Liverpool Banter Archive January 14 2013
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14 Jan 2013 23:08:08
I really do wish someone would sit FSG down in front of a computer, go in YouTube and type in wesley sneijder. If that doesn't convince them of what a world class player he is and worth every penny then we have no hope. Amen
Yes, we want our owners making huge decisions based on You Tube. that's a great plan.
No, Titus Bramble looks better than Sneijder on his youtube clip. Would cost less than Wesley too. Snap him up.
cozinoz
...& immediately following that YouTube video, someone show FSG the price tag for said Sneijder...if that doesn't scare them off this mercenary, then no hope...
The last time the owners bought a player after watching a YouTube video they bought Stewart Downing
Sneijder is good but he's money orientated thus the move to Galatasaray which looks to be confirmed tomorrow, we don't need players with that mindset we need hungry to win players
BR already said he wants a top class number 10 and maybe we'll get one in the summer, no short term fixes
Shak Attack
15 Jan 2013 01:22:38
Ya forgetting that they were convince of that clip of downing hitting shots into bins, that was fake, so clearly a you tube video could convince them, but his wages won't!
15 Jan 2013 04:08:52
If FSG are scouting via YouTube, then we might as well prepare for the Championship.
£20m for Pat Sullivan: http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=hbMWQXmMkyw
- Something Red -
14 Jan 2013 22:59:38
ed has there ever been any interest in iker muniain {Ed002's Note - Try the search function please.}
14 Jan 2013 22:53:16
The Liverpool FC twitter acc posted a tweet from Wesley Sneijder which said "YNWA" and soon after Sneijder deleted the tweet. Ive seen this with my own eyes so not through word of mouth. Anyone know any more about this? {Ed052's Note - print screen it?}
I saw it too but it said 'YMCA' - he's joining the Village People
14 Jan 2013 22:35:11
I quite welcome that we are looking at another defender regardless of we buy or not.
1. Sends message to agger Skrtel to keep performance up nd not being complacent nd take their position for granted.
2. Martin kelly has been stalling on new contract so it sends him message that their are other available options nd hopefully this pushes him to sign new contract. .
3. Jamie is retiring at end of season nd Wilson nd coates have failed to make most albeit coates should be given more chances nd I still believe he can be great at holding midfielder as has skill nd eye for forward passes just needs more experience nd hard work.
4. Br loking at another ball playing defender nd given agger s injury history I would defo have someone like mirin or farren as back up ..also if required could push agger to left back or left wing back .
In end hope we do get one good defender bd coates is loaned out or played more to get better..
Harry Oldbury
14 Jan 2013 22:32:18
Just get Sneijder, man. This sort of chance doesn't come along every day
14 Jan 2013 22:27:26
Hi Ed's,
i know it is twitter, But did anyone else see The tweet from Wesley Sneijder on his personal account saying 'YNWA', Was quickly deleted?
Anyone make anything of it?
Cheers {Ed052's Note - is it an official account}
I think it was Ed
RedSpud {Ed002's Note - Nailed on then.}
15 Jan 2013 14:14:05
It was by WesleySneijder101010 which isn't official. The tweet after said something like, "Haha [profanity]" or something along those lines which proved it wasn't the real Sneijder. That should clear it up.
BthekingB {Ed052's Note - that account says its official. Anyway, the whole tweet business means nothing
14 Jan 2013 19:57:30
Have been following the French Ligue 1 recently and Florian Thuavin caught my eye. He's a 19 yr old attacker and I heard Newcastle were reportedly interested?
Could anyone or ED's tell me if there is any interest from Liverpool?
Thanks
SR {Ed052's Note - not that I've heard no}
14 Jan 2013 22:11:44
Eds and Reds,
What do you make of Hatem Ben Arfa's comments:
"I am interested by Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Today, these clubs are over Newcastle, " Ben Arfa said.
"During the summer, there was contact with Chelsea. But I wanted to stay in Newcastle.
"Whoever tasted England, it's hard to go elsewhere. There is everything to be happy.
Could we show an interest in him after he's now showed an interest in us? {Ed052's Note - no. He wont be signing}
14 Jan 2013 21:41:38
Eds what d you reckonn is our best frontline? Personally i liked look of sturridge suarez together so do you think it may be suarez behind sturridge give him a license to do what he does in hole. Then have borini and downing? Maybe interchanging borini and sturridge if need be. Dont like the idea of suarez outwide you don't see enough if the ball for his type of player. {Ed052's Note - I would like a front 3 of Borini, Sturridge and Suarez. An interchangeable front 3.}
14 Jan 2013 22:44:41
Right now?
I'd rest Sterling for a couple of weeks because he could use it, imo. By no means dump him permanently though, still drop him on from the bench and put him back starting in the future.
Suarez is an automatic pick. Sturridge merits inclusion too. I'd alternate them between the centre and tucked in from the left.
I'd go with Downing on the right. I know he has to cut in to use his strong foot when he's on the right, but even on the right, he stays wide to recieve the ball more than any other attacker we have. This opens more space for Sturridge, Suarez and players breaking from midfield. It's also important with Wisdom at right back. Whilst he is a fine athelete and plenty willing to get forward, he's not that comfortable attacking, and isn't the same sort of threat from out wide as Jonno or Enrique.
- Something Red -
Personally I see Suarez playing as basically a #10, Sturridge up front and Borini on the left, cutting inside. With Downing or Sterling playing wide on the right.
What is it with this "cutting inside"? A player should go the best way to attack, even if he's left footed playing on the right or vice versa.
Beat the man, whichever way you go.
Rigsby.
14 Jan 2013 21:40:16
eds I've be reading a few articles about the possible arrival of Forren and it says that it is likely that Coates will go out on loan. I like Coates and I know alot of other LFC fans think he could become a good player but does Rodgers see him in his long term plans or is this loan a short term solution for getting rid of him? {Ed052's Note - I don't think he is in the long term plans. However a good loan spell could see that change}
14 Jan 2013 21:14:50
Eds
I've heard Ecclestone is of to Blackppol. Any truths?
Cheers
GoodKopBadKop {Ed052's Note - he left in the summer to Blackpool and has been atrocious}
Scored a decent goal at the weekend. Nice volley.
Red Ollie
14 Jan 2013 20:07:56
After seeing more and more of Ibe, we have an excellent player on our books. With him and Stirling the right side wing is covered and don't need Ince.
Ben Arfa would be much better option to buy.
Direct swap for Carroll?
Jordan Ivy looks quality as well
14 Jan 2013 20:06:13
we seem to be buying jack of all trades and masters of none.
alan waddle
Yr enjoying a wee moan on here tonight aren't ya mr. waddle?!
14 Jan 2013 19:54:35
Do you think that BR isn't happy with Coates if we are looking for a new defender?
14 Jan 2013 19:40:37
Sorry to add to the multitude Eds but have I missed something? I understand that Molde were contacted and accepted an offer from Liverpool to take Vegard Forren on trial from this Tuesday15/1/13...but where have these rumours about £4m come from? Thanks in advance, Reynard {Ed002's Note - I have explained I know nothing of the done deal to Liverpool and the other stuff.}
14 Jan 2013 21:59:56
Anyone know if any of the terrestial channels are showing highlights of the African Nations Cup?
Itv 4 if that's any help
14 Jan 2013 21:51:13
Joe allan: It's hard for new players guys! Liverpool fans are tough to impress! He was apsaloutly amazing for Swansea when I saw the 15m I was surprised, I thought he'd cost more... He's not producing it for us yet but he was the pinpoint of every Swansea attack, he has the ability to cut defences in two... His control with the ball under pressure was fantastick we just have to let him settle in if he can reproduce some of that form our squad will be very hard to beat! Next season will be a good one if Lucas keeps himself fit he'll be back to his hard tackleing best... With one or to quality signings we'll be a force again... IF we keep ahold of Suarez...
There can be no excuses for Allen, fact is he is rubbish.
14 Jan 2013 21:49:15
My memories about the last person named Vegard to play for Liverpool aren't good ones...
Red jay
14 Jan 2013 23:00:17
Really?
Heggem was quite good until he got injured.
- Something Red -
Heggem is a legend
Scouse_Pride {Ed001's Note - Heggem was a modern day full back, great going forward but atrocious defensively. If he played today, everyone would rave about him. I wonder if that makes him ahead of his time?}
14 Jan 2013 21:48:01
Did anybody else feel like yesterday when Sturridge and Borini came on, we looked like a team with 3 forwards on the field, rather than 1 forward and 2 wingers?
Okay Okay i know we did have 3 forwards on the field, but it made such a difference to our forward play, and i'm really excited to see them play together and gain more chemistry.
More than anything else, i hope we do well enough that B.Rodgers is afforded one more season. I'd like to see what he can do after another year, if after 2 years we are still outsiders for the top 4 it may be time to part ways. Without resources like Chelsea's we can't afford to go through managers like they do, they can rely on the ability to buy 95% of all players, with players like that, certain expectations are formed.
If we are waiting for that 1 manager in 1000, who's going to come in and make results rosy and life great in 6 months, we are going to be waiting a long old time guys.
Lfc is not a choice, it's a privilege, and it's one i'll carry to the grave. Lfc has my 100%, Steven Gerrard or no, Brendan Rodgers or not.
When Kenny said we are stronger unified, i'm not sure truer words have been spoken since the days of Shanks and Paisley.
Thanks.
WelshBoyDave
I agree, Suarez, Borini and Sturridge looked very good. I liked Sturridge, he has really quick feet, great positioning and is not afraid to shoot.
Further to your point about playing three fowards, Borini and Sturridge were contantly tracking backwards. Constantly. If they continue to do this, it is a great team balance. I was surprised by Sturridges engine, and Borini is a beast. Good times to come(Hopefully)
daveevad
14 Jan 2013 19:58:34
Why are so called fans coming on to this site all the time to whinge about players, the manager and owners. FSG in my opinion they are running our great club very well, they have yet again spent a load of money. with more to be spent in future windows. BR has got the team playing some good stuff at times, but because the team is young they will have of days. Also the team looks more at ease with the system. cannot believe that some posters get on stevie's back. coz the mans still got it and is looking better as the season has developed. so lets get behind the WHOLE club.
LEP72
We only perform against weaker opposition, we just crumble against the top ones.
Don't deceive yourself, we have not progressed at all.
14 Jan 2013 19:57:44
do you think eds, that we might buy the plymaker (no. 10) this winter? is there posibility for suchs signing?
cheers, Luka {Ed019's Note - It's possible if the right player becomes available, but I'd say we'd sign that sort of player in the summer}
Have you not heard about Wesley? What more would you need in a no.10?
Someone who plays for the team not just for the money, if Sniejder wants to come so much accept lower wages and he might get his wish.
Or he can go to Turkey for more money
Red1
14 Jan 2013 19:48:05
Rumours going that we are after Samaras for 4mil and BR wants to bring Kranjcar back in the PL. I hope its just a joke.
14 Jan 2013 21:27:36
Just to re word I am told, a fee has been agreed for Vegard Forren, I have no idea if he is having a trial or not strikes me as unlikely but that is my opinion not my sources
14 Jan 2013 21:15:25
Just when I thought I couldn't hate Joey Barton...anyone seen his tweets to Didi H?
MIKEYRED
14 Jan 2013 23:16:10
Gets personal more or less straight away, classy bloke.
I've never got this "Barton's alright" theory. Okay, he supports the Hillsborough families & HJC, which is better than not doing that. But that alone does not make someone alright.
I had this out with fellow Reds when he was still in England. Basically, my view was: "Would he still be an okay bloke if he got frustrated playing against us and had a kick at Suarez's knee, as he is quite liable to do (and did to Alonso a few years ago)?". And that's not including his off-field issues. And as for being a hard-man? Please. Nothing hard about kicking a player who's not looking at you in the back. Tommy Smith, Greame Souness or even Roy Keane would've crushed him.
I really don't know how every week, 21 professional footballers can stand to be on the same pitch as Joey Barton. I'd last 10 minutes before I'd punch him. And probably only 5 if I was playing against him.
That all being said, I'm not sure what Didi was hoping to get from tackling him on it. Should've left it.
- Something Red -
"even Roy Keane?" Seriously? Keane was tough as nails and totally uncompromising to boot.
Mantis.
15 Jan 2013 17:35:33
Keane was as tough as nails for a player who played in the 90s and early 00s, and he's certainly made of harder stuff than Barton.
But being a hard man in the 60s, 70s, 80s (like Souness & Smith) when you could get away with the occassional punch, was a different matter.
- Something Red -
14 Jan 2013 20:46:58
Eds fellow reds, I know it won't happen but just been watching sniejier on youtube . That as an addition to what we now have and I think we would get champions league by end of next season .just the missing link .
14 Jan 2013 20:46:07
I really don't know what the muppets in charge of identifying transfer targets are doing .how can they not see we need a defensive midfielder.what is wrong with mvila and sissoko or even diame.we lack ambition as a club, remy is a player we should be bidding for not ince, why can't we bid for honda, benat or even isco, not liverpool they rather spend it on 3 prospects who won't do the job of what 1 quality signing can do
Its all getting clearer how rodgers got the job, put a puppet in charge you can control to do what you want.suarez most likely would be gone in the summer, he can profess his love for liverpool all day long but he is at his peak and wants to challenge for trophies and liverpool won't give him that
If you think FSG are here to win trophies with liverpool rather than fill their pockets then you are deluded.
Yep, I wish the transfer window hadn't finished so soon. Er...hang on
cozinoz
14 Jan 2013 21:12:32
Hi Ed's! Life long Liverpool supporter here!
Does anybody know how to send a letter to the club so somebody important actually sees it? please post...
Address it to Luis Suarez
SOS will know, plus Official Website has a link no doubt..
14 Jan 2013 21:10:55
So, The Wesley of the Sneijder is stalling the move to Turkey. They've offered to match his current Inter wages which are Net Pay per year €6m = £4.989m, so he wants a net of £95, 948 per week.
And now we've apparently inquired about matching the transfer fee agreed too (€10m).
Wages are obviously a big hurdle.
€6m net from a UK wage at 40% income tax is £134, 327.20 (In between Saurez and Gerrard)
If we get clever and Sneijder agrees to do a 50% salary and 50% image rights contract (e.g Rooney, Sturridge, amongst others) then the tax player pays comes down to 25% and the club would have to pay out a wage of £120k per w (matching Suarez and still £20k less than Gerrard).
£8.2m transfer fee and £120K per week for Sneijder, anyone? Or do we still think he's a risk not worth taking?
SpudRed
Loan with option to buy would be less risky, Inter are desperate to get him out.
Red1
Zzzzzzzz, ask yourself why there is not a queue trying to sign him.
AJH
No I wouldn't want a tax dodger.
Ozone {Ed052's Note - here here. }
'Wouldn't want a Tax Dodger', that's funny. The image rights contract is 100% legal and requires filing to made in the players name as a company entity. Its done a lot in sports and even more so in Hollywood. The government is looking at ways to tax it more, which is as it should be, but again its 100% legal to structure a deal that way.
Anyways, even without such a structured deal he'd still be on less than Gerrard and worth the risk, imo.
I see Sneijder as a player with Sahin level of passing ability and Henderson energy, pace and stamina. I think he'll also have a massive point to prove at whichever his next club will be.
Its not going to happen tho', so I've probably wasted 30 minutes of my life thinking about it. La.
SpudRed
14 Jan 2013 20:57:47
Sturridge... did i get it wrong... or did he give the crown a 5 in the air for the champions Leagues as Torres once did?
Lets be honest... if the boy has the right attitude to play for this club and we support him... he already looks like he is going to be a good addition to the squad.
Also... Saurez... this is when we realise... how good he actually has been for the club... Borini and Sturridge come on and he now has space to play with because he is not being marked out of the game by at least 2 defenders at any given time.
Give this team alittle time... 70/30 at Old Trafford... not many teams do that at anytime.
14 Jan 2013 23:20:38
Certainly looked like it. Meant to mention it last night, but forgot.
I'm awfully cynical though and can't decide is he really passionate about the club or is on the PR trail.
- Something Red -
14 Jan 2013 20:30:14
regarding vegard forren i smell a rat already the manager of molde is ole gunnar soljskaer if he was any good do you think he would sell to us . another pudding.
alan waddle
I don't think that's how football works mate. He isn't basing his managerial career around loyalties to United, he'll be doing what he thinks is best for his players and his team. I'm sure when it comes to things like this it would be strictly business.
Maybe I'm being naive though?
JFT 96
JP
14 Jan 2013 22:03:35
solkjaer was a liverpool fan when he was younger might still be its not something you can turn on and off.
Agreed, bad signing potentially. He needs to give Coates a run in the team before he discards him. He might just find out he's actually class.
He found out that Hendo is actually quite good after he played him and needs to do the same with Coates.
G
If I'm not mistaken Ole did suggest him as a possible transfer for SAF. Why he chose not to take up the option (if that's the case) is anyone's guess. United do have plenty of young CB's though so perhaps he's just not needed at OT.
Gav
C'mon now. This is just pure paranoia.
davethebutcher
14 Jan 2013 21:33:05
U do know solkjaer(spelling)was a liverpool fan as a kid?
Then he grew up!.
14 Jan 2013 20:30:10
have any of you so called fans ever thought that joe allen is being asked to play a certain way by the man in charged of the team yes the manager some of you haven't got a clue yes he's not playing well at the moment but he will improve i bet your the same people who are crying please bring torres back, yeah the guy who didn't want to be here atleast players like allen do please go and support someone else
I am sure that £2 million signing on fee will help him sleep at night - eye brows where raised when we signed him for £15 million, unfortunately up to now he does not seem to fit the bill!
Playing in a certain way ? Laughable. he's played in front of the back four and persistently given the ball away and not made any tackles. He's played behind the front 2 and not created anything and still given the ball away. he's played in the middle and still looked awful. I don't see any basic skills this guy has to indicate he is good enough to play for this great club. Spearing has more than Allen. We should not have let Charlie Adam go for this guy, bearing in mind we made a net 11M loss on it.
G
Have you considered that you--OP--are the one without a clue??
You don't bring in a highly touted talent paying $15 mill along the way for him...to improve as time goes on...you bring a guy like that in to hit the ground running.
Let's leave the 'give them time to improve' spiel for the youngsters who deserve it: Suso, Sterling, Wisdom, et al. Yes, with these kids we will have to live with their growing pains.
Even BR, has to be disappointed with Allen and he must be wondering about his original assessment. It's one thing being a standout for Swansea; it's an entirely different matter being a standout with a club like LFC...even with our diminished status.
Frankly, Allen is just one more in a long line of poorly judged talent brought in by LFC: Carroll, Henderson, Cole, and on and on...
14 Jan 2013 20:26:03
If Liverpool have let Sahin go to bring in Bolton's Lee Chung-yong then the club is going up sh*t creek FAST !! Eds you heard anything on Lee ? Please god no he's awful
14 Jan 2013 20:25:31
ive just been told from my aunties dog that doni is with lord lucan and shergar in the bermuda triangle,
14 Jan 2013 20:14:40
said during the summer we should of got laudrup rather than a project manager . results will bear this out. top four were not even top of merseyside . if forren is to type he will be another pudding.
alan waddle
How sad, eds i know it seems like it but all liverpool fans are not like this
ste {Ed052's Note - I know I know. Alan Waddle can hardly be classes as one either}
Is that right mystic meg. i don't remember any one calling for laudrup.
at this time last year the swans were 1 point better off but they didn't have a mitchu banging them in every week or so, guess you said that we should have bought mitchu as well then.
KUMBER
14 Jan 2013 19:38:33
Hi eds great site wonderfull guy
Herd we are in for forren
It says he is set for a trial
What is ment by trial
Please please please reply
Many thanks eds
Keep up the good work
Sean a red {Ed052's Note - a trial is basically giving him a chance to impress}
14 Jan 2013 19:38:18
Evening Eds & fellow Reds
Just like to put my perspective up after yesterdays trip to United.
The game for us was a game of two halves really, the first half lesser said the better and the second half was a bit too little too late. Following are my observations please feel free to agree or disagree on the same:
1. The team line ups suggested that our team was like for like compared to united on paper, but in reality we had more gifted players than them on the pitch. Apart from RVP and Suarez there was no real head to head. Gerrard is much more technical than Carrick and as for the defence Skrtel-Agger pairing is as good if not better than Vidic-Ferdinand. The fullbacks in Johnson-Wisdom might be a tad lesser than Rafael-Evra. Reina again is much more qualified than De Gea. Lucas is much more experienced than Cleverly also Allen is more rated than Kagawa. Young and Downing ex Villa products haven't covered themselves with too much praise from both sets of fans this season. Welbeck is better than Sterling at the moment cause he's had more time as a pro.
2. Coming to another interesting fact they didn't have the services of M/s Rooney, Nani or Anderson. Players I think are real game changers. This must have been heartening to see as a Liverpool fan as all these players
have an eye for goal and are genuinely quick which might have given our overall team a bit more than we got yesterday.
3. Coming to the substitutions from the pattern of players coming on and going off for both teams it was evident which team was on the back foot and who was looking at grinding out the result. This also made it evidently clear to what was the net result of starting with the players that had taken to the pitch.
4. Suarez hardly had a kick all game and if he's going to play as a striker almost on the halfway line, than our defence is just centimeters away from the goal. Now that's not good for anyone in the team and am sorry no matter how talented you are you cannot score or create goals or make use of your clever tricks from the half way line of the pitch when you play tiki-taka football.
5. The entire concept of getting Sturridge into this team is to manufacture than next Dzeko aka Borini. Suarez is most effective when he's at the byline or when he manufactures a goal 40 yards away from it with his clever runs and sublime passes. Sturridge instead of Sterling would make sure that he can cut in and link up well with Suarez, Borini or Gerrard and also give young Sterling the right amount of game time so that he can hone his skills and compete shortly with Sturridge. Coming to Borini, its no secret if you find yourself in front of goal you will end up scoring. Playing him in the middle will just amplify our attack as he has a physical presence has pace and is also good at making a clever run when needed. This would give Suarez the license to annoy the the holding midfielders by getting the required space to unfold his magic.
6. We need good holding midfielders, if Hendorson has better form at the moment play him and let Allen fight for his place. Lucas needs time as he is coming back from multiple periods out of the game, we need cover for him. Shelvey is the only realistic cover for Gerrard and there is a huge difference in skill level owing to the experience Gerrard has over him. One more is needed in this department to make sure that for every spot on the pitch there are three heads in for contention.
7. Finally coming to the game it was all about Confidence. As in life and Footie if your Stars aren't shinin than you end up whinin. There was a clear difference in the players body language and approach to the game, United were engineered to win on the pitch and we were hoping to catch a break. Before Gerrards shot at goal De Gea could have sat in the stands for a want of a better phrase. He was untested and their defence largely looked at ease owing to the fact that our top striker was at the half way line. Confidence is the thing that ensures you set out to do the thing that you set out for. There was a time when Liverpool used to look at oppositions and desecrate them but in the years gone by we have lost that glazing in our eyes. No longer are we the appex predator, an all conquering beast we have fallen down the food chain and are being threatened from every direction. We need to be motivated, the people around the club need to start making the right noises, the players need to put in more and should not be cut any slack for a first half performance like that. If we are to again rise in the table than we need to rise within our 4 walls. There is no easier way of putting this money can buy you success instantly but the key word here is instant as it can also be taken away within the same time period. What we need is focused, dedicated and resourceful people at the club who will ensure that soon enough we go to Old Trafford and walk away with 3 points without having to scrap for it.
Cheers
Ani
PS: Sorry for the long post
Contradict yourself a lot ? Also Allen more rated than Kagawa ? Do me a favour mate ! Absolutely pointless post. And complete nonsense.
Allen is better than Kagawa!? That is probably the weirdest thing I have seen in a while. I am a big supporter of Allen, but to say Kagawa is not as good is absurd!
Piledriver
Allen is rated more than Kagawa? That's Allen who has won....nothing vs Kagawa who was player of the year in the Bundesliga last year? Long post...for long, read confused.
AJH
I'm not sure you can rate Allen better than anyone at present. Would rather have one of Bruno Cheyrou / El Hadji / Salif Diaou back ! Incidentally these are amongst the worst LFC signings ever....
Bring back Igor Biscan :)
sean ireland
14 Jan 2013 19:32:13
Sneijder wanted to move to England but was put off by both Manc clubs, arsenal but we're meant to be appealing. At sametime early copies of the Sunday papers were going with Sneijder story.
Personally don't think any will come a striker out of form and no nearer to the great player he was in first 3 seasons. Sneijder not played that much in past 18 months injury prone too much to lose and not worth the gamble. Would have liked us to try and sort something out for Alonso when we returned Sahin.
14 Jan 2013 20:56:23
Yes because Real Madrid are just going to let Alonso go half way through a very important season for them.
14 Jan 2013 19:25:10
So everyone is saying its coates going is it maybe just carra retiring at end of season
14 Jan 2013 19:17:20
Hi EDs and everyone.
A slight worry here.
If Liverpool are giving a medical to Vegard Forren, he is a left sided centre back.
Isn't that where Agger plays?
Everyone assuming that Coates is going, maybe it isn't.
Remember Man city wanted agger last year.
Possibly cover for Enrique at left back
We shall just have to wait and see.
Keep up the good work.
Paul
14 Jan 2013 19:10:13
Hi eds do we have an interest in Lee the south Koren from Bolton?
Mighty reds {Ed052's Note - I doubt it, but it would be possible}
14 Jan 2013 19:04:33
hey ed(s) i reckon we lacked muscle in midfield but that's my opinion i aren't saying its right but i hear QPR are interested in YANN M'VILA for round bout £6mill i think this would be a good signing if we happened to go in for him wat do you reckon? {Ed052's Note - not for me}
Been saying about a real physical presence required in middle for ages
14 Jan 2013 19:04:31
Guyz what's going on Eds and some posters say there is no money but Ian ayre says money is no problem and the club are in position to sign any player is up to Rodgers to choose them. {Ed052's Note - theres money avaliable for suitable players}
Suitable players meaning young players on lower wages with a possible sell on ed? {Ed001's Note - nope, meaning players that are felt good enough to improve the squad but not ridiculously over priced by their current club.}
14 Jan 2013 18:53:45
Although it seems the priority was attacking options, defensively we have been very poor this year. For whatever reason Agger and Skrtel are not a good enough combination together. I would be interested to see how many games they have started together before this season.
Good to hear we have a fresh face coming in as Coates and Wilson have failed to make an impact.
I personally think Agger is the weak link. He's just not an outstanding defender.
Agger a weak link? He has had a couple of bad games, but he is our best defender.
The real AG
14 Jan 2013 20:53:36
I totally agree. I don't think agger and skertal are a top class partnership at all. I just can't put my finger on it. They are both decent but always too many mistakes that cost us goals. A slip here, a poor back pass there, half a yard off there man there is always something.
Here is a mind boggling thought! Why not buy a top top notch centre half? Which means we do not have to play 2 relatively deep lying midfield players. Just a crazy thought.
Problem is I just can't think of too many outstanding CBs. Any thoughts?
Red belly
14 Jan 2013 18:33:56
Hi EDS, would be thankful if you could post this to let people who don't know much about Vegard Forren to have a look at
all you need to know about Vegard Forren
age: 24.
height: 1.86m.
Norwegian international.
center back ( left footed).
played 2 world cup qualifiers for Norway so far (180mins ).
scored 1 goal for Molde FK in the 3 champions league games this season. (270mins)
games played for Molde FK in Europa league 7 (630mins)
everton fulham and man utd have been linked with him in the past.
A new Sami/Arne ?
ND
14 Jan 2013 18:32:48
Hello Eds And Reds
Has anyone heard anything on the ince deal and when its likely to be done.
14 Jan 2013 18:27:45
hi eds any news on Moussa Sow {Ed052's Note - no}
14 Jan 2013 18:26:11
"Molde centre-back Vegard Forren - previously linked to Everton, Manchester United and Fulham - has been invited by Liverpool for a trial. It is understood the 24-year-old will be at the club's Melwood training ground on Tuesday"
Just passing on what is showing on N at present
end of Coates if true?!
Thanks for your patience and hard work ED's
Kop71 {Ed052's Note - if true, Coates would leave}
14 Jan 2013 18:21:18
joe allen needs to be sent to barbados for some R&R
he looks mentally fatigued, maybe being a new dad is taking its toll, whatever he needs a rest rather than abuse at the moment
tom1975
Not sure what Joe Allen brings to our team at all, except either a sidewards or backwards pass. Brendan clearly holds him in the highest regard, but we are 22 league games in and still waiting for him to have provided a match winning pass, a goal, or anything positive in attack at all. Sunderland at home is the only game we have seen him take a shot in.
He must be BR's lovechild
Yeah, and now we are stuck with him.
He (allen) is just rodgers, incapable of making the 'step up'.
After a season, all will see this.
14 Jan 2013 18:16:50
That vergard forren looks crap I would rather keep coates. A waste of 4 million, we need a creative midfielder!
14 Jan 2013 17:55:11
hi eds, i just wish we turned up in the 1st half we could have give them a game im gutted but on to the next match boys walk on.right ed before the match mr ian ayre stood there and said money is not an issue for are club, he then stated fund's are there for rodger's and that liverpool are looking at some player's ?.now if that is the case why is it not getting done, ok sturridge has come in great i like him very good signing, now why can't we go out and get 1 or 2 top class older player's in, ian said there is no problem with fund's so let's kick on and sort it, lets show real intent to push for 4th place.for me we need player's in there mid twenty's who would go straight in to the 1st team an help are young gun's push on.EG a winger and a class midfielder who could help out mr G run the show?.allen was so poor he should have been subbed end of the 1st half, lucus should have been the one who stayed on the pitch.now i like FSG as are owner's and would never knock them, i hope fgs show us what there made of in this window they said they would be putting a smlie on are faces, 1 or 2 player's more is all we need to push us forward fact.because we do have a load of great young player's at are club that just need a little more time to grow and learn in the prem.cheer's eds.jay essex red for life red till dead, as alway's walking on with hope. {Ed001's Note - take no notice of comments made at this kind of time. Clubs say what they want other people to hear, not what they actually mean. We tell people we have money, then they think we can play hard ball on outgoings. Clubs will say they have no money, then spend some. It is all just a big poker game in the transfer window.}
14 Jan 2013 17:49:02
If rumours about Vegard Forren and d transfer fee is true then we are willing to pay £4m for a position in our squad which is d strongest at the moment.
With the likes of Agger, Skrtel, Carragher, Coates already there and when Kelly comes fit Wisdom can play CB too plus Wilson.
And for people who are suggesting that we have signed the next Paulo Maldini. please just calm down. Let him play a few games for us atleast.
And eds do you think this is d end of their Anfield journey for one of them Coates & Carra or both?
*AA* {Ed001's Note - Carra is defo coming to the end, I don't see him playing more than one more season at the most. Coates is unhappy with lack of playing time, it is very possible we will have to let him leave.}
14 Jan 2013 15:29:04
hi ed001, I would like to give you a break from the vast number of questions regarding possible transfers and instead seek your honest opinion on the club. Do you believe that we will ever be get back to where we were in the 80's or even back challenging for the title like we were say in 08/09? I hate asking for a rough time scale but how long do you personally think it will take before we are even considered a top four team, never mind title challengers? Would really appreciate your thoughts on this.
RealisticRed {Ed001's Note - it will take a couple of years to push into the top four, then a couple more to make a title push, at least. It depends on the right transfers for us, a lot also depends on the others buying badly. I can't see a title challenge within 4 years, that gives time for the kids to develop.}
14 Jan 2013 13:46:26
Hey Ed001, just one question: Do you think Allen will make it as a LFC player, or maybe sold for 50% of his transfer fee a season later like Adam?
Gogol {Ed001's Note - I think he has a long term future, he just needs a rest.}
14 Jan 2013 17:22:42
Eds have you heard anything about this vergarrd Forren arriving for a medical tomorrow?
Centre half from Molde. Don't know fee but he's 24 years of age and never seen the guy play.
Jonesred
He's a left sided Centre Half, who will be cover for Agger.Coates will be on his way out.
Hi Jonesred,
This guy is a shrewd buy at 4million. He has a wand of a left foot and more importantly has composure in abundance.. makes tackles incepts stays on his feet, a real player. Utd and Juve looked very close in recent weeks so if we manage to get him be delighted.
14 Jan 2013 17:15:02
hey eds, i would just like to know where doni is, he seems to of just disappeared, and are we still paying his wages.
Please Reply... {Ed002's Note - We are not interested in that sort of gossip. It was all covered by www.nationalenquirer.com}
14 Jan 2013 17:12:12
just a quick question eds do you rate cheikh m, bengue an would there be a chance we could sign him {Ed002's Note - Is this because he is good on some fantasy game?}
14 Jan 2013 17:06:34
Any chances that Arda Turan of Athletico Madrid moving to Liverpool in summer? {Ed019's Note - Very little}
14 Jan 2013 17:01:48
Hey eds,
So what's the deal with Vegard Forren? I realize twitter isn't that reliable, but it seems a lot people are saying he's Liverpool bound and due to have a medical tomorrow. Thanks. {Ed019's Note - He's a Vidic-type player from what people have been telling me. Not seen too much of him to be honest}
I just watch abit of him and he is a cross between agger and hasen style but likes the slide tackle
14 Jan 2013 17:01:40
Hello,
Norwegian Press are reporting that the Norwegian Central defender Vegar Forren is going to liverpool tomorrow for contract talks and medical.
He's been playing for the Norwegian team Molde, and for the national team alongside Hangeland. Born in 88, so he still have his best years left.
- Scott
On that note, any idea what's going on with Hangeland Eds? Think he's on a free this summer? Obviously a bit older and not likely one for us, but just curious as I've always thought he was a decent CB. {Ed001's Note - last I heard he wanted to stay with Fulham.}
14 Jan 2013 17:00:40
Liverpool are said to have just signed defender Vegard Forren from Norway. Who is he, where did this come from and most importantly is it true? {Ed019's Note - Molde's Vegard Forren has attracted various degrees of interest from Manchester United, Fulham, Everton and Standard Liege with Everton looking likely to complete a deal, although the player is not sure of a move in January if it means sitting on the bench. I am not aware of Liverpool's interest but would guess it means the end of Coates as a Liverpool player.}
14 Jan 2013 17:00:11
Hi Ed's
The last I heard of Christian Eriksen was that he'd refused to extend his current contract at Ajax.
Any new developments around this player? Anyone looking to make a move for him? {Ed019's Note - iverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Spurs, Inter and AC Milan have shown some level of interest in Eriksen in the past year or so. He has already rejected both Manchester City and Chelsea but AC Milan and Spurs remain the most interested clubs and Manchester City may well return for him again. Back in July the Milan Press Office were convinced of interest from Manchester United and they have let it be known that they expected a bid to be made by for Eriksen. Expect both Milan clubs and Roma to press if a bid is made by Manchester United. The player remains adament that he will stay in Amsterdam for18 more months before moving to Spain but would likely jump at the chance of a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona if the opportunity arises. Ajax will not let him run down his contract so a move beckons. With only limited options for January, I suspect the player would wish to see out the rest of the season at Ajax and see if he can attract attention from Spain.}
14 Jan 2013 16:55:25
Eds do you know anything about this Forren lad?
This forren lad is from a forren country
14 Jan 2013 16:55:15
Ed, any news on Vegard Forren? Rumours that he is having a medical tomorrow.
Thanks
14 Jan 2013 16:17:59
We need some real muscle, in the games I have watched this season we have struggled coming up against an opponent of very big build, examples;Diame of West Ham, Benteke of Villa and even Diaby, who had just returned back from a long term injury. These players just seem to shrug of ours who are all of either small or decent sizes, and always threaten us aerially. Just some food for thought. HullRED
Been saying the same for a while now gokhan inler would be awesome i think
14 Jan 2013 16:04:15
I wasn't expecting a win yesterday but after that first half performance we did not deserve a point. We were pathetic in the first half, united's passing was sharp and their movement was good, their players were finding so much space in the midfield that it was embarrassing. Another thing i have noticed this season is that our defence doesn't know how to handle long balls and whenever the opposition team presses we struggle badly to get ball out of our own half. We shouldn't single out anybody but the whole team was very very poor in the first half.
Second half was good. We started passing around and the link up between sturridge and suarez looked promising. I was actually surprised by fergie's defensive tactics because that helped us even more to attack them. If they would have played the same pressing football we would have struggled again.
Overall i still feel henderson should have started instead of allen. When the opposition press and we start struggling we should go for more direct play.
This just shows that we have a long way to go as a team. 4th place looks out of reach this season and we will have to strengthen our squad in the summer. We look good against the lower half teams but not so much against the upper half. Lets hope we can beat arsenal and city away.
amar
I don't feel there's any reason why we cannot beat Arsenal.As long as we start a more positive eleven.Arsenal are dangerous but probably weaker than us earlier in Season mentally.And there seems a lot of unrest amongst home fans if things start badly.If we have a real go from start and Maintain high tempo we can do them
14 Jan 2013 16:00:34
Eds, what was FSG's transfer strategy at red sox, they did ok with that - so i imagine they are trying a similar thing here? {Ed002's Note - It is not viable to try and equate the two clubs.}
It's a completely different system, you don't buy players. You trade for them. You sign free agents also, but you don't buy players from other clubs for a fee.
When Henry bought the Sox, they were already a very good team. In better shape than Liverpool were when he bought them. They won 93 games, which is alot in baseball however they missed making the playoffs. The next year they won 95, but did make the playoffs. Then the next year they won 98 and eventually the World Series.
When he bought the Sox they already have the best pitcher in the world in Pedro Martinez. They also one of the 5 or so best hitters in Manny Ramirez, along with several other very good players.
At the time in baseball there was a new theory going around called "Moneyball". It had been used by several small market clubs, most notably the Oakland Athletics to good success. Henry wanted to bring this philosophy to the Sox, thinking that if it worked with a low revenue team like Oakland it could be very successful with a big revenue club like Boston. He tried to hire away Oakland's General Manager, but he decided to stay in Oakland.
Their first year in charge they spent money but did it in an odd way. They brought in several players who fit their profile but weren;t star players. Out of the several they brought in, one became a true super star, David Ortiz. That first year they came one win short of going to the World Series. In fact losing in extra innings in the 7th and deciding game against thier biggest rivals, the New York Yankees.
The next offseason their main acquisition was another pitcher to go along with the great Pedro Martinez. That year they came back and beat the Yankees in another deciding 7th game to advance to the World Series, which they won.
They won another a few years later. I think we can see paralels between that plan and the plan being implemented now. They are brining in young players that they feel fit Rodgers system. Not all will work out, but some will. When they get close to being a Championship team they will make the large expenditures to make the leap. In 2003 they came very close and then before 2004 they made a huge trade for a star starting pitcher and they signed as a free agent a top relief pitcher. Those 2 moves put them over the top.
Pedro was never the best pitcher in Baseball, EVER. In 2002 there were many better pitchers than Pedro... Randy Johnson, Roy Halladay, Curt Schilling.. to name a few.
phillyred
Nice read, good insight. Hopefully they have a master plan for LFC! :-)
LFC_SA
Thanks great reply.
Pedro Martinez was by far the best pitcher in baseball. In 2002 Pedro had a 2.26 ERA and a 0.923 WHIP. Halladay 2.93 and 1.191. Halladay was a greta pitcher but he couldn't lace up Pedro's spikes. Not even close.
As an American, that's one thing that has always kind of confused me about the EPL (and the game in general). Why are player trades so uncommon? Surely it makes more sense than the clubs exchanging money with one another?
Don't take it the wrong way, Pedro was a great pitcher but comparing his 2002 stats to Randy Johnson's will show you why I said he was NEVER the best...
24-5 record with 334 k's in 260 innings pitched, 1.03 whip and 2.32 era, 8 complete games..Not sure there was ever a more intimidating pitcher than the "big unit".
phillyred
14 Jan 2013 21:08:31
They brought in several players who fit their profile but weren;t star players. Out of the several they brought in.
Sound like a few unknown players we have bought? If half become great players, and even 1 becomes world class, great investment!
WelshBoyDave
In American sports you trade the players contracts and the player usually has no say in the trade, unless they have a no trade clause in their contract.
In soccer you don't trade the contracts. When switching clubs a player needs to agree to a new contract. And you also need all the players to agree to the move.
So say you want to make a 3 player for 2 player trade. You have to get all 5 players to agree to the move in soccer. Whereas in American sports, the players have no choice in the trade.
'When they get close to being a Championship team.....'
This worries me
14 Jan 2013 16:08:13
Hi All
The league table tells no lies we are a mid table team and have been for a few years and the sad fact is we will stay there until we buy better players or bring them up through the youth system, I don't think we will spend our way to the top, but we have a very good u21 team and we must bring them through and hope that they prove to be good enough the only draw back is this takes time.I think for now we need to be more positive in our play and have a go at teams, we might just suprise ourselves,
All teams give man you too much respect, man u's game is built on attack and they do that well especially when teams just sit back and take it but if you have a go at them they are shocked and their defence who usually have it easy are then out of their comfort zone and they struggle, we must take on board that you score when you spend more time having a go in the other teams half and not passing it around too much in our own half .
OR we will stay there until we get better as a team maybe?
Myk
If we don't have a lot of money. We need a manager like Moyes, who can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Or a manager that has done the same with an even lower budget in the past like say.. Brendan Rodgers.
Andy K
14 Jan 2013 15:55:15
Any LFC interest in Aleksandr Kozlov (19years old)?
Russia U21 1match 2goals
Russia U19 4matches 4goals
Russia U18 15matches 9goals
Russia U17 18matches 20goals
Russia U16 8matches 8goals
Russia U15 5matches 12goals
Esna
Spartak Moscow 21 matches 1 goal..
Plymouth Red.
Esna shoots, saved by Plymouth Red!
14 Jan 2013 15:46:38
Would just like to say I was very pleased with Fabio Borini's contribution when he made his return off the bench, looked sharp and always on the move.
Thank you mr borini
I agree, it is one thing we have lacked over the past few months. Whilst watching games recently ( including the ones we have walked), whenever Luis got the ball, it felt lack that was the end of the line and it was always up to him to complete the move a score, no matter what position he picked the ball up on the pitch. There has been hardly anyone making runs behind the defenders or dragging defenders out of position.
Now, with DS and FB in the side, it feels like there is another outlet, they both made us look more threatening yesterday.
Myk
14 Jan 2013 15:38:00
What is peoples opinions on Sterling on here? I'm a little concerned he can't seem to beat his man I know he's young but I was expecting a lot more from him. {Ed052's Note - as you say he is only young. His form was expected to dip. He will be fine}
For the moment he should be coming on maybe 20 minutes from the end
I rate Ibe more than him. A year younger in age but in mindset, physicality and also technique Ibe is ahead of him by a landslide.
BthekingB
People need to stop getting carried away. He's a good young player, nothing more. All the praise for him will only hinder his development, since he will now feel pressured.
Bthekingb
Not doubting ibe is a top kid and will br a top pro but he's only played against low quality youth teams
Remember jay spearing was a stand out player in the youth league once upon a time
So not fair to compare a player playing against the likes of vidic and kompany to a player playing against someone who has a Maths test in the morning
My only concern is he is a very one-footed winger. I'm not sure I see someone like that working in BR's system. Great for teams with a big traditional number 9, but we don't really play that way.
So far, he's proven nothing more than he is a very exciting and very promising talent, who needs to somehow get into the goals a bit more.
For an attacking player his goals tally is pretty poor, for all his dribbling and creative play.
Sturridge already has two goals in two games, and ultimately that's what attacking players have to be judged on.
The much maligned Dirk Kuyt generally got 12-15 goals per season, whilst Sterling isn't even close to that yet.
If we had a really top quality forward/winger in competition with him, he'd be on the bench most of the time, at least based on his current form.
Sturridge has to be an automatic starter based on his form, and Borini is also going to be given a try, so if Borini does well (and scores a couple) I'm not sure Sterling will start too many leagues games from now till the end of the season.
TC
14 Jan 2013 13:20:28
Eds, how is texeira getting on, I thought the way everyone went on about him when he signed, he might have been quicker than the likes of suso to get a start, who I think has done well from what I've seen, he's going to be a great player. {Ed052's Note - he has been doing well, but has played so little. I have only seen glimpses of him, and when I have he has been poor, but I know he has done well. He needs to make a break through soon however, he is 19 or 20, so needs first team games.}
He has actually only just received his first 90 minutes of football since he came to England. Give him time he'll be in the first team by the end of the year. Can see him becoming a top talent and play a lot in the FA Cup.
BthekingB
I have read in a paper that he have back bone problem, he take tretment in liverpool last 5/6 month. now he back and playing well. soon he may be called in 1st team.
He played well today against saints u21 side, some nice passing
Played his firts 90 mins today for the U21's and for me was the stand out player, great passing & awareness, looks a great prospect!
CoolhandLFC
He said in his interview its been hard to settle to the wnglish style of play, he said its more physical, more running involved and its taken him time to settle plus he has had injuries and that it was cold over here but he is enjoying it here, he said that on the liverpool channel today
14 Jan 2013 20:12:23
Looked a class player, one change of direction sent one of the saints players flying
14 Jan 2013 15:31:14
how come were not interested in moussa sissoko cheap and quality no? {Ed052's Note - we cannot sign every single player}
14 Jan 2013 17:54:32
We can't sign any by the looks of things.
14 Jan 2013 21:17:54
Why not Ed052?
WelshBoyDave
14 Jan 2013 15:29:23
Loads of names being banded around today, as every Monday. But it's not sinking in with some ans that Liverpool are no longer in a position to attract. Big name players. We have reached a point where we are only ever going to get players that united, city, chelsea, spurs and arsenal don't want.
We have no pulling power now that champions league football is a distant memory and not going to return in the near future.
If we had Benitez we may get the odd Spanish international but with Rodgers we will only get ex swans and Chelsea reserves.
Let's get real we have to get a side to gel and hope they can keep us in the top 6 and bring euro league to Anfield. This might attract a better quality player but not the type I've seen mentioned on here today. There are 32 team in the champions league who have more pulling power then us.
I thought suarez was quality..
Indeed fc copenhagen is a much better prospect then us... In reality there is only a handful of clubs in the champions league with more pulling power, but if a quality player is available they go for them
14 Jan 2013 18:49:04
Do you honestly think Suarez choose Lfc rather then
a united, city or Chelsea? We were in need after Torres left and probably made an outrages offer for a player with issues in holland and the big 3 in England did not want him. If they had he would have surely chosen 1 of them over us assuming they offered the same wages.
The best players want champions league that's why we are all worried Suarez will move on soon and if he does we will struggle to find another like him. When he signed we thought we could get back to 4th spot but now it's looking unlikely so our options will be restricted even more as time goes on.
14 Jan 2013 15:13:29
Hi Eds
I know you say the summer is a long way off and obviously it is difficult to say who we will buy.
Are you aware of the players we have been looking at / have a serious interest in? {Ed002's Note - I am not going to speculate at this time.}
14 Jan 2013 15:08:45
The Welsh Xavi...! I sometimes wish BR would wise up. Joe Allen, I think most agree, was dreadful yesterday. When he has played well this season he has been ineffective and when he has played poorly he has been shocking.
The fact that BR labelled him as the Welsh Xavi shows the same naivety he displayed when bigging up Borini as a signing to really excite the fans! No Brendan - he has potential and is versatile but does not currently excite.
Time to go 4-4-1-1 to get the best out of the personnel we have. Stevie and Lucas in the middle with Suarez playing off sturridge and dropping into the middle when required. Sterling to stay wide to provide width and the other wide man tucking in if needed to allow full back to bomb on.
If Allen will come under criticism, what about sterling? He offers nothing remarkable most of the time.
14 Jan 2013 18:33:06
We haven't paid 15M for sterling have we? But paid more then 16M+ for Allen so we expect more from our own Xavi/ineista.
In wales he probably is lay off the lad he's young, Lucas was the same but look at him now and the same can be said of Henderson but he has come on a lot and maybe with some support from the fans Allen can too.
RB
Lucas was poor, and downing is no better than allen
Allen is good when he has time to settle on the ball
14 Jan 2013 15:01:06
I truly believe brendan rodgers doesnt have the standard to be liverpool manager, liverpool are getting further and further off the beatin track from the likes of united, city and maybe even everton. I don't like seeing people lose their jobs(even though its multi millionaires iam talking about here)but liverpool are too big for rodgers, what about getting moyes in from everton??, ., .kbarry
It worries me that people actually thought we were going to be top of the table contending with utd, City etc this year. While Iagree some of BRs teams and tactics have been disappointing this year there has been improvement. People need to get of BRs back. If we are still struggling Dec 2013 then start talk about changes until then, patience people!!!
RedDan
Liverpool too big for Rodgers, and you suggest Moyes! I truly believe you should call yourself bluebarry Singred
14 Jan 2013 20:51:49
this post made me laugh!! What did you expect this season? Us to be 1st or 2nd?! To go to Old trafford and win 5-0?!
I really don't know what some of you people expect? And as for Moyes I can see your point, swap the young inexperienced manager for a guy that's got a proven track record of winning trophies....oh wait hang on..............
Lads i believe B.R to be a very decent young manager and have never said otherwise but i just don't believe he's liverpool ready yet, however david moyes has way over achieved(punchingabove his wait)great man manager like martin oneill(another liverpool missed by weeks, ., .kbarry
14 Jan 2013 14:59:03
Hi Eds
Any news on LFC looking at Jeroen Lumu. Fits the FSG bill to the max.
Cannot see any reason, other than FSG have no money to spend, why we wouldn't bid on such a talent ? {Ed002's Note - Is he good on one of the fantasy manager games then? Is he old enough to move to England. I am afraid you are clutching at straws - we can't help you with kiddies like this.}
Really. Thought eds were meant to be clued up a little? He is rated as one on the top Dutch talents. Played 6 scored 2 available for £1mil but I guess that is a bit much to ask FSG for {Ed002's Note - Why have a dig at the Editors? He is some kid who as far as I am aware is not even old enough to move to Liverpool. You are just anonymous trolling rubbish embarrassing the Liverpool supports with you constant abuse of FSG and the editors of this site.}
Played 6 and scored 2? Phenomenal. With those kind of stats we have no chance against the buying power of PSG and City.
cozinoz
14 Jan 2013 14:43:09
Watching U21's.
Both fullbacks Brad Smith and Macgluglin both very good but Texeria is stand out class. This lad will be a fantastic player for our club
Danny Wilson playing OK, I think he may have future as a defensive midfielder, looks better suited to that role and possibly better than Coady
Ibe comes on as sub and looks excellent player, soon ready for the first team
Rather him than Ince
It's McLaughlin mate but yeah I think the two full backs are going to be class when they are older. I rate Smith better than Robinson because of his attacking ability as well. McLaughlin's ability is unquestionable. He's very good at attacking but also defends very well. He can beat his man and put in a good cross. Always overlapping his winger. In regards to Wilson I thought he played sublime. Made numerous interceptions and I can see him being a good CB in future but for now I can't see him getting a look in. Shame it didn't work out with Barnsley but in the npower leagues most of the play is long ball which a 6 foot CB will obviously struggle with.
BthekingB
14 Jan 2013 14:14:19
Thought we were unlucky yesterday not to come away with at least a draw, not having a go at the lad but Allen just doesn't seem up to it in the bigger games, unless Lucas was struggling it was glaringly obvious that Allen should have made way for Sturridge !?!? I was one of the people who was unsure about him but if he performs the way he has in the last 2 games then he will certainly be a success. I totally agree with Stevie G's comment about needing experienced players to compliment the youth, look at Sterling yesterday, totally ineffective..... If the prices quoted for Ince are correct I hope we walk away and sign eg a Spanish/South American for the same money..... I think a LB, a winger and a playmaker are a must to push on in the league this season if not i fear Suarez will look for pastures new in the summer and TBH who would blame him!
Jock Red
Lucas was on a booking mate and is still gaining match fitness
14 Jan 2013 13:48:14
I think one of our biggest problems this year has been psycological.
We haven't beaten any team above us all season. As well as this, we've played badly in games we're expected to win (Gomel, Mansfield, Aston Villa etc.)
They say football is all about confidence, experience and a little bit of talent. Well our problem seems to be, we sold half our experience for pittance, and the players left are becoming disillusioned and losing belief.
If we can crack this mentality, i believe we can surge up the table. Player for player, we are as good as anyone in the league, bar City, United or Chlesea. We just need to gel as a team, and beleive we are good enough in my opinion.
The Talent Is There!
YNWA! (Adam)
That doesn't really matter mate. The overriding issue is resale, resale, resale. FSG must make on the player. If your looking for experience your going to have to wait 8 years and hope these young lads are still at the club and FSG haven't capitalised on their resale, resale, resale value.
Ozone
Re-sale? Why is Suarez still here then? Surely it's about the future, future and future. This suggests that the owners are patient to me. Stop being so paranoid.
There have been numerous alleged offers for Suarez in which the club (FSG) have apparently re-buffed.
Ok, if they turn out to be world beaters then so-be-it, any 're-sale' will be of benefit to the club.
Want another Cole on 100k PW?
DaveyBootle
Suarez is here as he was bought with the Torres money and his new 5 year contracts in line with the top earners at the club. They'll get heir money back on Suarez in 3 years time .
Ozone
More paranoid rubbish from Ozone - why didn't they cash in on Agger over the summer? Why not sell Suarez at his peak (he could get a career-ending injury next year)? Why shell out large sums on Sturridge, Allen and Borini? It doesn't add up. If your theory was correct, they would be snapping up young championship players for 1-2m and sell them on to the wealthy clubs when they prove successful but where is the evidence of that occurring?
cozinoz
14 Jan 2013 13:37:29
why is our transfer policy so bad. surley we have enough potential in the squad and academy now. we need players who are going to make an immediate impact ie mertens or adrian this type of level of player . also i would like to see kelly get a go at cb when he is fit think he has the agression we have missed this season. any thoughts ?
The transfer policy isn't designed for success on the pitch mate it's designed for the accounts and ultimately FSGs pockets.
Ozone
Read Ian Ayre's interview with and both of you will understand why we will never be held to ransom by clubs and agents again.
The interview is in plain, simple English so there shouldn't be any problems for you
Singred
Ozone's got his conspiracy pants on again.
Well can I spell this out in plain simple English to you Singred, Joe Allen isn't worth £5 mill let alone £15 mill.
Ozone
So over-spending on Joe Allen is 'designed for the accounts' and is going to help fill FSGs pockets, Ozone, right?
Either they are over-spending or they are tightwads - can't have it both ways, sunshine.
cozinoz
14 Jan 2013 13:34:06
have you wonered how gerrard look unco when he attempts fancy flicks which really ends up with the ball given away, we need a midfielder who is capable of those fancy flicks
Man come on gerrard is one of the best players i have seen in midfield he had it all in his prime his career is winding down but he does not need to be replaced for two years good cover yes plenty of rest when needed yes.not to mention who gives a funk about flicks lets put the ball in the net few times then do the ballet.plus im pretty sure it was one of his trademark shots which caused the gee to spill and tapa tapa for sturridge.lots of assists and few goals over last 2 months.living legend..ynwa
14 Jan 2013 13:19:47
My feeling is that we need (and BR probably wants) a front 3 of Borini, Sturridge and Suarez. This leaves us a midfield 3 of Lucas, Allen and Gerrard, the best way for these to play is with Lucas sitting and the other 2 pushing on. I don't want to see 2 sitting.
The question is are Allen and Gerrard the right pairing to support the forwards?
Despite the ridiculous criticism he sometimes gets on here I don't think there's much doubt that Gerrard must play but maybe Suso would do better there than Allen?
Certainly I feel that a Honda or Turan would be perfect alongside SG but I doubt we're going for either so maybe Inan?
As for the back 4 I've thought for a while that we need another top level CB but who? Any thoughts?
Now for Reina, he hasn't been at his best for a while but is there better available? Probably not at the moment
Well that's my assessment feel free to disagree and slag me off.
I'm used to it
Chris in Tamworth
Couldn't agree more. Both Turan and Honda even sneider would be such a good add. But don't know why we don't go for theese guys. instead we buy unproven young players who can be worldclass but is for now only squadplayers..
Chris
Henderson ahead of Allen all day long.
To be honest chris in a few of the smaller games(not to be disrespectful), i.e norwich, qpr and the like i think gerrard should be benched with hendo or shelvey taking his place alongside lucas and maybe suso further up. i do think we need another flair player in the mould of silva or mata as we do lack creativity sometimes. as for CB's i would like to see Coates gt more game time as i think he could become a great player. with respects to reina i would get valero back as since he left reina hasnt been the same. he likes to let shots at his near post past hm for some reason as well.
huddz red
Eriksen is the one we need and I suspect, will go for in the summer. E20 - E25 million should be enough. However if Barca or the like come in for him then we will miss out. He's a much better option than Sneijder I think.
Mantis
I actually expect us to play Sturrudge up front with Suarez behind him in between the lines. Borini on the left, tucked in like an inverted winger and then either Sterling or Downing on the right providing more width.
Chris,
I think naieve tactics combined with the wrong balance in midfield is stopping us getting the results, especially in the big games.
It always makes me nervous how we ALWAYS try to play it out of defence. I am not saying we should always hoof the ball upfield, but the team need to vary it up, and as you have seen all opposing attackers are ready to put pressure on our defenders -this comes down to the manager but it doesn't look like he is going to change his philosophy.
Regarding the midfield, the key problem is Allen. He looks completely knackered;even br admitted he was but still brought him on against Mansfield. Give him a rest otherwise his confidence will be shattered due to tired performances and criticism as a result. Having said this I am still not entirely convinced as he neither creates enough, scores enough and gives away too many free kicks in dangerous areas. I will say he is one for the future and for now I wold like to see Lucas anchoring, Gerrard on the right side and Moussaka Sissoko to add a bit of steel.
How about this for a front 3 - Suarez, Sturridge and Turan. You might say what about Sterling, but the age he's at requires times of rest and we need players to build a competitive squad.
I think give Reina till the end of the season to prove his motivation.
So my ideal team - Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique/Robinson, Gerrard, Lucas, Sissoko, Turan, Sturridge, Suarez
He's dreaming.
The real issue isn't whether who the three midfielders should be - it is who is most effective against the opposition. Against Man Utd, BR went with a safer, more defensive, option initially using Allen and Lucas. It was only once we went two down he decided to change things around. Against a different team, he may feel that the less aggressive Suso or the slightly more maverick Shelvey may be more effective. We have 6 first-team central mids. There is no correct choice of three without analysing the opponent's threat first - I'd love to see Suso play every game but he wasn't the correct choice against the mancs
cozinoz
14 Jan 2013 13:00:28
Its about time a national wagecap of £20-£25k per week ( inc bonuses) was introduced.
Its an absolute joke what theses guys now earn.
I just read on here that sneijders wages are "fair", i'd love him at lpool but how is half a million a month (after tax) fair?
RedLee
14 Jan 2013 13:37:56
Players are payed what they are, due to the fact they are the most important part of one of the biggest entertainment industries on earth.
Football clubs rake in millions of pounds from sponsorship, tv rights, and gate receipts, as well as merchandise rights and advertising.
That is why the bigger teams, with bigger stadiums, more televised matches, and better sponsorship deals pay the top players in the world top wages.
Shall we cap Hollywood filmstars, and music artists wages as well? And what about business men like Sugar and Branston? should we take a portion of there profits, because they're being too successful?
Most players are payed a well deserved sum. The exceptions being Anzi, PSG, Madrid and City like clubs..
But if Sneijder came in, raised our league position, and got us into the Champions league, raking in even more money, why isn't he entitled to a percentage of the profit the club makes? Or would you prefer it all going into John Henrys pocket?
The only problem with footballers wages, is the amount of them fiddling their taxes.
YNWA! (Adam)
If Sugar/Branson had paid 1 member of staff 5-10% of its turn over then they would have gone bust a long time ago.
Its not a profit share footballers require - its a huge salary that comes with no guarantee of CL football.
I'm not really interested in actors or musicians wagers although i do agree (like footballers) their salaries are not compatible to the "real world", it would take an average worker 10 years + to earn what he would be in a week (pre tax), on what planet is that fair or deserved?
And as the business owner and the guys whose money is at risk, yes I believe that JH should be allowed to make a profit.
You think Sugar and Branson are running at a loss?
I wonder when a match ticket is £60-£70-£80-£90
RedLee
With all the money big clubs make they should drop the fee for tickets, £62 for arsenal v man city is a joke in a few years if it carries on then it will be £1oo a ticket
Post above correct ain't a working mans game anymore.Ok saying Sky provide lot've money but will no longer have same pull watching empty grounds with poor atmospheres
14 Jan 2013 12:56:45
I must say I find it hilarious how all of the Sturridge haters have changed their minds or are now keeping quiet since he's arrived and been a breath of fresh air for us. Maybe people can stop judging a player before they've played from now on.
J-L
He never passes mate you'll soon see.
him an Suarez will fall out. 2 selfish players who both to score not pass
Yes but if he doesn't score for 2 games they will be out in force.
He scored a tap in when that United twin failed to do the most basic defending, standing flat footed and being beaten to a ball parried out by the goalkeeper. Even Jonjo Shelvey would've scored that! Sturridge also missed three other chances, all of which demonstrated lack of composure. It's going to take a lot more than a tap in and a goal against a non-league side to convince me
Sturridge is quality we have enough players willing to pass finally we have a striker who wants to shoot
Shelvey wouldn't of scored that because he wouldn't have made that type of poachers run plus he wouldve been to slow even if he tried
Sturridge done what he is paid to do. He was in the right place at the right time and he anticipated what might happen better than Rafael. that's all you can expect Sturridge to do and he done it well. I hope he scores another 15 gosls like that this season. You won't hear me compaining.
The Irish Rover
14 Jan 2013 21:22:24
Irish Rover, Yes yes and yes.
If Shelvey would score them, then why doesn't he?
Because he doesn't anticipate it!
Have we scored one of them since Dirk? Say what you want about him, but a great servant of the club and such a big game player. Really miss his honesty, on and off the pitch!
I said the same about Borini before he signed, Sturridge will do well at this club.
WelshBoyDave
14 Jan 2013 12:56:23
Classic Liverpool Decent Performance Poor Result
So we Played the wrong Formation, Allen Reina Sterling all underperformed Allen and Sterling need time off Reina needs to be sold Sturridge looked like Sturridge grabbed and tap in but missed granted a golden opportunity but granted tight angle We haven't won a game Under rodgers who are above us in the league and were inconsistent agaisnt lower teams
What exactly did Reina do wrong all game then?
J-L
He turned up
At least one of the players turned up first half
14 Jan 2013 12:46:47
In:Sneijder Ince
Out: Downing Henderson
A bit of inside info lads!
Bulrubbish more like
I rather henderson who gives everything than sneijder who wants the money
14 Jan 2013 12:46:22
It does beg the question why we werent willing to buy sturridge in the summer compared to leaving it late to try and scrape top 4
14 Jan 2013 13:51:11
Brendan was really not sure about the lads attitude, he asked the senior players to mixed reviews, and wit the limited funds available, didn't take the risk until January when Daniel showed a real hunger to join the club and take a significant pay cut to do so which convinced Brendan to finished the deal ! Johnny d
Because FSG wouldn't give up the cash. Remember how BR said he expected a striker to come in.
Well, how can all the FSG talk of we have the money for anyone and whoever BR wants he can have. Really? Where is Ince, Dempsey Sturridge in the summer? I suspect BR wouldn't turn down the oppertunity of signing one of the best midfielders in euorpe (Sneidjer)
Feel sorry for BR he'll take all the flack from the stands on online, FSG just sit pretty making mugs of us fans
Cannot believe how FSG have pulled the wool over yours eyes!!
{Ed002's Note - It is clear that the signing of Dempsey was expected but for whatever reason never happened. Move on.}
14 Jan 2013 12:44:09
Tom ince this,, Tom ince that... Since when has he been the calibre of player that liverpool have in the front line/wing? I'm genuinely confused here, in the last couple of year we have blown millions upon millions on average unproven (Suarez being the exception) players, I know you can never guarantee how a player will turn out for you after a move but in my opinion we are a victim of our own recent philosophy.
I don't want us to be a total buy buy buy club, I believe a blend of home grown and a couple of seasoned experienced purchases will make us a better and more consistent club/team. Spend £20m on a proven international rather than £15m on a good player who had a "good" season (joe Allen, Charlie Adam etc)!
It's pure vanity to believe that we can grow every star from a 21 yr old player with potential.
If sneijder is available...... Get him, he has 5 yrs minimum left in him, lampard for 2 years will give a return! We need need need a new centre back to put pressure on agger and skrtel. £8m for ince and risk it or a similar amount for a world star?.. Is it really that difficult or am I missing something? It looks to me like we're scared to even try. It's all to easy to blame a rebuilding process but we've been rebuilding for 5 years, it's time to force the issue...
Come on liverpool, we're still miles off it and you know it. I'm a lifelong supporter and rarely moan but were acting like a mid table club and as such, we are one.
Time to get clever! The buy a worldy every season, we've had a Suarez in the last 5 years since Torres. And it shows, dalglish is my hero but his signings where dire, I don't even feel like the club have to spend a fortune, just be more ambitious and flexible with the young and keen policy, 27-28 and in your prime and hungry with a point to prove reaps more rewards and instantly elevates us to a more dominant position to attract better players going forward!
There was a time LFC could have signed a lower league winger/striker for around £7mil and didn't bother
Please see Bale and Walcott
Both turned out to be worth £20mil++ and both would walk into our side.
As always, with owners like FSG, no money (don't believe them as they haven't spent any yet) LFC will miss out on Ince. Won't raise supposed £6mil bid to £7 or £8mil but will be linked to Ince in a few years for £15 - £20mil (amounts we will never spend)
{Ed002's Note - You have to be some sort of half wit if you cannot see the money FSG has put in to the club. All we see from you is one bleating post after another complaining about the owners without anything constructive.}
Shut you chelski slag {Ed002's Note - Another well structured and convincing post I see. Do you have even the slightest idea how humorous others club's fans will find these types of posts - I mean it is not even a sentence?}
14 Jan 2013 18:14:23
At least £350m to buy the club and clear the debt to RBS.
Around £60m (not arsed calculating it again, I think I came up with about that last time I calculated it) nett spend on transfer fees.
Club also running at a daily loss because of the big wages bill and no Champions League football since they came in.
And compo to Hodgson, Kenny and Swansea for the management changes.
Yeah, they clearly haven't spent a penny.
- Something Red -
14 Jan 2013 21:30:32
-Something Red-, Don't waste your time mate, when confronted with facts, the FSG out brigade run away and refuse to answer posts, only to re-emerge days or even hours later spouting the same crap hoping someone with real knowledge doesn't come along and bust their ass, again.
WelshBoyDave
14 Jan 2013 12:29:56
I don't get half the supposed fans on this site? Lets be honest! Our once great club is fast becoming a mid table team and unless we start making the right moves we will be waiting even longer to get in to champs league. A lot of that in down to the signings ill admit that but that's done and there's nothing we can do now to change that. Yes we might not attract the bigger players anymore but when we have the slightest chance to sign a player with pure ability we should do anything to get them.
For example sneijder, I believe he is a player that can help us reach where we want to get to. He is 28 yes but looking through our squad we need some experience and we need players to help transform and help the younger players, sneijder I beleive has a good 4 years left in him.
People whining on here about how rubbish sneijder is and how expensive he is but then go on to say we need world class players! We have all seen it happen. What do you people expect? Messi on a free? Wake up to yourselfs and get back on FIFA!
If we want our club to be up there challenging for the title, we have to be patient but we also have to start buying serious players that have already proved themselfs around the world!
Red redemption
14 Jan 2013 12:13:53
I don't think Liverpool are in such a bad position as everyone is making out. I was at the match yesterday and we were terrible in the first half but in second half when we put Sturridge up top and Suarez in the hole we played better than man utd and were dominating the game. We just need back up on the wings because now that Assaidi has gone to A see of and there's no backup for Sterling on the left except for Sturridge and Downing who start in different positions and part from Suso there's no back up on the right so I think Liverpool should push for either Ben Arfa or Walcott this signing would really improve the squad.
Remy should of been a target for the wings IMO.
More Positives than negatives for me. Saw what we can be like with numbers upfront. Sturridge was a massive plus pace to burn and if he puts his head down works hard for the team he might even turn out to be as good as he thinks he his and how other thought he would be. Boring back as another option.
Lyndon
Borini looked good too
14 Jan 2013 12:07:04
Will a front 3 of borini, Suarez and sturridge get more goals than that front 2 of Torres with gerrard just behind when we finished 2nd?
I think maybe just about yes. But another point is that if Torres or gerrard got injured we were useless, if one of our current front 3 got injured then we still have 2 strikers (and sterling etc to cover).
We still have gaps obviously but we at least have a strike force that's going to do the business for years to come.
MIKEY
14 Jan 2013 13:19:58
fernando torres + steven gerrard (2008/2009) is miles ahead of borini + sturridge + who ever you got in ranks...
execpt suarez...
How about gerrad-suarez?
AnfieldUSA
14 Jan 2013 11:58:51
why do have this strong feeling lfc are not going to bring in anyone else in this january transfer window and miss out on possible potential singings once again!!
14 Jan 2013 11:58:50
Well lads. First up Joe Allen. The first few games for the club he was outstanding, looked like he had been playing in the heart of our midfield for years. Then out of nowhere he just completly went off the boil. Maybe its fatigue, to be fair the lad hasn't really had a break over the summer with the olympics. I'm not talking about physical fatigue, but more a mental fatigue. I know Suarez hasn't had a break for maybe 2 or 3 years but he's a special case, a unique individual. I thin Brendan needs to give Joe a prolonged rest, which is difficult saying as Lucas is still regaining his fitness. When Allen was on the bench it brought the best performances from Stevie I've seen in quite a while. So why not play a mid field 3 of Lucas, Stevie and either Hendo/Suso/Jonjo.
Now on to Sterling. The lads only 18 and has made the most appearances for us this season. Its true his performances have dramatically dipped in class. Again I put this down to fatigue, mental fatigue. I think a prolonged rest would do him wonders too, especialy now as we actually have forward options. Would love to see us someday play two up top, Borini and Sturridge and play Luis in a free role behind them, with the 3 midfield players behind. That prospect would scare the life out of defenders. The pace an power of Sturridge, the guile the trickery of Suarez, an the poaching qualities of Borini. All 3's movement is wonderful and their interchanging would cause massive problems.
The one thing I think we are lacking though is a powerfull athletic midfielder, of the class of a Yaya Toure or a Ramires. We do lack physical strenght in the middle. However there are not that many players out there, anybody any suggestions?
#KMK
Mohamed Diame? Apparently has a buyout clause in his contract aswell
Y, MVilla or Mousa Sissoko, simples !
MVilla is a world beater in the making, yes he has a few issues but most brilliant players do..... We won't get him tho as we are seriously lacking ambition.... Mid table team mentality settling in
14 Jan 2013 11:50:37
Hi eds,
Bit disappointed my last post got relegated to the dodgy rumours section (along with all the ghosts and tumbleweeds). I admit it did have a comedy aspect to it but it was also to illustrate the problem with the players mindset.
For too long now Liverpool, when up against supposedly superior teams, have played within themselves, especially away from Anfield. We've been afraid to pass, press the ball with urgency and ultimately stood off the opposition allowing them to dictate the play. The game yesterday illustrated this point. As soon as we started to believe the game changed.
One of the greatest challenges BR faces is getting the players to believe in themselves and that his brand of football, if played with confidence and conviction, will win matches.
As I've stated before its not going to happen overnight. Us, as fans, need to play our part in giving the players this conviction.
Gordy
14 Jan 2013 11:50:18
For all those posters defending Kenny's purchases, think where we could be had that 100 mil been spent wisely. There was an abundance of talent waiting to be snapped up. For all those saying so and so wouldn't join us because we don't have ucl, yes that may be the case for some players but not all. Whilst we were blowing 35m on carroll, atletico madrid (hardly a bigger club that lpool) were signing falcao for a similar fee...
I genuinly believe that had that 100 mil been given to half the people on this website they could have done a better job at rebuilding a squad.
I mean 40 mil for henderson and downing... WTF
It's over! Move on!
Hindsight is 20/20 vision
Everyone cam always do better after the fact
FACT
Did anyone at the time really want henderson downing or carroll?
None of them were ever world beaters.
Who ever wrote that will
Always be a person "after the fact"
Lyndon
14 Jan 2013 11:47:31
Hello eds i was just wondering what is it that causes liverpool to make a loss each year. Is it to do with the money spent on transfers? Or is it the players salaries because i though we have massively lowered wages with all the players leaving and we can't really lose many more because the squad is already thin as it is. Sorry to trouble you but i just was wondering why. Antrim Red {Ed002's Note - It is simply the cost of running the club being higher than the income. There is lower income because there has been no CL prize money for some years. Sponsorship from the likes of Standard Chartered is less without being in the CL. Income from the EPL prize fund is lower with league position, wages were far to high to be sustainable, etc..}
If that's the case would spending a bit more money in this window to make a charge for champions league not reap rewards long term. I realise there's a big risk there if we don't then make the champions league but If we continue to build slowly with youth it could take years to get to there. interested to here everyone opinions on this.
K-Man
I don't see the risk as worth while. When we were qualifying regularly, there simply wasnt as much competition. Now there are probably 7 or 8 teams vying for the 4 spaces. If we were to risk spending more and not qualify then we will be even further in the red (no pun intended). Or we could be calculated in our spending and look to the future in a manor we can afford and set ourselves up permanently.
Andy K
14 Jan 2013 11:46:33
Why is everyone so against getting sneijder? He's the type of player we should be looking at and he's even interested in joining. How are we ever going to climb the premier league table by signing garbage such as allen when there are far better players out there still willing to join our once great club. We are on a sharp decline and at least 3-4 top players short of even thinking about top 4 spot. We really need to wake up and demand more from our club before we slide any further.
How do you know he is actually interested. Do you speak with him often!
thebritvickid {Ed002's Note - Two clubs were spoken to by his agent on Thursday to try and get additional interest (neither were English). If his agent is still hawking him around I would think Spurs may be contacted as well.}
14 Jan 2013 11:27:19
....and another thing. Brendan, by all means shake SAF's hand at the end but, PLEASE do not shake his hand, pat him on the back with the other whilst whispering well done into his ear (it was visible before you ask).
If you want to blow smoke up his rear then do it in the confines of his wine cellar. You don't have to admit publicly you were tactically outsmarted.
Marshy
The things people moan about continues to astonish me, Simonpw
The things people moan about continues to astonish me, Simonpw
Shut up marshy. Pathetic.
MIKEY
Did you see the picture of Paisley on the coach with Utd Marshy?
Get over it lad.
DaveyBootle
Tactically outsmarted my arse more like our defence switching off for a few moments and also showing a wee bit to much respect.
It's called being gracious in defeat.......something a lot of people on here lack!!
CoolhandLFC
Pathetic!
As much as I dislike the man. He's the best manager of the last 20 so years. Who's has loyal to Manutd as Kenny ad been to us.
Most managers are going to respect him due to what he's done in the game!
Its people Like you who stiir up the vile side of football. I dislike Manutd. But if they weren't there it would be a lot less entertaining season in season out!!!
It should just be Banter!!
Lyndon
It's called sportsmanship and decency. What did you want BR to do, perhaps call him names and pretend to shake his hand but pull it away before AF makes contact.
Scouse_Pride
14 Jan 2013 11:22:56
A few points to ponder
1. How many players do we have that can walk in to a top 5 starting eleven? We haven't beaten anyone in the top 10 so clearly it is not the Liverpool side.
2. When did we become a training ground for managers? BR may end up being a great manager but he has lots to learn and is pushing a philosophy that works well when you are leading but not very effective when coming from behind.
3. Don't have the stats, but when is the last game we won when we conceded first?
4. When will we actually buy a player that will improve our starting 11 and not our depth. Frankly I would trade several of our recent buys for one RVP.
Are you blind or did you not see sturridge yesterday. I'm sure a striker like him improves our starting eleven.
Huddz red
Reina, Johnson, Suarez, Lucas, Agger and Stevie, how that for starters? T-Mac
Although not conceding first we did go behind to west ham and come back to win and that wasn't long ago at all.
RobInRed
So we shouldn't go for an unproven manager as that never works. If we were to believe in your theory then kenny would never have gotten the job and we might never have won a double or gotten to see the classic team of 87-90 either
2. We became a training ground for Managers when we gave manager's who had not mnaged at the top level a chance to prove themselves.
Which in my book would mean:
Shankly
Paisley
Fagan
Dalglish
Rodgers
The only "big Name" we've ever gone out and installed as Manager was an ex-player who had torn it up in Scotland, and that didn't turn out particularly well..
14 Jan 2013 11:13:16
With only 16 games left do you think we can still make 4th, i think we'll be lucky to finish even 5th but i'm still hopeful.
I'm sorry to say that there is no chance we're going to make 4th place this year. There are 16 games remaining this season and last year it required 69 points to obtain 4th place.
If we do the math, we would need to average 2.375 points per game from now on until the end of the season. The only team in the premier league to have exceeded this points/game ratio so far this season is utd.
In other words we'd have to act like title contenders for the second half of the season just to make 4th.
The table makes very difficult reading for us all at the moment.
We'll finish in 9th or 10th and count ourselves lucky
As i said i think we'll be lucky to even finish 5th but i am confident we can do better than last season, fingers crossed
YorkshireRED.
14 Jan 2013 11:03:53
The sturridge goal yesterday was refreshing. it seemed to be the first goal since Torres where we had a striker in the right place at the right time, scoring a poachers/strikers goal.
Usually nobody would be there or someone like Henderson or shelvey (no disrespect meant) would be there to smash it into row Z.
Sturridge can be our player to mop up all these chances that would usually go begging and we have plenty of them.
MIKEY
The question is
will squarez be happy with his new role?
Will Danny upset Luis
Aftetall Danny seems to be favoured for the central spot, is BR wise to do this?
Br has said he's talen to luis at length b4 he bought sturridge about the role
14 Jan 2013 21:04:05
@2nd poster. From what I saw sturridge played lf, cf, rf, am, alm, arm and also dropped back at rb and lb at times as did borini. Of the 3 Luis was more central but all 3 interchanged as is the basis for 433 as BR wants it played. I doubt LS would mind us playing that way for the remainder of the season. I know for sure I would like to see more of it for the forseeable, Simonpw
14 Jan 2013 10:49:27
Despite the defeat yesterday I felt a lot more positive about our team than I have for a long time.
It was refreshing to see us actually have options on the bench to change a game, something we haven't had for a while.
We had two recognised strikers in reserve and what a difference when they both come on and we had an attacking 4-3-3 formation.
We also had shelvey on the bench and no Suso or Assaidi.
I think it is finally clear what Rodgers is trying to do and I am optimistic for the last few months of the season with the Europa League starting again and a winnable FA cup draw.
Heres hoping for 7 points from the next 3 games with 2 wins against Norwich and Arsenal and a draw with City.
Jay
14 Jan 2013 10:39:08
Can everyone please shut up about 4th, it isn't going to happen for a long time unless we get some quality and stop making STUPID mistakes. Also can someone show Allen how to pass a ball forward.
Well said - could you also teach Allen how to beat a man and also how to shoot - at £15m he should be able to do all of these.
14 Jan 2013 10:37:48
Hello Ed(s) and fellow reds.
For the patient ones, please take a few minutes to read my interpretation of our season so far.
I start with crediting Alex and Utd (as much as I despise both) for their reign in the English league for nearly two decades since his appointment in late 1986. Their positions for the next six seasons that followed were 11th, 2nd, 11th, 13th, 6th, and 2nd respectively. Many a fan were already fed up in just the first year in charge with a ferocious protest in his third year after nothing had been won. Today, they are arguably the best in the league at the moment.
Now I'm not saying any manager should be backed regardless of wether he merits it or not but Rodgers has many of those qualities that would lead to believe he may just be the sort that could lead us to where we belong. he's a man with a plan, not doing anything haphazardly or changing the way he plays by a great deal yet having players that are capable of being deployed in several positions, switching styles. Which is why he insists, only a certain calibre of players can join us. He also looks at the future with an arrogance, saying we will win in a couple of years. That is a sign of a confident manager in my books, he doesnt lie by saying we'll be challenging. Therefore, I say stop complaining and whining about losses for the time being, you have a right to yes, but it wouldn't be too difficult to support instead :)
Coming to players, the youth have been nothing but a revelation, in desperate times theyve stepped up and contributed to keep us steady. Namely Wisdom, Robinson, Shelvey and most importantly Suso and Sterling. Their input has been appreciated by every fan with our thin squad. Having said that, we should use this January wisely in bringing in players that will ease the burden and allow these young ones to get some deserved time on the bench.
I don't have much to say about the defence when all are fully fit. They handle their business in their own way. Skrtel and Aggers partnership is strong and Enrique has been flourishing under Rodgers's style of play. Gerrard got off with a slow start but has already notched in a few goals and an impressive assist tally. Allen is a great player, fans should get off his back. The same ones that hit out at Lucas and Henderson are eating their words today claiming Hendo should have started, stop putting down our players and chant out their names instead! Its shocking what a little bit of belief and confidence in ones abilities can do. Suarez has been immense! Second top scorer, couple of assists, runs a crazy amount, tracks back, skillful and has a high number of dribbles too. Class!
Finally the signings and areas of improvement. Sturridge is going to be a bargain at £12 million. Two in two with fitness lacking, his understanding and link up play with Suarez looks promising to say the least. Quick, dribbler and able to score with both feet is enough to get me excited when he's on the pitch. Along with his ability to take on a man, play across the front three and ability to take a shot from anywhere, aaah just hope he fulfills his potential.
Think we need another forward player so that Downing can be used to come off the bench, cup matches or when we need to rest key players. Ince has been touted and if Brendan believes he'll make that difference then fair enough, he knows what he wants and I trust his buys. A defensive player would be great, perhaps Sissoko? I don't know.
In conclusion, give it till the end of next season. Fergie got 6. Rodgers just looks the sort that will deliver. he's one of the few who uses a strategy, pays attention to tiny details and strives to make things work inch by inch, perfection would be the word. It didn't take a day to build Rome and it certainly won't take a season to make a team that would challenge in todays league, where money buys the big boys any toy.
I would like to get an opinion from the ed(s) and any supporters like myself or otherwise.
Cheers,
RedSox69
I agree in the main. If you also look at the under 21 and under 18 teams we seem to have several good prospects. Taking into account SAF did not really get going until his youth players (Beckham, Scholes, Giggs et al) came through perhaps there are similarities. I am as impatient for success as the next supporter but we have to be realistic. If Sturridge had scored a second we would be singing a different tune.
Kev 1950
14 Jan 2013 10:08:54
Morning!
Downing is spot on stating that the players showed Utd too much respect.
Forgive me for sounding pessimistic and stating the obvious, but that first half performance displayed a little bit of naivety on behalf of the management as dropping three central midfielders in front of the defence was plain silly. The back-line was more than capable of pushing Utd if only they had pushed up higher.
Utd were there for the taking and the second half showed that.
Anyway, it's a learning curve for some yet a tad frustrating for others.
I'm sure the manager is aware of this and will instill a different mentality for the net two big games.
Keep it going Brendan and the boys.
Get at them.
DaveyBootle
14 Jan 2013 10:08:54
Morning!
Downing is spot on stating that the players showed Utd too much respect.
Forgive me for sounding pessimistic and stating the obvious, but that first half performance displayed a little bit of naivety on behalf of the management as dropping three central midfielders in front of the defence was plain silly. The back-line was more than capable of pushing Utd if only they had pushed up higher.
Utd were there for the taking and the second half showed that.
Anyway, it's a learning curve for some yet a tad frustrating for others.
I'm sure the manager is aware of this and will instill a different mentality for the net two big games.
Keep it going Brendan and the boys.
Get at them.
DaveyBootle
Keep what going? We are going backwards.
I think it's seven wins in ten. That'll do me Mr. Anonymous.
What do you want?
Premier league?
DaveyBootle
14 Jan 2013 09:42:29
At my best guess, i'd say these people havin' a go at Allen are the same people who used to slate Lucas. Now they claim Lucas is amazing and that they saw it all along. So they've now moved on to Allen and when he gets voted players player one year, he'll be applauded and some other young player will cop it!
persons.
Red7.
Fans have the right to make observations on the performance of players. Joe Allen is giving the ball away in dangerous positions, he's being caught in possession in dangerous positions, his passing was faulty in dangerous positions and he's giving away too many free kicks in dangerous positions. We have the right to voice concern. He may improve in time, but for now, he should be dropped.
LFC_SA
Lucus got slated when he was playing badly, Allen is getting slated for playing badly, downing gets slated for playing badly. Suarez gets all the plaudits for playing well.
Not too difficult to understand is it? or do we start to except people earning a fortune in the name of LFC and playing badly?
14 Jan 2013 09:40:15
the game yesterday reminded me of the cup final against chelsea, in as much as we only had a real go at them when we were 2-0 down. Andy Carrols last minute effort could have squared it and sturridge could have done the same yesterday. My point is why don't we go for it from the start and play a front three of suarez, sturridge and borini, because you can count on one hand the amount of goals scored by downing and sterling together this season
jaycee {Ed052's Note - Both Sturridge and Borini have been injured and not been fit for a very long time. Playing them from the start would have been criminal, and could have ended up with injuries}
Ed052 a voice of reason at last.simonpw
14 Jan 2013 10:26:30
i have to say this is the most realistic opinion i seen on this page for a while. i similarily feel were missing a playmaker like eriksson or isco. i say the summer is a more realistic time to get this type player. however sneider avaliable? if e takes a pay cut then i can see no problem in getting him? im sure were interested but it up to him whether e a money grabber or if e genuinely wants to play for best club in world. if it was me i'd play for nothing nearly to play for liverpool. YNWA J96
Hey J96 how ya doin? Sorry if I missed the point of your post, but was wondering who's opinion you were talking about lol, A slightly confused Simonpw
14 Jan 2013 10:20:48
The difference between us and Man UTD..
they bought one class player
RVP - 29 year old - 24 mill
we bought 3 players..
allen, borini and sturridge..and probably ince..
Difference between us and Utd.
They have been at the top of their game for the last 2 decades with us faltering and falling from great heights in the last couple of seasons.
Top players are sought out from top clubs starring in the champions league, even if an offer were put in, it would most likely be turned down.
Take a break mate, if you love how Utd do their transfers so much then jump ship.
I for one will be donning the liverbird on my chest even if we drop to league 2.
RedSox69
Nothing to do with manager stability and a squad molded over numerous seasons in comparison to a young Liverpool squad with a manager still finding his feet screaming out for more funds and a bigger squad to comply with his long-term plans?
DaveyBootle
Manutd also bought kagawa, the left back and the young lad from crew.
14 Jan 2013 11:18:03
so what's your point??
Even I have a liverbird on ma chest...but lets be real..you want or happy seeing a club like liverpool underperforming..
for you its just a saturday..and a couple of beers with 90 mts?
I want my team to be at the top of the world..
You realise, accept and recognise the mistakes and stuppidity happening in our club..
you are happy we go down to 2nd division..
and you call yourself a true fan?
thats utter crap mate..
stand up and voice against the stuppidity happening...
vote your opinions and emotions..
liverpool is not someones private property..
its a way of life....
we need our club to perform better..
liverbird on the chest..take a beer...support the team in 2nd division...
nonsense..
Yeah and he might play for them for 3 years the players we signed could all be playing for the next 10
14 Jan 2013 13:26:20
but he will get you the titles for all the three 3 years..and our kids will be fighting for the 4th spot all the 10 years...
14 Jan 2013 10:19:49
I thought ince linked to the club was bad now we are linked with another championship superstar chug lee from bolton the players we are linked with are shocking if they are real links brendon needs to get his coat & go. He has already bought a player who will never make it that's borini he is just a average squad man that cost 10m allen is 50, 50 at the moment to small & lightweight we need quality & experince in the club not more squad men like assiadi a traffic cone would have given more than him he will be gone in the summer come on br, ayre, fsg give us reds something to get excited about because this & the last 3 season have been painfull to watch & with the names linked dosent look like improving
Agree with lightweight players point and looking at better calibre
14 Jan 2013 10:12:27
I don't know why you guys are listening to Ian Ayre. He is the biggest clown in football. He is useless at he's job and always talks big but in reality he does nothing. FSG are another bunch of clowns for not sacking him sooner. They have done nothing but sell our players in the last 6-8 months and replaced them with hot air and big talk.They have made our squad so thin.People say that the money saved is going towards the losses we make but if they never had the money to compete they should have not bought LFC. The fact is we have little money for transfers and even less for wages. I think they would sell out best players if offers came in because they have done it before. The last transfer deadline day just showed the world the type of clowns FSG and Ayre are. I expect nothing from FSG and even less for Ayre he is the worst appointment this club has ever made. I don't blame BR for the way the club is run but i do blame him for wasting a huge chunk of the transfer budget on Allen who i think is not even close to being good enough. Sahin is another BR mistake as is Borini who i don't rate at all. We could have spent the money more wisely. Lets put it like this Diame free transfer Allen 15 million i know which one i would rather have.
14 Jan 2013 10:12:18
Why do so many have such faith in BR, why would you trust an inexperienced manager with the most difficult challenge in World Football?
When you look at all the appoitments that FSG have made to every position at the club and see the catologue of errors they have made what makes so many believe they have got this one right?
We are told think long term regarding performance ie accept how poor we are at present, yet the club thinks short term regarding stadium allowing the Stanley Park project to die even though long term it opened many more options than the restricted Anfield.
Its sad that one of the greatest Sporting entities in the world a "franchise" with unlimited potential should have ownership which can never fully realise that potential. I know Citys owners are unique but surely there is some group or individual that could have offered the club more than the incohernt and chaotic tenure of FSG?
FSG may have a job tidying our finances(but so many mistakes are continuing to ost us) but the appointment of Rodgers and the inability to realise the new stadium shows a restricted ambition.
With the right (and yes I know it would iniatally be huge) investment LFC could offer an unrivalled propostion.
In the meantime or the harsh reality we have slipped of the European map and can't see UTD CHELSEA ARSENAL SPURS OR CITY FOR DUST.
To say BR isn't a good manager is madness he is used to working with a budget that's why fgs gave him the job.
We won't be title contenders for a long time and its not BR fault there's teams with more money than us and that's just the way it is.
He has my total respect, and when he went over to the fans yesterday after the game (picture on the net) made me admire him even more.
To the liverpool fans at the game yesterday you showed agian why we are the best fans in the world you were brilliant singing ynwa at the end.
All BR asks for is time.
Eam
Rodgers is far from Perfect, the utd game is a perfect example got the system wrong 1st half is comments are contradicting when it comes to our table prediction and the transfer windows lets review:
Sahin - what a mess
Got Rid of Kuyt, Maxi Bellamy Carroll Now i agree with getting rid of them but no replacements untill january what did he think was going to happen
Allen - 15m might be good long run but hasnt performed well recently
Great coach though downing enrique and henderson all done much better
14 Jan 2013 10:09:12
Have you seen Martin Samuels' article in the D Mail ed002 about football owners investment ?
What do you make of that move by the 4 x clubs mentioned (including Liverpool) ; has it any legs ?
The Juicer {Ed002's Note - I haven't but assume it is to do with the letter that was presented a few weeks ago. The whole FFP deal in the EPL has some distance to go. Right now it would impact only Manchester City, Liverpool and Southampton. However, Liverpool are fighting to bring costs down which would lessen the impact on them, and Cheslea and Spurs could be impacted again if Chelsea fail to sustain the sponsorship and earnings from the Champions League and Spurs spend to the same levels as thay have been without balancing the books through significant sales (e.g. Modric). If, and I assume it is,} this is what he wrote about then I would not be overly concerned right now.}
Ta. Interesting anyway, if perhaps only to demonstrate FSG / Liverpool's current thinking. Readers should have a look at it and draw their own conclusions. For some it may strengthen mistrust for FSG, for others provide some reassurance to LFC's future sustainability.
But, if any thing, it should surely put a stop to the Sneijder £200k a week rumours !
The Juicer
14 Jan 2013 09:29:44
I think we are on right road with br! Just wish he would look now to changing formation to suit the players he has ! Sturridge up top with Suarez roaming just behind in a 4411 formation but to be fair he did change at ht . Also encourage by downing yesterday played well but not to the level needed for a Liverpool winger, we need 2 wide men to be constant threat leaving more space for Gerard and 2 frontmen to cause even more trouble
14 Jan 2013 09:21:06
Hello Ed's and fellow reds,
Just wanted to give my thoughts on yeserday'S game if I may.
1. We looked like Mansfield in the 1st half in the sense that we lacked belief which I found amazing considering the internationals in our side.
2. Joe Allen and Lucas for me struggle to fit in the same side. And if you are going to play both of them then why can't Gerrard be the furthest forward?
3. The young lads have been amazing for us this season but for me we now need to play Sturridge, Suarez and Borini from here on in..... if they need a rest then bring the youngsters on for the senior pro's. All of our young players will have learnt loads from this season but I feel they are a bit jaded now eg Sterling.
4. Downing needs to be sold as soon as possible. I am/was a winger myself and when I played my target for the season was 15 goals and 15 assists. Look at his record! Awful! And that game yesterday was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. He did nothing.
5. Rodgers- I am happy with the direction the club is moving in despite the league position and despite yesterday's result (cue trolls) but for me he needs to get a settled side and stick with it. Why no Henderson yesterday? Last game against Sunderland he was arguably man of the match? Why so defensive against Man Utd? When we had a go they suddenly looked an ordinary team so for me from now until the end of the season we need to be offensive lets speculate to accumulate!
Lastly I would like to congratulate our bitter rivals... I hate them (in a football sense) with a passion but when you lose and lose deservedly then you have to hold your hands up and give credit where its due. Real class is being gracious in defeat and humble in victory so well done!!
I still think 4th is a target due to the fact everton, spurs and west brom all dropped points over the weekend so keep the faith people. We will climb the table if we get behind the players.
jonnybarnes89-90.
14 Jan 2013 09:20:29
Anyone else excited about Borini, Sturridge and Saurez as our front 3? The more these 3 can play together the better for the team. I can see many goals and assists being created with them.
BrisbaneLFC
14 Jan 2013 09:19:36
I really don't think Sterling (at the moment) has what it takes to start against teams on the upper half of the table. Downing is stronger alright and doesn't fall all the time but he in my opinion is also not good enough. I believe Sterling will be an absout amazing player in the future but for now I think we need somebody else.
We need a new winger. One who can challenge a and attack from his wing.
Any one being looked at?
Cheers
Carl
Agreed Carl. Sterling is small and players boot him everywhere all over the pitch. Opposition players are also aware of him now which restricts his opportunities in a game. He just needs to change his game which will come with time.
DaveyBootle
I think Sterling is cooked both physically and mentally. He has been played for too often and far too much for a 17/18 year old. I believe he needs to be spelled from playing for the next month or so, recharge physically and mentally then come back and finish off the season refreshed.
BrisbaneLFC
13 Jan 2013 22:09:04
Hello eds and people Marcus from Trinidad here haven't posted in ages!eds sneijder rumours seem rampant from some posters any chance that it could be bigger than the former "aguero to Liverpool" from years gone.
Anyway sturridge looks good and I hope we could get a couple faces in to add depth and strengthen quality. The rebuilding continues for us I guess just hope we buy quality. By the way
eds I just want your opinion on team's defended; one or two class defenders can solidify a back five(gk) calmly...eg...vidic, kompany, piqué, thiago silva.I thought between Carra and hyypia in previous years we had two of the best our defence was always strong. So do you think agger and skrtel are close or that level?
Always nice to hear from you guys later Marcus ynwa {Ed001's Note - first off, sorry it has taken a while, I did type a reply to you a couple of times last night, but each time forgot to choose a box so it never went anywhere! I will try again, hopefully 3rd time lucky. For me, neither Agger, nor Skrtel are at that level right now. Agger is a class above Skrtel, who is still prone to rashness and being caught out due to it, but still not that level. Having said that, he is being asked to play a lot further forward than Carra and Hyypia were, with that exposing his slight lack of pace. Also the full backs alongside him are much more attacking than those we had in the past. Less protection from the midfield ahead of them too, so perhaps I am being a bit harsh on Agger and he would be as good as those two in the system they got to play in. I think we need a defender with more pace alongside him, that is where I think we are struggling.}
14 Jan 2013 09:05:45
In a post match interview BR relates the table position to the lack of depth, the club needs to make some tough calls on the make up of the playing roster and use of younger players.
The transfer policy would be great if the young guys could take us top four but as Sterling showed today PL teams have worked out if you body up on RS he doesn't have the strength to compete, these young players should not be expected to carry the load, they should be part of a succession plan with proven players as starters doing the job of dominating every position on the field.
Hate to say this but our defenders could learn from how the MU defense approached the game, they focused on manning up tight to kill off the only threat we had LS - although when Sturridge came on Ferdinand & Vidic looked threatened. We were caught ball watching and gave our targets too much room.
Unfortunately Agger has been disappointing of late, a prime example of his was his role in the 3 Stoke goals, heading back in field into a strikers path was a school boy error.
Don't worry about D Sturridge he is class and MU recognized the threat, his introduction freed up Suarez. We need some serious game winners to not only hold the back line but in midfield to provide for the talent we have up front.
Agger was ok without him would have been more than the 2 goals
If Sterling does not have the strength to compete then Allen has no strength at all - hopeless.
Sorry but you can't give van persie that much room his goal agger and skirtel were a yard each away from him even in amature football you told to mark the center forward tight I thought they didn't play well and also the first goal when evra crossed the ball wisdon turned his back allowing the cross to come in that was very poor even though he had a pretty good game apart from that but you must be prepared to take a hit for the team
14 Jan 2013 08:48:48
anybody else think that sturridge and suarez look liked they had played together for alot more than 1 week of training #scarypartnership!
Good to see borini back too the amount of options we know have attacking wise looks great compared to the game when we were that short of options we were playing a midfielder as a false 9.
I for one think that we have a bright future and if we stick together and with rodgers we will be back in the mix in 2-3 seasons without a ridiculous wage bill and also a well better squad.
The future is red!!
SB96
14 Jan 2013 08:43:47
here's a post for all the allen slater's. Apart from Reina, wisdom and luis noone turned up for the first half not just joe allen. Utd had a game plan, stuck to it and deservedly went in front. They pressed the ball and stopped us playing. We sat back and let them play. Sterling was outmuscled everytime he got the ball and luis was left isolated. Lucas was taken off before allen because he was booked and when allen got booked he was also replaced. When we changed personnel from half time onwards we played some fantstic stuff. Bad defending cost us the 2nd goal. Johnson was slower to react and was left 2v1 at back post for the goal. Team selection? Well from the posts on here recently evry1 wanted sterling to start every game, hendo's no good and borini's a waste of money, why are we wasting 12mil on sturridge that's the feedback iv seen As far as I can see there are a lot of people on here who say 1 thing and then just complain for the sake of it when they get exactly what they asked for.BR is not to blame for lack of effort that should be a given, utd did we didn't in the first half simple. BR said DS wasn't fit to start, borini 1st game back and hendo left on bench. All came on and made immediate impact. Right subs at the right time. Non performance in 1st 45m cost us not team selection. The sooner we start playing for 90+ mins the sooner we will progress, YNWA Simonpw
Joe allen deserves what is said about him as he lets the side down
Disagree....When we made the changes we looked more comfortable on the ball and took the game to United. As soon as we went on the offensive they made mistakes and looked unsettled. We should have started the game in this fashion, not the negative set up in the first half.
A number of teams have gone to Old Trafford this season and taken the game to United. Yes, they are good going forward but are not the solid unit at the back as per previous United teams
Newcastle went to Old Trafford and scored 3, had they not hit the post in injury time, they probably would have gone on to win. Spurs also scored 3 and won 3-2.
We showed United too much respect in the first half, this was evident in the team selection....
Fact is joe Allen caused us more problems yesterday than RVP
I think you'll see if you read my post properly that i said he wasn't the only 1 at fault. I have no problem with criticism of any player, god knows i do it myself. But too much on here it is a singular player that gets it in the neck time and time again. It seems like 1 player is the target each week. I'm not even a big fan of his to be honest. If you wanna see the team i would have chosen for the game im sure its in a previous post. That's not the point either. The 100% reason we lost the game was completely attitude in the 1st half no matter the personnel we had on. Utd had it right we didn't. Thanks for the reply, ynwa simonpw
Yes attitude was a problem but also the team selection.
We played 5 across midfield with Suarez issolated up front. Even though we packed the centre of the park, we were still over run. The United left and right backs bombed forward with confidence as we had no threat going forward on the counter. They stretched our defence, pulling Wisdom out of position a number of times.
When we made the change, taking a player out of midfield, we had more threat going forward. Having a man less in the middle of the park meant that the likes of Gerrard etc had to work harder. It worked.
As we pressed forward, with Sturridge up front with Suarez, the United full backs retreated hence they attacked in less numbers.
Changing the formation at 2-0 down was too late, we should have started more offensivley !
Nicky d
14 Jan 2013 20:55:45
@ Nicky d.Hindsight is a wonderful thing isn't it. We started with the same formation we start most games with. A combination of utd's pressing and our atitude(ie we didn't press/let them play etc) caused us to play further back with 5 in midfield isolating luis. After half time our atitude changed, we pushed up and movement of front 3 changed to cause them problems. If the atitude had been the same in the 1st half who knows what might have happened. Like I said we need to play for 90+ mins not 45. Thanks for the reply, Simonpw
14 Jan 2013 19:41:55
@2nd poster, Again it was altitude not team selection, we sat back and didn't press they did. Sterling was too weak in possession and didn't track back when not in possession. Downing similar. Luis isolated 1-4 on most occasions in 1st half. SG was bypassed also. We let them play basically. Atitude, Simonpw
14 Jan 2013 08:35:01
Read some of the posts on here saying we don't want ws because of his wages & we don't want do do a leeds, leeds are a big club but even when they were in the prem leeds turnover is much smaller than ours fsg ayre need to back brendon the squad is at least 5 top pros short we are killing sterling he needs a complete break but br has knowone else to play i think reds fans will be angary if only ds comes in
My God!
How are they "killing" Sterling he is 18yrs old & should be fit as a Butchers dog. To find someway yo justify why he's nit contributing anything you try to blame the club or mainly the owners. He'd getting paid like a man so man up. His end Product is appalling at the min he stops when he receives the ball. That's if he isn't stood waiting for the ball to come to him.
Lot of people are not convinced by Once. But he would offer alot more than Sterling at the minute!!
Lyndon
14 Jan 2013 09:40:09
good reply..
but can you shed some views on the below comment..
apparently we are bringing another 20 year old Ince to compete with 18 year old sterling..
neither we bring quality experienced players...nor we condemm our players poor performance..
If we ae building it for future which is happening from past 3 years.
lets not play any game this season..and wait till the kids become 25...
14 Jan 2013 08:33:12
Rather than wasting money on over priced players on huge wages as a symbolic gesture, can't we just release an actual 'statement of intent'. Maybe we can use a crested letterhead on nice thick 200gsm, semi-gloss paper. It could read something like "We intend to win as many games as we can, signed Brendan Rodger". Perhaps then people will finally begin to take us seriously.....
14 Jan 2013 08:32:05
In my opinion yesterday made quite a few thing perfectly clear.
Andre wisdom is not ready for first team action, he was all over the place first half, although he made a few brave blocks he gave the ball away and was consistantly found out of position.
Stuart downing offers little going forward and gives you even less tracking back, disgraceful.
Raheem Sterling I have no doubt this kid has talent but he seems reluctant to take people on at the moment, he runs up blind alleys and like downing does not do any work without the ball. Not ready for a regular start for me.
Joe allen good player but too lightweight to influence matches forget he's on the pitch sometimes.
We cannot defend set pieces to save our lives.
Finally did anyone else get on too the fact that we looked nervous playing the ball out of defence, Reina, agger skrtel, etc have obviously been told not to lump it but there were not enough options to pass to in midfield, and Man you hurried and hassled us into mistakes. Barca's Tiki taka style of football is founded on the basis that players make them selves available for a pass so that the player on the ball always has 3 pass options, and it is done with world class players, surley common sense should take over in certain situations and you should just get it away when in trouble. or am I just old skool?
dave
So, have we got any good players then? All doom and gloom. get a grip
robbie
I agree teams know how to get at us, they just push up and hassle our defence as we try to pass our way out of trouble, result some of the passing is rushed and serves no purpose, we put pressure on our own players.
Dav
I agree teams know how to get at us, they just push up and hassle our defence as we try to pass our way out of trouble, result some of the passing is rushed and serves no purpose, we put pressure on our own players.
Dav
Robbie, Are you about 3 years old? can you reply to the comments in my post and tell me which you think are are innacurate,
Dave
14 Jan 2013 08:18:11
Hi edds with all the money that Been saved in summer selling Adam caroll on loan bellamy and Cole now and others. Maybe downing going now. Got to have saved a few hundered k aweek. So where is the money going. And are fsg reluckent to back rodgers. Look at all the money kenny had and wasted. I think we need about 4/5 players lb striker eventthough we have sturiage borini and luis I think you always need 4. Attacking mid cb lw and if Regina goes a gk. But they cannot all be kids I agree with gerrard that need some older heads in the team. I think msg need to back lfc or go {Ed002's Note - The money saved from wages gets soaked up in the losses the club is continuing to make.}
What are they losing money on {Ed052's Note - The club brings in less money than goes out. So a loss is made}
14 Jan 2013 09:44:44
excellent reply Ed...one of the best..
People moaning about FSG not spending..
ridiculous over 150 mill spend so far in 2 years..
not even roman spend so much...
we blewed money...and its our fault...
14 Jan 2013 08:17:14
Unfair criticism of allen is not good i agree, but i stand by what i have said of him previously and agree to an extent to both sides of peoples opinions of him, but at the end of the day he is not going to be a game changer, he will not command the midfield in more than 4/5 games a season, he dosnt have enough upside to his game, there is little room for improvement in him yes his passing might get better, his vision might develop further, his heart might give more, but his size won't change, his strength won't dramatically increase, his physicality won't demand respect from oponents, and this is what seperates the good from the great in the EPL, i don't doubt he would smash it in the championship, he would look world class in spain, and look brilliant at QPR (no disrepect just an example) but for LFC a team wanting CL and title challenges and cup runs he is not big enough, not strong enough, not fast enough, he dosnt have a toure to protect him and he is getting smashed by 90% of opponents. I like the lad and respect his skill, but he is not right for this particular team.
Bruised and battered,
C.Mac. YNWA
This is one of the reasons England are so far behind the likes of Spain etc. the fans and coaches insist on the biggest and strongest players rather than the technical. It's stunting our growth as a country in terms of football.
MIKEYRED
Please please please dnt think me too negative, I Love this Club, I will always back every player and staff member of every title, i wish we had 1 or 2 "star players" but we don't and that's just how it is, allen is abtop player and has immense skill but will never be able too truly shine in this league the way it is, he is in some ways an english Iniesta in a place and time where its not appreciated or applicable.
If allen had the body type of downing or hendo he would be truly great but alas that's not how it is, so how do we accomadate him, easy fix, don't leave him stranded, have bodies available draw players away from him rather than to him, but then are we too build around 1 man, No.
We have now a system in place as too how we play and it is good and will work with the right players but these need'nt be the most expensive or the biggest names, they simply need to be scouted properly and not transfered hastily, time is what we need and its what we have, we will not be relegated any time soon and glory will come, but we first need a champion team not anteam of champions.
Always Red in Heart and Head
C.Mac. YNWA
Every player goes through a dip in form?
Don't be too hasty to write them off? Especially when as in Allens case they've obviously got great ability.
You could end making youself look rather silly.
kidmillions
Mickey so what you are sayin is that Allen is as technical as iniesta and xavi? you have got to be freakin kiddin me. his first touch is just to poor, he's weak and can't pass the ball forward. how is he going to help us score goals?
Honestly allen was technically rubbish yesterday, kept losing possesion and giving it away in dangerous areas, nothing to do with his size
he mentally buckled under the pressure. he s a fair weather footballer, he will look great when the team is doing well but when the chips are down he goes missing... this implies to me lack of character which br seems to bang on about
and yes allen was the worst player on the field first half yesterday
tom1975
14 Jan 2013 08:02:30
Why are loads of people on the back of Rodgers?
Has no one spotted the great con dealt by 'moneybags' FSG ??
How has everyone forgotten they left the squad without much up front and missed targets in the summer BR had expected?? The Sturridge deal is left over from the summer
All FSG have done so far is reduce the thin squad further by letting COle and Sahin go !
Wake up its FSG the problem !
Thank You! FSG are the problem people cannot honestly think that Daniel Sturridge was the first choice striker? No it was FSG's pointless buy English ad young rule. That'd be fine if we were currently top of the league but how about building for now eh? Not getting on Stirridges back he's a good player but I think there is better out there.
Wake up - you are clueless!
You are a Clown!
Do you want FSG to spent another 100million plus higher wages to "Guarantee?" CL football. Even if you won it the following year youd not make a dent in the debt.
Your short term-ism is shocking. Do you not comprehend that the club is a business like any other.Give the manager and players time
Lyndon
14 Jan 2013 07:50:26
We all know that we need a Playmaker in the midfield.
So who would you want ?
BigD
Mesut ozil if we have ambition, belhanda could be abit cheaper. Arda turan is another 1 who can open defences and supports lfc. Wesley sneider if he accepted £90-100k weekly. RedTurk
Who do I want? I want FSG to spend some money and stop conning the fans with this no transfer policey they're trying to blind us with {Ed002's Note - So you don't care who the club buys, just as long as the owners spend more and more money buying players.}
14 Jan 2013 09:58:52
then what on earth is joe allen bought. henderson bought. shelvey, in...
ridiculous...sell atleast 2..and then bring a playmaker...
wen a player fails..or flops...we have excuses...
Not exactly a playmaker but I wouldn't mind Yaya Toure in our midfield.
Rigsby.
14 Jan 2013 07:38:58
Ok, it was a classic game of two halves. Though to be more accurate, we didn't even get going until 2 nil down. I was expecting Allen to make way for Sturridge, not Lucas, and I barely remember Downing touching the ball, or Sterling for that matter. Surprising to see Johnson struggle to get past players also. Suarez obviously benefitted from a partner up front in the second half and I liked Borini's movement, let's hope he adds finishing to it as well.
I respect that BR acknowledges when the system isn't working and changes it, but I'd prefer to see the oposition having to make changes to counter us. Not beating a top half team this season is embarassing, though our performances against many of them has warranted more, particularly against Spurs and Utd.
Hopefully with a bit more up front now we can turn more good performances into 3 points.
14 Jan 2013 07:18:20
eds, now we have suarez, sturridge & borini playing in the front three. which position should be our next signing? attacking mf, defensive mf or else? {Ed002's Note - Else.}
14 Jan 2013 05:44:48
Sneijer is not coming in on website""
But the rumours of rodgers saying only one more signing coming in is rubbish because ian ayre did come out yesterday before the game and said we are looking at signings and we do expect to get the signings we want and we have no problem with money""
Video on website if you don't believe me""
YNWA
14 Jan 2013 05:16:35
Hi eds and Reds, According to v are not interested in signing Wesley Sneijder. "We don't have any issues with finances it is about doing what is best in the long-term interests of the football club, always." Ian Ayre told in an interview. Ayre also spoke about Steven Gerrard's recent comments, when he stressed that the club cannot just buy young players - and the Liverpool chief agreed wholeheartedly."I thought Steven's comment and the journalism around it were first class - there is no policy at this club of only signing young players, that is a myth, " he said.But Ayre has told that they are working on a number of targets: "It is about who Brendan has got his designs on. What he wants, we will always say the same thing, if we find the right deals for the right players we will get it done. "Everyone who operates in January knows it is always a difficult window, but we will do what we can. We have got targets in sight and if we can resolve those great, if not then we will move onto summer and do what we need to do. "We have got the right team behind this, right amount of effort and right level of investment and it is about getting the right deal that fits. That is the most important thing, lots of teams including Liverpool have seen some deals done in haste, or at the wrong time and we are not going to let that happen and we are going to manage that efficiently and properly and get the best we can get." So expect the best signings v can during the next few weeks.
Seems you didn't get the gist of anything said did you?
Let me re-phrase for you. We have targets, if deals can be done at the right price then great. If not then it won't happen. We won't be held to ransom or make rash decisions anymore.
Jan window is always cost inflated. I wouldn't be surprised either way if further deals are or not done. Don't build up your hopes though as you seem to suggest they are.
Marshy
14 Jan 2013 04:10:16
Sturridge plays two games and scores, suddenly he's an amazing bit of business. Borini plays 6 games and hasnt scored and is a waste of money, along with allen and the rest.
Liverpool fans are becoming worse by the day, when they pass judgement on a player so quickly. Everyones favourite rumour, alonso to liverpool. People forget he was awful the first season, few players hit the ground running anywhere. They especially won't if all they hear constantly is 'dead wood' or as someone posted recently 'not fit to wear the badge'. It sickens me how naive and poorly supported the team is.
Rubbish the team is supported through good and bad times we have never one the premiership but we still turn up in our thousands but sorry we all have opinions and we will never win the league the way we are set up now
Your right, the way we are set up now. Now being the key word. It's changing but people seem to think so short term, they won't let it change.
14 Jan 2013 01:33:45
not a rumour at all just wondering who people would like to replace reina? i know he prob has a couple of seasons yet just wondering peoples opinions including yours eds
Krusty the clown
There was also a header off him and out for a corner.. and he never told the ref he made the wrong decision... a little bit dissapointed in vidic.. shame shame shame
Aussiepool tristan
There was also a header off him and out for a corner.. and he never told the ref he made the wrong decision... a little bit dissapointed in vidic.. shame shame shame
Aussiepool tristan
14 Jan 2013 01:23:10
Remember Fenway say money is there if BR wants it... I feel there is something in the pipe.
Keep the faith guy's.. All is not what it seems!
Brad
14 Jan 2013 01:10:13
Shame about today, little unlucky to loose all 3 points but there are alot of positives to take. We gave em a scare once we came into the game but didn't have enough time to make a difference, had there been 9 mins of extra time lets say we may have broken em down.
Im not sure we need ince, seems like a strange move to me. He is arrogant, his father even more so and he may do well in the championship but is he going to push sterling/suso/suarez/borini out? And if he does why would we want to pay money to do that? I think the lineup we have is pretty good anyway. It may be time for downing to go so there is a space open I guess but I can think of 2 other positions that need more attention.
Johnson seemed a different player today, unwilling to make runs and sloppy on his left foot. We need another leftback. Robinson aren't that great yet and enrique is better futher up the pitch. I also think we need another CDM to keep the ball in their half where it belongs.
Noshbag
14 Jan 2013 00:44:29
A few points from todays game...
SAF said Man you played as good as they have this season in the 1st half.
We were awful in the 1st half; a few players didn't perform and our passing was poor. Carrick is a good player if he hs time on the ball - we gave him that 1st half.
However - Sturridge got his 2nd goal in 2 games - looked lively - some good inter passing with Suarez that could bode well in the future. Borini coming back gives us options as well.
To the people who don't like to lose - nor do I; to the people slating Rodgers; read his comments - Sturridge wasnt fit to start.
Rodgers changed the game in the 2nd half - I'm saying that coz you blame him if it doesnt work out in the 1st half regardless of which players play.
it's going to be hard for us this season; but... next season I don't expect us to have to get rid of alot of the average players we have had recently. therefore this will strenghen the team.
Dont expect us to buy a player for 10m without considering the overall cost of the transfer though (agents fees, bonuses etc..) - and nor should we.
I know its hard to take but it will get better - some players are playing because we may not have the options available to us (at the moment).
I was so negative when Hodgson was in charge but I can see what we are trying to do - regardless of results (dont get me wrong i want to be top of the league etc...).
I'm off now - its hard being positive when others around you aren't - but there's no quick fixes - we've not won the league for 23 years - knee jerk sack the manager is not appropriate when the football we are playing (at times) better than the opposition.
Have faith; have paitence for now.
Hoola
14 Jan 2013 08:09:27
the problem with BR is his team selection is awful whole season..and he realise after an half of play..
by the time we would be chasing a game..
we knew they were without rooney..
kagawa was coming from a long injury..
we should have gone and attacked..
instead we went to be defensive..
y on earth are we playing allen and lucas together?
lucas is enough to protect the back 4..since allen does absloute nothing..we should have gone with suso or hendo..
and that's why people say we miss creative midfielder..
allen is uselsess..
downing?..y oh y?
y have we bought sturridge?
should have scared them with sterling suarez and sturridge..
Having a bad game or losing your form slightly does not mean your useless?
Sometimes you have to just blame it on Bio Rythms!
kidmillions
14 Jan 2013 00:33:57
As the dust settles on our latest disappointment of the season, I try to reflect on the 'LFC' positives of the game, sadly I find myself struggling to find many.
We were just poor.
Tactics were wrong.
First half we looked like a bunch of scared children, on their first day of school.
Second half was better, by far.
So, I contemplate this, and draw the conclusion that 'tactically' our manager is indeed deficicient, he is stubborn, and just does not know his team that well, despite all his jaunty verbose talk.... He is still out of his depth.
However, I do realise, that I can't be the only one thinking this, and that surely 'common sense' will prevail at some time.
If you rewind and see what Allen did when we faced City and United at anfield, you'll be surprised that was this the player that played yesterday! He's having a rough patch but will come back stronger so slating him saying he does nothing is such a shame!
14 Jan 2013 00:23:36
I read that Sir Bobby Charlton, hosted various families of the Hillsborough tragedy at Old Trafford.
What a touching and thoughtful gesture.
Sir Bobby, you are a true gentleman, and a credit to the game, and I raise my glass to you!... Slange!.
I for one, would love to see King Kenny back in a ambassadorial role at LFC... We need our King back!!.
Tumbleweed Red.
14 Jan 2013 00:09:44
"Rodgers tactics lost the match" and "Allen was poor".
For christ's sake, people!
Yes the first half was terrible, but sometimes as players, you just don't turn up. We're not used to having United press us like that and the fact that United have conceded the first goal on SIXTEEN occasions this year, suggests they don't do it all that often. We were simply taken by surprise and as well as Joe Allen, the entire team were outplayed in the first half. If you ignore Allens terrible pass to Agger in the first half, you'll see that without him, in the second half, we'd have been over-run again. Forget his passing, which was fine without that shocker! But given the amount of possession we had, i'd say nobody passed well, or nobody found themselves any space. But Joe Allen shut down their midfield very very well in the second half, as he always does.
When we had to chase the game we looked quite good i thought. Sturridge looked good, although not entirely comfortable on the ball just yet. Sterling looked ok, even though that's the least amount of time he's been able to spend on the ball. Lucas was closed down from the pressing, it's not his fault and he still managed to play ok where many would just crumble.
The back four played very well in the second half, but were just caught out a bit early on and that second goal was down to ballwatching really. Little lapses in concentration that cost you dearly against teams like that.
I honestly saw some great signs of improvement in the second half, but that first half... Well, personally i've not seen United come out of the gates like that in a long, long time. It was unexpected, i certainly didn't see it coming, and we were caught off guard by what was a crude, yet effective gameplan and did well to go into the break at 1-0.
I know any loss hurts, but a loss to United leaves a real scar. However, sometimes you can't see things happening, and i think the way we chased the game and the intensity shown by everybody in the second half deserves, at the very least, a little effort in celebrating. keeping that game to 2-1 and very possibly seeing a different result like a draw deserves some form of gratitude, had we scored one of the other half chances later on in the match, it'd be a different story.
If we can improve that much in a 15 minute break, think how much we'd have learned from that match after a few days reflection and study.
It's time to settle down now and get on with it, no prizes for complaining.
Red7.
'I saw signs of improvement' how many times after big games are we going to say this? We are liverpool fc . Not good enough
Aldos tash
14 Jan 2013 01:03:15
Red7 are you kid? Is this the first time we have lost to a team who have pressed us any team we play they will try to expose our weakness and its clear that when teams presses us we loose nothing is new there same with Allen, when we played swansea in cup game they exposed Allen by pressing him fast and not giving him much time now every team is doing the same.
Pretty much covers my own views - United have a wider squad than us, and this showed yesterday. A United fan had said that the outcome of the match strongly depends on whether United start with Scholes and Giggs in midfield, and he was proven right.
Rodger's plan was to overrun them in midfield, but United showed better physique than us and totally squashed our midfield. The second half success of the three forwards was due to the fact that when United lead 2-0 they go back, and lower the tempo - and cudos to Rodgers this time, for he read that one right, and threw us forward. The Sir was nervous, 'cause United would be unable to raise their tempo again, and we could have and should have pulled an upset.
All to all, we gave it a shot, we just weren't up to it. Against weaker opposition expect Daniel to start ahead of Sterlin or Stue, with Borini coming on as an impact sub.
Drigan
Good balanced post.
I have not seen Fergie bring on defenders for forwards at home before, which s a good sign we ad him scared.
Starting to look good, especially second half when we were by far the better team.
Good to see a bench that had players on who can change games
Onward and upward.......
14 Jan 2013 08:04:14
Nonsense...Allen was horrible...
horrible doesnt mean he was giving away balls...and loosing possession...
including a player..you need to contribute..
What on earth was he contributing yesterday...
Yesterday was the game to show what a player he is...
did he turn up?
he is becoming another andy carrol..
I can only remember 2 shots on target, gerards shot and sturridges follow up
Hey guys having been a red all my life and watched the periods when we ruled Europe and England winning trophys with fantastic teams well let me tell you they sometimes never turned up until second half of game on many occasions the way you new kids on the block sound like the old teams never got beat or played excellent every match not true am sorry rose tinted glasses lads when building a team you need time you need the right buys even shanks got it wrong tony hately, jack whittam alan evans ect so get of Brendans back will you realise to become the Liverpool of old you have to be prepared to let the manager put together the players that fit his plans as the great Shanks did it took him several years you know lads
Didn't expect the opposition to play against us.........expect everything is the firs rule of being competitive!
14 Jan 2013 00:05:55
"Rubbish tactics, crap performance from J. Allen and Sterling. Johnson was totally outplayed. Should have played 3 CB with downing and Johnson on wingbacks. Lucas and Stevie on CM with Sturridge-Borini-Suarez."
Why don't we just make this guy manager problem solved !
13 Jan 2013 23:54:13
First hour we were awful, slack passing no movement an silly mistakes, yes Allen had a poor game but he cannot be the sole blame to our defeat, his game revolves around picking up the ball and distributing it, with neither gerrard or Lucas also not playing at their 100% best they were not making the necessary runs for Allen to play the simple balls to. Combine that with the fact downing at sterling had little movement it is making his job 10 times worse before he's even kicked a ball. Sturridge and borini did make an impact but without the creativity in midfield feeding them the balls they need, they'll be no substance to all the movement that they're making. In my opinion gerrard needs to up his game, Suso needs to be played in his preferred role or a decent creative midfielder needs to be brought in, allowing gerrard and Lucas to be a tad more sat back, but still having a player to take the creative position behind the front 3.
Redgrant
14 Jan 2013 01:07:54
Redgrant when was the last time Allen had a decent game and in what basses Hendo was benched for Allen
14 Jan 2013 08:11:51
21 games so far.. allen played 19 out of them..
tell me 5 games where he was stand out performer?
that guy is uselses...
BR is just defending his selection..
I'm not going to disagree with that at all, hendersons recent performances have definatly put him above Allen in my opinion, but they are 2 completely differen players for different situations, it was clear Rodgers was going for a more solid calm and slow approach with Allen simply being used to distribute the ball, but as we began to chase and needed more to happen we needed a more all rounded player like Henderson, who can track back and push forward. Just because one player is playing better than another doesn't mean that they should play out of their comfort zone, just my opinion.
Redgrant
Forgot to add, Allen will never be the stand out performer, he was bought to link the defence to the midfield and be an option. When he does this well the team plays well, when he doesnt and his passes go astray it is normally down to a lack of movement. Im by no means calling him the "welsh xavi" but do you think xavi would be half as effective if he didn't have players like iniesta, fabregas, messi so on so on to make options for him?
Redgrant
14 Jan 2013 10:07:20
the last post is excellent...
iniets, messi, fabrigas...did not made xavi...
instead xavi made all these superstars..
how can you compare xavi with a player..
he is the best in the current living genrations..
barca attack starts with xavi..
not with messi, iniest and fabrigas..
and common fabrigas joined barca 2 season ago..
ridiculous..
14 Jan 2013 10:07:20
the last post is excellent...
iniets, messi, fabrigas...did not made xavi...
instead xavi made all these superstars..
how can you compare xavi with a player..
he is the best in the current living genrations..
barca attack starts with xavi..
not with messi, iniest and fabrigas..
and common fabrigas joined barca 2 season ago..
ridiculous..
Mate in no way shape or form did I say that xavi was made by those players, but without players willing to move and create options for him he too could not be the player he is, it's just like with a striker, you could have the potential to be the best striker in the world but without good service it won't count for as much, players work together and get the best out of eachother and in liverpools case if people work to create options for Allen he will start to deliver.
Redgrant
13 Jan 2013 23:48:21
BR said no more transfers thus window so why are we speculating?
Aldos tash
13 Jan 2013 23:38:04
Ok, We got beat today but there was some good points that came froom the game. First of all brendan gave utd too much respect in the first half and we could of been dead and buried by half time. But in the second half he was spot on with the changes he made. Ie bringing struridge on. Suarez needs support upfront and although he didn`t have a good game he played better second half with the better support he got.
I got slated the other week on here when i said the premier league is not as good as it once was and yet this is a very poor utd side even their own fans agree and yet they are 7 points ahead of city. It dosen`t say much for the rest of the league does it.
Anyway if Brendan plays with the 2 strikers for the rest of the season i think we won't be that far off top 5. There is no chance of champions league though. Maybe in a few seasons with a few more better players we will be back in the mix.
What do others think?.
AndyKophead.
I think we will finish 6th this season.
13 Jan 2013 23:29:20
difficult to critisise when i did not watch the game today- but it seems typical of many of late- playing too deep, giving the ball away asking for trouble and getting it. we should not be moaning about joe allen too much-he seems the sort to want to try to keep possession and build- but he can't do it all on his own. sturridge - suarez together seems worth a go
13 Jan 2013 23:27:23
The difference for me, second half, was we had players closer to Suarez. Lucas, Gerrard and Allen weren't getting forward and Downing and Sterling offered little. They were out wide and didn't threaten, anyway.
Sturridge in particular, didn't just help out Suarez but gave us pace, power and movement. This meant we could make longer passes and stretch United and had more targets to hit with the ball.
Three sitting midfielders and lightweight wider players meant we had to try eye of the needle stuff to Suarez, all the time. We tried to keep the ball, waiting for this pass and it was easy for United to press us. We were often going sideways because there was no forward ball on.
At least now, we have more options.
Rigsby.
I think Downing and Sterling are just naturally wingers and hug tge sidelines whereas Borini and Sturridge just run all over the place (which is a good thing).
Lucas didn't play the second half.....
I meant that was the difference second half. I should have said first half, Gerrard, Allen and Lucas were not getting forward. This with Downing and Sterling being a bit 'wet' meant Suarez was isolated.
I think if we had another confident and dynamic player who could get the ball, carry it or make things happen, we'd be ok.
Rigsby.
13 Jan 2013 23:26:30
I was saying in other posts i made that the Sneijder transfer would never happen but i think it has a chance. We are crying out for a centre attacking mid to play behing the front 3. Our other centre mids arent very attacking minded. He is willing to take a wage cut and available for a small fee. He's 28 got another 4 years at least left.
13 Jan 2013 23:25:30
Eds. How time moves on. How many LFC supporters now think Dempsey would have been a good move in last transfer window? I was gutted, but now realise that he would have been wrong for the team. Sturidge is a much better long term move. For certain we need an excellent creative mid fielder and 1 more striker. I have faith in LFC to make the right moves. It's clear we will bring in more quality...Stevie G comments and Ian Ayre comments in papers...
Ant
13 Jan 2013 23:16:39
There has been a lot of talk about Wesley Sneijder (probably all it is), but regardless of what our owners transfer policy is, if we have ambition, which we do, then it would be foolish to not even consider the possibility of bringing him to the club. Especially with several big earners (Aquilani, Carroll, Cole, Sahin) leaving the club in one form or another, all freeing up wages, coupled with his price tag of 8m, and his desire to play in the EPL. Yes he may only come for the money, but if he was all about the money he would stay at Inter and let his contract run down. This lad is desperate to play (for a good wage ofcourse) but it isn't like we couldn't afford it, it's whether or not the owners and manager can decide if he would be worth set wages, and for me he would be.
What is clear is that now we have a pocher in Sturridge, we are missing a playmaker; someone who can pick the locks of the opposition defence. If not Sneijder, then someone like Isco or Erikson is a must if not this transfer window then an absolute must in the summer.
Hopefully we can get him, but I'm being realistic. We are still a very attractive club, but a club trying to save money.
Keeping the Faith,
MikeyRed92
13 Jan 2013 23:10:01
4-1-4-1 Joe Allan in attacking midfield ? Hendo do betetr then him.
13 Jan 2013 23:07:23
Probably the first time I haven't felt sick after losing to the Mancs, as I feel that credit is deserved to both the players and the manager for that second half performance. We must have raised old whiskey noses's blood pressure in the last 20 minutes.
The two critisisms I have are the fact that Allen played ahead of an inform Henderson. Honestly I wasn't sure if Allen's critisism was justified until I saw him play today, worst performance in a Reds shirt by a mile. I know people will say it was against the Mancs but it's clear he's berrate of confidence. The other was not starting Sturridge. He changed the game. I don't know about anyone else but he didn't look like someone struggling for fitness did he? He ran the defence ragged, he tracked back. We had no answers until he came on. From being 2 down we were unlucky not to get anything in the end.
But there were positives; Sturridge's goal, our 2nd half enthusiasm, Borini coming back, no other team chasing 4th gained an advantage.
Anyway, had a look at the next fixtures and we have Norwich at home. That is a must win. After that in the league comes Arsenal and City away. Can certainly get something back from the Emirates. After that the rest of our fixtures are great. They are all mainly mid table or relegation battling teams, with Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton at home.
My point is we're only 9 points off 4th, and the teams above us we still have to play, and they will have much harder fixtures left to play than us, and will most certainly drop points from now to the end of the season.
Well here's hoping anyway, all is not lost.
Keeping the Faith,
MikeyRed92