Liverpool Banter Archive February 14 2018

14 Feb 2018 22:20:06
Not saying we'll win the UCL, but I think we're the best team in Europe in one-off matches and that's what you need to win the UCL.
I can see us going further than the QFinals.

14 Feb 2018 22:36:56
On that performance we can go very far. So delighted with that result I didn't expect it at all, we showed we mean business tonight.

14 Feb 2018 22:39:54
Now, that was a welcome surprise. I did not know we could even score 2 at Porto w/ o conceding and we scored 5 (could have been more) w/ o conceding. Bravo to the boys, the away fans and the coaching staff for a job well done.

Now the great thing about this win and the score line is that we play Utd after the second leg so Klopp can actually rotate in the second leg so the boys can be ready for the trip to Utd that weekend as this tie, is pretty much done and dusted.

14 Feb 2018 23:14:38
You're right guys, we shortened our odds tonight, that's for sure.

14 Feb 2018 23:06:41
That's a great point actually BRover and I agree it could've been more tonight, we played them off the park. So chuft it's unreal.

15 Feb 2018 01:10:52
Our high press, lethal counter attacking football has the ideal ingredients for knockout football so there's definitely optimism when it comes to our chances of going far in this competition!

15 Feb 2018 02:38:54
I would urge caution, all this talk of resting players and the tie is done stuff. We have seen this season the jeckyl and hyde nature of this team. Porto should not be taken lightly and we should show them their due respect in the second leg. We play our full strenght team on the night and see who is left standing for the United game.

15 Feb 2018 04:37:46
Ye we should still bring a professional approach to the 2nd leg. Porto aren't a pub team after all. Also think we should pump the breaks on crowning ourselves "best of" or "best in" anything. We've not earned anything yet. in with a shout of course, but until we do it again and again we don't deserve that kind of accolade.

15 Feb 2018 05:32:09
It is surely common sense, with 5 away goals, to rest a few key players and give some fringe players the chance to impress - especially given we have a key game against United at the weekend? If Klopp plays a full strength side and, say, Salah or Firmino gets injured fans will bemoan him for not resting players. The result gives us the luxury of rotation, its not about lack of respect, its about being smart and makuing sure our key players are available for an important league game. Also did you honestly see anything from Porto to suggest they will overturn a 5 goal deficit?

{Ed0333's Note - I suspect Solanke, Ings, Gomez, Lallana, Milner, Moreno will play with a strong bench. I wouldn’t play the 3 offensive titans from the start.

15 Feb 2018 08:32:43
I'd be fine with that, give the players a chance to shine and rest the key players for the bigger test. I can't believe some posters object to this to be honest.

15 Feb 2018 09:18:01
Not a hope in hell FC Porto will score 6 in Anfield even with a weakened Liverpool team.

16 Feb 2018 07:15:23
I rekon let mane play, feel like he needs the rhythm.

14 Feb 2018 21:39:41
hello, everton fan here (as you have probably already inferred from my username) i was watching your game with porto and noticed that you lot weren't really playing with a high pressing style that is normally a characteristic of jurgen klopp teams, granted i haven't really watched liverpool much, and the only comparison i have is what i've read of klopp. so have you been playing like this all season? it seemed to me you were almost passive in your pressing and not as intense, and if it is a difference do you know why they might have set up like that (i don't really mean to offend anyone and take away from your victory tonight, obviously you have to be good to smash porto 5-0 away from home) just something that piqued my curiosity, thank you :)

{Ed0333's Note - Klopp and the players are picking and choosing when to apply the press depending on the opposition. It’s not the archetypal Geggenpress anymore. It was becoming predictable and players couldn’t sustain the press for 90 mins.

14 Feb 2018 21:56:49
thanks ed.

14 Feb 2018 22:00:31
another question, did the problems of archetypal gegen pressing become exposed during the season where klopp finished 8th in the bundesliga? is that where its decline started?

{Ed0333's Note - I would say that’s a fair assessment of the situation yes. I think Bundesliga coaches just worked it out after Klopp had so much success with it. It worked well in the Premiership (especially in the first half of games) and then coaches just played the ball over the top to bypass the midfield. Now we pick and choose the intensity of the press and when to execute it. I can define what I mean by the press if you want as you wouldn’t know being an Everton fan. I’m only joking mate. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Valentines Day mate.

14 Feb 2018 22:05:23
So Ed what your saying is JK has learned from his mistake's in the past and he's become more tactical?

{Ed0333's Note - I think he’s adapting and modifying his working practices to his environment. So yes mate.

14 Feb 2018 22:11:13
thanks ed!

14 Feb 2018 22:11:22
and cheers you too :)

14 Feb 2018 22:22:04
It's always a sign of a good coach who can adapt. Thanks Ed.

14 Feb 2018 22:45:46
Toffe fan, your observations afre correct. Klopp stopped th whole counter pressing thing last season, as Ed said. In fact, we don't even play that way anymore. Now not only do we pick when to press, we pick where to press cos if you watch the City game, we would set what we call pressing traps for them in the "half-spaces" (btw the edges of the box and the touchline) and press them there. We do this cos the space is constricted and tight so if a mid or FB is pressed there with all the passing lanes blocked, he is ripe for the taking. It may be a simple concept BUT we do it so well with speed, tenacity and intelligence hence, why NOBODY can do it like we do.

15 Feb 2018 00:11:57
klopp is adapting, something his detractors say he can't do.

15 Feb 2018 09:48:05
We're the best team in the world at getting the ball back.
I half expect us to win the ball every time the opposition pass out from the back.

14 Feb 2018 21:06:41
Not so much a rumour but an almost probable fact. My girlfriend has just released herself from her contract on the grounds that she feels unloved. Gutted as she was an important part of the team. I will address the gap left by her in the close season. I refuse to panic buy whilst we are playing like this. YNWA.

14 Feb 2018 21:21:30
No offence but I couldn’t give a toss about your love life, we’re winning 4.0 😂 mane got his phunk back.

14 Feb 2018 21:31:49
5-0 actually numb nuts and I would have missed it all if I had still been with the lass. My priorities cannot be questioned so back in yer box Digger.

14 Feb 2018 21:42:46
We should really all just appreciate and enjoy the front three especially, because they now proving there pedigree on the european stage, the big clubs are bound to be sniffing around now, wow what a performance by the boys.

14 Feb 2018 21:37:56
Did you get her a birthday cake? Let her flirt with the opposition?

14 Feb 2018 22:32:12
Was her name philipa by any chance?

{Ed0333's Note - Brenda?

15 Feb 2018 04:21:23
You would have missed it if you were still with her? She's lying to you mate, she took a transfer to a team with balls. 😂😂.

14 Feb 2018 20:40:45
Absolutely brillant professional 1st half performance great to see mane on the score sheet pity his final ball couldn't be better or we'd be 4 or 5 up . Midfield started off quietly but all 3 have been immence for the last 20/ 25 mins of the half if bobby could have gotten on the score sheet then it would have been an absolutely perfect 1st half . Take a bow James Milner might not have the pace anymore but makes up for it in desire and determination our best player for me in the 1st half . Come boys let's put this to bed in the 2nd half so we can relax and party at Anfield on the return leg.

14 Feb 2018 20:58:17
Just got home. saw the score at half time. thought great will go on live chat. Couldn't believe the negativity. embarrassing considering the context of the match. Last time I go in there.

14 Feb 2018 21:51:12
Notsozippy. So. Firmino is on the final score sheet. Mané scored 3. We ended up 5 nil. Was that a prediction for second half from you?

14 Feb 2018 23:36:48
Delighted that Bobby got on the score sheet and that mane has found his scoring boots again. I think it was more hope than a prediction that what I hoped happened actually did I've posted here before when we were 2 mil up at HT asking for more of the same second half only for it to turn around and but me on the ass and us ending up and either drawing or loosing the game second half so I was very reluctant to tempt faith again but I need not have worried as that for once was a near complete team performance and bar some sort of miracle we should be thought to the last 8 well done lads never in doubt after the 5th goal 😉😁.

{Ed0333's Note - QF of the European Cup sounds good no?

15 Feb 2018 05:08:48
Sure does ed0333 especially with a game to spare happy days.

{Ed0333's Note - this is liverpool we’re talking about Zippy we could still go out lol.

15 Feb 2018 08:41:55
5 nil up so they have to score 6 without reply not in a pigs ear will that happen I expect a 2:1 win at home on March 6th .

15 Feb 2018 11:15:00
Ed I've been unable to comment on live game chats for the last 2 games. Is there any reason for that please or is it an error my side?

{Ed033's Note - the username was banned probably due to something you posted which an Ed thought was worth a ban. You're unbanned now.

14 Feb 2018 18:43:00
I hope this is the back 5 that Klopp stays with for the remainder of the season now.

I don't mind TAA and Gomez sharing the RB position but the other 4 need to stay imo.

You reds!

14 Feb 2018 14:16:57
The current squad isn’t far off being a team that can win the league. We need a top top GK I’d love Oblak but my alternate would be Leno, we also need to sign a quality RB for me I’d like us to go for Vrsaljko at A. Madrid he’s consistent and can do a bit of everything. Then finally I’d like us to sign a deep lying midfielder somebody like Jorginho from Napoli would be a good player for this position. Then on top of that I’d sign another winger to add extra quality and depth. Then I think we would honestly see our first Bpl title.

14 Feb 2018 15:49:17
Oblak is a pipe dream sadly. He'd be my dream signing. Ed002 says Navas is the keeper of interest to Klopp though, and i have no reason to doubt him.

Vrsaljko i also agree would've been fantastic but he just signed a new deal. I've just got a feeling Gomez will stay there for another season. He's too good not to be playing, but he's not ready for the centre back role just yet. He gives us the option to switch to a back 3 if a game is getting away from us too. I think we'll sign a centre back to play with Virgil. Maybe De Vrij or Howedes are still of interest.

Jorginho, again is a great player who I'd love but there has been no interest shown by us in defensive midfielders. Demirbay and Lemar are of interest still. Henderson and Keita will probably prop up the midfield. Klopp just doesn't utilise a DM. He prefers Henderson there, and has even used Gini there in the past.

On a winger, again i agree! I'd personally love a real top young talent who won't care about being one for the future and is willing to fight for a place. God knows if that is in the pipeline though. I think this would require Origi, Ings and Sturridge to leave though. We already have Mane (LF) Firmino (CF), Salah (RF), Solanke (CF) and Chamberlain (RF) . So I'd quite like another player who can compete with Mane for the left side of the front 3. Maybe Ojo, Wilson or Kent will really impress on loan. Lemar can cover there too though so maybe that is part of why he's a target.

Good post though mate. I agree on all the positions even if Klopp doesn't, and your choices are all top quality players.

14 Feb 2018 16:16:39
Vrsaljko I don’t see as anything special or an improvement on Gomez.

The others sound great. Maybe out of reach though and I still think Karius should be given to the end of the season to prove himself. He could still be the answer.

14 Feb 2018 16:35:37
I'd agree with you on the positions we need but for now I'm happy to see how Karius does until the end of the season.

Personally I would go for Weiser at right back, Kovacic for deep lying playmaker, Pulisic for another option across the attack and Brandt as Coutinho's replacement.

14 Feb 2018 16:38:44
I don’t see the need for a RB, we have TAA, Gomez and Clyne and I’d rather not have a RB if it means seeing less of TAA or Gomez quite honestly. A new keeper would be nice but I’ll judge karius more at the end of the season when he’s had a fairer chance. The midfield will be injected with Keita but I’d love to see Ndidi too. The forward line is fine, LB is sorted, Lovren looks a better player next to VVD and long term Gomez will slot in hopefully. We have a lot of talented youngsters who I’d be more than happy see get some game time opposed to signing for the sake of signings. Luckily Klopp and his team seem to refrain from doing such things.

14 Feb 2018 17:37:35
Totally agree with your post johnbarnesleftpeg. I’d like to give Karius a good run till the end of the season then make a proper judgment. Our goalkeepers r always under the spotlight a lot more than anyone else’s.

14 Feb 2018 18:54:05
If any of the EDDS r around,
To me it looks MATIP and LOVREN r fighting to partner VVD, until the summer,
For me, MATIP is to passive and doesn’t impose himself for the size of him, he’s easily bullied, and LOVREN is the proverbial accident waiting to happen.

14 Feb 2018 19:14:53
What’s the opinion of Navas?

I think he’s got great reflexes and great positional sense. Not sure how good he is on crosses or when under physical pressure.

14 Feb 2018 19:48:59
Navas is a shocker. Terrible on crosses and no physical presence in the six yard box, throws himself around to make basic saves look spectacular and let’s in some horrendous howlers, he’s well known as Madrid’s weak link. No better than Claudio Bravo imho and you know how awful he’s been at City. Honestly cannot see any positives to signing him as he’s not an improvement on what we have.

14 Feb 2018 22:58:55
Good shout! We also need a world class CB to partner VVD. I would also add a LB into the list. Now that’s 6 players, half the squad!

14 Feb 2018 23:11:34
You are having a laugh MK if you consider AOC at RW. We will finish 10th place if that happens next season. He has one good game in 3 months and that is his ratio. In 12 months time he will become the new Wijnaldum!

People moan of not breaking the parked bus and then goes on to argue of keeping the same full backs for next season! Joke! I just pray Klopp listens to none and just improve half of the positions for the next season.

14 Feb 2018 10:19:04
Going to miss the game tonight, absolutely gutted as it's valentines and have to go out for food with the misses😫Big win needed, any one got tickets or travelling over?
Come on the boys YNWA!

{Ed025's Note - wimp.. :)

14 Feb 2018 11:00:27
Valentine’s Day works both ways mate, if she loves you she will let you watch the match 👍😁.

14 Feb 2018 11:34:28
I have 2 birds in my life.
And the one that sits in middle of our Crest comes first tonight lads.

14 Feb 2018 12:08:57
Say you're sick 😀👍.

14 Feb 2018 12:10:02
I think you should make an effort to feed your budgie at half time though, LiverpoolFC8.

14 Feb 2018 13:06:08
Yep Adam, some seed for the bird 😏.

14 Feb 2018 13:11:35
I got it made 😂. I'll go do the whole lovey thing and refuse the thank yous while chilling her brother will have the match on.

14 Feb 2018 14:41:35
I planned ahead,

Taking mine to a spar for the weekend as a present so now tonight I can watch the game in peace.

{Ed002's Note - I think you will find Spar is a cheap cornershop chain.}

14 Feb 2018 14:43:19
You should cook her dinner. But woops, start late with the tv on at about quarter to eight. Have her sit down with a glass of wine (bottle) and some chocolates in another room while you prepare a perfect meal. I recommend steak, only takes a few mins and can be put on during injury time. If you are a terrible cook this will work wonders and further explain your hour and a half prep time. You might check in with her at half time and pour a second glass (bottle), and read her the poem you've been working on. Come half nine reveal the perfect Valentine's Day meal. You may miss the analysis after the match but these things happen.

14 Feb 2018 14:25:12
Ed25! Where you been, bro? Glad to have you back on the beat. How are things at Everton? Mangala? Yikes!

{Ed025's Note - been on a bit of a sabbatical brover, i think we are just about safe now mate but the season has been a massive let down, mangala is temporary (i hope) and we need to start shipping out some of the dutch elm starting with the manager for me..

14 Feb 2018 16:21:37
Glad to have you back Ed025, i missed you! Some guy called Scholes_18 has done a good covering job in terms of giving us some banter, but he's not got as much experience winding us up as you do 😉.

{Ed025's Note - a manc will never beat a scouser in the wind up stakes MK, but i see myself as a home truth teller mate..

14 Feb 2018 17:04:45
Ok ed2 I will take her to Marks and Spencer’s.

{Ed002's Note - A lot better.}

14 Feb 2018 18:02:20
I told my bird valentine's is tomorrow hahahaha I wudnt b able too relax, she getting took out tomorrow end off.

14 Feb 2018 22:13:16
Ed002, Adriaan van Well would not be happy with you, associating SPAR with corner shop - tut tut 😜😜.