wing wide forward.
We are about make another torres situation with sturridge, Depending heavily on him as the only CF and would eventually Bite us back
Aspas has spent more time playing wide or behind the striker than he has as an out and out front man, and has the ability to play any of the front four positions. IMO he fits the mould of interchangable forward very well
Harry, I fail to see your logic. How are we going to have another Torres situation? We have a far better group of players now, everyone can chip in with goals. You even state in your own post that Asaps (whoever this player is) would be deadly in front of goal.
13 Aug 2013 12:19:10
Mushroom.
Wait till the seaason gets over. Sturridge would be our new torres (I pray that happens only on the pitch). we would highly depend on two players. sturridge and countinho.
We havea group of players, In which only very few could actually win a game for us.
13 Aug 2013 12:45:49
We're looking at having players that can be beating a full-back and swinging in a cross one minute, and being the one heading a cross in the next. where the centre forward can come wide to collect the ball, and the winger switches to centre forward to fill the gap. A completely fluid front linewhich has no formation other than that there are 3 of them, and they attack
Harry,
We will not highly depend on 2 players at all. We have moved away from that and are functioning much better as a team. There is only 1 player we have to get rid of who is self centred and does not fit into the team mentality as it is always about him. He will soon be gone.
We have a group of players that are far better than last years group. The second half of last season we played some very good football with results to match.
12 Aug 2013 23:57:57
Still waiting for the marquee signings BR mentioned. With the sale of Carroll, shelvey, spearing, imminently downing, skrtel or agger, and the loss of reina's and carra's wages, against the incomings surely leaves a positive amount of money for the club?, so this coupled with any transfer kitty. Has anyone seen it lying around?, the season is virtually upon us!, are we going to see any investment in the team?
Nobody has said anything about making marquee signings. Ever.
So, are you going to support the team if those marquee signings don't materialize?
No one at Liverpool has mentioned the word 'marquee' since Rick Parry tried to rent the tent in Evertons car park on match days.
Think you'll find BR never mentioned the word " marquee " in his comments about new signings.
Love to know what a 'marquee' signing is, was Hansen, nicol, Neal, alonso, Garcia to name just a few? No thet were good players who were scouted and fitted the system, let's get real and give Brenda a chance people
Don't see the point in buying players for the sake of it if they won't fit into our system. Clearly a lot of work being done behind the scenes but in honesty whilst I think we do need a few more additions I wouldn't like to see a repeat of the panic buying that brought us Andy Carroll.
12 Aug 2013 23:38:43
Hi Eds; love your work and your dedication to the cause, putting aside the speculative transfer rumours and negative aspect regarding LS how many first team players in your opinion do we need? I think we need a minimum of 4 top quality players we urgently need a top class poacher and a playmaker. love to hear your thoughts thanks. Plymouth red for 40 years {Ed001's Note - for what? We have already improved over last season with our buys, so any further first team players will move us even further forward.}
Urgently need a top class poacher for what? Benching Sturridge are you? Yes I understand long season (not so much for us this year) and squad, etc, etc but we have Aspas and Borini to cover Sturridge for the CF role before going to any youngsters. A top quality winger who can switch positions comfortably would be much better.