Liverpool Banter Archive December 13 2014

 

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13 Dec 2014 22:43:33
Referring to Chris from Tamworth's post about
BR being a snake oil salesman. I would think that most posters are too young to remember
the film/name Elmer Gantry, but that is, I think, better shorthand for the type he is referring to, though, to be honest it was a name I reserved
for one Anthony Lytton(?) Blair

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In a job interview, you do your best to get the job and that means bending the truth or overstating/understating certain things. In the end, we will all find out if you can do the job if you are hired and frankly, BR has been found out and he has brought this on himself.

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A snake oil salesman has been a character in many films. Not just Elmer Gantry.

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Indeed they have Yuri - but can you name one who personifies the type better than Lancaster did in that film (and Blair did as prime Minister)?

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13 Dec 2014 22:02:48
Eds. Is there any serious interest in purchasing the club? If there is, how much do you think FSG would want? We all know the value ofthe club, but if the brand is continuingto gain value, why would hey sell any time soon.

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{Ed002's Note - The club will not be sold for a while - perhaps 2017.}

13 Dec 2014 20:45:15
question for the eds,

do you think there will be any financial fallout within the finances of certain teams based around the recent big drop in oil prices? with so much russian and middle eastern money in the game now, could some of these owners end up in trouble as a result of business set backs elsewhere. recent example was anzhi cutting their budget dramatically right around the same time that the owners fertilizer company was having a tough time. I realize the oil and gas guys are for the most part billionaire's but even billionaire's can end up in a bad way if they make bad business decisions.

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{Ed002's Note - I am not sure which teams you are referring to, nor if you understand that teams need to operate within certain financial constraints.}

Yeah I get that they have to operate with FFP etc. I was thinking mostly of Russian clubs. At least some of them are backed by owners whose fortunes come from oil and gas money. It's possible they could end up having large financial issues in other parts of their business holdings. I was thinking that could potentially spill over to football. It's a lot easier to fund football losses when your oil holdings are making you a fortune. I know FFP restricts the amount they can lose but I have read that with the ruble falling that some Russian clubs have had issues with salaries etc. just wondering if there could be player movement as a result of what is happening economically?

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{Ed002's Note - That would be Zenit and Gazprom who are also the main sponsors of the Champions League. They are fine and there won't be any sort of issue in the foreseeable future.}

The present deflationary situation will effect everything.

Not just football clubs.

If you can still get it on Amazon: I will refer you to a book by Robert Beckman called 'The Downwave'.

Although written in 1984. It sets out what is happening now.

The big money days are over.

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13 Dec 2014 19:57:28
Also any of the EDD'S still around, are the OWNERS due at any future games or will the keep a low profile.

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{Ed002's Note - I understand that representatives will shortly be back in England - I don't know which if any games they will attend. The primary purpose of the visit will take them to London.}

Why London if don't mind edd?

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{Ed002's Note - Much of the change that is already in hand is happening in London. It is really of no relevance to the football side of things Mark.}

13 Dec 2014 19:37:24
You all NEED to see 'the Darren Farley Show'. Search it online and watch some of his Brendan Rodgers interview parodies. It's embarassing how accurate they are!

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Mate, if you closed your eyes you would probably mistake them for actual interviews! They're quality.

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EMS I wander if RODGERS has seen it,
Quality.

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13 Dec 2014 22:53:23
He is the new David Brent

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Following him years he is gas has Gerrard down to a tee aswell about his 90 yard passes

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Watch the Suarez one man! Funny as hell.

Red Rum

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Watch the Suarez one man! Funny as hell.

Red Rum

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13 Dec 2014 18:46:17
As I said many times before I think BR is a disaster and I think we had been better off with another decent manager. I still think that with Sturridge injured we would have struggled to get near the top 4 this season (or next) with any manager. You just look on our midfielders and who we have going forward and compare it to ManU and Arseanl, let alone Chelsea and City and the differences in quality should be obvious (if you were their fan would you swap any of their midfielders or attackers with ours - given how injury prone Sturridge is?), and we have by far the worse defence. And I don't think this would have changed had we bought Bony or even Pedro instead of Balotelli. Yes we could have been more competitive, yes we could have got to the last 16 (but not further) in the Champions league, maybe take advantage on the poor form of Arseanl and Manu in the early stages to be ahead of them for a while but at the end of the day we don't have the quality for top4. And Chelsea, Arsenal and ManU all landed huge signings for their squads this summer that we just couldn't land - they wouldn't come to us.

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I totally disagree mate our squad is certainly strong enough to achieve a top 4 finish. It's down to the manager not knowing his best 11

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13 Dec 2014 21:19:37
you are not real mate if you think our squad is good enough or the top 4. Name me 3 players who would get into Man U, Man C Chelsea or Arsenal's teams. I can't think of

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Disagree! Our squad is not great BUT is more than capable of making noise in the top 4 discussion. They are being hugely mismanaged and over/under-coached by a manager who has no idea what he is doing. Last year, our squad was not great BUT we played a system that suited the players we had and it flourushed to the point of almost winning the PL. It doesn`t matter how good your squad is, if your manager is clueless, stubborn and can`t adapt his system to suit his players as well as being too busy trying to prove a stupid point by playing a failed system just to say "I told you so", then the squad will struggle as we are struggling now.

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Your squad is not better than Chelsea, City, United or Arsenal so I have to disagree with the top 4 assumption and the managers of those clubs have resume's to go with it, so not sure how a different manager can get your group into the top 4. You bought poorly in the summer mate and that is difficult to reverse.

I think a one year wonder with Suarez was mistaken for a sustained run at the top. Everton had a great year too but look at where they are now. Hardest thing in sport is to follow a great year with another one. Only teams that have world class talent do that.

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13 Dec 2014 17:17:53
I said it on here when he got the job
Brendan Rodgers, snake oil salesman
The term just suits him

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I was never happy about the appointment either.

They sacked Hodgson and King Kenny. Steve Clarke shoved out the door.

They brought in the 'Snake oil salesman' - totally untried and tested and sacked by Reading.

What were they thinking about?

Trying to do things on the cheap I suppose?

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I agree Chris but where are all those who sang from the rooftops, your Bigbadbens and co? Those who were on your back calling you a troll if you had the nerve to denounce Ted and the owners.

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Everybody seems to be a genius after the fact. I really don`t care who manages us provided he can help us win. Had we won the PL last yr, I guarantee that the "I told you so" brigade would have shut their mouths and eaten their humble pie like good boys in a choir. Now because those like Ozone, who have been rooting for us to fail for over 2yrs suddenly think they have some credibility. Bottom line is, if BR was winning games, we wouldn`t be hearing any of you breathe because unlike Ozone and his ilk, the tea lady can be the manager as long as we win. He ain`t winning and will be sacked in a matter of time and he would have deserved it for his stubborness and gross arrogance and misconduct. Now, spare me your "I told you so`s" because it is a weak argument to make you look like geniuses or fortune tellers co clearly you all, lack the talent for such things

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I am not a genius after the fact.

I have never liked Rodgers from day one.

I have had criticism for my thoughts, but I have stuck to my guns.

My view has always been that consciously or unconsciously Luis Suarez gave us our victories last season.

He made the players around him perform better. He was like a conductor leading an orchestra.

Rodgers hung on to his coat tails and bathed in the success of Suarez.

Now he has gone. Reality has hit the fan.

You are seeing Rodgers input. It will not get any better. Because it cannot.

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But we did 'tell you so' !!

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13 Dec 2014 16:44:07
If any of the EDD'S are around, the seminar which BIELSA gave and RODGER'S attended, were any other PREMIERSHIP manager's in attendance there.

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{Ed001's Note - I believe there were a number of coaches from top flight European sides there, I couldn't tell you which ones, as I was only interested in Rodgers being there at the time so never bothered to find out.}

13 Dec 2014 16:42:59
Here's one for ya lads.

If we're contemplating former strikers well past their best years, probably can't lead the line, definitely haven't got the pace to threaten in behind, but still have the capacity to put the ball in the net, then surely Robbie Keane's a better bet than Torres?

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How about we stop accumulating crap strikers, get rid of the useless ones we have and buy one quality striker?

Red Rum

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You are having a laugh. Robbie Keane was never good enough the first time around, just because he is scoring goals in the equivalent of the Scottish prem doesn't mean we should consider him.

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I'd rather we actually used Fabio Borini, instead of wasting yet more resources to bring Fernando Torres back to Liverpool to mop around and do crap.

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13 Dec 2014 17:40:20
Yes, Dennis I am having a laugh.

Actually the entire point was that I'm having a laugh.

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13 Dec 2014 16:17:29
Greetings all,

Just wanted to ask you lot who you see as a REALISTIC striker target for Jan . I understand that any signings will depend on outgoings potentially despite the usual BS about the big names .

Personally I would recall Ibe & wait for Dunn instead of a big name as we don't have significant funds at the moment they will improve us .

I would take Torres if something could be done short term without the club having to commit to a fee at the end of the loan .

He is no worse than Skrtel in the last 20 mins up front !

I have also looked at mainly pacey physical players than can harass & run at defenders to help provide better options to our creative players .I would expect the striker to be a more modest purchase or loan .

Any realistic options you guys can think of?

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Lacazette is a decent shout and would have cost a little more than Balotelli.

I dread to think who Rogers would go after.

Knowing him, we'll end up with Steve Anthrobus.

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13 Dec 2014 16:57:18
I really don't know.

Within the PL: Bony would probably be beyond our means. Berahino's too young and raw to basically be told: "Here you go. Be Sturridge until the muscles in his legs stop going 'ping'" I don't think there's anyone else both good enough and that we could sign.

Outside the PL: The likes of Higuain, Cavani etc. are just out.

We're probably looking at someone doing well on the continent but who isn't established as a season on season top performer to put him out of our price range / ability to attract. I'm seeing Lacazette's name pop up, but I've never seen him play, so idk if he's right for us or not.

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Lacazette is on fire this season for Lyon. I remember a few people begging we signed him last season before the whole Loic Remy fiasco unfolded the way it did.

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13 Dec 2014 18:49:53
Oliiston

Here here mate, me along with Adam wanted lacazzate. He would cost a fortune now and would easily end up at PSG.
Most here were convinced lambert and lallana would replace Suarez goals.

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13 Dec 2014 14:34:13
Ed001, in your opinion, how difficult would it be hypothetically to bring in De Boer. I mean money wise, how long is his current contract, would he consider it, would he want all his own staff, would he want a lot of money to spend in January or summer?

Just trying to get my head around what the alternative options to rodgers are and I know you have said you think he's the best person available.

Thanks mate

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{Ed001's Note - his contract runs until 2017, but he has spoken publicly of his desire to move on to a new challenge, so I don't think that would be an issue. He would want to choose his staff, though, again, I don't see that as an issue, Pascoe and Achterberg need to go anyway, and I am not convinced by Marsh either. As for spending, so far he has built using youth players, so I would expect him to do the same with us, rather than looking to buy, buy, buy.

It is not so much that I think he is the best available, but the most likely and most compatible with the kind of principles FSG have said they want. Someone who will bring in kids, rather than just buy players who will stop them getting in the team and he is a winner.}

Well said Ed001. He is also the most realistic option out there. Forget all the other high profile names like Simeone, Klopp, Ancelotti etc who will all have elite clubs looking to bring them in. De Boer would not demand huge money for transfers and the academy players would finally get a fair chance to show the skill than get Brendaned.

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Has Aitor karanka ever been considered? A winning mentality and has had a good education in the game.

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{Ed002's Note - No.}

I would like De Boer .He seems to understand the benefits of a strong youth progression into the first team.

Hi sides play with a tempo that would suit a high energy side. I like the fact that he is at a good time to progress and seems to have a strong team around him, I have been told that he is a better coach than manager which might suit FSG in terms of DOF if hired.

I also think a manager that can reinstate the atmosphere that we are a side that promotes youth will improve the club at all levels .

The one problem I see is the need fo patience as DeBoer will have a massive challenge without significt funds.


Play the kids I say, make some senior players get worried about their places .

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13 Dec 2014 16:17:37
Thanks Ed. I guess we just have to hope the owners make the right decision, whatever that may be when the time comes - hopefully they get the right advice and get it right because I like them and feel they want it to work just as much as we do.

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13 Dec 2014 17:06:17
The question is though could he make it at the highest level and would he know how to spend money wisely on quality players? Only time would tell I suppose

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I know that Ed001 is a big fan of Marcelo Bielsa but given that he thinks that he isn't a realistic option, does he have any thoughts regarding one of Bielsa's proteges, the current Chile manager, Jorge Sampaoli, as a potential replacement for Rodgers, if this is indeed what happens? Or is this, as I imagine, too far out of left field?

I don't know much about him, other than that I really enjoyed Chile's style of football at the Brazil World Cup. Don't even know if he speaks English and given that he has only coached in South America, it would, on the surface, appear to be an incredibly risky choice, although his record there is quite good.

From my own perspective, I am really torn, at the moment. I hate the thought of firing a manager, whose team overachieved last season, after such a relatively short period of poor performances.

I realise, however, that the game has changed enormously from when I was a kid and managers were given far more time to turn things around. There appears to be so much more at stake now and for a dinosaur like me, the game is far less enjoyable, as a result.

One has to move with the times, however, and something doesn't seem right at the moment. Eds 001 and 002 appear to have an inside track and I therefore have little doubt that Rodgers's days are now numbered.

I appreciate that this is really just clutching at straws but I am struggling to think of realistic alternatives that would not be a huge risk.

I know that some are suggesting Rafa but as the great American novelist, Thomas Wolfe, wrote, 'You Can't Go Home Again' and if KK couldn't do it, I am not sure that Rafa could.

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{Ed002's Note - It is impossible to say - it is no more than a random name I am afraid.}

Yes, I agree but just so difficult to think of alternatives.

I know that you have American roots, so are presumably familiar with the great basketball coach, Phil Jackson. I keep trying to think of similar football coaches but apart from maybe Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti and perhaps, Pep Guardiola, I can't think of anybody similar in the football field. They all remind me of my favourite manager, Bob Paisley but unfortunately, none of these are realistic targets, I feel.

Recently, I have come to appreciate Jose Mourinho far more, primarily because he has been maintaining a much more dignified public persona (I appreciate that he is reported to be a really nice guy, in private). I consider him more akin to the likes of Shankly, Ferguson and Clough, who were great mangers but unique, in terms of their personalities. Sadly, in today's game, I am not sure that Shanks, Ferguson and Clough would have been give the time to reach the great heights that they ultimately achieved. Mourinho is, in any case, happy at Chelsea

It's a shame really because last season, I really thought that Rodgers could be the real deal. The football was great and he seemed to have learned to speak well. I recall, during his first season, I just wanted to stick him in a room for half a day, and have him watch videos of Bob Paisley, so that he could learn how to deal with the media properly.

I just don't know what has happened. Off field issues maybe? Being the Liverpool manger is a 24/7 job and maybe he needs a break, after perhaps giving so much last season.

Contrary to some other posters, I still think that we bought well last year and over the summer and there is good depth to the squad, so things aren't really so bad as it appears.

Hopefully the owners can make the right decisions, whatever they may be but I don't envy them. I still, however, have far more confidence in them than in the previous owners, particularly the Hicks family, so hopefully things will eventually come good.

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{Ed002's Note - You probably need to get out of the "we are Liverpool" mind et and looking for a coach or manager that can be compared to Mr Shankley or Mr Paisley. Managers come and go and at some point Rodgers will move on and the club will replace him. There are numerous options beyond the successful Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Dortmund managers. Regardless of what Wolfe wrote, you should perhaps not discount Benitez - which should satisfy all those who want to live in the past. I would however discount the return of Kevin Keegan.}

I just want a manager who knows how to organise a defender and midfield properly, understands how to buy top players and has enough of a name that can attract top talent. Brendan isn't that man.

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If DeBoer is who they want, I can understand that due to the ideas they have for the club going forward. Iyouth is his thing then it is good because he also came thru the ajax academy as a youth plaer. Fsg want him then they should move heaven and earth to get him

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It doesn't seem to be doing Chelsea too much harm living in the past by re-appointing Mourinho. I'd suggest Rafa would be more competent than BR.

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14 Dec 2014 04:01:34
Lol, yes I think that Kevin would likely be a step too far.

In terms of the 'we are Liverpool', I think that I can see beyond this but to some extent, it will always remain a hindrance for many, which is inevitable, I suppose. To reference our American cousins again, just look at the New York Yankees.

Interesting times ahead, that's for sure. Out of interest, Ed002, do you have any particular thoughts, hypothetically of course, as to whether Liverpool should stick with Rodgers, whilst appointing a DOF, or who do you like as a possible replacement, all for fun, of course?

As always, appreciate your and the other Eds and posters' efforts.

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{Ed002's Note - I think when the eventual changes come it will come as a full package. Folks have gone overboard about this DoF concept. Other clubs have Technical Directors and Directors of Football without being overtly visible. The trust in Rodgers has gone and the club need a solution that will (hopefully) fix the entire footballing side of the business. Rodgers is a godsend for the press - that has been resolved in part but needs to be fully addressed.}

14 Dec 2014 04:02:04
Like Chelsea fans living in the past and wanting Jose back, you mean Ed. Respect you Ed002, just banter.

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{Ed002's Note - I see it as a little embarrassing but sure, you can make it about Chelsea if you want.}

We are not talking about Chelsea. Let`s stay on topic, shall we?

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13 Dec 2014 14:16:36
Hi eds, any truth in the Torres back to Liverpool rumours? Thanks.

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{Ed002's Note - FTP.}

If it was a free transfer, with no significant agent/signing on fee, on a modest wage that was mainly made up of performance based add ons, I'd take him. He might not be the same Torres we sold, but he does offer good movement, a willing runner in behind, and a surprising creative spark that came out at Chelsea. The Italian league was never going to suit him.

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13 Dec 2014 15:14:16
I hope not. Completely done with him tbh. When he was here he was amazing, but he dropped our club for Money, left us in the s**t,,, and flopped.
And then IF he did come back, he'd give it the "I never should have left" bullsquat,,
We should be aiming for a great goalscorer.
But Truth be told,, I've missed his song,, I miss bouncing to the Nando song

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13 Dec 2014 15:52:13
Borini is a better player then genus now and he can't make the bench. Not borini's biggest fan but rather see someone that wants to be here given the chance

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13 Dec 2014 13:45:17
We need a keeper what abouut Kasper Schmeichel is this MOTD fever or am I seen what everyone else sees

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Almost every keeper we see now seems better than Mignolet.

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Dezyboy2, schmeichel had a blinder on MOTD last week, I posted I would take him in a heartbeat on that performance.

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MOTD used to make Mignolet look good when Sunderland were getting battered. So maybe there is better around.

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IMO Simon his an average keeper, just like the majority of keepers in the Premiership, including Casper.

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13 Dec 2014 21:29:35
There's probably over 10 keepers in the Prem that are better than Migs.
Out of the Prem alone that seem slightly 'realistic' I'd have Cech, Forster or Begovic all day over Simon Migniolet

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Awh I think he looked good I watched his last 3 games wondering if his usual stand is what I have been seen ed001 what's your opinion

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13 Dec 2014 13:32:43
Might as well tackle the question on everyone's mind, is El Nino coming back? Or is it even being explored as an option?

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13 Dec 2014 14:00:03
I doubt it.

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If he is cheap, and we don't offer him a long term deal he will improve the squad .
He will however have to show more guts & commitment than he has done in years to convince most.

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13 Dec 2014 12:13:09
When Rodgers first came in I was delighted. I was loving the free flowing football on show and defended him to the hills when attacked on this site.

Slowly but surely though this season I'm beginning to join the opposition.

The pressing has gone out the window and a number of things are starting to frustrate me beyond belief.

1. My number 1 gripe has to be Skrtel. I'm at a complete loss as why this guy starts. How many more top class defenders are going to pay the price of having to play with this headless chicken. Nobody has been able to play with him. He never covers for other defenders. He simply is incapable of reading the game and his desire to win absolutely everything gets him caught out of position all the time. Lovren is a top defender finding his way in a new team. For the love of god, give him a chance to form a partnership with a proper central defender. Sakho or Toure Please.

2. Johnson, lack of desire has no place in a team trying to turn its fortunes around. This lad has talent but is clearly not motivated to get back each and every time. 3 out of five times getting back is not good enough at this level. It doesn't help either to have Skrtel inside him but Manquillo is definitely ahead right now.

3. Thank god he fixed this but I'm convinced we would have a few more points now if Lucas had swapped for Gerrard earlier. Everybody was screaming for it. No idea what took Rodgers so so long to do it.

4. Failure to give some players more of a chance. I'm not a massive fan of Borini but for the love of god, I would want a chance in this forward line. If a forward line is misfiring beyond belief surely he deserves at least some game time. I've been impressed with Emre Can yet he barely ever gets a look in. Him and Lucas looked like they had an understanding in Spain against Real Madrid but never get played together again. It's clear Rodgers has favourites and this really pisses me off. I hate when managers play players regardless of their form. Fair enough, one or 2 games but its been half a season already. Mourinho will never play an out of form player.

I really thought Rodgers was the man but its becoming more and more evident he will never make the changes required. ie. DROP SKRTEL!!

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I fully agree with you pal his transfer in the summer was crazy like wisdom should have been kept keep the squad to less new players is better creates a unity to many new players creates a unbalance like a wise man learns from others mistakes e.g spurs

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Just want to say, when Skrtl plays for Slovakia he looks immense, see the job he did on Costa. But he is playing in an organised team that does not set up the way that the buffoon Rodgers does, the split CB with midfield exposed and constant passing from keeper to CB is putting them at more pressure than any other CB in the league. So maybe it's tactics?

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13 Dec 2014 13:55:08
I have to say that when Rodgers first came in we were awful for months .We were weak and extremely poor at the back.

I think that that it was only the second half of the season that kept us anywhere near the eurpoean places .

If memory serves we won the second highest number of points in the league after xmas which covered up the very poor first part of the season.

I am in fact getting de ja vu from the first season under BR which given the money we have spent is actually quite depressing.

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Yes I agree Kobi and for the record the second half of last season wasn't Teds doing. He took advise from Bielsa.

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13 Dec 2014 16:21:11
Hang on a minute, Ozone. The problem is not taking advice form Biesla, the problem is taking said advice and then returning to his own unsuccessful methods afterwards through sheer stubbornness.

I'd love Rodgers to take advice from others, learn from it, and become a more knowledgeable manager. There's nothing wrong with that. The problem, I think is that he's NOT learning.

Don't you agree?

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I would like to see Brendan let his defenders do what it says on the tin and not try and ask them to play like Hansen. Jose got rid of David Luiz and now has a no nonsense back line who stop the opposition from scoring. We need to get back to basic defending. I don't think rotating back4 every game is working

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He should've been sacked on the spot for playing 4 centre mids and one man up top against Basle, then he brings on width but takes off the lump up front and replaces him with a midget. He then realises we're now getting balls in the box and throws Skrtle up top. Nothing more than pub football management.

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For the rrarest of times, I agree w/ yOzone. Taking advice is not the prob because all young managers take advice from other managers and mentors in the game. What do you do with it? As we can see, BR has dumped the styke that suits the players he has and has bought and has implemented a failed style that doesn`t suit his squad. Is that stupidity or a case of having an overblown opinion of yourself espeially when you lack the CV to back up your stupidity?

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13 Dec 2014 12:03:56
Rodgers has said we're playing similarly to how we did in his first six months.

Right, so we spend close to a quarter of a billion pounds on players, you work with them for a few seasons, implement your "philosophy" and we are no better off than we were?

Not sure you're helping yourself much here, mate.

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13 Dec 2014 12:18:54
But apparently there's no one who could do a better job! Ha ha

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The man is a football genius

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Nah, that still is David Moyes.

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David Moyes, nice one kidder.

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Another foot in mouth moment from the "Mouth from Melwood" himself.

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Lol at least It took Rafa longer to regress.

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13 Dec 2014 11:30:59
I have never been a fan of Mr Rogers Tactics and before last seasons achievements are rammed down my throat, we did not win anything. Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling, playing on fire had nothing to do with the Messiah, let's give the players a bit of credit.
I was put off by his mouth and long winded promoting himself speeches, straight away.
I will also say I was upset with him saying that what Kenny and Steve Clarke had achieved in 18 months wasn't good enough. I am with Ed002's reasons on that it was the right decision to replace Kenny, but I still think that team would have gone onto evolve the next season. 2 Cup finals, wins over United, City, Everton, Chelsea. I believe that the Lucas injury, Suarez ban and no January signing, cost us a top 4 place that season and not's let forget who gave Flanno and Sterling.
He needs to shut his mouth and be a bit more humble. And stop playing around at the back.
We should be easily in a top 4 place with that squad of players. The reason we are not is down to the him. Get rid now.

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13 Dec 2014 12:21:16
Have a little respect and remember what a season we had last season.

Although we won nothing we had a manager who nearly took us all the way.

Oh yeah, we had many of the same players also.

Jordan was bang on, blame the players, not the manager.

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13 Dec 2014 13:21:36
Davey

The same manager who is taking to relegation?
Suarez and Sturridge could take any team to title.

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My view on last season is that it is unimportant, but it's gone and consigned to history.

We failed and that was Rodgers fault, this season we are in relegation form and that is Rodgers fault, nothing to do with respect, but cold hard facts.

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13 Dec 2014 17:57:30
Passion_pride_lfc
Come on mate. Relegation?
Fair enough we haven't exactly been great recently. But don't overeact too much

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I can`t stand BR`s mouth anymore than the next guy. He seems to b oblivious of the complete ess he and the club is in. Then he takes all the credit when we win or pwhen players are improving and will NEVER recognize his part of the blame for failures of his very own doing or throw them under the bus like he had done repeatedly w/ Balo. I`m happy he will go at some point. Maybe will have a coach who doesn`t think so highly of himself in a cringeworthy way.

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13 Dec 2014 11:20:40
Across today's sports pages. The delusional Rodgers claims he is the 'Best' man for the job of managing Liverpool !

In fact he is the worst.

Denial is not just a river in Africa.

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He will be sacked in a matter of time and he knows it

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13 Dec 2014 11:03:58
Hi eds, first time post but have been a fan of the site for years, if liverpool are to lose sunday do u see rodgers getting sacked or will they give him til the summer, and also if a new manager is to come in will he be given money to spend or it will be a sell to buy scenario

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{Ed002's Note - I cannot predict what will happen in the coming days but have said that I do not expect Mr Rodgers to be at the club next season. Liverpool has financial woes right now due to the sustained high costs of running the club (wages, transfer fees, agents fees etc.) and have an FFP issue hanging over them. On top of that the owners are starting to work on the stadium and have committed significant funds whilst they continue to look to selling the naming rights to take some of the financial pressure off and to ease the burden. Loans have to be paid off as well. I don't see any future manager being given extensive funds but obviously selling to buy with some financial support from the owners would be the likely order of the day.}

Well then hopefully somebody will give us buckets of cash for Skrtel, Johnson, Enrique & Balotelli

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The main problem for whoever comes is that the players to sell have little in the way of tangible resale value (aside from Sterling), if we have to sell to buy we'll pretty much make a loss on all of them meaning that whoever comes in will have very very limited funds and what does come in will be just as poor as what we have sold, poor management by Rodgers and poor scouting by the people HE brought in will have cost us massively. Rodgers blew the best chance we had for years and that is both a fact and unforgivable, the facts about last season are that we won nothing and Rodhers failed his biggest test against Chelsea and Palace when it mattered.

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13 Dec 2014 14:12:02
@ Dennis - Whilst we would probably take a hit vs. what we paid for a lot of our squad, that's somewhat offset by having enough players that we could potentially offload as many as ten or eleven and maybe only buy three or four. The likes of Ibe, Rossiter, Illori & Wisdom are good enough that they could be used to fill out the squad rather than the club buying squad "rotation" players for £3m - £7m a pop and £40k - £60k a week.

What could really kill us on the FFP though is stuff like the agent's fees for so much turn over in the playing squad over the last couple of seasons rather than the pure transfer fees.

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Yes which just goes to show how wrong they got this resale value concept and paying minimum wages. Take Cahill as an example, we could've got him on a 5 year deal at £6mill but wouldn't pay the extra £20000 a week, which equates to an extra £5 mill over 5 years but we'll pay £20 mill for Lovren!!

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13 Dec 2014 15:32:51
Ozone

Mate Cahill is an average defender and has proved himself with England. But made look world class by just one man MATIC.
We never had one of his mind after Mascherano.

Lovern enjoyed the luxury of both Wanyama and Schniderline at Southampton.

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13 Dec 2014 18:18:42
That's BS. Cahil has proved to be one of the shrewdest buys. He's a no nonsense defender and really good while attacking set pieces. I would take him in an instant

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Yes I take the point about holding mids Passion, but nonetheless the owners business models a shambles.

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13 Dec 2014 10:47:13
Here is how bad things are. I was about to write how Johnson is our worse player this season, slow, constantly losing the ball, get stuck with the ball in midfield and then always pass back to the keepr in the worse time and is still always the first name on the team sheet (maybe because of this infamous has to play when fit clause, if really exist). However then I realised that until Flano is fit we may not have someone better for right back (Is Manquillo better? I am not sure).

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13 Dec 2014 11:19:22
Manquillo is a kid though mate,
Would you rather see a 21 year old(I think) Manquillo on around 40K make mistakes or 31 year old 'trying is too much effort' Johnson lose the ball time and time again?

Pretty much the same on the other side, is Moreno much better than Enrique defensively? I doubt it, but he's younger and like Manquillo, has the potential to be much better.

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13 Dec 2014 12:21:17
Manquillo is a better defender than Johnson and also, you know, actually tries

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Manquillo is better

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13 Dec 2014 15:20:43
Manquillo's not better than Jonno, imo. He runs around more and puts more effort, but he's positionally worse, worse 1v1 with a winger and worse on the ball.

I'd say until Flanno's back our best options would be to try McLaughlin or put Henderson at right back.

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I'd love to see McLaughlin given a go, sadly won't happen with Brendan.

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13 Dec 2014 18:03:11
It's a fact that Manquillo is better. He makes tackles and interceptions

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All our RB`s all the way to the U-10`s, are better than the aweful GJ.

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Manquillo isn't that much better to be honest, 1 on 1 he just submits every time. BUT his crosses are on par with Aspas' corners. Aaugh! his boat really has captain I swear. When I see him winding up his leg (to cross the ball in an empty box mind you) all I think is Lord strike this child please.

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{Ed001's Note - I don't see anything in Manquillo to suggest he is as good, let alone better! He doesn't even work much harder to make up for his deficiencies.}

13 Dec 2014 09:39:37
Does anyone know when flanno is back we miss his passion and drive to win the ball 1st

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{Ed002's Note - The club has said nothing about him. The press release from yesterday did not mention him.}

Ed I saw a post a while ago that said flanno was out of contract in the summer. If so, do you think he'll be offered another or move on?

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{Ed002's Note - He has been offered a new contract but has yet to sign it.}

13 Dec 2014 09:18:34
I have come up with an absolute blinding idea

To help meet FFP rules and increase turnover, why don't LFC consider branching out into sales ( sofas, double-glazing, life insurance)

Given the fact that Brendan can talk sh*ep for hours to anyone who will listen - we could quickly become the richest club in earth!

by the time the customers realise the product he's sold them is a bag of banana we will have a squad full of mediocre midfielders and no-one who can defend

Seems a no-brainer to me. .

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13 Dec 2014 10:34:19
I was thinking maybe they could take less of a tv deal of sky and show some matches exclusively for lfctv personally I cancelled skysports just to have lfctv at least the money is going to the club.I think.

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool don't have and won't have any deal with Sky.}

I think you guys need to cut down on all these Brendan bashing. I think its over the top personally and not very classy at all. If he continues in the form we have been showing then he will get the boot, maybe during the season or more than likely at the end. Can we not just leave it at that instead of this constant ridicule?

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13 Dec 2014 11:25:29
Not for me Rover mate, we are the ones who pay to watch this dross, (tickets, sky etc)
I am seriously unhappy with the state of the club right now and that's down to BR IMO.

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Have you got a 'Mills and a Boom' novel out a Rover?

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14 Dec 2014 04:01:50
I didn't say they had a deal with sky Ed002 but with r obvious global appeal through their own tv they could make a lot more money than most clubs dare I say top 5 most supported club worldwide the demand is their.

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{Ed002's Note - There is no provisions for Liverpool to back out of any deal with Sky or any other TV provider at this time. Eventually there will be, but that will probably be post the pan-European breakaway which will take all of the major sponsorship with it as I have explained. Right now television remains the major source (close to 50%) of income for the club.}

12 Dec 2014 18:34:22
Ed001, I see you're around right now. I have a question regarding some of our youngsters.

Basically what position do you expect them to eventually be moulded into, and which position do you think they should be moulded into.

The players are Sterling, Rossiter, Ibe, Can and Flanagan.

Sterling could be an attacking midfielder, winger, or striker.
Rossiter could be a holding midfielder or play slightly further forward.
Ibe could be a winger, a striker or an attacking midfielder.
Can could be anything but a keeper!
Flanno could be a right back, left back, centre back or holding midfielder.

Sorry for such a big question. I love that we have such versatile academy graduates. I want us to get the best out of them and wondered how you'd look to do that as I like most here, value your opinion; especially regarding academy players.

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{Ed001's Note - I don't see that as the way to go, they will find their own natural position. That is when coaching is a mistake, when it starts pushing players into positions, moulding them, so they lose all individuality.}

Very good point Ed. I personally hope Flanagan in particular is allowed to be right back because I think it's where he is most naturally comfortable.

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{Ed001's Note - always good to let them play other positions though, they learn a lot more from being taken out of their comfort zone. Look at the way Sterling grew as a player after being put into a full back role a number of times in the stiffs. Players should be capable of playing any outfield position really, it is just that their skillset will tend to suit some positions better than another, but it does them no harm to struggle every now and then.}

13 Dec 2014 08:13:05
Adam

The point here is simple. Sterling needs space to run through. Else he is just another decent winger.

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He needs help, teams just foul him and stop him. He rushes the final pass or shot, because he knows he's going to get clattered into. Last season we had 3 dangerous attackers to stop and now we only have him.

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Out of all of our players, Sterling is the one missing Suarez the most. Coutinho, Henderson and Gerrard are more basic through ball creators. Sturridge or any player with desire and clever movement can link up with them. Sterling used to do some absolutely brilliant little give and gos with Suarez though and I think he more than anyone is missing him. Suarez was also a leader and Sterling is only young. It looks bad when Suarez is shouting at people for making bad decisions, but it's what kids need.

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