Liverpool Banter Archive December 14 2013

14 Dec 2013 23:27:51
Does an Ed or anyone know if we are in the NextGen series this year as I haven't seen anything on it and always thought it was a great experience for the youth players. Thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - I thought nextgen was scrapped after an agreement with UEFA over their youth comp?}

Yep, scrapped. And in it's place, UEFA have replaced it with a mini-Champions League. That is, all the senior teams in the Champions League enter their youth sides into a shadow-tournament with matches taking places earlier in the day on Champions League matchdays. So no place for the likes of Aston Villa, Sporting Lisbon or Bilbao, who have outstanding youth academies despite their senior teams struggling to impose themselves at the top of European football. It's an utterly absurd, arrogant, pointless and megalomaniacal decision by UEFA that takes away something that was so beneficial to these teams and their young players, and places yet more power at the feet of the established elite.

It was scrapped for this season due to finances. UEFA are funding their new youth comp as Ed001 said. Talks have been going on since June to get it up and running again for next season, but it will all come down to 'cost efficiency'.

14 Dec 2013 22:30:07
Just want to say how ridiculous I think it is that Steve Clarke has been sacked today.

What on earth is going on with the world?

West Brom finished 8th last year. 8th! An unbelievable achievement for them. And yes there has been a little bit of a blip but he has proven he is a good manager.

Thought he did a great job with Kenny at Anfield and wish him all the best for the future.



Alternatively, this must prove just how good Lukaku is, pulled an average West Brom team to 8th last season, and has dragged the Toffees to 4th this season. Steve Clarke and Martinez are purely riding on his coat tails!


A post with a little something for everyone to agree with or get annoyed at, have fun boys.

YNWA (1-1 tomorrow btw, and i'd be happy with that)

Agree with ya except the everton remark they have been a solid team for a few winters now and operate well on low budget, credit where its due

14 Dec 2013 21:45:41
It must be really painful for some of the trolls here to watch and support our club under Rodgers so much so that they even take delight in seeing other clubs win (even before we kick a ball!) just so they can say that we won't in the top 4 by Jan. If Rodgers do get a new contract, that will probably kill them!

SINGRED, I suppose you thought we
Played well against HULL with your
red blinker's on, people can have an alternative view, there are supporters
who don't follow the red's blindly and
Are not taken in by the RODGERS
Blarney.

Wembley, I think your understanding of the word "supporters" is wrong.

I think if Rodgers is given a new contract, it will be in the summer and if we qualify for the Champions League.

I think if he doesn't qualify for the Champions League, then he'll not get a new contract, but will have 1 more year to prove his worth.

That's what I think anyway.

To this wembley bloke: as I've said - it must be really painful for you. You clearly have not watched our performance against Fulham, Villa, WBA, mancs, bitters, hammers etc. and only choose to single out that 1 loss out of 14. So you mean the team can't have bad days? Every game must be perfect? Tell that to the mancs, chavs and spuds! If anything - you're blinkered

Wembley, I think your understanding of the word "supporters" is wrong.

I think if Rodgers is given a new contract, it will be in the summer and if we qualify for the Champions League.

I think if he doesn't qualify for the Champions League, then he'll not get a new contract, but will have 1 more year to prove his worth.

That's what I think anyway.

To this wembley bloke: as I've said - it must be really painful for you. You clearly have not watched our performance against Fulham, Villa, WBA, mancs, bitters, hammers etc. and only choose to single out that 1 loss out of 14. So you mean the team can't have bad days? Every game must be perfect? Tell that to the mancs, chavs and spuds! If anything - you're blinkered

15 Dec 2013 12:16:53
Singerd.

Fulham, Villa, WBA, mancs, bitters, hammers

Its Not WE. Its Suarez and Sturridge. Who hammered all the above teams.

14 Dec 2013 18:36:43
Im glad were playin spurs city Chelsea this month were a good team imagine if we do well we have a nice run with players returning and players coming in from January we'll only get stronger everyone gets injures let's start with a very possible 3 points!

14 Dec 2013 17:44:24
Salah will be another waste of 5-10mil if we get him. Looking forward it. Can add him to the long list lol

Very insightful. Not.

Whats you list called? Is it "Players who Liverpool have shown interest or are interested in who has, is or may flop".

And you nkow this how? Didn`t think so. Must be one of those "fans" slating cout and studge b4 they even kicked a ball. Pathetic!

Just saying, you add alberto and aspas fee together and instead of 2 average players you get a good player. Seeing as they don't bloody play anyway. Shocking transfer policy, but then what do I know.

No never slated danny or couts. But I am salah. wait and watch, il acept an apology in a few months time when i'm proved right

Salah is better than any winger we currently have. If you think he is rubbish then you need to give yourself an uppercut!

Salah is better than any winger we currently have. If you think he is rubbish then you need to give yourself an uppercut!

''Better than any winger we have'' That isn't saying much.

All i'm saying is do you honestly think he will cut it week in week out in the bpl.

I think you know nothing, and your vague comments are pretty pathetic. But hey, what do I know.

14 Dec 2013 16:58:12
Interesting day of football.
It could have been totally different.
Chelsea could easily have lost or drew.
Same for Everton (4-1 really flattering them)
And as ruthless as Man City it could have been a lot closer at the Etihad.
Positives for us are Chelsea and Man City cannot defend. Plus losing Aguero is a big blow.
If we can get a result at Tottenham tomorrow then I think we can go in to the rest of the festive period with confidence.
Come on The True Reds!

14 Dec 2013 19:45:22
The Only Possitive I felt was, we could get a result against Chelsea.
I am not sure, If City doesn't defend we. They would score more than 5 any give date at home.

All those teams left themselves wide open for City to tear them apart. When you go to a place like that. You have to be very attentive to detail and not leave yourself open even when on the atack. Attack w/ caution knowing that if things breakdown, you can recover. Arsenal did no such thing and lost the ball close to their own box, hence two goals from Fernandinho who hadn`t scored till then.

14 Dec 2013 16:14:31
City is becoming unplayable at home. 4 against Utd, 4 against Newcastle, 3 against Everton, 7 against Norwich, 6 against Spurs and 6 against the Gunners. Etihad is becoming like Wimbledon(Tennis court). God save us

Yep but I have a feeling it's going to be our boxing day.

When Arsenal are under pressure, i.e. without the ball they show cracks.

14 Dec 2013 15:07:35
Eds,

Depending what paper you read Ian Ayre has ' reportedly ' flown out for talks with Barca for Montoya then Basel for Salah.

This may or may not be true?

Once it does reach this stage do you know how successful ( most ended up signing or not ) Ian Ayre has been with previous clubs in these talks with definitive targets as both would be fantastic additions.

{Ed002's Note - I really don't keep those sort of statistics.}

14 Dec 2013 14:58:57
Eds any chances of us looking at Marchisio? I read that he could be available now that Juve isn't in CL anymore. He's a quality player in a position that we definitely need to improve in. So any chance LFC looks to buy/ loan him?

{Ed002's Note - You are clutching at straws.}

Marchisio in the summer long term replacement for Gerrard.

14 Dec 2013 14:51:02
I never thought Xabi Alonso would return until macca said it was possible. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered if he's waiting to see how we finish. I feel if we finished near the top and in the champions league he would fancy a move. Just doesn't make sense that a person who would want to stay at Madrid has taken this long to agree a deal. Any thoughts reds and eds?

Move on from this, its not going to happen.

Move on from this, its not going to happen.

14 Dec 2013 14:45:23
When we go to Man. City on Boxing Day - they'll score 3 and Suarez will score 4! :-)

To be fair City punish any mistakes with quality.

14 Dec 2013 14:06:20
The Arsenal City game is really heated. Aguero and Koschelny injured (although I would never wish it) can only be good for us.

Levels the playing field a little considering the amount of first teamers we are missing.

14 Dec 2013 13:17:08
Eds and reds, would you take Michu in January? Is it a more likely option in the summer?

Maybe for what Swansea paid for him.

I personally wouldn't risk it. He seems to be going through 2nd season syndrome at the moment.

No we don't want to be playing with a target man.

14 Dec 2013 12:20:34
Just had a thought, and wanted to share it with the Eds' and fans here. I clearly remember last summer how many people here were happy we were not going to be involved in the Europa League this season. But I'm suggesting that Rodgers would have been happier if we had still been involved because:
1) It's probable he kept a thinner squad with a lack of Europa League in mind. No point in keeping extra players who are going to moan/groan about lack of playing time and make noises about moving out (we don't pay the same wages that Chelsea, Man City, Man U & Spurs do to players to keep them quiet when sitting on the bench).
2) It's probable that he would not have allowed as many loans to go out given that those players would be needed. Having the likes of Wisdom, Suso & Assaidi around and available for both the EPL and Europa would have lowered the current anxiety after injuries to the first XI.
3) The financial gain from Europa League is negligible for some and enough for others. But my opinion is that being in there would continue to give LFC the media exposure it has and will always need, in both attracting top talent and growing fan following.
4) Having the younger players develop around Melwood & Anfield, in or around the first XI, is better any day than having them shipped off elsewhere for playing time, from the perspective of squad cohesion and development.

What do you think?

{Ed002's Note - You need to register. And Liverpool does not have a "thin squad" - and you are wrong about the wages.}

Sorry Ed002, that was me. I had logged in, but refreshing the page must have logged me out. I'm actually happy if I'm wrong about the wages.

In fairness, Ed's, the Liverpool squad is "thinner" since the days of Jan Molby and Razor Ruddock?

{Ed002's Note - Absolutely Alan.}

Spurs aren't as good as last season either are swansea Liverpool and newcastle are better with out it its a horrible competition needs to be changed and give more money ect ect

The Europa league should simply be a straight home and away knockout cup competition without any of the group stage crap.

The Europa league should simply be a straight home and away knockout cup competition without any of the group stage crap.

14 Dec 2013 09:42:40
All the signs are that it's going to be a good transfer window. Salah is looking likely, as is Hughes and for full back Montoya is a possibility. If we miss out on Salah, then Tello is also available and as he's looking for playing time we should be an attractive proposition. All these guys would immediately give us the strength in depth we need to keep up the challenge for a top four place. Folk might disagree about Hughes but from what I've seen he already has an old head on his young shoulders and clearly has the ability to go very far. Roll on January

PM
Pele and Maradona sustained their standard of play for over 10 years, winning world cups for their countries. Ronaldo (fat Ronaldo) was great a one world cup and had problems in the final in France. Ronaldo (thin one) should be amongst the all time greats. he actually looks as if he CARES if his team loses and fights/bleeds for this country. as much as I disliked him while at ManU, can't stop admiring the player for what he is. fantastic

I never understood the fascination with Tello. He is a decent player, but not a game changer and would struggle when it gets physical. Most of his goals/assists come when Barca bring him on after Messi and Co. have done the damage. I see him as no improvement on Sterling or Ibe and if he were to be brought in, I am sure he would need time and we would have another Alberto/Suso situation all over again.

I agree with Real AG. Tello is simply too direct and offers very little versatility. In my opinion, Cuenca was better. The only winger worth taking from Barca is Pedro.

@ Iranred

Brazil Ronaldo dominated in France 98' but had problems before the final so wasn't really fit to play. He single handedly lead Brazil to the Korea/Japan world cup in 2002. He is the all time top scorer at world cups. He came back from 2 serious leg breaks. He is in another league compared to Portugal Ronaldo. Brazil Ronaldo is probably the best player I've ever watched live, he had everything a number 9 should have + a ton more. Phenomenon. His hattrick at Old Trafford when he was supposedly past it was exceptional.

Totally agree with seano. He was the blue print for the modern day striker- pace, power just unbelievable ability. That goal he scored for barca against Vigo or compostela? I forget, anyways it was class. So sad what happened to him, but for me he is one of the best ever. His hair in 2002 was lame tho

Fully agree seano! old ronaldo is the only player ever to get me on the edge of my seat. had everything

Iranred by your post, I can tell by all certainty that you NEVER saw Ronaldo play and its a shame because you just showed your ignorance of world football to the world. As someone who watched him play from the BEGINNING to the END of his career, I can safely say with all authority that I have NEVER seen before or after, a striker of is calibre. Marco Van Basten was Awesome BUT Ronaldo was flat out SPECIAL. He could score goals on his own with no help and from anywhere on the field. Messi needs help from his teammates. Ronaldo NEVER needed help from ANYONE. He was MAGICAL. He was the protype for every centre forward. Pace, power, trickery, strength and all out skill. He would leave defenders in his wake that they wondered what had happened to them. He was a BLUR on the field due to his blinding speed. He was nicknamed "the Extra Terrestrial" or "the Phenomenon" for a reason. Ronaldo was top scorer in Spain (Real and Barca) and Italy (Inter) and the WC in 2002. Was three time player of the year and twice WC MVP. He won a WC on his own after coming back from two devastating injuries. Second all time in goals for Brazil behind Pele. He is a god to us who had the previlege to see him play and go through some very difficult times but always came out on top. A true champion of the game. "Fat Ronaldo" scored a hatrick against UTD and the mancs gave him a standing ovation. Not bad for a "fattie". I advise you go youtube his clip. it`s are 3hrs long, you might learn something. Cristiano Ronaldo is trying to be him and in Brazilian Ronaldo`s prime, Messi would NEVER be fit to even carry his boots not to talk of lacing them. He succeeded EVERYWHERE he played and at every level. Arguably the greatest centre forward EVER.

13 Dec 2013 23:02:50
Hi eds hope all is well, saw pics of Rossiter training with the first team today, does this mean he will be trusted as back up until the transfer window is back open or is it just a case of giving him first team experience?

Many thanks

Henlow red

I am not an Ed, but a lot of the younger group players train with a group above their age group at LFC. It's to get them ready.

Rossiter trains once a week with the first team. The boy is only 16 - no need to rush him.

14 Dec 2013 02:51:21
Will be tough game sunday. We don't do well at Spurs historically, and I would be ridiculously happy with a draw. If I were BR, I would load up the midfield and play only Suarez and Coutinho up top, playing the counter. I am sure some will say we should go for the win but I just don't see it to be honest. Spurs have been air tight defensively this season, so playing the counter might be our best opportunity.

Who will 'load' this midfield? Hendo, Allen Lucas, Alberto. Who else do we have?

Coop

Just go for the throat as they've not been as 'air-tight' over the last four games.

It's a tough place to go, but City showed (whether or not at home) that if you go at them they'll crumble.

Yes, a draw would be nice, and I've said that myself over the last few 'big games' that the club have had, but the more I think about it, the more I realise that I'm wrong.

Everton did it at Utd and had enough chances against Arsenal so it's time this team stepped up and started giving these league competitors a good hiding.

Our record away to Spurs is appalling of late. We have lost our last 5 away at Spurs and that 4-0 with Skrtel and Adam send-off, still fresh in my memory.

We need to go for a win, but by the looks of it, BR has gone defensive.

I'm with Davey on this.
When spurs played Chelsea earlier this season, Chelsea went at them in the 2nd half and spurs looked shaken and were for the taking.it was only when Nando got sent off that Chelsea had to sit back, and it let spurs off the hook.
So maybe we should be a little defensive to start, see how the game is going and press in the second half, hopefully spurs will tire after their game in the week.

We can go at them but must be very cautious about it and not leave gaps behind to for them to run into.